Canadian Communiqué, Fall/Winter 2004

Canadian Communiqué, Fall/Winter 2004
It’s All About Execution
Karen Massicotte, CMP, Canadian Representative,
International Board of Directors,
[email protected]
I am in search of July, August, September and October 2004.
Where did the first four months of the new MPI year go?
The months may have flown by, but what has been
accomplished in the past four months has been outstanding.
MPI is focused on execution and bold leadership, and Canada has definitely stepped up to the
plate.
This year we have an outstanding showing of leaders at the chapter level and at the international
committee level. The International Board of Directors (IBOD) has an unprecedented three
representatives from Canada.
So, what has happened during the past four months?
July closed with the second largest World Education Congress (WEC) in MPI history, and
Canada had another successful showing at the event.
In August, the seven Canadian chapter presidents, three IBOD representatives, international
committee members and staff outlined a business plan for MPI Canada. Throughout two days,
discussion groups analyzed MPI Canada and the Canadian meetings and conventions industry,
identified potential new markets for MPI, developed initiatives and defined the needs/results for
MPI Canada’s business plan.
After this meeting, Elizabeth Henderson, Leslie Wright, Nikki Wright and I visited MPI’s Dallas
headquarters to develop the framework for the business plan. Meanwhile, Leslie and Nikki
worked with member services staff to bring back the tools they needed to fully manage Canadian
memberships.
August closed with the sold-out Certified Meeting Management program in Vancouver.
Prior to attending the IBOD meeting in September, I had the privilege of attending the European
presidents meeting. It was a fantastic meeting, and I brought back a great deal of information and
tools to be considered for the Canadian business plan. The IBOD meeting included two days of
intense, strategic discussions on where we will take the association during the next three years as
we execute Pathways to Excellence.
By the end of September, MPI had 1,302 Canadian members.
In October, staff, volunteers and I focused on writing the Canadian business plan, which will raise
the profile of the industry and MPI nationally through education, recruitment, membership
retention and communications initiatives. What will this do for our members? It will provide
them with Canada-specific education, increased awareness and influence of the meetings industry
in Canada and increased business opportunities for Canadian members. Our path is set, and now
we are developing the guide that will take MPI Canada to the next level.
This year, we challenged MPI leaders to be bold in their execution and leadership. I challenge
each of my fellow Canadian MPI members to be bold with their membership. Get involved with
your chapter; no matter how big or small, it all makes a difference!
Tout est dans l’exécution
Karen Massicotte, CMP, Représentante du Canada, Conseil
d’administration de MPI International,
[email protected]
Je ne sais pas où sont passés juillet, août et septembre.
Qu’est-il advenu des quatre premiers mois de la nouvelle
année de MPI? Si ces quatre mois sont passés vite, ce qui a
été accompli pendant cette période est pourtant tout à fait
remarquable. MPI privilégie l’exécution et un leadership fougueux et le Canada s’est sans aucun
doute montré à la hauteur.
Nous avons cette année des leaders remarquablement performants dans nos différentes sections
ainsi que dans les comités internationaux. Fait sans précédent, le Conseil d’administration de MPI
International compte actuellement trois représentants du Canada.
Que s’est-il passé au cours des quatre derniers mois?
Juillet a vu la fin du deuxième plus grand Congrès mondial sur l’éducation (World Education
Congress – WEC) de l’histoire de MPI et le Canada a encore une fois été bien représenté à cette
manifestation.
En août, les présidents des sept sections canadiennes, trois représentants du Conseil
d’administration international, ainsi que des membres des comités internationaux et du personnel
ont élaboré un plan d’activités pour MPI Canada. Pendant deux jours, des groupes de discussion
ont analysé MPI Canada et le secteur canadien des réunions et des conventions, identifié de
nouveaux marchés possibles pour MPI, conçu de nouvelles initiatives et cerné les
besoins/retombées à prendre en compte dans le plan d’activités de MPI Canada.
