APART BUT CLOSER THAN EVER

Although we are apart, there has never been a more important time to stay connected.

The EVENT was first held in Ottawa in 2018, then in Montréal in 2019, and took a pause in 2020 due to the pandemic before returning virtually in 2021.

FOR 2022 WE ARE AGAIN READY TO EMBRACE, ENGAGE, AND THRIVE!

Taking place April 28-30, 2022 in Toronto, ON at the Pan Pacific Toronto, we can’t wait to see you either in person or virtually!

In-person Registration is still open!
Virtual Registration is also now open!

Register now: https://www.the-event.ca/register

The INITIATIVE

The EVENT has a goal of a Planner/Supplier participant ratio of 1:1. In striving for this goal we understand that there is a strong need to assist Planner registration to help move numbers in our intended direction, creating an increase in ROI for all attendees. The INITIATIVE has covered the cost of over 50 planners per year to attend the EVENT without registration cost!

Interested in being a Supplier Sponsor or Sponsored Planner Recipient with the Initiative? 

Learn more here: https://www.the-event.ca/initiative

On April 6, the MPI Toronto Chapter came together to kick off Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) at the Sheraton Centre Toronto. Over 80 event professionals came together IN PERSON. With our AV partner, Encore, we could also provide a great experience to 13 virtual attendees. Also, the Connect UP session had 18 students meet up with industry leaders, learn tips for networking on social media, and participate in valuable round table discussions. 

The motivating and engaging keynote speaker Gregg Brown shared strategies for navigating the future of work. We heard from MMBC Chair Laura Pallotta about their advocacy work and #RallyForRecovery movement. The panel of inspiring Rain Drops on Roses program participants was a feel-good moment. Sheila Wong, CEM, DES, Emilia Kim, DES, and Kelly Porter, CMP shared their stories of adapting to the challenges of the pandemic and starting a passion business. 

We ended the afternoon off with a networking reception hosted by Destination Toronto. DJ Lexx kept spirits high as attendees chatted away and connected over a lovely buffet spread provided by Sheraton Centre Toronto.

Thank you to everyone who attended in person and virtually. This was a GMID Kick-Off to remember.

  Photos Courtesy of Pinpoint National Photography. View more

The annual MPI Toronto Chapter’s Awards Gala took place on March 10th and was a great success! Congratulations to all the nominees and recipients. You are all so deserving of this recognition. Thank you for everything that you do for our chapter and our events industry. 

Special thank you to our hosts for the evening, Christina Northcott, CMP, CMM, DES and Wentworth Willock, all our presenters, volunteers and technical crew. 

And last but definitely not least, a huge thank you to our partners. This event could not have been possible without your support.

The MPI Toronto OnDemand Library is now live on the chapter’s website for Members to access all of your favourite professional development session replays over the past two years. Access your video library of pre-purchased content or create a video library user account to purchase and view missed sessions on demand. 

Visit the Professional Development Video Library here.

Did you know that MPI is celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary? Our Toronto Chapter Board of Directors prepared a short video in support of this magnificent milestone! 

We encourage you to share your own stories about your personal MPI experience and what MPI means to you. Simply share your story by submitting a brief video under two minutes. It’s as easy as that.

Further details can be found here.

Congratulations MPI! 

The latest edition of meeting Magazine was all about Moving Meetings Forward. Spend a few moments today getting to know our authors and what’s trending as in-person events return. What’s here to stay, what’s changing and how can you best navigate the industry.

Read it here.

Globally 1 in 7 people are living with a disability, and 80% of those are invisible. The Invisible Disabilities organization promotes the sunflower as a discreet way the wearer can indicate they have a non-visible disability. So, if you see someone wearing a sunflower badge (green background) or lanyard, (see sample image above), that individual may need more time, support, or assistance. You can learn more specifically about invisible disabilities and the other symbols that accompany the sunflower here and you can check out this work at Pearson Airport using this link.

The Québec City Convention Centre, and its exclusive food and beverage partner, Capital HRS, are pleased to welcome Simon Renaud as the new Executive Chef. With his palpable energy and great enthusiasm, Chef Renaud is taking over the reins of the biggest kitchen brigade for meetings and events in Québec City. Guests with dietary restrictions, food allergies, or special diets, such as vegetarianism or veganism, will benefit from Chef Renaud’s culinary prowess. He takes dietary concerns to heart. Already, he has a smorgasbord of ideas to develop specific menus so that everyone is fully satisfied—from the appetizers to the dessert! For information contact Ann Cantin, Director, Communications and Marketing 418-649-7711 or acantin@convention.qc.ca.

Capture the best of the Spring Season! The sun is beginning to shine and early flowers are beginning to bloom. After a long winter I know we are anxious to get outside. Below is a bucket list of budget friendly ways to begin enjoying the sunshine and fresh air without breaking the bank:

• Open your windows for a fresh breeze and re-energize to the sounds of the birds singing
• Discover a new outdoor café for a coffee and treat on their patio
• Get dirt under your fingernails and plant some garden herbs
• Go for a walk and look for the first signs of spring – crocuses, snow drops, tulips, hyacinth, daffodils
• Make a dish with in-season local asparagus
• Treat yourself to a bright and fun umbrella for the rainy days that will bring May flowers
• Discover a local hiking trail for some bird watching (even better – bring an extra garbage bag and gloves and do a clean up!)
• Visit the waterfront for a walk and look for flat rocks to bring home and paint with bright spring patterns