MPI Toronto Chapter Blog

WEC Vancouver 2010 - $399 Discounted Rate until April 23rd

Registration for the MPI World Education Congress July 24-27, 2010 is now open. Don't miss this opportunity to change the world!

Watch the WEC 2010 promo video 

As part of the MPI Cares Program, a continuation of providing extended value and discounted opportunity costs during these challenging economic times, MPI and MPI Cares is offering a limited time special registration rate for those that register early for WEC. A discounted conference registration rate of $399 USD is being extended to all Planners (MPI Member Planners and Non-MPI Member Planners). In addition, Suppliers (MPI Member Suppliers and Non-MPI Member Suppliers) can also register for the discounted rate of $399 USD if they register a Non-MPI Member Planner to attend WEC.

This is a limited time offer and after this two week discounted early registration promotion expires, MPI will offer the same registration rates to attend WEC as were offered last year!  Register early to get the best rates.

See Terms and Conditions below.

MPI Member - Planner $399 USD

Non-Member Planner $399 USD

MPI Member - Supplier $399 USD
(with qualified non-member planner registration)

Non-Member Supplier $399 USD
(with qualified non-member planner registration)

Limited Time Registration Offer Conditions:

• Faculty, Students and One Day passes are not eligible for the rate of $399.
• Promotional codes for the $399.00 rate expire at 12:01am on April 23, 2010.
• Any Non-Member Planner that registers for WEC is eligible to receive a one year MPI membership at a discounted rate of $250 USD.

We look forward to you joining us in Vancouver for WEC where big ideas will happen and where you’ll have the opportunity to create relationships that last a lifetime. Because change is now, and now is the time for your events to change the world.

For more details and to register, visit the WEC 2010 website.

Celebrating Excellence

On Thursday, March 4th, the MPI Toronto Chapter recognized our outstanding members at the sold-out awards gala held at the Fairmont Royal York. 

Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners!

Recruiter of the Year

Rita Plaskett, CMP, CMM, AGENDUM

New Member of the Year

Nominees:
Amanda Babcock, International Centre
Jodi Spivak, CMP, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
Paula Spizzirri, Carlson Marketing

Winner: Jodi Spivak, CMP, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year

Nominees:
Jessica Ambrose, Elastic Communications & Events Inc.
Wendy Baker, The Source
Bori Csillag, Hilton Toronto
Heather Dahmer, Freelance Events Specialist
Marcelo DeOliveira, Hard Rock Café  Toronto
LeeAnne Leckie, CMP, International Centre
Geoff Mak, Allstream Centre/Direct Energy Centre/Exhibition Place
Paula Spizzirri, Carlson Marketing
Angela Visconti, Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre

Winner: Geoff Mak, Allstream Centre/Direct Energy Centre/Exhibition Place

Planner Member of the Year 

Nominees:
Wendy Baker, The Source
Leanne Hay, CMP, MaXvantage
Francine Miller, CMP, Scotia Capital
Robin Paisley, Meetings & Travel Group

Winner: Leanne Hay, CMP, MaXvantage

Supplier Members of the Year

Nominees:
Robert Babcock, AV-CANADA
Adam Bussell, CMP, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
Theresa Cragg-Gatto, CMP, Ottawa Tourism
Julie Holmen, Tourism Toronto
Kelly Shannon, Peller Estates Winery

Winners: Theresa Cragg Gatto, CMP, Ottawa Tourism and Kelly Shannon, Peller Estates Winery

President’s Award

Les Selby, CMP, CMM, Carlson Marketing

Les Selby (left), of Carlson Marketing, accepts the President's Award from
MPI Toronto Chapter 2009-2010 President, Bob Giorgini.
Photo: The Image Commission

Five Stories that Rocked Our Industry in 2009

Meeting professionals faced a lot of challenges in 2009: sagging economic indicators, hotel foreclosures, travel scares, (yikes!) attrition. But the year also saw the emergence of new social media possibilities, groundbreaking research and green technologies. One+ assessed reader feedback and its own research to create this list of the top five stories that rocked the industry in 2009. Read more...

