May 2020- Message from Abby Freeman and Allyson Wagner

Leading This Chapter During COVID-19 and Looking Forward to the "New Normal"- Abby Freeman and Allyson Wagner

Abby Freeman Destination South Meetings and Events Mitchell Meetings MPI Georgia Chapter President 2019-2020

If I have to pivot, there is no one I’d rather pivot with than my MPI Georgia family.

Did I imagine the last four months of my presidential service to you would be with no live events, reviewing scenario after scenario of the association’s budget to be sure MPI Georgia stays afloat, canceling the association’s signature events in order to protect the health of our members and partners?? No, No, No!

Did I imagine being built up by the strength and resiliency of our members? Did I imagine leading alongside some of the kindest, most creative and most innovative people I know? Did I imagine thinking about MPI Georgia’s initiatives and events in new ways in order to best meet your needs? Yes, Yes, Yes… and that is exactly what happened which is my silver lining for leading during COVID-19.

These past few months has been the most professionally heart-breaking time in my life, while also being the most empowering, thanks to never-ending support from the entire board of directors and from you, the members. We have had to make some difficult decisions on your behalf over the past few months, and, we hope they are the right ones. Please know that all of them were made with your safety and well-being in mind, above all else. The rest will work itself out.

I am finally in a place that makes me excited about the rest of our fiscal year.

• A virtual Tech Summit and Phoenix Awards presentation.
• A May Education Webinar
• Continuation of our virtual chat series.
• Your board of directors continues to find hope and strength in your hope and strength, and we look forward to seeing all of your faces at these reimagined events.

And, y’all, I am on the edge of my seat wanting you to see what next year’s board has in store for you. Allyson Wagner, Sharon Collins and their team are going to WOW you. Just wait…

Allyson Wagner, CMP MPI Georgia Chapter President- Elect 2019-2020

Two months ago, I was wrapping up a fun program in San Francisco for a great client, celebrating with our hard-working team, and giving hugs on departure day.  Today I went to the farmer’s market and Costco wearing a mask and shopping for several weeks’ worth of food and supplies and haven’t seen my friends or colleagues face to face in 7 weeks.  I’ve experienced a job loss, cared for elderly parents and encouraged children finishing the school year online. Our world has turned upside down and we’re tired of hearing “pivot” and “new normal”.

As your MPI Georgia incoming President, I’ve been taking as many opportunities as possible to watch and listen to other leaders.  How are they communicating with those they’ve been called on to lead and what is their message? 

What I’ve heard over and over is that good leaders, during times of crisis, send messages of hope, with a strong dose of reality.  I want to be that kind of leader for our MPI Georgia community. 

My hope is that we will meet in person soon.  The reality is that I don’t have the answer as to when that will happen.  What I do know is that you have a Board of Directors “pivoting” behind the scenes to create compelling content and exciting virtual events for the near future while we are in this “new normal”.  These past few weeks I’ve watched and listened to Abby with admiration for her steadfast skill leading with hope, while reminding us of our reality.

I have big shoes to fill.