Young Professional Achievement

This award recognizes an individual 35 years of age or younger with a minimum of one-year professional experience in the meeting and event industry who has made outstanding contributions to MPI and/or the meeting and event industry.

Jordan Lacey, MBA, CMP

Jordan Lacey, MBA, CMP, is a rising leader in the event industry, bringing passion, innovation and purpose to every experience she curates. As a project manager for tech events at Capital One, she seamlessly blends her expertise in event strategy and technology to create impactful and engaging experiences.

Her academic credentials include an undergraduate degree in Event Management from Johnson & Wales University, an Executive MBA from Colorado State University and the prestigious CMP designation—demonstrating her commitment to professional excellence.

Lacey joined MPI in 2024, however, her contributions to MPI are deeply rooted in innovation. She played a pivotal role in enhancing the MPI New Jersey Chapter’s social media and video strategy, leveraging her tech-savvy skills to elevate engagement and visibility.

Beyond her professional achievements, Lacey is a changemaker in the community. She is founder of Light the Candle, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing joy to foster children by ensuring they receive birthday cards—honoring their milestones and making them feel seen. Her ability to merge her passion for events with philanthropy showcases her leadership and unwavering dedication to making a difference.

Lacey is also a vocal advocate for the next generation of event professionals, actively promoting careers in event planning and mentoring emerging talent in the industry. Her influence extends beyond her own success, she is shaping the future of events through education, mentorship and innovation.

Member of the Year

This award is given to an exceptional MPI member who through volunteer efforts has made outstanding grassroots contributions and demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the advancement of a chapter, club, community or region.

Rafael Hernandez

Rafael Hernandez joined MPI in 2013 and quickly became engaged as a volunteer, serving on the chapter board from 2014-2021. He has impacted the MPI LATAM region over the last several years through his volunteerism.

As the founder of Grupo Latin America Meetings, Hernandez has made significant contributions to the international business and meeting industry. He studied International Business at Anahuac University and founded several influential publications, including LM Latin America Meetings Magazine, Unique magazine, LM Colombia magazine and LM Latin America Meetings TV.

In 2013, he established the World Meetings Forum (WMF), a business platform connecting high-quality decision-makers with vendors, based on principles of culture, connections and purpose. He also founded and chairs the WMF Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to including people with disabilities in the meeting industry. Since 2018, the foundation has included over 600 individuals in events across Mexico, Latin America and Europe.

Hernandez was the first Latin American featured on the cover of Trade Show Magazine, the first Latin American recipient of the Event Industry Council Pacesetter Award in 2015 and one of Eventex’s 100 Most Influential People in both 2019 and 2022. Additionally, he was honored as Leader of the Year with the HEEL Award by the MPI Mexico Chapter in 2020.

He has also served on numerous industry boards and committees, including leading roles with the MPI Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, the MPI Mexico Chapter, the PCMA Mexico Chapter, the ICCA Mexico Committee, the Mexican Association of Tradeshows and Events (AMPROFEC), the Latin-American Federation of Congress and Events (COCAL) and the Mexico Event Industry Council (COMIR).

Meeting Industry Leadership

This award honors those rare individuals who by visionary hard work and creative insight have positively changed the global meeting and event industry. It recognizes sustained commitment and substantial contributions to the meeting and event community.

JC York

A member of MPI since 2009, JC York quickly became an active leader within the Tampa Bay Area Chapter, helping them earn a RISE Award. His leadership was crucial during the pandemic, guiding the chapter through unprecedented challenges during an extended term as president and continuing his service through various committees, including the President’s Council.

York’s dedication to volunteerism is evident in his long-standing support and advocacy of The SEARCH Foundation, which helps industry professionals facing crisis and catastrophic need. Since 2010, he has served in multiple roles, including board member and director of crisis relief, a position he continues through at least 2026. He has also been instrumental in researching resources for those impacted by recent disasters, showcasing his passion for helping others.

York’s leadership spans other associations, too, with roles at local and international levels. His most notable achievement was chairing and overhauling an international awards program, that earned him international recognition. He has earned numerous accolades from organizations like MPI, The Special Event, BizBash and ILEA.

His mentorship, advocacy and leadership have had a lasting impact on the industry, aligning with MPI’s mission of connecting, learning and empowering the global events community. His unwavering commitment to advancing the industry inspires innovation, collaboration and volunteerism.