CONGRATULATIONS to all nominees for the #MPITOAwards! A BIG congratulations to all of the nominee’s for the #MPITOAwards! Can you find your friend, colleague, classmate or partner in the list below? If yes, shake their hand and tap them on their shoulder for a job well done. Would you like to know what the turning point in their career was? If yes, click on the link for each category name below to find out more:

Planner member of the year:

Kristi Contini, Grant Thornton LLP @KContini77 Micki Lubek, CMP, Scotiabank @Nspirationjunky Arianna McLaughlin, Deloitte Cameal Soverall, CMP, CMM, Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario @csoverall

Supplier Member of the Year:

Dan Wilson, FMAV @DGC_Wilson Marcelo DeOliveira, The International Centre @marcelo_yyz Cheryl Gateman, Dolce Hotels and Resorts/BMO Institute for Learning Kris Knox, Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport @78kwk Gary Krantz, PSAV

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year:

Tami Adams, Speakers’ Spotlight @TamiAdams25 Lucia Al-Zaiatova, St. James Cathedral Centre @LuciaAlZaiatova Margaret Binns, Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association @BinnsmMargaret Helen Frank, Cambridge Forums Inc. @helfrank Helena Gomes, Gomes & Co. @lena_go2015 Marisa Goncalves, Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto @marisagknows Christina Northcott, CMP, Canada Health Infoway @c_northcott Stephanie Rapko, CMP, Meetings + Incentive Travel @rapko76 Carly Silberstein, Redstone Agency Inc. @carlyxsilber Elise Taylor, EventMobi @elisebreannan Shannon Valeriote, CMP, Scotiabank Convention Centre Katrina Wyer, Ruby Sky Event Planning Inc. @katrinawyer

Mentor of the Year:

Tammy Bradley, CMP, PSAV @TammyTheAVGirl Marcelo DeOliveira, The International Centre @marcelo_yyz Judy Healy, Ryerson University @judyhealy2 Monika Radicevic, CMP, InterContinental Toronto Centre Hotel Stephanie Rapko, CMP, Meetings + Incentive Travel @rapko76 Shelley Williams, Caesars Entertainment @Swilliams29

New Member of the Year:

Paula Carcamo, InterContinental Toronto Yorkville @powlita Ellen Ettinger, The International Centre @EllenMEttinger Dan Wilson, FMAV @DGC_WilsonKatrina Wyer, Ruby Sky Event Planning Inc. @katrinawyer

Norm Neill Student of the Year:

Nahrain Hanna, Ryerson University @nahrainhanna Enney Hoang, Ryerson University @enneyhoang Lia Laplante, Durham College @LiaLaplante Lynn Miedzik, Durham College @lynn_miedzik Brenda Pais, Ryerson University @brendaapais

Literary Award:

Micki Lubek, CMP, Scotiabank @Nspirationjunky Arianna McLaughlin, Deloitte Tamer Mecky, CEM, Mecky & Co. @MeckyT Darryl Nielsen, Querido Representation Co. @7DN Tim Whalen, CMP, Fallsview Casino Resort @whalent Would you like to know the nominees better? Check out what the turning point in their career was! Planner Member of the Year: Kristi Contini, Meetings and Events Manager at Grant Thornton The turning point in my career was my first introduction to MPI by a great friend and MPI member Helen Moberg - I had never heard of MPI and Helen invited me to the Awards gala. I felt immediately connected to something special and knew at that point what I wanted my life's work to be. Micki Lubek, CMP, Manager of Programs and Events at Scotiabank My turning point was when I discovered the Meeting and Events Industry - an entire industry of warm, like-minded people. I felt like I was finally home. Arianna McLaughlin, Event Manager at Deloitte The turning point in my career was the first time I worked on our Partner meeting, where I learned the strategic side of event planning and its power to shape corporate culture and drive results. That’s when being a planner stopped being simply a job and started becoming a career. Cameal Soverall, Manager, Conferences & Events at Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario The most important and pivotal moment in my career was when I LET GO of my definition of impossible. This has taught me that my greatest success comes from taking the greatest risk.

