SAN FRANCISCO - 4 August 2003 - Meeting Professionals International (MPI) today announced recipients of its 2003 Meeting Professional Awards, which recognize MPI members who are models of professional excellence and make significant contributions to the industry through specialized skills, attitude and leadership qualities.

Steve Kemble was named International Planner of the Year, and Brian D. Palmer received International Supplier of the Year. Additionally, Kathleen D. Cochran, CAE, CMP, received the Marion N. Kershner Memorial award and John Ehlenfeldt, CMP, has been named the recipient of the Tomorrow's Leaders award.

The annual Meeting Professional Awards, sponsored by Hilton Hotels, epitomize MPI's continued goal to advance the careers of meeting professionals and propel the industry forward. Nearly 40 nominations by MPI members were received, with final recipients selected by MPI's International Awards Committee after an intense screening and interview process.

"As we continue to proactively elevate the meeting profession to a higher level by increasing our focus on developing and delivering unprecedented value, we are inspired by these examples of outstanding members who strengthen the meeting industry and will lead us into a more strategic future," said David DuBois, CMP, CAE, interim chief operating officer for MPI and executive vice president of the MPI Foundation. "With deserving leaders such as Steve, Brian, Kathleen and John representing our organization, MPI preserves its reputation as a leading authority and resource for the meeting industry."

According to Larry Luteran, vice president industry relations, Hilton Hotels Corporation, "Hilton continues to be a proud sponsor of the Meeting Professional Awards. It is an honor to put Hilton's name behind this award recognizing these extraordinary individuals and their unique efforts. We applaud the winners and convey our appreciation for the outstanding contribution they have made to our industry."

The International Planner of the Year and International Supplier of the Year awards were presented to Kemble and Palmer, respectively, in recognition of their outstanding association and industry contributions, leadership and professionalism.

Kemble, principal of Dallas-based Steve Kemble Event Design, won for his significant cumulative service on the international level and for the Dallas/Fort Worth chapter. Kemble has made numerous presentations relating to the industry in general and written more than 60 articles for the hospitality industry press. Additionally, Kemble is heavily involved in community service projects such as The SEARCH Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to provide support to special event and meeting industry members and their families afflicted with life threatening illnesses or catastrophic occurrences. He has been a member of MPI since 1991 and has served extensively in various capacities.

The committee selected Palmer, president of the National Speakers Bureau in Libertyville, Ill., for his international and Chicago Area chapter participation, article contributions, public speaking engagements and community service. Palmer, a dedicated member of MPI for almost 20 years, has contributed tirelessly on behalf of the industry by regularly providing counseling and mentoring when called upon. Among his professional accomplishments, Palmer sites his work with world leaders such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Lady Margaret Thatcher and former British Prime Minister John Major as highlights.

Cochran, vice president of meetings, National Association of Health Underwriters in Arlington, Va., has been honored for her positive influence and commitment to the local Potomac chapter. Her continuous leadership, dedication and motivation of others influenced the committee to select her for the Marion N. Kershner Memorial award. As a past president of the Potomac chapter, Cochran remains active on chapter committees and through community involvement. In her almost 12 years as an MPI member, she has held virtually every chapter leadership position available. In listing her most notable accomplishments, Cochran lists her tenure as president of the Potomac chapter of MPI, receiving its Meeting Planner of the Year award and obtaining her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Certified Association Executive (CAE) designations.

As a member of MPI for four years and a member of the MPI Southern California chapter for three years, Ehlenfeldt, director of sales at SMG Food Services in Long Beach, Calif., has made substantial contributions to the association at the local chapter level. Ehlenfeldt has held leadership positions with MPI's Southern California chapter and most notably expanded the chapter's community involvement during his role on the board of directors as head of community services.
The committee was particularly impressed with Ehlenfeldt's professionalism in handling the chapter's finances and as a mentor.

Nominations for the 2004 Meeting Professional Awards will be accepted beginning in January 2004. For more information about MPI award opportunities, visit http://www.mpiweb.org/awards/home/.

Meeting Professionals International, with 19,000 members in 60 countries with 60 chapters and four chapters in formation, is the leading global community committed to shaping and defining the future of the meeting and event industry. For more information, visit www.mpiweb.org.