​ News Around Town – August 2020

Member Announcements

Congratulations to Erin Bellwood, who recently transitioned into a new role as Event Manager for The Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC). IPAC hosts a number of conferences and events regionally and nationally supporting their work in research, training, knowledge sharing and outreach. Bellwood can be reached by email at ebellwood@ipac.ca.

Congratulations to Lisa Barker who recently joined The Professional Institute of the Public Sector of Canada (PIPSC) as their Event Systems Officer. Barker can be reached at lbarker@pipsc.ca or you can connect with her directly on LinkedIn. With over 60,000 members, the PIPSC is the largest union in Canada representing scientists and professionals employed by the federal, and some provincial and territorial, government. The Event Systems Officer oversees all aspects of the event management system including usage, administration, security, development, and data quality and is responsible for ensuring that the configuration and related support serves the Institute and members’ needs. 

Industry News and Updates

The recently launched Ottawa Gatineau Wedding Industry Association (OGWIA), a non-profit volunteer run organization, is accepting applications for new members. This new association hopes to act as an amplified voice for the wedding industry during these difficult times. OGWIA will also provide opportunities for learning and networking, and provide valuable information to navigate through the pandemic and beyond.

If you own a wedding related company, consider joining other industry professionals in the OGWIA by registering here.

The Events Industry Council (EIC) has announced a call for nominations for both the Hall of Leaders and new global awards. The Hall of Leaders is the premier recognition programme in the meetings, conventions, exhibitions, hospitality, and travel industry. It serves as a “lifetime achievement award” for industry professionals, while the two new global awards are open to individuals or organisations (an association, company, destination organisation, think tank, foundation) recognizing extraordinary effort in Social Impact or Adaptation and Innovation.

Nominees need not be members of EIC’s member organisations. Nominations will be submitted through EIC’s online portal and must be complete by 11:59 pm EDT on Thursday, 1 October 2020. EIC will announce the honorees in November.

As our industry works through the realities and impact of COVID-19, the EIC has compiled many valuable tools and educational resources into a centralized COVID-19 resource centre. They have also established the APEX COVID-19 Business Recovery Task Force. EIC continues to monitor for new information and updates the site weekly. If you have information to share, please contact info@eventscouncil.org.

Applications are being accepting for the CMP Governance Commission. Are you looking for a new leadership opportunity? A way to give back to the CMP community? Peer interaction that can pave the way for future CMPs? The EIC relies upon seasoned CMPs to govern the programme and ensure that it is a reflection of the meetings industry.

Now is a great time to serve in this important volunteer role. New commission members will serve a three-year term that begins January 1, 2021. All applications must include two letters of recommendation. The deadline to apply for nominations is Monday, September 21^st.

Upcoming Industry Events

August 25, 2020

11:00 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

FREE: MPI Global Digital Experience on Trust & Transparency. This virtual event is open to both MPI members and non-members. The program* features dynamic industry leaders and speakers in an interactive presentation that will invigorate, inspire, and position you and your business ... future-forward.

*CMP Clock Hours Approved: 3 Clock Hours | Domain E: Human Resources or Domain G: Meeting or Event Design

September 23, 2020

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

FREE: MPI Ottawa Chapter AGM. This virtual event on Zoom is open to both MPI Ottawa members and non members ($10 fee) where the office of the president will provide updates on how the 2019-2020 year finished, including how COVID affected the chapter, and what 2020-2021 looks like. 

November 3 – 6, 2020

MPI WEC Grapevine Virtual Experience, $299 USD.

November 17 - 18, 2020

TIAC Tourism Congress 2020 Virtual Event, with complimentary registration for all tourism stakeholders from coast to coast to coast.

April 15-17, 2021

the EVENT

 Article written by Katherine Craig, CMP,  CHEO Foundation

Article edited by Cynthia Beaudin, Canada Foundation for Innovation