In today's competitive business landscape, small business owners often find themselves navigating challenges alone. Yet, as the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Small Business Owners (SBO) Community has proven, collaboration and knowledge-sharing can be the catalyst for remarkable growth and success.

Small Businesses: The Backbone of the Events Industry

Did you know that 80% of businesses supporting events are small businesses? Even more revealing, 40% of meetings and events operate using small businesses, and 81% of meeting planners prefer local vendors—which are typically small businesses.

With 47% of events businesses operating with fewer than 10 employees, it's clear that small operations aren't just participants in the events industry—they're its driving force.

Building a Community of Support

The SBO Community within MPI was founded when industry veterans recognized that small business owners needed a space to exchange ideas about running their businesses successfully—not just planning meetings.

"We're not telling you how to plan a meeting. We're telling you how to lead and run your business," explains Jonathan Howe, Founding Partner and President of the law firm Howe & Hutton, and one of the community's founders. "The key element has been the opportunity for you to learn from your peers how you can be more successful."

This community welcomes all business decision-makers—from solopreneurs to independent planners to suppliers—creating a diverse ecosystem of knowledge and experience.

Resources That Drive Business Growth

The SBO Community offers various resources designed specifically for small business owners:

SBO Connects

Bi-monthly events where members discuss relevant topics like business plans, budgeting, client gifting strategies and business incentives

Educational Sessions

Quarterly sessions featuring industry experts on topics like AI implementation and succession planning

Online Community Forum

A platform for ongoing discussions, questions, and answers

Resource Library

Curated content for small business development

Business Directory

A growing listing of nearly 100 small businesses that promotes "buying small" within the industry

Networking Opportunities

Regular meetups at major industry events like IMEX

Finding Your Tribe

For many small business owners, especially those in smaller markets without access to local chapters, the SBO Community serves as their primary professional connection.

"This is my community. These are the people I hang out with at MPI," shares one member who lives four hours from the nearest chapter meeting. The beauty of communities like SBO is that they transcend geographical limitations, allowing members to connect with like-minded professionals regardless of location.

Learning from Shared Experiences

Some of the most valuable insights come from hearing others' experiences—both successes and failures. The SBO Community creates a safe space for honest conversations about business challenges.

"Sometimes we learn a lot more out of our mistakes than we do out of our successes," notes Howe. "This community will give you that chance for an open discussion—give you the hard truth if you will."

Join the Conversation

Whether you're starting a new venture or looking to scale an established business, connecting with other small business owners can provide invaluable perspective and support.

If you're a small business owner in the events industry—or any industry—consider exploring communities like MPI's SBO. After all, even the largest businesses today started small, with founders who likely benefited from the wisdom and support of other entrepreneurs.

For more information on joining the SBO Community, visit the MPI Communities page or reach out to current members on LinkedIn.