We spoke with Tim Whalen, MPI's Toronto Chapter president and executive meeting manager at Fallsview Casino Resort, about this year's biggest trend, lessons learned and next year's most exciting developments.
What do you feel was your chapter's biggest accomplishment this year?
I think it continues to be our willingness to push boundaries and take calculated risks as a leadership team. We are wading into waters that we have never been before as a chapter. Collaborating with other chapters on experiential education, using gamification engage our members, student registration scholarships that extend beyond professional development events; VP led member focus groups that help to shape new chapter ventures, using digital media in new ways to help market our events. We are doing things that just a few years ago seemed like they were out of our grasp to implement. The change in technology definitely aids this process but more credit goes to our team's drive to reshape the way we do business.
What meetings trends emerged in your neck of the woods this year and what do you think next year's biggest trends will be?
I think the biggest trend that continued to emerge is that groups are more and more looking for unique and flexible meeting space. They want a venue that will work with them to create their own unique space. They are looking for a blank canvass where they can create their own unique learning environments that are best suited to their group. Gone are the days of the classroom setup with a podium at the front of the room. Conferences are now designing learning areas that better facilitate learning for their own people. Learning has changed and learning environments must continue to adapt.
What did you learn or perhaps unlearn this year in terms of professional development that you think would be beneficial to those who are just entering the events industry?
I've learned that sometimes your impact can be greater if you take a back seat and helps others achieve their goals. You don't always have to be the driver of ideas. Sometimes it's more impactful to help shape the right environment for ideas implementation.
What new developments are you most excited about for 2020 and why?
I'm totally biased but I'm most excited for the new 5,000-seat entertainment centre that will be opening in early 2020 in Niagara Falls. This will be a game changer for the region and will add to Niagara's already long list of things to do. I've already had a sneak peak as to what hides behind the construction walls and I can't wait to see it become a reality. As a big music junkie it will also give me access to some great shows in my own back yard.
What New Year's resolution should the events industry make for 2020?
Let’s make a commitment to get more creative with the way we deliver content. No more death by PowerPoint!
