Congratulations to Wendy Popkin!2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

MPI Oregon is proud to announce that the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award has been awarded to Wendy Popkin. With a career shaped by curiosity, creativity, and genuine dedication to building community, Wendy has spent decades elevating experiences across our region. Most recently, through her work with Explore Tualatin Valley, she helped support and sponsor a wide range of MPI Oregon initiatives - from planner memberships to the Cascadia Educational Conference, a Summer Social, and a memorable progressive dinner highlighting some of Beaverton’s standout venues and local businesses.

A member of MPI for 40 years, Wendy has inspired countless peers with her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful connections in the meetings and events industry. President, Jessica Johnson, sat down with Wendy ahead of our Annual MPI Oregon Awards event to reflect on her journey, her values, and what this honor means to her as she looks toward her next career adventure.

What first inspired you to pursue a career in the meetings and events industry?

I discovered this industry almost by accident during an internship at the Valley River Inn in Eugene. As a recreation major, I was brought on to help plan a creative showcase event at Portland's baseball stadium for the regional Society of Association Executives Conference. My mentor, Allen Lonstron, went beyond our initial agreement, taking me on sales calls, bringing me to unique events, and introducing me to industry leaders. I realized the hospitality industry offered everything I loved about recreation—creating memorable experiences for others—but with equally fascinating people, better compensation, and incredible rewards. That internship opened a door I didn't even know existed.

When you reflect on your journey, which accomplishments or moments stand out most?

Professionally, building and running my own project management, event planning, marketing, and community engagement business for nine years stands out. Supporting diverse clients and their needs simultaneously, while drawing on my accumulated skills, was both challenging and affirming. Personally, a fabulous trip to Mexico this past year—on a package I won at the MPI auction, which I shared with wonderful friends I had made through MPI—reminded me that being involved with this organization and its members gave me more than just professional development. It gifted me genuine friendships and experiences I'll always treasure.

How has your involvement with MPI shaped your career and community impact?

MPI has helped keep me from getting too comfortable. When you've been successful at something for a while, it's easy to rely on familiar approaches and 'old tricks.' MPI has consistently pushed me beyond my comfort zone through leadership opportunities, stellar learning experiences, and exposure to best practices I might never have encountered otherwise. It's been an important part of my effort to stay sharp, curious, and engaged.

What leadership values or philosophies have guided you throughout your professional life?

Be honest, kind, and empathetic. Listen. Strive to be a lifelong learner. Show strength and lead with passion, but stay open-minded to the ideas of others and the influences of changing conditions. Above all, be a good person—one that your family and friends are proud of.

How has mentorship influenced your path, and what advice do you most often give emerging leaders?

This question makes me smile because my perspective on mentorship has evolved dramatically. During that experience with Valley River Inn, I perceived everyone I worked with as experts whom I never questioned or offered input. That worked for me at the time because I didn’t have the confidence to provide an opinion. Later, I used to feel that to be a good mentor, I too needed to 'know it all' so others would value my experience and

coaching. Now, I realize that we can mentor each other, regardless of where we are on our journeys. The advice I give myself and share with others is that being a good leader is a conscious, evolving practice—something you can work at every day. Be yourself, earn the trust of your team and partners, don’t be afraid to change course when needed, and always share credit with others. Be curious.

What shifts or innovations in the industry excite you most as you look toward the future?

Activations, unconferences, and any other approach that encourages people to engage in meaningful conversations with one another, rather than just sitting in rows. I love seeing the industry move away from the standard "sage on the stage" format toward events where attendees are participants, not just an audience. The best events I've been to lately are the ones where I left having learned as much from the people in the room as from the presenters.

How does it feel to be recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by your peers?

Honestly? I'm stunned. This wasn't on my radar. I've just been showing up, doing work I love, trying to give back, and learning from people who inspire me. To have those same people say they see value in what I've contributed—that means more to me than I know how to express.

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Celebrate Wendy and Our Other Award Winners at the December 2nd Luncheon - Register Here!