Après cette réunion, Elizabeth Henderson, Leslie Wright, Nikki Wright et moi sommes allées au
siège de MPI à Dallas pour élaborer un cadre pour ce plan d’activités. Leslie et Nikki en ont
profité pour travailler en collaboration avec le personnel responsable des services aux membres
afin de rapporter les instruments dont elles ont besoin pour gérer pleinement les adhésions au
Canada.
Fin août, nous avons eu le programme de certification en gestion de réunions (Certified Meeting
Management) à Vancouver.
Avant de participer à la réunion du Conseil d’administration international en septembre, j’ai eu
l’honneur d’assister à la réunion des présidents européens. C’était une réunion fantastique et j’ai
rapporté beaucoup d’information et d’instruments à considérer pour le plan d’activités canadien.
Dans le cadre de la réunion du Conseil d’administration international, nous avons eu deux
journées de discussions stratégiques intenses sur les orientations de l’association pour les trois
prochaines années alors que nous mettrons à exécution Pathways to Excellence.
Fin septembre, MPI comptait 1302 membres canadiens.
Au mois d’octobre, des employés, des bénévoles et moi nous sommes concentrés sur la
préparation du plan d’activités canadien qui aidera à accroître la visibilité de l’industrie et de MPI
au niveau national, par le biais de l’éducation, du recrutement, du renouvellement des adhésions
et d’initiatives de communications. Qu’est-ce que cela signifiera pour nos membres? Cela les
aidera à développer leurs connaissances sur le Canada, à mieux comprendre et influencer
l’industrie des réunions dans notre pays et à multiplier les débouchés. Nous avons déterminé la
voie à suivre et maintenant nous sommes en train de préparer le guide qui permettra à MPI
d’accéder au niveau supérieur.
Cette année, nous mettons les leaders de MPI au défi de se montrer fougueux dans leur exécution
et dans leur leadership. Je mets également mes compatriotes au sein de MPI à faire preuve d’une
fougue comparable pour le recrutement de nouveaux membres. Soyez actifs dans votre section.
Quelle que soit sa taille, cela change tout!
French translation sponsored by InfoLink: The Conference Publishers
A Message from Your Canadian Office
Leslie Wright, Director of Canadian Operations, [email protected]
Since the last issue of the Canadian Communique, there has been a great
deal of activity on the Canadian front.
At the very successful WEC in Denver, the Ottawa Chapter won the 20032004 Newsletter of the Year Award for chapters under 250 members.
Congratulations Ottawa!
In August, I attended the Canadian presidents meeting in Calgary, along with a number of MPI
staff and Canadian IBOD members as mentioned in Karen Massicotte’s article. We had hours of
great discussion that is the basis for the Canadian Business Plan, in its draft stages before being
sent to the International Board of Directors for approval. There is so much more to be done in
Canada and when I continually hear at trade shows from people that they didn’t know MPI
existed, it shows that we haven’t got the message out far enough in Canada. The business plan
will be an exciting step for us and one in which we all can participate.
Colin Rorrie, Jr., Ph.D., CAE, MPI President &
CEO and Angie Pfiefer, MPI International Board
Member
Colin Rorrie, Jr., Ph.D., CAE, MPI President/CEO
serving Karen Massicotte, MPI International Board
of Directors and Patricia Dameron, MPI Vice
President Member Growth and Care
It was a special treat to have Angie Pfeifer,
Marla Seymour and MPI President and CEO
Colin Rorrie Jr., Ph.D. CAE, help cook and serve
us dinner at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Calgary.
MPI Canada had a booth at the Canadian
Meetings and Incentive Travel Show (CMITS),
Aug. 25 in Toronto. The show attracted many prospects for Canada, and it gave us an opportunity
to speak with members who were at the show. Next year, CMITS will change its name to
IncentiveWorks, and the trade show will run over two days.
