Our world is a merry-go-round: It has its ups and downs, but life still goes round and round. How did I get connected to MPI? You could say I married into the industry! It all began when a friend, who is also a professional in the industry, took me to an MPI luncheon so I could make connections and further my career as a sales manager in the hotel business. Not only did I find a new job, I ended up marrying my friend! That was 10 years ago, and as the merry-go-round has continued to turn ever since, my involvement with MPI has led to wonderful, new friendships, business connections and jobs in the industry.

When I joined the Greater Orlando MPI Chapter in 1998, I became very involved and quickly joined its membership committee. Back then there were only five people on the committee, so it wasn’t long before I was asked to assume the role of membership director. As a result of that leadership position at the chapter level, I not only put my hotel "on the map," I catapulted my career and enhanced my professional image throughout Central Florida and the Florida Keys. All of my positions in the hospitality industry ever since have come about because of my connections with and recommendations from MPI members.

My franchise co-owner and I are current members of the Greater Orlando Chapter and we are building our company and sales team of independent consultants through opportunities with MPI. In fact, all our consultants were hired through the jobs board postings at MPIweb.org! I know I wouldn’t have the opportunity to be an entrepreneur at this point in my life -- nor would I be serving as the MPI Greater Orlando Chapter 2012-13 president-elect -- if I hadn’t gone to that MPI luncheon back in the 1990s. I truly believe that MPI provides a great ROI -- "Return on Involvement!"

Dianne Moore