MPIOC eNEWS - SUMMER 2019

In this issue: 

• President's Message
• Special Events Update
• MPIOC Communications: Did You Know?
• May Education Summit & Destination Showcase Recap
• Shining Star Honorees
• MPIOC Milestone Member Anniversaries
• Arlene Sheff Scholarship
• Database Volunteers Needed
• MPIOC Board Retreat Recap

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Brian Gilman, SpringHill Suites Huntington Beach
MPIOC Chapter President

This has been quite the adventure! A year ago, I shared how I’d been looking forward to becoming MPIOC Chapter President for a few years. Leading this dynamic team of fellow industry professionals who care about the Chapter and each other has been one of many highlights during my time as a member. It’s hard to believe that my first MPIOC event was 7 years ago and the passion of our Chapter members was evident. The passion created excitement and drew me in, like a magnet, to join the Chapter. I am so glad I joined and became involved! 

Last year I also shared that your Chapter Leaders have been listening to you, our members, and providing the educational content and networking opportunities that you want and need. After every event our members tell us what we are producing the educational events that you need. From the Board perspective, we can see that we have continued to #RaiseOurGame this year as we received the highest member satisfaction for our educational events in five years!

A huge thanks to our previous Chapter leadership for paving the way for our Education Team to build on what has been done in the past, and for elevating the game for the members of MPIOC.

After this year, I can say with even more conviction that the passion shows stronger than ever of those who are involved in our Chapter. Our Chapter’s volunteers have given their time and talents to helping serve their fellow Chapter members by either being on a committee or being on the Board. Others show their passion by donating goods or services to help the Chapter produce the events they will all enjoy. Because of the passion of our members, our Chapter is strong and a vital part of Orange County’s hospitality and business community.

As this term comes to an end, I reflect on this past year and see a change that will greatly enhance how the Chapter runs. In our Board meetings we are strategically planning for the future of the Chapter, being proactive in our discussions about how to best serve our members. We discuss how to increase our membership, what educational programs we should offer, how to continue to make the Chapter financially stable, and how best to communicate to our members. The future is bright for MPIOC, as I transition the reins to Pawntra, I know these conversations are just the beginning to an even greater Chapter and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Sincerely,

Brian Gilman
2018-2019 MPIOC President   
SpringHill Suites Huntington Beach/Orange County 

SPECIAL EVENTS UPDATE
by Alivia Kimotho, CMP CTA, DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana-Orange County Airport
MPIOC Director of Special Events

This week’s Annual Awards and Installation Dinner on Wednesday June 12, 2019 is SOLD OUT. 
 
SAVE THE DATE for CROWNCHELLA — MPIOC’s Annual Summer Social on Thursday August 22 at 5:30pm at Five Crowns in Corona Del Mar! 

Counting down the days until summer? So are we! And we’re particularly looking forward to celebrating “CROWNCHELLA” — this year’s Annual MPIOC Summer Social in the sunny beach town of Corona Del Mar at none other than Five Crowns, a premiere dining destination and landmark since 1965.  Come enjoy craft cocktails, a spectacular cheese & charcuterie experience, mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres (including Five Crowns’ Famous Prime Rib), as well as a meringue bar compliments of Mixed Bakery. 

This Coachella-inspired summer party held in Five Crowns’ sunlit greenhouse & colorful English garden is sure to ignite cool, calm summer vibes as we network and socialize while enjoying experiential elements that are sure to wow even the most seasoned meeting & event professionals!

Mark your calendars today & be on the lookout for registration to open soon. For more information, or to become one of our Summer Social sponsors, please contact Alivia Kimotho, MPIOC Special Events Director at specialevents@mpioc.com.

DID YOU KNOW?
By Donna Mulgrew, CIS, CTA
MPIOC Communications Manager

• Did you know that once you’ve registered for one of our MPIOC events that you no longer receive that event’s promotional emails? Register Early and help keep your email inbox clean!

• Did You Know that you can network with your fellow event professionals and get the most up-to-date MPIOC info by following us on:
  • https://www.FACEBOOK.com/mpiorangecounty
  • https://www.INSTAGRAM.com/mpioc
  • https://www.LINKEDIN.com/company/mpioc

RECAP: MAY EDUCATION SUMMIT & DESTINATION SHOWCASE
by Shannel Crane, Visit Anaheim
MPIOC VP of Education

“Planning Like A Champ” — MPIOC’s May Education Mini-Summit and Destination Showcase gave attendees an inside look at what it takes to plan events like an industry champion. Check Out the Fun for Yourself at our Event Photo Album at http://bit.ly/2019minisummitPics!

Special Thanks Go To:

• Kevin Coffey — Our “first down” speaker, for his insight into the logistics behind creating a safe meeting environment for your planners, attendees, vendors and guests.
• Ross Bernstein — Our “second-down” speaker and our leader to “The Champions Code,” What It Means And How To Use It.”
• Doubletree by Hilton Santa Ana/ Orange County Airport — Our fabulous venue who welcomed us back again this year!
• Pink Salt Cuisine — Our fantastic vegan and “green” caterer who gave our members a little taste of vegan food selections from a company with a strong “green” initiative!
• The Dirty Cookie — This little sweet treat vendor wowed everyone with their edible cookie shots glasses!
• ProAV Audio Visual — Our one-stop-shop for all the things tech and a/v!
• And of course, our Two Shining Stars, Christina Domino-Philpott, CMP, CTA with Hornblower Cruises and Events and Donna Mulgrew, CIS, CTA with Destinations by DMC: We couldn’t do what we do as a Chapter without you!

