Awards Night, March 7th a Resounding Success

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MPI Toronto Chapter celebrated excellence at the recent Awards Night on March 7th at the Hilton Toronto. If you weren’t there, here’s what you missed:

"Best Yet"

"What a great evening!!! Congratulations on putting together an exceptional event. Everyone had a great time."

"The evening was a smashing success. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the MPI Awards evening memorable. The nominees were well recognized and the winners made to feel special. The room was stunning and AV flawless!"

To start the evening, the 450 attendees were welcomed by Destination Québec and Québec City Tourism. They were also greeted with a glass of sparkling wine provided by Trius Winery at Hillebrand and could nibble on hors d’oeuvres provided by Hilton Toronto. Attendees who wanted to have a photo for the occasion stepped into the photo booth set up by The Image Commission. The Wall of Fame, provided by the STRONCO Group of Companies, highlighted the past award winners, and some past winners stopped by to have their photo taken standing beside their name on the wall. It’s always exciting to see your name "in lights."

Once the doors opened to the ballroom, Décor & More, Inc., showcased a glamorous room incorporating the silent film era theme. AV-CANADA had an amazing set up that really showed a great way to set your stage and screens and they were supported with the electrical courtesy of PSAV.

When our MC, James Cunningham, sponsored by Speakers’ Spotlight, announced that wine was being provided by Peller Estates Winery and Trius Winery at Hillebrand, there was a roar from the crowd. It was a great addition to the exceptional meal provided by Hilton Toronto.

All nominees were introduced and had the opportunity to walk across the stage to be recognized for their contribution to the Toronto Chapter. There was such excitement in the air as they anxiously awaited the award recipients to be announced.

During dinner, the awards were presented at intervals to keep the excitement going. Each award recipient was presented with a special award provided by Nothers Signs & Recognition and sponsored by Meetings Incentive Travel Hall of Fame and the recipients also received flowers courtesy of Terracotta Home and Garden.

Leading into the event, D.E. Systems provided the on-line registration. They provide this service for all chapter events throughout the year.

Additional cash sponsors included Naylor (Canada), Inc., Ottawa Convention Centre, and Ottawa Tourism. The additional cash sponsors allowed us to provide the complimentary coat check and other features to enhance the evening.

Congratulations to the 2012 MPI Toronto Chapter Award recipients:

Norm Neill Student of the Year
Rachel Stark, Ryerson University

New Member of the Year
Shannan Scott, Meridican Incentive Consultants

Literary Award
Adam Bussell, CMP, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

Outstanding Volunteers of the Year
Danyelle MacCulloch, Tourism Toronto
Darryl Nielsen, the Toronto Congress Centre

Supplier Member of the Year
Geoff Mak, CEM, CMP, Direct Energy Centre & Allstream Centre at Exhibition Place

Planner Member of the Year
Christine Gruber, BA, CMP, Ontario Real Estate Association

President’s Award
Leslie Wright, Fletcher Wright Associates Inc.

Congratulations also to all of the nominees, without whom the MPI Toronto Chapter would not be able to provide the activities that members have come to expect.

Nominees

Norm Neill Student of the Year Award
Rachel Stark, Ryerson University

New Member of the Year
Melissa Loomans, ING Direct Canada
Stephanie Rapko, GFS Ontario Inc
Shannan Scott, Meridican Incentive Consultants
Leah Weselowski, International Federation of Accountants

Literary Award
Paul Bridle, Bridle International
Adam Bussell, CMP, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
Richard Hatch, Akran Marketing
Mary Beth Holmes, CMP, ConferenceDirect
Les Selby, CMP, CMM, Planning for Success

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year
Lucia Al-Zaiatova, George Brown College
Jessica Ambrose, Elastic Communications & Events Inc
Pat Cluett, Vintage Hotels and Resorts
Christine Gruber, BA, CMP, Ontario Real Estate Association
Kris Knox, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Danyelle MacCulloch, Tourism Toronto
Sandra Moniz, CMP, Meetings and Conventions Calgary
Darryl Nielsen, the Toronto Congress Centre
Stephanie Rapko, GFS Ontario Inc
Nikki Sayers, CMP, Nikki Sayers Events

Supplier Member of the Year
Kris Knox, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Trevor Lui, The International Centre
Geoff Mak, CEM, CMP, Direct Energy Centre & Allstream Centre at Exhibition Place
Sandra Moniz, CMP, Meetings and Conventions Calgary
Darryl Nielsen, the Toronto Congress Centre

Planner Member of the Year
Jessica Ambrose, Elastic Communications & Events Inc
Wendy Baker,
Christine Gruber, BA, CMP, Ontario Real Estate Association
Lynda Hoff, CMP, CMM, LNH Strategic Event Management
Micki Lubek, Scotiabank
Lindsey Press, Deloitte
Kyra Whale, Meridican Incentive Consultants

A way for our members to give back to the sponsors who so generously provide their expertise and services to make Awards Night such an amazing event is to provide them with the opportunity to provide their service to you. Click here for a list of sponsors and contact information.