People of MPIGNY: Jim Clapes

People of MPIGNY Spotlight: Jim Clapes is the Conference & Events Manager at Drug Policy Alliance. You can find out more about Jim on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimclapes/

Q. Describe yourself in three words:
A. Fun, conscientious, self-deprecating.

Q. What is the best advice you've ever received or what is your favorite quote?
A.  "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Q.  What is your favorite travel location or travel experience?
A. This is tough.  I'm an urban dweller so I always love exploring cities, but I equally love a relaxing beach vacation.  I'd say my favorite spot for a city vaca is Paris.  It's just perfection.  For a more relaxed experience, anywhere in the Caribbean or Los Cabos, Mexico. 

Q. What is the best event you have ever attended?
A.  Salesforce.  It was awe-inspiring.  For the first time, I looked at event planning and production in a different way and through a much more creative lens.  It made me realize what's possible.... with the right budget, that is.  LOL. 

Q. Anything else you want other MPIGNY members to know about you?
A. I'm the Executive Board Chair of the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association, a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion throughout the meetings industry.  Membership is free, and you can join or become involved at a higher level by visiting www.lgbtmeetingplanner.com