Supplier Member of the Year: Dan Wilson, Account Manager at FMAV The turning point in my career came about two years ago when I moved from the planner side of the industry to the supplier side. After working for about eight years on some amazing events, I realized my true passion in the industry was working with the technology that helps us connect with audiences. So with the encouragement of my girlfriend I took job as a project coordinator and was promoted shortly afterwards from operations into sales. I’ve gone on to join the FMAV team, where every day I get to work with amazing planners to help them make a true connection with their audiences. Cheryl Gateman, Sales Manager at Dolce Hotels & Resorts Supporting the BMO Institute for Learning I have been a Supplier to the hospitality industry in a sales and marketing capacity for many years and a member of MPI, serving on the Toronto Chapter’s Communications and Signature Series Committees at different times throughout my career. MPI has enabled me to connect with others in the meetings industry; learn more about the challenges we face together and be inspired by the creativity and new ideas shared during chapter events. I am very grateful for the opportunity that volunteering with MPI has presented as the impact on my career and the benefits gained have been extremely rewarding. Gary Krantz, Sales Manager at PSAV Toronto Branch My career turning point occurred in 2002 when I was asked to videoconference a victim impact statement. The victim had been molested by her doctor in Canada and he fled to England. The Canadian woman’s testimony set a legal precedent as it was the first time videoconferencing was admissible in an English courtroom, and it led to the doctor being charged and sentenced. While not the best of circumstances, it made me realize the impact audio visuals can have in other people’s lives! Outstanding Volunteer of the Year: Tami Adams, SR. Event Coordinator, Speakers’ Spotlight The turning point in my career was joining MPI Toronto two years ago and taking on the role of Chair of the 2015 Holiday Gala for the Leadership Team. Being a Member has allowed me to challenge myself in ways I never thought possible, provided opportunities I would not have had, make connections with so many wonderful people and strengthen relationships with existing clients, as well as, making new ones. Lucia Al-Zaiatova, Event Operations Manager at St. James Cathedral Centre The turning point of my career came one summer morning when I realized that I couldn’t face going into work anymore. Thus began a journey from the very dry (for me) insurance business, to the adventurous world of meetings and events. I completed my EMM Certificate at George Brown College, joined MPI, and was able to utilize my transferrable skills and talent as an Event Operations Manager at the St. James Cathedral Centre. So what have I learned? Dreaming big and perseverance is the KEY! Margaret Binns, Director of Administrative Services at Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association

Through the years, there have been various people and circumstances that have changed the course of my professional life. One particular turning point in my career was in July of 2003 when a friend of mine, who I had known since high school, called me and convinced me to submit an application for a position at the Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association, where she worked. Despite my hesitation due to the much farther commute, she insisted that I was the 'perfect' person for the job. I still work there today. Helen Frank, Corporate Program and Events Director at Cambridge Forums, Inc. Moving from the UK was a huge turning point as it gave me the opportunity to work for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Being exposed to large corporate and social events working for TIFF made me appreciate the diversity in events and the needs of other organizations and attendees. It also allowed me to become fully connected with the events industry in Toronto, and was where my involvement with MPI began. For that I’m truly grateful. Helena Gomes, Owner/Principal Planner at Gomes & Co While studying at George Brown College, one of my instructors said that most people who are event planners are project-oriented. I had never thought about it that way, but this statement made me reflect on what had made me the happiest in my career and it was when I worked on tangible projects, with a beginning and an end. At that point, I knew that I was headed in the right direction. Marisa Gonvalves, Sales Manager, Corporate Group at Courtyard Marriott Toronto Downtown I would have to say a turning point in my career was accepting a sales position out by the airport. Not only did it increase my confidence in outward focus selling, it also empowered me to be more involved in our industry & strengthened my relationship skills. Becoming a member of MPI and joining a committee was such a gratifying experience which it motivated me to continue to be an active volunteer. Christina Northcott, CMP, Manager, Conferences and Events at Canada Health Infoway The turning point in my career was when I earned my CMP designation because it not only gave me a new found confidence amongst my peers but my employer also recognized me by giving me more responsibility and promoting me within my organization. Carly Silberstein, CEO & Co-Founder of Redstone Agency Inc. I’ve always been interested in growing businesses and cultivating meaningful relationships. I grew up in an entrepreneurial family (4-generation family business) and knew that I wanted to start my own business one day. With a true love and passion for meetings and events, making the decisions and taking the risk to go out on my own and start Redstone was the turning point in my career. I can honestly say, that this has been the best decision (besides deciding to marry my husband) that I have ever made :) Elise Taylor, Corporate Team Lead, Sr. Account Manager at EventMobi When I realized that I'm right where I need to be! I love working with planners and marketers to help them achieve their goals through event technology.

Shannon Valeriote, CMP, Sales Manager at Scotiabank Convention Centre Looking back at my career, I have found that I have been blessed with many amazing opportunities, which have given me a unique insight into the workings of our industry. Volunteerism offers me the chance to share my experience and knowledge by investing my time and energy towards something I am very passionate about: education and elevating the professional status of our industry through the CMP study group. By assisting this diverse group of people working towards their own goal of obtaining their designation, they are also becoming teachers and leaders themselves. It is an amazing process to see and be part of. Katrina Wyer, Event Planner at Ruby Sky Event Planning Inc. Given that my entry into this industry was a mere 20 months ago, I am grateful for the job offer from Julie Peden at Ruby Sky Event Planning Inc. where I work on events ranging in size from 100 – 1600 attendees, all across Canada. Julie also encouraged me to join MPI. Joining the MPI Toronto Chapter has introduced me to hundreds of suppliers and planners from around the world whom I have learned from and made valuable connections with. These two turning points go hand in hand and I am grateful that my hard work and determination has brought me to where I am today. Mentor of the Year: Tammy Bradley CMP, HMCC, BAA, Sales Manager Toronto Branch Operations - PSAV® The turning point of my career came when I became heavily engaged in MPI Toronto. Through this involvement I have been able not only to gain clients and friends but also to enrich so many of my skills. These skills have been obtained by attending the various education sessions, as well as, through mentoring. Mentoring is a very important part of MPI and helps our Chapter members grow both professionally and personally. The MPI mentoring program has made me the person that I am today. Marcelo DeOliveira, Events Manager at The International Centre The turning point of my career was leaving the construction field during the late 80’s, early 90’s economic slowdown to start working in the hospitality industry. Immediately after entering the industry as a Group Operations Manager for Incentours Inc., an inbound receptive tour operator, I started taking computer and business courses to further enhance my professional skills. These courses, associated with the hands-on work skills I was gaining at work and the many networking opportunities offered by the job, assisted me in furthering my career horizons and employment opportunities. Judy Healy, Instructor at Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University The turning point in my career occurred in when I fell in love with teaching. I got my first taste in the late 1990’s when I taught two night school courses at George Brown College while working full time at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Although I only taught continuing education for a few years I was hooked, so when an opportunity arose to teach at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University, I jumped at it. To be in front of 150 students and see light bulbs turn on above their heads is extremely rewarding and I pinch myself, as I am so fortunate to have a job that I absolutely love.

