Message from MPISSN President, Sulema Peterson

The pandemic has been a great challenge and disrupter to us all. I want everyone to know that MPISSN is steadily moving forward. Our goals for the year are to keep our community and members safe and healthy as much as possible while at the same time keeping our programs relevant and sustainable.

As we begin to return to a “new normal”, I want to thank everyone for attending our virtual events and webinars over the Summer. While we are excited to be “in-person” in the coming months, I want to acknowledge the great successes we have had with our virtual educational offerings. I also would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who has made it successful, from our staff to our various committees to our attendees. We couldn’t have accomplished all that we have without the participation of our Board of Directors, supplier associates, sponsors, and our fantastic staff.

Speaking of education, registration is open for our October educational event, an “in-person” event on October 26th at 11:30 am at the newly renovated SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. “What’s Keeping You Up at Night? A Lot of Uncertainty” will include a panel of meeting planners and suppliers discussing different viewpoints on meetings in the future, review key questions regarding contracts, and provide insight on planning safe meetings during covid.  

This educational event is a can’t miss opportunity for anyone planning events in the Sacramento region and those in the community interested in learning more about what meetings will look like in the future and the moving forces behind them. Register to attend and be one of the first to tour the expanded and renovated SAVE Credit Union Convention Center.  

Return to Fall 2021 Connects

The Board has been busy at work on behalf of the Chapter over the past few months. As we learn more about our new roles and responsibilities, governance and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) have been at the forefront of our focus. In the coming months, we will be offering a town hall to discuss how we, as a community and Chapter, can raise more awareness on DEI at our Chapter events while also helping you find ways to integrate DEI at your events.

We completed the first audit of the year with flying colors! Big thanks to the VP of Finance, Lindsay Poss, and dedicated volunteers Felicia Price and Kristine Van Winkle. I’d also like to mention two superstars that keep the ship running, Salwa Mikbel and Christina Bauders at The CORE Management Co. 

They are incredibly meticulous with our books, and we are blessed to have them on our team.

The Chapter received a rating of “Sustaining” for the past year from MPI GLOBAL, which was actually quite an accomplishment. The metrics are based on meeting standards in the following objectives; Administration & Finance, Educational Offerings, Communication & Brand, and Leadership & Engagement. Considering the challenges due to Covid, we kept a high percentage of members, offered six or more accredited clock hours of educational offerings, and met our objectives of chapter compliance and governance oversight – all while working remotely during a pandemic!

The great news is that the rating provides us with an opportunity to offer a few scholarships toward membership and membership renewals. Details on how you can apply will be announced in the weekly news email and on the website. Be sure to contact us if you’d like more information on assistance with renewing your membership or becoming a member.

Back in June, we welcomed our new Board members at the annual installation reception. In case you weren’t able to make it, please help me congratulate and welcome our new MPISSN Board of Directors leadership for 2021-2022; Lauren Siring, President Elect; Rachel Hickerson, CMP, Immediate Past President; Lindsay Poss, CMP, VP Finance; Amy Orr, CMP, VP Communications; Christine Feenstra, VP Education & Events; Alisha Scully, VP Membership; Katrina Duncan, CMM, Director of Education; Leena Riggs, Director of Special Events; Skye Menezes, CMP, Director of Public Relations & Communications; and Marques Davison; Director of Recruitment & Retention.

Your MPISSN membership becomes more valuable the more you lean into what MPISSN offers through insights, education, and connections, be sure to take full advantage of all we are doing.

I can’t wait to see you on October 26th at our educational event at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. Thank you to our sponsor and host at Visit Sacramento, Jeff Dougherty, Mr. Sacramento!

Remember, we are all in this together; please reach out if you would like more information on getting more involved or even just to chat and catch up! My phone is always at the ready!

Stay safe and healthy,

~Sulema

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