If you think about it, our industry is one of the most incredible industries in the world. I doubt there’s a shortage of stories illustrating how we’ve positively impacted the people we’ve had the great fortune to serve over the years.

Growing up in this industry, I’ve always believed there was something special about the camaraderie we share. When we gather at industry events, we are reconnecting with old friends or eager to make new ones. At my company, I get to work with my best friends—and that’s a true statement throughout our entire industry.

And, MPI is the association that brings this entire industry together. The strength of our MPI community is built upon the foundation of our chapters and each chapter can only be as successful as its volunteer leadership. It is our collective stewardship to MPI in every volunteer role that will help make the entire meeting and event industry stronger into the future.

Over the next year, I look forward to supporting and advancing some of the great work that has already been put in place for MPI by years of devotion by our previous leaders. Specifically, I want to focus on those efforts within MPI that serve the greater good of our organization and our industry. Efforts like the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and the European Council, which have far-reaching and long-term impact for our collective future.

I hope that each of you will think of ways to become even more involved in MPI this year and understand the impact each of us has on this incredible industry.

Steve O’Malley
2018 MPI Chair
steve.omalley@maritz.com

Thank You to Amanda Armstrong, CMP

MPI would like to thank Amanda Armstrong, CMP, for her leadership in serving as the 2018 chair of the International Board of Directors. Throughout her term as chair, MPI reimagined the World Education Congress and entered into multiple groundbreaking partnerships and alliances with other associations and organizations to sow an even brighter future for the global meeting and event industry.