One month removed from my last letter in The Meeting Professional, I’m just starting to experience the little things I took for granted before we were forced to “shelter in place” to maintain every-one’s safety. Mind you, these aren’t huge milestones, but instead small everyday behaviors that have become meaningful signs. Let’s start with coffee.
The simple joy I get in once again sampling a fresh latte from Starbucks— a reminder that my in-home barista skills are severely lacking. The ability to visit with neighbors and friends without feeling encumbered by severe restrictions. Booking a flight and choosing my seat. And, most recently, the opportunity to work within our recently reopened MPI headquarter offices in Dallas (a sheer joy). I don’t take any of these seemingly simple acts for granted.
While I’ve been in near-daily communication with Team MPI through-out the crisis, I must admit that remote connections just aren’t the same as the face-to-face interactions I crave. I really miss the energy created when we are together in person. And I know I am not alone in my belief in the value and exhilaration of bringing people together.
As demonstrated time after time following previous crises, our industry and community are among the most resilient and innovative anywhere.
Throughout this shelter-in-place journey, countless professionals and organizations across our industry pressed onward to ensure that the business events industry is well-positioned to achieve a strong and sustained recovery. The work being done by the Events Industry Council through their APEX COVID Task Force has been remarkable and impactful in providing a single voice for our industry.
The lobbying efforts of organizations such as ASAE, GBTA, JMIC, EIC and U.S. Travel have been crucial to ensure our industry’s voice is represented in capitols around the world. And within the MPI community, our chapter leaders, despite facing their own personal and business challenges while also finding themselves in mid-transition of their chapters’ fiscal years, have remained focused on how they can bring value and benevolence to our community at the local level.
We have seen creativity and innovation across our industry as organizations face the many formidable obstacles and challenges created by the pandemic, and we offer resounding applause to groups such as Destinations International and ASAE who have opted to pursue virtual conferences rather than cancel outright. Thank you—our global industry needs you and the countless other industry events around the world that are rescheduling or choosing digital options. We’re all watching each other and supporting your efforts.
Podcast: “New Standards for Cleanliness, Health and Safety (in the Air and in Hotels)”
At MPI, we have moved the date for our signature World Education Congress (WEC) in Grapevine, Texas, to Nov. 3-6, 2020. This year’s event will be like none other, featuring two parallel experiences for in-person and digital—both live and boasting incredible take-aways unique to their environments. And with the support of the MPI Foundation, we have been proactively providing professional services, education and financial support for those in need. But, we know that the real need is just beginning for many, so if you need assistance managing your professional growth during this time please reach out to help@mpi.org.
Yes, the door is slightly open to resume our daily tasks and a sense of rebirth and cautious optimism is in the air. But, as we step back out into this beautiful world, I implore you to not take for granted that we work in an amazing industry that drives innovation, personal development and economic growth. Don’t take for granted, as demonstrated time after time following previous crises, that our industry and community are among the most resilient and innovative anywhere. And most importantly, never take for granted the fundamental need of humans to interact face-to-face. Because, “When we meet, we change the world.”
Stay well!
Paul Van Deventer
MPI President and CEO
pvandeventer@mpi.org
Follow me on Twitter @MPICEOPaul
