YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
Nikola Naus
This award recognizes an individual 35 years of age or younger with a minimum of one-year professional experience in the meeting and event industry who has made outstanding contributions to MPI and/or the meeting and event industry.
Nikola Naus has demonstrated exceptional dedication, initiative and leadership within MPI from the moment she joined the organization. In early 2025, she became the youngest board member in the history of MPI Poland Chapter and immediately proved her strategic value. Serving as vice president for student relations, she not only represents the next generation of leaders, but actively builds a bridge between students and the professional MICE community.
Her flagship initiative for the upcoming term is the launch of MPI Poland’s first student mentoring program. This strategic project will give 15 young professionals direct access to MPI leaders, knowledge and industry opportunities, opening doors to the global MICE community and positioning MPI Poland as a catalyst for early-career development. Through this initiative, Nikola is shaping a strong talent pipeline for the association and reinforcing MPI’s role in developing future industry leaders.
Nikola consistently promotes MPI’s mission, increases organizational visibility and brings fresh energy to chapter activities. Her daily commitment, proactive approach and operational discipline are visible across all her contributions, strengthening the chapter’s community impact and professional standards.
Recently, Nikola also joined the MPI European Council, where she contributes to the marketing working group, actively enhancing the visibility and positioning of MPI across Europe. In the upcoming term, she will continue her service as the VP of Communication for MPI Poland Chapter. Nikola Naus deserves this award for her pioneering role, her ability to drive meaningful change, and her unwavering passion for elevating MPI and empowering the next generation of MICE professionals.
MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Jenny Ng
This award is given to an exceptional MPI member who through volunteer efforts has made outstanding grassroots contributions and demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the advancement of a chapter, club, community or region.
Over the past few years, Jenny has led several key Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives for MPI. Her most significant project was the creation of the EDI Training. She managed the entire process end-to-end, developing the project plan, securing funding, drafting the script, gathering feedback and collaborating with a production company on editing. The training covers topics such as the importance of EDI in the meeting industry, age inclusion, ways to get involved as well as spotlighting different MPI chapters. Rolled out in early summer 2025, it was shared with Chapter Leaders, Chapter Boards, MPI Staff, the Global Board of Trustees and the International Board of Directors. Jenny envisioned this training as more than a resource; it was coined a love letter to the industry, celebrating its people, acknowledging its challenges, and offering a heartfelt call to build a more inclusive future together. This training will be used each year for all the leaders.
Jenny is already thinking ahead to the EDI Training 2.0 which requires working on it already in order to launch new material in the future. She also helped officially launch the Regional Ambassador Program by developing the program description, supporting its rollout, developing short/long term goals and working with the EDI ambassadors to promote the EDI training and other initiatives. This program expanded EDI awareness across Regional Councils, encouraged proactive outreach to all chapters and regions and created more opportunities for global dialogue. She has been part of several different MPI Chapter EDI calls where she offered more awareness of the MPI EDI initiatives and guidance on ways chapters can strengthen their EDI work and bring more inclusivity in our industry.
In addition, Jenny developed EDI Office Hours, a safe and open space for chapter members to discuss initiatives, share ideas and collaborate. These sessions drew strong participation and gave leaders the chance to connect.
MEETING INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Krzysztof Celuch
This award honors those rare individuals who by visionary hard work and creative insight have positively changed the global meeting and event industry. It recognizes sustained commitment and substantial contributions to the meeting and event community.
Krzysztof Celuch is one of the most influential figures in the European meetings and events industry. As the founder and first president of the MPI Poland Chapter, he established a lasting platform that connects Polish professionals with the global MPI community. He has served for over six years on the MPI Foundation Board of Trustees, constantly creating initiatives to support education and fundraising for MPI worldwide.
A recognized researcher and strategist, Krzysztof has played a leading role in positioning the Polish meeting industry as a key contributor to the national economy. His analyses, publications and expert reports have become essential references for policymakers and professionals, shaping how the sector is perceived and developed today. He actively collaborates with both international and national industry bodies as well as public institutions, building bridges between business, academia and government.
Author of nearly all major Polish publications on the MICE market, he is highly respected for his expertise, intellectual curiosity and dedication to developing the next generation of professionals. For years, Krzysztof has been deeply involved in academic education and mentoring, giving young professionals real access to the global meetings industry. Some call him “the Elon Musk of the Polish MICE industry”—not only because everyone in the field knows his name, but also because his bold ideas, visionary mindset and relentless drive for progress have made him a true symbol of innovation and leadership.
In 2010, Krzysztof Celuch received the MPI RISE Award for Young Professional Achievement. Years later, he continues to embody the same passion, creativity and commitment to MPI’s mission—proving that true leadership is not a moment in time but a continuous act of service. His achievements, influence, and enduring dedication make him the perfect embodiment of what the Meeting Industry Leadership Award stands for.
SIDEBAR
Read interviews with these individual 2026 RISE Awards recipients in the July/August issue of The Meeting Professional.
