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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Theresa Davis
Meeting Professionals International
(972) 702-3044
TDavis@mpiweb.org

MEETING PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION NAMES PAULA HUGHES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Leader Tapped to Build on MPIF’s Momentum

DALLAS (October 5, 2009) – After a comprehensive search Meeting Professionals International Foundation (MPIF) announced today the appointment of its new Executive Director, Paula Hughes. Ms. Hughes will report directly to Meeting Professionals International’s president and CEO, Bruce MacMillan and work with the MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees and councils.

Ms. Paula Hughes has served as the Executive Director and Chief Professional Officer of three (3), high‐profile, not‐for‐profit organizations within the North Texas region. With over 20 years of experience, Ms. Hughes has led the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Arthritis Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Additionally, she has worked within the corporate sector for both Woodbine Development Corporation and Adolph Coors/Willow Distributors as the Assistant Director of Marketing/Communications and the Director of Public Relations, respectively. Over her 20 year career in not‐for‐profit organizations, Ms. Hughes has raised over $50 million dollars.

Ms. Hughes has her Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations and communications from the University of North Texas.

“The MPI Foundation couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Paula to our organization,” said Margaret Moynihan, MPI Foundation Chairwoman. “We are confident that Paula’s fundraising and operational experience will bring great value to the mission of the MPI Foundation as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary of raising funds and giving back to the meetings and events industry.”

“Paula impressed us with her diverse business and Foundation focused career experiences,” said Bruce MacMillan, president and CEO of MPI. “Her continual drive and passion for not‐for‐profit related efforts along with her ability to analyze and define opportunities will be extremely helpful as we identify global growth opportunities for the MPI Foundation.”

Ms. Hughes will begin her position with MPI Foundation on October 5, 2009.

About Meeting Professionals International Foundation:
The MPI Foundation powers the vision of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the meeting and event industry’s most vibrant global community comprised of more than 24,000 members and 71 chapters and clubs worldwide. Contributions from MPI members, chapters and organizations are invested in high‐impact programs to support a rich, global meeting and event industry and shape the future of the meeting and event profession. For more information, visit mpifoundation.org.

About MPI:
Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the meeting and event industry’s most vibrant global community, helps its members thrive by providing human connections to knowledge and ideas, relationships, and marketplaces. MPI membership is comprised of more than 24,000 members belonging to 71 chapters and clubs worldwide. For additional information, visit mpiweb.org.

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