Member Showcase- April 2022

Angie Ahrens, CMP, CMM Director of Events MRI Real Estate Software

How did you get involved/become aware of the MPI Georgia chapter?
MPI was the first organization I joined when becoming a meeting professional. I was residing in the Indianapolis area at the time and was very involved locally. I volunteered as a committee chair, attended monthly events, and joined the chapter at WEC. In June 2010, I had been elected the Director of Strategic Events and was looking forward to serving. Coincidentally, a new prospect presented itself in the Atlanta area which was a fantastic opportunity that would allow me to grow professionally. The decision was made for my husband and me to move to Atlanta.

In my new role here in Atlanta I found myself on the road often and wasn’t as involved in MPI as I would have liked to have been. I had always paid membership dues, but only attended WEC versus anything locally, maybe only once a year. In 2018, I chose to become more involved because I missed volunteering. I signed up for my first committee position (the Phoenix Awards), assisting with communication and social media. I did this again in 2019, and when the opportunity arose again in 2021. It was then in 2021 I found a better rhythm for my time, which allowed me to be a little more engaged. I reconnected with many individuals who I already knew in the industry and have met more friends along the way.

How did you get into the hospitality industry?

When I graduated from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst, I was recruited to work for my national sorority in Indianapolis. I was collaborating with the alumnae while on staff but found that in my free time, I was coordinating events for friends as a hobby. Two years after being on the team, I needed to do something different. Fortunately, the Executive Director I worked with saw my potential in another area where the organization was hiring, and I became the in-house event professional. She believed in me, and I’m forever thankful, as I took the role of Director of Events & Programming.

I immediately found some mentors with one in the supplier network and another in the planner network. I volunteered to work at a hotel for the day and learned how to better work with suppliers in all departments. I took as many classes as I could, knowing that I didn’t have the formal education, but the passion. Within my first five years, I earned my CMP designation and continued to be engaged with my local organizations.

Since moving to Atlanta in 2010, I have found opportunities to volunteer with MPI internationally, chair a committee with the Events Industry Council and serve them in a variety of ways. I have been on multiple industry podcasts and have written or partnered on educational content for industry publications.

I love this industry to the core. It follows my purpose and passion in life - connecting people through experiences and culture. I’m truly fortunate to have “fallen” into the industry and hope to always serve it.

What's one of your most unique personal or work accomplishments?

I’ve been fortunate in this industry of ours to do many unique things such as traveling to many destinations, working with presidents and musicians, and creating experiences with amazing partners. However, I would say my best accomplishment is being honored to serve this industry in a variety of ways. When the Events Industry Council reached out to me to chair the Knowledge Committee in 2020, I felt very honored (and immediately had imposter syndrome). To have others in the industry recognize you for your talent is one of the most humbling experiences that can happen, and I take that honor to heart. I adore this industry so much and look forward to serving in any way I can (while learning all at the same time!)