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:

• Angela Kryhul, Editorial Director, Special Projects, and the editor of Adrenalin Magazine
• Jennifer Newby, Director of Client Innovation
• Melaya Horsten, Director of Communications and Marketing
• Rose Filice, Senior Editor, Special Initiatives
• Tricia Viera, Manager, Audience and Finance Operations

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 podcast@ignitemag.ca.

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 podcast@ignitemag.ca.

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 podcast@ignitemag.ca.

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