Hall of Fame
Inductees
The Big Idea
Introduced in 2014
Natalie Lowe
(2023)
Bettyanne Sherrer
(2019)
Candace Schierling
(2019)
Reggie Lang
(2019)
Tim Whalen, CMP
(2016)
Tahira Endean
(2015)
Patricia Brusha
(2014)
Industry Builders
Michael Dargavel, CEM
(2018)
Diane Stefaniak
(2017)
Shawna McKinley
(2016)
Mariela McIlwraith, CMP, CMM, MBA
(2015)
Johanne R. Bélanger
(2014)
Trevor Lui
(2013)
Linda Genest
(2012)
Sandy Biback, CMP, CMM
(2011)
Jean Silzer
(2010)
Don Brommet
(2009)
Industry Innovators
Mauro Morgani
(2020)
Alissa Hurley, CMM, CED
(2019)
Heather Reid, ARCT MSc
(2017)
Grant Snider, DMCP
(2016)
Sandra Wood, CMP
(2015)
Bob Vaez
(2014)
Doreen Ashton Wagner
(2013)
Jean-Paul de Lavison, CMP
(2012)
Paul Marchildon, CITE
(2011)
Rita Plaskett, CMP, CMM
(2010)
Perry Goldsmith
(2009)
Industry Planners
Sue Mercer
(2023)
Dana Zita CMP, CSEP
(2020)
Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald
(2019)
Amanda Stewart
(2018)
Arianna McLaughlin
(2017)
Heather Douglas
(2016)
Chuck Schouwerwou, CMP, CMM
(2015)
Julie Calvert, CMP, CMM
(2014)
Bettyanne Sherrer, CMP, CMM
(2013)
Angie Pfeifer, CMM
(2012)
Nicola Kastner, CMP, CMM
(2011)
Helen Van Dongen, CMP. CMM
(2010)
Les Selby, CMP, CMM
(2009)
Industry Supplier
The Industry Supplier category was added in 2023.
Shawnna Dickie-Garnhum
(2023)
Industry Volunteers
Diane Alexander
(2020)
Francois Brunet
(2019)
Jennifer Glynn
(2018)
Rose Timmerman-Gitzi, CMM
(2017)
Hayley Bishop, CMP
(2016)
Hélène Moberg
(2015)
Sandra Moniz, CMP
(2014)
Sheila Wong, CEM
(2013)
Alice Parnis
(2012)
Susan Prophet
(2011)
Danny Dobriansky
(2010)
Marsha Jones, CMP, CMM
(2009)
Industry Mentors
Leanne Calderwood, CMP
(2023)
Daniela Caputo, CMP
(2020)
Shannon Valeriote
(2019)
Riccarda Galiato
(2018)
Carol Priest
(2017)
Constance Wrigley-Thomas, CAE
(2016)
Krista Cameron
(2015)
Janet L. Jakobsen, CMP, MBA
(2014)
Judy Healy
(2013)
Jill Harrington
(2012)
Julie Holmen
(2011)
Gabrielle Spanton
(2010)
Doug Keeley
(2009)
Industry Career
Achievement Award
The Industry Career Achievement Award category was added in 2023. This honor is given out at the discretion of the Hall of Fame committee and CMEExpo. It is not an annual award.
Debbie Van der Beek
(2023)
Rising Stars
The Rising Star category was added to the program in 2010.
Emilia Kim, DES
(2020)
Zaman Ishaad
(2019)
Lynn Miedzik
(2018)
Christy Wright, CIS
(2016)
Mariella Irivarren, CMP
(2015)
Kyra Whale
(2014)
Danyelle Macculloch
(2013)
Natalie Ciarallo, CMP
(2012)
Jessica Ambrose
(2011)
Vinita Borrison, CMP
(2010)
Industry Veterans
The Industry Veteran award is given out at the discretion of the Hall of Fame judges and CMEExpo. It is not an annual award.
Heidi Wilker, CMP
(2020)
Michael Prescott
(2017)
Leslie Wright
(2016)
Ellie MacPherson
(2015)
Cynthia Richards
(2014)
Ralph Strachan
(2013)
Roni Feldman, CMP, DMCP, CIS
(2012)
Jane Wallbridge
(2011)
Duff Shaw
(2009)
Natalie Lowe,
2023 Hall of Fame – The Big Idea
Bettyanne Sherrer,
2019 Hall of Fame – The Big Idea
Candace Schierling,
2019 Hall of Fame – The Big Idea
Reggie Lang,
2019 Hall of Fame – The Big Idea
Tim Whalen, CMP,
Executive Meeting Manager, Fallsview Casino Resort
Tim received this year’s Big Idea honour for finding a way to measure the return on investment (ROI) of an association membership. A member of MPI Toronto’s leadership team and board of directors, he conceived the idea of developing a program that would measure transactions between members. He then headed the supplier/planner task force that created memberTomember, an easy-to-use program that accomplished that goal. He also oversaw the program’s integration into the chapter’s website. In its first three months on the site, memberTOmember received more than 33 submissions, totalling nearly $1.25 million in transactions. It also caught the attention of MPI headquarters, which is now wondering if the program can be used to capture the ROI of a global association.
2019 Hall of Fame – The Big Idea
Tahira Endean, CMP,
Producer, BC Innovation Council
Tahira’s Big Idea—the 10 CE Hour Mobile App Certificate Program—was developed during her tenure with QuickMobile. Through conversations with planners she learned that what they knew about this increasingly essential tool was vendor-based. What they didn’t have was a broad understanding of why and how they should use mobile apps. “I wanted to create a non-vendor specific, education-based offering that mapped back to the CMP domains of meeting design,” she explains. To do so, she convinced “many people that it was the right idea.” She got executive buy-in and multiple stakeholders on board. She partnered with Mariela McIlwraith, CMM, CMP, to build its content, and then got the stamp of approval for CE credits. The result is a win for planners and the industry.
2015 Hall of Fame – The Big Idea
Patricia Brusha,
Position when inducted: Co-founder & Principal, Couple of Chicks Distribution Marketing | Co-founder & Co-chair, Online Revealed Canada
Current position: Author, and Co-founder/Co-chair, Online Revealed Canada
Tahira’s Big Idea—the 10 CE Hour Mobile App Certificate Program—was developed during her tenure with QuickMobile. Through conversations with planners she learned that what they knew about this increasingly essential tool was vendor-based. What they didn’t have was a broad understanding of why and how they should use mobile apps. “I wanted to create a non-vendor specific, education-based offering that mapped back to the CMP domains of meeting design,” she explains. To do so, she convinced “many people that it was the right idea.” She got executive buy-in and multiple stakeholders on board. She partnered with Mariela McIlwraith, CMM, CMP, to build its content, and then got the stamp of approval for CE credits. The result is a win for planners and the industry.
2014 Hall of Fame – The Big Idea
Michael Dargavel, CEM,
Vice President, Association & Events Management
Michael Dargavel, CEM is the Vice President of Association and Events Management, a Toronto based Multiple Association Management Company (AMC). Association and Events Management is a full-service firm providing specialized services to both trade and professional organizations. Initially brought on as a consultant in 2000, Mr. Dargavel was immediately fascinated by the event industry, as it was evident that an AMC allowed for the opportunity to develop specific and highly specialized management skills.
Mr. Dargavel is responsible for the organization and production of several conferences, trade shows, meetings and events annually. Over the last two decades, Mr. Dargavel’s role expanded as the key facilitator for strategic planning in the education, toy, apparel, and professional event industries. His portfolio includes the design and creative elements of A&E and it’s clients marketing strategies, and event productions.
