MPI Minnesota April President's Message

From your MPI President….

As I reflect on this moment in time and look back on the year that was, I feel so grateful for the opportunity to serve for you, our members, for the betterment of our organization of the Minnesota Chapter of Meeting Professionals International.  I want to recognize those of you that have motivated me, many without even knowing, to grow as a person and lead this wonderful organization.  I think back to the day that I wanted to become president.  I remember it vividly seeing the then President, Jaimie Mattes, CMM, HCMM, at the podium speaking to the group.  was exhilarating.  It was exciting.  It was awesome.  I was in a room full of people in Minnesota that were here to learn more about meetings and events and moving our industry forward.  He was so polished and professional and was connected to everyone. 

Then there was another monthly meeting that was an overview of the benefits of being a member that I attended and there was a panel discussing the Mentor Program.  I thought, “I know what I am doing”, “I am not weak”, “I don’t need a mentor”.  Was I wrong.  After hearing from this panel, I knew I needed to get connected with someone that could help me take the next step in my career from a Hotel Sales Manager to a Director of Hotel Sales.  I needed to learn about the budget and forecasting for a hotel as the next role I targeted asked for that as past experience that was needed.  I was introduced to Devie Hagen of Elan Speakers Agency, now retired, who could help me with this.  We had met a few times over the next few months and connected about my career options, her career path and of course MPI.  The next time I applied to be a Director of Sales, I nailed it with the help and advice of Devie. 

During this time, I was a volunteer assisting with the Emerging Leaders Committee, bringing education to the next generation of meeting professionals.  Julie Ann Schmidt, CMP, CMM took me under her wing as the chair of the group and guided me through the MPI chapter volunteer landscape.  I learned a lot as a new member while volunteering on a committee I truly believed in.  I knew this is where I belonged and this is what I should be doing.  I was becoming better at networking and meeting new people at every event. 

I have had the opportunity to earn a scholarship from our chapter to go through the CMP Program/Boot Camp and test to earn my CMP.  This was a fantastic time that I learned a lot of what it is truly like to be a meeting planner.  As a salesperson, I do not get the opportunity to see that side of the industry too often so I took it all in from our trainer, Denise Woods, CMP to learn and grow as much as possible over this 2 day intensive training session.  A recent Past President, Nicole Coon, CMP and I, along with a handful of other meeting professionals successfully attended this class and passed the exam.  As long as I continue my education, I can forever use the CMP in my name.

Having seen and experienced so many great meeting professionals in our chapter, I knew I had to give back in the best way I knew how.  Volunteer.  I took on a Board of Director Position and leaned what sitting on a non-profit board was like.  It was a different experience compared to the other things MPI MN has given me.  I have worked with many great Directors, Vice Presidents, and members of the Office of the President, but I cannot name them all but each has shaped me into the person I am today.

I wanted to recognize some of you that joined me along my journey with the Minnesota Chapter of MPI and say “THANK YOU”.  Our connection does mean something to me and I truly appreciate it.  I ask that our members also recognize others who have made this impact on them for being great volunteers, member organizations, rising stars, and meeting planners.  Please do so by submitting an EMPI, Excellence in MPI, award for this year EMPI Nomination Form .  The awards will be handed out at the Year End Celebration slated for May 17^th at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  Thank you for being members to this great organization and supporting me this year as your Chapter President.