Thank you all for such a wonderful term of educational events: We hope to continue seeing you in the coming term!

Shannel Crane, CTA
2018-2019 MPI Orange County VP of Education
Visit Anaheim

MEMBERSHIP NEWS
By Mark Stewart, Cli-Worldwide Transportation
MPIOC VP of Membership

“Refer A Friend” and Save! MPI Membership Promotion... MPI Membership Pays Off! REFER A FRIEND using your MPI Membership Voucher! Refer a friend to MPI and help them waive the $50 application fee while you save $25 off your next membership renewal!




SHINING STARS

From our Education Team: Christina Domino-Philpott, CMP, CTA with Hornblower Cruises and Events. 

Christina was nominated for her outstanding dedication toplanning the 2019 May Education Mini-Summit. While her upcoming Board term as Director of Education did not start for another few months, Christina stepped in to help source venues and vendors to help make the “Planning Like a Champ” a success! She was a constant source of support for the education team and truly appreciated during the planning and running the event. Thank you, Christina!

From our Communications Team: Donna Mulgrew, CIS, CTA with Destinations by DMC.

Since she first stepped into an MPIOC Board position mid-year in Fall of 2015, Donna has continued to #RaiseTheGame for our member and stakeholder communications, whether as our Director of MarCom, our VP for Communications, or this year as Digital & Graphics Manager on our Communications Committee. Our Chapter Communications have become ever more professional and effective under Donna’s guidance. Thank you, Donna!

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

June 2018 to June 2019 Milestone MPI Membership Anniversaries

Please Welcome Our New Members:
Andrea Jessie, Student
Darlene Smith, Lake Arrowhead Resorts
Martin Hanneman, Astrea Risk Management
Rachel Ugay, Burba Hotel Network
Scott Carroll, Take! Insurance

MPIOC CHAPTER IS LOOKING FOR STUDENTS TO SUPPORT!

MPIOC launched of the Arlene Sheff Student Scholarship Program this past year in honor of Arlene Sheff, the first member of our MPI Orange County over 30 years ago. Meeting Planner, Educator, Board and Advisory Council Member, and Mentor: Arlene was an instrumental “leading lady” of the meetings world, defining not only business excellence but also how to professionally lead in this industry.

Arlene Sheff Scholarships are awarded to student applicants who demonstrate a desire to learn, grow and develop event skills, while contributing to the chapter’s success. MPIOC will provide funds to offset membership and event registration fees based on merit and active participation.

Sheff Student Scholarship recipients receive the following:

• An Annual New Or Renewing Student Membership In MPI as a member of the Orange County (MPIOC) Chapter, awarded once during the term.
• Complimentary Early-Bird Student Registration (or value thereof) for Up To 3 Educational Events And 1 Social Event During The Term Year. Additional events are available at student rate.
• Direct Engagement Opportunities and Mentorship by Select Committee Members to actively volunteer in multiple committees and projects as a means of enhancing student applied learning, building of skills, and networking.
• A Certificate Of Recognition For Volunteer Service and an invitation to the Volunteer VIP Reception at the close of the term.
• Letters of Recommendation, based on earned merit, for future employees.

Additionally, MPIOC Recognizes Top Performing Students with a “Shining Star Student Award” annually at the Annual Awards and Installation Gala in June.

For more details and to apply, CLICK HERE.

DATABASE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
By Jon Trask, CMM, CMP, Strategic Meeting Tech
2018-2019 MPIOC VP, Finance

Database Volunteers Needed: The Finance Team is seeking volunteers who could help us with as little as an hour or two each month to assist in proofing and maintaining our database.  We’ve been slowly transitioning to a new and improved system to better record and stay in contact with our generous supplier sponsors: You can assist us in this vital role. At the same time that you’re helping the Chapter, you’ll be gaining credits towards CMP renewals.  Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of being a key part of helping our Chapter to improve our tracking and our connections with our suppliers and donors. Contact Jon Trask, MPIOC VP of Finance at vp-finance@mpioc.com.

CHAPTER BOARD RETREAT RECAP
By Pawntra Shadab, Elite Productions International
2018-2019 MPIOC President-Elect

Wow, what an amazing time to connect! Your incoming MPIOC Board of Directors for the 2019/2020 term had the great opportunity to escape to the beautiful Temecula Valley for our Annual Board Retreat. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa was the perfect setting and host for our two-day excursion. From an interactive Wine Blending Experience at Carter Estate Winery and Resort hosted by Visit Temecula Valley to business plans, budgets and a Closing Night Dinner and Wine Pairing, this tribe of extremely talented industry professionals connected, collaborated and created a blueprint for what’s sure to be an amazing year to come. I cannot wait for all of you to share in our 2020 vision.

We Thank Our Annual Board Retreat Sponsors for the Retreat: South Coast Winery and Visit Temecula Valley.

WEC Update: MPIOC is headed to Toronto June 15 thru 18th for MPI’s Annual World Education Congress (WEC). Who’s coming to WEC? Let’s meet up! Send me a note so we can connect!  Pawntra@eliteproductionsintl.com.

If you haven’t yet registered, here’s a $200 Off Discount Code for your WEC Registration: WEC200Off.