I joined the meetings & events industry by default in October 2000. I studied communications and audio-visual technology in school and began my career in radio broadcasting. I later went to work for an AV production company, and that’s where I learned about the meetings & events industry. It has been my passion ever since.

One of my favorite moments at an event occurred when I overheard a guest lean over and ask his partner, “Wasn’t this room a different color a moment ago?” We had just changed the uplighting color of a room draped in white. The change was subtle but it transformed the mood and made the room look very cool. I always love a comment like that because it means we’re doing something magical and memorable for the client.

A co-worker took me to my first MPI happy hour in 2000. I was new to the company and thrilled to participate in one of my first networking opportunities in the industry. I have been with the same company for 11 years and have been involved with MPI off and on during that time. I have been an active member for the last several years, which has brought me many new clients, friends and opportunities. As a supplier, my company encourages its employees to network for developing leads and generating new business -- but, from my perspective, we gain so much more than that. I really enjoy the people in this industry and the connections I have made.

After six years as a meeting planner, I realized I could never see myself in any industry other than meetings & events. Being on-site at a function is always memorable because it takes so much to get to that point, and i always pause before the program begins to bask in the moment. After that, I’m able to hit the ground running to ensure that all the hard work and pre-planning result in a wonderful on-site experience and program wrap-up for the attendees.

Of course, you always have to expect the unexpected when you’re working in this industry. I was once working at a meeting for a professional organization, and the installation of its incoming board of directors was scheduled to take place in a mere five hours. All production schedules and scripts had been finalized, the menu and serving plan had been reviewed with the banquet captains, the decor was being put in place … and then i was informed that the governor of California would be in attendance and wanted to give a short presentation. Through great partnership, collaboration and planning, we pulled off this “oh, by the way” moment without a hitch. That’s when I came up with my career credo: “we plan so that we have a foundation on which to change.”

I entered the meetings & events profession when two people took a chance on me and offered me a job as a meeting planner even though I had no experience and no real knowledge of the industry. I did a quick internet search and MPI was the first organization to show up in the results. So, my education as a new planner came from MPI through its institute programs. It was through these programs that i fell in love with the events industry and learned so much more about myself.

Over the years, MPI has supported me … • When looking for new jobs (via the MPI job board) … • When seeking continuing education opportunities (with a scholarship for my graduate program) … • When making connections with some wonderful industry colleagues (many of whom i now call “friend”), and … • When giving back to my industry (by volunteering at my local chapter).

My life today as a planner, the multitude of memories I have and the stories I share with others are all owed, in part, to MPI. These are the reasons I continue to support this global organization, not only as a member, but also as a volunteer leader helping to guide its future.

I first encountered the events industry about 15 years ago and, after my first client meeting, I was hooked! It’s cool to help turn another person’s vision for an event into reality -- not many jobs allow someone to do that.

The first time the United Nations judges held their annual congress outside of Europe was at our building in Vancouver, British Columbia. I was the lead and client service coordinator for this event, and it is definitely one of my career highlights. I dealt with the U.N. Governor General and received calls at all hours of the night from security details coming into the country. I even learned how to get two blocks of the City of Vancouver shut down! Most of all, I was able to provide this very important group of people the opportunity to meet in our beautiful city, worry-free.

I am a mother of 9-year-old twins. I have been a member of MPI for four years, including tenures with both the British Columbia and Greater Calgary chapters. I have served and continue to serve in leadership positions for the latter, as a past vice president of finance and, currently, as president-elect. I hold Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Certified Meeting Manager (CMM) qualifications and am deeply committed to continuing education. I also am committed to performing and interacting as a consummate professional within a dynamic business landscape each and every day. I am very fortunate to love what I do and work in an industry I truly respect. I am MPI!

I love the hospitality industry. I especially love to travel and meeting other people who share the same passion for it. Life is too short to stay in one place all the time.

