Recently at EIBTM, Meeting Professionals International (MPI) will introduced the Business Value of Meetings (BVOM) toolbox, a collection of resources created from research findings unveiled at AIBTM in June that indicated meeting and event professionals are challenged with five primary barriers to successfully proving the business value of meetings and events.

The initial whitepapers are developed with a focus on solutions and examples for readers, and will address the primary barriers to successfully implementing BVOM practices into event portfolios. Those barriers include:

1. Low perception of ROI

2. Difficulty in getting stakeholder buy-in

3. Defining meeting objectives and expectations

4. Devising meaningful ways to measure value

5. Analyzing and reporting BVOM data

These papers lay the foundation for more tools being development, which will be added to the toolbox in the months ahead creating a blueprint for how meeting professionals can improve skills necessary to measure the business value of their meetings and events.

For example, to address the perception of low ROI, MPI will add tools in December built from the first whitepaper that include instructional videos, a glossary of terms, two additional case studies and handout on benefits of change as well as a presentation featuring "A Tale of Two Meetings". Then in January, specific to getting stakeholder buy-in MPI will introduce tutorials on identifying objectives and key business owners, a "Question Bank" and an "Idea Bank" to help even the novice planner jumpstart initiatives in their business.

"By identifying these key barriers, the research revealed a manageable path for MPI to lead event professionals down that will lay a strong foundation for the development of a more value-focused event portfolio," said Didier Scaillet, MPI and MPI Foundation chief development officer, "Each of the tools and resources we are creating will build on this foundation, and empower people to approach their business in a smarter way that enables them to be more successful."

Tools under development include:

· instructional videos and podcasts

· articles detailing solutions and examples of success

· case studies and corresponding webinars to delve into best practice ideas

· how-to guides, tutorials and workbooks that professionals can use on a specific job

Each tool intended to provide more actionable information that equips individuals to succeed. MPI members will have unlimited access to the new tools and non-member professionals will be able to purchase them.

After EIBTM, the next live event opportunity to explore the BVOM initiative will be at MPI’s European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC), Jan. 29 – 31, 2012 in Budapest, Hungary.

 

by Michelle Allgauer, CAE, CMM, CMP, Solar Electric Power Association, PMPI Chair, Governance and Nominating Committee and Immediate Past President

Stop looking around and look in the mirror! It is your time! Are you ready for this great opportunity? Here is your chance to help lead this association, which is dedicated to helping our members advance their careers while advancing yours at the same time. This is the opportunity to make a positive difference, distinguish yourself from your peers and stand out in our community. Being a board member is a great way to meet and interact with more people in our industry and expand your scope of influence. Our strong and vibrant MPI chapter relies upon continued service from members like you to help lead our association. PMPI is currently seeking members to fill the following leadership positions on the 2012-2013 PMPI Board of Directors:

President-Elect

Vice President of Membership

Vice President of Communications

Vice President of Education

Vice President of Finance

(5) Board of Directors

As you can see, we have a lot of opportunities available to you. Take a hold of your future and take advantage of this time to experience working with a team of professionals who are charting the course for our chapter.

 Among the many benefits:

· Playing a significant role in advancing your profession, while being recognized for your efforts and by key industry leaders;

· Hands-on opportunity to enhance value and impact the chapter’s future;

· Sharing your unique skills and industry experience while learning from key industry leaders;

· Opportunity to gain leadership experience in managing volunteers, budgets and projects;

· Meeting and networking with other chapter leaders throughout the world;

· Enhancing your chances to move forward within the industry while making a positive transformation to those around you.

Nominations for all positions will be in accordance with the PMPI Bylaws. Any planner or supplier member in good standing is eligible for nomination and election to these positions. The Governance & Nominating Committee is responsible for submitting a slate of candidates to MPI for the open positions.

Your interest form should include the skills and talents you can bring to the board, any past involvement with the chapter, recognition of the time commitment involved in a leadership role and a declaration of your employer’s support.

The time is now. If you believe you will add strength and character to this chapter leadership, then please submit your application. If you believe a colleague has great leadership skills, please encourage him or her to submit a completed Candidate Interest Form.

Applications will be opening soon and will close February 1, 2012 for terms beginning July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. An email will be sent out to all members once the application process opens with a link to our website for more information and access to the application. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Allgauer, CAE, CMM, CMP, Chair, PMPI Governance and Nominating Committee at (202) 559-1535 or PMPI_Michelle@cox.net.

 

PMPI January EE: What Color Is Your Event?

The Art of Bringing People Together Thursday, January 5, 2012, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

 Mandarin Oriental Washington, DC

 1330 Maryland Ave SW

 Washington, DC 20005

Register Today!

Are your events communicating the right message? Are you looking to maximize your investment in your next meeting? Can you take a blank palette and apply creative event elements that bring your events to life?

Often we underestimate the importance of how color affects our emotions and behavior? It is a powerful tool and its affects must be understood. Our meetings and businesses stand to benefit from a better understanding of how color affects our attendees, buyers, suppliers, employees, etc. This is a presentation that will open your eyes to the relevance of events in the human experience and how the integration of color is critical to that process. Like a powerful print ad, the live experience must implant an emotional experience into your audience.

