MPI Potomac Cast

MPI Potomac brings you exclusive excerpts from the chapter’s May E2 event, featuring a powerhouse panel of event professionals with experience managing major gatherings like WorldPride DC 2025. Dive into a dynamic conversation that explores the planning and security challenges of hosting high-profile, large-scale events in the heart of Washington, DC. Our expert speakers from share actionable strategies for effective pre-planning, building trust within teams, and delegating responsibilities to ensure seamless execution. We also tackle critical topics like navigating political climates to foster inclusivity, leveraging technology for crisis management, and the vital role of community in creating impactful experiences. Whether you're an event planner or simply curious about what it takes to pull off a global celebration, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!Hear from speakers from the following organizations: The LGBT Meeting Professionals Association, First Watch Strategies & Events, Smart City Networks, WorldPride DC and Capital Pride Alliance, DowntownDC Business Improvement District, Revolution Events and Events DC. 

In this episode, Andrea Rouse speaks with Cleo Battle, President and CEO of Louisville Tourism, about the cultural significance of the Kentucky Derby, the vibrant community spirit it fosters, and how it positions Louisville as a premier destination for events and tourism. Cleo shares insights into the traditions surrounding the Derby, the economic impact of the event, and the various attractions that make Louisville a unique place to visit.

Kick off the 2025 podcast series with an engaging conversation featuring Evan Nielson, CMP, President of the MPI Potomac Chapter. Discover Evan's journey with the MPI Potomac Chapter, from his beginnings as a student member to becoming chapter president. He shares how his involvement with MPI Potomac Chapter has influenced his career and provided invaluable experience. Evan also discusses his goals and priorities for the upcoming year. Tune in to hear his vision for fostering member engagement and positioning the chapter as a positive force in the meetings and events community. Moderated by Andrea Rouse, Senior Director, Conferences & Events, Merchant Advisory Group. Recorded and edited by Chip Dizárd, Photographer/Videographer, Chip Dizárd Studios.

The conversation discusses the member benefits of Meetings Professional International and the MPI Potomac Chapter. Guest speakers, Cheri L. Fairchild and Cammie Cisik, share their perspectives as a seasoned professional and a newcomer, respectively. They highlight the importance of community, connections, and mentorship in MPI. The conversation also touches on the role of MPI in supporting professional development and the various initiatives and programs introduced to address the changing needs of event professionals. The speakers emphasize the value of volunteering, maximizing engagement, and leveraging membership for career advancement and network building. They also discussed how MPI makes newcomers feel comfortable through its welcoming and inclusive environment. The discussion concludes with examples of past and upcoming events that exemplify the value of MPI and its appeal to both newcomers and seasoned professionals.    Guest Speakers: Cheri L. Fairchild, CMP, MPI Potomac Chapter President, 2024 and Cameron “Cammie” Cisik, new MPI Potomac member Moderator/Host: Malene S. Ward, CMP, CEM, DES, Founder - Phoenix Planning Group Recording Engineer: Chip Dizard, Photographer/Videographer - Chip Dizárd Studios   Takeaways Being part of MPI and the MPI Potomac Chapter provides a strong community and valuable connections in the event industry. Volunteering is a great way to maximize engagement and leverage membership for career advancement. MPI supports professional development through initiatives like the CMP program and hybrid education events. MPI creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for newcomers, making them feel comfortable and facilitating networking opportunities. MPI offers a range of benefits and opportunities for both newcomers and seasoned professionals, including learning opportunities, mentorship, and networking events.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:44 What MPI Potomac Represents and Motivation to Join 03:55 The Impact and Benefits of MPI 06:46 Dual Membership and Affiliate Membership 09:06 Supporting Professional Development in MPI 12:21 Maximizing Engagement and Leveraging Membership 15:40 Benefits and Opportunities for Newcomers and Seasoned Professionals 20:30 Making Newcomers Feel Comfortable in MPI 23:07 Experiences that Exemplify the Value of MPI 25:28 Conclusion