He is an active member of the International Association of Exposition and Events (IAEE) Certified in Exhibition (CEM) Commission and the Canadian Association of Exposition Management’s CEM Council, whose committees are responsible for the oversight and administration of the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) Learning Program and presenter of the designation of CEM to those who have qualified. As an educator, Mr. Dargavel is a highly sought after instructor for the CEM program throughout North America.
In 2015 Mr. Dargavel chaired the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Summer Summit and in 2016 Mr. Dargavel was honoured with the prestigious CSAE Emerging Talent Award.
Prior to joining Association and Events Management, Mr. Dargavel spent decades cultivating his management style in the hospitality industry where he established the extremely successful catering and event company, Darbo’s Catering & Events.
2018 Hall of Fame – Industry Builders
Diane Stefaniak,
Diane played a key role in the development of Meeting Professionals International—MPI—in Canada. She assisted with mailings, membership and other tasks when MPI launched in Canada in 1978, officially joining the association in 1981. From that time until her retirement in 2009, she took on a wide range of leadership roles in the Toronto and International chapters. Most significantly, our inductee chaired the Canadian Standards Committee, a federally-funded industry task force. This committee’s work led to the profession of meeting planner being recognized and listed by the Canadian Government. It also led to the publication of the Canadian industry’s first text book, Meetings and Conventions – Planning Guide. She did all this while working as a third-party planner and as executive director of the Ontario Hotel & Motel Association and the Hospitality Industry Training Organization of Ontario.
2017 Hall of Fame – Industry Builders
Shawna McKinley,
Director of Sustainability, MeetGreen
Shawna is a “sustainability solutionary”—someone who believes in the power of events to make the world a better place. A leader in busting the myth that meeting green is hard, she was the project manager for the first online tool for green meetings. She is also a founding member and the first executive director of the Green Meeting Industry Council. Working with clients who saw the value of sharing their green meeting experiences, she developed a body of event sustainability case studies, which she freely shares with the planning community so others can reduce the environmental footprint of their events. Her work has laid the foundation for a greener meetings industry and a better tomorrow.
2016 Hall of Fame – Industry Builders
Mariela McIlwraith, CMP, CMM, MBA,
President, Meeting Change
Mariela speaks, teaches and writes about meetings, all while running her own event-planning company. She is the co-author of Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Meetings and Events Industry, executive editor of the Convention Industry Council Manual, 9th Edition, and co-author of Meet Better: 167 Easy Ways to Make Your Events More Environmentally and Socially Responsible. Mariela has also developed professional programs on sustainable events, pricing, sponsorship, accessibility and event technology. Committed to working on issues that either hold the industry back or propel it forward, she is always looking for what’s next in her quest to build a better meetings industry.
2015 Hall of Fame – Industry Builders
Johanne R. Bélanger,
Position When Inducted: President, Freeman Audio Visual Canada
Current Position: President & CEO, Tourism Toronto
Johanne’s impact on the industry is wide-ranging. She has volunteered to increase local tourism, developed industry standards for live events, and created company-level corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Under her leadership, Freeman was the first audio visual solutions company to receive InfoComm International’s Green AV Award and has been identified as a pioneer of the Green AV movement. Johanne has also championed women’s rights in the male-dominated audio visual industry. In addition, she spearheaded a partnership with MPI chapters to bring CSR initiatives into their community. The Events for Communities of Sustainability (ECOS) Project is a five-year commitment between Freeman and MPI to give back to Canadian communities. It’s an industry changer.
2014 Hall of Fame – Industry Builders
Trevor Lui, CMP,
Position when inducted: Director of Operations & Sustainability, The International Centre
Current position: Principal, The Highbell Group
Johanne’s impact on the industry is wide-ranging. She has volunteered to increase local tourism, developed industry standards for live events, and created company-level corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Under her leadership, Freeman was the first audio visual solutions company to receive InfoComm International’s Green AV Award and has been identified as a pioneer of the Green AV movement. Johanne has also championed women’s rights in the male-dominated audio visual industry. In addition, she spearheaded a partnership with MPI chapters to bring CSR initiatives into their community. The Events for Communities of Sustainability (ECOS) Project is a five-year commitment between Freeman and MPI to give back to Canadian communities. It’s an industry changer.
2013 Hall of Fame – Industry Builders
Linda Genest,
Position when inducted: Founder, Meeting Encore Ltd.
Current position: Retired
Linda became a pioneer in the field of meeting site selection when she founded her company, Meeting Encore Ltd., in 1990. It filled a huge void by providing clients with a partner whose sole focus was sifting through mountains of hotel and resort information to help them select the best site for their meetings. She also demonstrated to hotel suppliers that third-party companies were not rivals, but allies who would bring new clients to their properties. Linda is now enjoying a much-deserved retirement with her husband Greg, and Meeting Encore continues to build on her legacy under the stewardship of new owners Joe Nishi and Jennifer Glynn.
2012 Hall of Fame – Industry Builders
Sandy Biback, CMP, CMM,
Position when inducted: Principal, Imagination+ Meeting Planners Inc.
Current position: Happily semi-retired!
Sandy ran Imagination+ Meeting Planners Inc. for over 25 years. In 1997, she helped publish the textbook, Meetings & Conventions: A Planning Guide, which is used internationally today. She created two on-line modules (Registration and Site Selection) for the upcoming PCMA e-book, Comprehensive Strategies for Meetings, Conventions and Events. Sandy has designed programs and taught at George Brown College’s School of Hospitality, Conestoga College and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas: Online. She currently teaches in the post-graduate festivals, events and conference management program at Centennial College. She collects e-mail addresses of students and young planners, so when there’s a request for volunteers at events, she can quickly connect with this network of current and former students. Sandy also blogs for MeetingsCanada.com.
2011 Hall of Fame – Industry Builders
Jean Silzer,
Owner, Details Convention & Event Management Inc.
Jean has run her own company, Details Convention & Event Management Inc. for 27 years. She was the first Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) in Alberta and a catalyst in launching the MPI Alberta Chapter (now separated into the Greater Calgary and Greater Edmonton Chapters). She influenced the writing and adoption of the Canadian government’s Canadian Industry Occupational Standards for meeting planners, a first not just in Canada, but internationally. Jean was also part of a steering committee that published the widely used textbook MPI’s Planning Guide: A Source for Meetings and Conventions
2010 Hall of Fame – Industry Builders
Don Brommet,
Position when inducted: Vice-president, Incentive Services, Pareto Corporation
Current position: Advisor/Consultant, P3 International
Don started his career in 1970 as part of the team opening the Toronto Airport Hilton. In 1976, he formed Partners in Performance−a North American leader in performance marketing, rewards and recognition. Partners in Performance was so successful, Maritz Canada bought him out and moved him to the U.K. to oversee Maritz International’s operations. Don also helped Pareto Corporation launch its Elevate Incentives division in 2003. Don was the founder of SITE Canada and continues his role as an Advisory Board Member at Ryerson’s Ted Rogers School of Business, (Hospitality).
2009 Hall of Fame – Industry Builders
Mauro Morgani,
2020 Hall of Fame – Industry Innovators
Alissa Hurley, CMM, CED,
VP, Marketing, FMAV
Throughout her 25 years of experience in the events industry as both planner and supplier, Alissa has been implementing innovative solutions to demonstrate the strategic impact of meetings and events. In 2007, while at Maritz Canada, she developed a proprietary measurement approach leveraging audience segmentation research expertise to help clients optimize their event marketing portfolio. In addition, she was a member of the project team that developed the initial Canadian Meetings Industry Economic Impact Study which provided the framework for other global regions to follow.
An advocate for industry education, Alissa spent 6 years as part of the faculty for the Event Management Certificate Program at Mount Royal University and has served part of MPI’s CMM Advisory Board and as a CMM Program Mentor.
