Member Spotlight - Erinn Young, HVED, Conference and Event Services Manager, Ontario Bar Association

How many years have you been a member of MPI?

4 years

How did you get your start in the industry?  

After graduating Georgian College, I went to New Hampshire University for Hospitality which was geared for international hospitality students. I had an internship at a conference centre in Houston, TX which lead me to a permanent job with an incentive planning company. I stayed in Texas for 4 years.

What is the most memorable event you have planned or client experience you have had?

Most memorable would be an Incentive trip I planned and executed in Paris, France in the year 2000.Not just for the location, but the appreciation from the client and attendees. And it was my first International event!

What advice would you give to someone just coming into the industry?

Have a flexible mindset and find a mentor.

What are some things you do to keep interested, updated and inspired?

Network! Hearing what others are doing, what venues they like and don’t like, what unique entertainment or swag is available. I love TV food shows - it is my guilty pleasure.

What are some of the challenges you faced when the pandemic hit ?

It was to immediately learn how to work remotely. My company had been using Zoom well before 2020 so there wasn’t much of a learning curve about virtual meetings. Now it is keeping up with all the integrations and unique engagement options.

How is your practice changed during COVID? // Have you changed your line of professions or in terms of sector?

No changes. I know I am lucky to have remained employed through this difficult time. I completed certifications in Event Directing and Virtual Meeting Management to upskill and keep relevant.

What are some lessons learnt from this change?

Lessons from this change, speaking from being in-person to remote working I would say: having to make more time to connect with colleagues. No physical water cooler or chat at their desk. I have also really loved being at home and flexing my work schedule for mental health, walks with my pup and quality time with my husband.

What are some things which you will continue practicing even after COVID?

I would like to try and continue having a flexible work schedule with a few days onsite and a few days remote officing.