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In This Issue ...
- An interview on certifications and the value of lifelong learning
- Save the Date for Evening of the Stars!
- Reflections on Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
... and More!
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Watch this month's message from
Devin Lewis, CMP, CEM
MPI Potomac Chapter President
Devin shares the highlights from ReConEx and upcoming chapter activities!
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Women in Leadership Roles During Uncertain Times
Wednesday, May 19
12:30 p.m. - 2 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 for a panel discussion featuring dynamic women leaders who will tell us how best to handle these issues. Hear these women share their stories about how they have managed during the pandemic and how to look forward to a brighter future.
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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 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Warner Theatre, 513 13th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 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 and 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 – Award Nominators
Guest Starring – MPI Outgoing Leaders
Leading Roles – 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 Friday, 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.
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By Yoko Heukels
May is designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM). The term Asian American is broad, and according to the U.S. Census, it includes people of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, native Hawai’ian and 16 other ethnicities. Heritage of such varied cultures and histories can hardly fit into a uniform definition, and I’ve come to realize the irony and the stark contrast between my own idea of being an Asian American versus what being Asian American meant to others who came before me.
Born and raised in Japan, my teenage curiosity of a possible life outside of my country led me to a boarding school in Massachusetts back in the 1980s. My aspiration was to be fluent in English and master life in the country that I perceived as “the land of opportunity.” I had the choice of establishing my life here with the full support of my family and the friends I made along the way. While the last 30 years in this country has not always been easy, the difficulties I faced were things I could mostly overcome with hard work and determination. Looking back in American history, I now realize that for others who came before me, that was hardly the case.
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ReConEx Scholarship Recipients Thank MPI Potomac
MPI Potomac awarded three scholarships to attend ReConEx virtually. Let's hear from the scholarship recipients on their experience at the conference!
 "ReConEx was a great way to welcome hospitality professionals back into 'our' world! Having attended virtually, I felt just as welcomed and engaged as I would have had I attended in person! The sessions were insightful, the content was timely and the platform utilized was DOPE!
Thank you to the MPI Potomac Chapter for selecting me for a ReConEx scholarship. Having been laid off because of the pandemic, I am personally grateful for having the ability to connect with some cool colleagues and gain new industry knowledge without having to worry about financially affording the experience!
~Sharia Barksdale
 "When the opportunity for the ReConEx scholarship became available, I applied for it because I lost my job due to COVID-19 and the cost would be a financial hardship for me at this time. I have been attending MACE for about three years, and I wanted to attend the new reimaged ReConEx hybrid conference.
My volunteer commitment for the conference involved:
1. Creating a DEI Moment video about microaggressions (shown prior to a keynote presentation)
2. Participating in two virtual DEI Toolkit and Lounges
3. Moderator for the 'Differing Minds Create Greater Results' breakout session for Milton Hunt.
I am grateful to have this opportunity because I miss planning and attending live events, and this scholarship made it possible for me to still be present for this conference. It was a great effort from the ReConEx team and sponsors!"
~Joan Aiken
 "I'm so grateful for being granted the opportunity to receive a scholarship to attend ReConEx 2021. Willie Jolley, Rachel Sheerin and Louis Boria were truly inspiring and made me optimistic about this new normal we are all facing. I also learned valuable information during the sessions and now have more to share with current and future clients. I appreciated the opportunity to make new connections via the ReConEx Digital Market Place. Most of all, I appreciated MPI Potomac being my test case and showing me the ins and outs of planning a hybrid event, valuable information as I work on my first hybrid program. Thank you MPI Potomac, the ReConEx Planning Committee and everyone involved in making ReConEx 2021 a virtual reality!"~ Malene Ward
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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!
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Congratulations to the new CMPs!
Congratulations to the MPI Potomac member that earned her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential in March:
Bridgid Myers
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. She demonstrated her comprehensive knowledge of meeting management as well as a commitment to the meeting profession.
MPI Potomac is so proud of your achievements, Bridgid!
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Go for Gold with MPI Potomac’s On-Demand Plus CMP Prep Course
We may not be Olympic athletes training for Tokyo, but that shouldn’t stop you from going for gold and earning your Certified Meeting Professional designation this summer! MPI Potomac’s On-Demand Plus CMP prep course will bring together the top coaches to train you for the exam.
Best of all? You can choose your training plan based on your schedule and study needs. Register for the on-demand content only, the live session only or both for the most support. The on-demand content will include 9+ hours of recorded lectures and 265 practice questions. The main event will be a four-hour live session with a structured review and open breakout rooms.
Registration will open in the coming weeks. Contact info@mpipotomac.org for more information and to ensure you don’t miss out!
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Want to stage a great comeback?
Dr. Willie Jolley served as the keynote speaker for this year’s ReConEx Conference, where he inspired the live and virtual audiences to take on these uncertain times.
He’s shared with audiences his five principles to get through the pandemic:
1. Don’t panic.
2. Don’t willingly participate or commiserate.
3. Stay positive and pivot.
4. Be proactive.
5. Be creative.
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DES Certification
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.
Play the video now and hear their perspectives!
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