Learning Objectives:

· Inspiration to think strategically and use resources creatively

· Understanding the power of emotional recall

· Techniques to deliver a message and tell a story in live communication

· Interaction, practice and your own human experience

Dianne Budion Devitt shares a prestigious 25-year track record in pioneering the events industry, both domestically and internationally. She is known as an expert in communicating and monetizing client needs through visionary meetings and events. Dianne will deliver a performance that will affect, inspire and encourage your personal and professional development.

 

MACE! 2012: Putting the Pieces into Place

Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center

February 10, 2012

No matter where you are in your career, everyone is looking to advance to the next level. How do you start pulling all of your strategies together to make that next move? This year, MACE is focusing on helping our members by providing the pieces of the puzzle and putting everything into place for a successful career. Through educational tracks, interactive sessions, the Flipped Marketplace and time for networking, every attendee will take home a new skill or a new business relationship they can apply to their own life and career.

Join MACE as either a planner or supplier with appointments at our Flipped Marketplace. Find the suppliers you need or the planners you have wanted to meet. The Elite Meetings upgraded online appointment tool will guarantee you make the right connections.

MACE is making sure you get the highest quality education in the industry. Education topics include: Marketing Essentials, High End Meetings on a Small Budget, Hot Trends and Menu Planning, Hybrid Meetings, Strategic Planning, Emergency Protocols and AV tips. All sessions will include real-world examples and templates to take back. Continue to check here for the most up-to-date educational information. Make sure to take it back to the office! Once again, PMPI is partnering with CadmiumCD to provide audio recordings and presentations for all MACE breakout sessions. You won’t miss a thing via Cadmium’s online presentation database.

New this year is a hands-on computer lab, sponsored by SmartSource. These lab sessions will focus on Microsoft Word and Excel at multiple levels. We have teamed up with one of the best educators in the computer industry who is creating specialized sessions just for the meeting industry. These sessions will fill up quickly, so be sure to add this to your registration.

MACE is adding an interactive mobile application, courtesy of CrowdCompass. This app will allow you to stay on top of your game during the event. Look out for future MACE announcements so you can download the app and begin your next move!

 We would like to thank our host sponsor:

Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center

 

Congratulations to Sekeno Aldred, CMP, winner of the first quarter Shining Star Award! Sekeno was nominated by Will Trokey who says, "This year, we have had more interest [in the CMP Study Course] than we have been able to support with the current format. Sekeno took the initiative to develop a second program for those individuals who are looking for support in studying."

Who do you know that is a PMPI standout?
Nominations are being accepted through December 15 for the second quarter Star Awards. Please submit your nominee for Shining Star! The PMPI Shining Star Award nomination form is now online.

Click here -  the link to the electronic form is at the bottom of the page.

Then, be sure to submit a photo of your nominee to info@pmpi.org. Please put "PMPI Nomination Photo" in the subject line and include the nominee’s name in the body of the mail.

Mark Your Calendar: Nomination deadlines:

2nd Quarter — December 15
3rd Quarter — March 15
4th Quarter — May 15

 

 

The March EE will feature a unique learning experience constructed of round table discussions with several different topics. Please take one minute to complete this very brief, anonymous survey and let us know what topics you would like us to discuss. 

We appreciate your help and value your input. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Jason Wooten at jwooten@cvent.com. Thank you for the guidance!

 

Apply for a scholarship to participate in events ranging from educational sessions to MACE, CMP classes and WEC. Help us help you succeed! Please visit our website for more information. Come on, we dare you to spend our money instead of your own!

 

There’s still time to help brighten the holidays for those in need by supporting this year’s holiday collection, benefitting PMPI’s Charity of the Year – Martha’s Table. Each year, many charities face the daunting task of helping those in need with limited resources. The holiday season brings added worry as the surplus of essential items depletes faster than shelves can be replenished. Martha’s Table needs our support to help the families they serve this holiday season.

How you can help:

Healthy, non-perishable food items – applesauce, canned soup and vegetables, stuffing, pasta, and cereal are some of the items needed daily. Visit Amazon online and click the "Wish List" tab to find what Martha’s Table needs the most!

Toys – new, unwrapped toys, games and books for kids of all ages.

Gift Cards – in any dollar denomination – always appreciated!

Donated items will be collected through Tuesday, December 13 at the following locations:

Washington, DC: American Hotel & Lodging Association, 1201 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 600. Contact: Katie Hais khais@ahla.com.

Maryland: 300 Shady Grove, 15720 Shady Grove Road, Gaithersburg. Contact: Alicia Dinwiddie adinwiddie@threehundred.com.

Virginia: The Palm – Tysons Corner, 1750 Tysons Boulevard, McLean. Contact: Beatrice Kustarz bkustarz@thepalm.com.

Let’s team together and brighten the holidays for children in need!

 

Every PMPI member who recruits a new member during this campaign will have their name entered into a drawing to win a trip to New Orleans (courtesy of The Gulf States Chapter of MPI).  The new members recruited will also have their names put into the drawing for a chance to win!

Please ask the new member to list the recruiter MPI Member ID upon registration to be confirmed for this campaign and drawing!

What are you waiting for?