President's Message - March 2026

We’ve made it to March! Daylight saving time has arrived, the evenings are brighter, and it no longer feels like its time to go to bed at 5 p.m. The snow is even beginning to melt and the weather is warming up.  Although, having said that, I haven’t checked the forecast in the last hour, so we could very well be back to snow.

While the winter was long, it certainly came with many highlights, including Meet Week in February. For one snowy week, Ottawa becomes the industry’s hottest place to be, with a jam-packed schedule of incredible events hosted by our industry associations. Full of networking, education, charitable giving, laughter, and connection, we set out to answer the question: Is it possible to attend 19 events simultaneously? Let’s find out! By the end of the week, I was certainly ready for yet another important event—a meeting with my couch, catered by UberEATS.

The MPI Ottawa Education Committee delivered yet another highly successful edition of the Roundtables. This sold-out event featured thoughtful discussions across a range of topics, including a “Potpourri” table (or, as I like to call it, the “Miscellaneous Table”) where attendees could discuss any of their most pressing issues. It remains one of my favourite events, as professionals in this industry always have fascinating stories and valuable experiences to share.

Tête-à-Tête is always a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces. The MPI Membership team and friends were on hand at the association booth, ensuring a warm and welcoming presence for both current members and those interested in learning more about MPI.

The Charity Auction was also a tremendous success. Thanks to the generosity of our silent and live auction donors, we raised over $30,000 in support of Dreams Take Flight, Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre, Ottawa Food Bank, Moisson Outaouais, and the MPI Foundation.

Coming up next on the Calendar will be Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) on May 6^th.  Watch this space for more details on GMID and how to participate.  It’s also never too early to start planning to attend MPI WEC in June. If you need financial support to attend, the deadline to apply for a scholarship is March 27^th, so don’t delay!

As we head into April, we will soon be launching the applications for the 2027 MPI Ottawa Board of Directors. If you are looking to grow your skills, while also giving back to the industry and our chapter and gaining new friendships, I strongly encourage you to apply.

I still remember the first Charity Auction I attended shortly after joining the industry. I was impressed, inspired, and overwhelmed by all it had to offer. If you had told me then that one day I would be standing on that stage welcoming everyone as President, I wouldn’t have believed you. Yet years later, instead of that initial sea of strangers, I found myself looking out at a room filled with industry colleagues and friends. There’s no better feeling.

What I’ve learned from watching so many outstanding presidents and board members over the years is that there are many ways to be an effective leader. Each brought their own style, personality, and strengths to the role.  It can look very different and still be effective. Different perspectives only strengthen the board and challenge us all to grow.

As we move into the spring season, what better time to do just that - grow.