Volunteering is vital in gaining knowledge, skills and expanding your network. I would not be in my role today if it were not for MPI.

Years ago – I was new to the meetings industry and was encouraged to join an association to meet the local community and one organization I joined was the MPI BC Chapter. I attended a couple of meetings and industry events and was asked to join the membership committee. I quickly became the VP of Membership and was awarded the Rising Star award and due to unforeseen circumstances became the President-Elect. As the MPI BC chapter, President I was fortunate to attend MPI WEC and PEC saw the scope of MPI.

MPI Foundation introduced a chapter liaison program so as immediate past president -I was the liaison to the MPI Foundation Board of Trustees. In addition, I joined the MPI Professional Development Strategic Group (PDSG)- which was an amazing group of industry leaders reviewing the education we were offering at WEC and PEC.

As I was enthusiastic about the chapters, I applied for the MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees and started a new role on the board to focus on chapters and for 8 years increased awareness, raised money and engaged with MPI chapters.

I have continued to stay involved at the international level on the MPI CMAC committee, Chaired the MPI Canadian Advisory Council and I am a current member of the MPI Sustainability Advisory Council.

A volunteer on a board, committee and/or council can share unique experiences, perspectives and knowledge with others from the industry so we can continue to shift when needed, grow and strengthen our impact to expand the industry as it continues to evolve around the world.

Thank you MPI, I have had a seat at the table with industry legends that are now lifelong friends around the world that I would otherwise not have had the opportunity to meet, if it had not been for volunteering with MPI.