MPI
Bring more heart into events
OUR MPI CORRESPONDENT PAUL COOK TESTIFIES TO THE POWER OF THE EVENTS INDUSTRY ’ S WIDE AND INCLUSIVE EMBRACE
F or me , being a longtime member of Meeting Professionals International has been like getting a giant hug . MPI stands as a cornerstone of community and connection . Far more than a simple professional organisation , MPI embodies a welcoming embrace for its members – a sentiment experienced by many of the countless attendees of its in-person events , such as EMEC in Europe and WEC , its World Education Congress .
For example , for EMEC Luxembourg , MPI offered no less than 40 scholarships this year .
With attendees hailing from virtually every part of the world , it ’ s impossible to overstate the diversity of cultures and attitudes that participants bring to events . Whether our concerns are accessibility , the gender pay gap or neurodiversity , delegates and speakers bring their perspectives , and this often results in lively discussion and fresh debate .
Pamela Schuller is a keynote speaker at MPI ’ s WEC later this year . She also has Tourette Syndrome .
“ Diversity leads to stronger business ,” Schuller says . “ We are not inclusive because it ’ s a good deed , but rather we are inclusive because organisations and companies benefit when diverse voices surround the table .”
The events sector is one of
“ It ’ s up to us to bring heart into our work . It ’ s a uniquely human ingredient and will never truly be emulated accurately by software , no matter how powerful its computing power .” the fastest moving professional environments available . This is clear to anyone involved . Event professionals are simultaneously engaged in debates about climate change , the economy , gender equality , and new technology , and that ’ s just scratching the surface .
One of the biggest issues the events industry faces is the effect of Artificial Intelligence now and in the future . AI is developing faster than any other technology and the usage is spreading fast . Soon , it ’ s likely that most of our work will be affected in some way by AI . Often those effects are positive .
Yet , despite this , it is still up to humans to supply the extra element , that almost intangible quality that enhances connection and interaction . Melissa Cherry , chief diversity and inclusion officer / SVP for Miles Partnership says : “ Creating events that make people from diverse cultures feel a sense of belonging involves thoughtful planning , cultural sensitivity and inclusive practices .”
She ’ s right , it ’ s up to us to bring heart into our work . It ’ s a uniquely human ingredient and will never truly be emulated accurately by software , no matter how powerful its computing power .
So , when you ’ re next at a meeting , take your heart with you . Remember to bring your full attention to bear on the people you speak to . There is nothing so powerful than giving your entire self over in your interactions . Connect with new people , reach out to familiar faces , and catch up with what they are interested in . Really listen to them and avoid the temptation to scan the room over their shoulder to see who else is there .
The power of your attention is infinitely more effective than any new technology , and the effects last much longer . MPI taught me that it ’ s about bringing more than just your head to an event , it ’ s about bringing your whole heart . n
ISSUE 129 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 23