What you missed at our MPI Virtual AGM

On Wednesday, September 23, 2020, members of our MPI Ottawa Chapter gathered virtually for the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Past President, Allison Collins ran the formal part of the AGM with former VP of Finance, Ashley Craven, CMP updating members on the financial position of the chapter. The chapter experienced a rough couple of months with the pandemic hitting Ontario in March but, with the help of generous sponsors, the MPI Foundation and EM+ – the chapter has rebounded. That said, it will still take a while before the chapter re-builds its reserves and is in a financially healthy position.

The virtual format for the AGM allowed the organizing committee to have the voting take place using the platform capabilities available through Zoom Polling, which allowed all members to vote accordingly. Additionally, the “chat feature” provided easy access to ask questions and/or comment on the financial statements and the future direction of the Chapter.

Once all the formalities were completed, the President Nancy Bradshaw, CMP welcomed members to the 2020-2021 MPI Ottawa Chapter year by introducing the incoming board members.

President                                     Nancy Bradshaw, CMP
Past President                              Allison Collins
President Elect                             Ashley Craven, CMP
VP Finance                                   Lori Wagner
VP Membership                            Anthony Vasconcelos
VP Communications                      Disa-marie Cameron
VP Education                               Nicole Jeffery, CMP
Director Member Care                   Karen Wiersma
Director Member Events                Gabrielle Whittaker
Director Partnerships                    Daniela Stucki
Director Marketing                       Erin Bellwood
Director Education                       Desmond Lomas, CMP
Director Leadership                     David Dugas
Director Volunteer Management     Dennis Turpin

Bradshaw then discussed how the 2020-21 year has been vastly different from past years and how the board is trying its best to navigate the “new normal” the events world has found itself in. She was excited to share upcoming events the chapter has planned for Fall 2020. These included: October 7 Virtual Education Session “The Laws They are a Changing”; a 10 week CMP Boot-Camp starting this month; Virtual Prix Prestige Awards on October 29; and a virtual version of our annual Festive Dinner on November 25. There was also mention of the return of DIY’s which are open to both members and non-members and are no cost to attend – stay tuned on social media for dates and times! 

Karen Wiersma, Director of Member Care took the opportunity to recognize MPI Ottawa membership milestones.

5 Years
Angelita Aboukassam
Robin Andrew
Lynn Chiasson
Katherine Craig, CMP
Meg LaPlante
Phil Paré
Jessica Poon
Gabrielle Whittaker

10 Years
Brian Henry
Angela Jeffries
Nicole Jeffrey, CMP

15 Years
Jennifer Beatty
Sally Clelford
Philippe Kwon

20 Years
David Dugas
Marye Menard-Bos, CMP

25 Years
Ellyn Holzman, CMP

Once the AGM concluded, there was a fun BINGO game. Top prize was a $100 off a membership renewal and second prize was a $25 Starbucks gift card. BINGO was called by the highly entertaining Andrew Horsfield, and proved to be an effective and fun way for members to interact and network during the virtual event.

Events like this would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors; media partners Ignite Magazine and registration partners D.E. Systems.

As we navigate through these uncertain times, MPI Ottawa has changed and adapted with them – using technology as a way to keep our meetings fun and interactive, and allowing our membership to stay connected.

Until we meet again in person, we wish you to stay healthy and safe.

About Our Chapter

Founded in 1984, MPI Ottawa is the capital city’s premier organization for meeting and event professionals. With more than 300 active members, the chapter co-hosts The EVENT, an annual multi-day networking and educational forum launched in 2018 in partnership with MPI Toronto and MPI Montréal/Québec.

When you join MPI Ottawa, you become part of an organization dedicated to your personal and career success. You’ll connect with the innovative learning, passionate people and big ideas that will empower you to become an agent of change and reinvent the world.

 Article written/compiled by April Haggart

Article edited by Cynthia Beaudin, Canada Foundation for Innovation