In 2016, Alissa became the first Certified Event Designer in Canada and the first certified instructor of the Event Canvas methodology in North America. Subsequently, she has made it her mission for the Canadian meetings and events community to adopt a common language of event design using the Event Canvas approach. As the official representative of the Event Design Collective in Canada and through the support of FMAV, she has:
- Trained over 500 Canadian meeting and event professionals on the Event Canvas methodology.
- Brought the 3-day Event Design Certificate program to Canada which enables participants to achieve the Certified Event Designer (CED) designation.
- Awarded 18 scholarships for Canadian meeting and event professionals to achieve the Certified Event Designer (CED) designation
2019 Hall of Fame – Industry Innovators
Heather Reid, ARCT MSc,
Founder and CEO, Planner Protect Inc
Heather launched her ground-breaking company in 2016 in response to the lack of venue contract knowledge exercised by Canadian planners and event hosts. Now through webinars, a column in Meetings + Industry Travel, contributions to other industry publications, consulting and her top-rated presentations, she is educating event hosts, clause by clause, with the goal of helping them be as contract-savvy as the venues they negotiate with.
2017 Hall of Fame – Industry Innovators
Grant Snider, DMCP,
President and CEO, Meeting Escrow Inc.
In 2013, a global, industry-leading professional congress organizer filed for bankruptcy. More than 13 million euros of client deposit money was lost. That same year, another globally-respected DMC collapsed. In addition to employees and suppliers not being paid, clients who had placed deposits with the company lost substantial amounts. Grant recognized that these financial disasters could be prevented. In 2015, he launched Meeting Escrow Inc., the first company of its kind in the industry. Meeting Escrow provides financial and risk management services for the meetings industry worldwide, with a focus on protecting client deposits through a customized escrow solution. It’s a service that’s new, needed, long overdue, and definitively moves the industry forward.
2016 Hall of Fame – Industry Innovators
Sandra Wood, CMP,
Position When Inducted: Independent Planner, Event Consultant – Ottawa Festivals
Current Position: Executive Director, Rideau Crossing Family Health Centre
“The solutions already exist,” Sandra wrote in her Hall of Fame submission. “It’s just a matter of connecting planners and suppliers to those solutions through awareness, education and collaboration.” A planner for more than 20 years in the not-for-profit sector, Sandra has always championed sustainable events. In 2013, she learned about Montreal-based La Tablée des Chefs, an organization that connects event venues with local charities that accept food donations. It’s a solution and Sandra has used it. Since then she has spread the word throughout the industry. Her nominator said that Sandra has made a difference by educating and leading by example, that her work to end food waste is inspiring and infectious. It also moves the industry forward.
2015 Hall of Fame – Industry Innovators
Bob Vaez, CMP,
CEO, EventMobi
For Bob frustration fueled innovation. An engineer by training, he grew tired of not being able to access information and connect at events with the same ease he could in his daily life. In 2009, he launched EventMobi and built one of the first mobile apps for events. His mission was to understand and remove the barriers that kept planners and attendees from adopting new technology, specifically the use of smartphones at events. Five years later, EventMobi has produced event apps for more than 4,000 planners in 40 countries, and has offices in Paris and Berlin. Bob recognizes that the industry is only at the beginning of the mobile, social and digital event revolution. He says, “In the grand scheme of things, we have only seen the tip of the iceberg.”
2014 Hall of Fame – Industry Innovators
Doreen Ashton Wagner,
President, Co-Founder & Chief Strategist, Greenfield Services Inc.
Doreen has been an innovator since she recognized the need in the meetings and events industry for outsourced, project-based, data cleansing and lead generation services. In the 15 years since she founded Greenfield Services Inc., she has created proprietary systems that are now benchmarks in data cleansing, lead processing and marketing. She and her team have worked with clients including Fairmont, Hilton, Marriott, Cineplex Entertainment, AV Canada, and every major DMO in Canada. Today, she continues to evolve her company’s existing systems and create new ones in response to changes in the industry—always making it easier for all of us to do business.
The 2013 Industry Innovator category was sponsored by:
2013 Hall of Fame – Industry Innovators
Jean-Paul de Lavison, CMP,
Founder and President, JPdL
Jean-Paul is founder and president of JPdL, a company employing professionals in both destination management and conference organizing. A member of the industry for 37 years, Jean-Paul has made innovation a way of life. His company pioneered green meetings and paved the way for sustainable practices to be adopted by the industry at large. He also spearheaded efforts to place JPdL at the forefront of mobile event apps, developing the EventPilot suite. Noticing the need for on-site secretarial services, he launched JPdL Business Centres. In addition, he has lead a team that has grown the business to include six Canadian offices. Most recently, Jean-Paul and JPdL were named to Special Events Magazine’s annual list of the Top 25 DMCs worldwide.
The 2012 Innovator Award was sponsored by:
2012 Hall of Fame – Industry Innovators
Paul Marchildon, CITE,
Speaker & Mentor, WhatisLeisure?
A self-proclaimed leisureologist and motivational speaker, Paul Marchildon uses his expertise to help leaders create more productive, effective organizations. Building on an influential career as a pioneer in employee incentive and loyalty programs, strategic creative communications, social media and mobile marketing, Paul provides insight into the advantages of incorporating a leisure culture in the “work” place. He is past president of Society of Incentive and Travel Executives’ (Site) Canadian Chapter and founder of Atlantis Creative Group (now part of Maritz Canada). He is one of a select group of Canadians who have received the Certified Incentive Travel Executive (CITE) designation.
2011 Hall of Fame – Industry Innovators
Rita Plaskett, CMP, CMM,
President, Agendum Inc.
Rita works as an independent planner with her own company. She is also an award-winning continuing-education teacher at George Brown College and founder and developer of the MPI Foundation Canada. Rita developed the concept of the Canadian Economic Impact Study (CEIS) and, through the foundation, raised $1-million to fund this global initiative. She is also an active member of Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE), Society of Incentive and Travel Executives (Site), Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP), and most prominently, Meeting Professionals International (MPI). She is currently chairwoman of the Economic Impact Study 3.0, which will report on municipal and regional meeting data as well as update the national statistics.
2010 Hall of Fame – Industry Innovators
Perry Goldsmith,
Position when inducted: Founder/Owner, National Speakers Bureau and the Global Speakers Agency
Current position: President, Contemporary Communications Ltd.
Perry created Canada’s first speakers bureau in 1973, before a professional speakers industry existed in the country. He is a founder of the International Association of Speakers Bureaus and past-president of the Public Relations Global Network, an international association of independent public relations agencies throughout the world. National Speakers Bureau celebrated its fortieth anniversary in 2013.
2009 Hall of Fame – Industry Innovators
Sue Mercer,
2023 Hall of Fame – Industry Planners
Dana Zita CMP, CSEP,
2020 Hall of Fame – Industry Planners
Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald,
Position When Inducted: President, TAP Resources
Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald has more than 20 years’ experience in the events management at all levels of government, with a focus on Indigenous organizations as well as corporate and non-profit entities.
As a social entrepreneur, Tuesday created the Meeting Scout, a site selection program, to join the fight against Indigenous poverty in the areas of education, personal wellness, and entrepreneurship. She is currently mentoring three other Indigenous women entrepreneurs and is a past President of the Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners.
Tuesday recently took home the Best Conference Award at the 2018 Canadian Event Industry Awards for her work on the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education. She was awarded the Beverly Davis Scholarship and the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award through the Meeting Professionals International. Tuesday is a member of the Wolf Clan, Mohawk Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River. “For the first time an Indigenous Entrepreneurial planner has taken the helm, which complements the diversity of the CanSPEP membership as we roll up our sleeves and get to work alongside her.” says Bettyanne Sherrer, Past-President, The Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners
2019 Hall of Fame – Industry Planners
Amanda Stewart,
Owner, Executive Marketing Inc.
