There are several reasons why current and prospective members leave or do not join an association. With regards to MPI, we have gathered data to showcase the top six reasons, and our job is to turn those nays into yeas. We’re striving to change things as we know you will find value in membership. Let us know how we did with solutions to these 6 reasons below:

MONEY

Money or the lack thereof can be a burden to anyone especially during these trying times. MPI has several remedies. To start with, MPI Headquarters (HQ) is willing to work with members and prospective members to make it easier to start or maintain their MPI membership. Just call the HQ Helpline (972-702-3053) as there is the option of enrolling in a payment plan to extend payments out for a certain period of time, as well as discounts they have to offer.

BEING OVERLOOKED

Sometimes being overlooked can make us feel devalued.  With this, some members may never want to display their talent and knowledge.  We never want our members to feel slighted. In fact, you should feel the opposite. You are a part of an elite group and you are what makes it elite. Our leaders are here to answer any questions, encourage involvement, and grow you to be the next leader of our community. We are all in this together, and we want you, your expertise, and your ability to learn and continue growing our membership and excellence in the meetings and events industry.  

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Diversity and inclusion has become a major topic these days in the media, government and our personal lives. Many companies and organizations are changing the way they do business to increase equality and fairness in their offices, committees and memberships. The MPI Indiana Chapter is no different. This is your chance to help us grow this strength and focus. We know there is no favoritism in diversity, and everyone should be included. We are all meeting professionals.

INACCESSIBILITY

There are times that members just can’t make the meetings or events. They may be scheduled at inopportune times or their access to the event is minimal. Have you heard of our monthly coffee chats on Friday mornings? These are free gatherings that have kept our community alive during this pandemic and will continue to do so, perhaps with a different focus as we all move forward to the “new normal”. By offering monthly events, not to mention our GLES event in November, which includes the great chapters of Wisconsin and Michigan, our goal is to make our reach the entire state of Indiana. We will get back to our events outside of Indianapolis soon enough. There are still ways to engage and access our offerings. Let us know what you need.

LEAVING THE INDUSTRY

In the wake of the pandemic, many people have suffered and have had to make some tough decisions. Some have had to make the major decision of leaving the meetings and events industry all together. This is unfortunate and we miss each and every one of them (we miss you… if you are still receiving this newsletter or if a friend sent it your way). We are still here for you, and hope as things alter, you are able to come back. And if not, thank you again for helping us grow to the amazing chapter we have become.

IT’S JUST NOT WORTH IT

There are members that don’t feel they are getting their monies worth with from their membership. Let’s back up. What are you hoping to get out of your membership? What’s the most important thing to you? Is it education topics? (Please tell us what you want to learn.) Is it to obtain your CMP? Is it to get connected to the right clients/contacts/individuals through networking? We will help you try harder at this, because it is possible. Is it that your boss doesn’t see the ROI? Have you seen our top reasons for Suppliers/Planners/Faculty? We can share that with you too. Reach out to us. Tell us more.

If there is another reason we have missed in why you aren’t able to maintain membership OR join our membership, please let us know. We are only as good as the information we are given, and our chapter can only grow to be more valuable with your help. It is a community of like-minded industry experts and we pride ourselves on collaborating together, and being in these tough times knowing that we will meet again, better than before. So please… don’t leave, but rather, jump in with both feet as the water is fine and will only get better with your help.

Blog post by Cheryl Moore and Jaime Smith