Holiday Gala tickets now on sale and going fast!

20th Annual Holiday Gala
Thursday December 3rd
Conference Centre at the International Centre
6900 Airport Road, Mississauga

Cool is hot! And this year’s Holiday Gala promises to be one of the coolest (if not the hottest) event on the calendar.   This annual gala is one of our chapter’s most popular events.  It sells out, so buy your tickets or table today!  Register NOW.
  
With Winter Chic as the theme for this year’s event, be prepared to immerse yourself in a sleek and modern environment featuring tones of white, silver, ice blue and even a cool mist.

Plan on staying - Join us at the After Party Lounge with DJ music and plenty more opportunity to network!
         
Auctions
Join us as we showcase a wide array of tantalizing Silent and Live Auction items. Your thoughtful purchases will benefit two outstanding causes:  Breakfast with Santa Foundation and the Educational Reserve Fund (learn more about these great causes below).  It is not too late to donate to the Auctions.  Deadline extension:  November 30th, 2009 (note: your auction item will be included in our catalogue addendum if received by the new deadline).  Donation Form

Toy Drive
To further help Breakfast with Santa spread the season’s cheer, please bring a new unwrapped gift for a child. Any gift will be welcomed, but there’s a particular need for toys suitable for:
          •    10-15 year olds
          •    Newborn to 18 months
If you’re stuck for an idea, board games and gift cards (cinemas or book stores) are appropriate for a broad range of ages.
 
Accommodation
No need to rush home afterwards, as the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel and Conference Centre is delighted to offer a limited number of rooms at a special $109.00 holiday rate! To access this offer call 1-800-325-3535 and ask for the MPI Holiday Gala special rate.

Breakfast with Santa Foundation
A non-profit charitable organization of volunteers who donate their time to organize and execute an event of fun and excitement for deserving children. Families referred by local women’s shelters, breakfast clubs, and Food Path are hosted to a hot breakfast. Games, songs, and entertainment follow the meal until Santa makes his grand entrance to the joyful cheers of the children. Santa mingles with the children where hugs are the order of the day! Each child is called upon by Santa himself to receive a special gift. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA has helped bring Christmas to approximately 5,000 children over 18 years and thousands of nutritious meals. Thanks to MPI Toronto Chapter’s continuing support, the Breakfast with Santa Foundation initiated a Summer School Holiday Breakfast Program in 2003. This project feeds children a nutritious breakfast throughout the week. Our ongoing efforts will help keep both valuable programs running.
 
Educational Reserve Fund
The MPI Toronto Chapter Educational Reserve Fund (ERF) is used to enhance the quality of chapter educational programming at monthly meetings, professional development sessions and the Toronto Education Conference. The ERF also provides a number of scholarships to the regional and international MPI conferences for Toronto Chapter members.We are still accepting  silent auction donations  - visit www.mpitoronto.org for the donation form or call  905-567-9591 for more information.

Free MPI Webinar Series on H1N1

Responding to the needs of our member community, MPI has launched a 3-part webinar series on H1N1 pandemic. This is free for all members; non-members can attend for $40 USD.

This comprehensive program provides vital information on the H1N1 pandemic specifically in the context of the meeting and events industry. It begins this Friday, November 6, 2009. Please see the schedule below. We encourage you to attend as many of the webinars as you can.

11/6/2009 11:00 a.m. CST	The H1N1 Flu Pandemic: What Meeting Professionals Need to Know	Dr. Jonathan Spero
11/10/2009 11:00 a.m. CST	Be Prepared, Not Panicked (Or Complacent):  A Swine Flu Update	Dennis Petroskey
11/17/2009 11:00 a.m. CST	Getting your H1N1 Preparedness Plan to the C-level	Julia Silvers

To register for the webinars, please click here.

For more information on the H1N1 virus and the meetings and events industry, please click here.

Behind every great member……

We all know the phrase…“Behind every great man there’s a great woman”. Taking it to the next level… who is your great supporter in your professional life? We all know what it takes to be an active and engaged member of any association or a successful business owner or employee….and we also know we can’t do it without a strong support system – who is your supporter?  Is it someone at home, work or a friend?

