The MPISCC stars were out on July 16 to honor our stellar volunteers. Attendees started the evening with a pre-show concert by The Replicas Music, walked the virtual red carpet courtesy of Outsnapped, and enjoyed dinner & wine provided by Tasty Box Pasta & Bubble Tap Trailer. Read More for a list of our winners, see some behind the scenes photos and (in case you missed it) catch the awards show playback!

Looking for ways to connect with your fellow MPISCC members while also developing new skills? There are numerous volunteer opportunities across every department. Whether you are looking to build your social media experience or stretch your fundraising muscles, we've got a spot for you. Click Read More to see all the availble positions!

 

Please contact admin@mpiscc.org with your interest.

Attention all readers! We are proud to announce that this September we are kicking off the 2020-2021 MPISCC Book Club. The first book on the list is The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas, and we plan to host our first discussion mid-September. More details to come in future emails.

 

Please contact Liz Mohler, Director of Professional Development with any questions.

Don't miss out on this great membership incentive that expires on July 31. Use discount code TrustedResources2020 to receive $100 off a new Preferred or Premier membership or $75 off renewal.

 

By: MaryAnne Bobrow, Co-Chair of ISBO

 

It has been difficult for small business owners to come forward and compete head-to-head with their much larger counterparts. The number of small business owners in MPI’s Independent and Small Business Owners’ (ISBO) community began two years ago with 50 individuals identifying themselves either as small business owners or independent planners. The growth in year one was somewhat slow but as events evolved at the end of December and continuing into 2020, ISBO’s community began to grow from 50 to well over 300 members. The ISBO is the home for independents and small business owners to meet, express themselves, discuss issues of importance and lean on each other for support.

Meeting Professionals International is, as of today, planning to proceed with its annual World Education Congress November 3-6 in Grapevine, Texas at the Gaylord Texan Resort. Although it's highly likely circumstances will change before November, MPI has announced several key safety precautions to be implemented at the event.

With certain parts of the country enjoying hard-fought victories against COVID-19, in-person events are slowly beginning to return. But, just as there remain problematic hot spots throughout the United States, maintaining safety protocols is key to fighting further spread, and once you're finally able to open your doors for meetings again, how do you ensure attendees follow the rules put in place to keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible?

Even with nearly half a year of canceled and postponed meetings now behind us, many meeting planners still consider it unwise (or illegal, even) to hold in-person events for large groups. However, since the country began going into lockdown several months ago, there have emerged several key practices for holding successful virtual events. Here are a few key benchmarks and steps to keep in mind when planning a viurtual event in this new normal.