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Awards & Recognition
MPI Oregon's success depends on the work of its volunteers. We seek your nominations to honor members who spend extra time and energy on behalf of our organization. There are four categories in which you can nominate MPI Oregon chapter members:
- Planner of the Year
- Supplier of the Year
- Mentor Award
- Rising Star Award
The Planner and Supplier of the Year Awards are based on criteria regarding overall activities and commitment within the organization, industry, and community.
The Mentor Award is for those who lead, teach others, and are someone people go to for advice.
The Rising Star Award focuses on activities and participation in MPI Oregon itself during the last three chapter years (or the duration the nominee has been an MPI Oregon member if less than three years).
All nominees are also scored on the number of nominations received, so don’t hold back!
Please review the definition and basic qualifications for each award and submit your nominees through the online nomination form no later than THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM. The earlier you submit your nomination, the sooner your nominee finds out and the more time they have to complete their nominee packet!
Save the Date! Award recipients will be honored at the MPI Oregon Awards Lunch Celebration on December 1, 2026, at The Allison Inn & Spa.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Carole Astley at carole@salemconventioncenter.org or (503) 705-8694 (call/text).
2025 Award Winners
 | Lifetime | Wendy Popkin | The Oregon Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award honors a 10+ year member who gives back freely to the MPI Oregon Chapter and in their career with the meetings and events industry. |
 | Dian J. Lindsay | Nichole Cooper, CMP
| Given at the discretion of the current president to an outstanding individual in the chapter who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the organization. |
 | Rising Star Award | Jenn Carpenter | Presented to a chapter member or members who have been a part of the organization less than 3 years and shown a very high level of engagement, volunteering, and commitment fulfilling chapter goals. |
 | Rising Star Award | Alisha Santoyo
| Presented to a chapter member or members who have been a part of the organization less than 3 years and shown a very high level of engagement, volunteering, and commitment fulfilling chapter goals. |
 | Mentor of the Year Award | Greg Heinze, CMP Travel Salem | |
 | Planner of the Year Award | Tara Hendrickson, CMP | Given to a meeting planner in recognition for their outstanding association contributions, leadership and professionalism, and is a peer-recognized award. |
 | Supplier of the Year Award | JoAnna Eisler | Awarded to a meetings industry supplier (hotel, transportation, audio/visual, etc.) in recognition for their outstanding association contributions, leadership and professionalism, and is a peer-recognized award. |
 | Silver Platter Award | Marriott Portland Downtown Waterfront | This award goes to the venue that went above and beyond, according to the attendee evaluations, to host one of the Chapter's educational events. |
