MARAPR
2021
VOL 43/NUM 2

Spring Education Day
April 8, 2021

C H A P T E R

SAM GLENN

Spring Education Day
Speakers

PHIL GERBYSHAKFree Attendance for all Planner Members(Thank you, Strategic Partners!)“MPI-WI Chapter is the bridge to knowledge, compelling ideas, andrelationships to create a voice in the meetings and events industry.”A W A R D

You can do a lot with 27,000 square feetof meeting space.
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MEET WITH CONFIDENCE
With 20 private event venues, over 40,000 square
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Why choose an ordinary venue for your event when
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Read about our Safe Promise Plan attheinglesidehotel.com
2810 Golf Road, Pewaukee, WI 53072
800 247 6640 | salesinfo@theinglesidehotel.com

March/April 2021

MPI Agenda|

2

MARCH/APRIL 2021

MPI-WISCONSIN
2020-2021
BOARD OF DIRECTORSPRESIDENTALISON HUTCHINSON
Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau
ahutchinson@foxcities.org
PRESIDENT-ELECTSHANNON TIMMERMAN, CMP
Glacier Canyon Conference Center
stimmerman@wildernessresort.com
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTJOELLEN GRABER
Impact Association Management
joeygraber1@gmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIPREGGIE DRISCOLL, CMP
State Bar of Wisconsin
rdriscoll@wisbar.org
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCEREBECCA STAATS
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
rebecca.l.staats@gmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONSJASON KAUFFELD, CMP
jasonkauffeld@hotmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATIONKYRA POPP
Kahalari Resorts
kpopp@kalahariresorts.com
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTSBETH SCHNABEL, CMPFilene Research Institutebeths@filene.org
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERS & SPONSORSHIPSMELISSA FALENDYSZ, CMP
National Association of Tax Professionals
mfalendysz@naptax.com
DIRECTOR OF MEMBER CARELIZ UNRUH
lizherrmann555@hotmail.com
DIRECTOR OF AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS & RECRUITMENTWANDA GILLES
IFF
wanda.gilles@yahoo.com
DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYMARIA PEOT, CMP
maria.peot@gmail.com

VOL 43 / NUM 2

Feature Articles

From Start to Finish: Preparing for the CMP Exam
Application Process

7

February Event Recap: Collaboration in the Pandemic

8

Thoughts from MPI-WI’s Tech Advengers

10Mini-Articles from the Tech Advengers

12

What is the Environmental Impact of Virtual Events?

14

Black History in the Making

16

April Education Day: MPI-WI is WILD about Education!

20

Whine & Cheese Zoom is Back24

In Every Issue
Editor’s Note

4

President’s Column

6Planner Profile: Tracey Bockhop, CMP

9Student Profile: Jaeryn Smith				17

Board Member Profile: Rebecca Staats

18

New Members & Anniversaries				

19

Who’s in the News

25

Calendar

26

Experience MPI Wisconsin
Print: Agenda Magazine
6 Different Ways
Web: mpiweb.org/Wisconsin

Facebook: facebook.com/mpiwi
Twitter: twitter.com/mpiwisconsin
LinkedIn: MPI-WI Chapter
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mpi_wi_chapter 																	DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONSSHERRY WOLFF
Kohlersherry.wolff@kohler.com
DIRECTOR OF MONTHLY PROGRAMMINGJOSHUA WIMMER
Premier Choice Association Management
jmwimmer@wi.rr.com

2820 Walton Commons, Ste 103

fax: 608.204.9818

Madison, WI 53718

email: admin@mpiwi.org

tel: 608.204.9816

web: www.mpiweb.org/wisconsin

MPI-WISCONSIN CHAPTER

Editor’s NoteTECHNOLOGY - this is your time (andPublished bimonthly by
Meeting Professionals International –Wisconsin Chapter

your Agenda issue)!
Technology has made it possible to meetover the last year. Technology is also
helping us move from all virtual to betterthan-ever hybrid events. Our meeting andevent technology partners have delivered
incredible advancements and innovative
solutions for video conferencing, versatileregistration systems, mobile solutions, virtual
networking, improved speaker experiences,

CO-EDITORS
Kathy Reading
The Scan Group, Inc.
reading@scangroup.net
Maria Peot, CMP
maria.peot@gmail.com

creative connections, and more.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kathy Reading
Maria Peot, CMP
Jodi Goldbeck, CMPTom Graybill
Jennifer Mell, CMP
Ed Buchner
John McDonald
Julia Spangler
Rich Luna
Beth Schnabel, CMP, CED, CUDESam Glenn
Wanda Gilles
Phil Gerbyshak
Tamara Jessein, CMP, VEMM

All of these impressive technology options need to be driven by competentcaptains. Our MPI-WI member planners continue to take charge, grasp newtechnologies, and flourish. We love seeing our MPI-WI members embrace
MPI’s education, new certifications, supplier connections, and comprehensive
resources.
This is much less impressive, but I’ve also found a few technology tools tofeed some of my own human needs while working from home. (Sometimes
technology works well in small bites.)
Connection with Nature - I splurged on a set of snow
goggles that protect my eyes and glasses, which keeps
me walking outdoors on colder, windier days. (Note: thegoggles do not deter friendly greetings from neighborhood
doggos.)Delight - I’m home A LOT, so adding a little bit of whimsy
to my space helps my attitude. These tiny sea turtle string
lights are worth every penny.

GRAPHIC DESIGNAnn Shultz, AJS Designs

PUBLICATION DEADLINES
May/June 2021
Deadline: April 2, 2021
July/August 2021
Deadline: May 15, 2021
September/October 2021
Deadline: July 15, 2021

Perspective - Along with my nieces andnephews, who always keep me in check,Instagram’s @livefromsnacktime keeps me
smiling and grounded.
As a grateful supplier to this industry,
I continue to be inspired by all of ourmembers. I know we’ll keep moving
forward with technology and creativity todrive human connection.
Go MPI-WI members!

PERMISSIONS
Material in this publication may not be
reproduced in any form without permission.
Statements of fact and opinion within Agenda
are the responsibility of the author(s) anddo not imply an opinion of the officers or
members of MPI or MPI-Wisconsin Chapter.

-KathyThe annual business dinner was billed as“The Next Big Thing.” And the organizer
wanted us to make it a can’t-miss experience.
Inspire d by our panoramic views of the lakeand state capitol, our AV team createdan all-new 180° of amazing.
Cue the surround sound.

