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.

Are there any specific factors that you feel contributed the most to your success, leading to this RISE Award recognition?

I have been steadily increasing my involvement with the MPI Potomac Chapter since I first joined as a student member eight years ago. I’m incredibly passionate about the organization and our industry and am dedicated to doing what I can to help it advance. Specifically, I’ve put a special focus on encouraging more people to engage with our chapter through leading new initiatives and being a friendly face at our events.

Can you name any certain skills—existing or new—that played a significant role?

I can point to a few of my strengths that have helped me be successful as a chapter leader. First, I feel like I effectively communicate with diverse audiences, helping to establish competence—especially since I’m still relatively young—and allowing others to feel more comfortable listening to what I have to say. I’m also analytical and try to take in all the data in order to make the smartest decision. Perhaps most important, though, I have a strong growth mindset and am always trying to be better than I was yesterday, both personally and for the teams I’m a part of.

Is there a skill that you’re keen to learn in the coming year?

Professionally, I’m working on remembering the names and personal details about people I meet. Building relationships is so important in our industry and I think that being able to recall something unique about that person the next time you see them goes such a long way in strengthening a connection. Personally, I’m trying to study as much Danish, German and French as possible before my honeymoon to Europe later this year—jeg lærer!

What advice do you have for industry peers who may be struggling with the myriad challenges in the meeting and event industry?

Reach out to your network and crowdsource possible solutions! We’re all going through the rapidly evolving environment together, but someone may have already tried a new approach or found a best practice. Don’t be afraid to share what you’re experiencing and ask for tips. And if you’re looking for ways to build your network, join a committee or two within your local MPI chapter.

From a work/business perspective, what are you most excited about in the near future?

MPI-wise, I’m very excited (and honored) to step into the role of president of the Potomac Chapter for 2025. For my “real” job, I look forward to supporting the AARP Purpose Prize Awards this fall. It’s an initiative that celebrates people 50 and older who are using their life experience to make a difference, and one of my most favorite events to be a part of.

What led to Evan Nielson receiving this RISE Award?

Evan joined MPI as a student after a chance encounter in 2016 led to attending a Global Meetings Industry Day event that year. He immediately became a member of multiple committees to see how the MPI Potomac Chapter worked.

He took on his first chapter leadership position as Networking Events chair during the 2019-2020 term, where he helped organize the chapter’s first Trivia Night, which has since become one of their signature events and a significant revenue driver. Shortly after obtaining his CMP in 2019, Evan volunteered as a facilitator for the chapter’s CMP prep courses.

His first role on the board was director of Certifications & Career Development. His team created new course concepts that are still used today. He subsequently assumed the role of director of Member Engagement and Community Outreach, spearheading the launch of new events and programs.

He was tapped to serve as director of Member Recruitment & Retention for the 2022-2023 term, creating the Member Lifecycle Roster tool which is still used today. He shifted to the VP of Membership, leading to a 12% net member growth and a 74% retention rate.

Evan serves as VP of Finance and was recently named MPI Potomac Chapter’s first Regional Council representative and was named Chapter Leader of the Year in 2023.

Outside of MPI, Evan works on the AARP Event Services Team. He’s passionate about strategically using event tech to deliver exceptional, inclusive experiences. He holds two degrees from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C.: a Masters of Tourism Administration with a concentration in Event and Meeting Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Communication.