The Mitel User Group (MUG) made history with its first-ever event in Toronto in early June. The event brought Mitel customers and partners in Canada and Mitel leaders together for a full day of connection, learning, and shared innovation. Held in the heart of the city, it marked a milestone for the global MUG community and a powerful reminder of how valuable face-to-face engagement still is in a digital world.
A Big Moment for MUG in Canada
Judy Abbott, Global MUG Board Member, kicked off the day by welcoming attendees and giving an overview of why MUG matters with an energy that set the tone for the event:
“We’re so proud to bring the Mitel User Group to Toronto for the first time. It’s more than just a meeting—it’s about building a strong, engaged community in Canada. The passion and curiosity in today's room were incredible."
With user communities' growing importance in shaping product direction and supporting ecosystems, the Toronto debut of MUG couldn’t have come at a better time.
Conversations That Matter
Throughout the day, sessions explored the future of unified communications—from where the market is heading to how Mitel adapts with AI, hybrid cloud, mobility, and security. Al Hurren, EVP of Engineering & Operations, gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look at Mitel’s strategy:
“We’re building resilient, intelligent, and flexible solutions—because that’s what customers need in today’s communications landscape. And we’re doing it in a way that gives customers choice without locking them in.”
A Consultant’s View on What’s Next
One of the standout moments was the lunch-and-learn conversation between Mitel’s Dave Clardy and Chris Thalassinos, Senior Consultant at Comms Intelligence Group. The pair discussed how organizations can future-proof their communications strategy, avoid common pitfalls, and make smart investments.
“Unified communications isn’t one-size-fits-all anymore,” said Thalassinos. “What matters is finding the right mix of technology and support that fits the business—and that’s where experienced partners and vendors like Mitel make a difference.”
Product Demos, Real Talk, and Community Energy
From interactive demos of Mitel’s latest innovations to tech partner spotlights and live integrations with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and more, the event was packed with valuable insights and hands-on experiences. But one of the biggest takeaways wasn’t a feature or a roadmap—it was the power of simply being in the room together.
Simon Smith, Director of Sales Engineering for Canada, reflected on that point:
“Events like this give us a chance to hear directly from our customers—what’s working, where the gaps are, and where we can help. That kind of engagement is incredibly valuable. It shapes our thinking, priorities, and ultimately, our ability to serve.”
Wrapping Up with Connection
The day wrapped with an open forum Q&A and relaxed networking over appetizers, giving attendees one last chance to share ideas, ask questions, and connect with peers and experts.
As the first MUG event in Canada, the Toronto stop felt like more than a launch—it was a celebration of collaboration, insight, and community.