Whether a spouse, a partner, children, a parent, a colleague or an employer they all surround and encourage us everyday, whether we admit it or not. We’ve all got someone.  Who heads up your support system? 

Let’s see how big our circle of supporters really is.  Who are my supporters?  My two sons…Marco & Nicolas!!  

Bob Giorgini

Are you Conflict Free?

Did you know that when you become a member of MPI, you agree to abide by the Principles of Professionalism? (http://www.mpiweb.org/Archive/0/55.aspx) These principles include a statement about avoiding actions which are or could be perceived as a conflict of interest or for individual gain.

In addition, many organizations today have conflict-of-interest policies. Conflict of Interest policies are intended to ensure impartial decision-making by officers, directors and senior employees. Conflict of Interest policies typically require insiders to disclose their relationships and connections to suppliers seeking their business. 

So are you conflict free? Consider the following scenarios:

• You receive commissions on bookings - do you disclose that information to your client?
• Several destinations are under consideration for an incentive program you are planning - one of the destinations offers you a trip for you and your family if their destination is booked. What do you do?
• You serve on the Board of an industry association. During your term, you are asked to serve on the Board of another organization who has similar interests. What do you do?
• Your organization has issued an RFP for some upcoming events. Your best friend has started his own catering company. He asks you to write a letter of reference, or put in a good word when your organization considers the proposals. What do you do?
• You are a volunteer on a committee and they are looking for a service of a company that your husband happens to work for. When recommending that this company be considered do you disclose your relationship?
  

We'd love to hear from you on your conflict of interest experiences or policies and procedures. Post a comment.

Nikki

Unique Venue Ideas

Some of these may be a little too adventurous for your meeting or event, but look what's trending around the world in unique venues.

60 Unique Nightclubs and Bars - From Dancefloors Over Shark Aquariums to Pop-Up Clubs (CLUSTER)

(TREND HUNTER) Now, these are unique nightclubs I'd love to party at! These innovative clubbing hot spots around the world go far beyond the regular dance floor with cute servers behind the bar -- these unique nightclubs… [More]

And in our own back yard (Toronto) O.Noir has recently opened. (http://www.onoir.com/TO/frames.htm) If you've dined in the dark... let us know what you thought.

Nikki

Canadian Meetings Industry Coalition

Earlier this week, a group of meetings industry professionals met to discuss how we can work together  to elevate the profile of the industry. As industry insiders, we understand the economic value of meetings and events, however those outside of our industry often fail to recognize their importance.

The meeting, to which all industry associations were invited to participate, lay the foundation for future meetings and activities. Doug Bolger, L(earn)2 facilitated the discussion and is encouraging feedback from the industry at large via the MPI Toronto's LinkedIn Group.

If you wish to add to the conversation, join the discussion on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/groupAnswers?viewQuestions=&gid=1888685&forumID=3&sik=1243627403094

Watch for updates on the Coalition and planned activities in the near future.

Nikki

H1N1 Update

From the US Travel Association

1 May 2009 -- WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Today, international travel moves rapidly, with large numbers of individuals visiting various parts of the world. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community.

Influenza A(H1N1) has already been confirmed in many parts of the world. The focus now is on minimizing the impact of the virus through the rapid identification of cases and providing patients with appropriate medical care, rather than on stopping its spread internationally. Furthermore, although identifying the signs and symptoms of influenza in travellers can be an effective monitoring technique, it is not effective in reducing the spread of influenza as the virus can be transmitted from person to person before the onset of symptoms. Scientific research based on mathematical modelling indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease. Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, have validated this point.

Travellers can protect themselves and others by following simple recommendations related to travel aimed at preventing the spread of infection. Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases and not only influenza A(H1N1).

Swine Flu and the Meetings Industry

Posted by Bruce MacMillan, CA on 4/27/2009 8:33:15 PM www.mpiweb.org

The rapidly developing global news story concerning the swine flu outbreak should be monitored closely by all meeting and event professionals. The situation is very fluid at moment, with new information, facts and misunderstandings emerging almost hourly as information gets gathered and analyzed. We want to help you stay connected to the facts as the evolve.

