Past Circle of Excellence Winners
Recognizes a planner member who represents leadership and excellence in the meeting planning profession along with a commitment to the local meeting community and an exemplary record of customer service in their industry. Nominations are received from the membership. All chapter planner members are eligible.
2021-2022 Robyn Bass, DMCP, Maple Ridge Events
2020-2021 Courtney McGee, CMP, Event Logistics, Inc.
2019-2020 Natalie Norris, CMM, CMP, Meetings and More Inc.
2018-2019 Heather Dameron, CMP, The Journeys Group
2017-2018 Angela Layton, CMP, CMM, National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
2016-2017 Shannon Yeater, CMP Butler Snow
2015-2016 Shannon Yeater, CMP Butler Snow
2014-2015 Kristen Richardson, Emdeon
2013-2014 Heather Willis, The Journeys Group
2012-2013 Katie Rogers, CMP, Emdeon
2011-2012 Janice McCallen, Service Master Clean
2010-2011 Diane Bearden, CMP, Country Music Association
2009-2010 Angela Layton, CMP, Tennessee Medical Association
2008-2009 Christy Wright, Healthcare Management Systems, Inc.
2007-2008 Janice McCallen, ServiceMaster Clean
2006-2007 Angela Layton, CMP, Tennessee Medical Assn.
2005-2006 Sarah Timm, CMP, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology
2004-2005 Melinda Kuest, CMP, Walker Management
2003-2004 Shannon Kasakevics, CMP, Country Music Association
2002-2003 Michele Carson, CMP, Ingram Book Group
2001-2002 Michele Carson, CMP, Ingram Book Group
2000-2001 David Votta, Gospel Music Association
1999-2000 Tom McDonald, CLU, LUTCF, Tennessee Farmers Insurance
1998-1999 Cathy Summers, Tennessee State University
1997-1998 Melanie Fly, CMP, Gaylord Entertainment
1996-1997 Courtney McGee, CMP, Event Logistics, Inc.
1995-1996 Melanie Fly, CMP, Gaylord Entertainment
1994-1995 Jo Ellen Garramone, Tennessee Malt Beverage Association
1993-1994 Courtney McGee, CMP, Event Logistics, Inc.
1992-1993 Sharon Adkins, MSN, RN, Vanderbilt University
1991-1992 R. Harold Hipps, CMP, R. & Associates
1990-1991 Karen Kenny, Tennessee Department of Tourism Development
1989-1990 Kate Rupert, Hospital Corporation of America
Recognizes a supplier member who represents leadership and excellence in the meeting planning profession along with a commitment to the local meeting community and an exemplary record of customer service in their industry. Nominations are received from the membership. All chapter supplier members are eligible.
2021-2022 Laura Chappell, Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort
2020-2021 Brad Ford, Future Boy Creative
2019-2020 Michael Farrell, Redstory
2018-2019 Shannen Stewart, Clearbrook Hospitality
2017-2018 Ashleigh Cote, CMP, Macro Productions
2016-2017 Jill Kopecky, EntertainmentBuy
2015-2016 Jamie Hulet, Grand Ole Opry Entertainment Group
2014-2015 Rusty Chester, OnStage
2013-2014 Valerie Summers, Gary Musick Productions
2012-2013 Tracy Wray, Hutton Hotel
2011-2012 Melanie Clifford, Dancing Bear Lodge
2010-2011 Melanie Clifford, Dancing Bear Lodge
2009-2010 Scarlett Coffman, CMP, Dave & Buster’s
2008-2009 Robyn McCamy, CMP, Destination Nashville
2007-2008 Maureen Wilde, Franklin Marriott Cool Springs
2006-2007 Nancy Deal, Nashville Airport Marriott
2005-2006 Sheryl Baker, The Peabody Memphis
2004-2005 Scott Wright, Nashville CVB
2003-2004 Elecia Lewis, CMP, Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University
2002-2003 T. Clark Miller, Rainforest Café
2001-2002 Daphne Reid, CMP, Gaylord Opryland Nashville
2000-2001 Larry Baltz, Republic Speakers Bureau
1999-2000 Michael Owen, All Access
1998-1999 Carol Norfleet, CMP, DMCP, Destination Nashville
1997-1998 Lucy Kelly, Planet Hollywood
1996-1997 Kathy Naïve, Embassy Suites Hotel
1995-1996 Betsy Oliver, Jim Oliver’s Smokehouse
1994-1995 Ann Webb, DoubleTree Hotel
1993-1994 Will Reynolds, MediaMan Productions
1992-1993 Gary Musick, Gary Musick Productions
1991-1992 Donna Siegel, Opryland USA
1990-1991 Jan Thrasher, Opryland Entertainment Services
1989-1990 Gary Musick, Bookends Entertainment
Recognizes the special impact and contributions of a committee member who received the committee Rock Star recognition. They are long-standing members of the chapter and outstanding leaders and role models in the meeting industry. (This award was last presented in 2017.)
