The Legacy Continues: A Night of Celebration at the MPI Atlantic Awards
On June 11th, our team donned their finest attire and made our way to the Westin Nova Scotia for a night of celebration at the MPI Atlantic Awards, the regional chapter dedicated to empowering its members by providing education, professional development, and business growth opportunities. Serving members across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Atlantic seaboard, MPI Atlantic is a beacon of excellence in the meetings and events industry. This year's Awards Gala embraced the theme of "Daylight," symbolizing our industry's bright future, the Atlantic chapter's strength, and the community's growth. It was a night to celebrate shining brighter, growing stronger, and achieving more together.
The evening was filled with accolades, recognizing outstanding achievements in the following categories:
- Member of the Year
- Event of the Year
- Rising Star of the Year
- The Barbara Broome Legacy Award
Mayor Mike Savage kicked off the night with a heartfelt speech, marking his final MPI Awards Gala as Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality. His unwavering support for the meeting and events industry over the past 12 years has been instrumental in its growth, turning our region into a thriving hub for global gatherings that showcase the best of what we have to offer.
We were immensely proud to see four of our team members from the Halifax Convention Centre recognized with nominations - Dawn Baldwin, Director of Sales, and Stacey McLaughlan from our Event Management team, were both contenders for Member of the Year. Additionally, Mayya Tolkacheva, Sales Associate, and Kathleen King, Event Manager, were nominated for Rising Star of the Year.
Three events hosted at our centre were also nominated for Event of the Year: Hal-Con Sci-Fi Fantasy Convention 2023, the 2023 Atlantic Securities Conference (AtlSecCon), and the UNISON 2023 Festival. We were elated to see Hal-Con take home the Event of the Year award, a testament to the hard work and dedication of their incredible team of volunteers and event organizers. Hal-Con is not merely an event; it is a vibrant community celebration that marries the wonder of science fiction and fantasy with the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Barbara Broome Legacy Award. This prestigious award was bestowed upon Genaya Cameron, our Senior Director of Event Operations. Genaya's remarkable 25-year career in the events industry is a story of passion, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Genaya embodies the spirit of the Barbara Broome Legacy Award, and her legacy is reflected not only in the events she leads but also in the lives she has touched, the professionals she has mentored, and the community she has helped to build and strengthen.
The MPI Awards Gala was a wonderful night of celebration for our industry, colleagues, and community. It was a night that truly reflected the theme of "Daylight," showcasing the bright future and enduring strength of our industry and the bonds that unite us.
