Michelle Allgauer—one of MPI’s 50th anniversary “Legacy Contributors” announced this year—shares some of her MPI origin and history.
The MPI community has played an integral role in my association management career growth. It has helped provide leadership opportunities not always inherent in my jobs and connected me with an amazing network of meeting industry professionals. I’ve been actively involved with both the Potomac Chapter and MPI Global since I joined as a member in 2004.
My first involvement with MPI, was when I took the MPI Potomac Chapter’s CMP study course. After passing my CMP, I was asked to join a committee within the chapter. During this time, I continued to pursue my professional development and earned my Certificate of Meeting Management (CMM). In addition to building my professional development, I focused on strengthening my chapter leadership skills and progressed from committee member to co-chair and then board member.
In 2007, my husband got deployed to Baghdad, Iraq—I kept myself busy during this time and became a super volunteer and received the Chapter President’s award. I continued my leadership path moving onto the chapter’s Executive Committee and becoming a Certified Association Executive (CAE), which showcased a broader knowledge and understanding of how an association operates. In 2010, I became president of the Potomac Chapter.
After my involvement with the local chapter, I became actively involved with MPI Global and participated in various leadership roles for advisory councils, task forces and currently serve as the vice-chair of finance for the International Board of Directors.
I am very honored to be selected as one of the MPI50 Legacy Contributors—the MPI community has helped shape me into the leader that I am today. Both my network and career have been enhanced by the knowledge and connections I’ve gained through my involvement with MPI.
