Part of what defines our success is seeing local communities united, healthy and living decent lives. That spans from thinking about climate change and leading healthy lifestyles, to inclusivity and creating an enabling environment for all of us.
Charitable and humanitarian organizations have been at the forefront in spearheading these initiatives, along with our involvement among them this year. We chipped in to provide both financial and event production support to Associations committed to this course.
We want to share the steps we took this past year towards achieving this goal.
Addressing Climate Change Through Clean Energy Programs
One of our long-term goals is to embrace holistic climate action and go carbon neutral by 2027, in the fight against global warming. As technology advances, we see a promising future where we can look at our company operations to limit carbon emissions in a sustainable way. Also, we want to find ways to offset any existing emissions produced during events. This is our first step in the right direction.
This year, we partnered and supported The Sustainable Events Forum (TSEF) in its mission to educate, collaborate, inspire and take action in creating a more sustainable events industry and consequently, a healthy planet.
Supporting Fellow Associations Run Fundraisers
We sponsored the MPI Fall Fit Fundraiser to help support the MPI Toronto Chapter and raise funds for the Breakfast with Santa Foundation. The association is committed to educating members through learning programs, innovations, thought leadership and advocating for equity and inclusion.
Through initiatives like the Breakfast with Santa Foundation, MPI supported disadvantaged children by providing meals, winter coats, food hampers, backpacks and other basic necessities that offer children a better quality of life.
We also championed fitness and healthier habits for event industry professionals and made it fun with contests and prizes. Contests encouraged us all to take up to 10,000 steps daily! We did this because we understand the value of physical fitness in helping members stay active, reduce the risk of injuries and boost quality of life.
Sponsoring Professional Development Sessions
Following the challenging times that the pandemic has caused for professionals, especially those in the events and travel industry, we believe we can cope with any pressure by equipping them with relevant skills.
MPI organized a professional development session which we were privileged to participate in as sponsors. Members were equipped with actionable steps to bounce back, persevere and enjoy each moment regardless of other problems.
Facilitating Post-Pandemic Meet-ups
We sponsored the MPI Golf Tournament, the first outdoor event after pandemic restrictions were lifted. After more than 17 months indoors, this was a perfect opportunity for members to reconnect and network with fellow industry peers.
Science has proven the connection between living a positive social life and staying healthy. While online events significantly helped us connect virtually, face-to-face and live events have a special way of restoring our industry spirit, which manifested through this experience.
Supporting CSAE and CanSPEP With Donations
The Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) and Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP) are reputable associations that have constantly offered educational programs to event executives and entrepreneurs for better performance.
We participated through donations and event support, to build capacity for both organizations so they can accommodate more members in the future and equip them with functional skills.
Participating in MPAHT Meetings
MPAHT is a humanitarian organization that raises awareness against human trafficking by collaborating with event organizers and offering training on how to spot, act, and prevent such acts of injustice. We contributed and spoke at their events to stand against such inhumane acts.
Robert Thompson, Head of Sales at AV-CANADA, truly spoke to our heart when he said, “My heart is heavy for the sufferers of Human Trafficking. However, with MPAHT, we can make a change.” We absolutely believe in the work MPAHT is doing, and we will keep supporting them in every way possible.
Continuing Future Collaboration
We came through to support associations by raising revenues to help impact their local communities and causes. We proactively reached out to associations who have an impact on the events industry, to help them continue holding important meetings that benefit us all and to help them thrive during the pandemic.
Giving back is our responsibility as event professionals and we are glad for the opportunity to do what we love. We are incredibly overwhelmed by the great work our partners like TSEF, MPI, CSAE, CanSPEP, MPAHT, and other humanitarian groups are doing in Toronto and beyond. It is an inspiration and we want to continue supporting them year after year!