At this early stage in the outbreak, timely and accurate information is crucial to dealing with the torrent of information that could impact the professional lives and businesses of our members. To that end, today we participated in two conference calls with members of US Travel to structure key messages and primary channels of communication for this stage of the outbreak. Conversations and communications protocol are also being developed in Canada and Europe and I have personally reached out to our partners in Mexico.

It's no surprise that media around the world are capitalizing on this story, fuelling concerns beyond what the current facts suggest may be necessary at this time. Our ability to bring order to chaos as quickly as possible is vital and through industry and community collaboration, our response now can make a difference. The US Travel website will be a primary resource at this stage in the outbreak and the team at US Travel in collaboration with meeting industry organizations will be synthesizing relevant information to share across our industry and beyond. An MPI web resource has been created for our community with resource materials and will shortly have Web 2.0 connection tools for conversations. This has been updated with information from US Travel.

In conjunction with our industry partners around the world, we will continue to provide you and our chapters with timely and relevant information on a regular basis. We ask that you review it and share accordingly in order to ensure everyone has the most accurate information possible.

In the meantime, a key source of up-to-date information for you, your families/friends and your business is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Swine Flu resource.

National Meetings Industry Day - Key Messages

Yesterday, over 350 meeting professionals gathered at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto for National Meetings Industry Day. This year's theme People Power - Harnessing collective knowledge for economic success, allowed panelists and the audience to explore the opportunities and challenges of the current economic climate and the need to ensure that the industry message of the value of meetings is being heard by government, media and the general public.

The key points raised were:

• Metrics are essential. Meeting professionals must demonstrate to their companies and clients the value of meetings to the organization. Demonstrating the value (ROI) that meetings contribute to an organization's business objectives and bottom line is essential.
• Meetings Do Mean Business.  Government, media and the general public need to understand the economic impact of meetings and events. In Canada, we are fortunate that the MPI Canadian Economic Impact Study is available as a resource to us to demonstrate that economic value. We need to do a better job of communicating that message.
• We are in this together. National Meetings Industry Day - Toronto was supported by seven of the major industry associations. This speaks volumes. Now is the time for a collective voice, and collective action.
• Take Charge of the Future. In the US, they have developed policy guidelines for meetings. Leaders from key organizations representing the meetings, events and incentive travel industries united to issue guidelines on acceptable business travel practices to companies that have received emergency government lending. The guidelines, built upon existing corporate best practices, are designed to ensure transparency and accountability and protect the one million American jobs supported by corporate meetings and events.The standards support President Obama's recent call for the boards of directors of companies that have received emergency government lending to develop guidelines on conferences, events and employee recognition programs. (excerpt from https://www.mpiweb.org/cms/mpiweb/MPIcontent.aspx?id=23566)
• We Must Change Perceptions. How do we define this industry and what we do? The language we use to define our businesses and our industry is important. Think about your 30-second elevator conversation - Do you define the meetings and events business and your role in it? Do you explain how important meetings and events are to business performance?

If you attended National Meetings Industry Day we would love to hear your thoughts on the discussion. If you didn't attend and have an opinion, we'd also love to hear from you.

Nikki

A Community Celebrates

On March 5, MPI Toronto recognized some of the outstanding contributors to the meetings industry. It is from the support of our industry's community that individual success and achievement becomes possible. In turn the individual nourishes the community with their contributions of leadership, passion, commitment, dedication and innovation.

Congratulations to all the nominees and award recipients.

