MPI THCC - Diverse Divas Getting it Done!

David Chapa, CMP, is veteran of the events industry with over 20 years of meeting and events experience. He has been an MPI member since the 1990s and a proponent of continuing education. Professionally, David has worked hosting events at a conference center, worked for Texas State Associations, was an in-house contractor at a Fortune 100 company, and led corporate events for a fortune 500 company. He currently works for Interplay Learning, the world's leading provider of trades training, as Field Marketing Manager executing event strategy. David holds a BA from The University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from Regis University.

Theresa Campos, CGMP, CRME, has been in the hospitality industry since High School. Worked her way up from the Kitchen, Housekeeping to an avid sales leader, has been a member of TSAE, MPI and AHLA. She has been in the Austin market for over 20 years and has worked other regions of Texas. Hilton, Choice, Marriott, IHG and some Independent hotels have been here home over the last 20 plus years. She is a proud member of Society of Government Meeting Professionals, was 2nd VP for two terms and Education Chair for over 7 years. She is currently the Director of Sales at Origin Hotel Austin. Mother of two and a proud Grammy. She loves to dance and the Ocean.

Delores Crum, for the past twenty years, has led Premiere Events, Austin and, since purchasing the company in 2016, Party Time Rentals, College Station. As President and Chief Inspiration Officer, Ms. Crum provides overall leadership, charts the course and sets the general direction for the Crum’s rental endeavors.  

Delores is involved with and supportive of the Central Texas Events Community. She has served as the International Live Events Association (ILEA)-Austin president and has held 5 different roles on the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) Austin Board. Delores is a past President of the Texas Rental Association, and nationally, Mrs. Crum is a current member of the American Rental Association Board, where she represents the Party and Event rental industry segment as Shared Interest Group (SIG) Chair.  Delores served as a Foundation Trustee for the American Rental Association (ARA)and currently serves as a Trustee for the Foundation of NACE.

Michele Gonzalez, CMP, has been in the Meeting and Events industry since 2001. She began her events career as a program coordinator for the Radio and Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) in Washington, DC from there she was offered a position at the National Association for Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ). At NAHJ she worked her way up from professional development manager to Director of Conventions and Events for the association. NAHJ moved her to Austin, TX to work remotely for the Association. In 2014, she moved from the client side of events to the supplier side by accepting a position at the Austin Convention Center. She is currently a Senior Event Coordinator and is beginning her 8th year at the facility. She has been a member of MPI and IAEE for 8 years. In July she will start her third year on the Texas Hill Country board as the Vice President of Education. She is committed to improving our industry with educational opportunities and diverse perspectives.

Linda Velazquez, CMP, joined the JW Marriott Austin team as Senior Account Executive in May 2012 as hire #5. Linda encompasses Association groups based out of Texas 300 rooms and above with a focus on Texas Association. A perfect fit for a born and raised Texas girl! Along with a Hotel sales focus, Linda promotes education within the Hospitality industry through her involvement in various industry focus groups. Linda’s time away from work is spent with her husband on their ranch outside of Lockhart, with their 2 miniature donkeys named Fiona and Cielo and 4 chickens.