MPI Toronto is pleased to announce that the 2013 Awards Night will take place on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the Hilton Toronto Downtown.

Join MPI Toronto as we recognize our colleagues for their outstanding contribution to the meetings industry and the MPI Toronto Chapter.

To help develop and bring to life the Awards Gala, we are collecting MPI Toronto Chapter Member stories! We are looking to our membership to share what inspires them about MPI. Do you have a story about an interaction or a conversation with another member that inspired you to join the association? Did someone say or do something that made you want to renew your membership? Did something happen that encouraged you to attend more meetings?

We would love to hear about it! Your story will be shared with the membership to help celebrate our Chapter and what value it brings to its members!

Tell us your MPI story.

 

National Meetings Industry Day this year will focus around what meetings mean to those in our industry. It will centre around how we work with and impact other industries in the creation and execution of meetings and events.

Our esteemed panel of experts will demonstrate the value of the meetings industry through examples of the economic impact meetings have in Toronto, citing many examples such as the Microsoft Conference in 2012. Through completing the phrase "Meetings Mean Me Because..." we will learn how our expert panelists view our industry and how we are connected to many other industries.

Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building

Timing:
10:45-11:45 am Reception
11:45-12:45 pm Lunch
12:45-1:00 pm Influence Award Presentation
1:00-2:00pm Panel Discussion
2:00-2:30 pm Q & A and wrap up

Panelists include:

• David Whitaker, President & CEO, Tourism Toronto
• Lisa Mcdonald, Chief Operations Officer, Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada and President, Canadian Association of Exposition Management (CAEM)
• Kevin Hinton, Executive Vice President, Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), and 2012/2013 Chair of the International Board of Directors, Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
• Rita Plaskett, CMP,CMM, President AGENDUM Inc., 2013 Immediate Past Chair, Business Events Industry Coalition of Canada (BEICC), and 2013 Immediate Past President, Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP)
• Representative from Porter Airlines TBD
• Moderator: Bob Parker, 2013 President Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS), and 2013 Chair, Business Events Industry Coalition of Canada (BEICC)

MPI Toronto has once again joined with other industry organizations to celebrate 2013 National Meetings Industry Day.

Business Events Industry Coalition of Canada (BEICC)
Canadian Association of Exposition Management (CAEM)
Canadian Association of Professionals Speakers (CAPS)
Canadian Hotel Marketing and Sales Executives (CHMSE)
Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Trillium Chapter
Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP)
International Special Events Society Toronto Chapter (ISES Toronto)
Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA Canada East Chapter)
Site Canada

Registration will open mid-February for this must attend event!

 

MPI Toronto Chapter Annual Golf Classic is confirmed for Tuesday June 25, 2013 at Royal Woodbine Golf Club. We ask that you please put a hold on the date. We look forward to seeing our sponsors, partners and golfers join us for another great day on the greens. Keep an eye out for the Registration and Sponsorship forms coming out soon.

 

On Wednesday, January 23rd, the MPI Toronto Chapter hosted the second Volunteer Leadership Symposium of the chapter year. Attendees included active volunteers and members interested in volunteering on a committee.

There were more than 60 people in attendance and many were attending their first MPI event! After the reception and dinner, everyone sat around tables to discuss various goals from the MPI Toronto Chapter’s strategic plan. By the end of the event, we had a long list of suggestions!

The Board and Chairs have already started reviewing the information garnered and we look forward to incorporating some of the ideas very soon. Thank you to everyone for coming out, sharing ideas and taking the first step towards volunteering in our chapter.

If you haven't already done so, please complete the Volunteer Profile form.

Completed forms can be submitted to office@mpitoronto.org.

For more information on the various committees, click here.

Thank you to the Leadership Committee, our Executive Director, our Board and Chairs who were able to attend the event and provide their wisdom and insight to our prospective volunteers. Congratulations to our new volunteers on making the most of your membership and engaging with us.

 

It was a night of Fire, with the warmth of comradery between guests; and a night of Ice with the glitter of beautiful outfits worn by all. Fire and Ice - a stunning combination of colour and glitter.

The décor for the evening was absolutely perfect as guests were greeted with the Red Carpet Model. The room was dressed with stunning table settings of orange, gold and red set off with dramatic candelabras which complemented the burning fireplaces in the after party room. Showmakers Inc. did an amazing job with attention to every detail creating a spectacular setting. The Special Events Committee was thrilled with how Showmakers and AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions took the ideas expressed at our meetings and changed the room into the exact replica of our thoughts and dreams.

