Past Presidents Reflect on How to Get the Most Out of the MPI Membership
It’s time to renew your MPI membership. Unlike any other time in our history, we all need to stay connected with the most up to date education and powerful networking opportunities.
Staying educated on the current trends and protocols in business is essential. Your membership will grant you access to monthly education programs focusing on topics such as DEI footprint, engaging state and local business leaders and health and wellness. Nobody wants to feel like they are falling behind. There is no need to feel this way if you stay engaged in this cutting-edge educational format.
Networking is also vital. Your MPI membership opens doors to both virtual and face-to face networking opportunities that will inspire, inform, and create career options you can’t get on your own. You will be building a personal database of quality individuals with the same thing in mind, growth, and opportunity.
Now that you have renewed your MPI membership, it’s time to get involved. The best way to get involved is to volunteer for a committee. I always recommend volunteering for a committee that is in your comfort zone. If you like engaging with people, then volunteer to sit on the membership or special events committees. If you are into high tech or PR, volunteer for the communications committee. If you enjoy budget creation and strategic planning, then volunteer for the finance committee. You get it. Either way you will be aligning your gifts and talents to one of the nation’s most influential organizations and showcasing your skills to people who can do something with it. The time for sitting on the sidelines is over. It’s time to get off the bench and into the game. Volunteer today and see how far you can go with likeminded professionals.
- David M. Jackson, CMP, HMCC
Managing Partner at KKD Tourism Advisors
2010-2011 MPI PHL President
I have been a member since 2001 but truly became fully engaged in the chapter in 2008. It all started with attending a monthly meeting to learn about different volunteer opportunities, and what piqued my interest. My first involvement with membership, community outreach and special events led to being a Chair. A Chair led to ultimately being a director and on the Board of Directors. This was at a time that I was thirsty for building my leadership skills. In addition, it was also a pivotal time in my career taking more chances and making a change. I would not have had the courage to take the chance in my career if it weren’t for my MPI family. My director position led me ultimately to the Presidency of which I carried a two-year term, the first for the chapter. It was one of the most challenging and one of the most rewarding times for me. I learned leadership skills I never thought I had. But this experience also led to more opportunities in my career, where I didn’t have before. I genuinely believe you get out what you put into it. To volunteer doesn’t mean you have to be President some-day. But you could discover and develop skills you never thought you knew. I don’t want my paying job to define all of me. And for me, staying involved and continuing to pay it forward is fulfilling and enriches my professional career so much more.
I may lose my job tomorrow, but I know my MPI family will always be there for me. And in return, I am there for them. Whether I am supplier or customer, I have made friends for life, and I know I have made a positive difference, and I continue to learn. Renew and get involved, it’s worth it!
- Anne M. Madden, CMP, HMCC
Global Account Director at Sonesta Hotels
2013-2015 MPI PHL President
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