One of my favorite memories from working in the industry is slurping raw crab eggs off the belly of a crab at a restaurant in Shanghai after a huge textile & design show. I was trying to impress my guest -- I don’t know if it worked, but it gave me something to talk about for many years afterward!

MPI has connected me with numerous friends and business contacts -- it is a great organization for building bridges in the industry!

I knew at the age of fourteen that I wanted to work in the meetings & events industry. My family was very involved in international philanthropy and took me to conventions around the world. While my grandparents and mom were attending sessions, I was free to explore the hotels, convention centers and surrounding areas. My grandpa gave me a new mission every day and, when they returned from their sessions, I conducted “site tours” for them! Little did I know that my family travels would leave such an indelible impression on me and lead to an eventual career in the hospitality industry.

I am involved in meetings & events primarily through my job as an account executive for a major hotel chain. But, in November 2007, I was serving as the fundraising director for the MPI Southern California Chapter, and that meant I was in charge of planning and executing its annual fundraiser. That experience gave me the opportunity to walk in a meeting planner’s shoes -- the shoes of my customers. I went on site inspections, made menu selections, booked entertainment, put together a production schedule, decided the set-up and layout of the room, selected linens ... absolutely nothing I do in my day job! I remember arriving at the venue on the night of the event and thinking, “Wow! It actually came together!” It was an amazing experience I will never forget and an opportunity I wouldn’t have been afforded were it not for my MPI membership.

In fact, I got involved in MPI through an industry colleague who was my predecessor as the chapter’s fundraising director and in need of committee members at the time. I jumped in “head first” and have been actively involved ever since -- first as a committee member, then committee chair, later as director, and now as a member of the executive board. I’m currently in a study group and working toward my Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) exams in January. I host “Coffees with MPI” and often talk to students about careers in the meetings industry. My passion for this industry continues to inspire me every day, and I give back in any way I can. I can wholeheartedly say, “I am MPI and I love what we do!”

I joined MPI Potomac Chapter as a student member. At a time when I had no business to offer and seemed to need more than I could give back, the members welcomed me with open arms and let me join committees to get involved. I was awarded a scholarship to attend monthly events for free, and best of all, I developed relationships that I count on each and every day. Now that I am a professional member, I try to give back just as much as I have received. I am thankful for all that PMPI has offered me, and for the opportunities I've found from being a part of the PMPI family.

“This profession is who I am. I love traveling and learning about different places and cultures. And I love people! I was Miss Congeniality of my varsity cheerleading squad—go Warriors!

Thanks to MPI, I have truly found something that I am passionate about.

If I hadn't become a member, my life would not be the same. I would have never gotten lost in Canada, been evacuated from a smoking airplane, or had the 'opportunity' to hear fellow MPI members karaoke like there was no tomorrow!

I joined MPI as a student member in 2009 while I was attending Madison College in Wisconsin and seeking a degree in Meeting and Event Management. I whole-heartedly believe that it is so important for students to become members of MPI and to take part in the opportunities that MPI has to offer. Because you never know who you could meet along the way and where it will take you!

Since graduating, I continue to be an active member of my chapter by getting more students involved in MPI and by being the 'voice' behind our chapter's Facebook page!

I was so fortunate to have received scholarships to attend three separate Future Leaders Forums that are run jointly by MPI and IMEX. And last summer at WEC, I won the University Challenge at the Future Leaders Forum and became the representative for North America. In May 2011, I competed again at IMEX with competitors throughout the world.

Without MPI, I know that I would not have had these experiences or the opportunity to meet so many amazing people from so many different countries.”

“When I first started in meetings and events, I didn't realize how many opportunities were available nor did I grasp the magnitude of our industry.

I was lucky I had mentors encourage me to get involved with MPI. And I quickly learned the many benefits and resources available.

Most of the successful people in our industry have realized the importance of getting involved as a means of staying current on industry trends and a multitude of issues affecting the future of our industry. Being involved with MPI has opened the door to a wealth of knowledge and ideas by connecting me to these visionaries.

