Please meet Kim Lowe, National Sales Manager for The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center in Texas, and a long-time MPIGNY volunteer. Kim is the one who tirelessly and thoughtfully composes the MPIGNY 30/30 each month. Here's a little about her and why she volunteers.

 

What committee do you volunteer for? Marketing & Communications.

 

What inspired you to volunteer for MPIGNY? I was at an MPIGNY event and was introduced to Suzanne Medcalf [MPIGNY President-Elect] who asked if I wanted to volunteer. I didn’t think it was possible since my office is in The Woodlands (Greater Houston), Texas; but she was so supportive and made it sound like so much fun that she inspired me to give it a try. I am so glad I did it!

How long have you volunteered? I have volunteered eight months for the 30/30. Prior to that, I did some volunteering for the website and prior to that, for different meeting organizations. 

Why do you volunteer? To meet others in the Greater New York area, who share my same interest in hospitality. Also, to keep my finger on the pulse of the event industry there since I have many clients in the area, but work onsite at The Woodlands. Volunteering is good for you! Notice how great you feel when you help a group achieve a common goal? You can stay involved in that fun and influential way if you just raise your hand the next time someone asks for volunteers (or send an email). Plus, you learn a lot! Even at (ahem) 19 years in the industry, volunteering can help us keep up with our professional development.

I prefer to grow in a team environment, and we all need to continue learning and networking. Volunteering takes care of all of those needs. It is also a fun way to step out of your comfort zone. If you can volunteer for something you have never done before, you are also adding a new experience to your professional and personal progress. When you put yourself out there to try something new, others on your committee (team) will want you to be successful – the help is abundant. With much help comes success and with success comes a great self-esteem booster! The meetings industry has been a huge blessing in my life and MPI has directly affected my career. Giving back just makes good sense. Give back to something or someone who has given much to you; it will help you both!

 

All that to say, volunteering really helps you achieve two goals (among others) at once: giving back and networking. 

What is your favorite MPIGNY event? Mixology was the first MPIGNY event I ever attended. It was my first experience with the chapter. I thought, how much fun is this? And the people are so nice! That event is still my fav!

 

So, thanks to Kim Lowe, one of our many rock star volunteers. When Kim is not volunteering for MPIGNY, she represents The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center in Texas. She enjoys her work with meeting planners, primarily in the Northeast, and helping them execute successful meetings. Kim is as passionate about her day job, too, telling us: "It seems as though no two days are alike and I am absolutely passionate about what I do. It gives me much pleasure to bring people and successful meetings together."

 

The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center is owned and managed by The Howard Hughes Corporation and is the founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC).