Movers and Shakers

Moriah Bacus, CAPM, new director, people and development, at Redstone Agency Inc.
Hello MPI Toronto! You may know me from past communications committees or the GMID19 Planning Committee. I’m happy to share that I have taken on a new role with event and association management firm Redstone Agency Inc., where I lead human resources and provide business and partnership development support. Committed to inspire and motivate my new colleagues at Redstone, I’m enjoying the opportunity to drive a positive, healthy and inclusive company culture that contributes to a fun and productive workplace. To learn more, please reach out at moriah@redstoneagency.ca.

Metro Toronto Convention Centre announce Emilia Kim as the new U.S. market, sales coordinator
Hey MPI Toronto! In my short time here at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) as the corporate receptionist, I have made the decision to advance my career in sales and marketing. I found my volunteering for an industry association has been exceedingly rewarding and helped shape my career goals. In this new role, I support the U.S. market sales team! As a recent hospitality and tourism management honours graduate of Ryerson University, I am humbled by my promotion. I look forward to connecting the industry professionals and students at the next MPI Toronto Chapter event! Please feel free to reach out to me at ekim@mtccc.com.

Jennifer Pelletier, new project manager at ARHT Media Inc. 
Hello MPI Toronto friends! I’ve been an event planner for over seven years and the best part of my job has always been creating memorable experiences. I’ve recently joined ARHT Media, a technology company that creates lifelike holograms and is the global leader in holographic telepresence. Since joining ARHT, I’ve been helping other planners make a huge impact by deploying holograms at their events. It’s been a great experience, and I’m loving being at the cusp of innovation fusing holograms into the MICE world. ARHT is a Canadian company headquartered in Toronto, with a global presence spanning across Los Angeles, New York, London, and Hong Kong. If you’d like more information, please email me at jpelletier@arhtmedia.com.

The Idea Hunter welcomes new general manager Adrienne Giroux
The Idea Hunter welcomes new general manager, Adrienne Giroux. With over 15 years experience in the events industry, Giroux has created over 300 events, including some of Toronto’s most iconic galas (Fashion Cares, TIF’s Opening Night Party and annual fundraiser BOOMBOX). Giroux is a highly respected industry professional who has also been recognized as an outstanding team leader with an award from TIFF, where she has spent the last nine years of her career. With a longstanding reputation for building corporate partnerships with brands, agencies, vendors and clients, she excels at fostering new and existing relationships. “Giroux is a highly strategic, analytical, creative and passionate person that excels in producing innovative and award-winning results. She is driven to create experiences that build community and have a cultural impact." For more information, contact info@theideahunter.ca.

STRONCO launches the STRONCO Internship Program (SIP)
Through partnerships with various schools, colleges and shows, a number of initiatives are planned to be rolled out under the SIP banner over the next few years, including a SIP certification program.The premise of SIP is to showcase different industry stakeholder perspectives and create opportunities and awareness of the industry among upcoming generations. SIP will allow students from a variety of disciplines to complete internships with a focus on various areas and perspectives of the industry. It is a multitiered opportunity for experiential learning. From connecting pre-event pieces to behind the scenes of a show floor, to providing experiences from both the contractor and show management perspectives, SIP is all about highlighting the many areas of opportunities that this industry has to offer. For more information, contact Karen Maki, director of communications & client experience at karen.m@stronco.com.

MPI Toronto Member Julie Powers recognized with the Marketing & Media Award
Julie Powers, director of member relations and events for The Franklin Club, was recently the recipient of the Business Women’s Networking of York Region 2019 Marketing & Media Award. This award recognizes a businesswoman creating a marketing program, sales concept or strategy using modern techniques.  

Elizabeth Johnston, Julie Powers, Sarid Laytono

Metro Toronto Convention Centre generates half a billion in economic impact
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) announced that it generated $556 million in economic impact for Toronto and the Province of Ontario during its 2018/19 fiscal year. Aside from the centre’s key contribution to the economy, the end of year results also highlight how the MTCC supports local businesses, helps fight hunger in the community and continues to lead by example in terms of sustainability. In 2018, the Convention Centres of Canada recognized the MTCC as the top performing convention centre by measurement of economic impact, gross revenues and profitability among 21 centres across Canada. For more information contact: Melanie Wade, social media and communications specialist, at mwade@mtccc.com.