2016-2017 Kelli Myers, Gartner
2015-2016 Chelsea Williams, Imagination Branding
2014-2015 Colleen Cussick, Brantley Live Event Production
2013-2014 Jamie Hulet, Grand Ole Opry Entertainment Group
2012-2013 Jamie Hulet, Grand Ole Opry Entertainment Group
2011-2012 Robin Jones, RiverStone Resort & Spa
2010-2011 Aven Humphreys, CMP, Union University School of Pharmacy
2009-2010 Marilyn Johnson, CMP, Independent Meeting Planner
2008-2009 Chera Wilbanks, Shoney’s
2007-2008 Melanie Clifford, Dancing Bear Lodge
2006-2007 Janice McCallen, ServiceMaster Clean
2005-2006 Maureen Wilde, Franklin Marriott Cool Springs
2004-2005 Tracey Henninger, Holiday Inn Select Downtown Memphis
2003-02004 Cindy Crill Brewer, CMP, Destination King
2002-2003 Vicky Garner, CMP, Nashville Sheraton Downtown
1999-2000 Rick Weaver, Adventure Development
1998-1999 Lucy Kelly, Planet Hollywood
1997-1998 Carol Norfleet, Destination Nashville
1996-1997 Lee Mays, Helen L. Moskovitz & Associates
1994-1995 Courtney McGee, CMP, Event Logistics, Inc.
1993-1994 Will Reynolds, MediaMan Productions
Recognizes the special impact and contributions of a committee member who has volunteered his or her services to the chapter in the current year. Their active dedication, enthusiasm, and numerous hours of volunteerism has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the advancement of our chapter. Nominated by the Board of Directors and voted on by an external committee.
2021-2022 Derrick Pannell, Morton's Steakhouse
Recognizes a Tennessee Chapter member who has gone beyond the call of duty, providing outstanding contributions to the chapter. Selected upon discussion of president, immediate past president and president-elect, and ultimately the president can make the final decision on the recipient yearly. All chapter members are eligible.
2021-2022 Caroline Cole, MAS; Debbie Garcia, CMP, virsitour
2020-2021 Don Osborn, CHS, Evolution Event Solutions; Lori Hulet, CMP, Bridgestone Americas, Inc.
