Top Resources from MPI Toronto Chapter Members: Stay Ahead in the Meeting & Convention Industry

In the ever-evolving world of meetings and conventions, staying informed and inspired is essential for success. Fortunately, members of the MPI Toronto Chapter are leading the way, offering insights and thought leadership through multiple media modes that keep us all ahead of the curve. Here’s a roundup of timely and relevant resources created by or featuring MPI Toronto Chapter members that every meeting professional should have on their radar.

Podcasts That Spark Ideas
Podcasts are an accessible way to stay informed and inspired, and MPI Toronto Chapter members are making waves in this space. Consider tuning into:

• Production Value Matters: The Business Events Podcast
  Matthew Byrne, CSEP, owner and founder of Byrne Production Services, welcomes event professionals from around the industry, including fellow MPI Toronto Chapter members, to educate and inform on how to make events great in the B2B space. 
  
  
• Ignite Your Events
  The incredible ladies of Ignite Magazine – Debbie van der Beek and Laura Bickle in particular – are no strangers to shining a spotlight on the importance of the conference and event industry and the people who make the magic. With their Worth It campaign, they’ve been opening conversations around the value of the work and services industry professionals provide, bringing transparency to topics previously considered taboo. With a host of MPI Toronto Chapter members as guests to date, enjoy insights, knowledge-sharing, and inside stories from behind the curtain.

Magazines for Industry Trends
Staying current with industry trends requires trusted publications, many of which feature contributions from MPI Toronto members.

• MPI’s The Meeting Professional
  This flagship magazine consistently includes expert columns and case studies from Toronto Chapter members. Look for their thought leadership on topics like sustainability, hybrid event strategies, and attendee engagement.
  
  
• Ignite Magazine 
  Celebrating 16 years in publication, the women-owned and operated events publication always serves up a wealth of knowledge with a splash of fun and humour!
  
  
• Special Mentions in BizBash
  As one of the go-to resources for event inspiration, BizBash frequently highlights groundbreaking events planned by Toronto Chapter members. Check out case studies showcasing their innovative approaches to problem-solving and execution.

Influencers to Follow
Social media is another way to stay connected to the pulse of the industry. MPI Toronto Chapter members are sharing insights daily:

• Jason Thomson – SUGR (Speak Up Get Results)
  Jason is a well-known and effective speaker, moderator, radio/podcast host, and so much more! If you weren’t following The Playbook, his podcast with Jennifer Glynn (Meeting Encore), you’ve been missing out, and you can follow him on LinkedIn or YouTube for insightful videos and content.
  
  
• Leanne Calderwood, CMP – Leanne Calderwood Personal Branding and LinkedIn Trainer
  Leanne isn’t just “The LinkedIn Lady”; she’s an industry leader who offers guidance on personal branding, sales, and professional growth for meeting professionals. Though her MPI membership is with another Chapter, her posts are a blend of practical advice and inspiration. Leanne can help you through how to represent yourself and your personal brand effectively on LinkedIn, developments in AI for the industry, and much more.
  
  
• Romina Kwong – Eco-Friendly Events Sustainability Blog
  Romina has been an active volunteer, serving her fellow members of MPI Toronto. Her “day job” is building the company she founded that aims to help event professionals with their sustainability goals, and the insights she shares in her blogs helps to break down information that can become overwhelming to those who are starting out on their journey to greater sustainability in the conferences and events they produce. Subscribe on her website!  

Why Tap into These Resources?
The MPI Toronto Chapter is home to some of the brightest minds in the industry, and their contributions provide valuable opportunities to learn, innovate, and connect. Whether you prefer reading, listening, or engaging online, these resources will help you stay informed, inspired, and ready to elevate your events.

While this is by no means an exhaustive list, we invite you to dive into these offerings today and ensure you’re equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the meeting and convention industry. After all, knowledge is the key to creating exceptional experiences.

Brenda Perrin
Director of Communications
MPI Toronto Chapter