I discovered small and large-commitment opportunities where I could volunteer on a committee that allowed my strengths to shine. I also found opportunities to participate in areas that I had little experience in, so I could develop new skill sets to foster my career growth.

I first got involved in a small capacity as the Student Chair for the MPIOC Chapter. I initially took on a small commitment to avoid being overwhelmed and as an opportunity to get to know the key players and the strategic vision of the association.

Once I became more comfortable, I volunteered in other capacities from serving on the Educational Conference Committee and Monthly Meetings Committee to holding the posts of Director of Recruitment and President.

Volunteering really helped my professional relationships grow immensely. I found that I not only made great business contacts, but also developed many personal relationships as well.

Being involved with my local MPI chapter also provided the forum to learn things that were not part of my day-to-day responsibilities, which really expanded my horizon. MPI offered the tools and resources to help me reach my full potential.

Surrounding yourself with people who have the same passion as you is a powerful motivator. Through the power of collaboration, we can move mountains. I can truly say that MPI has been the cornerstone of many of my successes!”

“MPI has always been there for me, whether I was serving as a chapter president, volunteering on an international committee, or actually working for MPI when I was in between jobs. Even now, while I’m serving as a Platinum presenter.

The friendships and relationships that I have developed through MPI over the past 14 years have had a great impact on my purpose in life and in guiding my next steps as I continue to reinvent myself!

When I think about MPI, I have several indelible images in my mind: visiting Helsinki to help develop MPI Finland, traveling to Edinburgh to attend PEC, attending the PEC in 2002 right after 9/11 (and how important it was for us to be there), and most recently, through MPI, helping to rebuild New Orleans.

It's what I love about this organization and this profession. It's so enjoyable and challenging and engaging—all at the same time. It allows you to do so much to make people’s lives better.

The question that I continue to ask myself is 'how can I give back?' And MPI always seems to provide me with the answers.”

“I currently serve as the Director of Conventions & Tourism for an 86 year-old, 2,000-member organization that is the oldest and largest African-American chamber of commerce in the nation.

It's a cause I believe in—and a job I love. I'm responsible for promoting the City of Dallas as a major meeting and leisure destination for minority conventions and tourists.

I've also been a member of MPI for 13 years! Before I joined, I basically had to educate my boss on the value and benefits of my membership in MPI. He asked me more than once, 'What does MPI have to do with meeting diversity?' So after informing him of the MPI Foundation's great work on diversity issues, inviting him to several MPI meetings and events and assuring him of the ROI to the chamber, he agreed that I could join for a 'trial run.'

I'm now 13 years into my 'trial run' with MPI! And since I joined, I've served five years on the Dallas-Fort Worth Board of Directors—including three years on the executive committee. And in international service, I was chosen for two terms on the MPI International Board of Directors and was named a recipient of the Tomorrow's Leader of MPI Award.

I just wish I'd joined MPI sooner. I was in this industry for over two years before I even knew anything about MPI—which was right in my Dallas backyard. But once I found out about it, I was all in!

How do I describe my time as a member of MPI? Joyous. Informative and educational. The people I've met and the experiences that my MPI membership has afforded me have been invaluable to my professional development. MPI helped get me where I am in the meetings industry today.”

“In a previous life I wanted to be a folklore dance instructor.

This story is generally crazy, but believe me, it is true. Just after I got my diploma as a folklore dance instructor, I wanted to establish a folklore and dance ensemble.

Fortunately, at the same time I was earning money as a tour guide and finishing my bachelor's degree in incentive travel at the Academy of Physical Education in Warsaw. During a tour, one of my clients told me that if I was interested in business tourism I should join MPI.

It took a few weeks, but I finally understood what was going on and what MPI was about. When I did, I borrowed a credit card from my mom and became a member!

Later, when I found out about the MPI Foundation, I said to myself, 'Lets try.' And I applied for a grant. Thanks to the MPI Foundation, I got a grant and graduated from PhD studies at the best college in Poland—Warsaw University.

