Look out for what's coming on November 8th - three opportunities to stretch your minds and learn new skills!
We are thrilled to have James Spellos facilitating two professional development sessions geared towards technology in the meetings industry. James is the President of Meeting U., a company specializing in helping people become more productive and comfortable with technology.
The morning professional development session is "Critical Excel Tools for the Meeting Professional." After the session you'll have the skills to:
- Identify and use over 15 advanced Excel tools
- Customize graphs and other conditional formatting features
- Identify and use advanced tools such as Pivot Tables and master skills such as working with multiple worksheets
In the afternoon you can attend "Google-licious: How to Find Anything on the Internet" and "Digital Storytelling: Telling Your Story & Social Media." From this session you'll walk away:
- Understanding the 8 critical techniques of effective web searching
- Being able to identify 7 Google tools beyond the standard search box
- Recognizing how and why results are returned from your search
- With the knowledge of how to create a customized Google home page with current information from your favorite websites
"I found James to be extremely knowledgeable and very in tune with the technology that was emerging in our industry. The class was made up of several senior and junior planners and suppliers and everyone seemed to be impressed with his expertise."
Susan Prophet, Director, Meetings and Conventions and Incentive Travel at Isabel Gil & Associates Inc./Destination Quebec
"James Spellos" love for technology and teaching make proving ROI easy. He explains the concepts in a simple manner, without all the techno-babble that confuses many. Anyone with an open mind and a computer in front of them will learn from James."
Brenda Carter, Manager, Event Management, KPMG MSLP
To complete the day, we have our Signature Series Luncheon in between these two sessions featuring Tonya Surman (sponsored by The Lavin Agency) Co-founder of The Centre For Social Innovation. Tonya is upending our notions of work, innovation, and community by shaping them into a new model of social entrepreneurism. Having worked with dozens of social start-ups, Tonya will speak to us about the emerging economy, and how creative business models and collaborative strategies are engaging all types of stakeholders, and making the world a better place.
Attend one session, or attend all! We hope to see all of you there, so register early as space is limited.
Click here for more information
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Lynda Hoff, CMM, CMP and 1st time WEC attendee, LNH Strategic Event Management
Timing finally worked! After years as an MPI member I was finally able to go. Just needed to register, get my hotel and airline ticket and I was set. St. Louis, Missouri here I come!
But what to expect? Having never been to a WEC (World Education Conference) before, what would it be like? So many planning professionals together in one place - what great ideas and fantastic conversations could I be a part of? How many different people from around the globe would I meet and get to know? What new information or practices could I find? Only time would tell.
So off I ventured with approximately 30 other MPI Toronto Chapter members to MPI's WEC held July 28 - July 31, 2012. Approximately 3000 MPI members and non-members gathered together at the America's Center for education sessions, conversation and learning.
There were lots of great education opportunities for all levels of planners and suppliers. Sessions ranged from "Collaborating in the connected world" to "The importance of face to face connection" to "Global business". There were also educational sessions on "how to incorporate values from all your stakeholders"; "the look of meetings in the future"; "strategic meetings management programs" ; and finally "diverse and dynamic association meeting design".
General sessions on both days afforded attendees the opportunity to hear from the incoming International Board President Kevin Hinton and the interim CEO Cindy D'Aoust. They each gave their view on the direction of the association moving forward - very interesting and very exciting!
Attending these sessions gave me some great learning opportunities and I was able to come home with new ideas that I can incorporate into my business immediately.
The marketplace was also a great source to familiarize myself with new properties. The Hive allowed me to ask technology experts for advice and see demonstrations of new applications. And finally, the HUB had career development information and MPI experts to answer any of my questions.
It wasn't just about education either - the networking opportunities were fantastic! Events were held at Busch Stadium, home of the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals. MPI and the Cardinal organization hosted a great party on the field with fantastic live music and interactive food stations. The closing night was held at the St. Louis Botanical Gardens complete with a Chinese lantern festival, full moon, great food and lots of heat (103 degrees Farenheit that evening). Networking events gave me the opportunity to meet people from around the globe, share ideas and have great conversations.
