MPI Ottawa Education Committee hosted an insightful and engaging online event on Wednesday, November 6. Award-winning speaker, storyteller, author and respected Blackfoot ceremonialist cultural carrier Elder Camille Pablo Russell led an interactive session focused on the importance of connection and how we can all build bridges between communities.

Reflecting on the EVENT and preparing for 2025’s presidency, I am energized and excited for what comes next. The connections we made, the knowledge we gained, and the ideas we exchanged will undoubtedly propel us forward in our work and collaborations.

As event planners, we know that every experience we create can present its own distinctive set of challenges. How about planning an event for the first time ever at a decommissioned prison…with no utilities or facilities (except electricity)…for a group of Association Executives…with a hurricane?

As the event landscape changes and the continued and evolving development of computer systems performing tasks humans normally do, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into event planning and management has become a game-changer. AI can streamline processes, provide deeper insights and enhance overall event experiences. Here are the top three ways AI is revolutionizing the meetings and events industry for MPI Ottawa members.

This monthly article series allows MPI Ottawa Chapter members to share their recent professional and personal accomplishments with the MPI community by highlighting the News Around Town. Get in touch with Disa Cameron (disa.cameron@encoreglobal.com) to make a submission for the next issue!

I am writing my quarterly message immediately after attending Ottawa’s City of Om Festival. The festival (which I did not attend in an MPI capacity) is the city’s largest health and wellness festival open to all who want to deepen their passion for overall wellness. For yet another year, “Event Planner” has been ranked one of the most stressful jobs in the world by Indeed. Like many Event Professionals, I recently began to reevaluate my relationship with my job and I’m actively trying to incorporate more wellness and healthy habits into my daily life to achieve some sense of balance.

MPI Ottawa exists thanks to and, because of the commitment, expertise, and goodwill of volunteers - without volunteers there would be no MPI Ottawa, period. And, while our volunteers don't expect anything in return, it is extremely rewarding when all the hard work gets a bit of recognition from colleagues at home and away. That's exactly what happened recently when our Education Committee received word that it has been nominated for an MPI Global Rise Award for Innovative Educational Programming!

For those of us lucky enough to gather at the beautiful Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata on April 11, 2024, took a few hours out of our busy day to pause and recognize the impact our meetings have and celebrate each other. We were also able to reflect on how we can best sustain our own mental health and support each other along the way, encouraged by Keynote speaker, sponsored by TA Speakers Management, Tonia Jahshan during her presentation “Self-Sustainability – Soldiering on with Self Awareness”.

MPI Ottawa and Chapter Volunteers, Jenny Dao and Michel Kafrouny, finalists for 2024 MPI RISE Awards! This achievement, for the 2022-2023 virtual to in-person education delivery, recognizes our commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), while reshaping the landscape of educational events, with accessibility and self-development at the forefront.

Is it just me or is 2024 flying by? This is probably because we had our chapter holiday party in November and then when January hit, it was all Meet Week planning and, of course, February saw the numerous events that Meet Week brings. It’s a jarring start to the year after a good month off but one that we Event Professionals thrive on since we rarely like to be sedentary- for both our bodies and minds.

This monthly article series allows MPI Ottawa Chapter members to share their recent professional and personal accomplishments with the MPI community by highlighting the News Around Town. Get in touch with Disa Cameron (disa.cameron@encoreglobal.com) to make a submission for the next issue!

The Prix Prestige Awards are a culmination of months of hard work, collaboration and passion. The behind-the-scenes efforts are a true reflection of the event industry's dedication to creating memorable and remarkable experiences. As attendees enjoy the glitz and glamour of the evening, it's important to recognize and appreciate the incredible work that goes into planning and executing an event of this magnitude.

This monthly article series allows MPI Ottawa Chapter members to share their recent professional and personal accomplishments with the MPI community by highlighting the News Around Town. Get in touch with Disa Cameron (disa.cameron@encoreglobal.com) to make a submission for the next issue!

This monthly article series allows MPI Ottawa Chapter members to share their recent professional and personal accomplishments with the MPI community by highlighting the News Around Town. Get in touch with Disa Cameron (disa.cameron@encoreglobal.com) to make a submission for the next issue!

The Prix Prestige Awards Gala was a terrific evening of recognition and celebration. As a first-timer, it was an absolute pleasure meeting with many fellow MPI members and guests while being able to share a little bit about Richmond. Being surrounded by people and hearing their tremendous experiences and stories, I learned a lot.

And just like that, 2023 comes to a close. The ending of one year always brings with it an opportunity for reflection. As a professional planner, I can say that most planners don’t reflect enough on their achievements as they are already knee-deep in their next event since critical paths wait for no one. Read more...

This monthly article series allows MPI Ottawa Chapter members to share their recent professional and personal accomplishments with the MPI community by highlighting the News Around Town. Get in touch with Disa Cameron (disa.cameron@encoreglobal.com) to make a submission for the next issue!

As a non-profit professional association, the Ottawa Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) relies on its volunteers to help deliver on its commitment to its membership. The Chapter depends on the knowledge, experience, and business insight of volunteers to provide educational and networking experiences in addition to other services to its membership. Conversely, as a member of a professional association such as MPI, the benefits of volunteering for the Ottawa Chapter contribute to one’s sense of belonging and success in the events industry.

This monthly article series allows MPI Ottawa Chapter members to share their recent professional and personal accomplishments with the MPI community by highlighting the News Around Town. Get in touch with Disa Cameron (disa.cameron@encoreglobal.com) to make a submission for the next issue!

Fall has always been one of my favourite seasons. It’s a season of transition with palpable excitement filling the air as we bid farewell to the leisurely days of vacation and embrace the vibrant possibilities that beckon us back to school and work. As someone who loves to work and considers herself a lifelong learner, the promise of new beginnings and fresh opportunities becomes an exhilarating undercurrent, reminding me that September holds within it, the power to transform our aspirations into realities. Just as the leaves change their hues, we too are poised for a colourful metamorphosis, ready to embark on a journey filled with potential growth and the sweet anticipation of what lies ahead after a restful summer.