During October, the Executive Travel Services Shows were held across Canada, and each MPI
chapter was involved in staffing the booth in its region. Some of the shows had significant
attendance, and the MPI booth drew such large audiences that that we sometimes ran out of
marketing materials. We will follow up with all the leads from the show with information about
MPI.
I also attended The Motivation Show (ITME) in Chicago and helping out with other staff at the
MPI booth. This was my first time at such a large trade show, and it was very overwhelming.
During the three days, I not only talked to a number of MPI members, but I also had the
opportunity to sell MPI to potential members. There were two things that surprised me: people in
the United States don’t hesitate to sign up on the spot for membership and think the US$375 fee
to join is a bargain. Clearly, we need to be able to communicate that message to Canadians – that
the value is one that you can’t miss.
I’ve started asking members to send me testimonials that will support our recruitment process.
Here is what one member, Doug Bolger, had to say: “MPI surprised me. After years of people
recommending us to join, I did. The amount of business we’ve received and the connections
we’ve made have been invaluable. Our MPI involvement is growing the business. The members
of MPI are the people to know and the people who do the best work. Join, you won't regret it.” I’d
also like to hear from you about the value of MPI.
I joined MPI in February 1988. I didn’t know MPI existed six months prior to joining, but I was
enrolled in a continuing education program at Humber College, and the first course was on
meetings and conventions. Both of the instructors were MPI members and spoke about the
organization. They invited us to one of the Toronto Chapter meetings, and since I was seeking
something more specific to my industry, I attended. By the end of the meeting, I knew that this
was the place I needed to be, and I applied right away.
So, what has MPI done for me? Education and networking are at the top of the list. In 1989, not
quite one year after becoming a member, I attended my first Professional Education Conference
in Long Beach, Calif. I came back to my office and talked about the value of the conference so
much that my business partner attended the next year.
But there’s more than education and networking. I’ve gained confidence, leadership skills and
many, many friends. It’s not just about going to a meeting once a month. It’s about the vision of
what MPI could be in Canada. It’s about helping others in the industry, as well as mentoring,
sharing, laughing and crying together. It’s about pride in my industry association and believing
that MPI can make a difference. It’s the place to be!
My hope is that we all share the same pride and passion about MPI and are willing to go out and
share what we feel with others. We all know people in the industry who aren’t members. If every
member in Canada recruited only one new member this year, think how much stronger we would
be!
Un message de votre bureau canadien
Leslie Wright, Directrice des opérations, Canada,
[email protected]
Depuis le dernier numéro du Communiqué canadien, il s’est passé
beaucoup de choses du côté du Canada.
Au très réussi Congrès mondial sur l’éducation (World Education
Congress – WEC) à Denver, la Section d’Ottawa a gagné le Prix du
meilleur bulletin d’information pour 2003-2004 pour les sections de moins
de 250 membres. Bravo Ottawa!
Au mois d’août, je suis allée à la réunion des présidents canadiens à Calgary, avec plusieurs
employés de MPI et des membres canadiens du Conseil d’administration international, comme
indiqué dans l’article de Karen Massicotte. Pendant des heures, nous avons eu des discussions
passionnantes qui ont servi de base au plan d’activités canadien qui est actuellement en cours
d’élaboration et sera envoyé au Conseil d’administration pour être approuvé. Il reste tant de
choses à faire au Canada et, quand j’entends sans cesse des gens me dire, à des salons
professionnels, qu’ils ignoraient l’existence de MPI, cela montre bien que nous n’avons pas
suffisamment fait passer le message dans notre pays. Le plan d’activités sera un premier pas
important que nous devrions tous soutenir avec enthousiasme.
C’était un véritable plaisir de nous faire préparer et servir un dîner par Angie Pfeifer, Marla
Seymour et Colin Rorrie Jr,, président et chef
des opérations de MPI, à l’hôtel Hyatt Regency
à Calgary.