2019-2020 Sarah Ramsden, CMP, Dollar General Corporation; Angela Layton, CMM, CMP, NASBA
2018-2019 Macro Productions ; Patrick Biddix
2017-2018 Michelle Johnson, The Anchor Group, LLC
2016-2017 Adam Spivey, Hutton Hotel ; Tammy Gilbert Cardona, CMP, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation
2015-2016 East Region - Melanie Clifford, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pigeon Forge
Central Region - Angela Layton CMP CMM, NASBA and Robyn Bass, Maple Ridge Events
West Region - Tiffani Wilson, Marriott International
2014-2015 Kate Shattuck, CMP, Integrated Solutions & Services; Tracy Schenk, Schenk Photography; Blair Owen, Big Cypress Lodge
2013-2014 Shannon Yeater, Westhaven Golf Club; Kristi Sowards, Knoxville Convention Center; Sophia Boulanger, Hilton Memphis
2012-2013 Tracy Wray, Hutton Hotel
2011-2012 Susan Raque, French Lick Resort
2010-2011 Melanie Clifford, Dancing Bear Lodge
2009-2010 Don England, Gary Musick Productions; Caroline Platz, Loews Vanderbilt Hotel; Tracy Schenk, Schenk Photography
2008-2009 Kathryn Smith, Franklin-Williamson County CVB; Angela Layton, CMP, Tennessee Medical Association
2007-2008 Scarlett Coffman, Dave & Buster’s; Teri McAlister, CMP, Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
2006-2007 Lyn Hopmayer, MPI Tennessee Chapter
2005-2006 Carol Norfleet, CMP, DMCP, Destination Nashville; Larry Baltz, Republic Speaker’s Bureau
2004-2005 Kellye Murphy, Williamson County CVB; Kathy LaBrec, Event Tech
2003-2004 Larry Baltz, Republic Speaker’s Bureau; Sheena de Giorgio, CMP, Embassy Suites Nashville South/Cool Springs; Carol Hodge, Gary Musick Company; Gary Music, Gary Musick Company
2002-2003 Michele Carson, CMP, Ingram Book Group; Cindy Crill, CMP, Destination King;Vicky Garner, CMP, Sheraton Nashville Downtown; T. Clark Miller, Rainforest Café; Michael Owen, All Access
Recognizes quiet leaders who continually stand behind the chapter, supporting it and pushing it forward. A leader whose inner strength, character and integrity are seen by everyone around yet not often traits they see in themselves. Final selection of this award is made by the Past Leaders Council and suggestions are made to the committee by the Board of Directors.
2021-2022 Cindy Tipler, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville
2020-2021 Dena Tidwell, Ole Red
2019-2020 Angela Campbell, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort
2018-2019 Rip Beazley, Brown's Florist
2017-2018 Holly Stevenson, CMP, PESI
2016-2017 Caroline Platz, Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
2015-2016 Carol Norfleet CMP DMCP, Destination Nashville
2014-2015 Julie Woodruff-Hurst, CMP, Liberty Party Rentals
2013-2014 Natalie Norris, Meetings and More
2012-2013 Melody Carr, HCA Healthcare
2011-2012 Nancy Deal, Nashville Airport Marriott
2010-2011 Beverly King, CMMM, NetConnect Group
2009-2010 Judy Sadler, Tennessee Pharmacists Association
2008-2009 Sharon Hill, Municipal Auditorium
2007-2008 Jenny McFall, Willis Conference Center
Central Region
2021-2022
Backstage Pass to the $100,000 Stage
Speaker: Beth Ziesenis "Your Nerdy BFF", Jess Pettitt
2020-2021
F This S (Virtual)
Speaker: Rachel Sheerin, CPBA
Coffee and Catch Up (In-Person)
Sponsor: Virgin Hotels Nashville
2015-2016
Understanding Your Leverage
Speaker: Michael Dominguez, MGM Grand Resorts
Sponsor: Hilton Garden Inn Nashville Downtown
2014-2015
Serve to Be Great: How Being Selfless Will Help You Sell the Roof Off
Speaker: Matt Tenney
Event Sponsors: Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Liberty Party Rental, Take Away Catering
2013-2014
Is There a Difference Between a Great Manager and a Great Leader
Speaker: Rick Weaver
Event Sponsor: Hutton Hotel
2012-2013
Hands On Technology for the Meeting Professional
Speaker: John Chen
Event Sponsors: Nelson Andrews Leadership Lodge, Constant Craving Catering, Inc., Liberty Party Rental and Nashville Airport Marriott
2011-2012
When Everyone is Getting on Your Last Nerve
Speaker: Ollie Mannino
Event Sponsors: Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Constant Craving Catering and Southern Events Party Rental
2010-2011
Speaker: Patrick O’Malley
Event Sponsors: Maggiano’s Nashville, Schenk Photography
2009-2010
Speaker:Steven Foster, CMP
Event Sponsors: Hard Rock Café Nashville, Middle TN Audio Visual, Playing by Air
East Region
2015-2016
Lights, Cameras, Microphones!