Norm Neill Student of the Year Award Nominees:
Danyelle MacCulloch, George Brown College
Rebecca Meikle, Ryerson University
Sandy Yong, Ryerson University
Norm Neil Student of the Year Award Recipient - Danyelle MacCulloch, George Brown College

Recruiter of the Year Award Recipient
Robbie Bishop, Le Royal Meridien King Edward Hotel

New Member of the Year Award Award Nominees:
Paul Alves, Caesars Windsor
Danyelle MacCulloch, George Brown College
Michael Marmur, Special Event Photography
Nikki Sayers, Ontario Bar Association
New Member of the Year Award Award Recipients - Paul Alves, Caesars Windsor and Nikki Sayers, Ontario Bar Association

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award Nominees:
Lindsey Bryce, Deloitte
Dianna Di Manno, CMP Toronto Congress Centre
Andrew Horberry, CMP, Imagination
Andrew Walker, York University
Andrea Wallace, Meetings & Incentive Travel
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award Award Recipients - Dianna Di Manno, CMP Toronto Congress Centre and Andrew Walker, York University

Supplier of the Year Nominees:
David Dugas, DE Systems
Robert Giorgini, London Convention Centre
Kelly Shannon, Peller Estates Winery & Hillebrand Winery
Supplier of the Year Award Recipient - Robert Giorgini, London Convention Centre

Planner of the Year Award Nominees:
Brenda Carter, CMP, KPMG MSLP
Leanne Hay, CMP, Amex Canada Inc.
Patty MacPherson, CMP, JPDL Toronto
Planner of the Year Award Recipient - Brenda Carter, CMP, KPMG MSLP

President’s Award Recipient
Doug Bolger, L(earn)2

MPI Toronto thanks each of you for your contributions to the industry and to MPI.

Nikki Wright

US Travel Association and MPI defend meetings, conferences and incentive travel

By now, you've probably heard about the recent development in Congress which is sending shockwaves throughout the meetings industry. If not, check your inbox for an email sent last week by Bruce MacMillan, MPI's president and CEO. For a quick overview of the situation, you may also want to check out the following blog post. Then visit www.keepamericameeting.com to sign the US Travel Association petition.

This was a key focus of MeetDifferent in Atlanta, with Christine Duffy, president and CEO of Maritz and former MPI Chairwoman, along with Roger Dow, president and CEO of the US Travel Association, discussing the industry coalition that has formed in response. Although happening south of the border, this issue affects us all.

LATEST NEWS - A new website has been launched by MPI for meeting professionals to connect to during this crisis: www.meetingindustrycrisiscenter.org. Included on the site is up-to-date information, resources such as the model meeting and event policy released in early February, a video summary of key information takeaways from the Opening General Session at MeetDifferent and more.

Spread the word: Meetings ARE the solution!

Connecting the Dots to Your Future

On Thursday February 5, those of you who were at MPI Toronto Chapter's Monthly Meeting know that Joan Eisenstodt's presentation sparked some lively conversation. Whether you think that the economic downturn spells disaster for the industry, or if you see this as an opportunity - your opinion is relevant and we need to hear from you on this issue.

There is a conversation going on at MPI Toronto's GroupSpace that was started as a follow up to Thursday's meeting. If you have an opinion - whether glass half full or half empty - I encourage you to join in this conversation.

http://www.mpiweb.org/cms/mpiweb/community/CommBoards.aspx?TopicId=4539

A salient point that comes out of this economic downturn is the reminder that we are all in this together.

Nikki

Party or Event?

Do you plan your holiday party or your holiday event?

What's the difference you might ask?

Well, in my opinion, there is a big difference.

This industry has struggled for a long time to gain a seat at the table.  Meeting professionals strive to position meetings and events as key components of an organization’s success - not 'parties' that can be viewed as an easy budget cut.

So why at this time of year do we revert to the term 'party'? Yes, holiday events have a certain air of festivity and celebration, however, I would argue that there is strategic importance in a holiday event. Whether it be to build morale, foster teamwork and camaraderie or reward success and achievement. Positioning your holiday event is just as important as the sales team meeting or the annual conference. Meeting Professionals need to demonstrate a return on investment to stakeholders or run the risk of having next year's budget disappear (and in today's economic climate, that may translate into jobs lost).

And to top it all off, considering the 'slang' meaning of the word 'party' and the Hollywood notions (or not so Hollywood) of co-workers photocopying behinds and dancing on the table, it seems to me a term we should just avoid.

I'd love to know what you think...

Nikki Wright