Colin Rorrie, Jr., Ph.D., CAE, MPI President &
CEO and Angie Pfiefer, MPI International Board
Member
Colin Rorrie, Jr., Ph.D., CAE, MPI President/CEO
serving Karen Massicotte, MPI International Board
of Directors and Patricia Dameron, MPI Vice
President Member Growth and Care
MPI Canada avait un stand au Canadian Meetings and Incentive Travel Show (CMITS), le 25
août à Toronto. Le salon a ouvert beaucoup de débouchés pour le Canada et nous a donné
l’occasion de parler à d’autres membres qui y participaient. L’an prochain, CMITS sera rebaptisé
IncentiveWorks et le salon durera deux jours.
En octobre, des Executive Travel Services Shows ont été organisés dans tout le Canada et des
membres de chaque section de MPI ont aidé à tenir le stand de l’association dans leur région.
Certains des salons ont attiré un public nombreux et, à certains endroits, le stand MPI a reçu
tellement de visiteurs que nous sommes tombés en panne de prospectus. Nous ferons un suivi en
envoyant de la documentation sur MPI à toutes les personnes susceptibles d’être intéressées avec
qui nous avons été en contact au salon.
Je suis aussi allée au Motivation Show (ITME) à Chicago où j’ai aidé, avec d’autres, a tenir le
stand MPI. C’était ma première expérience avec un salon professionnel aussi grand et j’ai été
sidérée. Pendant les trois jours, j’ai eu l’occasion de parler à des membres de MPI mais surtout de
vendre MPI à des membres en puissance. Deux choses m’ont surprise : aux États-Unis, les gens
signent sur le champs, sans hésiter, et trouvent que, à 375 US$, l’adhésion est très abordable. Il
est clair que c’est un message que nous devons pouvoir faire passer aux Canadiens – devenir
membre de MPI est une affaire à ne pas laisser passer.
J’ai commencé à demander aux membres de m’envoyer leurs témoignages pour nous aider dans
nos efforts de recrutement. Voici ce que Doug Bolger, membre de MPI, nous a dit : « MPI m’a
surpris. Pendant des années, des gens m’ont conseillé de devenir membre et j’ai fini par le faire.
Le volume d’affaires et les contacts que cela nous a apportés ont été précieux. Notre participation
à MPI est synonyme de croissance pour notre compagnie. Les membres de MPI sont les gens que
nous devons connaître et ils font un excellent travail. Devenez membre, vous ne le regretterez
pas. » J’aimerais aussi savoir ce qui, selon vous, fait la valeur de MPI.
Je suis devenue membre en février 1988. Six mois plus tôt, je ne savais même pas que
l’association existait mais j’étais inscrite à un programme de formation continue à Humber
College et le premier cours portait sur les réunions et les conventions. Les deux enseignants
étaient membres de MPI et ont parlé de l’association. Ils nous ont invités à une réunion de la
section de Toronto et, comme j’étais à la recherche de quelque chose se rapportant plus
directement à mon industrie, j’y suis allée. À la fin de la réunion, je savais que c’était là que je
voulais être et j’ai aussitôt envoyé mon bulletin d’inscription.
Qu’est-ce que MPI m’a donc apporté? Formation et réseaux sont en tête de liste. En 1989, un peu
moins d’un an après que je sois devenue membre, je suis allée à ma première conférence sur la
formation professionnelle (Professional Education Conference) à Long Beach en Californie. De
retour à mon bureau, j’ai tellement vanté l’intérêt de la conférence que mon associé y est allé
l’année suivante.
Mais cela va au-delà de la formation et des réseaux. Être membre de MPI m’a donné de
l’assurance, a fait de moi un meilleur leader et m’a apporté plein plein d’amis. Ce qui est
important, ce n’est pas d’aller à une réunion une fois par mois, c’est d’imaginer ce que MPI
pourrait être au Canada. C’est d’aider les autres membres de notre industrie et puis servir de
mentor, partager, rire et pleurer ensemble. C’est la fierté que je ressens au sujet de mon
association professionnelle et ma conviction que MPI peut faire progresser les choses. C’est là
que je veux être!
