Updated March 20, 2020
Hello Arizona Sunbelt Chapter,
These are unprecedented times, and during these times it's best not to act out of fear. As we all know, a good leader gathers all the facts before making an informed decision. MPI AZ remains diligent in ensuring that the safety and security of our members and attendees remains the top priority. As stated in last week’s email, MPI AZ has continually been monitoring the latest COVID-19 developments locally. When we made our decision, it was based on Governor Ducey’s approach that Arizonan's should not panic and that our approach would be calm and steady since we had not had a spike in cases, after he declared a state of emergency.
On Sunday afternoon, the state of Arizona received an order from Governor Ducey that Arizona would now be following the updated COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC. What does this mean for us? It means that mass gatherings and events over 50 be canceled for the next eight weeks. This includes: conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, and other types of large assemblies. All MPI AZ events that follow under these guidelines & timeframe will postponed until further notice. Effective immediately, we will be postponing our networking mixer that would have taken place Thursday, March 19th at Dave & Buster’s, and our Global Meetings Industry Day event on Tuesday, April 14th at the Arizona State Capitol. Please stay tuned for further updates as we work to figure out alternative plans for our chapter.
Again, I will reiterate that during times like these, it is vital that we remain focused on facts and share information from credible resources, such as the CDC or WHO. MPI AZ is still committed to providing you up to date resources to keep yourself informed at a global and local level as you navigate this uncharted situation that we are currently facing. Please continue to refer to MPI Global’s devoted page that provides resources for our meeting and event professionals community. In addition to that page and the resources listed below, our social media and chapter newsletter will continue to provide updated, relevant and credible content to ensure our community is well-informed.
Let’s not lose hope! We have weathered tough times in the past, and we will overcome this setback. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at any time. All lines of communication to me are open and waiting to hear from you.
Please stay healthy and safe!
Tiffany Higgins
MPI AZ President
thiggins@mpi-az.org
Additional Resources
Resources for Hotel and Travel Industry Professionals
Provided by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International
https://global.hsmai.org/insights/coronavirus-resources/
Provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html
Local Resources
Resources for Arizona Tourism Professionals
Provided by the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association
https://azlta.com/covid-19/
Provided by Maricopa County
https://www.maricopa.gov/5460/Coronavirus-Disease-2019
Provided by the Arizona Department of Health for members outside of Maricopa County
https://www.azdhs.gov/
Committees
Interested in chairing or volunteering for a committee?
Click Here to sign up to serve on a committee or click here if you are interested in chairing or co-chairing a committee.
Time commitment:
How often does Committee meet:
Time commitment: 20 hours per year
How often does Committee meet:
 | Julie Wong, CMP The Event Concierge 602-569-5333 Committee Co-Chair jwong@mpi-az.org |
 | Anne King, CMP MeetingWise 480-838-9336 aking@mpi-az.org |
Time commitment:
How often does Committee meet:
 | Heather Switzer 480-293-4550 hswitzer@mpi-az.org |
DESCRIPTION: Certification opportunities are a part of MPI's Global Training program which provides an array of career development opportunities that will allow for continuous learning and recognition as a meeting and business
event professional. The committee coordinates the CMP Study Groups,
Time commitment:
How often does Committee meet:
 | Mary Anne Whittle Able Aerospace Services 602-443-8388 |
DESCRIPTION: Focuses on giving back to the community by soliciting volunteers from the chapter for community service projects throughout the year. Through these efforts, the committee works to increase awareness of MPI AZ and the hospitality industry. Coordinate all of the volunteer and community service projects, giving members unique networking opportunities. Oversees the selection process for MPI AZ's charitable organizations and works to bring awareness on the selected charities to the chapter. We are a fun group and are always looking for additional volunteers to join us.
Time commitment:
How often does Committee meet:
 | LoriAnn Harnish |
DESCRIPTION: Organizes the annual education forum to be held August 23 – 25, 2019 in Tucson. Great opportunity for planners and suppliers alike to help plan and coordinate the annual educational retreat for the chapter. Tasks include Raffle, Social Media / PR, Food & Beverage Coordination, Speaker Coordination, Activities and Transportation. Members can learn new areas of skills while having fun! Great networking opportunity.
Time commitment: 2 – 10 hours monthly through retreat. Must be onsite for the retreat in August.
How often does Committee meet: Once a month in person or by phone
 | Mary Young, CMP | |
 | Jessica Nagell |
DESCRIPTION: This committee plans and implements the Annual MPI/HSMAI Golf Tournament held in the Fall.
Time commitment:
How often does Committee meet:
OPEN
DESCRIPTION: Plans and executes the Annual Holiday Party in December. The committee finds the location and creates the theme.
Time commitment:
How often does Committee meet:
 | Don Ortiz Dina Preston Band/DEO Entertainment Group 623-330-0267 dortiz@mpi-az.org |
DESCRIPTION: Oversee and manage the process for creating, communicating and delivering the monthly eNewsletter and all other relevant activities and promotions between MPI AZ and the public. Specifically ensure that the marketing efforts are establishing relationships with local media, members, industry partners and the local community. Work within MPI AZ to help oversee marketing efforts for MPI AZ events, promotions and communications.
Time commitment:
How often does Committee meet:
 | Terrie Rickard ADI Meetings and Events 480-222-3193 trickard@mpi-az.org |
DESCRIPTION: Drive new member recruitment with a strong new member, guest, and mentoring program designed to welcome and educate on the return of investment that can be obtained by joining MPI. Membership retention will be tasked
to increase the value of membership and the retention of current members. Develops and implements fun and exciting monthly and annual programs designed to increase the ROI and the participation of
 |
Troy Peters, CTS Video West, Inc. 480-222-3180 |
DESCRIPTION: Creates, implements and designs ongoing educational programs to increase membership, knowledge within the meetings, events
Time commitment:
How often does Committee meet:
 | Stephanie Willson |
DESCRIPTION: Plan and execute the inaugural Networking mixer to be held in January. The committee will secure the location and organize all event details.
Time commitment:
How often does Committee meet:
OPEN
Description: Send out requests for raffle donations to be utilized throughout the year at all chapter events. Sell raffle tickets at events as needed. Donation tracking.
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per month
How often does Committee Meet: Monthly via web call
 | Ann Steward |
Time commitment:
How often does Committee meet:
 | Kristine Demlong North Central Group 623-293-9567 kcole@mpi-az.org |
Time commitment:
How often does Committee meet:
 | Cathy Clifton |
DESCRIPTION: Responsible for securing Corporate & CVB sponsorships for monthly meetings. Ensures
Time commitment: 2-3 hours per month
How often does Committee meet: Monthly, via web call
 | Summer Peil |