WEC was a great learning experience for me and more importantly it reinforced my enthusiasm for this industry and my desire to ensure that I continue to learn and explore new ideas, technologies and opportunities to enrich my personal development. I also had some great time getting to know members of my own chapter better by connecting in a different environment. It is never easy going to something new but a group of very passionate professionals made sure my experience was a good one. I never felt alone or out of place - thanks for making my first WEC an awesome one!
Consider your education and development as one of the best building blocks for your career - take control and ensure you are getting the most out of your education opportunities by attending all that come your way. Timing might not always be perfect and cost sometimes will be a factor (MPI has lots of scholarship opportunities so check them out!) but the best thing you can give yourself is the opportunity to connect with new ideas and new people. Hope to see you all in Las Vegas for WEC 2013!
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The MPI Toronto 2013 Awards Committee invites you to take a trip down memory lane and dive into YOUR MPI history! What was your motivation to join MPI Toronto? Was it a spectacular industry event, a colleague or mentor, or simply a curiosity to see where it would take you? Share your MPI-inspired story with us - your tale just may be that encouragement someone else is looking for to achieve their next goal.
Your story may have been the result of an MPI Member going the extra mile - why not nominate them and recognize them for their efforts? The MPI Toronto Chapter Awards Program is designed to recognize excellence in active chapter members for their commitment, service and involvement in both the chapter, industry, and community at large. A little goes a long way - the nomination process is very simple, and it can have a real impact on the individuals nominated.
Find out more information on how to share your story and nominate someone by visiting our website for more information, or talk to an Awards Committee Member at the next Signature Series event!
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Welcome!
Welcome to our new members! We are excited to have you on board as MPI Toronto chapter continues to grow and serve our membership. All new members will soon receive a personal call or email from one of your Member Care team colleagues. There are many reasons to join MPI, one being the Power of Connection. The Toronto Chapter is comprised of over 700 planner, supplier, faculty and student members. Through membership, you can make crucial connections to people, ideas, and marketplaces which can take your business or your career to the next level. We look forward to seeing you at the an Signature Series event or the Volunteer Leadership Symposium (Oct 18).
Have You Felt the Power of Mentorship?
Mentorship is a partnership - a two-way street, if you will. One that will provide both mentor and mentoree with a sense of fulfillment. All you have to do is open your mind and give just a bit of your time.
MPI Toronto Chapter currently has 14 mentorship matches underway and is ready to take on a few more.
Mentoring allows a seasoned meeting professional a reason to reflect on his or her skills and share them with a young professional in our field. Along the way, pick up some new, fresh ideas and opportunities for your own learning and development.
All of us can actually benefit from being mentored. If you consider how quickly our world is changing, you would likely agree. Benefits of being mentored and partnered with a fellow industry member include the expansion of your knowledge in topics such as: leadership skills, management practices, ethics, etiquette, and industry standards.
Discussing your goals and aspirations with someone who shares your passion for the meetings industry can provide honest, constructive feedback, as well as ongoing support and encouragement.
For more information on the MPI Toronto Chapter Mentorship Program, please contact the MPI office at: 905-567-9591
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Are you a Full-Time Student Member of MPI Toronto? Interested in attending a Signature Series event for FREE?
For a limited time, you can be our guest at one of our Signature Series events (November 2012 -Innovation, February 2013 - Technology, May 2013 - Current Trends). Just e-mail office@mpitoronto.org for details.
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Anita Carlyle, CMP, CMM, Moore Carlyle Consulting
As a newly certified CMM, I would recommend this experience to anyone passionate about the business of meetings and events. It is challenging, but rewarding on various levels - professionally and personally. I now appreciate the need for strategy revolving around planning events and the education required to properly fill the needs of clients who do hire professional to run their events. Good Luck to the many Toronto MPI members who are completing the course in November. Here are a few tips for those thinking about becoming certified.
Recommended do’s and don’ts for CMM course participants
Do’s
- Ensure you have adequate time to complete the course requirements. There is significant pre-reading, a long week in class, an exam that needs at least 2 days to complete and at least 2 weeks of dedicated time to complete the business plan.
- Connect with your assigned CMM team ahead of the course. You will have to work with them throughout the course and they will become your cheerleaders when times prove to be difficult. Everyone on the team has something to offer.