I decided that university life is for me, so I have started working for one of the best private tourism and hospitality universities in Poland. This year, I become vice-rector of this university and I am now responsible for more than 1000 students. I am also the manager of the Poland Convention Bureau. And thanks to the motivation that I got from MPI friends, I earned my CMM and became an accredited trainer of MPI Global Training programs.

From the beginning, MPI members gave me the power to believe that this is a magic industry and it is worth working hard to succeed in it. Now I see the results, and I know that anything is possible!”

“For some reason, no one ever believes me when I tell them I'm kind of shy. Haha, pretty funny for someone who basically meets new people and does presentations for a living, right? But, it's true.

From the moment I sent my first message to my local MPI chapter president, his welcome was so immediate and warm that I felt an instant connection. That set the precedent for my time with MPI.

Thanks to MPI, I have developed some of the dearest, most precious relationships of my life. It’s given me access to world-class educational opportunities and world-class destinations. But mostly, I have had the joy of meeting world-class people.

It truly is the members of MPI that make it so special. And I adore the MPI staff. They listen to their members. And I've seen the organization make some amazing transformations and take some (probably scary) risks based on suggestions and insights from members.

Never have I felt shunned because I was new or younger than most of the leaders. Instead, I was invited to share my opinion at town halls, in my local chapter, via the online community, or on the very public Twitter stream. And if I ever expressed a suggestion or comment, I received a call or email within days (sometimes minutes!) to learn more.

Thanks to the community and support of my MPI tribe, I have been able to face adversity. This community has helped me develop the confidence to let my AVGirl voice be heard. Knowing that I'm helping my fellow Meeps (my affectionate name for my MPI peeps) has empowered me to ask dumb questions about technology and share the answers with our tribe. I love that MPI has always encouraged and supported all of us in developing these lasting relationships.

So, even if you're actually shy like me, don't be afraid to let MPI help shape your story. Reach out one person at a time and discover the energy of this powerful, generous and supportive community.

Maybe someday it will provide the support you need to achieve your goals and dreams. I know, so far, it has been for me.”

“After college, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I had a love for travel and a knack for connecting people and places. Come to find out, there was this entire industry out there for people who love both of those things!

Once I figured that out, it was easy. I started my career at a Dallas-based meeting and event management company. I was in a management training program they offered for recent college graduates—and I've loved my career ever since.

Thanks to the people I worked with and associations I was exposed to during those first few years, I connected with my local MPI chapter, started attending meetings, and made some great contacts.

When I had the opportunity to join an industry association at my next job, I chose MPI because of all the great information that's available to you as a member of MPI. Plus I really wanted to continue the relationships I'd created with the planners and suppliers I'd met. Since then, I've worked as both a corporate planner, as well as on the association side for MPI—and I've stayed involved with my local chapter.

One of my favorite things about my MPI connection is being able to network and share stories with other people in my age group. Being part of a group that's facing the same challenges as me is invaluable.”

I was wandering around career night in high school, where I met a woman who planned travel arrangements for other people, and she herself, had traveled the world. I wish I could meet her again today, as neither she nor I knew it that night, but she was one of the most influential people in my entire life. From there I went to college and got a degree in hospitality/travel. I have remained in the travel industry for the entire 25 years of my career.

I worked at many big name corporate travel agencies like American Express in the beginning. In the second half of my career, I was hired to help with a citywide meeting for CEDIA, Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association, and once again, my life was changed. I loved it and decided to pursue meeting and event planning full time.

I joined MPI on my own. I equate the Chicago Chapter to the show Cheers. You are only a stranger once. From that point on, every time I enter an event, I see a friendly face that I know. I was warmly embraced by the MPI community. They encouraged me to get involved on committees, which I did. I joined the Holiday Party Committee as I love to plan parties, and enjoy the team so much, I have remained on the committee for 3 years.

