Have you taken your red pen and circled April 12-14, 2018 on your calendar yet?
The Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal/Quebec chapters of MPI have joined forces, and the results are quickly coming together. We are heading into the final four months leading up to our arrival in Ottawa, and things are in full production mode.
Click here for the latest information on programming, facilitation experts and registration, which is now open.
www.the-event.ca
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The MPI Toronto CMP Study Group has been helping people gain their Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation for several years now. We know that not everyone can attend the Study Group in person, so we are now introducing a way to help those who don’t live in the GTA and still want to be part of the in-person synergy!
How does it work if I wanted to join?
Those people who sign up would be officially recognized as part of the Study Group and, as a result, will receive all correspondence, including presentations, study tips, mock exams, and the opportunity to participate in the "sub groups" that often come with being part of the larger group. You will also have the opportunity to Skype in for all of the sessions, and participate in all questions and activities as they happen in real time. On top of that, you will be assigned a "study partner." With this partner, you can connect following each session to ensure nothing was missed and also work together to complete additional questions.
How far away do I need to live?
Attending the Study Group in person is the best way to get the most out of your studies. If you live three or more hours outside of the GTA, you can still benefit from the Study Group by learning at a distance with this remote program. Please contact the MPI Toronto Chapter office today for information on how to join.
How much does this cost?
The remote program costs $175 (MPI Toronto members) and $375 (non-members), and you receive a $50 refund if you participate in all of the one-on-one sessions.
Can I still attend the Study Group if I’m in town?
Yes! We would love to have you attend. The additional cost per session is $40.
Do you still have questions?
Please reach out and ask! We would love to discuss it with you further. See below for contact information!
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Nominations are now closed for the MPI Toronto Awards Gala. Thank you to all who submitted nominations!
Our members dedicate so much of their time to the success of the chapter, and it is great to be able to recognize some of this great work!
Save the Date:
MPI Toronto Chapter Awards Gala
Thursday, March 8
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The November 15 Professional Development and Networking event was hashtag "luscious"! For those of you who missed out, we had chefs from across Canada come together to compete in a Copper Skillet competition. The winners, Brandon Szocs (Banff Center) and Ryan Beauvais (NAV Centre) pulled out all the stops in their culinary delights. The pressure was on with some intense judging by famed foodies Trevor Lui of the International Center, Guy Rigby, founder/president of Octopus (former VP of F&B for Four Seasons), Jose Iribarren, executive chef at Barberians Steak House, and Ken Hunt from Toronto Life Magazine. We had a blast partnering with IACC (International Association of Conference Centers) on this engaging event.
  
Following the delicious lunch served by our event host, Vantage Venues, we engaged in an afternoon of education and the future of the events industry sponsored by Tourism Ottawa and the Shaw Center. We had the opportunity to hear about meetings of the future and how to prepare and plan for what’s to come and stay ahead of the curve. We also had Cher Jones, social media guru, delight us with all the how-to’s to keep our social media game on point. #AMAZING
We hope to see you at our next event: Save the date February 13 for Women in Leadership: Executive Leadership Skills Certificate Program.
Canadian IACC chefs compete in the battle of the Copper Skillet.
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The Holiday Gala this year was another great success with more than 450 in attendance. The Paramount Event space and by Peter and Paul’s once again showcased what they could do to make this event look so spectacular.
A big part of the Holiday Gala is raising funds for the Breakfast with Santa Foundation and the chapter’s World Education Congress (WEC) 2019 fund. You will see and hear a lot more of the WEC fundraising over the next year, as the purpose is to raise money to help offset members attending the WEC in Toronto in 2019.
The evening raised more than $35,000 due to the generosity of our silent and live auction donors. This year we took a great leap by offering seven live auction prizes – in past years it was three or four. Vicki Zeppa, the Santa auctioneer, pushed the audience to up their bids and it certainly paid off.
The evening began with strolling carolers in the lobby and dancers doing an ice performance. Once seated for dinner, guests were entertained with a dueling cellist performance. While everyone was enjoying their main course, skaters returned on stage to keep the guests entertained.
 
Before leaving the ballroom, the Rockettes performed and then led guests back into the lobby that had been transformed into the After party. The DJ had people dancing to the music, while others enjoyed the late-night dessert stations.
 