- Attend non-classroom events put on by the local sponsors. These sponsors have committed financial resources to offset the education and therefore deserve your time. Also, the course instructors and graders do attend, and are aware of those participating and engaging in the entire experience.
- Join your CMM social media conversations. Many participants posted questions and concerns and collectively the group was able to help.
- Be passionate and realistic about your business plan. It will help you justify your time and keep you engaged.
- Do apply to the many organizations that offer CMM scholarships for financial assistance.
Don’t
- Expect to get your day-to-day work done during the class week.
- Skip classes or hand in assignments late!
- Don’t tell your colleagues that you are hiring a consultant to write the business plan for you!
Interested in obtaining a CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) or CMM (Certification in Meeting Management) designation?
MPI Toronto Chapter has scholarships to help members achieve their educational goals and objectives.
For funding help, apply here.
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The following Meetings Deliver resources are available to help you prove the effectiveness and the value of meetings and business events. Utilizing these business tools and research will help you play a more strategic role in your organization and communicate that meetings do deliver.
Learn More...
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As we are sure you are aware there is a large discussion happening among the City of Toronto Councillours regarding a Casino coming into the City of Toronto and or the surrounding areas in the GTA. Your Board of Directors for the MPI Toronto Chapter along with the BEICC are keeping on top of the proceedings and are attempting to find out as much information (positive and negative) about the future development of the Casino, Convention Centre and Entertainment Complex. The City Manager will be presenting to the Executive Committee of the City of Toronto their findings from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission and we will keep you updated on any information and news as we are informed.
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Industry News
There's something happening here!
The International Centre has announced Tawfik Shehata as its new Executive Chef. Leading the International Centre’s exceptional culinary team forward, Chef Shehata will ensure that clients and guests experience the International Centre’s hospitality and culinary excellence while adding his own unique flare. "Our mandate has always been to provide clients with an exceptional experience and we are confident that Chef Shehata will deliver on that promise" said Trevor Lui, Director of Operations and Sustainability. Chef Shehata brings nearly 20 years of professional culinary experience to his new role at the International Centre. For more information, visit http://www.internationalcentre.com
Center Stage AV is growing... Center Stage AV would like to welcome its newest members to the team: Tammy Carey CMP, BAA and Corry McGibbon CTS.
Tammy has joined the team as Project Manager and is looking forward to bringing her 13 years of experience to Center Stage AV. Having worked at two of Canada’s largest AV companies, Tammy decided it was time to move to a boutique AV company that put an emphasis on creativity, client satisfaction, the latest presentation technologies and a true team environment that benefits clients. Center Stage AV also welcomes Corry McGibbon as the new VP of Operations. Corry brings with him in-depth of years of experience in live envets, logistics and system integration. Previous to joining Center Stage AV, Corry’s roles included AV integration, touring, distribution and Project Management. For more information visit http://www.centerstageav.com/
When you "walk the talk," people notice
The Scotiabank Convention Centre, in Niagara Falls (SCCN) proudly announces its recognition as one of the Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces in Canada. This annual award recognizes top employers that display leadership and innovation towards engaging their employees. The Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces Awards panel of judges evaluated each applicant based on the Eight Elements of Employee Engagement: Communication, Leadership, Culture, Rewards & Recognition, Professional & Personal Growth, Accountability & Performance, Vision & Values and Corporate Social Responsibility. The Scotiabank Convention Centre will be honoured alongside other recipients of this year's Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces Award at the awards gala on November 14, 2012 at the Arcadian Court in Toronto, Ontario. For more information visit www.achievers.com
Allstream Centre wins prestigious global medical conference for 2014
Allstream Centre at Exhibition Place has successfully secured the 2014 International Conference in Residency Education (ICRE) conference. Organized by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ICRE will be held from October 23-25, 2014. The ICRE is a global forum for those involved in residency education to share ideas, challenges, innovations, and advance postgraduate medical education, the post-medical school phase of physician training conducted in teaching hospitals, university centres and other sites. More than 1,300 program directors, residents, policy makers and medical education leaders attend this dynamic three-day conference each year. For additional information go to www.allstreamcentre.com
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