In this episode of Ignite Your Events, we tackle one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: attracting the next generation of talent. From ongoing labour shortages to outdated perceptions of what event careers look like, the gap between opportunity and awareness has never been wider.

Joined by four industry leaders who’ve banded together around this issue, the conversation explores why business events is such a dynamic and creative career path—and why the industry can’t afford to stay a “hidden” option for students. Our guests share how they’re working to change the narrative, reach students earlier, and open the door to meaningful, future-ready careers in events.

If the future of the industry matters to you, this is a conversation worth hearing.

A special thank you to our episode sponsor, The Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Episode Guests

Harpreet Atwal, Director of Event Sales, JPdL

Samantha Mele, Founder and Chief Experience Officer, The Creative Connoisseur

Sasha Saladziak, Senior Director of National Special Event Sales, Canada, Live Nation

Carly Silberstein, founder and CEO, Cielle & Co

Resources:

Watch “Behind the Magic: Exploring the World of Events, Concerts and Experiences,” created by our guests. 

Join or support the movement.

Read Is a Staffing Crisis Looming?  

Take the Ignite Worth It: Salary Survey 

Download the MMBC Advocacy Toolkit 

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit Ignite on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at [email protected].

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

Next episode: Sean Hoff, founder and CEO of Moniker Partners, the award-winning corporate retreat planning agency, shares the motivation behind his company’s Budget Guarantee, as well as your business philosophy the lessons he has learned.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2026

Welcome to our annual Ignite team podcast, where we gather in the recording booth to take a look back at the big trends we predicted for 2025—and an honest conversation about whether they actually happened. And, of course, we’ll take a look forward at what’s shaping business events in 2026. We’ll also talk about a big project we are working on in 2026—the Ignite  Salary Survey—and how you can get involved!

Joining Debbie and Laura today are:

Resources:

Read the Ignite 2026 Event Trend Report 2026 in the Winter Issue of Ignite!  Learn more about Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMBC).

Take the Ignite Worth It Salary Survey

Download the MMBC Advocacy Toolkit at https://meetingsmeanbusiness.ca/resources/#_Advocacy-Toolkit

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at [email protected].

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

Next episode: Event pros Harpreet Atwal, Samantha Mele, Sasah Saladziak and Carly Silberstein share the initiatives they are undertaking to shine a light on career pathways in business events to inspire the next generation to see the industry as a viable, creative and rewarding occupation.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2026

In this episode of Ignite Your Events, we sit down with Minto Schnieder. She is the Chair of Meetings Mean Business Canada, a coalition that brings together leaders from across the meetings and events industry to speak with one voice about the value and economic impact of business events in this country.

We’re talking about advocacy, federal funding and what the latest budget means for Canada’s business-events sector. Join us!

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tourism Prince George. To learn more and connect with their team to start planning your next event visit tourismpg.com.

Resources:

Learn more about Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMBC) 

Download the MMBC Advocacy Toolkit

Read these articles featuring Minto Schneider:

Advocate to Elevate (Summer 2025)

Tourism as an Economic Driver (Winter 2025)

Acronym Decoder:

ICAF: International Convention Attraction Fund. Learn more 

CARM: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management system, a mandatory system for commercial importers to manage duties and taxes on goods entering Canada, including goods for tradeshow and exhibits. Learn more 

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Take the Ignite Worth It Salary Survey

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at [email protected].

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

Next episode: The entire Ignite team joins us in the podcast booth to share their insights on what’s new and noteworthy in events now. Be prepared to be inspired!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2025

In this episode of Ignite Your Events, we sit down with Jennifer Beatty, a respected industry leader whose career spans roles with TIAC, Tourism Calgary, Resiada and Travel Alberta, along with extensive volunteer work for MPI, where she serves as chair of the Global Board of Trustees for the MPI Foundation.

Jennifer shares how the relationships she’s built throughout her career became a vital source of strength during her ongoing battle with cancer—a journey she has faced with honesty and courage. She opens up about the systemic challenges in cancer care and why she’s become an advocate for greater awareness of the essential role of pathologists. Jennifer also discusses her latest initiative, Tea for Advocacy, taking place October 31 in Ottawa—an event that blends community, conversation and purpose.

Resources:

Learn more about and register for Tea for Advocacy—you can attend in-person or virtually): 

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at [email protected].

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2025

In this thought-provoking episode, Laura and Debbie sit down with longtime friend of Ignite and industry thought leader Tahira Endean—head of programming for IMEX and former head of events at SITE Global.

Endean’s new book, Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity and Trust, is making waves across the event world—earning quotes at summits and sparking lively online conversations. Written as part of her Master’s in Creativity and Change Leadership, this story-driven, heart-filled book explores how intentionally designed events can create lasting impact far beyond the agenda.

Listen in as Endean shares the buzz around the book, unpacks what “joy” really means in the context of live events and offers practical insights to help planners design experiences that build trust, boost productivity and—above all—evoke happiness.

Get ready for an episode packed with tons of inspirational ideas for event pros!

Resources:

Read more about Our KPI is Joy in the Summer issue of Ignite

Read Our KPI is Joy

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at [email protected].

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2025

In this episode of Ignite Your Events, we sit down with Krista Benoit, founder of iSPARK Consulting, to talk about the power of working with people who actually inspire you. From her unapologetic "No Assholes Allowed" philosophy to building a business rooted in integrity, kindness and collaboration, Krista shares how saying “no” to toxic energy can unlock joy, creativity and real results.

We dig into how event pros can be more intentional about who they work with, why it matters, and how to set a vibe-check standard that protects your energy and elevates your work.

If you’ve ever needed permission to walk away from the chaos and toward people who fuel your purpose, this is your sign.

