MPI Chicago Area Committee Descriptions

Purpose & Objective: The Annual Awards Recognition Celebration (AARC) celebrates the contributions of our chapter’s hardest working volunteers, and recognizes those who are making an impact on the meetings and events industry. The purpose of this committee is to organize and execute the MPI-CAC Annual Awards Recognition Celebration. The committee works closely with the Office of the President and the Awards Selection Committee to develop a theme, programming, presentation and scripting, and is also responsible for staying within the budget for the event and securing in-kind sponsorships to help make the event possible. 

Annual Events: (1) - Annual Awards Recognition Celebration (December)

Time Commitment: Monthly committee meeting (60 minutes). Time commitment increases the two months leading up to the event date as needed.

Subcommittees: (3) - Sponsorship; Marketing; Event Execution/Logistics.

Available Roles: Committee Members

**Invite Only**

Purpose & Objective: The committee’s main focus is to reward and recognize MPI-CAC members and are tasked with cultivating a pool of highly qualified nominees.  From this pool of nominees, the committee will encourage them to complete the application process in order to be considered a finalist.  The committee will review all finalist applications and select a slate of recipients by utilizing the ballot rating system as a tool.  Once the slate is selected, it will be presented for approval by the Board of Directors Executive Committee.

Additionally, the committee will work in partnership with the AARC committee on the Finalist Reception and the Celebration.  The point is to ensure that not just the recipients were acknowledged, but everyone that submitted an application (finalists) is acknowledge too.  This will include before, during and after the Celebration to include letters to bosses, follow up letters after the Celebration and any press releases.

Annual Events:  None

Time Commitment: Varies from month to month and is most busy beginning in January through April depending upon the Annual Awards Recognition Celebration event date.  One to two committee meetings in person throughout the year, the remainder of the meetings are conducted via conference call.

Purpose & Objective: The Leadership Development & IDEA Committee exists to equip our current and future leaders with the tools necessary to be champions of change who celebrate diversity across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience. We strive to maintain a chapter where every member, regardless of background, sees a clear path to leadership—and feels empowered to shape our collective future. Our leaders reflect the full spectrum of our community, ensuring equitable access to growth while upholding inclusive excellence as the foundation of our chapter’s success.

Vision: Through intentional programming, advocacy, and accountability, we develop leaders who don’t just reflect our industry’s demographics, but redefine its culture through equity and action. We value action over intention, equity over convenience, and progress over perfection.

Methodologies:

• Provide accessible frameworks and actionable strategies for embedding IDEA principles into everyday professional settings.
• Launch initiatives that keep IDEA top of mind through regular content, community engagement, and calls to action.
• Foster ongoing partnership with all committees to align our objectives, develop accessible content, and identify emerging leaders.
• Provide current and future Chapter leaders with learning experiences that foster collaboration, build leadership skills, deliver training, and inspire continued growth along their leadership journey.

Annual Events: Spring Leadership Day & Fall Leadership Day

Time Commitment: Monthly meetings (60 minutes) and approximately two hours outside of monthly meetings for committee members to perform their subcommittee duties. Please note that time commitments may be higher for members in leadership or liaison roles.

Subcommittees: LD/IDEA liaison for each chapter committee, Leadership Day task force.

Available Roles: IDEA Co-chair, Liaison to Education Events, Leadership Day event committee.

Purpose & Objectives:

• Develop content to provide well-rounded, focused education for various career levels and attendee types that incorporates DEI and maximizes CE credit offerings and increases overall attendance.

• Responsible for sourcing, procuring, and nurturing relationships with dynamic speakers for all MPI-CAC educational events.

• Maintain the Chapter's speaker database and update educational resources on mpicac.org

• Time Commitment: Monthly committee meeting (60 minutes). Time commitment increases when interviewing for upcoming speakers 

• Available Roles: Committee Members (2)

EDUCATION EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Winter & Summer Education Programs:

• Purpose & Objectives: Responsible for sourcing and securing education event venues, planning event logistics, and managing event marketing and registration in collaboration with Education Content Committee, Partner Development Committee, and Marketing Communications Committee for annual Summer and Winter Education Programs.

