MPI Toronto Chapter Past Presidents Reception

Front Row Sitting (L-R)

Steve Bury, 1991-92; Rita Plaskett, CMP, CMM, 1997-98; Charmaine Singh, 1998-99; Danny Dobriansky, 1999-2000; Les Selby, CMP, CMM, 2000-01; Michele Alosinac, 2001-02; Janet Victor, CMP, 2002-03

Back Row (L-R)

Susan Prophet, 2004-05; Alice Parnis, 2005-06; Susan Lanc, CMP, 2006-07; Yvonne Dewar, 2012-13 ; Theresa Gatto, CMP, DES, 2013-14 ; Leslie Wright (Executive Director) 1992-Present; Geoff Mak, CEM, CMP, 2015-16, Marcelo DeOliveira, 2016-17; Sandra Moniz, 2017-18; Tim Whalen, CMP, 2019-20, Margaret Binns; 2020-21; Wentworth Willock, 2022-23; Alissa Hurley, CMM, CED, 2023-24, Zaman Ishaad, CED, CMP, DES, CIS, (Current President); 2025

___________________________________________________________________________________

On July 9, 2025, a group of MPI Toronto Chapter Past Presidents, along with the current President and Executive Director, held a reunion at The Old Mill Toronto that was a huge success!

We heard many great stories about their journeys with the chapter. The leadership growth and the life-time friendships built were a common thread amongst many. If you ever see one of these past presidents along the way, ask them about their story. It may encourage you to get more involved and consider a leadership role in the future.

This is the start of many reunions in the future!

Want to know what makes this chapter so special? Here are some thoughts straight from our Past Presidents:

Margaret Binns | 2020-2021

During my tenure as President of the MPI Toronto Chapter, I had the unique distinction of leading the association through an entirely virtual term—the only one of its kind in the Chapter’s history. Despite the unprecedented circumstances, our leadership team successfully planned and delivered a remarkable number of events, all conducted virtually.

The theme I chose for my presidency was “Inspiring Hope.” This message guided every interaction we had with our members. We deliberately scheduled events every few weeks, understanding how vital it was to maintain morale and foster a sense of connection during a time when the meetings and events industry was deeply impacted and many of our colleagues were facing job losses.

While the experience was emotionally challenging at times, it was also profoundly rewarding, especially when we heard that a member had regained employment or found a new opportunity within the industry.

The resilience and unwavering support among our members are something I will always treasure. We learned to rely on one another, and despite the uncertainty and upheaval, we not only endured—we thrived.

I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead the Chapter during such a pivotal moment in our industry’s history. It was an honour to witness the strength, adaptability, and solidarity of our community. Together, we proved that we could overcome any challenge.

To all professionals in our industry: I encourage you to step into leadership roles. Doing so will offer growth—both professionally and personally—beyond what you might expect. Often, others will recognize your potential before you do. Believe in yourself, embrace the opportunity, and know that there is a strong network ready to support you on your journey.

Tim Whalen, CMP | 2019-2020

The highlight of my Presidency was seeing our board take risks all year and really got comfortable with living outside the box. Little did we know we would need these skills (and more) as we navigated the chapter through the early days of the global pandemic. I was super proud of our team and how we led in a time that nobody had experience leading in.

Marcelo DeOliveira | 2016-2017

Serving as the President of the MPI Toronto Chapter was both scary and rewarding.

It was also the culmination of nearly a decade serving as a committee volunteer, committee Chair, Director and VP with the Chapter. With each year that I volunteered, I became a better person, professional, and leader thanks to the support, leadership and mentorship I received from many members of the Chapter. It was thanks to the hard work and dedication from previous Volunteer Chapter Leaders that I led a Chapter in great financial health, with a strong Leadership Team and amazing volunteers.

I was inspired and motivated by many to achieve my full potential as a volunteer and a leader and have nothing but gratitude for those who supported me during my almost 10 years as a volunteer with the Chapter, which I cherished every minute of it.

Geoff Mak, CEM, CMP | 2015-2016

My Chapter Presidency was filled with wonderful memories of collaboration and friendship.

Some of my favourite times were welcoming new members and students and introducing them to other members. That sense of belonging is so important for new members. I remember my first time at a MPI event and having Past Presidents like Alice Parnis and Les Selby spend some quality time with me. 