During the years of 2008 and 2009, when tough times hit our industry, it helped so much to stay active with my colleagues in the industry as we all shared in the struggle.

I decided to learn as much as I could and went to every networking and educational event possible. I was fortunate enough to be accepted for a scholarship to WEC Vancouver, where I earned enough credit to apply for my CMP. Being a member of MPI, I am constantly improving myself in my career by using the portals the organization provides.

Without the help and encouragement from MPI and the wonderful folks in the Chicago Chapter, I would not be where I am today. Now I look for ways to give back. I'd love to be a mentor some day to those just graduating or thinking of a career change. Besides volunteering in committees, I've also volunteered to be a greeter at events. It's fun because you get to meet everyone who walks through the door.

"When we meet, we change the world". Enough said.

“I got involved with MPI at just the right time. Being involved in MPI helped me connect the dots and find the career I was meant to have.

I had worked in restaurants and hotels for 20 years before I got into meeting planning. I was looking for a change or an additional challenge but was nervous about starting from square one in a different career.

By chance, I was working for an association management company doing basic data entry and some general office tasks, just to get some computer and office training. Since I was the only one in the office with restaurant or hotel experience, the work on their dinners, trade shows and events became my responsibility.

This is when I was introduced to MPI. It was an exciting time for MPI as they were starting the Meeting and Event Management Associate Degree at Madison College. I decided to enroll, and I finished in the first graduating class for this degree!

Being a part of MPI helped me see that this was an opportunity to apply my 20 years of hospitality experience toward a new career rather than starting over at the beginning of a different career.

My fellow MPI members gave me the opportunities that got me there. During this time, I planned a national conference, a seven-day bike tour, a 20th anniversary event for a regional company and an international economic forum.

Staying involved with MPI has really helped me expand my knowledge and stay on top of every new trend in this industry. The new ideas that come from networking and learning through MPI help to make our events such a huge success.

We are constantly challenged to bring fresh ideas to the 180 events that we put on around our state each year. MPI gives us the tools to meet this challenge.”

My involvement in the meetings and events industry started in Ulvik, Norway, my hometown, where I held summer jobs as porter, front desk clerk and various other positions at the summer hotels there.  That ignited a spark that led me to work my way up in the hotel business, ultimately ending up in the meeting industry.

Not surprisingly, my most memorable moment at an event was at the MPI European Leadership Conference in Paris. We stayed at Le Grand Hotel Opera and, at the Saturday dinner event in the great ballroom, we were treated to an haute couture show by the famed fashion designers, Dolce & Gabbana, where the models walked between the tables.  The master himself, was present, and afterward, when dessert was served, it also was designed by D&G.

In 2001, I joined a tour company as team manager for domestic meetings and events in Norway.  One of the first things my new boss told me was, “You have to become a member of MPI.”  I had never heard of MPI and didn’t know anything about it, but I had no choice -- and I have never regretted it since.  During my 10 years in MPI, I have had the pleasure of meeting a lot of exciting and interesting people from whom I have learned a lot.  I was even asked to join the board of MPI Norway, holding positions as vice president of membership for three terms and, now, as president.  Throughout it all, I have gained a lot of knowledge that has been very useful to me in my daily work.

I joined the meetings and events industry more than 10 years ago, but I never realized it is such a dynamic industry that serves one of mankind’s basic needs -- the need to meet and communicate with other people to accomplish common goals.  I was hooked the first time I heard the “perfect buzz” -- that’s the sound that occurs when the right people meet, the event goes beyond its own boundaries and it creates a buzzing sound among the attendees … for me, that sound is the perfect moment!

One of the most amazing things to happen during my career was on the second day of a four-day event when a participant ran into the organizer’s office and demanded to see management for an urgent matter.  His request -- or demand, I should say -- was that the event should be held more often, once every six months instead of once every two years!  In fact, he committed to holding the event the following three years.  His loyalty still motivates me and showed me the effects that a successful meeting can have.

