the EVENT in Ottawa

Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the world’s largest meeting and event industry association with nearly 13,000 members, announced last October that they were taking on “the EVENT” as its newest addition to its international signature event portfolio. The EVENT has become one of the largest annual experiences for event professionals in Canada, taking place in Ottawa at the Brookstreet Hotel, September 22-24, 2024.

Launched in 2018 by MPI Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal/Quebec Chapters, the EVENT was acquired by MPI in late 2023, making it a key activation for the Canadian event professionals community. Returning to Brookstreet in 2024, this will be a homecoming for the EVENT, which originally took place at the four-diamond hotel and conference centre located in the heart of Ottawa’s high-tech community. Since then, the EVENT has travelled to Toronto and Montreal, attracting more than 300 attendees each year who seek to learn, network and celebrate the power of events.

 “We are delighted to welcome the EVENT back to Ottawa and to Brookstreet, where it all began,” said Michael Crockatt, president and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “This is a testament to the strength and resilience of our destination and our industry, as well as the quality and innovation of our venues and services. We look forward to showcasing our city’s vibrant culture, diverse attractions and world-class hospitality to the hundreds of event professionals who will join us in September.”

Drew Holmgreen, MPI’s chief brand officer, echoed Crockatt’s enthusiasm and added: “MPI is thrilled to bring the EVENT back to Ottawa and usher in a new era for the Canadian events community. The event has been a significant catalyst for inspiration, education and connections among our members and partners. We are grateful for the support and collaboration of Ottawa Tourism, Brookstreet Hotel and all our sponsors and stakeholders who will make this event extraordinary.”

The event is designed to provide a unique and immersive learning experience for event professionals across Canada and beyond. Consistent with years past, the 2024 edition of the EVENT will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, networking opportunities and social events that will showcase the best of Ottawa and the event industry, along with a few format surprises to make good on MPI’s promise of taking calculated experiential risks. New to the EVENT in 2024, the MPI Foundation will bring its well-known and high-energy Rendezvous evening event as part of the programme, providing an opportunity for both fund-raising and socializing.

The programme is now available now on the EVENT website, and features high-impact speakers from Michael Kutcher to Leo Chan, packed with exceptional content by creative masterminds and panel sessions with engaging topics that speak to the needs of the industry in the now and beyond.

Interested attendees can register interest for the EVENT at mpi.org/theevent. You won’t want to miss it!