Beyond Your Chapter

The MPI Greater Edmonton Chapter quadrupled attendance at its National Meetings Industry Day event by issuing a change in philosophy.

In 2008, the MPI Greater Edmonton Chapter welcomed just 92 attendees to its National Meetings Industry Day event; this year, it drew 272—quadruple its membership of 68. But that increase came as little surprise to chapter leaders who had decided that the event should be a meeting place for all of the area’s industry professionals, not just MPI members.

“Here we are, the second-smallest chapter in Canada, and we decided to change our approach to National Meetings Industry Day, and we found amazing success in doing that,” said Brent Taylor, event supports director for Timewise Event Management Inc. and Greater Edmonton Chapter president-elect. “If we can apply that same innovative spirit to all of our chapter’s operations…look out!”

Chapter leaders initially contacted two long-time partners—Edmonton Tourism and the Shaw Conference Centre—and related their plan for a citywide National Meetings Industry Day event. The three organizations would act as equals in the planning and implementation of the program. Shaw officials donated space for the event as well as all food and beverage, while Edmonton Tourism supported the effort with publicity and communications support as well as the creation of a workable industry database.

Meanwhile, the chapter made changes to the event’s timeline, ending the event early so workers, managers and even hotel general managers could return to their jobs before 9:30 a.m. Keynote speaker Dr. Bob Steadward brought his own following, along with more than 40 years of experience in the areas of multi-disability fitness and research. The Order of Canada recipient spoke on social sustainability, stressing the importance of engaging youth and leaving a legacy. To complement Steadward’s vision, more than 45 students attended the event at no charge.

Taylor admits the effort was a risk. “History showed low turnout for our event,” he said. “But we gained the confidence of our partners and found success.” The chapter also gained a handful of new members, showing that the best way to succeed is by holding meeting.

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