Hot News

 Toronto—Barry Smith, President and CEO of The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) is the 2006 recipient of the Meeting Professional International (MPI) Toronto Chapter President's Award, given at 17th annual MPI Toronto Chapter Awards Dinner held at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. The award recognizes contributions to the meetings and convention industry.

"In addition to being a long time member and supporter of the MPI Toronto Chapter, Barry is also a person who is recognized as "walking the talk" in more ways than one," said Susan Lanc, CMP, president, MPI Toronto Chapter. "He takes time to recognize his peers, colleagues, and employees whenever possible, and is a dedicated and active member within key industry boards and committees."

Ms. Lanc noted key highlights of why Smith was selected for this prestigious award:

• As an active member of the Executive Committee of Tourism Toronto and past Vice Chair, Smith helped create the highly successful Convention Development Fund, ensuring that adequate resources were directed to the fund which enables Tourism Toronto to win new business for the city.
• As a Vice Chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, Smith advocates on behalf of the tourism and hospitality industry across Canada.

"Barry continues to exemplify the reasons why his name is held in high regard within this industry across the country, he continues to demonstrate true leadership abilities and excellent business acumen," said Walter Oster, Chairman of the MTCC's Board "On behalf of the Board we are extremely proud of his continued successes."

In addition Smith has been a taken a leadership role in making meeting venues more environmentally responsible.{mosimage} The MTCC was the first convention center to pioneer the concept of a Zero Waste event, and was recently recognized by the Building Owners and Managers Association of Canada, for implementing environmentally friendly practices.

In accepting the award, Smith emphasized the importance of being a team member. "While it is true that I am passionate about enhancing the meetings and convention industry as a whole, it has always been a community effort," said Smith. "I am merely accepting on behalf of all my colleagues who work tirelessly along with me to better our position within the marketplace."