Getting to Know - Lizzy Low

Name and designations: Lizzy Low 
Position: Manager, Business Events
Employer: Ottawa Tourism
Joined MPI in: 2021

Contact information: 
Email: llow@ottawatourism.ca 
Linked IN: Lizzy Low

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born and raised in Birmingham, Michigan (Metro Detroit) and lived in Lansing, the Capitol of Michigan, after graduating from Michigan State University- Go Green!  I moved to Ottawa, in 2015 when I married my husband and fellow MPI member, Roger MacKinnon.  We have an amazing three-year-old daughter together and I am a stepmom to my beautiful 14-year-old stepdaughter.

How did you join the industry? Was it a straight path or a more circuitous route?

My path is the furthest thing from straight! My degree is in Social Relations and Policy, and my professional career began in the Michigan legislature and then into communications in the lobbying world.  When I moved to Canada, my experience in US government didn’t quite translate.  Other skills ended up shining through as I joined Ottawa Tourism’s Membership and then Destination Development teams before joining the Business Events team for the past five years. Business Events sales at the best DMO in Canada marries all of my professional passions: stakeholder relations, hospitality and events, and most importantly, PEOPLE!

Social Media:

What do you recommend following on social media?

Glennon Doyle always: @glennondoyle on Instagram.

I try to keep my social media as uplifting and inspirational as possible.

Inspiration:

What are you currently reading or would recommend reading?

“Where to Begin” by Cleo Wade and “Be the Hero: Be the Change” by Matthew Friedman.  Both books are about how to effect big change starting with small actions in your everyday life.

Professional:

What is the best giveaway item you’ve ever received at a conference/event?

The Shaw Centre’s aviator sunglasses from this year’s MPI Ottawa Golf Tournament are my favourite! 

Personal:

What is the last big change you made in your life?

The last two and half years have been one giant change!  During the lockdowns, I did alright mentally and started to think maybe I was actually an introvert at heart. It has only taken a few in person events to remind me that it’s the people and the connections that really do fill my cup, and that is why this industry is so special to me.

Networking:

What was your favourite networking event?

The 2021 MPI Festive Event was such a great event- the beginning of real, live events again.  It was so fun to see everyone in person again after so long!

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