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'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
"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 Chapter Membership Population
Planners: 97
Suppliers: 85
Students: 18
Faculty: 4
Other: 5
