Days are longer, the sun is brighter and most COVID restrictions seem to be easing. All in all, great times ahead. It's time to get back in the game with in-person meetings and brush off our online habits. For instance, you don't have to wave at your participants when you leave a physical meeting room—and zoom (not capitalized) means moving closer to get a better look (just remember those six feet of social distance).
The summer season also brings a lot of activity to MPI. Over the past few months, the board slates have been filled with new names (and some familiar names as well), and it will soon be board retreat time.
No Chapter is an Island
The strength of MPI has always been the great mix of members from every corner of the meeting and event industry. The synergies that arise when meeting planners and industry suppliers work together is what sets MPI apart from other organizations. It is quite unique to witness the dynamics of both sides of the table working together and adding new perspectives and a refreshing twist to many discussions.
While languages and cultures may be different, our members share the same passion for the meeting and event industry.
MPI is held together by a large number of volunteers, and they all do amazing work. One of the most visible tasks of each chapter board is to design an educational program and to engage the local members to take part in chapter events. When I first started volunteering for MPI I was amazed by the amount of knowledge I found on the chapter board and among the leaders from other chapters. I soon learned how the MPI chapters develop diverse and compelling educational offerings time and again.
The thing is…the chapter board is not an island. So, a main task is to keep in touch with members and fellow chapter leaders. Over the years I have spent a lot of time networking with our members, both within our chapter and internationally. By speaking to members and potential members I have been able to learn about their challenges and needs and what they wish from their membership. Networking and sharing best practices are great tools to stay current with the feedback from our members around Europe. While languages and cultures may be different, our members share the same passion for the meeting and event industry, and the industry faces the same challenges across all chapters.
Just Like a Workout
Both in my MPI role and in my everyday job I have benefited immensely from taking part in the international conferences organized by MPI as well as the international trade shows where MPI is a partner. Each time I return with a pocket full of new business cards, new friends and valuable business partners in addition to being updated on trends and insights into how the industry develops. This again proves to be of great value when I speak to our chapter members and prospective members, as I have an opportunity to relate to their professional situation and business needs.
The value of a professional network lies with the members. And as I have already mentioned, MPI offers a broad spectrum of event professionals—each with a lot to contribute. Joining forces at MPI events—local, international and online—we bond and build trust amongst each other. That trust is the glue that will help us stick together even between MPI events. Being part of MPI is just like a workout (with less sweat and more canapés): the more you use your membership the more you will reap the benefits. Taking part in international education will give you knowledge, you can use right away, but also helps you extend your network and helps you make MPI friends. And attending local events will build your local network. The more people you know, the easier it will be to attend your next MPI event.
So, remember to make the most of your MPI membership. You get what you give.
Photo by Tom Winckels on Unsplash