We were all packed up and ready to leave by 11, but not before receiving the great bag from byPeterandPauls.com to take home.
Events like this cannot happen without the support of our great sponsors and we want to thank them for their support. Please reach out to them when you are planning your events.
AV/Production/Entertainment – S4 Entertainment and Audio Visual – Craig McLaren ( craig@s-4.ca) Theme Décor/Centrepieces – PURE Event Décor/By Peter & Paul’s Gifts – ( julie@bypnp.com)
If you missed the Live Auction, here’s what you missed:
- Night Out at the Leafs Game, courtesy of AV-CANADA, with Austin Matthews jersey and tickets to Bat Out of Hell
- Caesars Windsor Trip for Two, courtesy of Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino, VIA Rail and Windsor Essex Pelee Island Tourism, with tickets to a show and dining credit
- Your Québec City Getaway, courtesy of Québec City Business Destination, including round-trip air, two nights at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, buffet breakfast for two, five-course lunch at the Champlain restaurant with wine pairing, spa treatment, two nights at the Hotel PUR Québec, tickets to Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec and tickets for a guided cruise with Croisieres AML
- Six-night Ultimate Whistler Experience with round-trip tickets courtesy of WestJet, round-trip ground transportation from Vancouver to Whistler courtesy of Tourism Whistler, Two nights at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, two nights at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, two nights at the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler, Peak 2 Peak Sightseeing Pass or Life Ticket from Whistler Blackcomb, Superfly Zipline Adventure courtesy of Cantrav and a round of golf at the Whistler Golf Club
- New York City visit with two round-trip vouchers from Porter Airlines, a two-night stay at the Kimpton Ink48 Hotel, two-nights at the Park Lane Hotel, and two New York Sightseeing Day Passes for each hotel stay courtesy of NYC & Partners
- Fly to Panama with two round-trip tickets courtesy of Copa Airlines, four nights at the RIU Plaza Panama Hotel including buffet breakfast and transfers to and from the hotel
- Meet in Ireland, courtesy of Meet in Ireland, with two round-trip flights from Toronto to Ireland, four nights’ accommodations in five-star hotels, two in Dublin and two in the southwest region, car rentals/transfers
Thank you to all the silent auction donors. The assortment of gifts was better than ever and helped us surpass our goal.
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Do you know someone in the industry who is considering MPI membership. There’s no better time than now to help them to sign up. Until December 31, there is a $100 discount off the planner or supplier membership in the Preferred or Premier categories. The discount code is HOLIDAY17 and the link to membership is https://www.mpiweb.org/membership/join.
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Helene Moberg Appointed General Manager to Atlantic Canada
David Campbell, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Freeman Audio Visual Canada, is pleased to announce the appointment of Hélène Moberg to general manager for Atlantic Canada. With extensive knowledge and over 35 years’ experience in the meetings and conventions and travel trade markets, Hélène brings to the role a successful track record in developing and implementing innovative market strategies, securing new partnerships, and leading high performing teams. For more information, visit www.freemanav-ca.com.
Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale Welcomes Guests with New Look, Service Philosophy and Offerings
Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale, part of Hilton Hotels & Resorts growing portfolio of more than 570 properties around the world, has completed the first phase of a multi-year renovation. The fresh look and feel brings with it an elevated, Scandinavian-influenced guest experience led by new general manager, Peter Eriksson. Eriksson joined Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale earlier this year from the five-star Hilton Stockholm Slussen in Stockholm, Sweden. Along with his international hotel background, Eriksson brings a new vision for the guest experience, rooted in luxury and the Scandinavian concept of Lagom (sense of balance, of things being "just right"). From the creation of more welcoming and balanced, Lagom-inspired spaces to increased attention to the finer details that make each guest’s stay special, these philosophies align with Hilton’s efforts to bring guests a more mindful experience. This includes meeting and conference guests, and the recently launched Meet with Purpose program, which aims to bring "mindful meeting," "mindful eating" and "mindful being" to participants. For more information, contact Peggy Corbiell, director of sales and marketing, Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale, 905-542-6611, Peggy.Corbiell@Hilton.com.
Meetings Mean Business Canada Board Elects 2018 Executive Team
Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMBC) is pleased to announce the election of its 2018 Executive Team:
- 2018 Chair – Heidi Welker, Senior VP, Business Development & Industry Partnerships, Freeman Audio Visual Canada
- 2018 Vice-Chair – Clark Grue, President & CEO, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
- 2018 Secretary-Treasurer – Reggie Lang, Manager, Business Development Groups, Conventions & Incentive Travel, WestJet
- 2018 Past Chair – Grant Snider, CEO, Meeting Escrow Inc.
Under the leadership of the current Chair, Grant Snider, the Canadian Coalition has grown rapidly cross-country with more than 100 senior executives from the leading business events industry organizations of Canada signing on to show their support, over $100,000CAD raised in initial funding, and the official secretariat moved to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). To learn more about MMBC, view the current supporter list, and add your organization to this growing coalition, visit https://www.meetingsmeanbusiness.ca/supporters.
Scotiabank Convention Centre Appoints New Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Scotiabank Convention Centre, the region’s largest meetings and events facility, is pleased to announce the appointment of Judy Mahoney as vice president, sales and marketing. In this role, Mahoney will report directly to President & General Manager Noel Buckley. "Having held several senior positions in the hospitality industry, including at the largest convention hotel in the country, Judy brings with her an enviable track record of success" said Buckley. "Her strategic approach to building new partnerships and relationships, coupled with 20-plus years’ experience, makes her an excellent addition to our team". Judy steps into her new role after serving as director of sales and marketing at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. For more information, contact Noel Buckley, 905-357-6222 ext. 7001, nbuckley@fallsconventions.com.
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