Let us orchestrate your incredible.
Connect with us at MononaTerrace.com
Madison, WI© 2021 Monona Terrace

March/April 2021

MPI Agenda

|

5

O

President’s Column

				

ALISON HUTCHINSON
2020-2021 President, MPI-WI Chapter

We must remember thateach new day will bring
us closer to rebounding
as an industry, anda society. Let’s keep
moving forward,
supporting each other.”ur theme for this issue of theAgenda magazine is Technology.
Here are some examples of using
technology in 2021 for MPI 		
Wisconsin.

During our recent Board of Directors mid-year retreat, our facilitator wasin Connecticut, and our Board was in Wisconsin. Our facilitator used an
app that allowed us all to participate in polls and ask questions. Apps
like Slido crowdsource the questions and answers from your audienceand make everyone part of the conversation, no matter where they are.
Our January and February chapter meetings gave us the opportunity
to use the Remo platform. Thank you to Tri-Marq Communications formaking this happen. According to their website, “the Remo platform
offers a unique networking experience both visual and engaging.” The
platform looks like an overhead view of a ballroom, with tables and chairs
like an in-person event. Attendees can video chat with others at theirtable, and easily go to other tables to greet more friends and network.
This platform has been a big hit with attendees eager to get back to inperson events. Many members commented that Remo was easy andenjoyable to use.
Our upcoming in-person events will be using technology as well. At
Trivia Night, we will use the Kahoot app. It is a game-based platform.
Then, at our Spring Education, we will get to hear best practices from ourTech Avengers (check out the Q&A and mini articles from the group in
this issue as well). I look forward to seeing you April 7-8 at the Kalahari
Resort & Convention Center.
We must remember that each new day will bring us closer to rebounding
as an industry, and a society. Let’s keep moving forward, supporting
each other.

March/April 2021

MPI Agenda|

6

FROM START TO FINISH:
PREPARING FOR THE
CMP EXAMAPPLICATION PROCESS
By Jodi Goldbeck, CMP
While many meeting professionals have the desire
to receive their CMP (Certified Meeting Professional)
designation, I have heard over and over again that
actually filling out the application is one of the mostintimidating steps in the process.
To help “wrap your brain” around what may seem like acomplicated process, below are the five steps necessary
for you to apply for the CMP.

STEP 1:

Fill out the online application. The application is located on the EIC’s (Events Industry Council) website.
Go to http://eventscouncil.or/CMP to set up an account. The application fee is $250.

STEP 2:Once you have completed the application, the EIC will contact you within 3-5 weeks to inform you if
you have been approved to take the exam.

STEP 3:Go back to the EIC’s website and pay your exam fee of $475.

STEP 4:

Schedule your exam date through Prometric, the EIC’s testing partner. Exams can be taken in-person
or via remote proctoring.

STEP 5:Sit for the CMP exam. You must take the exam within one year of receiving approval.

The application has three major sections, which include (1) your personal profile/information; (2) work experience &education; and (3) continuing education.
Look for the next article in this series, which will describe the major sections of the CMP application, in the next
issue of the Agenda.

Jodi Goldbeck, CMP, is the Program Director of the Event Management Program at Madison Area Technical College.
If you would like more information on the CMP, please contact her at jgoldbeck@madisoncollege.edu.

March/April 2021

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7

FEBRUARY
EVENT RECAP

Collaborationin the pandemic
By Maria Peot, CMPOn Thursday, February 18, MPI-WI joined
forces with the MPI Chapter from Indiana tohost a collaborative event virtually - the mostpractical way to safely meet with individuals
from another state during a pandemic. A
collaboration such as this was one of our President’s goals
for this year for our chapter, so it felt great to accomplish
this goal while simultaneously meeting with individuals fromanother chapter.
We again utilized the Remo platform, which our chapter
used in January for a virtual event. I was unable to attend
the event in January, so this was my first time utilizing theplatform. I thought it worked really well, especially because
I was able to see both familiar and new faces during the
networking period of the event.
Shannon Brasovan

Our speaker, Shannon Brasovan from Practice Indie
Yoga, led us through a very engaging session where we
examined our complaints, achievements, failures, energy,
values, mindset, fears, goals, and more. Shannon alsostressed the importance of repetition. She wrapped up
the session by guiding attendees through some basic,
relaxing, and refreshing yoga!
MPI-WI attendees who registered in advance also received
a $15 DoorDash credit thanks to our 2021 StrategicPartners. Thank you to all members from both Wisconsin
and Indiana who organized this truly collaborative event!

March/April 2021

MPI Agenda|

8Planner
Profile:TraceyBockhop,
CMP
What was your favorite team or project you haveworked on for MPI? The Women’s Advisory Board has
been my favorite to date. There are many strong positive
women on this board who work as a team to grow theindustry while forming lasting relationships with one
another.
Employer: Meet Meetings

Tell us about your family: I have five nieces andnephews who are my whole world.

Job Title: CEO
Tell us about your company and/or position: I started
Meeting Meetings, a third-party meeting planningcompany, seven years ago. Currently, we handle sourcing
and planning on a wide range of meetings and incentives.
How long have you been in the meetings industry?
17 years
What drew you to become a planner? I have always
enjoyed the hospitality industry and wanted to put mymark on individual events to help companies impact
their attendees.
What do you like most about being a member of MPI?
I really enjoy networking on the national level. I attend
WEC regularly, and serve on the Women’s Advisory Board
for MPI Global.

March/April 2021

What are your hobbies and interests? Travel is my #1
but, in the meantime, putting together puzzles has topped
the list.
Favorite song//band/artist/movie/book: I really likeeverything, I don’t think in terms of favorites.
Tell us about the person you admire most and why:My parents, who have instilled in me a hard work ethic
and always lend a helping hand.
What is something that is still on your bucket list?
My bucket list is multiple pages but next up is supposed
to be Italy and Bora Bora…
Tell us the words you live by or share a favorite quote:
Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an
emergency on mine.

