February 2023 - Meredith Martini, MS

Meredith Martini, MS - Director of Strategic Events

Have you played with all the new AI (artificial intelligence) out there recently? If not, you should. It will hugely impact all industries, including the meetings and events industry and the businesses you work in as a planner or supplier. As a leader, you need to stay on top of trends. As a result, AI is in the spotlight. Following is what happened when I was asked to write about what it means to be a leader:

"Write two paragraphs about the value and impact of leadership in professional associations."

Leadership is an integral part of professional associations. It provides guidance and direction to the organization, ensuring its goals and objectives are achieved. A strong leader will be able to tap into the collective resources of the group, enabling them to work together to bring about the desired results. Leaders also help create a sense of unity and purpose among members and motivate them to work towards a common cause.

Leadership in professional associations can also have a positive impact on the reputation and standing of the organization. By providing effective leadership, members can be given the confidence to take on new projects and initiatives. This can lead to increased recognition and prestige for the organization and opportunities for members to network and build relationships with other professionals. Influential leaders can also help attract new members and bring new ideas and perspectives to the organization. Leadership in professional associations can thus be a significant factor in achieving success.

It's me, Meredith, again. Crazy how spot-on it really is. And it's only going to get smarter the more it "learns and the more we learn to customize the questions we ask. This was a high-level, accurate, but generic answer for all associations. But in truth, I wonder if AI will ever be able to reach the level of personalization it takes to achieve real connection in its communications. Can it tell you how I nearly gave up on MPI after my first year because I felt disconnected and uninvolved? How I instead jumped in with both feet and join three committees (um, overdoing it much?)? And how, ten years later, I had the most impactful learning experience of my career by serving as president of our incredible MPI Georgia chapter?

I am serving on the board again for the third time as Director of Strategic Events. A lot has changed since my first position, but I keep coming back because it is a rewarding and fulfilling way to grow my leadership skills and understanding of the industry. It is also a way to give back with my experience, perspective, and knowledge after over 20 years in the chapter.

There are so many ways to personalize your experience within the chapter. Please don't settle for being a passive observer. Become a participant and find your place by exploring all that we offer. Get involved on a strategic events committee like the Phoenix Awards and learn a new skill. Become a leader in our chapter and customize your MPI experience. There is nothing artificial about it!