In Your Own Words - Michael Dodd

Brand Exposure

We asked Michael Dodd, Founder and CEO of Planning Hub and VP of the MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter’s Communications Committee what the Brand Exposure opportunities within MPITHCC has meant to him. Here is what he shared.

Can you tell us a little bit about Planning Hub, your role in the company, and how it contributes to the success of meeting planners and suppliers?

I’m the founder and CEO of Planning Hub, an AI-powered event planning and vendor management platform. We streamline backend logistics to create seamless collaboration between meeting planners, venues, and suppliers. Planning Hub helps planners and suppliers avoid costly miscommunications and ensures events run smoothly by providing a single source of truth for communication, inventory, and scheduling.

What has surprised you most about your MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter journey is it relates to the recognition and exposure of Planning Hub?

The biggest surprise has been discovering how interconnected the MPI community is. Coming from a niche event rental and venue background, I’ve gained a much deeper understanding of the wider industry ecosystem—including associations, CVBs/DMOs, and large-scale suppliers—and learned how valuable these connections are for broadening my perspective and strengthening our industry presence.

How has being part of this chapter helped you tell the story of Planning Hub in a more personal or authentic way?

Being part of MPI THCC has allowed me to better understand the daily challenges planners and suppliers face, helping me tell the Planning Hub story from a more empathetic perspective. Connecting directly with peers in the chapter provides real-world insights, enabling me to communicate authentically about how our solution addresses genuine pain points in the industry.

In what ways has the chapter helped shape not just the visibility of Planning Hub, but your personal confidence in representing the brand to a wider audience?

The chapter has provided an invaluable opportunity to regularly present, engage in leadership, and share my ideas publicly. Serving on the board and collaborating closely with respected industry professionals has significantly boosted my confidence. It’s given me the practice, validation, and credibility to effectively represent Planning Hub to a broader audience, even outside our direct network.

Looking back, what advice would you give another brand or entrepreneur considering MPI membership as a way to grow their presence in the industry?

My best advice is to engage actively and consistently from day one. Attend meetings, volunteer for committees, and take on leadership roles. Try not to think transactionally, but try to find ways you can contribute. The real value comes from building credibility, industry insights, and meaningful relationships. Leveraging MPI membership effectively can open doors, sharpen your industry understanding, and accelerate your personal and professional growth.

More About Michael...

Michael is the Founder & CEO of Planning Hub, an innovative event collaboration platform designed to simplify workflows and unify event professionals, vendors, venues, and clients. With over a decade of firsthand experience owning and operating an event rental company, Michael deeply understands the logistical challenges and inefficiencies that event professionals face daily. His combined expertise in business development, digital marketing, and technology drives Planning Hub's mission to streamline communication, enhance vendor management, and elevate the event planning experience. As an active MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter board member, Michael is passionate about contributing to the growth and professional development of the events community.