As MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter approaches the holiday season, we are most of all thankful for you, MPI THCC members dedicated to not only getting back to business but supporting one another as we navigate the end of the year with months at home, minimal events and Zoom exhaustion. Thank you for your commitment to this industry and staying connected with your chapter.

With MPI THCC’s record-breaking virtual Texas Education Conference last month, virtual connections, education, platforms and all the to dos are not so scary! I hope you have been a part of a virtual conference, have planned one or are in the midst -- it is so empowering to come together in a new way. The first ‘leap’ is always the hardest, but the most fulfilling is to know ‘I got this!’

This month, a quarter of our MPI THCC membership participated in MPI’s World Education Congress in a hybrid environment. With over 600 onsite attendees and over 1,000 digitally, the audience was energetic and happy to be together, whether it was in-person or from the comfort of their home. 

MPI is one of the first large events ‘to market’ near our area, and it was a great case study on the hybrid format. Although the in-person group was much smaller, it helped attendees’ comfort levels. With a combination of protocols, attendee code of conduct, room set and F&B adjustments and community cooperation, it was a successful event. Experiencing this made COVID-19 restrictions not so daunting. MPI THCC’s November 12 WEC20 Recap showcased all in-person and digital experiences, special events, education takeaways and spreading of the word to empower members to take their event to an in-person, digital or all-of-the-above experience.

As we approach a thankful season, I am not only thankful for our full membership, but COVID-19 has allowed us to focus on the little things that we are thankful for. I am thankful for coffee, delivery services, curbside, WiFi and in-person interactions. In this season, let’s take away from 2020 to not take any essential or modern necessities for granted. Use the hashtag #MPITHCC #thankful to share what you are thankful for as we reflect on the past months and focus on silver linings as we navigate new times.