| | | | | | This edition of the VA Voice is generously sponsored by Kalahari Resorts. |
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| | | | Letter from MPI-VA President, Martina James |
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| | "As summer approaches, we have a series of fantastic events and activities lined up to keep you connected, inspired, and engaged. I am sure your calendars are full or vacations, weekends at the beach and fun family plans, but mark your calendars for our upcoming meet-ups and our highly anticipated Annual Conference. Here’s what’s in store..." |
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| | | | | Seize the opportunity to shape the future of MPI Virginia! We're seeking passionate individuals to join our Board of Directors for 2025. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, lead with innovation, and connect with fellow industry leaders, nominate yourself or a colleague to serve on our
Board of Directors for 2025! |
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| | | We also have an immediate need for volunteers on the Annual Conference committee! | | If interested, please email Kim Carragher, our Annual Conference Chair, kim.carragher@whitelodging.com. |
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| | | | Voting is now open for the MPI Virginia Annual Awards! Check out the website link to vote and celebrate the volunteer members of the MPI Virginia chapter. We have a variety of awards categories and would love for you to vote for your fellow members. | | | | Timeline to consider: | | Voting opens May 28, 2024 | | Voting closes June 28, 2024 | | | | Winners will be announced at the August 6th Awards Celebration at the Annual Conference at Kimpton The Forum in Charlottesville, VA! Register now to attend and celebrate all of our award nominees and winners! |
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| | | | MPI Virginia Upcoming Events |
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| | June Chapter Meet-Up | | Fogo de Chao, Glen Allen, VA | | June 5th, 2024, 5:00-7:00pm | | Register Here | FREE for MPI-VA Members
$10.00 Fee for Non-Members |
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| | | July Chapter Meet-Up | Henrico Sports & Events Center,
Glen Allen, VA | | July 10th, 2024, 5:00pm-7:00pm | | Register Here | FREE for MPI-VA Members
$10.00 Fee for Non-Members | | Come check out this new 185,000 square ft venue which opened in November 2023 featuring 12 basketball courts, 24 volleyball courts, a 3500 seat arena and meeting space! |
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| Leadership Amplified:
Inspire | Innovate | Ignite | | August 5th - 7th, 2024 | The Kimpton Forum Hotel
Charlottesville, VA | | Member: $279.00 (Hurry! This rate only valid through July 6th) | | Non-Member: $399.00 | | Register Here |
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| | | November Quarterly Education & Networking Program: Save the Date | November 19th, 2:00pm -
November 20th, 12:00pm | Member: $105.00
Non-Member: $120.00 | | Hilton Norfolk the Main | | Norfolk, VA |
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| | December Chapter Meet-Up | Colonial Williamsburg Resorts,
Williamsburg, VA | December 12th, 2024,
5:00pm-7:00pm | | Register Here | FREE for MPI-VA Members
$10.00 Fee for Non-Members |
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| | Step back in time and celebrate with MPI Virginia at Colonial Williamsburg Resorts December 12th from 5pm-7pm! Immerse yourself in history by exploring a vibrant 18th-century city, 5 flexible accommodations, 70,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and world-class amenities! |
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| | | | May's Featured Member is Jordan Hook. Jordan a Special Events Manager for the Richmond Flying Squirrels and is a new member of MPI Virginia. Get to know more about Jordan below:
Q: Why did you join MPI Virginia?
A: I recently moved to the area and wanted to meet new people that were also in the industry. I wanted an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and learn more about this amazing industry. | Q: What do you enjoy he most about the meeting and events industry?
A: I love the diversity that comes with events and the different people you get to meet along the way. I specialize in special events so the core of each event stays the same, but I get to be creative and come up with themes, new designs or layouts, find fun speakers and venues that fit the event. Every day is something new and challenging to work through and make sure that attendees have a great time even if there's a fire in the back to put out.
Q: What advice would you give someone entering the meeting and events industry?
A: Always be learning! Whether that's school, books, joining MPI or other event organizations, you should constantly be learning. The events industry is so much fun, but it's challenging and there's always something new to add and upgrade to make sure events are fun and engaging for attendees.
Q: How do you define success?
A: When it comes to events, I define success by attendee satisfaction and vendor satisfaction. Yes, money is important, but if your attendees are happy and willing to come back year after year, you can always make changes that will lower costs and raise more revenue. If a client, attendee or guest is unhappy it's harder to gain back their trust and get them to come back.
Q: What is one item you cannot live without?
A: My allergy medicine. I have the worst allergies.
Q: What would be the theme song of your life right now?
A: I'm in the middle of baseball season right now, so I'd have to choose Manic Monday by The Bangles.
Thank you Jordan for letting us get to know more about you!
If you would like to be featured in one of our upcoming editions of The VA VOICE, please complete our Member Spotlight Questionnaire. |
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| | | The MPI Foundation is a non-profit organization that will celebrate 40 years in 2024 as the leading meeting and event industry foundation devoted to funding grants, scholarships, and pan-industry research for the people who need it most. | | Whether you’re an industry veteran or just getting started in your career, the MPI Foundation is committed to giving back to you and your industry, making you both stronger. A donation to the MPI Foundation helps secure the meeting and event profession for the future. When you help the people who bring people together, you help change the world. | | Member Support from the MPI Foundation | | The MPI Foundation offers grants for education, training, research and other special interest needs that enrich our industry as well as scholarships to complement MPI membership, education and career opportunities. With these grants and scholarships, together, we move this community and our global industry towards critical recovery. |
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| | | | | Happy May Membership Anniversaries! | | Linne Diiorio, CMP, Diiorio Communication, 17 Years | | Susan Benshoff, CMP, CTA, DEA, PCAX, American Express Global Business Travel, 13 Years | | Anita Gambill, Stihl Inc., 7 Years | | Susan Moore, CMP, Virginia Sherriff's Association, 7 Years | | Allyn Hodgins, Virginia Association of Health Plans, 6 Years | | Marc Matthews, CPIM, CIS, Pulse Experiential Travel, 5 Years | | Melanie Miller, Hampton Inn & Suites Roanoke, 2 Years | | Kara Allen, Wintergreen Resort, 2 Years | | Maureen Stengel, Virginia State Bar, 2 Years | | Brad Strouse, EastCoast Entertainment, 1 Year |
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| | | Welcome New Members! | | Kate Celeste, LTD Hospitality | | Willette Ellis, CMP, Altria Client Services | | William Kerr, Camryn Executive Transportation & Limousine Service LLC | | Perkins Morgan, Paisley & Jade Eclective Event Rentals | | Austin Susman, Ciena Corporation |
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| | | | Want to shine a spotlight on who you are, personally and professionally? We're looking for members who want to be featured in the next issue of the VA VOICE. If that's you, please submit your profile today! |
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| | | Update your MPI Member Profile Today! |
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| It is essential that our members have fully-completed and up-to-date information on their member profile page so we can make their membership tailor-made to their needs. Please take a look at your current profile and make any necessary changes, today. It only takes a couple of minutes!
Check out this video for step-by-step instructions on how to edit your profile. |
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| | | | | | Want Meetings with Year-Round Impact? Use These Strategies | | To extend engagement and reinforce messaging, build a plan to connect with attendees before and after in-person events. |
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| | | | Thank You to our Sponsors! |
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| | | MPI Virginia Chapter | 1307 W Morehead St | Suite 207 | Charlotte | NC | 28208 | US |
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| | The VA Voice Newsletter is your monthly source for member news, events, and industry updates. It's produced for members and non-members alike. Have a colleague or prospective member who could benefit from receiving the VA Voice? Email Claire to have them added to our distribution list. claire@themanagementoffice.com. |
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