In Your Own Words - Michele Gonzalez, CMP

We asked Michele Gonzalez, CMP Sr. Meetings Manager at Strategic Association Management what Education and Career Development with MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter has meant to her.  Here is what she shared. 

How long have you been a member of MPI and how have you seen the opportunities within the organization change over time, both generally and personally for you?

I have been a member of MPI since 2014. When I started with MPI I did see a lot of the same topics come up over and over again as professional development. The courses MPI global presented were very relevant but expensive. I felt like we needed some energy and inclusivity when it came to THCC. It needed to be more appealing at the local level. So, in 2019 I jumped in and joined the board. How can I expect things to change if I don’t try to help and make that change? Joining the education team gave me the opportunity to source the speakers and topics that weren’t being talked about. I was able to do extensive programming on accessibility and diversity. Since then, our programs have continued to grow. We have brought thoughtful and insightful speakers together to discuss human trafficking, diversity in management, and supplier relationship building. Personally, the experience gave me the opportunity to get to know some of our long-time members and bring new ones into the group.

What educational resources or events offered by the chapter have had the most impact on your career, and why?

The MPI THCC CMP six-week course taught by Carol Benavidez has been the most impactful education that helped me further my career. Her course is very comprehensive. She makes the industry standards that we have to learn apply to your real-world career. She’s not just reading from the book or canned questions. She truly teaches the material. Also, for the level of engagement you have with Carol the cost for the course is a bargain. I am proud to say I achieved my CMP because of THCC’s CMP programming.

In what ways has the MPI network of professionals supported your development or opened doors for new collaborations?

MPI THCC has given me a foundation in the Austin market. Through the people that I have met and connected with I have been able to create valuable business opportunities for suppliers and been introduced to excellent venues. All of this “networking” actually has a point. THCC wants to help you make all of those connections and meet event professionals in Austin, San Antonio and the Hill Country. I am originally from Louisiana. Coming to Austin and starting all over was daunting and it wasn’t until 2019 when I decided to make what I wanted out of the Austin chapter of my career.

How would you encourage others in the industry to engage with MPI Texas Hill Country to maximize their own career potential and personal growth?

It is a wonderful experience to walk into a room of event professionals and not only be greeted by them as partners but to know them as friends. Meetings and events are still a profession where having a reliable base of trusted contacts is going to make you an asset at your company or association. Yes, folks we still need to talk to each other, preferably face to face. Putting yourself out there is a must. Texts and LinkedIn can only take you so far. MPI THCC is an organization filled with talent and knowledge for every level you are at in your career journey. When you come to an MPI event, know that we will remember your name and ask you to come back. We want to empower this industry with knowledgeable and personable professionals that enhance and broaden our profession.