Ce que je souhaite, c’est que mes espoirs et ma passion pour MPI soient partagés par tous et que
nous soyons tous prêts à communiquer ces émotions à d’autres. Nous connaissons tous des gens
de notre industrie qui ne sont pas membres. Si chaque membre canadien en recrutait un autre
cette année, imaginez la force qui serait alors la nôtre!
French translation sponsored by InfoLink: The Conference Publishers
Imagine the Future: MyCareer@MPIWeb
Elizabeth Henderson, CMP, Manager of Global Chapter Relations
and Development, [email protected]
Imagine that there was one resource you could go to for advice on
career planning and educational direction, specific to the meeting
and event industry. No, it isn’t a mentor, although it will have
mentoring options. It isn’t your local college, university, or other
educational institution, although it could on occasion refer you
there. It isn’t even online learning, although it will be Web-based and may suggest online
learning courses. It can track your progress in achieving your goals and advise you regarding your
next steps to reach your career destinations. Now imagine it was a real program. It is! It is the
brainchild of MPI, called Career Pathways.
Although still in the planning stages, within the next 24 months, you will see it come to fruition.
The technology proposal to support this massive and industry-changing endeavour was recently
approved by the International Board of Directors. On the MPI Web site today, learn more about
Career Pathways at http://www.mpiweb.org/resources/pathways/ . Among the offerings are:
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A variety of career tracks
Extensive resources and tools for career development
A detailed and comprehensive application process
Pre- and post-assessments to verify progress
Online and interactive support (listservs, electronic reminders, etc.)
Supplemental coaches and/or mentors
In-person member care (opportunity to speak with a skilled program representative)
Links to MPI educational programs, seminars, books, speakers, consultants, technology,
etc.
Choices for distance learning
Connections to academic institutions with educational tracts that support the meeting
profession.
Career Pathways marks a profound contribution to building recognition and mapping a body of
knowledge for the meetings and events industry. In terms of value to your career, it could be
priceless. Imagine that!
For more information on Career Pathways, send an e-mail to [email protected].
Imaginez l’avenir : MyCareer@MPIWeb
Elizabeth Henderson, CMP, Gestionnaire des relations publiques
et du développement, bureau mondial, [email protected]
Imaginez-vous une source d’information unique où vous pourriez
trouver des conseils pour la planification de votre carrière et de
votre formation, une information qui serait spécifique à l’industrie
des réunions et des conférences. Non, il ne s’agit pas d’un mentor,
même si le mentorat sera l’une des options. Ce n’est pas non plus
votre collège ou université local ou un autre établissement
d’enseignement, même si vous pourriez y être renvoyé. Il ne s’agit même pas d’apprentissage en
ligne, même si cette source d’information se trouvera sur le Web et suggérera des cours de
formation en ligne. Elle pourra suivre vos progrès dans la poursuite de vos objectifs et vous
conseiller sur les prochaines étapes à suivre pour arrivez où vous le souhaitez dans votre carrière.
Imaginez maintenant qu’il s’agisse d’un vrai programme. Et bien, ce programme existe! Il a été
inventé par MPI et s’appelle Career Pathways.
Bien qu’il soit encore au stade de la planification, dans les 24 mois qui viennent, vous le verrez
arriver à maturité. Le projet technique derrière cette entreprise considérable qui transformera
notre industrie a récemment été approuvé par le Conseil d’administration international. Consultez
dès aujourd’hui le site Web de MPI à http://www.mpiweb.org/resources/pathways/ pour en
savoir davantage sur Career Pathways. Ce programme offre entre autres :
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Tout un éventail de cheminements de carrière
Un large choix de ressources et d’outils pour le développement professionnel
Un processus d’inscription détaillé et complet
Évaluations avant et après pour vérifier les progrès
Soutien interactif en ligne (listservs, rappels électroniques, etc.)