In this podcast episode, Shawn Pearson, VP of Education, interviews 2024 Rise Awards finalists Evan Nielson, nominated for the Young Professional Achievement Award, and Devin Lewis for Member of the Year about the purpose of the RISE Awards, eligibility and the nominations process. They also share their reactions to being nominated and their plans to continue positively impacting the industry. They discuss their involvement in MPI, its impact on their careers, and their commitment to paying it forward by helping others achieve success. The MPI RISE Awards recognize community members from across the globe, celebrating the spirit of leadership, impact, and innovation.  Winners were announced at WEC 2024 in Louisville. Congratulations Evan and Devin! Guest Speakers: Evan Nielson, CMP and Devin Lewis, CMP Fellow, CEM, DES Moderator/Host: Shawn Pearson, Principal | Pearson & Associates and VP, Education   Recording Engineer: Chip Dizard, Photographer/Videographer | Chip Dizárd Studios Chapters  00:00 Introduction to the Rise Awards and Guests 00:26 Overview of the Rise Awards and Eligibility 01:14 Discussion of Award Categories 04:04 Devin Lewis's MPI Journey 06:32 The Impact of MPI Membership 08:19 Reactions to RISE Award Nominations 09:53 The Significance of Recognition 11:28 Paying It Forward and Helping Others Succeed 15:37 Enrichment and Balance in the Industry 22:08 Encouraging Involvement and Building Connections

The conversation with Drew Dudley continues from the January 2024 e2 and explores the concept of lollipop moments, where small acts of recognition and empowerment can profoundly impact others. The Zeigarnik effect is discussed, highlighting the importance of breaking down tasks and creating consistent habits. The conversation also delves into conscious leadership behaviors that become unconscious over time, emphasizing the need to align actions with values. Closing the gap between who we want to be and how we behave is a key focus, with the suggestion to plan to matter, plan to lead, and plan to add value. Dudley's book, 'Day One: A Practical Guide to Leadership that Matters,' is recommended as a resource for personal growth and development. Guest Speaker: Drew Dudley, Internationally Acclaimed Leadership Speaker | Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Moderator/Host: Shawn Pearson, Principal | Pearson & Associates and VP, Education   Recording Engineer: Chip Dizard, Photographer/Videographer | Chip Dizárd Studios Takeaways  Small acts of recognition and empowerment can have a profound impact on others. Breaking down tasks and creating consistent habits can lead to increased productivity. Aligning actions with values is essential for conscious leadership. Closing the gap between who we want to be and how we behave requires planning and consistent effort. Dudley's book, 'Day One: A Practical Guide to Leadership that Matters,' offers practical advice and stories to inspire personal growth and development.

In this episode, audiovisual (AV) experts discuss the importance of AV for events and the common issues that planners face in AV planning. They emphasize the need for advanced planning and understanding of the basics of AV equipment, negotiating various charges and AV contracts, and budgeting for AV needs. Featuring AV Experts: Deirdre "Dee" Clemmons, CMP, CAE, Chief Event Strategist, DLC, Meetings & Events and Raegan Smythe, EO Executive Producer, CYT Productions, LLC Moderated by: Sean Byrne, Director of Individual Giving, Teach for America Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:05 The Importance of AV for Events 06:05 Common Issues in AV Planning 09:58 Advanced Planning for Events 19:29 Advanced Planning for Large Association Events 21:11 Benefits of External Consultants or AV Brokers 22:16 The Importance of Experience in AV Planning 22:45 Negotiating AV Charges and Fees 23:12 The Complexity of AV and the Role of Meeting Planners 25:32 Scenic Elements and Stage Design in AV Contracts 28:33 Cost-Friendly Scenic Elements for Events 32:09 Key Takeaways: Advanced Planning and Budgeting

In this first episode of 2024 and in honor of Presidents Day, MPI Potomac's 2024-25 Incoming President Cheri Fairchild, CMP is joined by Phil Rappoport, Immediate Past President who shares their goals and vision for the chapter and offers advice to new and existing members. Episode Highlights: - Benefits of Membership - The importance of networking, volunteering, and giving back to the industry - How giving back can elevate your leadership skills and career Hosted by Carolyn A. Patterson-Kemper, VP of Communications

Join author, speaker, swimmer and host of Hospitality Today Live, Deborah Gardner as she shares her journey of adaptation through the pandemic and how it lead her to launch International Women in Hospitality Day. This inaugural event will take place online on September 23rd and consists of several women hospitality leaders from around the globe and one “surprise male guest.” Get the inside scoop here on this week's MPI Potomac Podcast. #eventprofs #MPI #IHWD21 #hospitalitytodaylive Hosted by Troy J. Peters, CTS. 