I also loved strategizing with the Leadership Team to address one of the most important questions asked around the room, "How can we help our members?"

Susan Lanc, CMP | 2007-2008

Serving as President of the MPI Toronto Chapter in 2007–2008 was a year of personal growth, and authentic leadership. While my journey began with nerves and a written speech, it quickly evolved into confident, off-the-cuff speaking, genuine connections, and moments that shaped me both professionally and personally. Formed new and lasting friendships with fellow members, volunteers, and board peers. Made a point to welcome new members personally, inviting a new attendee to sit at my table.

I may have started the year nervous, but I finished it with new friends, new confidence, and a deep love for what this industry stands for. 

Alice Parnis | 2005-2006

Over 25 years ago my goal was to be the president of MPI Toronto Chapter. At that time the board was slated in. For two years I put my name forward but wasn’t chosen. The 3rd year I was too embarrassed, so I didn’t. I was then approached by the Executive at the time that I should run again to be on the board of directors. The decision did not come easily to run.

However, I did put my name in for the 3rd time. I was told I needed to “network” and get to know people as this board was the beginning of the time where you were then voted in by the members. That year the mentorship I received from the past and present Presidents was undeniable. I truly had been gifted with people who believed in me when I did not believe in myself. This truly was a turning point in my life. I am so very thankful to the Toronto Chapter and the past leadership to have let me grow as a person and a future leader. I did reach my goal and became the President of the MPI Toronto Chapter in 2005-2006. 

Today, these many years later, I can truly say that I would not be the person I am in business or personally, if I had not gone through the growing pains and receiving the mentorship that I did. Thank you to all. 

Susan Prophet | 2004-2005

From the day I entered this Industry, MPI has been my educator and my personal and professional development vehicle. My Presidency was the culmination of other members’ encouragement and belief that I could contribute to the health of the Chapter all while encouraging others to grow. If I was starting out again, I would not change a thing! MPI Toronto is my business career family and these are friendships that will last forever! 

Janet Victor, CMP | 2002-2003

Like so many others before me, my journey to chapter leadership began with another leader encouraging me and believing in my ability, even before I did. My path included a number of years of building relationships, leadership experiences and skills while volunteering on committees, and then moving on to Board positions. 

Serving as President was one of the best personal and professional adventures of my career. It was an amazing growth and confidence building experience, and the opportunity to serve the chapter and industry as President on the local, national, and international levels was incredibly rewarding. It was a pleasure to meet and work with diverse industry professionals, and the friendships I have made in the chapter are life-long and truly cherished. 

Being Toronto Chapter President is and always will be a treasured memory.

Les Selby, CMP, CMM | 2000-2001

Two major things happened during my Presidency. First, the Chapter crossed the 500 member mark during my term, making us a member of the "Big 8 Chapters" who shared information on how to provide programs and services to the diverse membership of really big chapters and allowing our Chapter Leadership to attend special sessions at the Chapter Management Forum. 

The second thing that happened was that MPI in Dallas decided to close the Canadian Council which upset a lot of members who felt they had lost a voice in influencing a big organization that was predominantly American. A lot of my time as President was spent showing how a large Chapter like Toronto still benefited from being a part of the global community.

Danny Dobriansky | 1999-2000

In the year 2000, during the transition into the millennium, I had the honour of serving as President for the MPI Toronto Chapter. One of my key initiatives was launching a fundraiser to offset the registration costs for the WEC 2000 in Toronto, which cut the cost of registration by 75% for our members. I also spearheaded the "YES WE CAN" campaign to grow our membership and offer high-quality social and educational events.

Throughout the year, I made it a priority to personally connect with chapter members, meeting each one at the WEC and thanking them for their contributions to the Toronto Host conference. I spent time engaging with members at chapter meetings and events, listening to their needs and ideas.

To further enhance the WEC experience, I organized a memorable parade/march from the Fairmont to the CN Tower, where we hosted a welcoming breakfast for our members.

Additionally, I focused on recruiting members for future boards and executive positions. Beyond the professional accomplishments, I formed lifelong friendships and business relationships that continue to bring me great joy and value today.