BLOG

Meet Jenny Ng, CMP (MPI Minnesota Chapter), Event Planning Senior Manager at National Co+op Grocers, recognized as MPI’s Volunteer of the Month for March 2026.

How did you get started with MPI?

I became a member in 2015 and got involved with the Minnesota Chapter through the Community Outreach committee. I led a Cardio for a Cause event for my first volunteer role .

What’s your history of volunteering with MPI?

• 2018 - MN Chapter Community Outreach
• 2020 - Started the Minnesota MPI Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Task Force
• 2022 - Led the Minnesota EDI Task Force, joined the MPI Global Advisory Committee, co-chaired the equality and justice page, #APIEvent Profs
• 2023 - EDI Global Advisory Committee Chair, started work on the EDI Training, #APIEventProfs
• 2024 - EDI Global Advisory Committee member, led the Regional Ambassadors subcommittee, Director of Education for the MPI Minnesota Chapter
• 2025 - EDI Global Advisory Committee member, rolled out the first EDI Training, led the Regional Ambassadors subcommittee, VP of Education for the MPI Minnesota Chapter
• 2026 - EDI Global Advisory Committee member, leading new modules for the EDI Training, Lead the Regional Ambassadors
  

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

Leading the development and launch of MPI’s first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training.

At the chapter level with the MPI Minnesota Chapter, I've been grateful for the opportunity to serve in multiple roles, especially focused on creating innovative programming that brings together education, networking and opportunities to give back to the community.

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

One of my favorite aspects of MPI is the people. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and learn from so many thoughtful and passionate leaders who care deeply about our industry and about supporting one another. I’ve been able to collaborate and learn from incredible leaders such as Joan Eisenstodt, Zoe Moore, Khris Baizen, Marques Davison, Tracy Struckrath, Kevin Iwamoto, Gary Murakami and John Chen, people that I may not have been able to if not involved through MPI.

MPI creates an environment where professionals share knowledge, collaborate on new ideas and lift each other up as we grow in our careers. At the heart of it all, what keeps me involved is the sense of community, supporting one another, learning together and creating space for more voices in our industry.

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

I would love to continue seeing more opportunities for members to engage in meaningful conversations and leadership around inclusion, innovation and the future of our industry.

Programs like the EDI Training and the work of the EDI Regional Ambassadors have shown how powerful it can be when members from different regions and backgrounds collaborate and learn from each other. Expanding those kinds of initiatives helps strengthen our global community and ensures more voices are represented.

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

Continued investment in people and community. Our industry is built on connection, and that means creating spaces where diverse perspectives are welcomed and where professionals feel supported in learning, growing and leading.