MPI has introduced me to a lot of people who share my enthusiasm for success stories like that, people I now call friends.  Its affect on my life can be summed up in one word:  huge!

My career began in the hospitality industry and, later, in tourism.  I very quickly realized that the meeting and event sector is the “the ultimate” within the industry and that I wanted to be part of it.

I have had many fantastic moments in my professional life, but I think the closing of the 2006 MPI European Conference in Davos, Switzerland, when the Swiss host committee was given a standing ovation by the participants, was the most memorable.  That was really special for the entire Swiss delegation and me.  Of course, there are always some “less than memorable” moments along the way, too.  I was once part of a very large Swiss delegation tasked with presenting folkloric entertainment at a small trade show we were trying to start up in Germany some 15 years back -- and not one client visited our booth during the entire three days of the event!  Luckily, though, the successful events I’ve enjoyed during my career far outnumber the disappointing ones!

I joined MPI in 1999 at the urging of a colleague and, since then, have participated regularly at MPI events.  I have gained a lot of inspiration and know-how from the various educational sessions -- expertise that truly helped my colleagues and me in successfully hosting the Davos gathering and numerous other events.

I joined MPI in 1991, having recently moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and not knowing a soul in the community.  Perhaps like many other members, I did absolutely nothing for about two years.  But thankfully, the chapter president didn’t allow new members to sit on the sidelines; she approached me in 1994 with a volunteer opportunity that she said needed my involvement -- and I was officially an “involved MPI chapter member” from then on.

MPI is a great place to learn from the best.  That certainly was true for me, because the DFW Chapter provided me the opportunity to be mentored by several well-known and respected professionals in the industry.  Becoming active in MPI led me to get involved in government affairs through the Meetings Industry Legislative Action Day (MILAD), serve as a chapter president, chair the international awards committee and enjoy so many other powerful career-development opportunities that I may never have experienced otherwise.

On a personal note, I met my wife, Wendy (also a 20-year member), through MPI -- and in 1991, we became the first husband-wife business team to earn the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation!  MPI has led me to some phenomenal career highlights:  managing three different companies; and, earlier this year, launching a new business venture as well.  It’s where I’ve met the most phenomenal friends, learned from the best and been recognized for my own contributions.

MPI is more than my choice for personal and professional development.  MPI is my home.

I joined the meetings & events industry -- and MPI -- when working in a related field and my manager asked me to assume responsibility for a national convention six weeks out because our corporate meeting planner required a medical leave of absence.  I quickly realized there was a lot more to meeting planning than I ever realized.

After successfully delivering the convention, I was asked to permanently add meetings and conventions to my other responsibilities.  When I told my manager I was concerned about knowing almost nothing about event planning, he told me he thought there was a group of people who met regularly because they all did meeting planning as a profession.  This was before the ability to find such a group was just a Google search away, so he suggested I call a hotel and ask if they knew anything about such an organization.  Luckily, the sales person was familiar with MPI and put in me in touch with the Toronto chapter.

Twenty-one years later, I still find MPI to be the best source for industry-related education and networking with professionals who are more than willing to share their experiences and ideas.

I joined MPI in my mid-20s, and every time I work on an event and the client thanks me when it’s over serves as a memorable moment for me.

I was a member of the Hotel Sales Management Association when MPI started a chapter in Minnesota.  I went as a guest to see what it was all about.  I liked what I saw and, after joining, I became involved in committees, then was named to the board of directors and ultimately was elected the chapter’s president.

The journey has changed my life and the memories are profound.  I earned my Certified Meeting Professional and Certified Meeting Manager certifications, learned how to think strategically and gained customers and friends.  It just doesn’t get any better!

Like many suppliers, I became involved with MPI because of my work. As I’ve attended more MPI events and become more involved with my local chapter and its committees, MPI has had a significantly larger impact on my professional and personal life than I ever imagined it would. The education, professional connections and lifetime friendships I’ve experienced through MPI have been game-changing.