Conseillers et/ou mentors supplémentaires
Assistance en personne pour les membres (possibilité de parler à un représentant de
programme qualifié)
Liens avec des instruments, consultants, conférenciers, livres, séminaires et programmes
éducatifs de MPI
Possibilités d’apprentissage à distance
Liens avec des établissements d’enseignement supérieur offrant des programmes
pertinents pour les professionnels des réunions.
Career Pathways contribue de façon essentielle à la reconnaissance accrue de notre industrie et à
la cartographie du savoir sur l’industrie des réunions et des conférences. En termes de sa valeur
pour votre carrière, ce programme n’a pas de prix. Imaginez un peu!
Pour de plus amples renseignements sur Career Pathways, veuillez envoyer un courriel à
[email protected]
French translation sponsored by InfoLink: The Conference Publishers
Festivex Special Events: Proud Producer of the Team Canada
Reception in Athens, Greece
By Linda B. Huskins, CMP
When Carole Saad of Festivex Special Events returned from the Athens Olympics after producing
the Team Canada Reception there, I knew everyone would love to hear about her experience in
working on such an amazing and fabulous event, not to mention the opportunity of attending the
Olympics Opening Ceremonies!
Carole tells me that once Festivex was awarded the contract, the planning phase began with a site
visit to the facility in January 2004. The planning of this high-profile international event, Carole
said, was not without its challenges, as any planner who has organized a conference or event
overseas can attest to.
Festivex’s mandate was to create an all-Canadian ambience to greet the athletes in Greece. The
reception – to be held Aug. 11 at the Nissis Club in Kiffisia, Greece, for 700 guests – had to be
elegant, tasteful and inviting, but not “over the top.”
The decor consisted of a variety of red-and-white spandex sails lining the walkway to the
Olympic-size pool, a red-and-white replica of the Parthenon at the entrance and vertical
Provincial banners, which lined the walkway to the tent where the formal portion of the reception
was held. The big “splash” was the spandex decor installed in the pool. Thirteen sails were
anchored to the bottom of the pool and stretched out of the water and fastened to wire, which was
installed around the pool. When the sunset and the pool lights turned on, this spectacular décor
came to life in a magical way!
The reception kicked off with the presentation of the athletes. Twenty young Greek children
dressed in typical Greek costumes held signs and preceded the athletes by discipline into the tent.
The audience was on its feet, and thunderous applause filled the room.
Carol Saad and Guy at the Acropolis
Several speeches of good wishes followed,
concluding with a humorous talk by Winnipeg
native Nia Vardalos, star of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Jeanette Arsenault sang a beautiful and
powerful song, “One Dream / Un Rêve,” which she composed especially for the athletes. The
song highlighted the 100th anniversary of Canadian participation at the Olympic Games. The
evening concluded with the singing of our National Anthem to images of Canada from coast-tocoast on the screens. Red-and-white confetti streamers were fired into the audience to a very
enthusiastic crowd.
Guests then moved outside around the pool and feasted on a traditional Greek buffet and were
serenaded by strolling Greek musicians. Celebration was definitely in the air with athletes and
invited guests dancing and singing!
Needless to say, the entire Festivex Team was extremely overjoyed that the event was a total
success, with all of the objectives attained!
Carole added that the Festivex Team donned Canadian T-shirts and baseball hats and attended the
Opening Ceremonies at the incredible Olympic Stadium in Athens to cheer on Canada’s athletes
from the stands. What a tremendous way to finish off the week of a lifetime!
Chapter News
Ottawa Chapter: Fifth Annual MPI Golf Day a Huge Success
By Melanie Hudson
A record 29 foursomes signed up for the Fifth Annual MPI Golf Day, with participants coming to
Ottawa from as far away as Montréal, Toronto and Québec City. Despite a rainy morning, the
skies cleared for the afternoon event Aug. 19 at the Chateau Cartier, where Director of Sales and
Catering Patricia Pearson welcomed participants.
