President’s Message

Reunite. Stronger. Together.

Greetings MPI-CC,

While we have not met face to face for many months now, we have been able to keep members connected through virtual education, networking trivia, tradeshows, silent auctions, and spark sessions. We appreciate all the attendees who participated in our Spark Sessions on December 3, 2020. I hope that we delivered relevant and timely education that will enrich your personal and professional development. The importance of high-quality education continues to be the foundation of our chapter and that will continue in new, innovative formats as we move forward. As a chapter, we continue to focus on member relationships, promote career opportunities, advocate for our members who need financial support from global, and keep our chapter in business. It is also imperative during these current times, that we utilize the tremendous influence and impact of our meetings and events industry to bring about social and economic transformation. Together, we must amplify our voices to affect positive change, given what is happening in the world today. Thank you all, our fellow MPI-CC chapter members, for your trust and faith in this board to continue to lead this chapter in the coming year. This is a role we take with pride. Our board of directors and I are honored to be stewards in advancing the future sustainability and success of the 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.

DECEMBER MEMBERSHIP PROMOTION: Because MPI is all about giving, you are getting $125 off new memberships and $75 off membership renewals of preferred or premier for planners and suppliers. Use Promo Code: GIFT20 through 12/31/20.

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 https://academy.mpiweb.org/mpi/pages/webinars for more information and to register. See pages 8 and 9 for links to informative media from MPI.

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/

EQUALITY AND JUSTICE: Driven by MPI’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, this 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 podcasts, articles, webinars, and books here.

Thank you, MPI-CC members, for your continuing support and allowing me the opportunity to serve with you. If you have any suggestions or questions, please don’t hesitate to personally connect with me at ahodges@ncacpa. org. Your hard-working Board of Directors and committee leaders are here to support you as well. As we put this uneventful year to rest, we are excited about what we can do together and all the possibilities for the year ahead.

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