I am a graduate of the Fanshawe College Travel Program. I worked in the wholesale travel industry before falling into the MICE industry.
My career in the MICE industry started at Dimensional Travel Incentives as an Account Executive in 1987. All the skills and experience I had from the wholesale industry, was a perfect fit for the MICE industry, from planning the tours, negotiating with suppliers, costing, managing customer service, and selling the tours…all skills that were part of the job requirements at Dimensional. In 1987 the industry was really referred to as group travel. MICE was in its infancy, and clients were not as educated as they are now. There was no access to Internet or email. Business was done by Phone and Fax. I worked on the launch of one of the first Fax machines for Canon Canada.
I was one also of the first female Account Executives that was married and had kids. Two weeks after my first kid was born, I was advised that Dimensional had been sold. I had a program about to be operated so I decided to setup a home office, hire a nanny and manage the program from my home, as the staff were not transitioning to the new company. This was my client, so I needed to ensure the program was completed on time and on budget.
3 months later I moved to the Wynford group where I stayed for 9 years as an Account Executive and then a Sales Consultant. I incorporated Eventive Marketing in 1999 and worked as a Sales Consultant. When Wynford got too large, I moved my clients to Venture Planning which subsequently became Debut. My vision was always to provide each client with a customized event. Attention to detail and being hands on with the design of the event was extremely important. Cookie cutter was never in my vocabulary.
I decided in 2007 that it was time to be in my own office space and operate under my own company. This just happened to be the same timing as the start of the recession! With loyal clients who trusted in my ability, I closed $1million worth of business in 6 months. I hired a program manager to work with me, whom I had known previously, and we worked endless hours to produce quality events and the referrals have kept on coming. The business has grown and Eventive now has a staff of 8 employees.
2018 Hall of Fame – Industry Planners
Arianna McLaughlin,
National Events Manager, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Arianna is an experienced corporate planner specializing in the professional services and legal industries. She has worked on more than 400 events, ranging from intimate VIP dinners for 10 to multi-day conferences for 2,000. She is an experienced leader, currently leading the nationalization of a previously-regionally structured team. She has developed practices, and continues to search for new ways to streamline processes and position events as a business function in a corporate environment. She has met challenges like a block-wide Internet outage during a conference, and delivered exceptional ROI through events by changing formats and targeting attendees. In addition, she is an active, committed member of MPI Toronto.
2017 Hall of Fame – Industry Planners
Heather Douglas, CMP,
Senior Buyer, Meridican Incentive Consultants
Heather has been developing and executing incentive travel programs for 24 years. She has staged a masked ball in St. Petersburg, Russia; chartered the Onassis’ yacht “Christina” for five over-the-top days of cruising the Aegean; and arranged an emergency delivery of champagne by helicopter drop. In 2014, she and an industry colleague won the SITE Canada ICE Award for an incredible foodie-focused program in Barcelona, Spain. Heather has a deep knowledge of destinations. She lives and breathes the sport of negotiation, and is her company’s unofficial “legal beagle.” She believes in pay-it-forward partnerships with suppliers. And she knows that discovering what a client isn’t saying is the real key to winning their business and delivering a winning incentive travel program.
2016 Hall of Fame – Industry Planners
Chuck Schouwerwou, CMP, CMM,
President & Principal Meeting Planner, ConferSense Planners Inc.
A planner for more than 25 years, Chuck has organized and managed conferences in every Canadian province and territory except The Yukon. His company, ConferSense Planners Inc., specializes in working with government departments, associations, universities and private sector companies. He also consults in the areas of venue contracts, revitalizing failing meetings and making meetings accessible. Throughout the years, he has committed significant energy and time to industry associations, serving on committees and heading up boards. He was instrumental in the creation and launch of PCMA’s Canadian Innovation Conference (CIC), and is co-chair of the event.
The 2015 Industry Planner Category was sponsored by:
2015 Hall of Fame – Industry Planners
Julie Calvert, CMP, CMM,
Manager, Events & Regional Programs, The Canadian Payroll Association
Julie impressed the judges with the depth and breadth of her experience and her passion for planning. She has put together incentive travel trips on land and sea, organized high profile corporate meetings and planned major trade shows. She has created and finalized master service agreements to support strategic meeting management initiatives, standardized RFP templates and developed a best practices manual for her planning team. She served as the vice-chair of the FICP 2013 conference and sat on the planning committee for the 2014 conference. Julie says that her journey through this wonderful profession has connected her with some inspiring mentors and great business partners, and that she continues to be inspired by her industry peers.
2014 Hall of Fame – Industry Planners
Bettyanne Sherrer, CMP, CMM,
President, ProPlan Conferences & Events
In her 20 plus year career, Bettyanne has designed, planned and managed over 1,000 events and sub-events. As president of ProPlan Conferences & Events, she has executed more than 500 association annual general meetings and conferences, regional meetings and government event initiatives; over 250 corporate events including product launches, incentive programs and large trade shows; and 200 charitable events throughout North America. She has worked with groups as small as 50 and as large as 14,000 in industries as diverse as government services, health care, automotive and pharmaceutical. From fundraisers and awareness campaigns to golf tournaments, conferences and trade shows, she has seen and planned it all.
2013 Hall of Fame – Industry Planners
Angie Pfeifer, CMM,
Vice-president, Event Marketing & Corporate Travel, Investors Group, Investors Group Financial Services
Angie has been employed with Investors Group for 29 years working in the meeting professional industry for the past 22 years. Investors Group is Canada’s national leader in delivering personalized financial solutions, managing approximately $90 billion in assets.
Angie is currently responsible for the development and execution of corporate conferences for the 4600 person consultant network, in addition to the management of Corporate Travel. Her primary focus is working with Senior Sales Management to ensure an integrated and strategic approach to identifying and communicating the corporate objectives and evolution of the industry through conferences and events.
As part of her mandate to deliver strategic events, she is responsible for facilitating the briefings with the executives to develop a communication plan that clearly identifies the conference goals, objectives and key messages. Working with internal business units and strategic partners, she is accountable for identifying and developing the business content, measures of success and delivering a financial return on investment for all corporate conferences and incentives.
In addition to the strategic meetings management responsibility, Angie also is accountable for corporate travel through a multi company platform for sister companies in the insurance and financial business. This includes management of the travel program, card program, travel reporting, preferred hotel and air partnerships and risk management resulting in economical benefits for all sister companies as a result of a consolidated multi company program.
Angie has been an active member of MPI since 1994, serving and chairing the corporate circle of excellence and holding a position on the MPI Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. She is a past Chairwoman of the MPI Board of Directors for 2007/08. She is also on the board of Winnipeg’s Downtown Biz and an Executive Committee member. Her formal education background includes Public Relations, Communications and Business Management.
The 2012 Industry Planner category was sponsored by:
2012 Hall of Fame – Industry Planners
Nicola Kastner, CMP, CMM,
Position when inducted: Director, North America Operations, CWT Meetings & Events
Current position: Senior Director, Event Strategy, SAP Global Marketing
Nicola has not only worked for some of the North America’s leading marketing agencies, she has helmed her own business. Throughout her career, it has been her goal to improve her client’s event strategies to drive optimal business results.
2011 Hall of Fame – Industry Planners
Helen Van Dongen, CMP. CMM,
Position when inducted: Director, Global Conference Planning, RBC Capital Markets
Current position: Conference Producer & Team Lead, e=mc² events
In the course of her career, Helen has worked as a corporate, association, and independent meeting planner. She has planned meetings throughout North America and around the world. She is a CMP, a CMM, and a former Planner of the Year for MPI Toronto Chapter. Her CV includes long tenures at RBC Capital Markets, Deloitte and KPMG as well as operating a boutique event management firm.
