June President’s Message

This is it! June marks my final President’s message for MPI Ottawa. I have had the distinct pleasure of leading an incredible board. I know when I started this journey it seemed like a daunting task but I am really happy I did it. I think that if an opportunity presents itself and it scares you it is a good thing. Imagine how boring our daily lives would be if we kept doing the same thing and didn’t have the chance to grow?! In the events industry we are always pushing boundaries so why not push these boundaries when it comes to our own growth as individuals. If I slow down and look back I am proud of how far I have come, for me this was completely outside my comfort zone and I am glad I took that step. Thank you for letting me check so many things off my bucket list this year (including dancing on the NAC stage!).

Thank you David Dugas, for reminding me back at WEC in San Francisco that nothing amazing happens when you stay within in the box, greatness only happens when you dare to step outside your limits. I hope I can be an example for those of you who think you are too shy or don’t have the right experience for a new role, push your personal boundaries and take that leap of faith. It is an incredible adventure.

It is bittersweet to pass the gavel on to President-Elect Greg Plazek, his enthusiasm and general love for this industry and his colleagues is infectious and inspiring, and we couldn’t be more fortunate to have him stepping in to this role. I am proud to sit on the board next year as he leads us forward. I will be sad to say good bye to our exiting board members who are moving on. Their work behind the scenes has not gone unnoticed and we are a more vibrant chapter because of each one of them (Ryan Young; Sandra Leslie, CMP-HC; Martha Tobin; Cindy Gascon; Francine St-Martin; Chriss Holloway). After hours of debates, conversations, and laughter I consider them not only my peers but my friends.

When looking for my inspiration for this final message, I went back to the first message I wrote so long ago last July. My focus for my presidency was on the partnerships we build within the event industry and I feel that this year as been a true testament to this belief. Our successes (on so many levels) are dependent on our partnerships, whether it be between suppliers and planners, committee members and their directors, or an employee and employer, alone none of these things would thrive but when they are put together in the right combination they can truly thrive.

At the first board retreat I led and we began the planning for this program year, I shared a quote with the group about my personal philosophy/vision/personal quest/mantra (whatever you want to call it). I feel that if we can continue to make this part of regular working vocabulary we are setting not only ourselves up for success but each other.

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much” ~Helen Keller

Have a great summer,
Jen