Mentorship can be such a scary or foreign concept but most of us engage in it informally all the time. Leadership and mentorship often go hand in hand. Being a mentor and being mentored by others is rewarding in both a professional and personal capacity and can make our lives richer and deepen our relationships with our mentors and mentees. Listen to this engaging podcast with Ronda Keys of Inspired Event Productions, LLC, a 20 year veteran of the event industry with numerous designations including an MBA, CMP, CMM, CEM, CTA, DES, & HMCC as she shares her experiences in leadership and mentoring.

On episode 3 of MPI Potomac Cast we speak with Anthony Molino, Immediate Past President of MPI Potomac, about what it was like to end his year as President during a global pandemic and amid a human rights crisis. We also get a behind the scenes look at how Anthony rose to the leadership position he's in and the struggles it took to get there, as well as the lessons learned.

In episode 2 we sat down with Devin Lewis, MPI Potomac President, to talk about the challenges of leading the largest Meeting Professionals International chapter through a pandemic that has decimated our industry. We also learn what it's like to be the first black female President of the chapter and the weight of that responsibility.

In episode 1 we had the privilege to interview Carlos Pelham, Past President of MPI Potomac, current VP of Membership, and the driving force behind the creation of the Diversity and Inclusion taskforce that evolved into the current Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee for MPI Potomac. Hear how MPI Potomac took a leadership role in the organization by prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Considering tackling the CMP?Tune in and listen to two special guests with key knowledge to share for any listener who is interested – or even considering – earning their CMP, the industry -leading Certified Meeting Planner credential.

As we begin our 2022-23 year we hear from Phil Rappoport, Principal of Virlybird, and the 2022-2023 MPI Potomac Chapter President.  Phil shares with us the value of volunteering as an act of "giving to the greater good" and how this leads to industry and career security.   Phil also shares his vision for his presidential term as he keeps the chapter on the path of "having a sense of purpose and being intentional about it."  Hear about the lessons we've learned and where we carry those lessons forward by holding onto the "anchor of MPI" and the value of our professional and social networks. Hosted by Troy J. Peters, CTS #mindfulness #eventprofs #volunteerism

This week we have Mike Matthews, CMP, Producer, Technical Director, and President of Event Alliez, a strategic event consulting firm helping organizations and meeting planners maximize their events. Mike shares his stories and lessons learned when working on presidential inaugurations, global summits, and various city-wide events that consist of high-profile speakers. From there he helps to explain the value of having an event production partner to work with your stakeholders, planning team, and AV company to elevate the experience for your attendees. Hosted by Troy J. Peters, CTS #liveevents #eventproduction #eventprofs

As we come out of the pandemic “gratitude” should be on our minds as we extend thanks to our family, friends, clients, vendors, event attendees, and co-workers.  But are we showing gratitude to those that are grateful for us, and most importantly... are we showing gratitude to ourselves as well? Join Linda Roszak Burton, Executive Coach, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Founder of DRW Coaching as she guides us through how we can practice gratitude towards others and gratitude towards ourselves in every step of our lives. Hosted by Troy J. Peters, CTS #eventprofs #gratitude #giveback

What is the true role of the meeting planner in events as we move toward the second quarter of the 21st century?  Hear from our members as they share their path from "falling into it" to managing some of the largest trade shows and events in the world. This episode of "Share Your Journey" captures an exciting conversation with Andria Gibbon, CEM, Executive Director of The North American Trailer Dealers Association.  Andria shares her journey from planning consumer shows, navigating a mostly male driven industry, and moving up through the ranks to her recent transition to Executive Director.   This podcast is done interview style courtesy of Stephanie Santini, CMP, DES, Senior Director, Education and Events with the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.  Hosted by Nancy Rosenbaum

Intuitive Healer, Devon Whitaker, is one of a kind.  Take a listen to her gentle approach toward the New Year as she provides helpful tips on workplace stress and soul quenching advice.   Follow Devon on Instagram @Dmindfulsoul and via Facebook.  If you haven’t booked one of her sound bath experiences, we highly recommend it.   Thank you Devon! @MPI #mpipotomac #wellness #eventprofs Hosted by Nancy Rosenbaum

In our first podcast of 2022 who better to kick things off than our own Chapter President, Shelli Vasser Gilliam, CMP, SEPC as she shares her own goals, the collective goals for the chapter, and how we can become more engaged and connected to one another in '22. Shelli will also share how volunteerism motivates her and how she got involved with our chapter four years ago, eventually moving into her current position at the helm of the largest MPI Chapter in the world.  Bonus material:  Does Shelli prefer her sandwich to be called a grinder? Hoagie?  Sub?  Find out! Hosted by Nancy Rosenbaum