Senior Manager, Business Events

• Mar 2006 - Present

Ottawa Tourism a not for profit, membership based organization with over 400 members representing accommodations, meeting venues, attractions, restaurants, transportation, DMCs, outdoor experiences, festivals and entertainment. For a full list of our members visit www.ottawatourism.ca. Our mission is to provide industry leadership, strategic direction and destination marketing of Ottawa in cooperation with our partners and members. Based in Toronto, my primary role is to promote and sell Ottawa and the national capital region to Corporate and Association meeting executives in North America and International markets, with the view of bringing their next meeting/convention to Ottawa. I help meeting planners gather proposals for their guest room and meeting space requirements as well as off site venues, then create a customized bid package to present to them. I also create itineraries for site inspections, help with spousal programs, assist with pre-promotional planning and much much more! Show less

Industry Liaison/Tell Our Story/GMID/Communications Committee Member MMBC

• Jun 2018 - Dec 2022

Member of the “Tell Our Story” & Communications Committee. Collaborating with a team to create a communications plan to deliver our advocacy message to academia, government and those outside of the business events industry Assisted in the creation of a newly released video series targeted at advocating to the government, demonstrating the value of business events in Canada. Contributed to the filming, editing and interviewing of participants in the videos. Member of the “Tell Our Story” & Communications Committee. Collaborating with a team to create a communications plan to deliver our advocacy message to academia, government and those outside of the business events industry Assisted in the creation of a newly released video series targeted at advocating to the government, demonstrating the value of business events in Canada. Contributed to the filming, editing and interviewing of participants in the videos.

RISE UP Committee Member

• Jul 2017 - Dec 2019

Evaluate past Chapter RISE Award recipients; with the goal of improving individual chapters by sharing these best practices to grow membership and satisfaction ratingsCollaborate remotely with a team of leaders from around the world

MPI Foundation Canada Council Member

• Apr 2018 - Nov 2019

Increasing awareness and assisting the development of innovative fundraising initiatives in order to provide scholarships and grants for the betterment of the business events industryAlso part of the Grants and Scholarship committee

Board Member-Director

• Jan 2015 - Dec 2015

2014/2015 Immediate Past President Toronto Chapter

• Jul 2014 - Jun 2015

Chair of an appointed committee that is responsible for the Chapter board nominations, coaching program, board skills development, and succession planning

2013/2014 President Toronto Chapter

• Jul 2013 - Jun 2014

• Served alongside a board of directors to inspire our members to be successful by building human connections, through knowledge, ideas and strong relationships• Led the largest Canadian Chapter of MPI with 670 members in line with our Strategic and Operational Plans and upholding the Chapter Code of Conduct while remaining fiscally responsible to our members• Created a sense of community and belonging amongst the membership, which led to a 2.4% increase in member retention and member satisfaction scores• Led and organized two board retreats including booking speakers and developing session content to inspire and guide the leadership team• Collaborated on new chapter initiatives in line with our member survey results• Inspired students at local colleges and universities through presentations to become involved in the industry • Implemented new Volunteer Recognition Program• Participated in panel discussions on The Future of the Events Industry• Participated in various outreach programs to give back to the community Show less

Board Member 2012/2013 President-Elect Toronto Chapter

• Jul 2012 - Jun 2013

Executed the annual National Meetings Industry Day Program by working in tangent with other industry organizations and local committee to raise awareness about Business Events and the economic value that our industry brings in both direct and indirect spend to the overall economy

Board Member Vice President Membership Toronto Chapter

• Jul 2010 - Jun 2012

Created new strategies to increase member engagement and retention and volunteer roles within the MPI Toronto Chapter in collaboration with the Director of Membership

Board Member Director of Education Toronto Chapter

• Jul 2009 - Jun 2010

Responsible for overseeing the creation of all of the Monthly Meetings and Professional Development Sessions for the MPI Toronto Chapter. I also sit on the Education Advisory Board that develops the educational content for the year.

Board Member Director of Special Events Toronto Chapter

• Jul 2008 - Jun 2009

Responsible for the Annual Holiday Gala. Oversee the committee for execution of the event. Also assist in coordinating sponsorships for the gala as it is a fundraiser for our annual charity.

Chair of Special Education Projects Toronto Chapter

• Jul 2007 - Jun 2008

Chair of committee for the Toronto Education Conference in Niagara Falls.

Director of Sales and Marketing

• Mar 2004 - Mar 2006

Managed a sales team of 4 sales managers to increase meeting and leisure sales at the Holiday Inn, Quality Hotel Parkway & Convention Centre, and Howard Johnson Hotel in St. Catharines. Responsible for both the Corporate and Association meeting markets. Also designed promotional pieces for the three hotels. Managed a sales team of 4 sales managers to increase meeting and leisure sales at the Holiday Inn, Quality Hotel Parkway & Convention Centre, and Howard Johnson Hotel in St. Catharines. Responsible for both the Corporate and Association meeting markets. Also designed promotional pieces for the three hotels.