Speaker: Colleen Cussick, OnStage
Sponsors: Hilton Knoxville Airport, OnStage
2014-2015
The One Thing That’s Keeping You From the Next Level of Success
Speaker: Bridget DiCello
Event Sponsor: The Peabody Memphis
2013-2014
Digital Teambuilding for Meeting Professionals
Speaker: John Chen
Event Sponsors: Knoxville Airport Hotel and Anchor Transportation
2012-2013
Let MPI Rock Your World Road Trip
Speaker: Jeffrey Magee/Why Most People & Organizations “SUC"
Event Sponsors: East Tennessee Historical Society, Rosa’s Catering, Grand Avenue, Graceful Tables and Sound Revue
2011-2012
Daydream It, Believe It, Achieve It
Speaker: Michael Lyons
Event Sponsor: Marriott Downtown Nashville
2010-2011
Speaker: Speaker Sue
Event Sponsor: RiverStone Resort & Spa
2009-2010
Speaker: Bill Carlson
Event Sponsor: Dancing Bear Lodge
West Region
2015-2016
Past President’s Road Trip
Speakers: Sheryl Baker, The Peabody, Robyn Bass, Maple Ridge Events, Caroline Platz, Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, Carol Norfleet CMP DMCP, Destination Nashville
2014-2015
The Why and How of Event Measurement (MPI Foundation “Parking Spot” Grant Program)
Speaker: Robyn Bass
Event Sponsor: Hilton Garden Inn Knoxville West/Cedar Bluff
2013-2014
Digital Teambuilding for Meeting Professional
Speaker: John Chen
Event Sponsors: Ruth Chris, Nolan Production Group, and Anchor Transportation
2012-2013
Let MPI Rock Your World Road Trip
Speaker: Jeffrey Magee/Why Most People & Organizations “SUC”
Event Sponsors: Dixon Gallery Gardens, Bailey’s Executive Catering, Graceful Tables and Grand Avenue.
2011-2012
Boring Meetings Suck
Speaker: Jon Petz
Event Sponsor: The Peabody Memphis, Swank Audio Visual
2010-2011
Speaker: Patrick O’Malley
Event Sponsors: ServiceMaster Clean, Bailey’s Executive Catering
2009-2010
Speaker: Mandi Stanley
Event Sponsors: Westin Memphis Beale Street Hotel, Swank Audio Visuals
2007-2008
The Peabody Memphis
2006-2007
Brooks Museum
2005-2006
Jillian’s Memphis
Recognizes a Tennessee Chapter member who has gone beyond the call of duty, providing outstanding contributions to the chapter. Selected upon discussion of president, immediate past president and president-elect, and ultimately the president can make the final decision on the recipient yearly. All chapter members are eligible.
