Legacy Learning - April 2022
We reached out to a few of our Legacy Members to learn a bit of their MPIOC journey. Our first Legacy Member we want to share with you is Jennifer W. Brown, President of Meeting Sites Resources. Jennifer became a member of MPI on November 9, 1982 – that’s 40 years in November!
Why did you initially become a member of MPIOC?
I joined MPISCC in 1983 when MPI International was only 10 years old and the Los Angeles Chapter at that time was about 2 or 3 years old. I met Herb Reinwasser, the President at the time of the LA Chapter, and was thrilled to join the chapter. I was so excited to meet others in the meeting planning world that could teach me and help me build relationships in the industry which in many instances turned in to great friendships as well.
What was your job/employment at the time you became a member?
My position at the time I joined MPISCC was that of "coordinator" and I worked for the Chairman of the Los Angeles office of Price Waterhouse now PWC. At that time, the word Meeting Planner did not exist and the position was usually called administrator or coordinator. My main responsibility at PWC was the coordination and management of training programs over a 4 month timeframe. These training program were held at Kellogg West, a conference center at the time at Cal Poly Pomona. Eventually, I moved the training programs to the Newport Beach Marriott and operated these programs there for many years. My involvement with MPI was the key to my career growth at PWC. I will always be grateful for the rich relationships I enjoyed over my many years of participation in MPISCC, MPIOC and MPI Internation. MPI is the best -- simply put!
What is one of your favorite MPIOC memories?
When you have been in the industry as long as I have there are so many wonderful memories, it would take awhile to share but I would like to say that my participation with the MPISCC Board and other chapter members to create the Orange County Chapter is definitely one that is exceptionally special. With the MPISCC membership growing in Orange County, we realized creating a new chapter there would be a huge benefit to our members. I am so very proud of how the MPIOC chapter has grown over these years. The members of MPIOC are passionate about their careers and sharing their knowledge and experiences with other members. I was the recipient of this passion as well over the years as I developed my career in meeting planning at PWC and then transitioned to my own company, Meeting Sites Resource, 20 years later. I am also happy to announce that Meeting Sites Resource will be celebrating our 30th anniversary in 2023.
I feel strongly that my participation in MPI provided the education, the relationships and the friendships to build my career.
What has been one of the greatest benefits to your MPIOC Membership?
Educational opportunities, the networking and friendships. We have an amazing industry and the people are the best.
Any encouraging words to non-members considering joining?
Become involved! The best way to grow your knowledge is to participate with hands on experiences. The chapter committees are a safe place to learn. Step out of your comfort zone and select a responsibility that is not part of your current position and learn from your chapter members who do.
In honor of last month’s National Women’s Month, do you have any words of wisdom for upcoming female leaders in the Meetings & Events Industry?
Mentor them. Find out what their challenges are and assist them in finding solutions. Present workshops and share your first-hand experiences in meeting planning.
Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your wisdom and paving the way for so many leaders to follow!
About our Legacy Member:
Jennifer W. Brown, CMP, CMM, SMMC | President
Meeting Sites Resource
Author
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