Conversations
Events

2022 Signature Luncheon
Tuesday, Nov. 22
Registration coming soon!
 
2023 Holiday Party 
Thursday, January 19
Registration coming soon!
 
There are still wonderful partnership packages available for our upcoming programs and events. Click here to view packages now before they sell out!


Meetings and Events in Galena
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa®
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa features an inspiring setting for unique business gatherings. Boasting approximately 15,000 square feet of event space, Eagle Ridge can accommodate sales conferences, product presentations, and dinner banquets of up to 300 guests. Beautiful outdoor venues overlook Lake Galena or offer stunning views of the surrounding Northern Illinois hills and woodlands, while our sophisticated boardrooms set the stage for successful executive sessions or VIP gatherings.
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Volunteer Spotlight
  
How long have you been with MPI-CAC?  
I have been with MPI for over a year. I started as a student member, but I have now officially joined as a new member a few months ago.
 
What do you do in your Co-Chair role?
As a co-chair, I make sure to do my part by reaching out to new suppliers and help my committee members. The PDC team is creating a process where we want to get as many planners as possible and suppliers involved in MPI and making sure they are getting the most that they can out of it. As co-chair I hop in and help any event that is needed and make sure that I can do as much I can do.
 
What is your favorite part about volunteering with MPI-CAC?
My favorite part about volunteering is the networking and education. Coming right out of college into the event world, MPI has been a great place for me to understand all the different components of the event industry and has led me to meet some amazing people.
 
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I like to workout and spend time with my family and friends when I am not working. I love to travel, and I also love to do crafts to fill my time. I currently am learning to build sea-glass jewelry with sea glass I have collected from all around the world.
 
What advice would you give to someone considering taking a volunteer position with MPI-CAC?
A piece of advice that I would give somebody talking a volunteering position with MPI is to put in what you want to get out. Putting in the effort and opening your mind to learn has helped me grow as a person and as a planner. You can gain so much from volunteering, so if you put in the time to join a committee and understand how MPI and the event industry works, you can gain so much out of it for you to grow as a person and in the event industry.

   
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Committee Spotlight – PDC Committee

Vice President, Finance – Erika Johnson, Chicago History Museum

Director of Sponsorship – Adam Tanguay, Go Team Events

Co-Chair – Melissa Tucker, PRA Events

What is your committee responsible for?
The Partnership Development Committee is responsible for sponsorship and member engagement. We are responsible for making sure that we meet our sponsorship goals for each event, as well as taking care of our sponsors and members needs, so everyone can gain the most out of their sponsorship and membership.

How often does your committee meet?
We will meet once every 2 weeks.

What are some tasks people do for your committee?
Some tasks that people do in my committee is become a liaison for upcoming events and help with all sponsorship needs. Being a liaison for an event educates you on the behind the scenes of the event and introduces you to new supplier outreaches. Being apart of PDC, you get to network and learn about suppliers, creating new relationships and enhancing your education in every aspect of the event industry. 

What makes your committee fun or stand out?
Something that makes my committee fun is that we are all passionate about bringing good to MPI and getting MPI members, suppliers and planners to get the most they can out of their membership. We all have a positive attitude and bounce ideas off one another.

The best way to get the most out of your MPI-CAC membership is by joining a committee. It’s a great way to network, utilize your skills or challenge yourself to try something new! We know everyone has busy schedules, but many of our committees have a variety of tasks that can be done in just one hour a month!

Committees are always looking for members with leadership skills, creative mindsets and the drive to collaborate with fellow industry professionals. Click here to see the full list of committees and to fill out the committee interest form.


Empowering Meetings in the Nation’s Capital
Hotel Zena, a Viceroy Urban Retreat®
Hotel Zena invites you to take your next meeting to an inspiring new level. Nestled into the fun-loving 14th Street corridor, with easy access to all of DC, Hotel Zena rises to the occasion with a blend of indoor and outdoor event spaces, inventive menus and impeccable service.
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As the country ended the month of August in celebration of National Black Business Month, MPI-CAC would like to keep the momentum moving in the community by featuring an MPI-CAC Member in Business.  In this feature we hope to introduce you to all the chapter’s minority and small business owners who have forged forward with keeping their business open or launched a new business, while keeping their spirits strong during and after the pandemic. With a 24.3% increase in new business applications in 2020, the number of members who have already been in business or decided to start a new business have shown their dedication and resilience for success to the industry. To show our appreciation and dedication to our minority and small business owners, we would like to introduce you to one of the chapter’s most dedicated members and minority/women-owned business owner, Mekeda Johnson-Brooks. Mekeda is the President and Chief Client Experience Architect of MJ Design and Company; an MBE, WBE and WOSB certified  consulting agency that helps mission-driven organizations solve problems, tell stories and build connections through strategy, design and program development. Incorporated in 2005, MJ Design and Company helps organizations solve complex problems, tell compelling narratives, and build strong relationships.

While interviewing Mekeda she stated, “We work with mission-driven organizations to assess, design, develop and execute customer and staff engagement experiences and new projects. With deep experience in live events, program development, project management, communications strategy and graphic design, we understand the importance of consistent touchpoints and the need to create engaging interactions that reinforce your brand. Our goal? To help you find the best, most memorable and effective way to get things done!”

An avid organizer with a strong background in negotiation, project management and instructional design, Mekeda regularly pioneers new client experiences for corporate and nonprofit organizations. Mekeda is a 20+ member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), a member of MPI’s Independent and Small Business Owners (ISBO) community and an active member of the Chicago Area Chapter. She is also an alumna of the Chicago Foundation for Women’s Willies Warriors program.

Mekeda is one of many of the chapter’s minority/woman, small business owners that has committed her time, energy and expertise to helping her clients excel their events to the next level. To find out more about MJ Design and Company and how they can help you with your events, please visit. www.mjdesign.biz.

Have a chapter member that is a minority or small business owner that is that you would like to see featured? Let the IDEA committee know. Email your “Member in Business” idea to info@mpicac.org.


   
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