I have been a member of MPI for about 15 years and have been a part of several chapters. I moved to Orlando in 2003 and transferred my membership to the Greater Orlando Chapter. In the beginning, I only went to global meetings like WEC and really didn’t do anything else with my membership. I then started attending some of the educational opportunities within the Orlando Chapter and found that the education was minimal at best and really nothing for the senior meeting manager. I complained several times with no response and complained within my circle of friends and finally one said to me, "Instead of complaining, do something about it!" Well, she was absolutely correct, what good is complaining if I’m not willing to step up.

From that moment on, I met with the current president of the chapter to understand her strategy and then met with the VP of Education and started on the education committee. I planned several educational events that was geared not only towards the chapter but senior planners as well. After about a year, I was named Member of the Year which was such a humbling experience and then fast tracked to be the VP of Education serving on the MPI Orlando Board of Directors – One of the best experiences!

The following year I was named President Elect for Orlando and today, am the 2016-2017 Chapter President. I have formed wonderful relationships and experienced more than I ever thought possible. I am so grateful that I listened to my friend and that the MPI Orlando Chapter is thriving!

Sandy Pizzarusso