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Meet Anna Paul, PDM (MPI British Columbia Chapter), senior manager, festivals and events for Tourism Burnaby, recognized as MPI’s Volunteer of the Month for April 2026.

How did you get started with MPI?

I got started with MPI through my passion for the meetings and events industry and a desire to be part of a broader professional community beyond my day-to-day work. As my career grew, I wanted to connect with peers who were equally committed to shaping the future of our industry, and MPI felt like the right place to learn, contribute, and give back.

What’s your history of volunteering with MPI?

For the past two years, I have been proud to volunteer with Global MPI through the RISE Awards Committee and the Event Program Advisory Committee. These experiences have allowed me to contribute to important industry conversations, work alongside outstanding industry peers, and support the continued growth and excellence of our global meetings and events community.

Can you share a standout experience you’ve had as an MPI member and/or specific to volunteering with the association?

A standout experience for me has been serving on the RISE Awards Committee, especially during the review and finalist interview process. Hearing directly from professionals across the industry and from different parts of the world was both inspiring and grounding. It deepened my appreciation for the people within MPI and for the sincere way this community recognizes excellence, supports one another, and celebrates the contributions of its members.

What’s one of your favorite aspects of the MPI community?

 One of my favorite aspects of the MPI community is how generous people are with their knowledge, time, and support. It is a global network, but it never feels distant. There is a real sense of connection, shared purpose, and willingness to lift each other up, and that is something I truly value.

What, if anything, would you like to see (or see more of) when it comes to the MPI community?

I would love to see even more opportunities for connection across regions, career stages, and areas of expertise within MPI. One of the community’s greatest strengths is the depth and diversity of its members, and creating more space for shared learning, fresh perspectives, and cross-generational dialogue would only make that stronger.

What is one thing the meeting and event industry needs right now?

One thing the meetings and events industry needs right now is more intentional, long-term investment. The expectations placed on our industry continue to grow, from business results and attendee experience to sustainability, inclusion, and resilience in a changing world. Meeting those expectations well requires more than ambition. It requires investment in people, trust, partnerships, and thoughtful planning so we can build events that are not only successful today, but sustainable for the future.