Friends, folks, humans—we all need community. Every single one of us. Even those who proudly identify as introverts (hi, that’s me waving quietly from the back of the room).
It can feel easier to stay home, avoid conversations and dodge the peopling. Honestly, wasn’t there something amazing about the quiet, no-pressure isolation of COVID lockdowns? But even as an introvert, I created my COVID bubble with five other peeps. Humans are wired for connection. And if we want to grow—both personally and professionally—we need community.
MPI has community, beyond chapters
When I first joined MPI, I leaned into chapter life like most members do. But when I relocated to a city without a chapter, I had to rethink how to stay connected. That’s when I discovered MPI’s Communities, niche-based groups aligned by job function or shared interest. I joined the Small Business Owners (SBO) Community, and it became my “people.” Small, intentional and rich with connection, this group quickly grew from a professional touchpoint into my inner circle. I’m now finishing my year as chair, and the relationships I’ve built there are some of the most meaningful in my MPI journey.
And yes, I keep reminding myself that I need to dive into the Content Creators, Editors and Media Professionals Community too (note to self: Q4 is a good time to make that happen!).
Creating community from scratch
Nine years ago, when I moved to the Okanagan (that’s wine country British Columbia, folks), I felt the absence of industry connections again. So, I founded the Okanagan Meetings & Events Community. Why? Because even as an introvert, I missed my people. Now, every month, 10 to 20 of us gather at different venues, talk shop and get to know the “what’s what and who’s who” in our region. It’s not big, flashy or complicated; it’s authentic, consistent and deeply sustaining. Bonding over a glass of wine doesn’t hurt, either (#LoveWhereYouLive).
Yes, introverts, you need this too!
Before you roll your eyes and say, “Sure, you’re an introvert—you run all these groups,” let me be clear: I am a raging introvert. I recharge in solitude. But I’m also a raging human—and humans need community. Community doesn’t mean being “on” all the time. It doesn’t mean endless networking or working the room. It means finding the right kind of connection, in the right-size group, where you can show up as yourself and be seen, heard and supported.
Tips for finding (and loving) community
If the idea of walking into a room full of strangers makes your palms sweat, you’re not alone. Here are a few ways to ease into community life.
● Start small. Choose intimate gatherings (like MPI Foundation pickleball events or small group meetups) over large-scale mixers.
● Look for alignment. Communities built around shared roles or interests create instant common ground. It’s easier to connect when you speak the same “language.” That’s the beauty of MPI’s Communities!
● Commit to consistency. Show up regularly, even if only for short bursts. Familiar faces turn into trusted connections over time. And “face time” can go a long way to building trust.
● Give before you get. Offer advice, share a resource or simply listen well. Generosity builds bonds faster than business cards.
Find your people
MPI Communities are niche groups based on job function and shared interest where important connections are made and meaningful relationships are forged.
Can you commit in Q4?
Community looks different for all of us—but the need for it doesn’t change. Some thrive in big chapters, others in smaller, niche groups and some by creating their own circles of connection. The key is to find where you belong and to nurture it. Because while our work in events is about building community for others, we owe it to ourselves to build it for us, too.
This upcoming quarter, challenge yourself to view “community” differently. See it as an opportunity to recharge your professional battery with trusted peers, to share a laugh, trade ideas or find encouragement when the tank feels low. However you define it, make space for connection—it might be exactly what propels you into your next season of growth.
Leanne Calderwood, CMP, is a personal branding and thought leadership trainer and speaker. A self-confessed raging introvert, she helps professionals “shine quietly” through her conference sessions, on-demand digital courses and small groups training. You can connect further with Leanne via her blog or find her on LinkedIn.
