May 2025 - Jordan (Boeck) Wood

Jordan (Boeck) Wood Director Strategic Partnerships Catering Sales Manager | Wolfgang Puck Catering

*What inspired you to get involved with MPI Georgia, and what has your journey on the Board been like so far?

I first got involved with MPI Georgia as a Fall Classic committee volunteer back in 2018 and co-chaired the Tech Summit in 2019. After taking time off from events and taking a different role during COVID, I re-joined MPI in October 2022 and got to get re-engaged by getting involved on the education committee after chatting with membership about volunteer opportunities at a networking event at Hyatt Centric. After an eventful and exciting 18-month stint on education committee, Katie & Ted encouraged me to join the Board, and I have been lucky to serve along with Regina as Co-Director of Strategic Partnerships. I truly can say that networking and attending MPI events is my social time, because I get to spend it with some of my best friends and learn how to improve myself or grow in the industry at every event.

*How has your experience with MPI Georgia influenced your professional growth and perspective on the meeting and events industry?  

Continued education is important! Whether you are pursuing your CMP or want to get ahead of the trends of the industry, MPI has some of the best programming and members to connect with and learn from.  Being out of MPI during COVID and rejoining, I see so much growth and development in our industry now and the resilience of our members.  There is always a subject matter expert to learn from and opportunity to work with someone new.

*What has been the most rewarding aspect of your role as a Board member, and how has it impacted your approach to leadership?

Working alongside my peers and serving others. Our president Angie has truly embodied servant leadership and has instilled prioritizing wellness to our board. Taking care of yourself and avoiding burnout is important. Don’t be afraid to wave a white flag and ask for help.  While the board is run by volunteers, it is something we choose to do because we want to serve others and make the industry better by empowering others to take care of themselves and always be learning, growing, and helping others. 

*Which MPI Georgia event are you most proud to have been a part of, and why?

The September Education Luncheon on Sustainability at the Emory Conference Center Hotel.  I got to be involved in curating the speakers and panelists and it was truly fascinating to learn from colleagues who have been pioneers in sustainability for our industry before it was a trend. The venue also could not have been a better fit with their focus on sustainability and the environment as well. It was awesome seeing our final luncheon of the fiscal year come together and have such a wonderful turnout.

*What advice would you give to new members or those considering taking on a leadership role within MPI Georgia?

Getting involved is the best way to immerse yourself in the industry.  I have seen so much growth in myself and have gotten so much support from the board members before me and with me this year.  You get out what you put in, and it has been a really rewarding experience to serve with colleagues I respect and admire.