We spoke with Sharon Collins of MPI’s Georgia Chapter about what's missing in the meetings and events industry and resolutions to fill the gaps. Here's what she had to say.
What new developments are you most excited about for 2020 and why?
We just received recognition as a top performing Chapter. This is truly a great honor and shows the commitment and dedication of our volunteers and all the benefits that help each meeting professional throughout our chapter. I’m excited to continue this momentum into 2020 with all of my industry and chapter friends.
What do you feel was your chapter's biggest accomplishment this year?
We launched the Chapter’s mobile app on October 1 of this year. This tool enables the chapter to communicate about events including registration, sponsor recognition, opportunities for chapter involvement/volunteering, direct access to the chapter website and the ability for members to connect with each. All through the ease of using their mobile devices.
What meetings trends emerged in your neck of the woods this year and what do you think next year's biggest trends will be?
One continuing trend is that sustainability has become a major element of the meetings and hospitality industry. Corporate and social responsibility are very important, and awareness and action for sustainable meetings has become an expectation of meeting attendees. These key practices prove good for the environment, save resources, reduce costs and create social benefits. Another ongoing trend is on the ever-changing culinary demands including allergies, restrictions, healthy options, local and sustainable (look, that word again) and culinary experiences.
What did you learn or perhaps unlearn this year in terms of professional development that you think would be beneficial to those who are just entering the events industry?
To me, having an industry mentor helps emerging professionals navigate and learn early in their careers.
"To me, having an industry mentor helps emerging professionals navigate and learn early in their careers."
What New Year's resolution should the events industry make for 2020?
Let’s make a resolution that the industry can keep (LOL). Each meeting professional should give back in some way. Either by mentoring a new professional, creating a sustainable program and practices and, of course, join/renew MPI membership and get involved with their chapter.