The International Centre was the perfect host for this special evening. This venue is every planner’s dream, with a staff that looks out for every last minute detail ensuring the event runs smoothly. Guests enjoyed an exquisite meal with every course offering mouth-watering selections.

All night there was an amazing and upbeat buzz throughout the building as old and new friends converged around the silent auction tables and milled within the reception area. The Silent Auction tables were abundant with spectacular prizes and MPI Toronto Chapter was provided the opportunity to donate a generous amount to the Breakfast With Santa Foundation. Thank you to all that brought an unwrapped gift for the Foundation.

The Special Events Committee would like to acknowledge and thank all of our event sponsors:

AVW-TelAV Audio Visual Solutions
Champagne Creative Group
D.E. Systems
Feedback Promotions
Ice Culture Inc.
j. fendley consulting
Ottawa Convention Centre
Ottawa Tourism
Peller Estates Winery
Showmakers Inc.
Showtech Power & Lighting
The Image Commission
The International Centre
Trius Winery at Hillebrand

 

Mentorship Matters

Becoming an MPI Toronto Chapter Mentor provides you with an opportunity to give back. Mentoring is an ideal way to add some balance to your daily hustle and bustle by providing guidance and the necessary skills and confidence to help an MPI member. Seeing the results is amazing, knowing that you helped... is priceless.

"Having just completed a recent mentorship match I was quite pleased to have learned so much from my partner. It was refreshing to see our Industry from their new perspective. Our relationship gave me new hope and re-energized a passion within me to look beyond the piles of paperwork to a future we are creating together. Together as a Chapter. Together as an Industry.

I want you to know that Mentorship Matters to me and I know that deep down, it matters to many of you. Please consider making the time to volunteer a small amount of your time to help mold our future leaders."

Please contact the MPI office at 905-567-9591 to learn more.

 

MEETING MAGAZINE

The Communications Committee has been hard at work trying to freshen up your reading experience. Along with continuing to bring you educational content from top industry experts, we have attempted to mold the magazine into a "two way" communication piece.

We are continually looking for MPI Toronto perspectives on several Linkedin discussion topics. You will find the most insightful comments published in the Chapter Speaks section of the Magazine for all to see. This is a great way to get your name in print. But to do so you have to voice you opinion!

Likewise keep your eyes open for the Social Media Alert boxes in each publication. This will clue you in to an article that may be causing additional buzz online beyond the final cover. Did an article spark a thought? Share it with your association members on LinkedIn.

 

Scholarship applications to attend MPI World Education Congress (WEC) in Las Vegas on July 20th-23th, 2013 are due by March 20th.

Applications for MPI Toronto Chapter Toronto Education Conference (TEC) on June 16-18, 2013 are due April 16th. You can find the application on the MPI Toronto Chapter webpage.

Completed applications can be submitted to lwright@mpitoronto.org.

Additional scholarships to WEC are available through the MPI Foundation. For more information click here.

 

A Certified Meeting Management (CMM) education program was held in Toronto in November 2012, and included 27 Canadian participants out of the sold-out program of 56 attendees. The CMM program is an intensive learning opportunity designed for experienced and highly accomplished members of our global business meeting and event industry.

The program was generously sponsored by Tourism Toronto, and instructors for the rigorous classroom studies were led by facilitator, Ed White.

New additions to this CMM program were four scholarships provided by Fiesta Hotels & Resorts established for Canadian meeting professionals who seek education outside the traditional academic institution. Liz Akey of EMA Marketing, representing Fiesta said, "Fiesta feels it is committed to supporting our meetings industry, and by partnering with MPI Foundation Canada is pleased to provide scholarships to such worthy recipients".

Successful CMM graduates will be announced on May 31, 2013.

The CMM is a professional level designation that is offered to management level meeting planners. The focus of the education program is to improve the strategic acumen of these leaders and enhance their ability to deliver exceptional meetings and events in support of organizational business objectives.

MPI’s CMM educational program provides experienced and highly accomplished members of our global meeting and events community the opportunity for personal career advancement and professional recognition. For more information on the CMM designation, as well access to more than 130 hours of CEU-eligible content, visit www.mpiweb.org.

