Currently, 20 of the 80-strong IMEX team dedicate their time to volunteering with global events industry organizations. One of our values is “Lead the way,” and our wider industry commitments represent a great opportunity to leave a positive legacy which strengthens our community for future generations.
At the start of this year, I took on the role of chair of the MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees. The Foundation exists to fund grants, scholarships and research to help event professionals build rewarding, long-term careers in our industry.
We’ve just passed the halfway point of my year in the role and, looking back, I’m incredibly encouraged by what we’ve achieved together—and excited about what’s still to come.
Scholarship success
One of the highlights has been the Foundation’s success at MPI’s World Education Congress (WEC) in June, where 100+ scholarship winners joined us. That’s over 100 individuals whose professional development has been accelerated through access to education, networking and experiences that might otherwise have been out of reach.
The event was also a huge fundraising success, with more than $200,000 raised—a testament to the generosity and commitment of our community. Take for example our raffle, which featured some truly exceptional prizes including FIFA World Cup tickets (as a lifelong football fan, those were right at the top of my wish list!).
What continues to inspire me is the willingness of people and organizations across the industry to get involved. Whether they’re donating (often money-can’t-buy) prizes, sponsoring events, bidding in auctions or simply helping us spread the word, every contribution helps us create opportunities for others.
A board with impact
Another rewarding aspect of my time as chair has been working alongside the Foundation’s Global Board of Trustees.
We have a fantastic group of people who each bring different experiences, viewpoints and expertise to the table. Our board represents a broad mix of ages, identities, sectors and geographic regions, across both North and South America and also Europe. This diversity ensures we’re serving the industry’s needs in the most impactful way possible.
The Foundation has also continued to diversify its fundraising approach. You may associate fundraising events with parties and receptions—and while these are certainly fun, we recognize that not everyone wants to participate in the same way.
That’s why we’ve expanded our portfolio to include a broader range of activities. From pickleball games and golf tournaments to comedy nights and LGBTQ+ community receptions, we’re creating more ways for people to engage with and support the Foundation.
Our goal is simple: make fundraising more inclusive and give people different ways to be part of what we’re doing.
Looking ahead to IMEX America
Things will really ramp up at IMEX America this October of course! There’s IMEX “TEE” Time at Topgolf (see what we did there?!), a silent auction, Meet In Ireland Golf, plus Red, White & You—a top-notch boutique experience taking place this year at Carbone’s Riviera at Bellagio. Each event offers a different way for attendees to support the Foundation while building valuable industry connections (and friendships) during their time at the show.
And let’s not forget the Foundation’s single largest fundraising event of the year: Rendezvous. Taking place on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 14, this glitzy event has sold out consistently over the past few years and remains one of the most anticipated gatherings on the industry calendar.
Achieve together
What excites me most as I look ahead to the remainder of my term is the opportunity to keep growing the Foundation's reach and impact.
The Foundation’s mission is “Advancing Our Industry by Strengthening Our Community,” and I’ve seen the impact of this firsthand this year. Behind every event and every donation is a scholarship helping someone to access opportunities that can shape their future. At IMEX, one of our values is “achieve together,” and ultimately, that’s what our industry is all about: opening doors, lifting others up and driving collective success.
