2022 November Virtual Roundtables

The Roundtables, one of the most popular MPI Ottawa educational sessions, is back! 

The proven format for the success of small-group dialogues on key industry topics is virtual again this year. 

Be ready for four thought provoking topics led by well-versed experts that aim to provoke thinking, while sharing knowledge, and building on dynamic discussions. 

Participants will have an opportunity to participate in two round table discussions. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect in smaller groups, on current topics, and share best practices.

Event Timing:
12:00-12:05 - Welcome/Housekeeping
12:05-12:35 - Roundtable Topic #1
12:40-1:10 - Roundtable Topic #2 
1:10-1:15 - Return to main room, present key take-aways, wrap up 

Location: Online

Dress/Attire: Business Casual 

Cost:
Members $40
Non-members $50
Students $20

Topics:

Roundtable 1: Creating Best Business Practices between Planners and Hospitality Sales Executive? - Lynne Wellish

We’re in a learner’s market, it’s no longer a buyer or sellers’ market. Hospitality Sales Professionals, what are the latest negotiating tools in your arsenal? Meeting Professionals, what is the most important to you when making a sourcing decision? Let’s have a conversation with planners and suppliers to share solutions. 

Speaker bio: Lynne Wellish CMP CHSE, is an award winning and energetic industry expert, graduate of UNLV in Hospitality Management and an adjunct faculty member at Scottsdale Community College in the Hospitality College, Lynne brings education and enthusiasm. She has over 35 years in the industry in a variety of Meeting and Event Professional and Hospitality Sales Executive positions. A native of Phoenix, Lynne is a true Zonie! Lynne Knows what it means when the Housekeeping Department comes down with the stomach flu the day of a big Check-in. As a sales activator, Marketing and Business Development Specialist, Lynne helps unique boutique businesses in the hospitality industry who have no time or staff for business development or marketing. Like a magic wand, Lynne acts as a seamless extension of your team producing the results you desire.
  

Roundtable 2: How to building strategy into your events and design for Success – Event Design - Marie-France Watson

Are you sometimes struggling how to involve and align your major stakeholders without creating total confusion? Do you and the Event Owner often don’t see eye to eye? Or not agree on the how the event creates value?
See how the principles of Event Design methodology acknowledges the many things you do as an event planner as well as learning some new tips and tricks that this strategy management tool can bring to your practice. How can you focus on the real value of the event and reduce complexity at the same time by using a clear structure and common language?

Speaker bio: Marie-France Watson has over 13 years’ experience as an Event Planner specializing in National and International academic conferences showcasing researchers for the non-profit and academic sectors. Her certification in Event Design allows her to implement strategic approach for events in order to help articulate an organization's value. More recently, she’s expanded her skillset with the designation of Digital Event Strategist and has focused this part year, like many, on designing events in a virtual format.
 
She is actively involved in the meeting industry as a member of PCMA and MPI and has been in a leadership role with the MPI Montreal / Quebec Chapter for over 6 years and currently finishing her term as Immediate-Past President.
 
With a passion to design experiences, she is one of the founding members of the 3-city B2B industry-led event called The EVENT (2018). The EVENT was awarded the 2019 MPI Rise Award for “Most Innovative Programming” and where she also delivered a keynote address on innovation to over 2500 attendees during the World Education Congress (WEC) in Toronto, Canada. She is is continuing the conversations with #eventprofs who continue to push boundaries in the industry as the Creator and Co-host of The Illuminate Project Podcast (TIPP).


Roundtable 3: Responsible Events - Josef Legaspi

The drive towards regenerative impact in the event industry and ensuring communities are in a better state than before the event took place has increased in recent years, challenging and encouraging event planners to address and tackle environmental and social issues that are timely, relevant, and local. 
 
Our ability to transform the event industry can be limited. Ensuring our steps are taken now either incrementally or through large-scale projects is integral for the longevity and genuine growth of events moving forward.

Speaker Bio: Josef Legaspi is a Sustainability Coordinator, Project Specialist at the Explore Edmonton Corporation, the Destination Marketing Management Organization (DMMO) of Edmonton which oversees the Edmonton Expo Centre and Edmonton Convention Centre. The broad goals of Josef’s projects are centered around community-centric development, social benefit, and ensuring events can leave lasting legacies in the areas in which they take place.
 
Currently, Josef has been working on Edmonton’s Destination Sustainability Assessment which will be used to establish goals and identify gaps in Edmonton’s sustainability tourism sector. Josef also oversees the management of the Community Donation Program, Community Outreach and Education, Internal Sustainability Learning and Development, the Global Destination Sustainability Movement, and the newly launched Responsible Events Program. As an active member of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council – Josef often encourages the development of equitable and accessible offerings challenging colleagues to utilize different lenses in planning.


Roundtable 4: DMO's, more than just free - Lynn Chiasson and Ted Robinson

DMO's know the destination best and can provide a one-stop-shop service to strategically ensure successful and memorable events

Speaker Bio: Ted Robinson is a seasoned traveler with decades of experience in the wine and spirits trade.  He fell in love with Kingston as a visitor and chose the Limestone City as his home in 2018, quickly becoming involved in several community organizations, including Kingston Pride where he served as Festival Director for three years from 2019 to 2021.

Ted has come to know Kingston inside and out.  As Tourism Kingston’s Business Events Specialist, he works hard to build the perfect experience for meeting and conference attendees, and strives to ensure that every single event participant goes home thinking “Wow, I need to go back for more!”


Speaker Bio - Lynn Chiasson: Helping others and Québec City has always been part of my DNA.
 
I graduated with a tourism degree and have worked in the industry for numerous years. Having worked as a tour guide for Québec City, then in hotels and the Fairmont le Château Frontenac and now almost 25 years at Québec City Convention Centre, makes me proud to have such knowledge to represent our amazing destination and partners, while ensuring successful events.
 
I believe that what you put in and what you invest comes back to you and gives results. Helping others and mentoring along the way, has always provided extreme satisfaction. Never stop learning! 

Registration Partner

Online