Murphy, president and CEO of Murphy Hospitality Group, spoke on the integral role the province has played in his company’s success while delivering the closing keynote speech for the Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP) annual conference at the P.E.I. Convention Centre this weekend.
From the top-notch quality of its food to its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere, Murphy said the province has a lot to offer.
“I think it’s very special and we’re very fortunate to be able to do business on P.E.I.,” said Murphy, who began his company with his wife Kathy when he was 23-years-old. “It’s been 37 years and we’ve loved every minute of it.”
Murphy, whose business has grown to include multiple restaurants, a brewery and hotels, delivered the message to meeting and event planners from across Canada who attended the conference.
From picnics at the P.E.I. Preserve Company and bonfires on the beach to an “Amazing Race” style competition throughout Charlottetown, the conference gave delegates a sample of what the province has to offer.
Toronto entrepreneur Malak Sidky, of Health Care Event Planning, said the conference was an interesting and fun way to explore the province.
She especially enjoyed a dinner at The Dunes, which was followed with a beach bonfire.
“The sunset on the beach was literally a ‘pinch me’ moment,” said Sidky.
This was the first year the conference has been held in P.E.I.
Ann Worth, executive director with Meetings and Conventions P.E.I., said it was important to show that the province is a great place to host conventions.
She said the planners who attended the conference all have clients searching for interesting and unique places to hold future events.
“We knew if we showed them the best of the Island and all that they can do here… they would take that message back to their clients who would choose P.E.I. as a future meeting destination,” said Worth.
Worth also praised Murphy’s closing speech.
“To have that genuine enthusiasm from someone who was born here and raised here, talking about how they care so much about hospitality, it really was the icing on the cake,” she said.
For Murphy, it’s not just about the experiences available and locations throughout P.E.I.
It’s also about the people, with Murphy placing an importance on creating memorable experiences for customers while also making meaningful connections with employees.
To Murphy, those employees are like family.
“I don’t care what business you’re in, it’s all about the people and how you motivate, challenge, educate and grow them. I think a lot of times, businesses forget how important it is to connect with their staff,” said Murphy, who employs more than 800 people in the summer. “It’s all about the people and I’ve been very fortunate to surround myself with great people.”