2010 Hall of Fame – Industry Planners
Les Selby, CMP, CMM,
Position when inducted: Manager, Strategic Delivery, Carlson Marketing
Current position: Director of Meetings & Events, One10 Canada
Les has been a corporate, third party and independent event professional for more than 25 years. Les has earned both his Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation and his Global Certification in Meeting Management (CMM). An active member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), he served on the Toronto chapter’s Board of Directors, and was the 2000-2001 chapter president. In 1997, Les was recognized as Planner of the Year by the MPI Toronto chapter, and received the President’s Award for 2009. Les also currently writes the Industry Insider blog for MeetingsCanada.com
2009 Hall of Fame – Industry Planners
Shawnna Dickie-Garnhum,
2023 Hall of Fame – Industry Supplier
Diane Alexander,
2020 Hall of Fame – Industry Volunteers
Francois Brunet,
Owner/Operator, D.E. Systems Ltd.
François Brunet is owner/operator of D.E. Systems Ltd. the organization has been active in the Information Technology sector for over 50 years providing Computer Sales, Network services, Computer Rentals and Software development for the Conference, Meetings and Events industry with myConferenceSuite series of products. François has been part of D.E. Systems for the past 20 years. Prior to acquiring D.E. Systems François was division General Manager of Metso Automation.
Through out his time at D.E. Systems François remained an active volunteer in the industry; involved in various associations namely as Past President of Meeting Professional International (MPI) Ottawa Chapter, Past President of the Ottawa Executive Association (OXA), Past President of the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFÉ) and Past President of the Professional Convention Management Association Canada East Chapter (PCMA).
François continues his industry involvement as Co Chair of Communications with the Ottawa-Gatineau Network of the Canadian Society of Association Executive (CSAE).
2019 Hall of Fame – Industry Volunteers
Jennifer Glynn,
Managing partner, Meeting Encore
I guess you could say that I started my career in the hospitality industry in high school. I was active in student’s council and worked with a team of volunteers to plan several events. Upon graduation I worked in a small hotel in France prior to going to University of Guelph for my BCOMM in Hotel & Food Administration. While several of my fellow graduates left the industry I continued to pursue my career starting in food and beverage management and then moving into sales roles with Delta Hotels, Pan Pacific Hotels, Kimpton Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and then Global Sales with Marriott Hotels & Resorts.
In 2006, while working full time, I graduated with my Masters in Arts, Leadership. I felt that learning about leadership styles would help me “know thyself” and be a better leader within our industry, my community and family.
I left the hotel side and joined Meeting Encore in 2010 and have never looked back. My partner and I purchased the company in 2011. Working with our customers every day and acting as an extension to their teams is very rewarding. Both Joe and I speak and write on different industry topics to continue to educate both the supplier and planner sides of our business. We believe that better understanding of each other allows for better collaboration and leads to success.
In 2016, Shannon Byck, David Drover and I started a full service conference and event planning company to compliment Meeting Encore. Intuitive Conferences & Events Inc is celebrating 2 years of helping clients bring their incentive, conference and meeting objectives to fruition.
This industry has been so supportive of me and my dreams. I want to continually develop and grow as a leader and volunteer.
2018 Hall of Fame – Industry Volunteers
Rose Timmerman-Gitzi, CMM,
President, RTG Special Events
Rose has given generously to industry associations as well as non-industry charities. As an active member of the Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP), she has headed up a range of committees and served on the association’s board. She was also CanSPEP’s representative on the Business Events Industry Coalition of Canada—now Meetings Mean Business Canada, and served as the coalition’s 2016-2017 chairperson. In addition, she volunteers on-site at the Meetings Industry Euchre Tournament, an annual fund-raiser for cancer research. Outside the industry, she has contributed countless volunteer hours to Women Moving Forward and St. Joe’s Women’s Centre.
2017 Hall of Fame – Industry Volunteers
Hayley Bishop, CMP,
Account Director, Wynford
Inspired by her parents, who made no qualitative distinction between paid and volunteer work, Hayley has a long history of giving. She has held a variety of leadership positions at SITE Canada, and is currently the association’s past president and an executive board member. During her tenure as president, she championed the implementation of event-specific charitable contributions. She has also held many volunteer posts outside of the industry. Currently, she sits on an Operation: Welcome to Canada committee and is helping a Syrian family relocate to Canada. For Hayley, volunteering is a normal part of life, and is about growth, not glory. It is, she says, its own pay.
2016 Hall of Fame – Industry Volunteers
Hélène Moberg, CMP,
Executive Director, Sales, Destination Halifax
Hélène is “incredibly passionate about our incredible industry” and throughout her career she has tried to get as involved as much as she possibly could. Currently, she represents the MPI Foundation on the board of the Business Events Industry Coalition of Canada, and sits on CanSPEP’s partner advisory council. She is vice-chair of the Canadian Country Music Association, and a member of the board of governors for the Rothesay Netherwood School in New Brunswick. In the past, she has served on a multitude of MPI, CAEM, CHMSE and CanSPEP committees. Outside of the industry, she volunteers with Feed Nova Scotia, The Children’s Breakfast Club and Hope Blooms. She hopes she inspires others to get involved and that volunteerism spreads from coast-to-coast.
2015 Hall of Fame – Industry Volunteers
Sandra Moniz, CMP,
Manager, Business Development, Eastern Canada, Meetings + Conventions Calgary
Encouraged by one of her first industry mentors to “be as involved as possible,” Sandra has been a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) for more than 15 of her 20 years in the industry and has explained the importance of MPI to her role and the industry to every manager she’s worked for. She has volunteered on a wide variety of MPI committees, held a seat on the board of directors for multiple years, and championed her local chapter’s mentorship program. She is also chair of the CSAE Trillium Chapter’s Summer Summit, sits on CanSPEP’s partner advisory board and is an active member of the Meetings Industry Euchre Tournament’s organizing committee, an industry event that raises monies for cancer research at the world renowned Princess Margaret Hospital.
2014 Hall of Fame – Industry Volunteers
Sheila Wong, CEM,
Partner and vice-president, Business Development, BBW International Inc.
Sheila gives back to her business community because “it has given her the opportunity to wake up every day doing something she loves.” In addition to her full-time job as partner and vice-president of business development for BBW International Inc., she has devoted countless hours to CAEM, MPI and PCMA committees and boards. She has also made invaluable contributions of time and energy to a host of community programs such as Rainbows – Weekend to End Cancer, International Women’s Day, Volunteer Builders and the Special Olympics. She is also the founder and chair of the Meetings Industry Euchre Tournamet in support of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.
2013 Hall of Fame – Industry Volunteers
Alice Parnis,
Founder & President, Event Fusion Inc.
Alice has always made volunteering a key part of what she does. Over the years, she has devoted countless hours to MPI Toronto Chapter and CSAE committees and is a past president of MPI’s Toronto chapter (2006/2007). Currently, she sits on the chapter’s leadership and nomination committee. On the community front, she has been involved in the High Park Alternative School, chairing its art committee and coordinating its Dream Auction, as well as contributing to the Stretch Your Spirit program and Children’s Day Festival. Her volunteering also extends to institutions of higher learning, where she is a regular guest speaker at Ryerson University and George Brown College.
