2021 MPI RISE Award Recipient for Young Professional Achievement: Zaman Ishaad

Name and designations: Zaman Ishaad, CED, CMP, DES
2021 MPI RISE Award Recipient for Young Professional Achievement
Joined the MPI Toronto Chapter in 2015
Current Industry Position: Experience Strategist

Contact information
Current Employer: Nextech AR Solutions
LinkedIn: Zaman Ishaad
Twitter: Shazam_ryerson
Email: zaman.ishaad@nextech.com

Tell us a bit about yourself
I’ve been in Toronto all my life. I studied hospitality & tourism at Ryerson University. My dream was to work for Shangri La or Hyatt Hotels. Shortly after experiencing different roles in hotels, I was looking for a change in pace with an opportunity to plan events. I had event design skills, so I decided to work in the meetings and events industry.

How did you join the industry?
I’ve joined the industry right after I graduated in 2017. I worked in hotels for a bit but then I moved to a meeting planner job. In my previous role, I planned international education conferences in Africa, in Asia and in Europe. Being a MPI Member and going to conferences internationally allowed me to learn new skills for the demand of the industry.  

What are your recommendations for...

Social Media:

• What social media platform do you recommend to a young industry professional?

I would say Twitter and LinkedIn are the most useful for lot of industry people.  Twitter allows you to engage in meaningful conversation with other like-minded professionals. It is the perfect platform to share your message with your targeted audience.  LinkedIn is the platform to share updates around your career, to connect with employers, to network.

• What is the best industry show you’d recommend to fellow members?

Since we are limited right now for Industry events, for interest I would recommend the show Restaurant Impossible with Chef Robert Irvine on the Food Network. Chef Robert is teaching us how to turn around failing restaurants and implement consistent standards.

Inspiration:

• What do you want to accomplish before your next birthday?
  

I had a personal career coach to help me work on my personal goals. One of my goals is to present at conferences. I want to develop my own content to share about my two favourite event industry topics: Event design and Sponsorship. I want to empower planners with the resources, strategies and project management skills to make a difference in our industry. I’ve co-founded a company: Empower Meetings with two of my MPI friends Emilia J. Kim and Lynn Miedzik

• What might you consider doing if you could get over your fear?

I love this quote “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” by Wayne Gretzky. I think about this quote when I want to push beyond my fears.

• What are you currently reading or would recommend reading?

“The time is now” by my MPI friend Angeles Moreno, founder of The Creative Dots. It teaches you how to engage your audiences and organizational transformation.

Professional:

• What is one small adjustment that has had a big impact on you professionally?

I would say exploring different industries and opportunities. Before the pandemic I worked in international education but when things slowed down, I had to find a new job in the tech industry. Transitioning helped me to learn what other opportunities there are in the world. It made me grow.

• What is your best way to tame your nerves before a work event?

Usually, I get a booster juice or a bubble tea. It allows me to cool & calm down. I love eating a good breakfast too.

Networking:

• What is the best mistake you ever made at a networking event?

I can tell you a story: I was invited to a Black-Tie Event, but I didn’t know how to tie a tie. I was in the bathroom, struggling to try to tie my tie when, one of the people attending the event, entered and kindly taught me how to tie my tie. We started having conversation and we became friends.

• What was your favourite networking event?

The 2020 MPI EMEC Conference in Sevilla, Spain.
I attended a hosted buyer program which consisted of a ten-course meal with Spanish Food. I remember a program where you make the paella with the supplier. It was an incredible experience and the best way to connect.  

Last words
To volunteer as a way to network is the best advice I can give to a new person entering the meetings & events industry. Being able to work on different projects, with different members, to learn new skills make you grow outside of your comfort zone.



Karen Wiersma, David Dugas, Ryan Young, Karen Norris are my MPI Ottawa Chapter friends and mentors. Without their support I would not have been where I am. I am extremely grateful.  

 Article written by Elodie LORTAL, CMP, DES | LinkedIn

Article edited by Darlene Kelly-Stewart, Stonehouse Sales & Marketing Services