This award is given to an exceptional MPI member who, through volunteer efforts, has made outstanding grassroots contributions and demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the advancement of a chapter, club, community or region.

Are there any specific factors that you feel contributed the most to your success, leading to this RISE Award recognition?

Absolutely, several key factors have been instrumental in my journey towards receiving the RISE Award.

I had incredible mentors who guided me every step of the way. Their wisdom and encouragement were invaluable. I am also blessed with a very supportive family—they understood the importance of my volunteer work and allowed me the flexibility to dedicate late evenings to my MPI responsibilities.

Discover Saskatoon, my employer, also played a crucial role. They recognized the value of MPI and supported my professional development through education, networking events and more.

Additionally, my experience throughout the pandemic was a significant learning period. My tenure volunteering with the MPI Foundation provided me with strength and focus during one of the hardest times in my personal life, especially when my mother and grandmother were critically ill.

Lastly, being part of the MPI Ottawa Chapter has been a tremendous blessing. The chapter’s trust and support allowed us to flourish in our projects, fostering an environment where we could truly make a difference.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my entire support system. Your belief in me has been my driving force. A special thank you to MPI for providing an organizational platform where I could grow, and flourish both personally and professionally. Your support has been pivotal in my journey to this recognition.

Can you name any certain skills—existing or new—that played a significant role?

Adaptability and innovation, especially with virtual event technologies during the pandemic, were crucial. Networking and relationship building opened many doors for collaboration. Project management helped me juggle multiple initiatives effectively, and strong communication ensured clear coordination and teamwork.

Most importantly, grit and resiliency have been vital, especially as our industry emerged from a pandemic that disrupted many lives. Instead of floundering, MPI provided me a platform to learn, grow and thrive, helping me navigate the new post-pandemic world. These skills combined have all played a significant role in my journey and success.

Is there a skill that you’re keen to learn in the coming year—or a skill that you think meeting professionals in general should really be focused on developing right now?

In the coming year, I’m particularly keen to learn more about the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in our industry and how to leverage this technology effectively. AI has the potential to revolutionize event planning and management by enhancing personalization, improving efficiency and providing deeper insights through data analysis.

For meeting professionals in general, developing a strong understanding of AI and its capabilities is crucial. As our industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of technological advancements will allow us to create more engaging and innovative event experiences. By focusing on AI, we can drive better outcomes and ensure we are equipped to meet the future demands of the industry.

What advice do you have for industry peers who may be struggling with the myriad challenges in the meeting and event industry?

My advice is to stay adaptable and resilient. Embrace technology to streamline processes and enhance experiences. Commit to continuous learning through courses, conferences and networking. Lean on your community for support and collaboration.

It is most important to prioritize your well-being by balancing work and self-care. Stay authentic to yourself and what you care about—bring that passion into your work and you’ll see a difference. Surround yourself with people you can learn from and be inspired by.

And finally, don’t be afraid to innovate and experiment with new approaches. Challenges are opportunities for growth, and by staying flexible and supporting each other, we can thrive in this dynamic industry!

From a work/business perspective, what are you most excited about in the near future?

As we look ahead to the next few years, I’m particularly excited about the advancements in AI. In the event industry where efficiency and personalization are crucial, AI has the potential to revolutionize how we plan, execute and optimize events. From predictive analytics that help anticipate attendee preferences to AI-driven chatbots enhancing customer service, these technologies can streamline operations and elevate attendee experiences.

Personally, this means more than just professional growth; it means having more time for what truly matters: my family. By leveraging AI to make my work and business more efficient, I can prioritize moments with loved ones while ensuring our events exceed expectations.

What led to Jenny Dao receiving this RISE Award?

Jenny’s journey as an MPI member has been marked by a commitment to fostering inclusivity, innovation and leaving a legacy rooted in diversity, equity and inclusion. Through various leadership roles and initiatives, the work she has accomplished specific to her chapter and region has helped to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

In 2022 and 2023, she was an education event designer and speaker at the regional Canadian conference, the EVENT, where her involvement allowed her to emphasize diverse perspectives, promote discussions on critical issues and foster inclusivity in the MPI community. Since 2022, she has served the MPI Ottawa Chapter as chair and co-chair of its annual MPI Prix Prestige Awards event, for which she integrated Indigenous protocols and helped to celebrate diverse voices within the awards framework.

For the last five years, she has also served on the MPI Foundation Canada Council, a role that provided a platform to implement strategies and advocacy that have directly influenced her chapter’s approach to fundraising and community engagement.

Through her work at Discover Saskatoon, Jenny has been instrumental in embedding indigenous protocols and recognition into event design, paving the way for truth and reconciliation in her community and the industry.

The impact of Jenny’s efforts on her chapter include greater event attendance and satisfaction rates when Indigenous practices and rituals were incorporated, a 25% increase in membership from diverse backgrounds and a 20% reduction in marketing costs when collaborating with local artists.