MPI Agenda|

9Thoughts from
MPI-WI’s Tech Avengers
Compiled by Jen Mell, CMP, Ed Buchner, John McDonald, and Tom Graybill

In 2020, nearly every industry has had to pivot to stay afloat. While virtual meetings have beenaround for awhile, making the move from live to virtual events has been a new challenge. We
asked industry experts to weigh in on best practices, platforms, and the future of virtual
meetings:

ED BUCHNER

Ed Buchner, Majic Productions
As for any event, it’s important to know your audience. Ifthey aren’t going to want to attend a virtual event, don’t
expect them to. The next step is calculating that return on
investment. What is virtual meeting X going to cost me?
How do I get buy in? Can I find sponsors?

should know all the ins and outs of attending virtual events
can sometimes be the worst at logging in!
For virtual events, the two biggest issues are length andmarketing. Too long of a program, and you lose people’sinterest! As far as marketing goes, there is such an
opportunity to attract an audience that was never coming
to your physical event before. Now after your next virtual
event, you may see them show up to your physical event.
Spread out that marketing net!

Choosing the right platform should be based on the needs
for your event. If all you need is a simple stream out, usea simple platform. If you need a complicated, multi-track
educational event, make sure you lean on a provider
that has a solid platform that can handle it. The end user
experience is the most critical. As an event producer, we
try to steer you to the best platform for your audience, buteven our hunches can be wrong. A group you might think

I don’t think we will stop doing all virtual events. I do see
us seeing more hybrid events this summer and fall. Full inperson events like we had in 2019 won’t happen until 2022.
That is me being cautiously realistic.

JOHN MCDONALDJohn McDonald, Studio Gear
One mistake I keep seeing is people think meetings need to
be basic Zoom meetings. Most parts of in-person meetings
can translate to virtual and hybrid events. The platform you
choose to go with is no different than picking a venue. It
should be a platform that is approachable, customizable,
and easy to navigate. The registration and login process
should be simple.
Once in the virtual event - create areas where attendees canengage via video chat, messaging, or social media. Like avenue - this is your attendee’s first impression of your event.
Keep it simple. The more complex - the more problems andquestions your audience will encounter. For the very large
events we have been a part of, we have found Pheedloop
to be a great resource. For mid-size and small events - weprefer to build out and customize our own platform for ourcustomers.

March/April 2021

Looking to the future, I think there will be more virtualcomponents of in-person meetings. Virtual meetings canreach larger audiences online, and I think most customers
will want to continue reaching that wider audience thancan travel to an in-person event. I think we are alreadyin the transition from fully virtual to hybrid events, and I
think that will continue for the next few months. Fully inperson meetings will not come back until infection numbers
are close to zero and counties lift travel restrictions so all
attendees can come to the events.
The new first question for planners will be: Is the event fully
in-person, online, or a hybrid?

MPI Agenda|

10TOM GRAYBILLTom Graybill, Tri-Marq Communications
The first mistake that many planners make in shifting tovirtual/hybrid events is thinking that the online conference
should mirror their in-person conference. The virtual
audience is very different - they aren’t “captive” in a ballroom
and willing to sit through hours of presentations. Expecting
a participant to stay engaged and attentive for hours infront of their computer screen is unrealistic. Planners should
condense wherever possible. Getting people to attend
involves providing quality, useful content that people arewilling to pay for - whether in time, money, or both -- andtelling them about that content to encourage them to sign up.

Creating promo videos for online events (and for in-person,for that matter) is an effective way to build excitement
and interest in a conference. We can’t just expect people
to attend; we need to give them reasons to. Keeping an
audience engaged in a virtual event starts with great
content, and expands to allowing online viewers to interact,whether with Q&A, polling, gamification, networking
activities, contests, chat, etc. Make the event worth mywhile and give me a chance to be an active participant, andI will gain value from your event.
I also think planners are thinking very much in the moment,
and not leveraging the content that is being created for andin a virtual event for future distribution. The presentations
that are either recorded in advance or recorded live during
a show can often be used on the web or social media toreach a broader audience. Of course, permissions need to
be secured before you can share this content.
I certainly expect to have more hybrid events in 2021,
probably starting in earnest in September, which istraditionally when we see an influx of events. Certain events
could be solely in-person by that time as well, if there isn’t aperceived value for a hybrid component.

JENNIFER MELL, CMP
Jennifer Mell, CMP, Made Ya Look
The first step to planning is the same as always…what’s
your event goal? Just like with in-person events, knowing
your goal(s) for the event will help drive other decisions
along the way. After your goals, having a loose budget andagenda framework in mind will help as you start to discuss
your event with your supplier partners. Planners should beasking their production partners about all the options.
Try not to limit your event to your first thoughts. Use andabuse your supplier partners for their ideas! We WANT
to help you host the most successful event possible. In
terms of virtual event platforms, while cost must be afactor, functionality should really be the driver for platform
selection. Your supplier partner may already use aplatform that’s new to you but can work with your event
goal(s). There are so many platform options on the market
now that you can find something that will suit your needs(even if not perfectly) within every price range.
In my opinion, staying engaged virtually comes down tothree components: dynamic content, shorter presentation
format (think Ted-talk style), and ability to network with

March/April 2021

other attendees. Truly, content is king. Working with yoursupplier partners and speakers to develop dynamic prerecorded pieces as well as live presentations will give yourattendees the best experience while sitting in front of their
computers. We can’t completely recreate an in-person
event. We need to adjust and focus on giving humans what
they crave: interacting with each other.
The most basic thing for a virtual event is also the mostimportant: GOOD INTERNET CONNECTION! You can’t
control each attendee’s internet connection, but doing
your part to make sure your speaker(s) and whoever’s
running content has a solid connection will go a long way.
Your tech partner team will handle the rest!
Looking at the data and projections out there now, I think
we’ll see more hybrid events in Q3 2021 and even more
by Q1 2022. Unless it’s a small meeting/event with aperceived easily-controlled population, I think hybrid willbe the norm well into 2022.

MPI Agenda|

11Mini-Articles

from theTECH AVENGERS

Surviving a Pandemic with Studio GearJohn McDonald

Studio Gear has made it a priority to keep our talented
team together through the pandemic. We are very pleased
to have been able to make it through 2020 with no layoffs.
Our technicians used the pandemic to focus on hands-on
equipment and software training. All employees are now
OSHA 10-hour certified and have completed a myriad of
online classes to improve their skills. The senior project
managers created webinars for all our technicians to share
their expertise. We came out of the shutdown ready to work.
In June, we undertook live events for the Milwaukee
Milkmen. Operating baseball games was a new experiencethat required a high level of real-time response. Since
then, Studio Gear has pivoted to also running virtual andhybrid events for non-profit organizations such as UnitedWay, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Milwaukee Chamber
Theatre, and many more. Now our corporate clients are alsoutilizing our virtual services.
In January, Studio Gear opened Cream City Studio in ourheadquarters in Milwaukee’s Third Ward. This studio isequipped with the best gear in the industry to ensure thatclients look good, sound their best, and that their message
is fully delivered. The space features an LED backdrop
which provides a dynamic, immersive, and unique visualexperience. Our talented staff has crafted this studio to thehighest standards with built-in redundancy and flexibility.