• Create and secure sponsors in collaboration with the Partner Development Committee to provide optimal partnership opportunities to our members, suppliers, and vendors.

• Time Commitment: Monthly committee meetings (60 minutes). Time commitment increases the three months leading up to the event date as needed.

• Available Roles: Committee Members (2)

Industry Xchange:

• Purpose & Objectives: The Industry Xchange is the premier event for Chicago's meeting and event professionals, created to transcend the association membership and highlight the camaraderie across our industry. The MPI-CAC Industry Xchange offers a dynamic learning experience where attendees can explore the latest industry trends, with a focus on questioning and illuminating key topics.

• The event's core objectives are to elevate the industry's profile, provide professionals with empowering knowledge, and strengthen connections among a diverse group of attendees, including planners from associations, non-profits, and corporations, as well as third-party professionals and various industry suppliers.

• Annual Events: Industry Xchange (April)

• Time Commitment: Time commitment expected for this committee is five hours/month including committee meetings and conference calls. Time commitment for the month of the event is 12 hours, including the day of. Ideal committee size is 15 members (all participants must be members in good standing of one of the host organizations). 

• Attendance is important. A committee member’s placement will be reviewed with more than one unexcused absence.

• Available Roles: Chair, Co-Chair, Sub-Committee Chair – Marketing, Sub-Committee Chair – Sponsorship, Partner Liaison, Venue Liaison

 

Signature Luncheon:

• Purpose & Objective:  The purpose of Signature Lunch is to offer relevant and appropriate larger education session that will appeal to the majority of MPI-CAC members in an environment that fosters professional development.

• MPI-CAC Signature Luncheon will feature programming and speakers that will allow attendees to think and grow in new ways, ensuring MPI-CAC members are the best educated and most resourceful industry participants.

• MPI-CAC Signature Luncheon will offer attendees education focused on innovative industry tools, sound business practices and the latest business trends.

• MPI-CAC Signature Luncheon will provide attendees with networking opportunities when appropriate.

• Available Roles: Committee members

Purpose & Objective: To create a wonderful, engaging experience out on the golf course for MPI-CAC attendees and partners with the opportunity to meet and develop relationships with planners. 

Annual Events:  Golf Classic (May/June) 

Time Commitment: Monthly committee meeting (60 minutes). Time commitment increases the two months leading up to the event date as needed.

Subcommittees: (4) – Sponsorship; Marketing; Event Execution/Logistics; Silent Auction.

Purpose & Objective

The Membership Committee serves as a welcoming, relationship-driven resource for the MPI-CAC community, helping members feel included, supported, connected, and engaged throughout their membership journey. The committee strengthens the member experience by fostering meaningful relationships, creating opportunities for connection, providing guidance and resources, and helping members discover and maximize the value of their MPI membership.

Through recruitment, onboarding, ongoing engagement, member care, and chapter-wide initiatives, the committee serves as a resource and point of connection for both prospective and current members.

Key Focus Areas

Member Recruitment & Onboarding: Create a welcoming environment where non-members and guests can build relationships, hear authentic member experiences, and learn about the benefits and value of joining MPI-CAC.

Oversee the onboarding experience for new members, including the Buddy Program, providing consistent, personalized outreach and guidance throughout their first year of membership. Help new members navigate chapter resources, identify opportunities to get involved, and establish meaningful connections.

Member Engagement & Care: Strengthen long-term member engagement and retention by fostering meaningful relationships, reinforcing the ongoing value of membership, and responding proactively to members' evolving professional needs.

Serve as relationship stewards and chapter ambassadors, helping members stay connected, navigate their membership journey, discover opportunities to participate, and deepen their sense of belonging within MPI-CAC.

Member Connection & Experience: Plan and manage five (5) Member Meetups annually, creating informal opportunities for members to build relationships, expand their professional networks, and strengthen their connection to the chapter.

Support chapter-wide member engagement initiatives, recognition, outreach, and experiences that reinforce the value of belonging to MPI-CAC.

