6 Questions with Elodie Lortal

Name and designations: Elodie Lortal, CMP, DES, WPICC
Position: Meetings and Events Coordinator
Employer: National Arts Centre
Joined MPI in: February 2021

Contact information: 
Email: morini.elodie@gmail.com
Linked IN: Elodie Lortal

I’ve always had a passion for event planning, but my journey started in 2020 when I began my first industry role as a meeting and events coordinator for the National Arts Centre (NAC) in Ottawa. In my coordinator role, I was responsible for all logistical and technical aspects of in-person meetings. Two years later, I am starting a new life chapter, relocating to Paris, France. I will be a Sales Manager at the Novotel Paris Centre Eiffel Tower.

Why did you initially join MPI?

I initially joined MPI for the educational and networking opportunities, as I was new in the meeting and events industry, I wanted to build a strong professional network. Thanks to the MPI Ottawa study guide and support from Karen Norris, I passed my CMP Certification. The connections I have built through the Ottawa Chapter are friends who I turn to for advice and sharing best practices.

What do you like the most about MPI?

Because of MPI, I have made connections and strengthened relationships with members all over the world. In my home chapter MPI Ottawa, I have met members that I’m now able to call friends.

Where will you work in Paris?

I will be a sales manager (focusing towards external sales) at the Novotel Paris Centre Eiffel Tower. It is a 735 bedrooms hotel with 36 meetings spaces (32,000 sq. ft.). The hotel has a fine dining Japanese restaurant called the Benkay.

Will you still be involved with MPI?

Yes of course. The power of MPI is that it is a global association so I was able to transfer my membership to the MPI France/Switzerland Chapter. I am the Director of Communication and I am a volunteer in the marketing committee alongside with Ariane Schmidt.

What advice would you give to someone considering being a volunteer?

The same advice that I was given; that you get out of your MPI membership what you put in. Knowing that, I jumped right in to serve as a volunteer on the marketing committee. A few months after that, I became Chair of Chapter News and Views. During my time as Chair, I had the privilege of collaborating with Erin Bellwood and Disa Cameron and our amazing editor Darlene Kelly-Stewart. I also currently serve on MPI Canada Council, which is an exciting opportunity to develop within the larger MPI community and to collaborate with other MPI leaders.

Starting a new chapter in my life in Europe, I want to share everything I’ve learned and spread the MPI love to Europe.

Note: We all wish you every success in your new role and in your new home. Félicitations Elodie.

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