MPI Potomac FYI
August 2023
 
Message from the President
 
Phil's Aug 2023 Letter
 
 
 
 
MPI Potomac's Summer CMP Prep Course – It's not too late to register!

July 18 – Sept. 5, 2023
 
Live Q&A sessions take place every Tuesday.
 
With a 98% pass rate, we can help you obtain your certification. The course may have begun already, but that is no reason to worry! All sessions are recorded and available for you to explore on your own schedule, so we can catch you up quickly. But don't wait too long. Click the button below for details and get started today.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thriving Together: Uniting 5 Generations in the Workplace

Sept. 14, 2023
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
 
The Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown

In this interactive workshop, we will delve into the intricacies of engaging and communicating with five distinct workplace generations. As organizations become more diverse, understanding and appreciating generational differences becomes paramount for fostering a harmonious and productive work environment.
 
Learner Objectives
 
  • Discovering the Traits of Each Generation: Gain insights into the defining characteristics and values of Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and the emerging Gen Alpha, and how these factors shape their workstyles and expectations.

  • Building Cross-Generational Understanding: Learn strategies to bridge the gap between different generations, fostering empathy and mutual respect, to promote collaboration and reduce conflicts.

  • Effective Communication Techniques: Explore communication approaches tailored to each generation's preferences, including face-to-face, digital, and remote methods, to enhance overall engagement and productivity.

  • Encouraging Knowledge Sharing: Uncover the importance of knowledge transfer between generations and explore initiatives to promote mentorship and reverse mentoring programs.

  • Navigating Technological Advancements: Understand how different generations adapt to technology, and discover ways to create a tech-savvy workplace that accommodates all age groups.

  • Embracing Inclusivity: Address the challenges of age bias and discrimination, and work towards creating an inclusive environment that values the contributions of all generations.
 
 
 
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
 
  
by Yoko Heukels, CMP
President, Meeting Element
 
The role AI and ChatGPT plays in our industry continues to be a hot topic. I engaged ChatGPT to co-create this article to articulate the difference between equity and equality as it relates to meeting planning. Aside from several edits and re-framing the questions on my part, below is an article mostly generated by ChatGPT:
 
In today's rapidly evolving society, meeting professionals play a pivotal role in fostering inclusive environments that promote diversity and representation. However, achieving true inclusivity requires a nuanced understanding of the concepts of equity and equality. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and implications.  To ensure the success of any gatherings where everyone is able to fully participate, it is crucial to understand this distinction and incorporate these principles into the planning process.
 
Continue reading for a few examples of steps we can take as meeting professionals:
 
Visit Colorado Springs
 
 
Looking to Contribute to a Committee?
 
 
MPI Potomac invites you to join our vibrant community of industry professionals and dive into the world of volunteering! 
 
Do you aspire to be a leader in the industry and want to grow professionally? Consider joining the Mentorship Program. Are you a community service advocate? Our Community Service Committee may be a perfect fit for you. Or, do you have great writing or graphic design skills? The Marketing Committee is looking for you!
 
We are excited to announce that we have 18 diverse committees eagerly seeking volunteers like you to contribute their talents, expertise, and passion.
 
Whether you are looking to tap into your strengths and share your valuable knowledge or embark on a journey of personal and professional growth by acquiring new skill sets, MPI Potomac's committees offer the perfect platform to accomplish both. By volunteering your time and energy, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of our chapter, build lasting relationships, and make a positive impact on our community.
 
The committees cover a wide range of areas, ensuring that there is something for everyone.  No matter your background or level of experience, there is a place for you to make a difference within MPI Potomac.  Click the link below to fill out a short committee interest form today. 
 
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Sioux Falls, SD – Experience it Differently
A destination that is never the same with unexpected experiences around every corner. Visitors are welcomed by clean city streets and clear blue skies. Whether your group will be driving or flying, getting to South Dakota’s largest city is easy. From the flowing waters of the falls in the heart of a vibrant downtown to outdoor recreation and world-renowned art exhibit, there is no shortage of things to do.
Go somewhere different. Somewhere new
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Job Jot Newsletter 
 
 
Are you in need of a meeting professional for your organization? Are you looking for a new opportunity? MPI Potomac's Job Jot newsletter launched in February!
 