2012 Hall of Fame – Industry Volunteers
Susan Prophet,
Position when inducted: Director of Meetings, Conferences & Incentive Travel, Tourism Quebec/Destination Quebec
Current position: Director of Business Development, Quebec City Business Destination
Susan is a past-president of Site Canada. During her tenure, she and her team grew the association’s membership by 29 per cent. She used her contacts to bring the Breakfast with Santa Foundation into the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) fold. She also helped create a special connectivity between the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) membership and the Childhood Cancer Foundation. Under her creative and determined leadership, SITE Canada raised thousands of dollars for the Foundation and put a spotlight on 10,000 children in Canada who are battling cancer.
2011 Hall of Fame – Industry Volunteers
Danny Dobriansky,
Co-President, AV-Canada
Danny is past-president of the MPI Toronto Chapter (and sat on the board for 12 years) and creator and chair of the MPI Toronto Golf Tournament. In 2000, he chaired the Volunteer Program Committee for the MPI International Board during the MPI World Education Congress, and rallied more than 300 volunteers from around the world to raise money for a Toronto shelter. Danny has been a supplier member and volunteer of Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE), Society of Incentive and Travel Executives (Site), Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP), Tourism Toronto, Tourism Ottawa and Tourism Niagara.
2010 Hall of Fame – Industry Volunteers
Marsha Jones, CMP, CMM,
Position when inducted: President, The Spot Inc.
Current position: Owner, Marsha Jones Consulting
At the time she won her Hall of Fame Award, Marsha was president of The Spot Inc. Today she is offering sales and event service to client that need assistance in these areas. Her clients as of today are Fogo Island Inn Newfoundland, and MIL a DMC in Italy.
Marsha was the founder of MCC Planners Inc, a meeting, special events and destination management company from 1988 to 2008. She sold the company after 20 successful years. Since then she has worked on many contract positions with in the MICE market.
In fact, Marsha has held positions on local, national and international levels for MPI, SITE, CHMSE, Tourism Toronto and BizBash Toronto. As a result of her work with clients and in the industry, she has received many accolades and much recognition. Marsha has been profiled in The Financial Post as part of a supplement highlighting the meeting industry. Her business savvy has resulted in a successful business that was profiled by CBC’s Venture. She is often sought after for leading sessions with Incentive Works, MPI, CTO and more.
As a result of her extensive knowledge and experience, she has been a past nominee for MPI Marion N. Kershner Memorial Chapter Leader Award as well as having received honors as Toronto Chapter Supplier (1990), Planner (1998) and Volunteer (2002) of the Year and Inaugural M&IT Hall of Fame Award for Industry Volunteer 2009.
2009 Hall of Fame – Industry Volunteers
Leanne Calderwood, CMP,
2023 Hall of Fame – Industry Mentors
Daniela Caputo, CMP,
2020 Hall of Fame – Industry Mentors
Shannon Valeriote,
2019 Hall of Fame – Industry Mentors
Riccarda Galiato,
Executive Director, AMMI Canada
From 1993 to 1995, my brother and I decided to take a stab at being entrepreneurs and so we undertook to own and operated a family run bed and breakfast. In 1994, during the down time for the bed and breakfast, I took a part-time administrative assistant position with an event company in Ottawa. This part-time position, would serve me well and start me on a career path, and journey, I could never have imagined possible. I started as the only employee, and left the company, as the Director of Productions, with a company compliment of 5 fulltime and 10 part-time staff. In 2002, I decided it was time for a new challenge, I needed different experience, after all I had only had 2 jobs since graduating from university. I took a position as an Account Executive and Merchandizer for a small Canadian gift company. In 2004, I walked into an office to deliver a painting and left with a new job, Executive Assistant and Office Manager, for the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada). At the time everyone thought I was crazy, I was taking a significant pay cut and what seemed like a demotion, but, it felt right, and it was the challenge I was looking for. In 2009, I became the Special Events Coordinator and Assistant Meeting Planner, in 2012 the Chief Operations and Meetings Officers and in January 2017 I was promoted to Executive Director. Here it is 2018, I am still with AMMI Canada and every day I feel like am living the dream.
Along the way, I have been actively involved with the Ottawa Chapter of MPI (2008 to present), as a member of numerous committees; membership, program and education and community outreach. I was the Director of Community Outreach and Corporate Social Responsibility from 2013 to 2017. In 2009, I was awarded the MPI Ottawa, Raising Star Award, in 2014, MPI Ottawa Mentor of the Year and most recently, the 2017, MPI President’s Award.
In 2016, I was one of 4 co-chairs that held the position of Volunteer Coordinator for the One Young World Summit that took place in Ottawa, in September 2016.
As I completed my term on the MPI Board in June 2017, I was invited to take on the Co-Chair of the Special Events Committee for the CSAE, Ottawa Gatineau Network. This committee is responsible for the ever popular, Tête à Tête a tradeshow that takes place annually in Ottawa.
2018 Hall of Fame – Industry Mentors
Carol Priest,
Founder and Entertainment Specialist, Carol Priest Entertainment
Carol has mentored countless junior industry colleagues, on both the planner and supplier sides. She has helped these individuals hone their skills, and sharpen their business acumen. She has assisted them in discovering the career path that’s right for them and then opened doors for them when she could. She answers every email and takes every phone call from anyone who reaches out for help. She likens mentoring to acting as a surrogate parent and takes great delight in molding the attitudes, skills and dreams of her mentees. She is dedicated to passing on the experience and wisdom she has accumulated in her career.
2017 Hall of Fame – Industry Mentors
Constance Wrigley-Thomas, CAE, CMP,
Owner and CEO, Essentient Association Management & Events
Constance has spent the last 34 years giving a hand up to people in the industry. She has guided employees, coached peers through accreditation exams, and offered advice to executives. She willingly shares “what not to do,” as well as “what to do.” She has also passed on her enthusiasm and expertise to clients, helping several associations launch mentorship programs. Constance believes mentoring creates continuity and connectivity between generations. An active volunteer, she says that mentoring is the natural next step. Why does she mentor others? To give back, to feel good, to help and to learn. And, she adds, because she’s asked. “It is an immutable truth,” she says, “that we all just want to be asked to contribute.”
2016 Hall of Fame – Industry Mentors
Krista Cameron,
Director of Sales, Destination St. John’s
The fact that a competitor nominated Krista as Industry Mentor speaks volumes about her commitment to helping others. She freely gives advice, plots strategies and makes invaluable introductions. She has taken young competitors and industry newcomers under her wing and guided them through trade events. She assists in developing curriculum for tourism and hospitality courses at the College of the North Atlantic. She is also an advisor to St. John’s off-site venues, hotels and MC&IT service providers on market readiness. Krista says she loves mentoring people and takes enormous pride in it. Her greatest rewards have come from helping others through rough patches. She says,
“I haven’t lost anyone yet…is there anything better?!”
2015 Hall of Fame – Industry Mentors
Janet L. Jakobsen, CMP, MBA,
Professor, Niagara College
Janet says that from her earliest years, she was challenged by her grandmother to live up to John F. Kennedy’s famous assertion: “To those whom much is given, much is expected.” Her career achievements include being one of the first Canadians and first suppliers to earn a CMP, and returning to school for a MBA. She was also the first Canadian and the first supplier to chair PCMA’s International Education Committee, and she is the longest serving member of MPI Foundation Canada. But she is most proud of her impact on others and their impact on her. Throughout her career, she has advised and aided countless colleagues, students and even, bosses. And in turn, they have helped her. Mentoring she has learned, is non-directional, and always rewarding.
2014 Hall of Fame – Industry Mentors
Judy Healy,
Co-Instructor of Essentials of Event Management, Ryerson University
Judy says that mentoring has truly been the gift that keeps on giving because “once you’ve made a connection you typically keep that connection for years to come.” After 15 years working as a meeting planner, she became an instructor at Ryerson University in 2005, where teaching a new generation of planners led to unpaid one-on-one and group mentoring. In eight years at the school, she has offered advice, opened doors, assisted in job searches, shared insights and experiences, and discussed next steps with countless young people. As she says, “those that I’ve mentored know I’m always a phone call or email away.”
