As we look to 2021 and the runway to restarting our industry, I’m reminded that although it’s known as a B2B (business-to-business) industry, it’s really P2P (person to person). Our passionate industry planners and suppliers are the creators and lifeblood of amazing, purposeful experiences. When we meet, we do change the world. During this time, more than any, support for our industry friends and colleagues is paramount.

From 2009 to 2019, through individual giving, chapter donations, strategic special events, education summits and association and corporation donations, the MPI Foundation has collected and distributed more than US$5.2 million, making it one of largest cumulative giving efforts in our industry, touching lives and making an impact across the globe.

The MPI Foundation’s purpose is to advance our industry by strengthening our people and communities. I thank and welcome the incoming trustees for volunteering to serve in 2021 and acknowledge Kevin Kirby, Foundation executive director, for his support and counsel.

The focus for the coming year will be to provide heightened visibility, connectivity and opportunities to access support and contribute to the Foundation. We intend to continue our support for our members through scholarships and chapter grants.

From a fundraising perspective, we will continue to design unmatched experiences such as Rendezvous and the Thought Leaders Summit and create initiatives that provide access to unique raffle/auction items and a gateway for companies wanting to provide awareness and education for our community.

Finally, we will be launching an exciting philanthropic program where investment packages will provide members and organizations the opportunity to establish named endowments in perpetuity.

My request of you is to become educated on the Foundation and how it can support you, your chapter and our industry. Make no mistake. We critically need contributions to sustain the level of support necessary. You are part of our getting better @ doing good! 

I look forward to working with you in support of the MPI Foundation and our global community in 2021.

Thank you, Chandra Allison

My sincere thanks to Chandra Allison, Foundation chair, and fellow members of the Global Board of Trustees for their leadership and contribution that delivered more than $700,000 in scholarships and grants back to MPI members and the industry in 2020. This was a record year for individual support, benefiting more than 2,200 financially distressed members. This could not have been possible without the generous contributions of our corporate partners, chapters and members.

Todd Marinko
2021 MPI Foundation Chair
todd.marinko@hotmail.com

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash