The MPI European Chapter Leaders Forum (ECLF) is a key event for any MPI member who has taken on the role of leading their chapter. Every year, it brings together a new set of faces, who bring to life the spirit of volunteering and help take MPI to its next evolution. After all, nothing in the meeting and event industry stands still.
With changes in the way people work, the different generations in the workforce and the ongoing development of artificial intelligence (AI), there is more than enough for meeting professionals to pay attention to. Not to mention the new regulations coming June 28, with the European Accessibility Act that will have an impact on digital accessibility requirements.
For those people that add volunteering to their mix, the ECLF is an event where new ideas and solutions abound.
We asked the lead facilitator of the ECLF at EMEC 2025 in Istanbul, Suzanne Mulligan, how she felt the event had gone.
“There is nothing more important than coming together with this dedicated community—Marjolein Blok and I worked hard together to ensure ECLF would offer time to workshop together, sharing ideas and allowing our chapter leaders to connect and engage whilst building on our strong community,” Mulligan said. “Personally, it has been so exciting to take on the role of EMEA and APAC council chair. When I joined MPI almost 15 years ago I couldn't have imagined being in this role. I believe strongly in the power of MPI and the ability to connect across continents.”
Mulligan also expressed thanks to the 2025 EMEA and APAC council, calling the opportunity to work with such a group of “super humans” a true honor.
“They give the little extra time they have to ensure the I in MPI continues to shine,” she said.
Speaking about the vibe of the collected group, Mulligan highlighted the members’ willingness to share challenges, solutions and ideas.
“The vibe this morning was fantastic; we spent the majority of the time focused on three main areas where we would like to improve this year: membership growth, branding and partnerships and supporting the MPI Foundation,” she said. “We came up with a myriad of ideas and have established some great building blocks for the council to push ahead in 2025.”
Did Mulligan’s sentiments resonate with the other chapter leaders? They certainly seemed to, given the amount of discussion and energy that was generated by the participants. At the end of the session, numerous ideas and solutions to challenges were clear for all to see.
Alexandra Kunowska, VP of education for the MPI Poland Chapter, was delighted with the progress being made. She felt that all the chapter leaders were in alignment on the way forward. Or to put it another way, they are all driving the bus in the right direction.
“There was a huge vibrancy in the room with the group brain power being put to good use,” Kunowska said.
Those participating during the ECLF in Istanbul 2025 brought to vibrant life the theme of EMEC: “Harmony in Action.”