The Silver Lining of the Pandemic
Tom Graybill

Living in the virtual event world has proven to be a busy
space for production companies. Since last March, our
Tri-Marq Communications team has produced dozens ofvirtual events for our clients. Some of these were replacingshows originally planned as in-person events. We’ve also
been involved in a range of new projects bringing audiences
together online.
There are many, many platforms available for virtual events.
Finding the right combination or fit for each event’s needs
is critical. We have used more than ten different platforms
after researching many more. We’ve found it valuable tokeep in close communication with the developers to keepin the loop as innovations are about to be introduced. (Oneplatform even lists Tri-Marq as a recommended producer.)
Familiarity with a broad array of platforms provides flexibility
to combine different platforms in a single event for maximum
effectiveness. A clear understanding of third-party costs is

March/April 2021

important when budgeting for your events. (At Tri-Marq, forinstance, we don’t mark-up platform charges, which keeps
our decisions focused on results.)
When you’re planning hybrid events, it helps to work witha production team with both video and event production
experience. This mix of expertise ensures a quality
experience for all attendees.
The rush to streamed events will have a lasting impact on
our industry.
Some clients are already planning on never going back tosolely in-person events after seeing the effectiveness ofvirtual for some situations. The silver lining in these times
is that we’ve all shown our industry’s adaptability. Virtual
solutions can be a valuable option and may have their place
for some events as we return to “normal.”MPI Agenda|

12How Majic Products Became Innovators
During the Pandemic
Ed Buchner

The first mistake that many planners make in shifting to Majic
Productions has streamed events for years, but it has beenclosed session streams to select audiences only. Since last
March, we became innovators to help those clients who
knew something had to change.
In 2020, we learned we would not be going back to hosting
events the way that we had been. We investigated dozens
of options to help associations, non-profits, community
organizers, and corporations get their messages heard.
Zoom was where we started, but as the spring became
summer, we had to stay out in front. Majic had to broaden
our options. We now offer services for a dozen platforms
and add-ons.

Our biggest success is staying customer-driven. When aclient has a “want” we come up with a plan to solve it. First,
is it possible? The second thing is to make sure it is integral
for the event Third, is it a good return on investment? If it
isn’t going to forward your mission or make you a profit,
then do you have to have it?
This is what being a Tech Avenger is all about. We all work
to keep everyone informed and on the edge of what is next.
All of us want to make sure your event is a success.

Technology and Expertise
Jennifer Mell, CMP

I joined this team in January of 2021, after 20 years of event
planning and management experience. Since then, I’ve
learned so much about event production that I didn’t focus
on as a meeting planner. It’s been a challenge re-focusing
my mind to hone in on each event’s production aspect,learning about specific equipment, back-end technology
I had no visibility to before, and the talent/creative eyerequired to take an event from adequate to amazing. I’m
fortunate to have so many talented co-workers with yearsof experience who are willing to share their knowledge
with me to learn and bring their A-game to each project
we partner on. Made Ya Look has established itself as anindustry leader, working with the NFL, national speakers,
and renowned universities. But, we take the most pride ingiving back by supporting organizations that help improve
the lives of those in our community.
My experience with this team is classic MPI-WI. For many
years, I’ve seen this team execute successful projects of all
types. From local non-profits to global enterprises, Made
Ya Look and NorthCoast Productions have provided clientfocused event and video production solutions. When the
pandemic hit the industry, this group already had therange of skills and technology needed to make virtual andhybrid events work successfully.

March/April 2021

As an experienced planner, I urge you to consider theexpertise of any production partner you are considering.
Whether you need minimal production support or overallmanagement, including event strategy, registration, virtual
event platforms, video, or audio content, the right production
partner is key to your project’s success.
It’s interesting to work with various clients and projects
in diverse fields, including technology and manufacturing
health care. From PSAs to TV commercials, to digital
messages, to virtual training and content development...
technology and creativity are the keys.
I’m proud to have joined this team as a Certified Meeting
Professional (CMP) and bring something different to thetable for our projects. I advise all to review the full breadthof partner expertise and achieve your project’s optimal
experience and ROI. It’s helpful to have a reliable partner
for helpful guidance.
Whether your next event is virtual, hybrid, or in-person, asolid team of supplier partners is invaluable to help you
make it a success.

MPI Agenda|

13What is theEnvironmental Impactof Virtual Events?

By Julia Spangler

SINCE THE EVENTS INDUSTRY went largely virtual ayear ago, this question has been rolling around in mymind: What is the environmental impact of virtual events?
To be honest, I was a little scared to research it!
All the articles I had seen about virtual events and theenvironment were glowing reviews of how sustainablevirtual events are compared to in-person events. I wasworried that once I peeled back the layers, would I findthat this was an assumption that overlooked importantfactors?
What are the factors used to determine the environmental
impact of an event?
In general, these are the main factors used to gauge
the impact that an event (or anything, really) has on theenvironment:

●
●
●
●
●
●

Carbon emissions/greenhouse gas emissions
Waste
Water use
Energy use
Land use
Direct effects on local ecosystem

March/April 2021

For an in-person event, it’s easy to brainstorm the list ofareas where we need to assess impact: things like food& beverage, travel, shipping, venue energy consumption,and material waste.
For virtual events, the aspects that affect the environmentaren’t quite as tangible. Here are the factors I considered:

●
●
●
●
●

Event website
Video hosting & streaming
Attendee device usage
Shipped gifts to attendees
E-waste and equipment lifespan

Each of these aspects of virtual events has an impact on
the environmental factors listed above. For example, cloudserver farms where websites and videos are hosted use
a lot of energy, emit carbon, take up land, and use lots ofwater for cooling. Manufacturing, using, and disposing ofelectronic devices also has an impact in all of these areas.
There is not a huge body of academic research about
the sustainability of virtual events. However, I foundseveral good articles about information & communications
technology in general, which is the broader category that
virtual event technology falls into.

MPI Agenda|

14Here are my conclusions based on what I found:1) In most cases, virtual events do havea lower environmental impact than inperson events.
Based on my research, virtual events are more sustainable
than in-person events in most cases. The main factor thatmakes this true is reduced travel.

