Name: Greg Riccardi                                                                                            Current Employer Occupation: Riccardi Media

Occupation: Photographer Videographer

Planner or Supplier: Supplier

Professional/Career Questions:

Why did you join MPI and what do you love most about your experience with the organization?

Although I've been in the business 30+ years now, I'm a new member of MPI. I have been a member of other meeting and event industry professionals, and MPI so far seems to be the absolute most organized and proactive!

How did you get your start in the industry?

Believe it or not, it was my mother's idea... I was 16 years old, and I told my mother I wanted to start a business. This was 1986, when integrated video camera/recorders first came out (hence the term "cam­ corder"). She replied, "Why don't you buy a video camera and videotape weddings?" ... I got recognition in all of the local newspapers as a young entrepreneur, and even made it to the cover of a national magazine for teens at the time.

What is the best career advice you've received?

My father once told me, "you never want to be on the wrong side of a deal." What he meant by that was to never walk away from a situation getting more than the other party to the transaction. That was the wrong end. You always wanna be on the right end, which is where you gave more than you received.

What is the most memorable event you have planned or client experience you have had?

Having been on jobs that directly involved three US Presidents and a sitting Vice President!

Do you have a favorite MPI event and if so, why?

Oh do I! It has to absolutely be the CMP/CMM Recognition Event!! (Ahem... my only one to date;))))

Personal/ Fun Questions:

What is your favorite city to travel to and why?

It has to be Faneuil Hall in Boston. Having captured memories for 30+ years now, I'm eternally fascinated by historical places. A close second and third - for the same reason - would be New Hope, PA and savannah, GA.

What is your favorite book?                     

"Loving What Is" - Byron Katie

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you bring with you?

My camera, drone, and laptop of course!

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?

I would have to say Jesus, but not for today's religious reasons. I'm a big proponent of being "present", and from everything I read, that was what made him iconic.

If you could live anywhere on this planet and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose to live?

La Jolla, California! I've done a lot of work in California, and the weather and scenery are absolutely gorgeous.

President of the United States 

What three words describe you best?

Creative, generous, funny

What is your all-time favorite movie?

Dead Poets Society

Describe your perfect day off?