 

JPdL Destination Management, A Global Events Partner, welcomes Christopher Black as Sales Manager
JPdL Toronto & Niagara DMC is excited to welcome Christopher Black to their sales and marketing team. Chris comes to JPdL with a background in public relations, most recently with Tourism Toronto’s media relations team. Chris prides himself on his honesty, passion, and hard-work, and looks forward to continuing the JPdL tradition of excellence.For further information contact: Christopher Black, Sales Manager, JPdL Toronto & Niagara, A Global Events Partner Dir: 416-221-5294 cblack@jpdl.com

Communiqué Incentives Inc. announces new staff appointments
Ardith Freethy, President, is pleased to announce three recent appointments to further enhance the strength of the Communiqué team. Jackie Dunn has been promoted to the new position of Director, Client Services. Jackie has enjoyed an outstanding career over the past twelve years at Communiqué as a Senior Account Manager. She has a wealth of experience in the industry and has managed logistics for countless conferences, meetings, incentives and product launches over the years. In her new role, she will work directly with clients day to day to ensure that their program objectives are consistently met and exceeded. With this change, Susan Minns, formerly Vice President of Client Services, will move to the newly created role of Vice President, Sales. In her new position, Susan will focus on developing business opportunities with both current client and new prospects to position the company as one of the leaders in the industry. Lindsay Rudyk, with Communiqué for three years in an Account Manager role, has recently transitioned to Product Development Manager. Lindsay will use her creativity and logistics knowledge to source new and innovative program solutions for all clients. More information can be found at www.communique.to

JPdL Destination Management, A Global Events Partner, announces Jocelyne Fleming’s appointment as Creative Services Manager for JPdL Toronto & Niagara
JPdL Toronto & Niagara DMC is excited to announce that Jocelyne Fleming has been promoted to the position of Creative Services Manager for both offices. Jocelyne has played an integral role as Product & Proposal Developer since joining JPdL in April 2012. She looks forward to managing the Creative Services Team, vendor relations, new product development and supporting the Sales Team in the creation of turn-key client solutions. Jocelyne is excited to transition into her new role at the beginning of a very exciting year for JPdL! For further information contact: Jocelyne Fleming, Creative Services Manager, JPdL Toronto & Niagara, A Global Events Partner Dir: 416-221-5679 ext. 234

Metro Toronto Convention Center the first venue in Canada to obtain the designation of a verified Digital Event Center™
The Virtual Edge Institute®, an organization dedicated to advancing engagement around events, meetings, learning and marketing programs through technology and best practices, announced at PCMA’s Convening Leaders that the Metro Toronto Convention Center and the Dallas Convention Center are the first venues in Canada and the United State respectively, to obtain the designation of a verified Digital Event Center™. For more information, go to www.virtualedgeinstitute.com or www.engage365.org.

Leslee Bell Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Leslee Bell, Founder and Partner at Decor & More Inc. was presented the Gala Award for Lifetime Achievement at The Special Event Conference in Chicago on January 18th, 2013.This award comes on the heels of the announcement that Leslee will be transitioning from President and Creative Director into a Partner and Creative Consulting role. Leslee has become known as a visionary in the industry with over 25 years of experience, the last 23 in delivering cutting-edge event designs with the Decor & More Inc. team. In addition, Decor & More Inc. was awarded their first Special Event Gala Award in the category of Best Decor: Budget $50,000-$99,999 for the Alice in Wonderland-themed Daffodil Ball in conjunction with Alison Silcoff Events in Montreal for the Canadian Cancer Society. For more information visit www.decorandmore.com  

The International Centre Expands Complimentary Wireless Solutions
The International Centre’s Conference Centre Grand Lobby has become its newest complimentary wireless hotspot location. In addition to the complimentary Wi-Fi available at Craft Eatery, the Grand Lobby will provide clients and visitors with wireless services for their ever growing online needs. The expanded wireless solutions are part of The International Centre’s ongoing $4.5 million multi-phase renewal plan and renovations slated for completion fall 2013. Combining functionality, versatility and design The International Centre’s renewal plan will enhance client and visitor experience for the over 450 events held annually. For more information visit www.internationalcentre.com.

Next Generation Takes The Helm at Decor & More Inc. - Bryan Bell named President, Greg Bell Named Vice President
Leslee Bell, President and Chief Creative Officer announced that Decor & More Inc. COO, Bryan Bell, will be promoted to President. Gregory Bell, previously Sales Executive, will be promoted to Vice President. These changes are effective immediately. Bryan, a Queen's University graduate, brings 13 years of experience at Decor & More to his new position as President, the last five of which he has spent as COO. Bryan has previously served as President of the ISES Toronto Chapter. His in-depth knowledge and passion for both the organization and the event industry has primed him to successfully take the helm of Decor & More Inc. Over the years, Greg has developed a keen understanding of the business from the ground up working in both the operations and sales sides of the company. He is looking forward to using this hands-on knowledge to inform his approach to the organization. Leslee’s role in the company will continue as that of partner, advisor, mentor and consultant. For more information visit www.decorandmore.com