May President’s Message

Wow, it is May! The snow is gone for good (we hope). I think we may have skipped spring somewhere along the line. With May comes the celebration of all that our members have accomplished during this program year. And what a year it has been.

I want to highlight what the Ottawa Chapter has accomplished this year, which from my perspective as President, has completely flown by. It felt like I was waiting FOREVER to take on the role as Ottawa Chapter President, and now in the blink of an eye, I am getting ready to pass the gavel. Time is a funny thing.

We started the year in September with a great kick-off (pardon the pun) with a visit from our own Ottawa Redblacks Cheerleaders, followed by engaging and inspiring educational sessions in October and November. We celebrated the holiday season with our friends and colleagues, and sang a little karaoke!

Over the chilly winter months, we had webinars and a tasting tour, along with the annual Charity Auction Dinner that raised more than $22,000 for the Ottawa School Breakfast Program and Hopewell. And just when you think that would have been enough, our chapter produced an outstanding Global Meetings Industry Day

 celebration, and we collaborated with MPI Toronto and MPI Montréal & Quebec to bring to life The EVENT.

No wonder we need a special occasion in May to celebrate. Our chapter has done a lot and we have so much to be proud of! These monthly offerings are the big moments, but we also have to recognize the other volunteers who help engage our members with DIYS, as well as those who record, photograph, tweet and Instagram about all these events, so those who have missed them get a taste of the awesomeness! We have created a wealth of online content that is shared not only locally but across the industry via Conventus, our online newsletter.

I would like to congratulate those who have been nominated by their peers for a Prix Prestige Award. Their contributions have had an impact on our chapter and our industry. We would not be nearly as successful if it weren’t for their actions; I extend my heartfelt thanks!

Student of the Year

Kalli Foster
Gabrielle Whittaker

Rising Star of the Year

Erin Bellwood, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG)
Patti Johnson, Chic & Swell
Briana Lavoy, Canadian College of Health Leaders

Supplier of the Year

Jay Elie, FMAV
Andrew Horsfield, The Lord Elgin Hotel
Desmond Lomas, The Howes Group
Violeta Ugarte, Meetings + Conventions Calgary

Volunteer of the Year

Angelita Aboukassam, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Erin Bellwood, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG)
Jill Garner, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Paul Glover, CMP, AMMI Canada
Meg LaPlante, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Desmond Lomas, The Howes Group
Jessica Poon, Canadian Cardiovascular Society
Violeta Ugarte, Meetings + Conventions Calgary

Mentor of the Year

Dora Dalietos, Vis-à-Vis Events Inc.
Brian Henry, Quality Entertainment
Chriss Holloway, AFMC
Janet Maslin, Canadian Pharmacists Association
Sandy Ouellette, Algonquin College of Hospitality and Tourism
Francine St. Martin, Canadian College of Health Leaders
Scott Ventresca, Business Events Toronto

Planner of the Year

Nathalie Carrier, Quartier Vanier BIA
Nicole Jeffrey, Canadian Produce Marketing Association
Katie Lemenchick, Mental Health Commission of Canada
Karen Norris, Canadian Association of General Surgeons

Honorary Member

Brent Moore

I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

Jen

   Article written by Jennifer McAndrew, Mastermind Event Rentals

Article edited by Melanie Hudson, National Association of Federal Retirees