You may be tempted to compare this hybrid plan witha scenario where all of the new virtual participants
hypothetically attend in person, which of course makes
the hybrid option appear more sustainable. However, it’s
important to acknowledge that it’s very unlikely that allof your new virtual attendees would have ever attended
in-person. When assessing environmental impact, you
should compare your plan to your current reality or realistic
projections, rather than a hypothetical and unlikely scenario.

For the majority of in-person events, all attendees andexhibitors travel to a single meeting location. For events
where attendees are coming from all over the country orfrom around the world, this travel is the largest componentof an event’s carbon footprint. When this type of event goesvirtual, long-distance travel is either totally eliminated or
reduced to just a small production team.

If you want to use a hybrid format to reduce theenvironmental footprint of your event, focus on shifting inperson attendees to the virtual attendance option, rather
than retaining the same number of in-person attendees.

While virtual components like your event website and video
streaming do use energy and impact the environment,
and estimates of the exact impact of these activities varysignificantly, I didn’t find any studies that suggested theimpacts of digital communication activities were anywhereclose to the impact of long-distance travel.

Another way to make a hybrid event more sustainable is toadopt a regional hub model.

In addition to their reduced carbon footprint, virtual events
also typically generate less waste due to less material
fabrication and no large-scale food & beverage service.
(Virtual attendees still drink water, use energy, and takeup space wherever they are, so I don’t have enoughinformation to make definite claims about the water use,energy use, or land use of virtual events vs. in-person.)
Finally, I qualify this conclusion with “in most cases”
because it could be possible to have a greater
environmental impact if your virtual event is of adramatically larger scale than your original in-person event.
An example would be if you previously planned a small
local meeting with no air travel that is now a virtual eventwith thousands of attendees, a high level of AV production,and shipped swag boxes.

2) Hybrid events may have a higher
impact on the environment, depending on
how they are planned.
Even though virtual events almost always have a smaller
environmental footprint than in-person events, hybrid events
are another story entirely.
This is because the goal of many planners, following the
pandemic, is to restore their previous in-person attendee
numbers while also adding new virtual attendees toincrease their audience. Planners should understand thiswould lead to a net increase of environmental impact,because you would be planning the regular in-person event
and adding a new virtual event on top of that.

March/April 2021

3) Regional hubs can greatly reduce theenvironmental impact of hybrid events.

Remember that long-distance travel is often the biggest
component of an event’s carbon footprint. What if yourattendees could experience your in-person event without
having to fly to a single central destination?
In a regional hub model, you would plan two or moreconcurrent in-person events at locations that areconveniently located for the majority of your attendees, andthen connect these hubs using virtual meetings technology.
What other questions do you have about the environmental
impact of virtual and hybrid events? Let me know in thecomments! (This post is already super-long, but I have tonsof background info I didn’t include and would be happy toshare in response to questions.)

Visit Julia’s website to read the entire blog article andcomment by visiting her work at ecosystemevents.com.
*Note: This article has
been extracted from the
February 23, 2021 blog
post from Julia’s website,
ecosystem Events, andshortened slightly for
publishing purposes.
Julia is a member of
MPI-IN, the chapter
we partnered with for
our February Chapter
Education event.

MPI Agenda|

15

From MPI’s Editor

Rich Luna

Black History
in the Making

When day comes we ask ourselves,where can we findlight in this never-ending shade?

We close the divide because we know, to put our
future first, we must first put our differences aside.

I remember back in high school when we were assigned
to write a report for Black History Month and I profiled
Hank Aaron, then on the cusp of breaking Babe Ruth’s alltime home run record.

My 16-year-old daughter Abby came home from schoolthat day and could not stop talking about Gorman’s
poem. She told me there was a break between classes
when Gorman was speaking and students had the optionof moving along, but that no one did. They all stayed towatch Gorman finish her poem.

My teacher asked why I chose to write about Aaron. In
addition to being a baseball fan, I was more intriguedby the manner in which he held himself up in the face ofdeath threats, racist taunts and hate mail. He would break
Ruth’s record and go on to be a great ambassador for thegame and for racial equality.

This was Black history in the making, a time when we
witnessed examples of shining lights on Black culture andachievements, a time to hopefully set aside division andturmoil and seek the strength, courage and wisdom tocome together.

And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between
us, but what stands before us.

We will not march back to what was, but move to whatshall be.

I was blessed to have interviewed him when I becamea sportswriter and later in my career talked to him at aconference where I secured an autographed baseball—still a treasured keepsake.

Let us celebrate Black History Month with purpose,with commitment to acknowledge all that is good in ourcommunity, to right the wrongs and set ourselves on apath forward as a community. Let’s also strive to celebrate
beyond the month of February. If we relegate the story
to just one month, we are missing the point. These areconversations we must have every day.

I reflected on “Hammerin’ Hank” again after hearing of
his death last month, and as Black History Month is again
upon us. I wonder what he must have been thinking,politics aside, seeing Senator Kamala Harris, the first
Black, first Asian and first woman to be elected vicepresident of the United States. Or listening to the powerfuloratory, “The Hill We Climb,” delivered by 22-year-old
Amanda Gorman, the first person named National Youth
Poet Laureate, during the presidential inauguration (andwhose words I share in my editor’s letter).

For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.
- Amanda Gorman

Note: This article has been replicated from a February 1, 2021 Industry News blog post by MPI Global’s Director of
Publishing and Editor-in-Chief of The Meeting Professional.

March/April 2021

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16

Student
Profile:JaerynSmith
College & program you are currently enrolled in:
Projected to graduate from the Meeting and EventManagement Program at Madison College this December
Place of employment: Christine’s Kitchens - An online
store and delivery service of all local products. Our
website is https://www.christines-kitchens.com/ for more
information.
Job title: Operations Manager
What drew you to the meetings industry? I enjoy theopportunity to help connect people in different ways. Eachmeeting or event is a new project, with new opportunities
to learn from and express my creativity.
Tell us about a team or project that you have worked
on for MPI-WI or would like to be involved with: I have
not worked on a project with MPI yet, but I would love to
get the opportunity to work on some of the educational
projects in the future.
Where are you from? I spent about half of my childhoodin Markesan, Wisconsin and half of it right here in Madison
where I currently reside.
Tell us about your family: Family are the people who
make you feel at home.

