President’s Message

Reunite. Stronger. Together.

Greetings MPI-CC,

While we continue to meet virtually, we are grateful for the opportunity to keep members connected through education, social networking, and an interactive game of Piccles during our March meeting . We appreciate all the attendees, speakers, and event partners who participated in our March education meeting . From Building a Brand through Social Media, Engagement During Hybrid Meetings, Diversity & Inclusion in the Events Industry, Meetings Mean Business Update, and finally Tips for Starting a New Business, the March event was one you did not want to miss . I hope that we delivered relevant and timely education that will increase your personal and professional development . We know many of our members continue to face challenging times right now, and we want to stay in constant contact to keep you connected to job opportunities, resume support, and financial support from MPI Global . If you have recently changed jobs, please be sure to update your email address with us so you are receiving the latest chapter news and job opportunities . Please be sure to join us at our upcoming Annual Meeting on May 16-17 in-person at the beautiful Beaufort Hotel! During our annual meeting, we will be recognized for our hard work and dedication in 2020 and share our stories as we rebuild the meeting industry . And on behalf of our board of directors, committee volunteers, and management office, we appreciate your continued support in helping us keep our chapter alive so we can deliver high quality content, career opportunities, and networking for our chapter .

I would also like to remind you of a few benefits from MPI Global below:

MEMBERSHIP RELIEF: There are several relief packages available if you are suffering a financial hardship due to the Covid-19 crisis . We encourage you to please email help@mpi .org for support so you can remain an MPI member and be a part of our chapter .

EDUCATION: The MPI Academy has compiled a strong collection of relevant programming to our community –– members and non-members . Live webinars are being added regularly so continue to check this link for more information and to register . Also, be sure to register for WEC on June 15-17, 2021 at the Caesars Forum Las Vegas .

MPI MEMBER RESUME SUPPORT: Did you know that MPI members have access to complimentary resume critique through our career center? Members will need their MPI username/password to access this free service . Check out the MPI Career Center at https://careers.mpi.org/ for an updated list of featured jobs .

EQUALITY AND JUSTICE: Driven by MPI’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, these group of leaders serve to help meeting and event professionals empower members of the MPI community to create diverse and inclusive meetings and events . If you are interested in contributing to the conversation by offering resources, feedback, concerns or testimonials, click here to complete the form . Also, you can find additional podcast, articles, webinars, and books here .

Thank you MPI Carolinas members for your continuous support and allowing me the opportunity to serve with you . If you have any suggestions or questions, please don’t hesitate to connect with me personally at ahodges@ncacpa .org . Your hard-working Board of Directors and committee leaders are here to listen and support you .

Be great and share a smile! n

Amelia Hodges, CMM, CMP North Carolina Association of CPAs, Morrisville, NC