A message from your MPI Toronto Board

In this post, we are happy to share a message from the Board, starting with some words from the Board President and then sharing some thoughts from some our current Board members.

Introductory words from your Board President, Wentworth Willock

It is hard to believe that nearly one-third of my 365 days as MPI Toronto Chapter President has passed. Back in January 2021, when I committed to this role, I suspected that the events industry would be facing a tumultuous future, but I could never have imagined how much change there could be in the next 22 months.

The realities facing our chapter are that our membership is down nearly 200 since June of 2019, we have eaten away at our reserves, we have fewer engaged volunteers than we had three years ago, and those volunteers have to invest more time and energy. We began this year with growth as our central theme.

The goal was to grow our membership, grow our reserve dollars and provide personal and professional development for our membership. I realize now that this is a lot to accomplish, and we must re-evaluate.

We have heard from our membership that you want good education and networking events. Suppliers want opportunities to make meaningful business connections, planners wish to find good jobs or hire competent employees, and others seek fellowship and community. I hear you and I want to help solve these issues.

Our first professional development event is November 18^th, and we would love to have you attend. Our re-imagined Holiday Gala will be on December 6^th. Planning is underway for our Awards Gala, GMID and THE EVENT.

We want to create job fairs as additions to our upcoming events. If you are an employer looking to hire or a job seeker looking to find work in your field, please reach out to us. Let's create meaningful connections that can help our members.

I need your help to get this done. If you want to volunteer or have ideas that could benefit the chapter, don't hesitate to contact me at wwillock@stagevision.com.

To all the volunteers who have worked tirelessly this year, thank you for your service. Our chapter continues to thrive because of your contributions.

Messages from other Board members

With such powerful words from our President, we asked other Board members: What do you hope to achieve in the upcoming year as part of the MPI Toronto Chapter Board? Here are their responses.

Tammy Bradley, CMP, VEMM (2022)
Vice President Finance & Special Projects

The last two and half years have been hard financially for our Chapter.  We had very little revenue coming in but still had expenses.  Luckily, the past Boards had grown our reserves to support us in this disruption.  I hope to start working on replenishing our reserve funds.  This will be done with a task force that I created.  We have already begun imagining new and unique ways to bring in more revenue to the Toronto Chapter so that the next time something happens that disrupts our industry in the future we will be set-up for success and survival!

Connie Cay-Santos, CMP, VEMM (2023)
Vice President Communications and Strategic Partnerships

There is a lot to be accomplished, and I'm excited that our board members are all talented leaders with whom we all have alignment in our directions. This upcoming year, I hope to continue to be part of the change for our chapter and lead with innovation and new ways to add value for our members.

For Communications, I hope to support our Director and Chairs in further elevating and distinguishing the quality of the communication content that is engaging, inspiring and leading thoughts into actions. 

For Strategic Partnerships, I look forward to supporting the growth and diversification of our partners who support the success of our MPI Toronto Chapter through their generous contribution throughout the year.

Zaman Ishaad, CMP, CED, DES
Vice President Education & Events

Volunteer engagement and recruitment. Volunteers are crucial to the chapter, and I hope to recruit new leaders by understanding their drive and value propositions. As we build new programs for our members, we need all the help we can get. In my new VP Role with the chapter, I plan to work on projects that will help the chapter grow!

Dwayne Rutheford, DES
Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion & Membership

For the 2022/2023 fiscal year, I hope to create an environment that is inclusive for all members. I want our membership to feel like they are getting more than what they pay for by ensuring they are aware of all of their benefits and how to take advantage of them. I also hope to create a system that allows our leadership team to connect our members in the way they wanted to be reached.

Darryl Andree
Director, Networking Events

In the upcoming year, my goal is to help rebuild our chapter events. We all know the importance of face -to-face events, so we want to make those events even more special. Since the last two years has been primarily online, I look forward to connecting our members to build stronger business relationship and help build our MPI membership.

Leanne McCartney
Director, Marketing & Communications

I hope to achieve a further sense of community within the MPI Toronto Chapter. I hope that all members feel welcome, safe and valued. I also hope that our members will grow in both a personal and professional capacity Looking forward to a great year ahead!

Mandy Moon
Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion & Membership

I hope to connect with our members and the events community in a meaningful way as we focus on exciting growth and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion opportunity. For the first time ever and from the hard work put in from the DE&I taskforce last year we are officially a committee alongside membership. I am hoping our committee can come together to achieve a measurable baseline for deliverables in this area.

Ryan Peddigrew
Director, Strategic Partnership

In the upcoming year as part of the MPI Toronto Chapter Board, I hope to add value to the MPI Toronto Chapter and surpass our set goals through the growth and development of strategic partnerships.