Coleman (yes, just one name)--recognized as one of MPI's 50th anniversary "Legacy Contributors," recognized at WEC San Francisco this year--broke barriers during his career in the meeting industry, including a term as volunteer MPI president (a title that now more closely equates to "chair"). Reflecting on his time with the association, in his own words:

I was privileged to be a part of MPI’s leadership team when it was still struggling to deserve the “I” in its name. I worked closely with the newly opened European office (Robin Lokerman and Didier Scallier) to expand our presence in Europe. They did all the heavy lifting.

With Nick Topitzes, Jeff Rasco and a handful of others I introduced computer technology to the meeting industry, something MPI initially strongly resisted (just ask Nick) but eventually embraced.

I initiated the CMM designation and coursework with a superb team of educators from the US and Europe. It was immensely satisfying to teach in the program for more than a decade. I’m pleased that the CMM has been continued and improved upon as the needs of the industry and MPI members have changed.

I’m perhaps most proud to have been the first openly gay President (Chair) of MPI in 1993-94, and to have helped provide a legacy of inclusivity and diversity in MPI and in the industry. Oh. And I’m pretty sure I’m still the only MPI president with one name.

I retired from the industry more than 20 years ago, giving me the opportunity to turn my efforts to writing - mostly plays. I am fortunate to have had many of them produced. (Yes, Virginia. There is life after MPI.)

I miss the friends I made in my 30 active years in MPI. It was a good ride.