 |
In This Issue ...
- There's still time to register for ReConEx today...come in-person or virtually!
- Leaders Discuss Tackling it All in Uncertain Times
- How Valuable is the Digital Event Certification?
- He Said What?! A revealing admission in our DE&I Monthly Column
... and More!
| |
|
|
Watch this month's message from
Devin Lewis, CMP, CEM
MPI Potomac Chapter President
Devin shares her excitement for ReConEx and other chapter activities!
| |
|
|
ReConEx 2021: There's Still to Time to Register!
Play the video for a personal message fromRhonda Walker of Experience Prince George's County!
ReConEx 2021 is Almost Here!
Have you created your profile on Swapcard for ReConEx?
Both in-person and digital attendees will have access to our digital platform so don't miss you chance to connect with other attendees.
Have you planned your day to maximize conference experience?
Don't forget that all education sessions are being recorded and will be available on-demand for 60 days.
Are you ready for the closing reception Monday evening?
Get ready for our hybrid reception with trivia, networking and prizes!
REGISTER TODAY for MPI Potomac's premier educational event of the year!
| |
|
|
Leadership During Uncertain Times
Date: Wednesday, May 19
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
As women face the reality of company downsizing, balancing childcare, and navigating a virtual workforce, staying in the workforce has become a challenge. The light at the end of the tunnel is becoming brighter, and it is important for women in leadership roles to continue to balance the many hats they wear. This session will focus on how women in leadership have juggled escalating job duties, working from home, client/supplier relationships, and so much more.
Join MPI Potomac on May 19, 2021 for a panel discussion featuring dynamic women leaders who will tell us how to best juggle escalating job duties, working from home, client/supplier relationships, and so much more. Hear these women share their stories about how they have managed during the pandemic and how to look forward to a brighter future.
| |
|
|
Evening of the Stars MPI Potomac Annual Meeting & Awards Reception
~ Save the Date Reminder ~
It’s written in the stars, so mark your calendars and show off your formal fashions and industry pride at the most coveted Red Carpet Event of the Year: The Evening of the Stars MPI Potomac Annual Meeting & Awards Reception!
Join us on June 24, 2021 from 5:30pm to 9:00pm at the Warner Theatre, 513 13th St. NW, Washington, DC to honor our MPI Potomac industry star professionals who have shined the brightest this year, witness the installing of our officers for the new program year, recognize our outgoing leaders, members' anniversaries and awards recipients.
Executive Producers – MPI Potomac Chapter in Collaboration with Warner Theater
Directors – Membership Retention and Recognition Committee
Casting Directors - all Award Nominators
Guest Starring - MPI Outgoing Leaders
Leading Roles - the Winners of the:
- Marketplace Excellence Award
- Rising Star Member
- President's Award
- Planner of the Year
- Supplier of the Year
- MPI Potomac Committee of the Year
- MPI Potomac Chapter Leader
- Student Member of the Year
- MPI Potomac Distinguished Leader
- Galaxy Award
Nomination Applications Close May 21, 2021!
If all the stars align it is our hope that we are all going to be able to attend this event in person, however the planning committee will adapt the necessary strategy and event safety measures should the circumstances remain volatile.
Find out all the nomination application details here.
|
| |
|
|
Did I Just Say That?
by Anthony Molino, Director of Hotel Sales, Choose Chicago
and MPI Potomac Chapter Immediate Past President
Advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a color by number process. There is no right or wrong answer, if in your soul you are open to listening and learning. When I first turned my focus to DE&I it was not on purpose. I admit, it wasn’t this fire in my gut that said, “This is what I need to do!” It was listening to my peers, trying my best to empathize, and admitting that because I didn’t feel the same discrimination or loneliness that I was the problem.
On my path to understanding, I made some very insensitive comments, and one that continues to haunt me. For a Caucasian person, you may recognize this statement. From a white man to a black man, “You are one of the whitest black guys I know!” Ouch, right? Seriously, it haunts me. Luckily, this comment was made to one of my closest friends and professional partners in the industry. He called me out for this statement, explained why it was wrong, and most importantly forgave me if I learned from it. Had I said this to a stranger, who knows what the reaction might have been? And would I still have understood just how wrong a statement like that could be?
Just like with a new job, or a sport, understanding and competence takes practice. It is a never-ending search for education and clarity. It is important to fully understand the “why” the focus and advocacy on DE&I is important. Once you let that sink in, any action you take to make changes is the right action. Expect obstacles along the way. This is not an easy subject, but it is important, and you’ll find most people welcome a conversation. Be raw with your feelings and ask questions. Don’t pretend to know what it’s like to be another race, sexuality, or have been born in with a different socioeconomic status. Give space to share your story and be open to listen to others.
As I finish my term in the Office of the President on the MPI Potomac Board of Directors, I look forward to continuing my work on the MPI International DE&I committee. The work never ends and that is okay. From generation to generation, the world is constantly changing. I choose to change with it, reminding our community that different is exciting. If we embrace those differences, imagine what we can accomplish!
