The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lorenz Hassenstein to the position of General Manager. Hassenstein joins the MTCC team after serving as General Manager for the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Recognized as a dedicated leader, Hassenstein brings over 23 years of experience and an impressive record of accomplishment in general management, trade/consumer event management and strategic business development to his new role. Prior to his most recent position as General Manager at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, he held various…
People & Profiles
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MPI 2018 International Board slates announced
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has announced the approved slate for its 2018 International Board of Directors and the 2018 MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees. “I am very proud of the interest received from our membership to be part of MPI’s International Board. The new slate of directors represents thought leadership and experience that will make a difference at the leadership level of this organization. Their perspectives and contributions will help to grow and advance the global meeting and event community,” said Fiona Pelham, chair of the MPI Board Development Committee. Board…
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Three researchers rewarded for their work on international scientific conferences
The Palais des congrès de Montréal and Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ), along with Québec’s Chief Scientist, Rémi Quirion, seized their annual exchange forum to announce the winners of the Palais des congrès de Montréal Ambassadors Club – Fonds de recherche du Québec Awards, which recognize the work of researchers actively involved in organizing international scientific conferences. The three $10,000 awards went to: Pierre Giovenazzo of Université Laval 46th Apimondia International Apicultural Congress 2019 8,000 delegates and $20.5 M in…
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Walter Oster honoured with the Canadian Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) congratulates Walter Oster, former Chairman of our Board of Directors, on being honoured with the Canadian Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) in Ottawa, Ontario. This prestigious award recognizes industry pioneers who have made significant contributions to the growth of tourism in Canada, while demonstrating impeccable leadership, vision, values and business strategy. Oster, who served as Chairman of the Board of Directors at the MTCC from 1998 to 2017, remained dedicated to public…
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Travel Alberta named one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures
Travel Alberta, the provincial marketing organization of Alberta, has been named as one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2017 in the Broader Public Sector category. This prestigious national recognition, awarded by Waterstone Human Capitol, recognizes best-in-class Canadian organizational culture. “Culture is the foundation of our success at Travel Alberta, and recognition on this level reflects the exceptional efforts of our high-performance team,” said Royce Chwin, CEO, Travel Alberta. “Our team culture thrives despite a challenging economy and the ever-changing nature of the tourism…
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How smart managers hire so they don’t have to fire
By Sheila Wong Like the real estate market, the events industry takes its cue from the state of the economy. The events industry can be more of a lagging indicator because of the advanced planning required. In recent months, there’s been a hiring buzz in the meetings and events industry for event support staff. Hiring managers are starting to feel the squeeze when it comes to finding good people. This is due to the unemployment rate dropping to a nine-year…
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Four ways to optimize your networking opportunities
By Jennifer Beale In the meetings and events industry, one of the key predictors of your success is your ability to build relationships with influential people who connect powerfully and create high-trust relationships fast. And just like them, you can learn to effortlessly create profitable, winning relationships with anyone you want. While industry events are ideal places to find potential customers and partners, often the results are disappointing. You do everything the experts say: shake hands confidently, look people in…
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Shaw Conference Centre announces new general manager
The Shaw Conference Centre (SCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Wong in the role of General Manager, effective November 6, 2017. “We are excited to welcome Richard to the EEDC family as the new General Manager of the Shaw Conference Centre,” says Brad Ferguson, President & CEO, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. “Richard brings an exceptional history of leadership experience, augmented by deep community involvement and passion for our city. I am confident the Shaw Conference Centre will…
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Industry veteran Julie Coker Graham to co-chair Meetings Mean Business Coalition
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC) has appointed Julie Coker Graham, president and chief executive officer of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), as its next co-chair. Coker Graham will join Paul Van Deventer, president and chief executive officer of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), in leading the coalition and promoting the value of face-to-face meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions. “We are very excited to have Julie be the first CEO of a convention and visitors…
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MPI appoints Christine Roberts as executive director of Foundation
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has selected Christine Roberts to serve as Executive Director of the MPI Foundation. In this role, Roberts will be responsible for setting strategic and financial goals as well as directing fundraising and operational activities for the foundation. She officially begins the role on September 18, 2017, reporting to Darren Temple, COO of MPI and Executive Vice President of the MPI Foundation. Roberts has more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality and meeting and event industries. She…
