Associations can only succeed through the work of dedicated volunteers, and that’s even more true at the leadership level. In honor of this month’s Global Meetings Industry Day and focusing on the true economic value of meetings and events, we spoke with four MPI volunteer leaders who work in the corporate sector about why they do it and how the intersection of corporations and associations can benefit us all.
Also be sure to check out Part 1 of this series.
Jennifer Beatty
Director Business Development, International + Ottawa, Tourism Calgary
MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees
Kerry Lambert
Vice President, Digital Delivery, Freeman
MPI International Board of Directors
Michelle M. Robinson, CMP
Senior Meetings & Events Specialist, Meeting & Travel
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company
MPI St. Louis Area Chapter Board of Directors
Jennifer Rondinelli, CMP, CDMS-SP
Director, Education Operations & Artist Agency
M·A·C Cosmetics
MPI Greater New York Chapter Board of Directors
Jennifer Beatty: Volunteering means something different to everyone. I have learned so much from fellow MPI colleagues in my years of volunteering at the chapter, national and global levels. But the biggest takeaway from my experience on the Global Board of Trustees is that the MPI family is huge! The community goes well beyond our local chapter, because we have 65 chapters globally. If your career takes you elsewhere in the world, there is sure to be an MPI chapter there to welcome you. (Read a full interview on the MPI Ottawa Chapter website.)
Kerry Lambert: Serving on the International Board of Directors (IBOD) has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. My term started just as COVID hit and I certainly felt the pressure of navigating the difficult time with the MPI team and my fellow IBOD members. It was inspiring to see the resilience of the MPI organization and our members as we all discovered the new normal post COVID. During my term, I have established incredible professional connections and friendships with other board members. I continue to learn from the MPI team and our volunteers in every interaction. I am so grateful for the experience and very proud of the work we have done.
Michelle Robinson: Company - Having the ability to interact with other meeting professionals has given me insight into how others navigate the paradigm shifts of meetings/events during a pandemic. That information has in turn helped me in my own meeting/event planning. Chapter - Though I’m a seasoned meeting professional, in addition to those skillsets, representation matters. Consequently, because I’m a Black woman on the board, I offer a unique perspective. Other members and/or potential members of diverse backgrounds likely see me as a reflection of them. Personally - Starting as a volunteer on the social media sub-committee, then becoming the director of media and communications and recently “promoted” to vice president of media and communications has stretched, challenged and helped me to grow. I’m a lifelong learner, so I’m constantly tweaking processes to bring about better results.
Jennifer Rondinelli: MPIGNY has provided me a space to grow personally and professionally since I became a chapter member and now being a part of the board. I have been able to learn from so many in the industry to hone my skills in leadership, education and collaboration. The passion and commitment that our board members have to our chapter members is inspiring. I’ve had the opportunity to be the director of CSR for two years, then in my most recent role as VP marketing and communications and now I move into president elect this coming board year. I have been so empowered to lead more and develop myself in ways I did not think I could. The skills I am learning here have enabled me to take on more responsibility at work with more confidence and positivity.
