MPI Potomac FYI
July 2022
 
Message from the President
 
 
Phil Rappoport, 2022-2023 MPI Potomac President

Phil started his term this month by traveling to Lecce, Italy, for a joint conference presented by MPI Italia and AIIC — the International Association of Conference Interpreters — where he was featured as a panelist in two sessions, with his comments being translated by live interpreters. These sessions focused on how the Metaverse will impact meetings through virtual and augmented reality as well as a look at the future of hybrid meetings. Phil met with dozens of MPI Italia members and learned about various similarities and differences in how our chapters operate and engage with their members. He also learned how interpreters view their roles during in-person meetings versus digital or hybrid meetings and about the challenges interpreters face in their profession, including the impact of artificial intelligence.
 
 
Visit Hershey & Harrisburg®
Sweet Meets Success
With 2.5 million square feet of meeting space and 9,200 sleeping rooms in a centralized location, the Hershey Harrisburg Region delivers convenience, affordability, diverse event venues and one-of-a-kind attractions for all your meeting and convention needs. All the amenities and attractions of Hershey The Sweetest Place On Earth® and Harrisburg, the capital city of Pennsylvania, together in one region. What could be better?
Learn more about the Hershey/Harrisburg region
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Upcoming Events
 
 
 
 
As an on-demand course, all sessions are recorded — so it's easy to catch up!
 
When: Once a week, June 28-August 23
Where: Online, at your convenience
 
About the Virtual On-Demand Plus CMP Course:

The MPI Potomac On-Demand Plus CMP Preparation Course combines the best of both worlds with on-demand content, plus a live test review and open Q&A session facilitated by experienced CMPs.
 
 
Through the class, you’ll receive:
  • CMP exam overview and test-taking tips.
  • Nine hours of recorded lectures covering all nine CMP-IS Domains, facilitated by current CMPs.
  • One hundred quiz questions to track your understanding while you review the recordings.
  • A full-length 165-question practice exam.
  • Structured review of the most commonly missed questions from the practice exam.
  • Breakout rooms with each facilitator so that you may ask questions and focus on those domains in which you have the most interest.
 
PLEASE NOTE: 
Participation in the Virtual On-Demand Plus CMP Course is not a guarantee of passing the CMP exam. EIC clock hours pending.
 
 
Visit Colorado Springs
News & Announcements
 
 
Evening of the Stars:
 Announcing the 2022 Winners!
 
 
 
Chapter members and guests joined together for a fun and festive evening on June 13 at The Hamilton in Washington, D.C. 
 
MPI Potomac honored the industry's star professionals who have shined the brightest this year and announced the following award winners:
  • Marketplace of Excellence Award  The Hotel at University of Maryland
  • Rising Star  Tracy Cooper
  • President's Award  Rebecca Ramsey
  • Planner of the Year  Malene Ward
  • Supplier of the Year  Sheila Neal
  • Chapter Leader  Krysten Douglas
  • Distinguished Leader  Trudy Singh
  • Extraordinary Achievement  Community Outreach and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committees
  • Commitee of the Year – Business Development
Click here to see highlights of this fabulous soiree courtesy of our photography sponsor, EPNAC.
 
 
 

 
Always available on Spotify! The MPI Potomac Podcast is the voice of MPI Potomac. Listen to hear stories and learn lessons from industry experts speaking on all things meeting and event related.
 
 
 
Introducing the MPI Potomac On-Demand Content Library powered by EVA
 
In partnership with Events Management Platform (EVA), MPI Potomac is launching the On-Demand Content Library. A wide range of accredited educational CMP online programs are designed for event and meeting planners to further their professional development.
 
MPI Potomac understands the importance of learning and evolving with the events industry. All the courses are tailored to match meeting planners' in-demand skills and knowledge. EVA’s platform makes the learning experience effective and seamless, with easy access to courses anytime, anywhere and on any device.
 
Log in today to view the entire range of courses available on-demand.
 
 
 
 
Call for mentors and mentees
 
The mission of the Mentorship Program is to empower emerging leaders (mentees) in the global events industry to better serve the MPI Potomac Chapter with leadership excellence by collaborating with experienced leaders (mentors). Dozens of members took part in the program during 2021-2022.
 
Interested in becoming a mentor or mentee? Read more about the benefits and roles of the mentorship program, and apply today!
Visit Alexandria®
Regional Meetings Close to Home
As meetings trend to regional, planners see the value in choosing smaller destinations, close to home. Why not consider the #3 Top Best Small City in the U.S. (Condé Nast Travelers 2019) right in your backyard?  Easily drivable for staff and attendees, Alexandria and our hospitality partners are ready to welcome you back with the Alexandria Promise and much more.
See why Alexandria is now, more than ever, the perfect destination.
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 Welcome 2022-2023 MPI Potomac Board of Directors
 
Our board was introduced in person for the first time at the Evening of the Stars on June 13. Pictured left to right are Evan Nielson, CMP; Corrine Thompson-Melissari, CMP; Yoko Heukels, CMP; Katie Kirby; Jessica DiBenedetto; Tracy Cooper; Cristina Charron, CMP; Shawn Pearson; Nancy Rosenbaum; Tony Scurry, CMP; Cheri Fairchild, CMP; Krysten Douglas; Shelli Vasser Gilliam, CMP; and Phil Rappoport. (Not pictured: Rhonda Walker.)
 
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