Central Region
2021-2022 Shirley Anne Langguth, Caesars Entertainment
2020-2021 Michael Farrell, CTA, Redstory
2019-2020 Wildhorse Saloon
2018-2019 Shannon Worley, Franklin Marriott Cool Springs
2017-2018 Macro Productions
2016-2017 Rip Beazley, Brown's Florist
2015-2016 Jamie Hulet, Grand Ole Opry Entertainment Group
2014-2015 Emdeon
2013-2014 Gary Musick Production
2012-2013 Schenk Photography
2011-2012 Grand Avenue Transportation
2010-2011 Tracy Schenk, Schenk Photography
2009-2010 Gary Musick, Gary Musick Productions
2008-2009 Liberty Party Rental
East Region
2015-2016 Melanie Clifford, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pigeon Forge
2014-2015 Angie Campbell, Holiday Inn Cedar Bluff
2013-2014 Erika Biddix, CMP, MAC Meetings & Events
2012-2013 Robin Jones, RiverStone Resort & Spa
2011-2012 Melanie Clifford, Dancing Bear Lodge
2010-2011 Hard Rock Café Gatlinburg
2009-2010 Dancing Bear Lodge
2008-2009 Melanie Clifford, Dancing Bear Lodge
West Region
2018-2019 Tammie Vogel, CMP, International Paper
2017-2018 Jamie Hulet, HMCC, Associated Builders & Contractors
2016-2017 Tiffani Wilson, Marriott International
2015-2016 Antwone Stigall CMP, West Wing Events
2014-2015 Antwone Stigall, New Memphis Institute
2013-2014 FedEx
2012-2013 The Peabody Memphis
2013-2012 Janice McCallen, ServiceMaster Clean
2012-2011 Eva Goodson Eagen, Memphis CVB
2009-2010 ServiceMaster Clean
2008-2009 The Peabody Memphis
2018-2019 Sarah Kelley Freeman, Destination Musick City
Recognizes an MPI Tennessee Chapter member for their enthusiastic contributions to the chapter, involvement in a committee and demonstrated leadership ability during their first three years of membership in MPI and MPI Tennessee Chapter. (This award was last presented in 2017.)
2016-2017 Kayce Kiningham, CMP, Starr Weddings & Entertainment ; Marisa McWilliams, BB King's Blues Club Nashville
2015-2016 Chelsea Williams, Imagination Branding
2014-2015 Erika Biddix, CMP, MAC Meetings & Events
2013-2014 Kristen Richardson, Emdeon
2012-2013 Valerie Summers, Gary Musick Productions
2011-2012 Susan Raque, French Lick Resort
2010-2011 Laura Schimmel, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
2009-2010 Katie Rogers, Emdeon
2008-2009 Mitch Fielder, Liberty Party Rental
2007-2008 Catherine Giles, ADS Security
Falon Veit, Event Logistics, Inc.
2006-2007 Scarlett Coffman, Dave & Buster’s
2005-2006 Natalie Norris, CMP, American Association for State & Local History
2004-2005 Tricia Hayes, HealthStream
2003-2004 Sarah Timm, CMP, TravelTime, Inc.
2002-2003 Bethany Carlson, Provident Music Group
2001-2002 Mary Higgins, Opryland Resort/Nashville
Cindy Crill, Destination King/Memphis
2007-2008 Musician’s Hall of Fame
2005-2006 Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
2004-2005 Country Music Hall of Fame
2003-2004 Franklin Marriott Cool Springs
2002-2003 Embassy Suites Nashville South/Cool Springs
2001-2002 Sheraton Music City Hotel
2000-2001 Jillian’s Nashville
1999-2000 Franklin Marriott Cool Springs
1998-1999 Forest Crossing Golf Course
1997-1998 The City of Chattanooga
1996-1997 The Nashville Arena
1995-1996 Hard Rock Café
1994-1995 Belle Meade Country Club
1993-1994 Opryland Hotel
1992-1993 Belle Meade Plantation
1991-1992 The Peabody Memphis
2020-2021 Beth Ziesenis
2007-2008 Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
2006-2007 Millennium Maxwell House Hotel
2005-2006 Lipscomb University
2004-2005 Music Valley Event Center
2021-2022 Gary S. Musick, Gary Musick Productions & Destination Musick City
2017-2018 Michael Owen, EventGenuity, LLC
1995-1996 Marie Stanley, Retired, Aladdin Synergistics Inc.
1994-1995 R. Harold Hipps, CMP, R. & Associates
1989-1990 Helen Moskovitz, Helen Moskovitz & Associates
2010-2011 Butch Spyridon, Nashville CVB
2009-2010 Karl Dean, Mayor of Nashville
2012-2013 Tammy Gilbert Cardona, CMP, Nashville CVB
2011-2012 Tracy Wray, Hutton Hotel
2010-2011 Melanie Clifford, Dancing Bear Lodge