The Tea - Sarah Newman

Meet new MPI Ottawa Chapter member Sarah Newman!

The Intro: Sarah Newman is a Senior Event Planner for the Bank of Canada. She joined MPI on the advice of colleague Heidi Rodger and is keen to glean from MPI’s educational events. Newman studied journalism at university and started at the Bank of Canada initially helping to organize media events. When there was a sudden gap in the Bank’s event planning department, she embraced the chance to make the switch! (Pssst here’s a secret Newman shared about the Bank… there is no vault full of money or gold reserves, the vault only has a stash of office chairs!)

First event? Newman’s dad was an artist blacksmith, he hosted an annual conference for blacksmiths called ‘CanIron’. So, Newman’s passion for planning ignited as dad’s helper!

Why be a planner? Newman shared that planning events feels so satisfying because you actually get to see it happen and you get to see people enjoying themselves, learning, and networking.

Outside of work? Newman is a gardening guru. She loves to produce her own produce and then share with her coworkers (lucky coworkers!). Other interests are cooking and playing video games.

Killer keynote? Newman said that if she could hire any speaker, a famous film director like Christopher Nolan or Wes Anderson would bring a unique perspective as directors can be like project managers (and planners). Directors need to manage a budget, a lot of moving parts, and people. (Unsurprisingly, Newman aspired to be a movie director when she was a kid)

Top tip: Newman’s top tip is “know your technology”. Hybrid events are more common, so planners need to understand the technology of events.

Two words: When asked, “what two words describe you?” - Newman answered, “organized and colourlful” - she loves bright colours.

Be sure to say “hi” to new member Sarah Newman at a future MPI event.

 Article edited by: Darlene Kelly-Stewart, Stonehouse Sales & Marketing Services