MPI Ottawa Celebrated Excellence at the Prix Prestige Awards Gala

Each year, MPI Ottawa hosts the Prix Prestige Awards Gala to #CelebrateExcellence of its active members for their commitment, service and involvement in the chapter, industry and community at large. After five years of volunteering as a committee member, Rebecca Trafford, Chic + Swell Event Designers stepped up to Chair the 2019 festivities and was able to assemble a team of incredibly creative and hard-working volunteers who all had a desire to provide unique guest experiences for this year’s event wherever possible. And that they did – on Thursday, May 15^th guests showed determination to get to the big event by braving the traffic caused by the Ottawa/Hull bridge closures…the high waters weren’t holding them back!

Guests arrived through the Casino Lac-Leamy entrance and volunteers from the Algonquin College Event Management program directed people to the theatre for the awards portion of the evening. Some special touches at registration included a themed VIP “back stage” pass (badge and lanyard) and for nominees, a custom card that provided key points stating why they were nominated, both generously provided by Ottawa Print Services as in-kind donations. Guests also received a complimentary drink voucher from the Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites as well as a $15 voucher to use in the Casino.

Following a networking reception, guests were treated to a new theme and format for the awards presentation portion of the event – Oscar style. Christina Amos, Ottawa Tourism graciously volunteered to emcee the evening and Marye Menard Bos was introduced as  the “Voice of Goddess” once again this year. The Casino Lac Leamy theatre stage boasted larger than life gold statues and elegant floor to ceiling red draping providing a true Oscar feel. Each award category was co-presented by one of the valued partners alongside last year’s winners in that same category. This new concept provided a more interactive and engaging experience for our sponsors allowing them to convey their messages to the audience in a creative way and to again acknowledge the recipient of the award from the previous year. Everyone really embraced the new concept through use of props – umbrellas, sunglasses, selfies and more! Congratulations to all nominees and to the following award recipients:

• Student of the Year:

  Alexandra Melbourne, Canadian Bureau for International Education

• Rising Star:

  Courtney Jones, CMP, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

• Volunteer of the Year:

  Angelita Aboukassam, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

• Planner of the Year:

  Riccarda Galioto, Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (AMMI) Canada 

• Supplier of the Year:

  Ryan Young, Brookstreet Hotel

• Mentor of the Year:

  Brian Henry, Quality Entertainment

• Honorary Member Award:

  Ruta Klicius

• President’s Award:
  

  David Dugas

The planning committee was very conscious of timing for the awards presentations and what was awaiting their guests - a delicious culinary experience created by Chef Christian at the Hilton Lac-Leamy. Following the hour-long award presentations, volunteers directed guests to the Hilton Lac Leamy to follow the red carpet walk of fame experience that welcomed guests to the beautiful Mozart Ballroom where a unique and elegant set up was introduced. The “in the round” set up and décor was brought to life by Chic + Swell Event Designers, AV Canada, and the Hilton Lac-Leamy.

Article Edited By: Darlene Kelly-Stewart, Stonehouse Sales and Marketing Services