News Around Town - August 2022

News Around Town – AUGUST 2022 

Congrats Daniela Caputo for receiving the Industry Mentor Award and being inducted at 2020 Hall of Fame during CMEE 2022.

 
Congrats Kalli Foster for her new position as Manager, Events at the Automotive Industries Association of Canada!

Welcome members

 
Welcome to our supplier member, Rebecca Narr, Corporate Sales Manager at Ottawa Marriott Downtown.

MPI Ottawa Chapter News

Charity Auction Money Raised

Thank you to all who purchased silent and live auction items at MPI Ottawa Chapter Charity Auction Dinner. Over $23,000 was raised and divided between these four charities that you, our members, have chosen to continue to support. Cash donations go the furthest with a 1 to 5 ratio for the Ottawa Food Bank and a 1 to 8 ratio for Moisson Outaouais. July and August are slower months for donations, so this timing was appreciated.

Hospitalizations for eating disorders have increased by 50% among young women during the pandemic (CIHI report May 5, 2022) and with donations like ours, Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre of Ottawa has been able to increase their programs. During the pandemic, the school breakfast program was continuing to drop off food boxes to various communities in Ottawa and our donation helps with executing their programs like classroom gardens and junior achievers. A big ‘thank you’ again from all of these great organizations doing amazing work.

State of the Industry

We’re ready: industry recovery plans

Across Canada, the meeting and business event industry is crafting restart guidelines in readiness as borders are reopened and restrictions are lifted on face-to-face business events.

Global Business Events key numbers:

• Number of participants: Business events involved more than 1.5 billion participants across more than 180 countries.
• Direct spending (business sales): Business events generated more than $1.07 trillion of direct spending, representing spending to plan and produce business events, business events-related travel, and other direct spending, such as spending by exhibitors.
• Direct GDP (gross domestic product) and employment: Business events supported 10.3 million direct jobs globally and generated $621.4 billion of direct GDP.
• Average spending per participant: On average, $704 was spent per business event participant.
• Top countries: The top 50 countries accounted for $1.03 trillion of business events direct spending, representing 96% of the global total.

To read full report: Meetings Mean Business Canada

Tourism Recovery Plans

Prior to COVID-19, tourism was one of the fastest growing industries in the world. In Canada, tourism was a growing industry and a leading economic driver. As the country’s fifth largest sector, tourism was responsible for $105 billion in GDP, 1 in 10 Canadian jobs, and 225,000 small and medium-sized businesses across Canada. Tourism was the first hit, the hardest hit, and will be the last to recover.

August 4, 2022 Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) released its submission to the federal government for a new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. TIAC identified four key pillars to best underpin a new federal Tourism Growth Strategy and ensure the industry achieves its key goals by 2030. 

The pillars are as follows:

• 1-Attract and Retain a Sustainable Tourism Workforce,
• 2-Improve Access for Visitors to and within Canada,
• 3-Develop and Promote Tourism Assets,
• 4-Build a Regenerative and Inclusive Tourism Industry

To read the full submission click: TIAC Submission

Industry News in General

Spotlight on Ottawa’s most iconic meeting spaces  

Trillium Ballroom at the Shaw Centre

Level 4 at the Shaw Centre houses the Capital’s hallmark ballroom, providing stunning views of downtown Ottawa’s landmarks and natural beauty. Treat your delegates to arguably the best view in the Nation's Capital.

Area: 19,000 sq. ft.

Canada Room at the National Arts Centre

Your sense of awe will be thoroughly aroused as you climb the grand staircase to the Canada Room. With breathtaking views of the Rideau Canal, the Canada room is the perfect space for business, social events, and weddings.

Area: 7,000 sq. ft.

Reception Style: 1,500 – Rounds of 8: 432 – Theater style: 600

Adam Room at Fairmont Château Laurier

Fondly known as the "Wedgwood" or "Oval" Room, the Adam Room was named after the British architect Robert Adam, who made this style of decoration famous in the late 18th century. The Adam Room can best be described as breathtaking. It truly stands alone in the luxurious beauty and design of its sculpted ceiling and oval shape, enhanced by a magnificent entrance platform.

Area: 5,170 sq. ft.

Queen’s Lantern at the Museum of Nature

The Queen’s Lantern is a dramatic venue. Standing on the original 100-year-old mosaic floor at the base of the 65’ high glass tower, you are presented with breathtaking view of historical architectural features including stained glass windows and marble wainscoting.

This location enchants with its blend of old and new.

Area: 1,259 sq. ft.

Reception: 120 – Rounds: 64 – Theater: 120

Upcoming Industry Events

📅 September 7 – 12:15pm to 1:30pm – Virtual Session (Zoom)

Planners & Suppliers, where’s the win-win?

How do you plan and execute your event, with the current risk of staff and supply shortages?
How do you explain to a client or planner the supply or supplier challenges?
What are the risks when working in a different region or shipping cross-country?
Labour shortages & supply chain issues - why is this my problem?
And what are some solutions?

This planner and supplier panel will discuss getting to that win-win, as well as share successes and lessons learned from their experiences.

📅 September 28 – 12:00pm to 1:00pm – Save the Date

Annual General Meeting               
This event will be held virtually over lunchtime, stay tuned for more details and the release of the 2021-2022 Annual Report.

📅 November 1 – Save the Date

Prix Prestige Awards Gala

More details on venue and timing to come, don't forget to nominate!

 Article edited by Darlene Kelly-Stewart | LinkedIn at Stonehouse Sales & Marketing Services