March/April 2021

What are your hobbies and interests? Music, art, andfood are my biggest interests. Before the pandemic going
to see live music was probably my biggest hobby. Music
is such an important part of my life. I really enjoy cooking
as well, for the same reasons I enjoy the meeting andevent industry, it brings people together! Hosting dinnerparties at my house is one of my favorite things to do withthe people I love.
Tell us about who you admire most and why: I would
say I admire people who are undeniably themselves andwho make it a point in their life to show compassion andhelp others. I would like to mention my wonderful teachers
Jodi Goldbeck and Janet Spersted and my boss Christine
Ameigh for being genuine and encouraging individuals
who have really inspired me on my journey.
Favorite song/band/artist/movie/book: Music - Crooked
Colours, Cage the Elephant, DREAMERs, and so muchmore. Books - Be Here Now by Ram Dass and The
Undefeated Mind by Alex Lickerman.
What is something that is still on your bucket list?
I have never left the country! I would love to be able totravel overseas. I want to learn the history of places andget to see how other people live.
Tell us your words to live by or a favorite quote: “Treat
everyone you meet like God in drag.” and “Everything inyour life is there as a vehicle for your transformation. Useit!” both from the Ram Dass book previously mentioned.

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17

BoardMemberProfile:Rebecca
StaatsPosition on MPI-WI Board:
Current VP of Finance. Next term I have been slated as
President Elect.

Employer:Princeton Crossing Management, LLC

Tell us a few things about your role on our Chapter
Board:As the VP of Finance, my team and I are responsible for
producing special events to include Bidding for Good,
Trivia Night, and the Awards Gala. We are also responsible
for securing new strategic partnerships, sponsorships, andfundraising for the chapter.

Job Title:
Director of Sales for two Marriott properties: Residence Inn
Eau Claire & Fairfield Eau Claire Chippewa Falls

Tell us about the company you work for and/or
your position:
This is a small local management & ownership group thatis fantastic and so much fun to work with and for! It is great
to be a part of the Marriott franchise with a lot of great
resources at my fingertips. I joined the team at the Fairfield
property in August 2020 after being furloughed from mytravel agent position with AAA two months prior. We opened
the newly built Residence Inn next door in November 2020.

How long have you been in the meetings industry?
A total of 20 blissful years. After receiving a degree in Travel& Hospitality and landing my first job as Sales Coordinatorat the Holiday Inn Arden Hills, MN, I was hooked. Overthe years I have worked in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Chicago,and Eau Claire in various supplier positions including
Administrative, Banquet, Convention Services, Sales, andDirector of Sales positions.

March/April 2021

What drew you to serve on our Chapter Board?
The MPI-WI Chapter is “my people”! We are fun, resilient,and have a passion for hospitality. Early in my career,
I volunteered with MPI-MN and had several mentors
throughout my career who served on the BOD and knew
someday I wanted to do the same.

What do you enjoy about your board service, andwhat are you learning?
Attending our events, in person, has always been fun and is
now even more meaningful. Collaborating with like-minded
individuals who are all going through similar challenging
times makes the challenging times a little less so. I am
learning how to prepare for the worst, hope for the best, andbe a better leader.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love music and going to see live music. I play volleyball
three nights a week. I enjoy cooking and baking andplaying with our two English Bulldogs, Dash & Quinn. My
husband and I enjoy traveling, camping, and the warm
weather outdoors!

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18

MPI WISCONSIN

Tell us about your family:
My household is my husband and I, our two
dogs, and one cat. Most of our immediate family
also live in the Chippewa Falls/Eau Claire area.
We love being close to everyone.

Favorite song/band/artist/movie/book:

ANNIVERSARIESCongratulations to all those members celebrating
a milestone anniversary in March and April!

Today, my favorite song is Not Mad Enoughby Smith and Myers. My favorite book andmovie right now is In Her Shoes, a beautiful but
complicated story about two sisters.

5 YEARLAURIE FREUND

Bridges Library System

Person you admire and why:

JOAN PINCH

I adore my mother! She has had some very
rough seasons of life and continues to have asunny outlook on life. She is always willing to
help, is the most unselfish person I know, anddoes it all with a smile on her face.

Wisco Hotels

AMANDA RIDOUT
Resonance Food Co.

10 YEAR

What is something that is still on yourbucket list?

DEANA HEINISCH

Although I have a long travel bucket list, at the
top of it would be an international trip to Peru to
see Machu Picchu!

Waukesha Pewaukee CVB

CHERYL OSWALD, CMP, CMM
Kohl’s Department Stores

Tell us your words to live by or share afavorite quote:

KELLY POSTHUMA, CMP“Keep your fork, the best is yet to come.”

Arthrex, Inc.

15 YEAR
SHANNON TIMMERMAN, CMP
Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort

25 YEAR
DICK BRADLEY

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

Refer a friend to MPI.
When a new member joins, tell them to use the
MyFriendMPI promo code, and to list you on theapplication as the referring member. The newmember will receive $50 off their membership andyou’ll receive a $25 credit to apply toward yournext renewal.

March/April 2021

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19

APRIL EDUCATION DAY

MPI-Wisconsin
is WILD About
Education!

All members & guests
attending the MPI-WI
April event are required toacknowledge and agree to ourAttendee Code of Conduct in orderto register for the event.

By Beth Schnabel, CMP, CED, CUDEWISCONSIN

CHAPTERATTENDEE WILL:• Provide your own mask

• Self-monitor for symptoms of illness
prior to arrival and throughout the day.
Attendees with symptoms of fever or
respiratory illness should not attend
and request cancellation.
• Attendees living in a household wherea member or other close contact
tested positive for COVID-19 should
not attend and request refund.

• Be considerate of their own healtha n d th e h e a l t h o f th o se a rou n dthem. Others may wish to be morecautious than you. Respect them andunderstand we all want to keep ourfamilies and ourselves healthy.
• Abide by all social distancing
requirements and requirements ofour host properties.

• Refrain from handshakes, theexchange of business cards, and thisis the tough one… hugs
• Practice proper respiratory etiquette:

EDUCATION
MPI Wisconsin Spring Education Day
As we watch the snow slowly melt and the temperatures inch higher andhigher on our weather app, it can only mean one thing...it is SPRING in
Wisconsin again, and that means Spring Education Day is right aroundthe corner.
MPI-Wisconsin invites you to join us on Thursday, April 8th at the Kalahari
Resort in the Wisconsin Dells to connect with old friends and make somenew ones while we explore career growth opportunities and executing
safe events in a post-pandemic jungle.
Hear from keynote speakers Sam Glenn and Phil Gerbyshak along withother industry experts who will have you going home with a cage fullof ideas and actions to provide a safe learning environment for yourattendees.
And what better way to learn about safe meeting execution than seeing
it for yourself. MPI-Wisconsin is proud to host this event at the Kalahariwith their Commitment to Clean.

