Why MPI?

To say this has been an interesting year to become a member of MPI is an understatement. What I will say is the challenges of 2020 brought up new and creative ways for events. If someone would have asked me this past February, what one word I would use to describe events, I can probably guarantee Virtual would not have been anywhere near the top. This is where MPI comes into play as they have taken Virtual Events to a whole new level.

When I was awarded the MPI grant for 2020, I was asked to join a committee, so I jumped at the chance to join the Trivia Night Committee as I always have and still love trivia.  What started off as in-person meetings, quickly became halted as we had to envision how to move forward. When the decision was decided to move to the virtual world, it was an avenue that I was not familiar with. Being a member of MPI helped me adjust to thinking more outside the box when it comes to events in general and especially from the virtual aspect.

MPI has been a great asset for growing my network. Not only is networking a way to gain more business for yourself and/or the company you work for, it’s also a community of friends. The more our community grows, the better we become as an organization and MPI has those tools to make you grow as a professional and as a person. In these hardened times when the hospitality industry has been hit the hardest, we are all stronger together. I look forward to extending my membership with MPI not just for the following year, but for many to come.

About the Author:

After graduating college in 1994, I got an internship at a major radio station here in Chicago and worked my way up to a morning show assistant producer/sidekick and part time weekend overnight DJ. For some extra cash, I got a part time job working as a server/bartender for another catering company. The idea of watching an event planner create an event from a blank slate fascinated me. I eventually worked my way up from server to captain to Staffing Director where I wrote a server training manual and taught monthly training classes. In May 2003, I was offered an opportunity to jump to Inspired Catering and Events (formerly Phil Stefani Signature Events) as a catering sales manager. During my 15 years here, I have produced such major events as Green Tie Ball, Old Town Art Fair, and endless events for the City of Chicago. In November 2018, I became managing partner for Inspired Catering and Events.

During my free time, I enjoy going to concerts, travelling, and of course Chicago sport teams. Most of my spare time is spent with my rescue Pit Bull, Hank. I am very active in trying to change the perception that many people have about pit bulls and am hoping one day to make Chicago a no kill city for animals as I am heavily involved with dog rescues.