I was involved for several years in the film, television and entertainment industries as a writer, editor, publisher and performer, hoping that Florida would become Hollywood East.  During that period, a Disney talent booking agent set me up as a featured psychic entertainer for corporate events.  That connected me to people in the meetings & events organizations.  I thought if I was going to establish myself as a leader in what I do, I should associate with those who are engaged, experienced and knowledgeable in the industry.

My first activity as a member of the Greater Orlando Area MPI (GOAMPI) chapter was at a community outreach event in support of a local shelter for abused families.  I worked in the kitchen beside other GOAMPI members, none of whom I had had any real communication or connection with prior to that collective bonding.  It confirmed that I was in a group that cared and shared.

Though eager to participate in a leadership capacity, I wasn’t sure if coming in as “The Psychic Lady” would merit any favorable recognition, especially among the hotel, destination management and theme park professionals who represented the chapter’s core membership at the time.  A colleague who knew of my journalistic career invited me to a communications committee meeting, however, and I left that meeting as the group’s new editor.  As a result, I’ve been a chapter leader since 2002, including several years as a board member.  The acceptance, respect and encouragement I receive from MPI colleagues -- for what I can do, not for what my job title reflects -- have been especially rewarding.

As the sole proprietor of a small business and a “people person,” my membership also has led to professional and social relationships, gigs, respect from industry peers and, of special importance to me, the opportunity to work with an industry publication, Prevue Magazine.  As I have to interview planners and destination management officials for my stories, my MPI involvement has been a door-opener to people who are usually a bit hesitant to speak about their projects otherwise.

I realized I wanted to join the meetings & events industry when I was in college and got involved in planning events for a non-profit organization -- and loved it!

I thrive on sharing, teaching and mentoring our next generation, so the opportunity to speak and present information about our industry at local colleges and universities offers a lot of memorable and rewarding moments for me.  I share my story and help students get involved, and I’m proud that 10 new students have joined the MPI Orange County (MPIOC) chapter during the past year as a result of my outreach activities.

I started volunteering in our chapter eight years ago when I entered the industry.  I have cultivated new business relationships and significantly enhanced my professional knowledge in the years since.  I am now the president of MPIOC and have seen many personal and professional rewards come from my hard work and involvement.

I entered the meetings & events industry through the “back door” after working in related positions, but it wasn’t until I actually acquired enough knowledge to know what I was doing that I truly decided this is where I want to be.   It ultimately led to being honored with an MPI Recognizing Industry Success and Excellence (RISE) Award as “2011 Member of the Year,” one of the greatest achievements of my career.

I heard about MPI right after I started working in the industry, but my employer at the time was encouraging me to join other professional organizations.  After a couple of years in the industry, though, I went to my first MPI meeting, met some interesting people and joined.

For a couple of years after that, I was pretty much a checkbook member, but then I realized that the connections and friendships I was making were truly worth their weight in gold, prompting me to volunteer at the chapter level.  Since then, I’ve never regretted my decision to join MPI and now I proudly volunteer for MPI events at the international level.

“The economic downturn has made this harder than ever. Working for a non-profit, the number of clients we serve has escalated while our resources have declined.

It is the best of times as the Urban League continues to be able to open its doors each day and offer a smile and services to those in need. And it is the worst of times as we realize our most vulnerable citizens are struggling to just take care of the basics.

But life is about challenges, right? And in my job, I can make a huge difference. Like that Jaheim song goes, 'All I know is I had to step up.' MPI has been there to help.

I've been an MPI member for two years now, and the learning experience has been invaluable. I once chaired an MPI luncheon with a $0 budget. Since joining, I've earned my MPI, CMM and CMP certifications.

And it's been paying off. Through our Annual Gala, our corporate sponsors, partners, friends and supporters continue to lend their support to help us meet the challenges that face our communities.

These partnerships are helping me and the Urban League to remain true to our mission of 'Empowering Communities, Changing Lives.'”