Cover mouth and nose with a tissue
when coughing or sneezing

EVENT DETAILS:• Thursday, April 8, 2021
• Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
• Education Sessions from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

If you don’t have a tissue, cough orsneeze into elbow, not hand

For full event details, visit the event page at bit.ly/MPI-WI-SPRING2021.

Throw used tissues in the trash

Wash hands (20 second rule) anduse sanitizing stations often.

20|

March/April 2021

MPI Agenda

APRIL SPEAKER PREVIEW: PHIL GERBYSHAK

Session 1:

Session 2:

Do you spend most of your time on the go, running frommeeting to meeting, appointment to appointment, andhave no idea how you’ll get what you need to do every
day, much less make the money you want to make, withoutworking 15-20 hour days? Do you believe there’s got to bea better way?

LinkedIn can be the best tool for helping you find a path
into your dream job, or at least your next job. It’s simple but
not easy, and you need a strategy to make it happen. Joinsales and LinkedIn expert Phil Gerbyshak for how you canleverage this powerful platform in your job search and if
you’re transitioning to something bigger and better.

There is – and it’s called Pocket Productivity.

You will learn:

Pocket Productivity
for Meeting and Events
Professionals

Join sales expert, technology guru, and networking
superhero Phil Gerbyshak as he shares how you can run
90% or more of your meeting and events business fromyour smartphone—quickly, effectively, and using appsthat don’t cost a lot of time or require tech-savviness.
Increase your profits, increase your productivity, and getyour life back!

●
●
●

●

How to use social media to “shed yourinvisibility” and manage your career andprofessional image;
How to brand yourself boldly, and then create
personal connections and strong relationships
utilizing social media such as LinkedIn, Twitter,
Instagram, etc.;
How to use LinkedIn and other social media todifferentiate your company/organization from thepack...by sharing topical information, providing
valuable solutions, and caring about others formore than their wallet.

●●

In this session, you will learn:●

Leveraging LinkedIn for Job
Search and Transitioning
Professionals

How you can use the right apps productively without wasting your time or effort;
The top apps to use to make your work moreproductive;
The apps your peers in the room are using to be
more effective;
Q&A around any app you’ve got a question
about.

Phil will share as many apps as he has time for and willanswer any questions. He’s got over 600 apps on his
phone - and he’s not afraid to use an app.

About Phil Gerbyshak
Phil Gerbyshak knows sales. He’s a sales speaker, a sales executive, a sales expert, a sales
leader mentor, a sales podcaster, and a sales coach. Phil has written five books, more than
3,000 articles, and has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Daily Globe and Mail, Financial
Times, Investor’s Business Daily, Inc. and many other publications, including earning threecovers: Speaker Magazine, Marketing Media and Money, and Social Selling Made Easy.
Recently he was recognized as one of 25 Sales Leaders to follow by Crunchbase. Phil iscurrently the chief revenue officer and partner at Process and Results, LLC, where he andhis team help tech agencies and SaaS businesses sell more. They specialize in sales andSalesOps so that teams can stay focused on what they do best.

March/April 2021

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21

APRIL SPEAKER PREVIEW: SAM GLENNIs Your Attitudein the Way or
Making a Way?
By Sam GlennIT WAS OVER a cup of coffee that I could barely afford thata good friend said to me, “Sam, your attitude is either in theway or making a way and you determine which every day.”
Talk about a kick in the attitude, but in a good way. Since
that moment, when I was homeless, living in my ‘82 Buick
Regal and getting by just working odd jobs, I have written
over 30 books based on research and observation relating
to the human attitude. My books are really my notes, but
dressed up like they are going to a gala. If what I learnedchanged and helped me, I know it will change and help
others. And even though I have researched the topic
of attitude and spoken on the subject at meetings andconferences for over two decades, I am still learning. One
lesson that fuels an attitude that works for me is finding
value in the reminders of what I have studied, researched,
and learned. There is cause to celebrate growth whenrevisiting the treasures that improve your life.
We have all heard speeches on attitude, and maybe
growing up been lectured by an adult regarding ourattitude. So, attitude has become a broad and loose topic- almost general in nature. However, in all my research, ourattitude plays the biggest role in everything. The choices
we make, our behaviors, and efforts follow the attitude we
cultivate. We own the choice of choosing an attitude thatgets in the way or makes a way. You can choose to respondnicely or negatively. You can choose to take ownership orpoint fingers. You can choose to communicate or create
assumptions. Either way, it all starts with attitude.

March/April 2021

When we think of an attitude that is in the way, let me ask
this, “Can you think of a time the attitude you brought toa certain circumstance made the situation much, muchworse?” I think we all can. In that moment, we realize that
our attitude was in the way or working against our successor helpfulness of the situation. If you walk away with anawareness that you could have done better, that leads togrowth. If not, chances are you will repeat and recreate thesame messy results as before.
Choosing an attitude that makes a way or works for you isoftentimes a platform based on the experiences we havefrom the moments our attitude was less than ideal. So,
instead of being reactive, you are more patient, calm, andclear minded.
Let’s look at attitude from another perspective. Let’s say adoctor informs you that someone you love has an illness orcancer and that the required treatment will be 10% what
the hospital does and the balance of the treatment will be
90% of the person’s attitude. How much stock would you
put in the value of encouraging your loved one to choose anattitude that works for them? And by the way, I didn’t makeup the scenario. This happened in my life and it happens
every day. Nearly every cancer patient I have ever had aconversation with, every one of them acknowledge in someform the importance and value of having and maintaining
the right attitude.
So, the question is how do we cultivate an attitude thatworks for us? First, it’s realizing that none of us will ever getto have the perfect attitude; however, we can develop a
progressively better attitude that works for us and makes away. Our attitude is like a battery that loses energy throughadversity, too much stress, lack of sleep, or not eating
properly. The first step is treating your attitude like your cell
phone in this regard - take time to recharge it. The way we

MPI Agenda|

22recharge our attitude is how we feed it. I always suggest
reading a few pages of a good book daily. My latementor, Zig Ziglar, used to say, “Input leads to output.” I
agree. Read a positive quote daily. I know it may soundcheesy, but my philosophy is that a positive quote a day
keeps a negative attitude away. Some days you have toread more than one.
Other ideas to recharge and feed your attitude are togo for a walk, move, exercise, eat something healthy,
breathe, turn off technology, and take a nap. You can
pop some popcorn and watch a good movie. I have afriend who walks around Costco after work to simply
decompress, so when she goes home, she is not in abad mood towards her family. That is called being preactive and proactive at the same time. She knows that
her work days are filled with stress and the consequenceof that stress has been affecting the peacefulness inher home. Her attitude was in the way, so she did whatsome of us need to remember to do - be aware, makethe change, and then fuel the habit. Initially, she said
she would make choices that made her feel worse. But
she created a new plan that put her mind in a better
place and cultivated a healthier and happier attitude.

