News Around Town – March 2025

MPI Ottawa Member News

💜 Celebrating the incredible individuals shaping our industry on International Women's Day! 💜

At MPI Ottawa, we are fortunate to be part of a community filled with passionate, driven, and inspiring professionals. We celebrate the remarkable contributions of those who uplift, innovate, and lead the way in the meeting and events industry.

International Women's Day is a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the opportunities ahead. By coming together, we can #AccelerateAction and continue building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

💡 Let’s recognize and celebrate the people who make a difference every day! Tag someone who inspires you and share the love.

Welcome to our new members. We can’t wait to see you at our next in-person or virtual event and welcome you to the MPI Ottawa community! 

• Ola Ayoud - Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada, Conference Manager
• Sarah Brown - Baker Tilly Canada Cooperative, National Director of Events
• Lisa Bryant
• Miguel Flores-Hernandez
• Samantha Haworth - Baker Tilly Canada Cooperative, National Events Planner
• Chloe Martin - Canadian Housing and Renewal Association, Program and Membership Coordinator
• Mike Tobin – Mike Tobin, MC, announcer, voice actor
• Simon Wood - Allegra Marketing Print Mail, Sales Manager

Looking for new opportunities to grow your business? Interested in collaborating on upcoming MPI Ottawa events? Check out our Ottawa Job Postings and Request For Proposals page!

Need to Renew your Membership?
Find out more at: www.mpi.org/join
For questions or further assistance, please contact help@mpi.org or call 866.318.2743
Apply for a Foundation Scholarship: https://www.mpi.org/about/foundation

Industry News in General

Photo Credit: ReNew Canada, Chu Níikwän LP

Government of Yukon announces $18.75 million towards new Whitehorse convention centre
The Government of Yukon has announced a commitment of $18.75 million toward the Yukon Gathering Place, a new convention centre set to become a major economic and community hub in Whitehorse.  The announcement was made on Saturday, March 22, 2025, by Premier and Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai, alongside Yukon Member of Parliament Brendan Hanley, Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith, and Yukon Convention Bureau President Eddie Rideout.
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No More Free Speakers!

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s long overdue for discussion—how we value professional speakers and why they deserve to be paid for their work. Yes, even at industry events!
Listen to Ignite Your Events latest podcast here!

Photo Credit: Tourisme Montréal

Montréal Achieves Highest Ever Score in GreenStep Certification
GreenStep is pleased to recognize that Tourisme Montréal has just set a new benchmark, achieving Silver Certification from GreenStep, earning an impressive 74%—the highest score ever recorded in GreenStep’s sustainable tourism certification process for a destination, and just one point away from Gold.
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TIAC Launches the Innovative READI^TM Program

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is proud to announce the launch of the READI™ program. This national tourism designation program, is designed to enhance adaptability, foster growth, and elevate competitiveness within Canada’s tourism industry.
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Upcoming MPI Ottawa Events

📅 Apr 3, 2025 –11:30AM – 2:00PM – Sandman Signature Ottawa Airport Hotel
Global Meetings Industry Day – MPI Ottawa Chapter

Join MPI Ottawa for an inspiring celebration of the power of meetings and events at Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) on April 3. This special event will feature a plated luncheon, the prestigious Influence Award Presentation, and an opportunity to reflect on the impact of our industry.
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📅 Apr 25, 2025 –12:00PM – 1:30PM – Zoom

MPI Ottawa Chapter - AGM

The MPI Ottawa board of directors invite you to attend the 2023-2024 AGM. This event will be held virtually over lunchtime. The Annual Report will be sent out in late March and we encourage you to read it ahead of time.

The MPI Ottawa board of directors will provide members updates about the chapter and share an outlook for 2025. There will be a Q&A session where you can ask all your burning questions.
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Upcoming Industry Events

📅 Apr 23 - 25, 2025 – Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Edmonton

CSAE Western Summit

The Western Summit is created by association executives FOR association executives. Get ready for 2 days of learning, networking and connecting. Our compelling program explores various aspects of association management and leadership. 
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📅 Apr 28 - 30, 2025 – Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto

CSE Live Event Fest & Canadian Event Awards

CSE Live is Canada’s premier festival for event innovation. It’s where our vibrant community of event professionals gathers to shape the future of impactful experiences. 
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 Article edited by Cynthia Beaudin, Canada Foundation for Innovation