Robbert Weddepohl, board liaison for the MPI European Advisory Council, joined MPI in 2009
What is the MPI International Board of Directors (IBOD)?
The International Board of Directors is the governing body of MPI, with responsibility for developing the organization's vision, mission and strategic plans, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability and organizational performance.
When did you join the IBOD?
I joined the IBOD in January 2022, after being president of the MPI Netherlands Chapter (2018-2020), chair of EMEC19 in the The Hague, European Advisory Council member and chair (2020 and 2021, respectively).
What was your motivation for joining the IBOD?
My motivation for joining the IBOD was twofold. Firstly, as a global association for meeting and event professionals, MPI plays a critical role in shaping the future of our industry. As someone who is deeply passionate about the event industry and its potential to create meaningful experiences and drive economic growth, I wanted to be a part of this conversation.
Secondly, as a European counterpart, I saw joining the IBOD as an opportunity to ensure that the voice of European meeting and event professionals was heard and that our unique needs and challenges were addressed. I strongly believe that by working together across regions and cultures, we can create a more vibrant and relevant events industry that delivers value to clients and attendees around the world.
What are the IBOD’s primary goals in Europe this year?
The IBOD's primary goal in Europe this year is to continue driving innovation and growth in the event industry by providing our members with the tools, resources and knowledge they need to succeed. We are focused on enhancing member engagement, expanding our educational offerings and strengthening our relationships with partners and stakeholders across the industry.
As a global association for meeting and event professionals, MPI's primary goals in Europe for this year are focused on growing the community and involvement. This is particularly important given the growing importance of emerging markets around the world. To achieve these goals, we are focused on expanding our outreach efforts and strengthening our relationships with local partners and stakeholders across the industry. This includes working closely with regional chapters and affiliates to provide customized content and resources that meet the unique needs and challenges of their markets, as well as leveraging technology to facilitate virtual connections and learning opportunities.
Describe the most impactful moment you’ve experienced while being on the IBOD?
MPI has organized many impactful events over the years, including the World Education Congress (WEC) and the European Meeting and Events Conference (EMEC). The IBOD organizes its meetings around these events, providing ample opportunities for IBOD members to deeply discuss MPI and industry strategy, share knowledge and experiences, and build valuable connections. These meetings offer a unique opportunity to collaborate and contribute to the professionalization of the meeting and event industry. They also provide a forum to connect and build rapport with each other, creating a supportive community that promotes the growth and development of meeting and event professionals. I have found these meetings to be incredibly valuable and inspiring, and they have helped me to develop my leadership skills and expand my network in the industry.
During EMEC in Brighton, the European Advisory Council gave a presentation to the IBOD where they shared European ideas and solutions for promoting European focus and relevancy in the meeting and event industry. This presentation was well-received by the IBOD, as it provided valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities facing the industry in Europe. I found this presentation to be a valuable and insightful contribution to our discussions, and it helped to broaden our perspectives and promote our collective understanding of the industry in Europe as a global association.
How has your experience on the IBOD impacted you?
I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and innovative professionals in the events industry, and I have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our industry today on a global scale. This experience has inspired me to be more creative, strategic and collaborative in my work.
What is your advice for new members joining the association?
My advice for new members is to get involved! MPI is a community of passionate and dedicated event professionals, and there are countless opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Attend events, volunteer on committees and get to know your fellow members—the more you put in, the more you will get out of the experience.
Any last words to share?
I would like to encourage everyone in the meeting and events industry to continue to work together to promote the value and importance of face-to-face events. Let's continue to innovate, adapt and inspire each other as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Federico Toja, MPI’s director of chapter operations - Europe, joined MPI in 2013
For our new members can you describe MPI and the role of the association?
MPI strives to lead the world in education, networking and innovative solutions that advance not only the meeting and event industry, but the careers of the professionals in it. Through MPI’s global network of local chapters, we activate, educate, support and connect the connectors, people who are passionate about bringing people together. Through MPI education and networking you can grow in your personal career or grow business and develop long-lasting partnerships!
How and when did you become director of chapter operations for MPI in Europe? What other roles have you had within MPI previously?
I have been an MPI member since 2000 and the chapter leader in 2010 including president of the MPI Italia Chapter. Since I joined MPI as staff I have been in my actual role supporting the European chapters for membership growth and leadership. Lately, I am also liaison for the development for MPI in Latin America with great results. Before MPI I worked for hotels and convention bureaus mainly in Monaco and Milan.
What was your motivation for working for MPI? What is your “why” MPI?
Meeting local chapter leaders and supporting them in making impactful plans is my daily motivation. Develop new club project is also a motivation as you go over the full process and create new projects in new areas. Another motivation is that through the MPI network I’ve developed personal relations that helped me in my career, therefore I will always support our members for their personal needs.
Describe the most impactful moment you’ve experienced while working for MPI global?
I am responsible for the European operations and lately for the development in Latin America (online only). The great result is our LATAM Region grew more than 20% in the last two years and that is very motivating!
What are you passionate about?
The meeting industry! I have been working in hotels and convention bureaus for 20 years prior my role in MPI and I continue to be fascinated by the development of this industry.
Any last words to share?
Get involved in MPI, especially in a chapter leadership position or volunteer in special international committee and you will get much more from the association. Having the possibility to decide local strategy and a voice for MPI development is the best value you can get as professional!
