Getting to Know - Ursula Belanger

Name and designations: Ursula Belanger 
Position: Director, Global Accounts
Employer: Global Cynergies 
Joined MPI in: re-joined - 2022

Contact information: 
Email: ubelanger@globalcynergies.com     
Linked IN: Ursula Belanger | LinkedIn

Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you join the industry?

I was born and grew up in Koblenz a beautiful town on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers in Germany. Being an exchange student for a year in the US whetted my appetite to work and live internationally. What better industry than the hospitality industry, right? So after my hotel apprenticeship in Bonn, followed by completing the Hotel Management Program at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, I was able to take advantage of work opportunities in top hotels in Monaco, Switzerland, New York City and Munich. I loved them all for different reasons. At the age of 29 I followed my heart to Canada where I expanded my industry experience by working as a regional director for a hotel ownership group and at the Ottawa Convention Centre. I love my live in Ottawa, where my husband and I enjoy everything, this city has to offer and we also thrive on travelling throughout Canada and the world.

Social Media:

• What is the best industry blog or Ted Talk you’d recommend to fellow members?

I personally like the Cvent Blog as there is great content covering everything from best practices, tends and practical how-to tips. I also like BizBash for industry news and information on destinations and venues.

Inspiration:

• What is one dream you've seen fulfilled?

I always wanted to have my own business and I was so fortunate to have this opportunity with Global Cynergies. I am an independent licensee and I am the one in control - not only as far as my personal business success is concerned but also in terms of work-life balance.  Mind you, I also learned that not all things are within my control as COVID has taught me. So now my dream is to bring my business back up to speed, which of course means a quick and full come back of the hospitality industry and for me especially meetings, conventions and incentive programs on a national and international scale.

Professional:

• What is the best advice you have ever received?

Be yourself, give the person in front of you your undivided attention and listen more than you talk.

Personal:

• What is the best thing about being the age you are now?  

I think it comes down to a combination of experience, maturity and instincts. I don’t feel like I have to please everyone anymore. I allow myself to say no more often, set personal boundaries and to a degree, choose the people I surround myself with, work-wise and personally. I recognize toxicity, learned gratitude and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Networking: 

• What’s your favourite 'icebreaker question' at a networking event/best conversation starter?

If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be and why?

Last Words

I am excited about my year ahead as a member of MPI and my hopes are that we can all meet again in person very soon. Until then, let’s stay positive and test COVID negative!

Article edited by Darlene Kelly-Stewart, Stonehouse Sales & Marketing Services and long-time friend of Ursula’s