Ted Rogers School hosts TMU-wide in-person meet up for events and service specialists

After years of connecting virtually, the Campus Events Community of Practice Working Group at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) celebrated a significant milestone with its inaugural in-person meeting on July 24, 2025 at the Ted Rogers School of Management. 

“The energy in the room was palpable as members, many meeting face-to-face for the first time, engaged in lively discussions and shared valuable insights,” says Rita Lingner, Director, Space Planning & Special Projects, Ted Rogers School.

The Campus Events Community of Practice was launched in the fall 2021, emerging from pandemic planning as TMU eased back into in-person classes and events. It was a combination of an initiative co-chaired by Kim McDonald (Director, University Events & Strategic Initiatives, TMU), Andrew Bisnauth (Associate Director, Campus & Community Engagement, TMU) and Jason Moseley (Manager, Event and Space Reservations Services, TMU) for event planners on campus during the pandemic to share resources and best practices for virtual events, and the Campus Reopening Implementation and Operations Committee (CRIOC).

The group provides a place for university event planners and service providers to share best practices and work towards the development of standards that can be widely adapted. It also creates opportunities for knowledge management, streamlining and enhanced event planning experiences.  

After meeting online for four years, it was time for the group to meet in person and encourage more personal connections. This highly anticipated gathering brought together 34 members for an afternoon of collaboration, learning and renewed connection. The event was hosted by the Ted Rogers School’s Special Events team, who provided an afternoon filled with warm school hospitality and ensured a seamless and engaging experience for all attendees.

“Rita Lingner was really intent on bringing people together and hosting the first in-person meeting at the Ted Rogers School of Management – a location on campus that many in attendance had never visited,” says Ryan Kerr (Manager, Institutional Events, TMU), one of the group’s co-chairs. 

Topics of discussion for the afternoon included information on Ted Rogers School venues and services, accessibility considerations for events, working with campus stakeholders, security and technical considerations.  

“The consensus was clear: the in-person format significantly enhanced the collaborative spirit and depth of engagement, reinforcing the strong sense of community within the group,” says Lingner. 

The success of this meeting has ignited enthusiasm for future in-person gatherings. The group looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to provide valuable opportunities for the Campus Events Community of Practice to thrive and grow together. 

The group meets bi-monthly and is open to any TMU faculty or staff planning events and/or providing a service/support for campus events. It has grown to over 80 members, including four from the Ted Rogers School. The current co-chairs are Kerr and Jessica Tran (Manager, Convocation, TMU). 

If you are interested in joining the group, learn more by visiting their website or connect with Rita Lingner at rita.lingner@torontomu.ca.