46th Annual Awards Gala!
December 10, 2025
Join us for 'A Night At the MET GALA' at our exquisite venue, Chateau Luxe.
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About Us

The MPI Arizona Sunbelt Chapter is a professional association of over 200 members dedicated to advancing the meetings and events industry. As part of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the largest global network for meeting and event professionals, our chapter serves as a vital resource for education, networking, and professional development. 

With a mission to connect the event community through education, innovation, collaboration, and advocacy, we provide our members with opportunities to grow their careers, enhance their skills, and build meaningful relationships. Since 1979, MPI Arizona Sunbelt has been at the forefront of supporting industry professionals and shaping the future of meetings and events in Arizona and beyond.

 

MPI Arizona Sunbelt Chapter Announces Updated 2026 Board of Directors Slate (as of 7/25/25)

  • President: Sukki Jahnke, CMP, IOM - Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Arizona Chapter
  • President-Elect: Michelle Huebner, CMP, CMM - Sonesta Suites Scottsdale
  • Immediate Past President: Amber May, CMP, CMM - Forever Amber 365 Events
  • VP of Finance: Vanessa Gonzalez - Mesa Convention Center & Amphitheater (Updated 7/25/25)
  • VP of Education: Heather Switzer, CMP, CMM - The Nature Conservancy
  • VP of Membership: Jeremy Martorano - Latest Craze Productions
  • VP of Communications: Brian Hatchitt, CMP (Updated 10/31/25)
  • Director of Education: Ashley Redick - MES Event Group
  • Director of Membership: Karen Draeger, CMP - UFT Technologies (Updated 7/25/25)
  • Director of Special Events & Fundraising: Linda Vaji - Independent Contractor (Updated 7/25/25)
  • Director of Strategic Alliances: Jenae Nelson, MTS - Desert Diamond Arena
  • Director of Communications: Rebecca Carmody, CMM, CMP, DES - Bex Events Management Group (Updated 7/25/25)
  • Director of Sponsorship: Pat Zollman, CMP, CMM, HMCC – HelmsBriscoe (Updated 8/8/25)

We thank all applicants and nominees for their willingness to serve and lead. Your continued support strengthens the success and impact of MPI Arizona Sunbelt Chapter.

 

MPI's Arizona Sunbelt Chapter

Your MPI AZ 2025 Board of Directors:

Pictured in order top left to bottom right

Executive Director: Joanne Winter
Executive Assistant: Becky Bulkley
President: Amber May, CMP, CMM - Forever Amber 365 Events
President-Elect: Sukki Jahnke, CMP, IOM - Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Arizona
Immediate Past President:  Mary Anne Whittle, CMP - Prosper
Vice President, Finance: Michelle Huebner, CMP - Sonesta Suites Scottsdale
Vice President, Education: Heather Switzer, CMP, CMM - The Nature Conservancy
Vice President, Communication: Vanessa Gonzalez - Mesa Convention Center, Amphitheatre, and The Post 
Vice President, Membership: Kerri O'Brien Rose, CMP - Independent Planner
Director, Strategic Alliances: Jenae Nelson - Desert Diamond Arena
Director, Education: Ashley Redick - MES Event Group
Director, Communications: Amanda Ocenas - Independent Planner
Director, Membership: Jeremy Martorano - Latest Craze Productions

Director, Special Events & Fundraising: Kristine Demlong - Holiday Inn, Glendale

 

2025BoardOfDirectors
"The 2025 Board of Directors is committed to embracing our Chapter Core Values. As we continue to 'Defy Gravity,' we will expand our horizons, embrace diverse perspectives, and foster an environment where innovation thrives. Our chapter core values are the standards that we aim to measure our success by." 

- Amber May, CMP, CMM - 2025 Chapter President

MPI AZ CORE VALUES
 

 

MPI Chapter Membership Population

Planners: 85
Suppliers: 90
Students: 7
Faculty: 2
Other: 5

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