Experiencing theEVENT by MPI in Fredericton

This September, I had the opportunity to attend theEVENT by MPI in Fredericton, NB, and it was nothing short of inspiring. Over three packed days, I connected with event professionals from across the country, explored fresh ideas, and left feeling energized about the future of our industry.

The conference opened with a powerful plenary on Telling Canada’s Story and Building Community, by award-winning documentarian and filmmaker Mike Downie, who spoke about the legacy of his brother, Gord Downie, and how stories weave the fabric of our nation.

The themes of storytelling and community carried throughout the entire event, setting the stage for authentic conversations and collaboration. From engaging sessions covering everything from AI in events to AV strategy, from contracting and attrition to prioritizing YOU, and the importance of sustainability, theEvent offered content that was not only educational, but fun!

And speaking of fun…Andrea Parker, keynote speaker and creator of WTF: Where’s the Fun?!, reminded us that joy is not just a bonus but a measurable part of event success. Her plenary session sparked energy into the crowd that lasted throughout the conference.

theEvent also offered a chance to explore our host destination through Learning Journeys, including a downtown “Coffee Crawl” with a branding angle, an inspiring visit to the tiny home community for previously-unhoused people 12 Neighbours, a Gallery Hop through four downtown art galleries, and sipping delicious cedar tea and enjoying locally-made bannock while learning of local Indigenous history and offerings.

From there we all regrouped for a thought-provoking lunch and learn panel discussion, From Waste to Impact, on food insecurity and sustainability. The day wrapped up with the interactive Solution Room, a peer-to-peer idea generator where participants shared challenges and brainstormed creative approaches together.

In between sessions, there were plenty of networking opportunities, from the opening reception hosted at the Delta Hotels Fredericton with a Maritime soundtrack by Dram and a Draw and photo ops galore, to the MPI Foundation’s lively Club ‘Vous fundraising event at Picaroons Roundhouse featuring karaoke with talented local 80s band Pretty In Pink, to the fun Dine Around and Afterburners that enabled conversations and laughs to continue. These moments were just as valuable as the sessions, offering a chance to build connections in a more relaxed and authentic setting.

Overall, theEVENT by MPI was a perfect blend of learning, inspiration, and community. I came home with new strategies, stronger connections, and a renewed excitement for the power of events to bring people together.

Julia O’Grady, President of ITM Events, highlighted the importance of well-being in our industry:

“theEvent, created through the vision of MPI Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto, continues to inspire collaboration in our industry. Speaking this year about mental health and time management gave me the opportunity to remind others how important it is to care for themselves as much as they care for their events.” - Julia O'Grady, President, ITM Events

 

Erin DeCoste
Business Development Manager
RBC Place London