Monika Radicevic, CMP, Sales Manager at InterContinental Toronto Centre When I started volunteering for the MPI Toronto chapter and won the “Volunteer of the Year” award. This event in my life made me realize that people notice what you do whether it is a small or big thing. You never know the effect you will have on someone and the impact they will have on your life. Stephanie Rapko, CMP, Event Coordinator at MEETINGS + INCENTIVE TRAVEL The turning point in my career was being hired by Meetings + Incentive Travel. I love what I do, and working for the company that is the voice of our industry is providing me with so many opportunities! Shelley Williams, Director of Sales-Eastern Region at Caesars Entertainment My strategy was to find a company "best in its class" for personal alignment, and to become involved passionately in the industry that I served. A company that would allow for a free speaking individual to build their career as someone recognized on individual, corporate and community growth. I found it with Caesars Entertainment - initially on a local level then at a corporate level. I believed in their core philosophy and culture- "inspiring grown-ups to play". New Member of the Year: Paula Carcamo, Group Sales Manager at InterContinental Toronto Yorkville When I was a front desk agent and a traveller walked in disappointed with the current hotel he was staying at, with permission from my supervisor, I showed him around the hotel. We had a great rapport and I was able to address his needs on how his stay in Toronto could be more enjoyable. I didn’t realize it at first but I was conducting my first site inspection and that is the exact moment my passion for sales began. Luckily an opportunity in our sales department became available shortly afterwards and the rest as they say, is history. Ellen Ettinger, Events Manager at The International Centre The turning point in my career is when I became Events Manager for The International Centre. Before this point I had an idea what it was like to be a meeting professional, but the real life experience far exceeded my expectations. Norm Neill Student of the Year: Nahrain Hanna, Vice President of Administration at Ted Rogers Management Conference & Hospitality and Tourism Management & Director at Ryerson Commerce Society While riding the subway one night with a friend, the owner of Cocktail Crawl, an event planning company, overheard our conversation and handed me her business card. I interned with the company for six months, and that led to my decision to switch my major from Marketing to Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Enney Hoang, Event Coordinator at Big Picture Conferences Enrolling in a hospitality and tourism management course taught me about F&B, hotels and tourism. A turning point in my career path was being able to take courses that exposed me to other sectors of the hospitality industry such as gaming, destination marketing and event management. This is when I realized that the events industry is where I wanted to be. From that point on I volunteered at numerous events, meetings and galas simply to gain experience. What drew me to events is that it is so broad and that I can incorporate all aspects of my education. Lia Laplante, Member of CMP Study Group Committee As I am just starting out my career, I believe the single most important turning point in my career to date has been becoming a MPI member and joining the CMP Study Group and the Holiday Gala Committee. Through them I have made so many valuable connections. Lynn Miedzik, Durham College, '16 Special Events Planning Stepping foot into Durham College's Special Events Planning program last year was the best decision I have ever made. I love this industry. Brenda Pais, Hospitality and Tourism Management President / Hospitality and Tourism Management Student Association & Ted Rogers School of Management | Ryerson University The secret to getting ahead is getting started. The turning point in my career was when I was elected to be President of my course union at school. I realized I had the chance to show my peers the opportunities available for work and student development. Literary Award: Tamer Mecky, CEM, Director at Mecky &Co. A turning point in my career is the day I decided not to wait for the HR department to tell me what my next job description would be. Darryl Nielsen, Meetings, Incentives & Celebrations, Querido Representation Co. The turning point in my career was volunteering on MPI Toronto committees and later chairing them. I met so many talented and authentic industry peers. While working together to achieve great results we established a lifelong bond. Peers became, colleagues, colleagues became friends and friends became family. I look forward to many more years of making my MPI family grow. Tim Whalen, CMP, Executive Meeting Manager at Fallsview Casino Resort My career turning point came when I was 14 and got a job bussing tables at a 4 Diamond Resort. I was able to hone the customer service and people skills I still rely on today to network and forge long lasting relationships.