The MPI Potomac Chapter Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee is committed to bringing you relevant topics, our podcast series and our DE&I System and Roadmap. To learn more about our DEI Initiative, please visit us at www.mpi.org/chapters/potomac/media-resources/diversity-inclusion or contact our co-chairs: Anjali Sanghvi, anjalisanghvi@gmail.com, or Joan Aiken, jmaiken22@msn.com.
| |
|
|
Recap: March Conversation & Cocktails
MPI Potomac Recruitment Committee hosted another session of Conversation & Cocktails on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. The purpose of the event is to introduce non-members to some of the benefits of holding a membership within MPI Potomac.
Our lovely MPI Potomac President Devin Lewis started with a greeting and shared her story of how holding a membership with MPI Potomac has been a benefit both personally and professionally. VP of Membership, Carlos Pelham served as the emcee of the event. Current MPI Potomac member and yoga instructor, Carley Vitek led the group during the wellness moment in breathing exercises and chair yoga. It was a great way to relieve the stress of the day and enter the sessions with a focused and clear mind.
There were two 20 minutes sessions, the attendees had the option to choose from Navigating A Virtual Event World, Best Practices for Hosting In-person or Hybrid Events, and Providing Value to Yourself and Your Employer. The discussions were led by current MPI Potomac members- Shawna Haggerty, CMP, Derek Suminski, Malene Ward, CMP, CEM, DES, Glenda Lee, Evan Nielson, CMP, Christina Charron, CMP. We would like to thank them for leading engaging and interactive sessions.
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide. The organization provides innovative and relevant education, networking opportunities and business exchanges, and acts as a prominent voice for the promotion and growth of the industry.
"When we meet, we change the world."
|
| |
|
|
Volunteers Needed for Publications and Marketing
We'd love to welcome a few additional member volunteers to assist with editing articles for the monthly FYI newsletter, posting links and graphics to our social media, and our chapter podcast, which started last year. The total time commitment isn't much, and you'll feel way more plugged into what your colleagues are doing and how your industry is evolving. Let's hear from you! Contact Lura today, and she'll provide the details.
Thank you!
| |
|
|
Recap: March e2: Road to Recovery: Rest. Rebuild. Reignite. Our March educational program provided an opportunity to learn more about the current state of the industry, and the steps being taken to recover from the impact of the pandemic. Nan Marchand Beauvois, Senior Vice President of Membership and Industry Relations, U.S. Travel Association, spoke to the MPI Potomac chapter about the importance of advocating for our industry and using our voices to share two messages: reclaiming permission to operate and showcasing our industry’s value. Nan shared pertinent data that highlights the economic and social influence of the Meeting and Hospitality Industry. Meeting face-to-face is essential to the continuity of business and critical for driving positive economic impact. The Global Business Travel Association has reported 79% of their members and stakeholders say they would be comfortable traveling for business after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. There are several tools that can assist you in planning your next event: The Meet Safe Platform is a great resource compiled of local gathering limits, as well as health and safety best practices for in person and hybrid events. The Reopening Tracker shares the latest state by state protocols for in person gathering.
| |
|
|
Certifications Corner
Each month, the Certifications & Career Development Committee will explore a different meeting industry certification, and we will talk to an MPI Potomac member who holds it.
Anne Knox of our Certificate and Development Committee recently moderated an interview with two of our members who shared their recent experiences seeking certification. Darryl Diamond, CMP, talks about the Virtual Event & Meeting Management Certificate, and Tayhler Davis, MTA, DES, shares her opinion about the Digital Event Strategist Certification.
Play the video now and hear their perspectives!
| |
|
|
Upgrading Virtual Event Booths with Video
with suggestions from Millennium Marketing Solutions
When an event is virtual, you can’t rely on a physical booth, signage, or handouts to wow your attendees and communicate value.
In the virtual event space, video is one of the most important tools available for forging connections and making a strong first impression. More virtual events are now offering options for participants to add an introductory video to their virtual “booth.” Video has quickly become one of the most important marketing assets for any company participating in events in 2021.
Most companies have resources available for marketing materials for traditional in-person events, such as displays, print, and signage. Video can be slightly more challenging, from a planner’s perspective, if a company hasn’t already invested in creating one.
MPI member Patty Lewis, of Millennium Marketing Solutions, has helped a number of organizations with creating cost-effective videos for use at virtual events.
“In just 30 seconds, a video can convey the value a company brings to prospective customers and give a strong representation of a brand,” says Lewis.
Here are some tips from Millennium’s video experts to keep in mind when producing a video:
- Keep it short and sweet. 30 seconds is ideal for an introductory overview.
- Write a script or storyboard first. Starting with a storyboard lets you plan the video all the way through.
- If budgets or timelines are an issue, consider simple animation using existing photography and branding, rather than shooting new footage.
- If audio is available as an added option, have your script recorded by professional voice talent. This is surprisingly affordable.
- Maximize the video’s usage. The video used for a virtual booth can be an effective social media ad or embedded on a company website.
| |
|
|