 

Annual Events & Initiatives

• Five (5) Member Meetups: Planned and managed by the Membership Committee at various locations throughout the year.
• Member Connect – Office Hours: Monthly opportunities for members and prospective members to connect with chapter leadership and Membership Committee representatives, ask questions, and learn more about MPI-CAC.
• Buddy Program: Personalized outreach and relationship-building support for new members during their first year.
• Member Recognition & Milestones: Initiatives recognizing new members, renewing members, and membership anniversaries.
• Member Outreach & Retention: Proactive communication and relationship-building to strengthen member satisfaction, engagement, and retention.

Committee Structure

The Membership Committee is organized into three subcommittees, each supported by a designated Co-Chair who works collaboratively with the Membership Committee to coordinate activities, engage volunteers, and advance the committee's objectives.

1. Membership Engagement & New Members: Focuses on attracting prospective members, creating welcoming experiences, supporting new member onboarding, managing the Buddy Program, and helping members discover opportunities to connect and participate in MPI-CAC.
2. Member Care: Focuses on ongoing member relationships, engagement, retention, member outreach, recognition, and ensuring members feel valued, supported, and connected throughout their membership journey.
3. Special Projects: Supports the development and execution of special initiatives, chapter-wide membership campaigns, member engagement experiences, and projects that enhance the overall member experience.

Time Commitment: Monthly committee meetings (approximately 60 minutes), plus an additional 2–4 hours per month for assigned activities, outreach, and communications.

Time commitments vary depending on the subcommittee, volunteer role, and level of involvement. Members supporting the Buddy Program should anticipate additional time for personalized outreach and communication with assigned new members.

Participation in the five (5) annual Member Meetups and other membership initiatives is encouraged, as schedules allow.

Available Roles & Volunteer Opportunities: The Membership Committee offers a variety of leadership and volunteer opportunities through its three subcommittees. Members can contribute based on their interests, strengths, and availability.

• Committee Co-Chair: Provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight of the Membership Committee.
• Subcommittee Co-Chair: Leads and coordinates one of the three subcommittees, working with the Membership Committee to advance its focus areas and initiatives.
• Subcommittee Volunteer: Supports the planning, coordination, and execution of activities and initiatives within an assigned subcommittee.
• Buddy Program Volunteer: Serves as a welcoming resource and point of contact for new members, helping them navigate and engage with MPI-CAC.
• Project & Initiative Volunteer: Contributes to specific projects, events, campaigns, and member engagement initiatives based on individual interests and availability.

Purpose & Objective: Serve as liaisons to the MPI Chicago Area Chapter event committees, help create and execute the event committee’s marketing plans ensuring all collateral meets the guidelines set forth by the chapter. Manage the chapter’s social media platforms i.e., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube channel; help to increase exposure for chapter events, building brand awareness & loyalty, and grow audience engagement. Produce a monthly e-newsletter, To the Po!nt, providing relevant news and updates about the meeting and events industry. Duties may include researching creative content ideas; creating graphics or video; supporting content strategy, analytics, and audience engagement goals; writing and publishing digital newsletter articles for MPI Chicago Area Chapter’s website; scheduling and managing the chapter’s social media post requests; or guiding committees as they develop their event marketing and communication plans.

Annual Events: None

Time Commitment: Monthly committee meetings (60 minutes). Monthly marketing meetings for committee members to perform subcommittee duties (2-3 hours). Duties may include researching and writing electronic e-newsletter articles, managing the chapter’s social media post requests, or guiding committees as they form their event marketing plans. Co-chair duties based on committee needs and project work (2-3 hours) per month. Duties may include: researching creative content ideas; creating graphics or video; supporting content strategy, analytics, and audience engagement goals; and writing and publishing digital newsletter articles for MPI Chicago Area Chapter’s website; scheduling or managing the chapter’s social media platforms; or guiding committees as they develop their event committee’s marketing and communication plans.

