My involvement with MPI began in a rather unassuming way—as a class assignment. In 2016, I was enrolled in an undergraduate “intro to events and meetings” course and one of our projects was to attend a local industry event. I signed up for MPI Potomac’s Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) program, and, once I was on site, pretty quickly realized that the organization would be a great asset for my early-career development. I felt that I could actually meet people that worked for CVBs and planned meetings, for example, instead of just reading about them in class.
Almost immediately after joining MPI as a student member, I signed up for multiple committees, but admittedly was what I describe as a very dedicated lurker. I would dial in to every committee call, but I’d sit in the background and only listen. Once chapter leaders started asking me to take on smaller tasks, though, my confidence grew and I began more actively immersing myself in the activities and initiatives of the chapter.
Since those early days, I've had the opportunity to contribute in various capacities within the Potomac Chapter. Serving on multiple committees and in several volunteer roles–including Director of Certifications & Career Development, Director of Member Engagement & Community Outreach, and Vice President of Membership–has allowed me to develop my own leadership style and make an impact on the chapter and our industry. I've had the privilege to launch our virtual CMP Prep Course, streamline Board operations, and spearhead initiatives that have brought tangible benefits to our members. One such initiative is what we call our “Member Lifecycle Roster,” which has significantly enhanced our ability to personalize member engagement by tracking communication, outreach efforts, and renewal dates.
The more involved I become with MPI, the more excited I get about the work we do. I love brainstorming new ideas and projects, constantly thinking about how we can innovate and improve the experience for our members. This year, I’ve served as Vice President of Finance, President-Elect and the Chapter’s first representative to the Southeast US Regional Council. These bigger-picture roles have helped to give me a broad perspective on the organization’s operations and a deep appreciation for its mission. Now, I’m honored and excited to step into the role of Chapter President in 2025, ready to lead with the insights and experiences I’ve gathered over the years.
My biggest piece of advice to new members is to join a committee or two. This is really one of the best ways to get the most out of your membership. When you’re a part of a committee and see one of your fellow volunteers at an in-person event, they can introduce you to the people they know, leading to an exponential increase in your network.
As another benefit of volunteering, you have the opportunity to strengthen your skills or get free practice in an area you don’t normally get to work on in your day job. Want to practice writing social media posts and designing graphics? Join the marketing committee. Curious about what being a planner is like? Sign up for the networking events or education team. Volunteering on a committee is a fairly low-stakes way to expand your horizons and grow as a professional.
At WEC Louisville this past May, I was recognized for my contributions to MPI with the 2024 RISE Award for Young Professional Achievement. It was reassuring to know that the time and energy I have given to the Potomac Chapter over the years has made a noticeable impact. It was a significant–and unexpected–honor to receive the award, and I’d encourage anyone to nominate a member they feel has made a contribution to the organization when the RISE Award applications open this fall.
To me, MPI is special because it offers opportunities for involvement and impact regardless of age or career stage. My journey from a student member to a chapter leader has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received along the way. I encourage you to raise your hand to get involved and, who knows, you might just be Chapter President one day!
Evan Nielson, CMP, is an Event Manager for AARP in Washington, DC. He currently serves as the President-Elect of the MPI Potomac Chapter and was the recipient of MPI’s 2024 RISE Award for Young Professional Achievement.