2013 Hall of Fame – Industry Mentors
Jill Harrington,
President, SalesShift Inc
Throughout the years, Jill’s role as mentor to members of the industry has taken many forms. She mentored colleagues when she was new to the industry and an account executive with Partners in Performance incentive house. She has gone across the management grain and hired people based on their raw talent and hunger to succeed, over their experience. She has also helped seasoned professionals find the next right step in their careers. Jill’s passion for mentoring led her to launch, in 2002, potential2performance and its subsidiary, salesSHIFT, focusing specifically on the professional development of others. She says that, “without question,” mentoring has been the single greatest source of joy and fulfillment in her entire career.
2012 Hall of Fame – Industry Mentors
Julie Holmen,
2011 Hall of Fame – Industry Mentors
Gabrielle Spanton,
Position when inducted: Director of Business Development, Carlson Wagonlit Travel Meetings & Events
Current position: Executive Vice-President of Business Development, Hosts Global Alliance
Since being inducted in 2010, Gabrielle has continued to mentor industry newcomers. She finds it mutually rewarding as the mentor learns as much as the mentee through the exchange. Gabrielle offers a well-rounded perspective on our industry as her career spans 25+ years ranging from airline sales to meetings and incentives as well as performance improvement and SMMP consultation, design and implementation to redefining destination management services. She remains active through her participation with SITE as well as FICP in Canada and USA. She is passionate about the future and evolution of our industry.
2010 Hall of Fame – Industry Mentors
Doug Keeley,
CEO and Speaker/Storyteller, The Mark of a Leader
Doug started his first company, Multiple Images, fresh out of university, with a degree in music and no business experience. In 1994, he renamed the company ICE (Integrated Communications & Entertainment), to reflect how the company had changed from a producer of slideshows to website, TV, print and digital media production. He also began a mentoring program at ICE and sought out raw talent at colleges and universities, because there was a limited amount of schooling for what the company did. In 2004, he launched The Mark of a Leader with the mandate of developing the next generation of leaders.
2009 Hall of Fame – Industry Mentors
Debbie Van der Beek,
2023 Hall of Fame – Industry Career Achievement Award
Emilia Kim, DES,
2020 Hall of Fame – Rising Stars
Zaman Ishaad,
As a passionate young professional in the meetings and events industry, Zaman has been exposed to the community of industry leaders that are devoted to helping the emergence of young professionals. Within four years of volunteering for MPI, he has acquired the necessary connections, leadership qualities and experience that set him up for success in the industry. With the support of mentors and colleagues, Zaman has been able to create new initiatives regarding student engagement and support industry causes such as human trafficking and sexual harassment prevention.
Zaman has worked as a planner and supplier; planning Orientation Week for 2,500+ students, planning international education conferences for 350+ professionals and executing 500+ BEO’s in a luxury property. He continues to elevate his meetings and events by utilizing his Certified Event Designer designation while creating memorable experiences for his conference attendees. He is currently on MPI’s Canadian Advisory Council and is working to showcase the value of meetings in Canada!
2019 Hall of Fame – Rising Stars
Lynn Miedzik,
Event Coordinator, Canada Health Infoway
I found this industry when I had nothing left to lose. I was 25, living in a small town, and working at Tim Hortons. I was feeling hopeless and in need of direction. I didn’t know a thing about the Events Industry, but chose to go to Durham College for Special Events Planning on a desperate whim for change. Thankfully, it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.
I can say that I truly started my career during my time at school because I spent my time outside of class immersed in the volunteer world, and began to gain real industry experience and contacts. Additionally, I got involved in Meeting Professionals International Toronto Chapter as the MPI Toronto Student Club President. I was a driven, goal-oriented, and risk-taking student that was willing to jump into experiences feet first with the hopes it would make me the best novice industry professional I could be.
I started my ‘real’ job the day after my final day of college. I was hired as the Events Intern for Canada Health Infoway. After interning for six months, I was promoted to Event Coordinator, where I have been for two years. I am one pillar of a small but mighty team of three planners that execute up to 100 events a year, including meetings, social events, conferences, tradeshows, and webinars. Within these two years, my job description and responsibilities continue to evolve on a day-to-day basis. I began as a strong administrative and support role for my teammates, but have since taken on my own clients, projects, and events that have allowed me to demonstrate my planning and leadership skills.
I am adamant that my continuous learning and volunteerism are the keys to my success within our industry. I am currently studying for my CMP designation and I am a proud volunteer for MPI Toronto as the current Marketing Chair and a member of the Young Leaders Advisory Council for MPI global. I am extremely grateful for the experiences and connections I’ve made because of my involvements.
2018 Hall of Fame – Rising Stars
Christy Wright, CIS,
Operations Coordinator, SM+i/Strategic Meetings + Incentives
Christy won over the judges with her boundless enthusiasm, forward thinking, and deep desire to give back to the industry. In just three short years, she has volunteered on a number of SITE Canada committees. She has received its Volunteer Champion Award twice, and was the recipient of its 2015 Young Leader’s Scholarship to attend the 2015 SITE Global Conference in India. She has already earned her Certified Incentive Specialist designation (CIS); is currently working on her certified associate in project management designation; and will soon begin work on her CMP. On the job, she takes on every task, rises to every challenge and seizes every opportunity to learn.
2016 Hall of Fame – Rising Stars
Mariella Irivarren, CMP,
Manager, Event-Based Marketing, BMO Financial Group
Mariella is a force. In a few short years, she landed her dream job as a corporate planner and earned her CMP. An enthusiastic MPI Toronto member, she has sat on many committees and taken on leadership roles. As a result, she gained invaluable experience and earned the chapter’s 2014 Planner of the Year Award. Mariella says learning never stops. She acknowledges and thanks her mentors. And now, she helps others reach their goals.
2015 Hall of Fame – Rising Stars
Kyra Whale,
Position when inducted: Program Manager, Meridican Incentive Consultants
Current position: Catering Manager, Thompson Hotels
Kyra won over the judges with her energy and enthusiasm. While earning a Bachelor of Commerce in hospitality and tourism management, she organized events including an Orientation Week for 800 students. After graduation, she went to work as a program manager for a major incentive house, where she spent two years planning and executing programs. She then crossed the industry street to the supplier side. Working at a leading luxury hotel, she was able to build her knowledge of the industry. This spring, she returned to her planner roots. An active member of MPI, she serves on committees and contributes to her local chapter’s magazine. Grateful for the support she’s received in her career, she works hard to ensure that she is just as helpful to others looking for direction and assistance.
2014 Hall of Fame – Rising Stars
Danyelle MacKenzie (MacCulloch),
Position when inducted: Sales Coordinator, Tourism Toronto
Current position: Senior Marketing Events Coordinator, Canada, Axis Communications
As the 2013 Rising Star inductee, Danyelle dazzled the judges with her energy and initiative. Danyelle has a diploma in hospitality from Humber College and an honours degree in hospitality from George Brown College. While in school, she joined MPI Toronto and attended MPI events, CHMSE events and went to venue openings. When she needed to find a paid internship to fulfill graduation requirements, she started at the “A’s” in the MPI directory and called companies until she found one that had an opening. Since she started her career, she’s taken advantage of every opportunity to learn, grow and rise in the industry.
The 2013 Rising Star category was sponsored by:
2013 Hall of Fame – Rising Stars
Natalie Ciarallo, CMP,
Position when inducted: Program Manager, Pareto Corp.