Subcommittees: (4) – Event Marketing Liaisons; Social Media; To the Po!nt

Available Roles:  

Membership Liaison
IDEA Liaison
Ed Programs Liaison (summer / winter knowledge share)
Leadership & Development Liaison
Partnership Development Liaison
Signature Luncheon Liaison
Content Creator

Purpose & Objective: The Rotating Special Event Committee is responsible for planning and executing a fresh, engaging annual event every Spring to support our organization's mission and member engagement. The committee will brainstorm, select, and organize a unique theme for each year’s event, ensuring a fun and dynamic experience for participants. For 2025, the committee has chosen a Bingo Night that will offer members an exciting evening of games and connection.

Annual Events: (1) – Rotating Special Event (Spring)

Time Commitment: Monthly committee meeting (60 minutes). Time commitment increases the two months leading up to the event date as needed.

Subcommittees: (4) – Sponsorship, Marketing, Event Operations, Donations/Silent Auction (GalaBid).

Available Roles: Committee members

Purpose & Objective: The Partner Development Committee develops and maintains strong relationships with both event sponsors and annual sponsors, while leading ongoing sponsor outreach to identify, engage, and grow partnership opportunities. Committee members serve as liaisons to support event teams, helping deliver high-quality partner experiences and ensuring sponsors are recognized and well-served across all chapter initiatives.

The committee is also responsible for sourcing and securing venues for all MPI-CAC chapter events. The team works collaboratively with the chapter’s management company, marketing and communications team, and event-specific committees to ensure alignment and successful event execution.

Annual Events: None

Time Commitment: Monthly Partner Development Committee meetings (30-60 minutes); Monthly event specific committee meetings for Partner Development Committee member liaisons (10-15 minutes).

Subcommittees: None

Available Roles: Co-Chair, Leadership Day & Member Meet Up Liaison, Awards Celebration Liaison

Winter & Summer Education Programs:

• Purpose & Objectives: Responsible for sourcing and securing education event venues, planning event logistics, and managing event marketing and registration in collaboration with Education Content Committee, Partner Development Committee, and Marketing Communications Committee for annual Summer and Winter Education Programs.

• Create and secure sponsors in collaboration with the Partner Development Committee to provide optimal partnership opportunities to our members, suppliers, and vendors.

• Time Commitment: Monthly committee meetings (60 minutes). Time commitment increases the three months leading up to the event date as needed.

• Available Roles: Committee Members (2)

Industry Xchange:

• Purpose & Objectives: The Industry Xchange is the premier event for Chicago's meeting and event professionals, created to transcend the association membership and highlight the camaraderie across our industry. The MPI-CAC Industry Xchange offers a dynamic learning experience where attendees can explore the latest industry trends, with a focus on questioning and illuminating key topics.

• The event's core objectives are to elevate the industry's profile, provide professionals with empowering knowledge, and strengthen connections among a diverse group of attendees, including planners from associations, non-profits, and corporations, as well as third-party professionals and various industry suppliers.

• Annual Events: Industry Xchange (April)

• Time Commitment: Time commitment expected for this committee is five hours/month including committee meetings and conference calls. Time commitment for the month of the event is 12 hours, including the day of. Ideal committee size is 15 members (all participants must be members in good standing of one of the host organizations). 

• Attendance is important. A committee member’s placement will be reviewed with more than one unexcused absence.

• Available Roles: Chair, Co-Chair, Sub-Committee Chair – Marketing, Sub-Committee Chair – Sponsorship, Partner Liaison, Venue Liaison

 

Signature Luncheon:

• Purpose & Objective:  The purpose of Signature Lunch is to offer relevant and appropriate larger education session that will appeal to the majority of MPI-CAC members in an environment that fosters professional development.

• MPI-CAC Signature Luncheon will feature programming and speakers that will allow attendees to think and grow in new ways, ensuring MPI-CAC members are the best educated and most resourceful industry participants.

• MPI-CAC Signature Luncheon will offer attendees education focused on innovative industry tools, sound business practices and the latest business trends.

• MPI-CAC Signature Luncheon will provide attendees with networking opportunities when appropriate.

• Available Roles: Committee members