Save the date for these exciting MPI Toronto chapter events:
March 5
5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Awards Gala
April 2-4
the EVENT
April 14
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID)
May 13
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Professional Development/Volunteer Recruitment
July 8
Noon to 9 p.m.
Golf Tournament
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2020 is the start of a new decade and with that brings new opportunities and challenges for the events industry. To kick off the decade right, join us for a night of recognition and celebration of our chapter members who have contributed to the industry in meaningful ways.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a colleague for an award. We received a record-breaking number of submissions this year, which doubled last year’s numbers with a group of 123% year over year! We can’t wait to recognize those deserving chapter members on March 5.
Register now! We can’t wait to see you and look forward to the future of 2020.
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Join us on the afternoon of April 14 as Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) celebrates the meeting industry’s undeniable impact on individuals, businesses and the economy. The event will be focused on adopting a sustainability mindset as we bring together meeting industry advocates from around the globe for an exciting afternoon of learning and networking.
Meetings foster strong relationships, help achieve positive outcomes and support local communities.
Please help us promote this event by using #GMID20, and we look forward to seeing you there!
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The CMP Study Group will be announcing its dates for the 2020 sessions in the coming weeks. These sessions will help you prepare to write the CMP exam as early as August 2020, learning from CMPs in the industry. Sessions begin in April, so stay tuned for more information!
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Date: July 8
Time: Noon to 9 p.m.
Location: Royal Woodbine Golf Club
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MPI Toronto kicked off our Just Networking series for 2020 on Jan. 14 with a stop at our neighborhood institution, The John 2 Bar on College, where craft beer and amazing food come together to create an experience like no other.
It was an intimate space with 60-plus attendees and tons of exciting and meaningful conversations buzzing in the air. If you ventured to the second floor, you were treated to free beer and liquor tastings with Tia Maria. Any direction you turned was met with a friendly face ready to shake your hand and get to know you a little better. During the evening, volunteers from MPI Toronto Rewards Program engaged a number of MPI Toronto members at this event. Three agents sent by the game master were discovered moving about the crowd, networking and blending into the evening’s festivities.
The Just Networking team has taken you from the elegance of the Broadview and Bisha hotels to the rustic chill atomosphere of the Dublin Calling and The John 2. We have explored LOB, a super-unique bacce meets golf venue in the heart of Leslieville, and The Rec Room, a 40,000-square-feet space of eats, games and entertainment. We have ventured over to Vantage Venues and treated you to an educational and tasty experience with wine tasting by The Wine Sisters.
Whether you are interested in checking out the venue of choice or want a chance to build your networking confidence in a more intimate setting, meet new members or catch up with old friends, we’ve got you covered.
Be sure to check out photos courtesy of Pinpoint National Photography from the night here: https://www.mpi.org/chapters/toronto/photos
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Sending a huge thank you to the sponsors for our Wednesday, Feb. 5 professional development session. This session provided us with inspiration, tools and resources to step outside the box. If you are a risk-taker or change-maker or wanted knowledge on emerging trends from festivals that can correlate to an interactive and immersive corporate event, this was the place to be!
The Idea Hunter
Speakers: Janice Cardinale, chief idea hunter, and Hailey O'Bright, account director, The Idea Hunter
Thank you for our amazing event sponsors: The Idea Hunter for providing Janice and Hailey to present such an exciting and informative topic; Pantages Hotel Toronto, who provided a great space with plenty of refreshments to keep us nourished; Niagara Falls Business Events, who have come on board to sponsor all of our 2020 professional development workshops; AV-CANADA for providing all our AV requirements along with a technician to assist; SOS Charging Solutions for providing the charging units on the tables; Pinpoint National Photography for capturing great photos of the event; D.E. Systems, who provide our online registration; and, of course, our supportive media partners, BizBash and Ignite. Without their support, this event would not have been so successful.
Save the date
Stay tuned for more information about our next professional development session just around the corner and mark your calendars. Programming is sure to have you on the edge of your seat.
- Wednesday, May 13
- 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Location: TBD
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At live events, there is much to be learned during keynote sessions, but there is even more to learn from our fellow peers. The problem is that peers usually aren’t on the "big stage"; they're sitting in the audience …until now!
At the EVENT 2020, we dare to share relevant wisdom by hosting a Community Keynotes® event. This innovative keynote experience will feature our very own attendees as main stage closing speakers!
Community Keynoters bring an unparalleled level of authenticity, credibility and relevancy. Peers have walked a mile in our shoes and speak precisely to our interests. Given the EVENT is a collaboration between three MPI chapters – Montreal/Quebec, Ottawa and Toronto, our Community Keynote® will be a "friendly competition" between the chapters.
Each one of us has a story that, if shared, can spark inspiration, human connection and greatness in others. What's your story? DARE TO SHARE and submit an application to become a Community Keynoter® at the EVENT.
We recognize that crafting and telling your story from the main stage can feel exhilarating but intimidating as well. Don't allow fear to prevent you from inspiring others. To ensure your success, you'll be coached by Melissa Majors, founder of Community Keynotes®, and prepared to design and deliver your talk with authenticity, clarity and confidence.
To apply for this unique experience:
- Please prepare a short video which provides:
- An introduction of yourself
- An overview of the talk you'd like to give. Be sure to explain why it will be relevant for the EVENT audience and how it aligns with the themes of the EVENT 2020:
- Collaborate with other meeting professionals.
- Cultivate new ideas.
- Elevate your industry experience.
- WE DARE YOU.
2. Upload your video and complete the following application questionnaire no later than noon EST Feb. 21: https://melissamajors264674.typeform.com/to/gHZpSU
A panel of anonymous reviewers will identify three finalists and select one representative from each chapter. Finalists will take the main stage at the EVENT's closing session Saturday, April 4. During that time, the audience will vote on the Community Keynoter® that shared the most impactful message. The winner and their chapter will be honoured by receiving the Community Keynotes® Award on stage.
Submission rules and considerations:
- Only nonprofessional speakers will be considered. Sorry, paid speakers, you cannot apply.
- Suppliers and planners are welcome to participate; however, the promotion of products and services is not permitted.
- You must submit your application no later than noon EST, Feb. 21. No exceptions.
- If chosen as a finalist, the duration of your talk will be 10 to 12 minutes.
- The Community Keynotes® Coaching program consists of one-on-one as well as group coaching, individual preparation and presentation design consultation (>$3,000 value). This program will require approximately 12 hours over six weeks and 10 to 15 hours of personal practice.
- Registration for next year’s the EVENT 2021 will be provided to finalists. All other expenses are not reimbursed.
Questions? Please send an email to hello@melissamajors.com.
DARE to step out of your comfort. SHARE your knowledge with your COMMUNITY. Submit your application today.
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Winter Issue of meeting Magazine – All About You
The winter 2020 issue of meeting is now available on a fully interactive platform optimized for mobile reading. Click here to start reading!
Catch up on the latest MPI Toronto Blog postings!
I’ve Put Out Many Fires, But I’m Not A Firefighter Series: Guestrooms: Playing the Numbers
Click here!
Helen Van Dongen has held senior event management positions with recognizable Canadian and global brands, working with a broad range of clients as a hired gun for 30 years. She has led teams of planners and provided guidance and mentorship that fostered their growth and progress, professionally and personally. To continue the conversation with Helen, email her at vandongen.helen@gmail.com.
10-Ways to De-Stress
Click here!
Lidia Simoes Thomas is an event services coordinator from Global Convention Services Ltd. in Halifax. If you have other tips you would like to share, or comments to share with Lidia, she would love to hear from you at lthomas@globalconvention.ca.
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