Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has named Darren Temple as its new chief operations officer (COO). Temple previously served as the association’s Chief Business Development Officer leading strategic business development and global sales planning. He will continue to report to MPI president and CEO Paul Van Deventer. As COO, Temple is charged with driving strategic business plans and execution, established operational excellence, revenue growth and brand consistency throughout MPI. He will manage the Education & Events and Marketing & Communications teams…
People & Profiles
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The International Centre CEO inducted into business events industry Hall of Fame
Industry veteran Michael Prescott awarded for 40-year contribution to industry The International Centre, a leading trade and consumer show and conference venue in North America, has announced that CEO Michael Prescott has been inducted into Meetings + Incentive Travel’s Hall of Fame as an Industry Veteran. The award recognizes Prescott’s legacy for business and customer excellence in the Canadian Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry over the past four decades. “Michael is a visionary leader who has helped shape…
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MPI announces new advanced-level education offerings and plans to develop more security and risk management programs
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has introduced several new education offerings from the MPI Academy as part of its new Executive Education Series, including the Women in Leadership Program and a designation program for the highly-regarded MPI Experiential Event Series. In addition, the association formally announced it is collaborating with the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at the University of Southern Mississippi to develop educational programming and resources, with the first course – Emergency Preparedness for Meetings…
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How to address a problematic volunteer at your event
Saying thanks, but no thanks to disruptive volunteers There are few things I find more annoying than the comment, “But I am just a volunteer!” Some people join boards or committees only to network, which is noticeable and can often impact the impression you leave. And sometimes not in a good way. What led us here? Performance problems relate to the quality, quantity, timeliness of the work or rate of improvement on an assignment. Your expectations should be clearly outlined…
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The future of talent in meetings and events
By Issa Jouaneh Meetings and events are about bringing people together. This is an industry that combines art and science to create unforgettable experiences, and relies heavily on talent within to manage the seamless execution of those experiences. To succeed, it takes a special kind of person with the right training, a firm grasp on new technology, passion and integrity. My team at American Express Meetings & Events has explored the future of talent in the meetings and events industry,…
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How to be more creative and successful
When it comes to the concept of innovation, it’s not uncommon for many enterprises and individuals to struggle – big ideas seldom happen, or come to fruition, overnight. But to overcome these initial stumbling blocks, and be more creative and successful in business, all it often takes is a slight shift in thinking – one which can quickly send your prospects soaring into overdrive. Case in point: What people don’t realize is that innovation is often about evolution, not revolution.…
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The Metro Toronto Convention Centre wins two prestigious building operations awards
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) is proud to announce that it has been honoured with the 2017 Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) Award and the Certificate of Building Excellence in the public assembly category by the Building Owner’s and Management Association of Toronto (BOMA). The TOBY Award and the Certificate of Building Excellence are prestigious recognitions awarded to facilities with the highest levels of quality in many categories of building operations including energy conservation, building performance, security standards and community…
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WestJet again named Canada’s most trusted airline
WestJet has again been named Canada’s most trusted airline by the Gustavson Brand Trust Index instituted by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria. The airline was also named one of Canada’s top ten most trusted brands. The results are based on more than 6,500 Canadian consumer responses to a survey on 294 Canadian brands. “As the airline industry overall faces intense consumer scrutiny, I am pleased that WestJet’s caring brand continues to buck the trend,” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President…
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Free speech: It is worth the price
In January of this year, a mob attacked a building at the University of California, Berkeley. Their purpose was to prevent someone with whom they disagreed from speaking. In April, another speaker invited to address an audience at the same university was similarly prevented from speaking due to threats of violence. These incidences and many others like them have raised serious questions about the legitimacy of a right that once was taken for granted – free speech. Indeed, there are…
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Metro Toronto Convention Centre president and CEO honoured with PCMA Lifetime Achievement Award
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) congratulates Barry Smith, President and CEO, on being honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Education Foundation at the 2017 Visionary Awards in Washington, D.C. Smith is one of the first Canadians to ever receive this prestigious award, which recognizes inspirational leaders for their extraordinary contributions to the business events industry. The award acknowledges Barry as an industry pioneer who has earned a strong reputation for successfully attracting international business…
