News Around Town – May 2025

MPI Ottawa Member News

Welcome to our new members. We can’t wait to see you at our next in-person or virtual event and welcome you to the MPI Ottawa community!

• Morgan Berson - Canadian Museum of Nature, Events and Marketing Coordinator
• Justin Chombe – Algonquin College, Student
• Julie Clement –  Ottawa Tourism, Manager, Business Events
• Marc Forgette – Makatew Workshops, President
• Abby Harrod – Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Conference Registration Assistant
• Maximillian Howe – Events & Management Plus Inc., Account Coordinator
• Andrea Jambooz
• Lorraine Marion – Hotel Mortagne, Directrice des ventes
• Jamie Orser – Coherent Solutions, Administrator and Registrar
• Tanya Poirier – MD Financial Management, Sr Producer of Events and Sponsorships for Canada East
• Sophyra Pum – Algonquin College, Student
• Kristina Sabourin, DES – Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Team Lead, Conference Management, EMHS
• Michael Schutte – Algonquin College, Student
• Penny Waddington – Events & Management Plus Inc., Association Manager

Looking for new opportunities to grow your business? Interested in collaborating on upcoming MPI Ottawa events? Check out our Ottawa Job Postings and Request For Proposals page!

Need to Renew your Membership?
Find out more at: www.mpi.org/join
For questions or further assistance, please contact help@mpi.org or call 866.318.2743
Apply for a Foundation Scholarship: https://www.mpi.org/about/foundation

Industry News in General

Photo Credit: Ottawa Tourism

Ottawa Tourism Launches “Responsible Events Guide”
Ottawa Tourism has unveiled the “Responsible Events Guide,” a dynamic and user-friendly resource crafted to support event planners in making eco-conscious, inclusive, and community-focused decisions when organizing gatherings in Canada’s capital. Whether you're just beginning your sustainability journey or looking to elevate your efforts, this guide is designed to inspire and equip organizers at every stage with practical strategies and meaningful insights.
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Events are NOT Bad Optics!

In March, when Julie Danaylov, co-founder of Cirque Revolution Events Inc., took to the stage to accept the Supplier of the Year award at the MPI Toronto Awards Gala, she delivered a rousing speech beseeching event pros to stand up for their value and fight back against the myth that events are “bad optics” in trying economic times. We invited Julie into the studio to dive further into this issue.
Listen to Ignite Your Events latest podcast here!

TIAC’s Open Letter to the Prime Minister

A letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney from the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, highlighting the vital role tourism plays in Canada’s economy and communities from coast to coast to coast.
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Upcoming MPI Ottawa Events

📅 Jun 12, 2025 – Fairmont Le Château Montebello
Camp MPI | MPI Ottawa Chapter

Get ready to swap stories around the "campfire," play classic camp games, and enjoy a hearty spread—all while celebrating our amazing MPI volunteers! 
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Upcoming Industry Events

Photo Credit: SITE Canada
📅 Jun 11, 2025 – 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM - The Boulevard Club, Toronto

SITE Canada Summer Social

Mix and mingle with SITE Canada at the Boulevard Club, a waterfront oasis in the city at SITE's Annual Summer Social. Enjoy a perfect summer evening filled with refreshing cocktails, delectables, in a vibrant gathering of industry peers. Take in the action at the auction tables, the breathtaking views, and celebrate the season in style. Don’t miss this chance to connect and unwind. 
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Photo Credit: CAEM

📅 Jun 16 - 18, 2025 – Fredericton, New Brunswick

CAEM Annual Conference

Experience a dynamic lineup of educational sessions that explore the latest industry trends and insights, and learn from renowned experts who will lead engaging discussions and offer fresh perspectives and practical knowledge you can apply to your work. 
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📅 Jun 18 - 20, 2025 – St. Louis, Kentucky

MPI WEC 2025

Join us in St. Louis for a groundbreaking experience that will elevate your event planning to new heights. 
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Photo Credit: CanSPEP

📅 Jun 23 - 26, 2025 – Kingston Marriott - Kingston, Ontario

2025 CanSPEP National Conference

The CanSPEP Conference is back, and this year we're heading to the stunning waterfront city of Kingston, Ontario – a location as unique and inspiring as the event itself. Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with amazing education sessions led by industry leaders, unparalleled networking opportunities with Canada's top event professionals, and the chance to explore Kingston's historic charm and scenic beauty. Last year's conference was a game-changer, and we're raising the bar even higher. Whether you're looking to gain cutting-edge insights, forge meaningful connections, or simply be inspired, this is the event you won't want to miss!
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 Article edited by Cynthia Beaudin, Canada Foundation for Innovation