Thanks to almost 50 sponsors, there were plenty of giveaways, awards and door prizes. Through a
unique balloon raffle, $2,810 was raised for the School Breakfast Program, an Ottawa-area
charity that ensures 6,000 students receive a nutritious start to the day. More than 100 heliumfilled balloons, each with a sealed envelope attached, were sold to the golfers for $25 each. At the
end of the evening, when everyone was allowed to open their envelopes, one lucky person, Dave
Bruce, found he’d won an all-inclusive trip for two to the Caribbean, donated by Peter Hudson of
Hudson Travel Group. Also raised was $730 for the MPI Foundation Canada.
Starwood sponsors: Kelly Bolton and Edwin Frizzell from the
Sheraton Centre Toronto and Amina Hassan from the Westin Harbour
Castle.
Outaouais Tourism sponsors:
Marika Nadeau, Holiday Inn
Plaza la Chaudière; MarieMichelle Gauthier, Canadian
Museum of Civilization; and
Christine Cadieux Ramada
Plaza Hotel Le Manoir du
Casino.
Winning foursome: Marc Giroux, Anup Israni, Hubert Drouin and
Jeff Calderwood.
“Most
honest”
foursome:
Heather
Lockwood,
CMP;
Marye
Ménard-Bos,
CMP;
Michelle
Shortall, CMP; and
Sherryl Monette, CMP.
Toronto Chapter: Members enjoy Denver WEC
MPI Toronto Chapter members Suzanne
Forster, Janet Victor, Ernesta Graham, Alice
Parnis, Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald and
Robin Paisley joined by Manitoba Chapter
member Irene Davidson-Fisher (peeking out
behind Robin Paisley) enjoy Denver.
MPI Greater Calgary Chapter: A Full Calendar of Events
Our new board of directors is working toward another successful year with a great lineup of
educational, networking and fundraising events. Visit http://www.mpi-gcc.org to take a tour of
upcoming events in the Greater Calgary Chapter.
The chapter is also excited to welcome its newest member to the board, Nicolle Gomez, from the
Best Western Village Park Inn. Nicolle recently moved from Toronto, Ontario, and continues to
be active in MPI as the chapter director of special event fundraising.
MPI British Columbia Chapter: Kicking Off a New Year
By Arlene Kravitz, CMP
The Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel once again sponsored the MPI British Columbia
Chapter's opening event, "Schmooze at the Sheraton,” on Thursday, Sept. 9. Members and nonmembers were invited to register for a complimentary event where the MPI President and CEO
Colin Rorrie Jr., Ph.D., CAE, joined us for
a great evening of networking, food,
entertainment and displays by MPI
members. Melanie Cook, incoming chapter
president, introduced the 2004-2005 board
of directors, and Go For the Gold (the
chapter’s membership initiative) was
launched. Information on becoming an
MPI member was provided, along with
opportunities on volunteering.
Colin Rorrie, Jr., Ph.D., CAE, MPI President/CEO addressing the Vancouver Chapter meeting
Industry News
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Patti Mordasewicz, an MPI member since 1990, has been actively involved over the
years at the Ottawa Chapter level and served on the International Board of Directors.
Patti sent this e-mail, which we felt important to share with the Canadian membership.
“The changing of the guard isn't only happening on Parliament Hill this year. After a career
spanning 34 years, with 20of those in the meeting planning industry, I've decided it's time to slow
down and pick the daisies. I am retiring from my position as PRIME's Vice-President, Ottawa,
effective July 1, 2004.
I plan to stay in touch with the many friends and colleagues I have made over the years, and to
remain actively involved in the Ottawa Chapter of MPI. I'm going to spend the summer by the
pool, enjoying not rising to the alarm clock every morning. I'll dust off my golf clubs and read lots
of great books. I'm hoping that those pursuits will help to wean me from the adrenalin rush that
working in this industry has provided.
