Meet Your 2026 MPI Toronto Chapter Board – Our Future Starts Now!
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If you’ve read our MPI Toronto Chapter site extensively, you may already know that it was started by a group of event professionals in 1978. In case you haven’t, from grassroots beginnings, MPI has grown into the leading global association for event professionals with 70+ chapters worldwide. While the mission remains the same—to assist and educate the business events community and elevate the value of meetings—how our members achieve it has evolved. Our Chapter’s leadership must bring diverse skills and perspectives to ensure our actions reflect our goals and represent our members.
The path to leadership recruitment and approval starts now for the 2027 term. All active members in good standing are eligible to apply, and all applicants who meet the initial criteria that is provided in the application process will have a meeting scheduled with two members of the Governance and Nominating Committee. These conversations are conducted to allow the candidate to ask questions about Chapter Leadership and allow the interviewers to get a sense of each candidate’s strongest skills, interests, mindset, and experience, and how they best align with the roles being applied for in the coming term. After determining the best fit for each role, the committee’s proposed slate is reviewed, reflected on, and approved by the Board, at which time the members of MPI Toronto Chapter are asked to vote whether they approve it.
As your current MPI Toronto Chapter leadership works to prepare for next term with an upcoming Board Summit, we are happy to share the approved slate for the 2026 Board of Directors:
| President | Stephanie Rapko, CEM, CMP | Skyjack Inc. |
| President-Elect | Marie-Chantal (MC) Thibault | Tremblant Resort |
| Immediate Past President | Zaman Ishaad, CED, CMP, DES, CIS | AV-CANADA |
| VP, Membership & Finance | Kris Knox | Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook / Hilton Garden Inn Fredericton |
| VP, Education & Events | Theresa Gatto, BBA, CMP, DES | Destination Vancouver |
| VP, Marketing & Communications | Brenda Perrin | Fredericton Convention Centre |
| Director, Membership and DEI | Adam Hassen | Rogers Centre Ottawa |
| Director, Education | David Crainford | SenovvA Canada ULC |
| Director, Events | Poonam Ruparelia, VEMM | Canada Health Infoway |
| Director, Marketing & Communications | Emilia Kim, DEC, HMCC | Independent Consultant |
When asked what they’re most looking forward to, incoming leaders shared:
“Joining as a new board member for 2026, I am looking forward to learning and understanding the needs of the membership, contributing to their personal and professional growth, and sharing my insights and experience.” – Dave Crainford
“As incoming Director of Membership and DEI, I’m most looking forward to creating meaningful connections with our members while embedding inclusive practices into everything we do. Serving on the Board is an exciting opportunity to ensure every member feels welcomed, represented, and engaged in our MPI Toronto community.” – Adam Hassen
“As incoming President-Elect, I’m excited to listen and learn from both the Board and our members, using that insight to enhance the member experience and build a chapter that non-members can’t wait to join!” – MC Thibault
“I look forward to supporting the MarCom portfolio in amplifying our members’ voices, sharing opportunities for learning and thought leadership contribution, and bringing our Chapter together through creative, engaging, and collaborative communications. More than anything, I’m excited to contribute to a Chapter that feels welcoming, where you instantly feel like you belong.” – Brenda Perrin
“Serving as Director of Special Events has been a rewarding experience, particularly in creating opportunities that bring members together and strengthen our community. A highlight for me has been collaborating with such a dedicated group of professionals to deliver events that truly showcase the value of our association and chapter. I’m excited to continue serving on the Board and look forward to learning from my peers while helping create meaningful experiences that inspire and connect our community.” – Poonam Ruparelia
“As incoming VP of Membership, my goal is to apply a ‘listen to the member’ approach.” – Kris Knox
“Returning to the board felt natural because MPI Toronto Chapter has given me so much: education, professional growth, and lifelong connections. I want to continue giving back to this incredible community that has shaped my journey over the last decade. My past board experience has taught me the value of mentorship, adaptability, and community engagement. I’m excited to carry these learnings into this new term while collaborating with fellow leaders to create meaningful experiences for our members.” – Emilia Kim
As this year’s President, Zaman Ishaad has this to say: “My role is a three-year commitment but I’m really excited to continue growing our membership and represent our association as the best place to grow, learn and connect with industry leaders. As I look back, I’m really proud of the strides we have made to engage students, celebrate our volunteers and manage our budget more efficiently (post-pandemic).”
When asked what he wishes that members of MPI Toronto Chapter knew about the Board and what it does, he shared: “The board is committed to hearing, learning and helping our members. We are industry professionals just like you and we are raising our hands to ensure everyone is growing, learning and connecting. I'm looking forward to supporting up-and-coming leaders and volunteers in the chapter to understand what their goals are and how we can support their growth.”
When asked to share her thoughts on her upcoming term as President, Stephanie Rapko had this to share: “I have been a member of the MPI Toronto Chapter since September 2011 and a volunteer since 2012. I am honoured to have been chosen to lead our Chapter in 2026 and I am so looking forward to this opportunity with much anticipation, excitement and trepidation all rolled into one!”
Stephanie continued with: “My goal for the year ahead is to get back to basics. With the help of my Leadership Team, I am hoping to make MPI Toronto Chapter THE association to be a part of. I hope through our efforts, strategies and planning, we are able to provide you, the member, with the education to help you along in your personal and professional development - regardless of where you are in your career. Just starting out? We got you. Somewhere in the middle? You've come to the right place. Getting ready for that next chapter in your life? We need your knowledge and experience to help us with the up-and-coming event professionals. Wherever you are in your journey, we are here for you through education, resources, networking and community.”
This group will guide the Chapter’s direction and gather input through event feedback and membership surveys, including a Chapter-specific survey early in the year.
As the new leadership team builds on the work of prior Boards, we extend sincere thanks to the 2025 Board of Directors for their dedication and contributions. To those not continuing, your efforts are deeply appreciated. Those members, and their 2025 roles, include:
| Immediate Past President | Alissa Hurley, CMM, CED | Stagevision |
| VP, Finance & Membership | Dwayne Rutherford, DES | Debonair Corporate Events |
| Director, Diversity Equity and Inclusion | Julie McMartin, CED | MacKenzie Investments |
| Director, Education | Kristina Hall | Metro Toronto Convention Centre |
| Director, Membership | Romina Kwong | Eco-Friendly Events |
To those moving into new roles, congratulations! We look forward to seeing your expertise in action.
If you’re interested in getting involved, now is the perfect time to gain new experiences, build relationships, and contribute to the success of our community and industry.
We welcome the 2026 Board of Directors and look forward to another successful and fulfilling year ahead!