You will LOVE Krista’s approach to discovery calls

Get ready for an episode packed with tons of inspirational ideas for event pros!

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tourism Prince George. To learn more and connect with their team to start planning your next event visit tourismpg.com.

Resources:

Visit the iSPark website: https://www.isparkconsulting.ca/our-story/

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at [email protected].

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

Next episode: We’re joined by renowned event strategist and author Tahira Endean to explore what it really means to design for joy. Her new book, Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity and Trust, is making waves across the industry—and for good reason.

Tahira shares the heart and research behind her story-driven book, written as part of her Master’s in Creativity and Change Leadership, and offers a bold new lens for event professionals: we’re not just planners—we’re goosebump creators.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2025

In March, when Julie Danaylov, co-founder of Cirque Revolution Events Inc., took to the stage to accept the Supplier of the Year award at the MPI Toronto Awards Gala, she delivered a rousing speech beseeching event pros to stand up for their value and fight back against the myth that events are “bad optics” in trying economic times.

We invited Julie into the studio to dive further into this issue. Bonus: you’ll leave with concrete ideas for how to respond when a client or internal leadership wants to cancel due to bad optics (check the show notes a PDF of response suggestions).

Get ready for an episode packed with tons of inspirational ideas for event pros!

And a special thank you to our podcast sponsor, Meeting Encore, celebrating 35 years of sourcing the perfect venues to make their clients' events shine! Start the conversation with their team at meetingencore.com.

Resources:

Watch Julie Danaylov’s acceptance speech >

Download the PDF, What To Do When a Client Cancels.

Visit the Cirque Revolution website.

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at [email protected].

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

Next episode: Debbie and Laura report on the effects of the trade war and ongoing economic uncertainty on the Canadian business events industry. From cancelled programs to cautious clients, they unpack the real-time challenges facing planners and suppliers across the country. But it’s not all doom and gloom—we’ll also explore what the future might hold, how planners can safeguard their businesses, where to find opportunities amid the disruption, and why advocacy is more critical than ever.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2025

In the spring issue of Ignite, Monica Gomez, founder of The Concierge Club, wrote about the inefficiencies of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process and proposed some innovative solutions.

Gomez joins us in the Ignite podcast booth today to dive even deeper in the issue and tell us why she thinks an industry coalition around the issue may be the answer. And she’ll also recount her fascinating career journey—hint—there’s a Bieber involved!

Get ready for an episode packed with tons of inspirational ideas for event pros!

Thank you to our episode sponsor, ProColombia, who has a special giveaway just for our podcast listeners. You'll need to listen to the episode and then click here to enter by May 13, 2025.

Want to explore your options in Colombia? Reach out to Juan Sebastian Sanchez Chica, Tourism Specialist, PROCOLOMBIA Canada. [email protected]

Resources:

Read the Monica Gomez’ essay, “All Together Now!” in the Spring 2025 issue of Ignite. 

Visit the Concierge Club website

Read “The RFP Conundrum” in the Fall 2023 issue of Ignite.

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at [email protected].

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

Next episode:

Earlier this year, when Julie Danaylov, co-founder of Cirque Revolution, took to the stage to accept the Supplier of the Year award at the MPI Toronto Awards Gala, she delivered a rousing speech motivating event pros to know and understand their value in the face of current economic and political uncertainty. We’ll talk more about that message and why the industry needs to take it to heart.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2025

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s long overdue for discussion—how we value professional speakers and why they deserve to be paid for their work. Yes, even at industry events!

Joining us is Tami Adams, founder and curator of speaking talent at TA Speakers Management. Adams is a longtime supported of the Ignite Worth it initiative, which was founded on the idea that the industry can only grow if we articulate and stand up for our value. She walks the talk everyday, not only for herself, but for the talented professional speakers she represents.

Get ready for an episode packed with tons of inspirational ideas for event pros!

Resources:

Read the Tami Adams’ essay, “Redefining how we Value Professional Speakers” in the Winter 2023 issue of Ignite.

Visit the TA Speakers Management website >

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at [email protected].

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

Next episode: In the Great Minds column of the Spring Issue of Ignite, Monica Gomez, founder The Concierge Club, advocates for a standardized RFP process. We’re thrilled to explore this further with her on the podcast.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2025

In this episode, we’re getting real about money with Keri Miller, Chief Creative Strategist at e=mc² events. She’s one of our go-tos when we take Ignite's Worth It: Stand up for Business Events initiative on the road. In fact, she joined us on stage at IMEX in Las Vegas last fall.

And it's Miller’s views on compensation that prompted us to invite her on the podcast today. Miller is a strong advocate for fair and equitable compensation. She freely shares her wisdom and pricing philosophy with fellow event planners. If we don’t price with a eye to paying ourselves, she says, “I’m worried we are going to have some old poor event planners in our future.”

Get ready for an episode packed with tons of inspirational ideas for event pros!

A special thank you to our episode sponsor, Winnipeg Tourism. Learn what makes Winnipeg a unique and memorable destination for business events. meetingswinnipeg.com

And check out Winnipeg-Plus streaming service at meetingswinnipeg.com/choose-winnipeg/winnipeg-plus

Resources:

Read the “Getting Real About Rates” in the Summer 2023 issue of Ignite.

Listen to Episode 4 where Julia O’Grady of ITM Events based in Ottawa shares her journey of declaring her value and charging her worth.

Get O’Grady’s Pricing Worksheet.

Visit Ignite's Worth It landing page on our website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration. https://account.ignitemag.ca

Visit us on LinkedIn

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at [email protected].

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

Next episode: We are joined by Tami Adams, Founder, TA Speakers Management

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2025