A Visit with Tina Chocklett, CMP, National Sales Manager, Choose Chicago and MPI Potomac Chapter Past President 2006-2007

Tina first got involved with MPI Potomac Chapter 20 years ago when she was beginning her career in the meetings industry. She was a meeting planner, and her boss at the time was an MPI member. In her volunteer role, her boss was managing the MPI Potomac Chapter Job Board, which at the time consisted of job descriptions written on little pieces of paper filed in an accordion folder, Tina mused. Tina began assisting with that process and continued to get more involved in the chapter. Tina shares that she was extremely fortunate to have several mentors within MPI Potomac Chapter who encouraged her involvement. Kimberly Napolitano with Hilton Worldwide was her board liaison. Kimberly was very supportive and always exhibited confidence in Tina’s abilities and encouraged her ideas. Kim played a vital role in Tina’s advancement within MPI Potomac Chapter.

"The personal benefits from MPI membership equal the professional benefits for me."

Tina told me that she gained some amazing friendships that transcend our work lives. She also says that she has learned a lot from her colleagues through the chapter's educational offerings. She also has benefited greatly from the networking opportunities. MPI was also a vital resource in helping Tina achieving her CMP. She participated in the MPI Potomac Chapter CMP study course and credits it with helping her pass the test. Shout out to Tina’s CMP Study Buddy Carlos Pelham, also a former MPI Potomac Chapter past president.

The human connection is vital.

Tina is right, "No denying it, in today’s world much of our time is spent online and via email. But taking time to meet face-to-face and to network has been most rewarding for me." Tina found that making human connections is what led her to each opportunity in her career. Tina told me that every new position she has found has been through networking. "Even if you’re not looking for a new opportunity, the knowledge gained from fellow MPI members will assist you in bringing more to the table in your current position."

As modest as Tina is, I still have to share what a great contribution she has made and continues to make with her work in MPI. Tina shares the 10-year anniversary of her presidency with the first MACE conference! Tina says she was honored to be president while the chapter undertook this big endeavor!

In closing, Tina shared that we can learn so much from each other’s successes and challenges. Get involved and you get so much more back in return.