The EVENT 2021 - A Very Fortunate Series of Events Stronger. Wiser. Safer

The EVENT conference wasn’t something I was aware of before 2021, but then I decided to jump into volunteering for this signature event. In January, I was contacted by Sandra Moniz, CMP, CMM, DES, Co-Chair of the EVENT, to join the communications team for the EVENT, and I’m sure there could have been no better way to spend my pandemic stay-at-home time!

The EVENT began in 2018 as collaboration between the Ottawa, Montréal/Québec and Toronto and MPI Chapters. The first year’s gathering was in Ottawa, followed by Montréal in 2019. The plan for 2020 was to meet in Toronto, but due to COVID-19, that in-person conference has been postponed to 2022.

This year’s virtual conference, held on April 13-16, was a huge success. Having worked with the planning team for merely three months, I can say that the level of commitment and every member’s dedication to meet the goals pushed the results to far beyond what was expected in every way. The feedback from attendees, sponsors, and the presenters is proof of how great an event the team had put together.

"This event was as slick as a broadcast television show, in addition to being interactive and innovative. Congrats on reinventing what events can look like in this new world." - Erica Ehm, Ehm & Co.

I had a chance to work as a communications volunteer and since day one, the team had my back. Everyone was aware of the committee newbie. I was given space to experiment and ask whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, and receive help without feeling like I was invading. It is surely a superpower to have the level of pressure that the team did, and still manage to keep things light and fun.

I worked closely with Lisa Lipowski, BSc, CMP, DES, Co-Chair, and others including Erica Orrechio and Brenda Carter, CMP, CMM, in the communications team. Every step of the way, the group ensured that everyone’s ideas were welcome—delivering quality work, and helping each other get through the difficult days. There was just SO MUCH back up! There was no way the team would let anyone fail. Also while working with Co-Chair Steven Lacelle of Encore Canada on the graphics and virtual environment, I was provided ample resources and help.

Now, as a registrant, I was dreading the idea of attending another virtual event. But as I volunteered more and understood the planning, my confidence was restored. The committee’s goal was always to make the event interactive, creative, and not just another Zoom call. So, when it was time to attend, I was more than excited to jump in.

Never have I felt so relaxed in a virtual event. The educational programming was well thought out with a variety of session topics to choose from—all scheduled for just the right length of time. The EVENT 2021 was all about coming on Stronger, Wiser, Safer; and it exceeded the traditional norms of virtual events. It kept us engaged, entertained, and educated.

The EVENT juggled several unique concepts. Two mornings started with a Nurture in Nature Session which encouraged participants to enjoy the first 30 minutes from the outdoors, on a treadmill or standing up, to clear and awaken their minds. Every day offered an inspirational keynote presenter such as Sarah McVanel, Canada’s recognition expert; Juno-nominated singer-songwriter Peter Katz; Ilana Ben-Ari, a multiple award-winning design entrepreneur; and iconic television personality Erica Ehm.

Throughout the conference, registrants could choose their own “EDsperiences”.

“What’s that?” you ask. Well, we got to select between Education and Experience. We could jump into either Think Tanks, Learning Labs, Collaboration Stations or Cultivation Studios. Relevant topics were offered for both planners and suppliers, and most importantly, many aspects of virtual events were discussed. Daily timeslots were set aside as “Lounges” to encourage networking in small group settings.

The EVENT, even though entirely virtual, never left me bored or fatigued. The Virtual Visits with sponsors, a recipe demo, and so much more variety kept us engaged. Did I mention that I haven’t felt so relaxed in a virtual conference in a long time? I’m sure to be there for the next one. I hope you are too!

I feel fortunate to have been a part of this team and able to attend the EVENT 2021. I plan to keep volunteering for 2022, obviously.

 Article written by Shivani Pandya, International Conference Services (ICS)

Article edited by Melanie Hudson, retired MPI Ottawa member