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2020-2021 Board of Directors

President: Bruno Duarte, CTA

President
Bruno Duarte, CTA
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen
Tel: 714- 563-7261
E-mail: president@mpioc.com

Bruno Duarte was born and raised in Los Angeles County where he started his restaurant career at an early age. He now finds himself as a new resident of Orange County working at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney for over 17 years. Bruno has transformed his knowledge of restaurant management to become the Sales and Special Event Manager for The Jazz Kitchen. In his role, Bruno has contributed with PR & Marketing of The Jazz Kitchen not only as a restaurant but in establishing a world class event venue. Thru his role, Bruno has been involved with events for Big Brothers Big Sisters of OC, CHOC & Aids Service Foundation OC Aids Walk and with partners such as Visit Anaheim and Meeting Professionals International

Bruno continued his education at Cal State University, Fullerton receiving a certificate in Professional Meeting Planning. He wishes to continue his education in the event and meeting planning industry and to receive his CMP designation one day. His never-ending involvement with industry associations such as NACE, ILEA, and MPI have helped develop his new passion in the meetings and special events industry.

Bruno has been on the Board of Directors for MPI of Orange County and continues to volunteer as Chairmen for many of their events. He was awarded the MPI Rising Star Award for 2014 as well as the Outstanding Chapter Leadership and the President Award from MPIOC. Bruno is excited to take on the role of President of the OC chapter of MPI for the 2020/2021 term.

Planning an event with Bruno Duarte is not only an experience for any client and their guests, but a lasting relationship - professionally and personally.

President-Elect: Jon Trask, CMP CMM

President-Elect
Jon Trask, CMP CMM
Strategic Meeting Tech
Tel: 714-757-9281
E-mail: president-elect@mpioc.com

Owner of Strategic Meeting Tech and previously the co-founder of AVforPlanners. Jon has spent the last 33 years in the audiovisual and technical production area of the meetings and events industry. Prior to his current position he worked for a number of AV/Staging companies in Southern California as a Technician, Project Manager, General Manager, Senior Account Manager, Director of Sales. Over the past five years he’s also worked as a freelance Technical Director.

Immediate Past President: Pawntra Shadab, CTA

Immediate Past President
Pawntra Shadab, CTA
Elite Productions International
Tel: 949.367.2900
E-Mail: past-president@mpioc.com

With an extensive and qualified background in the world of event production and design, Pawntra Shadab joins Meeting Planners International, Orange County, as President. Previously, she served as Director of Recognition and Community Outreach & VP of Education. The role at MPI will be balanced with her current title: Vice President at event production and design firm, Elite Productions International. With the company now for over fifteen years, Pawntra has a masterful hand in designing and producing events for top corporate clients, as well as social and celebrity cliental. In addition to her history with Elite Productions International, Pawntra Shadab has worked countless award shows such as The Academy Awards, The Grammys, and The Golden Globes. A history of philanthropy to those in need makes the position tailor made for Pawntra. As a previous board member of The National Urban League Young Professionals, which helps historically impoverished urban communities, she organized fundraising events. Volunteering for Make A Wish Foundation and the American Cancer Society are just a couple other organizations she continually supports, satisfying her passion to bettering the community. Combining her professional experience with her personal passion, Pawntra Shadab accepts the position with enthusiasm and eagerness. When she is not busy on-site coordinating an event, Pawntra enjoys traveling to exotic locales, salsa dancing, and attending concerts.

Vice-President, Finance: Alivia Kimotho, CMP CTA

Vice-President, Finance
Alivia Kimotho, CMP
E-Mail: vp-finance@mpioc.com

Alivia has been in the events industry since 2011, where she got her start as an Event Planner for a High School Reunion company. She has also worked at the venue / property level and loves working with clientele from near and far, booking their programs within the Orange County area! Most recently she has been a Sales Manager with Hilton Worldwide for over 3 years and looks forward to the experiences and opportunities being a board member for MPIOC will bring during the 2019-2020 term.