Current position: Senior Manager, Conferences & Events, Proof Experiences
A graduate of Ryerson University’s Hospitality & Tourism Management program, Natalie has guest-lectured at the school and meets with many students for informational interviews, portfolio interviews or interview prep. She also speaks in the Meeting & Convention Management, Business Aspects of Incentive Travel and Special Event courses. She is an active member of MPI Toronto, where she has sat on the communications, Member Cares and Awards Gala committees, as well as contributing articles to MEETING magazine. In 2013, she won the Ontario Hostelry Institute’s Top 30 Under 30 Award.
2012 Hall of Fame – Rising Stars
Jessica Ambrose,
Senior Program Manager, Elastic Communications & Events
Jessica works for Elastic Communications & Events and manages small and large corporate, association and government accounts. She was a three-year recipient of the Millennium Bursary, and winner of the George & Viola McArthur Memorial Award. She is an active volunteer of MPI Toronto Chapter. At MPI’s World Education Congress (WEC), in Dallas, Jessica was recognized with the “Future Leader’s Forum” Scholarship and received a bursary to attend MPI’s Toronto Education Conference, in Niagara Falls, Ont. She was nominated twice for the Norm Neill Student of the Year Award and once as Volunteer of the Year.
2011 Hall of Fame – Rising Stars
Vinita Borrison, CMP,
Position when inducted: Account Manager, CN Tower
Current position: Account Director, U.S. Market, Tourism Toronto
Vinata’s first exposure to the industry was taking Duff Shaw’s meeting and event planning course at Ryerson University. She has volunteered extensively with MPI Toronto Chapter and sat on the Board as the Director of Membership. Vinita takes pride in the meetings and events industry and finds opportunities to promote it to future industry peers. She is currently on the Hospitality Program Advisory Committee for Humber College. She considers herself an ambassador for the industry and enjoys balancing her work life with motherhood.
2010 Hall of Fame – Rising Stars
Heidi Wilker, CMP,
2020 Hall of Fame – Industry Veterans
Michael Prescott,
CEO, The International Centre
Michael has been a builder, leader and advocate for the Canadian business events industry for 4 decades. He has worked with the Hilton brand, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and The International Centre. He has successfully led sales and operational teams, and as CEO established The International Centre as an award-winning venue. His nominator said that while Michael seldom takes the spotlight, he is always a driving force behind industry change, development and growth. He is renowned for building long relationships with clients and staff members, and has the retention rates to prove it. Those who have worked with him laud him as an impeccable leader and visionary.
2017 Hall of Fame – Industry Veterans
Leslie Wright,
President, Fletcher Wright Associates
Through the nomination process, the judges heard a lot about Leslie. They were told that she’d “done more to advance and build the meetings and events industry in Canada than anyone else.” Someone else said if the meetings industry was a corporation, she would be the CEO. Another peer pointed out that she has improved the way the industry conducts its day-to-day business, added to its foundation, and left a legacy. For more than 25 years, Leslie has guided MPI Toronto and SITE Canada presidents, committees, young leaders, and industry newcomers. She has mentored many; shown and shared great wisdom; and is renowned for being the calm, capable eye of any event storm. She is the gold standard.
2016 Hall of Fame – Industry Veterans
Ellie MacPherson,
Senior Vice-President, SM+i/Strategic Meetings + Incentives
Over the course of 35 years, Ellie has planned an extensive variety of incentive programs, meetings, road shows, special events and more in destinations around the world. She has experienced every facet of the business and met its unique challenges with class and unfailing professionalism. In addition, she is a tireless volunteer and mentor. One of her nominators cited her wealth of knowledge and experience, which she shares freely. “She has the ability to empower the individual, provide opportunities to learn and grow…and encourage the individual to reach for the top,” the nominator wrote. Another nominator put it this way: “If this industry is to grow the next generation of professionals, we need more Ellie MacPhersons in the lead.”
2015 Hall of Fame – Industry Veterans
Cynthia Richards,
Position when inducted: President, Event Spectrum Inc.
Current position: President, Event Spectrum Inc. & Director-Corporate Division, MCI Group
Cynthia has demonstrated vision, integrity and leadership every day of her 30 years in the event management industry. As president of her own company since 1997, she has been celebrated as one of Toronto’s Best Bosses and been on Profit Magazine’s list of the top Canadian Women Entrepreneurs for seven years. She has mentored—and continues to mentor—many members of the industry. Recognizing the need to give young people meaningful work experiences, she launched the innovative “Stand Up, Stand Out” competition this year. It gives a recent event management grad the chance to participate in a FAM to Jamaica and the opportunity to stand up and stand out from the competition. Cynthia preaches—and practices—coaching, collaboration and celebrating an industry she believes in passionately.
2014 Hall of Fame – Industry Veterans
Ralph Strachan,
Owner, The STRONCO Group of Companies
Ralph has been part of the trade show and event contracting business for 45 years. He joined STRONCO, which was founded by his father, on a full-time basis in 1968. By 1985, when the business was sold to Southam Inc., he was its vice-president. After five years working for Southam, he purchased back the STRONCO name and began building The Stronco Group. In 1992, he opened AV-Canada. In 2004, he launched Stronco Electrical Services. Today, The Stronco Group is Canada’s largest privately-owned trade show and event contractor. In addition to building his business, Ralph has helped build the Canadian events industry. His contributions include being Chair of Tourism Toronto for three years (a period that included the SARS crisis) and serving as president/CEO of Tourism Toronto for six months during its restructuring. In addition, he has provided mentoring to many of the present and up-and-coming industry leaders, and encouraged senior Stronco staff members to support industry programs at Seneca College, George Brown College and Ryerson University.
2013 Hall of Fame – Industry Veterans
Roni Feldman, CMP, DMCP, CIS,
President, Roni Feldman & Associates Inc.
Roni has been a key player in the meetings and event industry since 1979. Through her company, she channels her years of experience into the areas of conference and event management, marketing, training and education. Her considerable accomplishments include pioneering interactive themed booth activities at trade shows; creating a training program of best practices and procedures for field staff and tour guides; and lobbying to have GST rules changed to help the domestic meetings industry. She has also been a member of the Ontario Tourism Education Council; mentored students at PCMA’s annual conventions; and has served for many years on the PCMA Canada East Chapter board as well as the CanSPEP board as vice-president, education. Roni is also in demand, nationally and internationally, as an instructor and workshop leader.
2012 Hall of Fame – Industry Veterans
Jane Wallbridge,
Position when inducted: Vice-president, Client Services, Meetings & Events, Carlson Marketing
Current position: Retired
Jane worked as vice-president, meetings and events, Aimia until she retired in 2014. She was with the company (formerly Carlson Marketing) for 33 years. She served on the board of directors for Society of Incentive and Travel Executives’ (SITE) Canadian Chapter and founded CMITS/IncentiveWorks Annual Golf Tournament. Jane also served on the advisory boards of Four Seasons Hotels, CP, Carnival Cruises, M+IT, IACC, Fairmont Hotels and Montreal Tourism.
2011 Hall of Fame – Industry Veterans
Duff Shaw,
Position when inducted: Two years retired from career that included being a leading instructor at Ryerson University
Current position: Gone fishing!
Duff is the only remaining founding charter member (of the original 19) of MPI Toronto Chapter—MPI’s first international chapter. He began his planning career in Crown Life’s marketing department, after being asked to take over the incentive program. He has taught a variety of events courses at Ryerson University and offered his students a “two-year warranty,” whereby they could continue to contact him for help after they graduated. He served as Site Canada’s president twice, on the MPI board several times and developed Hong Kong Polytechnic’s meetings-management course. Duff retired in 2007.
2009 Hall of Fame – Industry Veterans