I'm leaving the Ottawa office in great hands, though. Gail McHardy, our director of operations,
will be taking on the role of general manager, and Mariann Canning will be carrying on in her
role as director of business development. And of course, the company will continue to be led by
our president, Jonathan Buchwald, headquartered in Vancouver.
So I'll say au revoir to clients and suppliers, to all my friends and colleagues in the industry. It’s
been a slice!”
Patti, we wish you well in your retirement. Thanks for the many hours you have
given to MPI since 1990.
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Ellen Ruberg has “fused” creative forces with Alice Parnis of Event Fusion, and they are
thrilled to announce the launch of their in-house decor studio. Event Fusion creates every
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element of special event design; concept/ theme, full scale production, tablescapes,
centrepieces, florals, ceiling treatments, props, live decor, linens, giveaways and
entertainment. Big things are happening at Event Fusion! Stay tuned for the launch of an
exciting new product line in 2005! For more information, contact Alice or Ellen at
416.504.9777, http://www.evenntfusion.net
The STRONCO Group of Companies has announced the purchase of CE3: Canada’s
Event and Expo Experts. The strategic merging of two of the largest Canadian-owned
full-service contractors will create the broadest portfolio and the most experienced
leadership team in the show services sector, delivering greater value to customers and
partners. For more information, contact [email protected].
Destination Planners Inc. (DPI) announced the appointment of Kim Cameron, CMP, to
managing director. With more than 20 years of diversified experience, Kim is the perfect
choice and best qualified for this position. During her 20-year career, Kim’s extensive
incentive travels have taken her and an esteemed roster of multinational clients to more
than15 countries and 60 cities and resorts around the world.
E=mc2 of Calgary was presented an Esprit Award at the Eventworld conference for Best
Entertainment Production for An Event worldwide for the Calgary Cares stage
production. The Esprit Awards recognize the best and most creative talent and efforts in
the special events industry and are presented by the International Special Events Society
(ISES).
Kris Crundwell, Director of Sales, Canada, welcomes Steven Barclay to InterContinental
Hotels Group Canadian National Sales Office. Steven joins the team from the
InterContinental Toronto Yorkville, where he was selling for the past five years. You can
contact Steven at [email protected].
Fairmont is allowing 100 members of its Fairmont President’s Club (FPC) to upgrade to
Premier status each month from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31. Premier benefits include a
complimentary third night on a three-night stay, access to an exclusive reservation
concierge, two room and suite upgrades, two $50 dining certificates and complimentary
access to hotel spas. FPC is free. (http://www.fairmont.com/fpc/premiergiveaway)
Effective Nov. 1, 2004, passengers using Pearson International Airport in Toronto will
have to pay an extra $3 in airport improvement fees.
Seeking accommodations for four-footed clients? Visit
http://www.dogfriendlydirectory.com to find pet-friendly accommodations anywhere in
the world.
Air Canada recognizes that every minute counts. Now you can check yourself in and
print your boarding pass from your computer. For the first time in Canada, Air Canada
has introduced simple to use Web check-in to save you time while offering you the same
convenient features as the express check-in kiosk. Avoid line-ups at the check-in counter;
go directly to security then straight to your departure gate. You have the ability to select
or change your assigned seat, put your name on a standby list for an earlier flight and put
your name on a standby list for an upgrade. http://www.aircanada.com
United Express recently launched three daily non-stop roundtrip flights between Ottawa
and Chicago.
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise doubled its meeting space in June when the Mount
Temple Wing opened. The property now has 12,000 square metres of meeting space. The
wing, named for its cathedral-like interior spaces and a tribute to the tallest peak in the
area, has a 700-seat ballroom with wall murals of surrounding wilderness and drop-down
screens.
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