Bold partnership strengthens diversity and educational strategy

DALLAS, February 5, 2020 — Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide, is proud to announce a partnership with the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP). It is the purpose of NCBMP to be the preeminent organization in educating African American association executives, hospitality professionals and meeting planners in all aspects of the meeting planning profession. Throughout the partnership, MPI will collaborate with NCBMP members on the following:

• Access to benefits that are available exclusively for MPI members.

• Member rates for all MPI events and the MPI Academy, which provides access to cutting-edge education and event planning certification programs that enhance critical job skills. The MPI Academy is delivered online and in-person throughout the year and is open to event planning professionals of all levels.

• Access to all MPI chapters throughout the world.

• MPI and NCBMP will collaborate on education at signature events and quarterly combined roadshows.

“As MPI continues to expand partnerships across the globe, we remain committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive membership,” said Steve O’Malley, MPI Chair of the International Board of Directors. “The partnership with NCBMP is another example of how MPI is working to personalize the experience for every member, and we look forward to this, and other partnerships that support diversity.”

“NCBMP is focused on the empowerment and access to education for our current and prospective members. We celebrate MPI for having the courage and willingness to authentically collaborate as we seek to strengthen both organizations,” said Jason Dunn, NCBMP Chairman of The Board of Directors.

The NCBMP partnership exemplifies how MPI is increasing the diversity of its membership. MPI is also aligning with special interests within the meeting community. Recently, MPI launched MPI Communities to meet the diverse needs of special interest groups within its membership such as women, the safety and security community and association planners. The strategic effort aligns with special interest groups and vertical communities that connect peer to peer learning and networking.                                       

About MPI
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide. The organization provides innovative and relevant education, networking opportunities and business exchanges, and acts as a prominent voice for the promotion and growth of the industry. MPI has a global community of 60,000 meeting and event professionals including more than 17,000 engaged members and its Plan Your Meetings audience. It has more than 70 chapters and clubs with members in more than 75 countries. "When we meet, we change the world." www.mpi.org

About NCBMP
The National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP), founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization dedicated primarily to the training needs of African American meeting professionals. Members of NCBMP includes meeting planners from numerous business, civil rights, church and fraternal organizations and individuals who represent hotels, convention bureaus, city government officers, airlines and other suppliers. Since its founding, NCBMP has made a significant impact in the hospitality community by highlighting the sizable purchasing power and impact of African American Hospitality Professionals.

Media Contacts:
Monica Gonzalez, MPI Director of Marketing
communications@mpi.org
972.897.6137

Chaka Powell, NCBMP
1-270-300-3382
Info@NCBMP.com