Getting to Know – Carole Saad

Name and designations:  
Name: Carole Saad, CMP
Position: President
Employer: chic and swell event designers + LouLou Lounge Furniture Rentals 
Joined MPI in: 1999 – 2015 + 2021-present

Contact information: 
Email: carole@chicandswell.com 
Linked IN: Carole Saad, CMP | LinkedIn

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born and raised in Montreal and moved to Ottawa after completing a BA in Sociology and Education at Concordia University. I will always have a special place in my heart for Montreal, but Ottawa is home and I love my city and the quality of life it offers. I have 3 grown children – Sebastien, Nicolas and Alexandra and I am very proud of the adults they’ve become. We are all very close despite living in different cities (and in my daughter’s case, a different continent!) and genuinely enjoy each other’s company. My fiancé Peter and I live in the Byward Market and love the downtown city vibe and proximity to attractions and restaurants.

How did you join the industry?

I began my career as a concierge at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel before moving to Ottawa and then joined the team at the Four Seasons Hotel (now the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel) and made life-long friends. I took a break to have my 3 children and returned to work part time for a conference company which opened my eyes to the world of events. Upon completion of the Events Program at Algonquin College, I jumped in with both feet, joined MPI and the rest is history! I started chic + swell events designers in 2009 and have planned corporate events across Canada, the US and abroad. In 2013, LouLou Lounge was launched to fill a niche in the rental market in Ottawa.

What do you recommend following on social media?

I love Ignite Magazine because it is a smart Canadian publication (available virtually as well) for Business Events. The layout is always fresh, the content is always relevant and their tagline says it all - “Where style meets substance” or as I like to say, it is a chic + swell resource for the modern Event Planning community

What is one dream you've seen fulfilled?

My entrepreneurial dream came true in 2009 and again in 2013. I couldn’t be happier that I took the risks because the rewards have been incredible. I credit a lot of my success to my colleague and best friend Cathy Montopoli for having been by my side from day one. Although we have planned and executed some fabulous events, I think that I am most proud of the harmony of my team and the work/life balance we live by. It has always been important to me to empower my team to soar, to support continuing education initiatives, and to laugh along the way. I can’t fathom working any other way.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

I think the best advice I have ever received was that it is more important to listen than to talk and no matter how successful you become, always stay humble. The saying “you’re only as good as your last show” is so true! Keep your feet on the ground, continue to learn and always keep an open mind and heart.

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

The best thing about being my age is that you don’t put up with any nonsense! I’ve learned to live my life in the present moment and take advantage of every opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family, travel, share a good meal and make memories. It really is the simple things that bring true and inner happiness. A new pair of shoes can also accomplish this!

What was your favourite networking event?

I’ve attended so many wonderful networking events over the years but the most recent one was the Canada Client Event we organized for Destination Canada in Las Vegas last November. The pent-up demand for in-person gatherings was let loose and the networking reception quickly turned into a dance party under the stars. The energy was electric and there was a feeling of elation and joy in the air!

Last Words:

"Everything resides on the other side of fear” so let go of the outcome and trust the journey. 

Article edited by Article edited by Cynthia Beaudin, Canada Foundation for Innovation