Getting to Know…Our Planner Member

Claire Fitzpatrick CMP CMM
Position: Consultant
Employer: CF Conference & Event Management Services
Joined MPI in 2001

Contact information:
Email: claire@meeting-planner.ca
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairefitzpatrickcmmcmp

About Claire

I was born in Calcutta, to an Indian father and British mother and have a twin brother as well as an older brother. When I was five my mother, brothers and I moved to England until my father could find work in Canada. After approximately nine months we joined my dad in St Catharines, Ontario. There was a subsequent family move to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia during my high school and university years. Once on my own, I headed west to work in Edmonton and then finally moved to Ottawa with my husband for a fresh start in a new city for both of us! I have three pretty amazing adult kids who also have the travel bug and have been having jaunts in different cities/countries. I have the best husband and life partner with whom I have travelled the world and we have not yet finished our adventures.

Career Path

I was on an unrelated career path within the Federal Government and had taken time off when my kids were young. Getting involved with their school and organizing events seemed to hit a chord with me. I decided (as a mature student) to try the Algonquin College Event Management program and focused on conferences. I was hooked. I joined MPI, met wonderful industry colleagues and decided that working as an independent was the journey for me!

Social Media:

What do you recommend following on social media (i.e. Twitter handle, Pinterest site, Facebook group, etc.)?

I am probably in a small minority who think we are inundated with social media and distracted by such a myriad of communication vices that our brain doesn’t have time to shut down! Instead of suggesting further links to follow, my recommendation would be to de-clutter your social media feeds!

Inspiration:

What are you currently reading or would recommend reading?

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks book by Rebecca Skloot.

Professional:

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

MPI backpack on wheels! It must be at least 10 years old and I still use it!

Personal:

What is the advice you would give to your younger self?

Some day in the future, people will start hugging you when they meet you…be prepared for it!

Networking:

What was your favourite networking event?

SPIN conference in Telluride, Colorado in 2012. Breaks were mini pop-up discussions…people would hold up a sign with a topic they wanted to chat about and individuals just clustered to whatever topic interested them (professional or personal). A great way to get into a discussion with new folks!

Article Written By Alison Peverley, The Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club

Article Edited By Cynthia Beaudin, Canada Foundation for Innovation