Join us for Trivia Night 2021!
By Wanda GillesWe will start our evening at 6:00pm
on April 7, 2021 at the Kalahari
Resort in the Wisconsin Dells.
Gather your team of four to six
people for this event and theme your team in any way
you want. Please remember that when you register,
you will need to let us know who your teammatesare. To add to the fun, we will have an amazing silent
auction happening throughout the evening. We have
many wonderful and supportive MPI members thathave donated some amazing items. We have alsoreached outside of MPI for donations and have comeup with some pretty awesome items. There is somuch going on to make our 2021 Trivia Night anothersuccessful “in-person” event that we will talk about
for years to come, so plan on joining us to test yoursmarts with your teammates.

The truth is, having a positive attitude will never eliminate
or stop the junk or adversities from happening in life. Our
attitude will get off track from time to time. But the goodnews is that when we work on having a better attitude, itworks for us to make better choices, be more creative,
resilient, patient, kind, compassionate, and happy. The
other good news is developing an attitude that works foryou both personally and professionally isn’t a lot of work.
Initially, it’s creating a plan and fueling that plan into a
healthy habit that gives life to an attitude that works foryou. Remember, you own the choice daily - to choose
an attitude that works for you or an attitude that works
against you. Your attitude is always at work, so make thechoice that rewards you.

We will still be following the CDC’s social distancing
guidelines for this evening and will have coloredlanyards for you to choose from at registration. Your
colored lanyard will allow everyone around to see if
you are a person who prefers a little distance or a lotof distance. Masks must be worn at this event, so if
your team wants to have their masks be their theme,
decorate away and surprise us all. We love thecreativity that MPI-WI brings out in all of us!

About Sam Glenn: Sam Glenn offers
educational content partnered with engagement andentertainment. Sam believes in delivering informationthat sticks, and presents his material in a way thatoffers high retention. The quality of excellence becomes
more substantial where there is enthusiasm. Let
Sam set the tone for your next event by rekindlingenthusiasm. The question is, how relevant is attitude inyour organization? Learn more at www.SamGlenn.com
or by emailing Contact@SamGlenn.com or visiting www.
SamGlennMotivation.com.

MPI Agenda

March/April 2021

|March/April
23
2021

For those who are unable or uncomfortable attending
this in-person event, trivia will be available throughan online platform. Details have yet to be determined,
but we hope those of you who cannot attend will joinalong in the fun virtually!

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23

Whine & Cheese Zoom is BackW

By Tamara Jesswein, CMP, VEMM

Whine & Cheese is backwith a gusto!

ELCOME TO 2021 and Anything But a Cup (ABC)! What great
fun we all had catching up and with such a creative theme, too.
A sprinkler filled with beer (note: remove sprinkler head from the
spout prior to drinking), a rabbit water feeder, rubber oven mitt,trophy, teapot, Ziplock with a straw, Tupperware, a vase, and yes, even a flask posing as bottle of a sunscreen!
Fifteen of us sharing funny stories, things we are excited about, work updates, and just lifting each other’s spirits (punintended). We’d love to see more faces next time. We will be hosting Whine & Cheese from 4-5PM on the last Fridayof the month until further notice.
Hope to see you on Friday, March 26th with your favorite beverage in Anything But a Cup!

March/April 2021

MPI Agenda|

24Compiled by Maria Peot, CMP & Kathy Reading

TAMARA JESSWEIN, CMP,
VEMM has earned her Virtual
Event & Meeting Management(VEMM) certification. Successful
completion of this MPI course
series and exam puts her in an
excellent position to develop,
plan, and manage virtual events.
You wear those extra letterswell, Tamara!

VISIT WAUKESHA PEWAUKEE is excited to welcome
groups with a few new meeting options. A new Avid
Hotel is opening in early 2021, Twisted Vine Wine Shopand Bar features wine tastings for wine-os of all levels
and tastes, and Urban Air Adventure park provides
team building experiences and full catering services.
Let’s get out in Waukesha/Pewaukee soon!

DESTINATION KOHLER is adding a par three golf course
to their portfolio. The Baths at Blackwolf Run will open
June 4, 2021. This course will open up the opportunity for
individuals of all skill levels to enjoy the beautiful golfing
landscapes in Kohler, WI. Looking forward to getting out on
this new course when the warmer weather arrives!

March/April 2021

MPI Agenda|

25

Enhance your meeting planningcareer with the MPI Academy
With hundreds of hours of free education for MPI members, the MPI Academy is your one-stop
shop for meeting planning and event industry skills training, CE credits and certificate courses.
Featuring online and in-person classes and webinars, it's the perfect resource for the job you
have - or the job you want.
CERTIFICATE COURSES: https://www.mpi.org/education

DATEBOOK: C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S

Upcoming Dates
MARCH 26 | APRIL 30 | MAY 28
Register on our chapter website or bit.ly/whineandcheese.
(Your member email will give you access.) Zoom link will be
provided in your confirmation.

APRIL
Join your MPI Wisconsin friends and bring the week to a
happy close with some wine and whine. The struggle is realand it’s always good to see friendly faces that understand.

2021
7-8

MAY

Friday Whine & Cheese
Zoom gatherings return!

13

JUNE

BY POPULAR DEMAND

15-17

TRIVIA NIGHT &SPRING EDUCATION
Kalahari Resort &Convention Center
CHAPTER EDUCATION
EVENT
Milwaukee RenaissanceWORLD EDUCATIONCONGRESS
Caesars Forum
Las Vegas, NV