Can you tell us about an important initiative of the MPI Foundation during your tenure?

The MPI Foundation is continually seeking to expand and enhance the scope and breadth of its service to MPI members. One initiative that stands out to me occurred early on during the pandemic, when our industry was severely impacted by travel restrictions and public health concerns. Everyone was very concerned about the future of in-person meetings, and some were even suggesting that in-person meetings might never return to the levels we had become accustomed to. The MPI staff, trustees and board of directors were all unified in our believe that not only would meetings return, but their importance would soar post-pandemic as we would value in-person meetings even more (thankfully, we were right). After much discussion and thoughtful analysis, we unanimously voted to invest as much of our Foundation funds, including reserves, as was possible to keep professional planners engaged and educated throughout the crisis. It was a bold decision at the time, as we had no funds coming into the Foundation, but we recognized that planners desperately needed, and deserved, professional development designed to prepare them for what was to come. There’s never a wrong time to do the right thing, and we believed this was the right thing to do, although we realized it put tremendous financial pressure on the organization. Looking back, I’m proud of that decision and glad we had the courage to act quickly. And, for those who may have doubted whether that was a prudent move, they need only consider the many testimonials of professional planners who cited that financial support as a key reason they were able to come through the worst crisis our industry has ever faced.

Can you tell us about a personal highlight from your involvement with the MPI Foundation?

Every meeting, every encounter, every networking event or MPI meeting, I walk away better informed, educated and often inspired by my colleagues and peers. The relationships I’ve made through MPI have taught me a lot about our industry and made me a better leader.

How did your involvement with the MPI Foundation contribute to your professional or personal growth?

Early on, I gained access to MPI’s educational resources and became far more familiar about the needs of professional planners. As my involvement has continued, I’ve also seen countless examples of how meetings truly change lives, enhance communities and nurture progress. Personally, I’ve benefitted by the training and professional development that I’ve been a part of, but also watching how our organization has been able to partner with the MPI Foundation to give back to those at the forefront of our Industry who make a positive impact each and every day. Those personal connections, made or sustained through MPI and its Foundation, have sharpened my skills as a leader and made me much more attentive to the needs of our partners who are also MPI members.

Why would you encourage other meeting professionals to get involved with the MPI Foundation?

From the front lines to the C-suite, MPI Foundation is a treasure trove of relationships, education and professional development that bolster a professional’s success.

In your opinion, what role will the MPI Foundation play in the meeting industry’s future?

As MPI likes to remind us, “When we meet, we change the world.” At Discover Puerto Rico, we’re honored to host meetings and events, not only because of the economic benefit to our island but also for the privilege of hosting gatherings that strengthen communities and nurture progress. If we learned anything during the pandemic, the value of interpersonal relationships and face-to-face communication is vital. We do life together, and meetings are a big part of that. While technology and other societal changes will affect the way we do business, there’s no denying the importance of in-person meetings, and organizations like MPI and the MPI Foundation are at the heart of that movement. I fully expect the MPI Foundation will continue to evolve, innovate and excel at fulfilling the needs and expectations of professional planners who are leading our industry forward.