Engaged Member of the Month

Brooke Weidman
September Engaged Member of the Month
MPI Education Committee Co-Chair
Complex Director of Group Sales Director
W Chicago – Lakeshore

How did you become involved in MPI?
I joined as a member about 4 years ago and immediately became a part of the Education Programs Committee.  About 2 months in, I was named co-chair for the committee.  I’ve been co-chair ever since!

What has been the most exciting moment or memorable thing that has happened since joining MPI?
In 2016 I was named one of MPI-CAC’s Tomorrow’s Leaders at the Annual Awards Gala.  Such an honor!

How did you become part of the event industry?
I went to University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign for a degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism.  I needed a semester of an internship which I completed at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale.  I ended up staying on as a Banquet Manager and eventually a Sales Manager for 5 years before moving on to opening the Marriott Naperville and now at W Hotels of Chicago. 

How has MPI impacted your career?
MPI has given me the opportunity to be on the other side of event planning.  As a Director of Sales, I’m on the hotel side of the process but as co-chair for Education Programs, I’m able to shift gears to be a planner.

Tell us something unique about you?
When traveling to different cities, I like to eat and drink like a local.  I’ll skip all the touristy spots and find those hidden gems that the locals enjoy. I’m headed to Hong Kong, Bali and Singapore for my honeymoon in January so all suggestions are welcomed.