Post your job opening to the greater Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia communities  of meeting professionals! Job Jot is MPI Potomac Chapter’s bi-weekly e-newsletter, which is distributed to nearly 1,000 professionals.
 
 
 
Have questions? Contact us at mpipjobjot@gmail.com
 
 
 

New Content Just Added to the 
MPI Potomac On-Demand Content Library, Powered by EVA

The Place To Get Your Clock Hours!

In partnership with Events Management Platform (EVA), MPI Potomac has yet another educational tool available for you to learn and earn clock hours. The On-Demand Content Library contains a wide range of accredited, educational CMP online programs 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 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.
 
CHECK IT OUT
Member Updates
 
  
Welcome New Members!
 
The Membership Committee are excited to welcome the following 17 individuals who joined or re-joined the Potomac Chapter in July:
 
Imani Addison, Freddie Mac
Kimberly Brickweg, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Cathleen Clime, CMP, National Association of Counties
Cindy de Sales, CMP, DES, Freddie Mac
Alisha Gardner, Freddie Mac
Cynthia Graddy, Capital Association Management, LLC
Lachelle Harrison, ACCESS Destination Services
Erika Kutterna, CMP, American College of Cardiology
Cindy Lane, CEP, Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC)
Mary Ann Linder, CMP, CED+, The Water Environment Federation
Stacey Lisborg
Kasey McNeil, CEM, HMCC 
Rosa Mendoza-Friedheim, CASE, CDMP, The Willard InterContinental Hotel Washington
Laurie Nelson-Choice, CGMP, Visit Baltimore
Camden Osborne, Freddie Mac
Mary Rasper Gagain, CMP, CEM, MTA, NRECA
Renee Russell
 
 
Milestone Membership Anniversaries
 
These members are celebrating milestone anniversaries with MPI this month. 
Thank you for your past and continuing support!
 
1 year
Mekesha Bonds
Kevin Branch, Communities In Schools
Dennis Carew, Events DC
Madison Crawley, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation
Amber Crutchfield, SemaConnect
Ashley Eubanks  
Amanda Ferguson 
Katie Fischer, Ashworth College
Nirah Forman, NACWA
Jallande Greaves, Bermuda Tourism Authority
Whitney Hurlbrink, Drive Shack Inc
Arika Johnson, Nuclear Energy Institute
Stacey Knoppel, Events DC
Steve Krauthamer, Pre Con Events
Elizabeth Lancaster, CMP, SmithBucklin
Sarah Lopez 
Jacqueline Martin, MTA, Nuclear Energy Institute
Kate McCarthy, Datadog
Daniel Nakamura, Booth-o-rama
Ashley Nunez 
Melanie Nwosu, CMP, Events DC
Caryn Pepper, CMP, DES, Meeting Management Services
Gale Quilter-Guerrieri, CMP, The American Association of Immunologists
Dhwani Rao 
Reuben Rosenthal, Complete Fabrications
Leanna Shrader, Rand Corporation
Trish Simitakos, Singularity Event Production
Micky Storey 
Kristen Thomas, CMP, DES, KCD Event Partners
Deena Thompson  
Mona Tinaza, Workforce Montgomery
Heather Turner, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
Robert Turner Jr 
Racheal Uselton, Rand Corporation
Rhonda Whyte, Events DC
 
5 years 
Traci Jagers, CMP, Textron, Inc
Cherise Richardson, CMP, EDJ Associates, Inc.
Lois Sarfo-Mensah, 3 Pillars Conferences and Events
 
15+ years
Matthew Wales, American Trucking Associations
 
20+ years
Barbara Dragan, The Westin Charlotte
Jenny Wintermute, CMP, Nacha
 
 
 
Member Updates 
 
 
 
Have you recently changed jobs, earned a certification or achieved a professional achievement that you would like to share? We would love to celebrate you in our next FYI issue! Please share your news by emailing us at info@mail.mpipotomac.org 
 
Greensboro Area CVB