Todd Marinko (MPI Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter) is a marketing, sales and business development executive with more than 20 years of experience, including a decade with PSAV. He has served on the MPI Global Board of Trustees (GBOT), which has oversight over the MPI Foundation, since 2017 and is also an executive board member for the Corey Kluber Family Foundation and the Travis Frederick’s Blocking Out Hunger Foundation. Learn more about him.

What will be your No. 1 priority as GBOT chair?

Accessibility. The focus for the coming year will be to provide heightened visibility, connectivity and opportunities for members, chapters and organizations to access support and contribute to the Foundation in a number of ways. 

What has helped prepare you to manage through this very difficult time?

I’m unsure if anyone was truly prepared for the pandemic, especially the devastating impact it’s had on our industry. That said, for years I’ve observed and aligned with, “Yes is the answer, what’s the question?” which is quickly understanding a situation, assessing options and providing an immediate solution. I feel the industry has gifted me with an ability to be resilient, lean into challenges, adapt and work quickly towards a resolution. 

How have you been impacted by the events of 2020?

Having been personally affected with changes to my work status, like many others, I wrestled with “what now” and the fluid emotions within a day. But surprisingly, it’s been an opportunity to step back, breath and refocus. The respite has allowed for reprioritization and to be in a better position to contribute and lead the MPI Foundation in 2021.

What is the message you would like to send to meeting professionals right now?

Stay strong. You’re not alone, but part of a large community with people and programs. Leverage your network—the human spirit and willingness to help is shining bright.

What will you do to reinforce the values of diversity, equity and inclusion in our industry?

The Foundation represents a diverse spectrum of our membership. That is not new. It has been part of the DNA of our GBOT roster and our pursuit of funding. Second, DE&I initiatives allow Foundation volunteers to pursue specific funding to support MPI Academy programming for our chapters. Finally, as Foundation chair, I also sit on the International Board of Directors. That’s by design, allowing committees, like DE&I, to share their efforts and needs while quickly amplifying their communication across a broad group. My intention is to ensure the GBOT understands the effort and can pursue potential donors. 

How can the MPI Foundation be a leader in helping the industry recovery?

The Foundation provides support, not only to the MPI community, but also to pan-industry initiatives. We are stronger together and will continue to provide appropriate support and leadership where necessary.

How did you get involved with MPI?

As a supplier to the industry, MPI was an ideal way to connect with planners and the broader industry to understand needs and challenges. That customer curiosity opened my eyes to the MPI community and the value it provides. 

How has the association impacted you? 

Community. It’s expanded my professional network, resulting in personal growth, education and business opportunities. MPI makes me more effective and I know there’s always someone at the other end of a phone that’s more than willing to share their experiences and provide counsel. 

What has been the most gratifying aspect of serving on the GBOT?

Connecting with scholarship/grant recipients and understanding their story of how the Foundation has made a positive impact on their lives.

How important is volunteerism in our industry, especially during this time?

Volunteerism is the lifeblood of MPI and the Foundation. As the saying goes, “Many hands make light work.” There are many opportunities to volunteer from the chapter level, advisory boards, U.S. and international councils and boards. This also extends to pan-industry bodies like the Events Industry Council and U.S. Travel/Meetings Mean Business. This is a critical time for our industry; it takes volunteers to rally and create a single voice to raise awareness and action.

What’s the best advice someone gave you?

Enjoy the gift of giving. This was formulated at a young age by the happiness brought to our family through actively volunteering and contributing in our local community.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in meetings and events?

The industry is currently losing talent, but will come back and need to scale quickly. Have a hunger to learn and leverage the education available to be prepared. Huge opportunities will be available. It’s an amazing industry, fun and diverse, which positively impacts people and organizations every day.