 |
| |  |
In its 139-year history, The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, arguably the best business institution in the country, has never had a woman or a person of color as the dean. Well in July of 2020, that all changed.
“The ability to continue to do this work on behalf of students and faculty and spread the important role that business plays at an institution that has so much global reach was very attractive, and, as the environment changes, there will be new opportunities to experiment in business education, and I look forward to being able to work with the faculty, staff and students there on what that might look like,” Erika H. James said.
Erika, at two years old, immigrated from Bermuda where her parents were music teachers; she must have received the academia bug from them. She earned her Bachelor of Psychology from Pomona College in 1991 and her Ph.D. in organizational psychology from University of Michigan in 1995. Since graduation, she has been a senior associate dean for Executive Education at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and dean of the Emory University Goizueta Business School, where she was also the first woman of color to lead.
POTOMAC PODCAST IS LIVE!!!
Listen to the first three podcasts, produced by our DE&I committee. Download it today and hear what's happening in your community.
| |
|
|
 MPI Potomac Professional Development Committee had its second e2 on Oct. 16 focused on "The Benefits of Mentoring on Career and Personal Development."
One of our committee members, Shameka Jennings, CMP, moderated the panel discussion, which included Stephen Peeler, CFRE, with Infectious Diseases Society of America; Yoko Heukels, CMP, with Meeting Element; Shelli Vasser Gilliam, CMP, SEPC, with AMC Institute; and, last but not least, Steve Lawson, CCM, CAM, with Washington Golf and Country Club.
Through a poll done, 100% of the attendees found that having a mentor benefitted them in their career development.
Our panelist shared their experiences as a mentor and mentee and expressed the importance of knowing the purpose, goals and objectives of having a mentor and also how to navigate the mentor/mentee relationship.
One key point mentioned by Shelli Vasser Gilliam was that knowing who you choose to be your mentor is just as important as the reasoning for wanting a mentor.
| |
|
|
Leadership Series and Mentoring Program Updates
The Leadership Development Committee is committed to providing chapter members with fresh ideas regarding leadership and mentorship. Below is a list of upcoming content and information updates on both programs.
Leadership Series
1. “Board Service 101” is the first installment of the Leadership Series that will be released this month and will focus on the following topics:
* Definition of leadership
* How to get involved in the MPI Potomac Chapter
* Leading within the MPI Potomac Chapter
* Next steps of engagement
2. “Completing the Board Application” is the second installment of the series and will be released in mid-December. It will focus on completing questions that are on the board application.
Mentoring ProgramAre you looking to grow personally and professionally? Are you looking for ways to engage with other MPI Potomac Chapter members? Consider signing up for our new mentor program that will launch in January. Contact Ronda Keys at rkeys@inspiredeventpro.com to sign up.
| |
|
|
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
The most recognizable certification in our industry is the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) administered by the Events Industry Council (EIC). The CMP’s purpose is to enhance the knowledge of meeting professionals, promote the status and credibility of the meeting profession and advance uniform standards of practice.
Qualifications to apply for exam
-36 months of full-time industry experience
-25 hours of continuing education within the past five years
Renewal Cycle: Every five years
This month we talk to Samantha Shay for insights into how the CMP certification has helped leverage her career.
| |
|
|
ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
We are looking for writers for the next issue of Engage magazine. Articles are due in mid-December. We will work with you; no prior writing experience required. Next Issue's Theme: Reconnecting
We are open to topics that you suggest or other possible ideas are:
1. How to convene safely (room setups, food & beverage, hotel innovations)
2. Budgeting with the effects of new constraints and uncertainties
3. Hybrid events
| |
|
|
Potomac Ponderings – How to Maximize CVBs
.jpg)
in the New Normal
Date: Monday, November 16
Time: 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
CVBs are a crucial component of successful events, meetings and conventions. The resources they can provide to the organizer are abundant and priceless. Even more so today, CVBs are implementing creative, strategic plans of action to better serve planners during the COVID-19 crisis and the recovery that will follow. Join us as we hear from destination and meeting professionals on the “new normal” way to maximize CVB partnerships.
Learner Takeaways:
- Understanding benefits partnering with your CVB during pre-pandemic, the recovery phase and post-pandemic
- The new “one stop shop” model that CVBs have embraced
- Safety outlines, best health practices and other guidelines to uphold the enhanced standards of convention services moving forward.
Click here to register!
Save the Date!
Date: Thursday, December 17
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Capital Hilton & Online
Hybrid meetings are all the buzz. What on earth are they, how do you do them and are they the wave of the future? While in a hybrid setting, hear the good, the bad and the lessons learned from your fellow peers that have already run a hybrid event. This is a can't-miss event if hybrid is in your future!
| |
|
|
NOVEMBER PACKAGE HIGHLIGHT
Think you need a big budget to partner with us? Let us help you stretch your dollars. For November only, we are offering the below sponsorship!
For the low price of $1,400, you'll receive:
- Spring Networking Event Sponsor recognition
- E-blast to MPI Potomac 700+ membership
- Plus two complimentary tickets to any e2 webinar between now and June 2021
Value: $2,000
| |
|
|
CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!!!
 Congratulations to the four chapter members that earned their Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential in September: Sharon Coffman
Hannah Donohue
Amy Doty
Terpse Gentile
The CMP credential is recognized globally as the badge of excellence in the meeting, convention, exhibition and event industry. The qualifications for certification are based on professional experience, education and a rigorous exam. They demonstrate their comprehensive knowledge of meeting management as well as a commitment to the meeting profession.
MPI Potomac is so proud of your achievements Sharon, Hannah, Amy and Terpse.
| |
|
|
Welcome to our newest members who joined in October!
Sharia Barksdale, American Institute of Architects
Dawn Ely
Nancy Knight
Gina Lawrence, NAACP
Jackie Nelson, Boston Park Plaza/Highgate Hotels
Natasha Ross, RVR Consulting
Kevin Wehling, Hatch Exhibits
| |
|
|
Erica D'Alessandro, CSEP, is the founder of Pretty Healthy Mama, a company that empowers women to create healthier environments for themselves and their families. These environments are created through high quality, safe and healthy company relationships and engagements.
Erica has been a hospitality professional officially since 2005 and unofficially since 1999. With 16 years in the hospitality sector, Erica is more than deserving of our November Member Spotlight. Let's take a moment to learn more about Erica D'Alessandro, CSEP:
| |
|
|
Zumba® Class
November 13
11 a.m. - Noon ET
Free for members and nonmembers. Zumba® is perfect for everybody and every body!
Zumba® takes the "work" out of workout by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party. A total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, boosted energy and a serious dose of awesome each time you leave class.
Please join Hermann and Karla as they lead our MPI community in a free digital workout — and at the same time discover how digital workouts could enhance your online, virtual and digital meetings and events.
Where Are We Now? How Our Industry Continues to Elevate and to Articulate the Importance of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
November 18
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Hear from the leading executives of key industry organizations as they share with us what each of them is doing to lead and to innovate in this time of uncertainty. Understand how we are moving toward social and economic transformation as an industry. This thoughtful and insightful conversation will inspire others to understand how each of us can take an active and necessary role to move our communities for further inclusion, equity and diversity.
| |
|
|
