Conference News June 2020 | Page 11

MPI: new agenda Judy Elvey will carry on her presidency of MPI UK & Ireland for the next period, and hints at what the association has in store eeting Professionals International (UK and Ireland chapter) has revealed its new board, which will ensure the running of the association from 1 July 2020. Judy Elvey will continue as chapter president and tells Conference News about MPI UK&I’s plans. She says: “Traditionally we go on a retreat at the start of the slate year to work on our overall strategy and business plans for each individual department. The plan is always to increase membership, to be there for our members, to be a provider of education and a touchpoint for the industry. We can draw on the expertise and great educational resources from MPI Global, and through the continued partnerships with ILEA and SITE.” Elvey notes she is excited by the strength and depth of talent on the new board, and says more streamlined roles will allow MPI UK&I to mobilise quicker when running events or putting together documents. “When I was VP of marketing, much of the work fell on our department, but now we have split that into separate marketing and communications departments. If we need to get an event launched, we can get it created quickly.” The Covid-19 pandemic has tested the value of all associations across all sectors, so how has MPI UK&I been supporting its membership? Elvey says: “There has been a lot of support from MPI Global. They are tracking the World Health Organization, providing updates, and providing education. “On more of a local level, we are trying to connect with our members with education. We recently ran a session on creating virtual meetings, for example, and we are arranging Above: Judy Elvey, president of MPI UK & Ireland regular social sessions. Never has a unified voice been so important, and after a few years away from the fold, MPI UK&I has re-joined the Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP), the umbrella association which represents the events industry to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. “The most important thing is that we have rejoined the BVEP. Now we are able to communicate to our members detailed plans from the highest level. Behind the scenes, the industry is working hard, talking to government and planning how we can come out of this situation.” What is Elvey’s message to those thinking of joining MPI? “The fact that MPI is a global association, of which we are just one chapter is the most unique thing about us. It opens up an opportunity to do business globally. There is a strong sense of community and you get to know people every quickly.” Visit https://www.mpi.org/ chapters/united-kingdom-andireland MPI UK & Ireland Board Slate 2020/2021 Board Position President Immediate past president VP communications Director communications VP events Director of events VP education Director education VP finance VP sponsorship Director sponsorship VP of strategic partnerships Director of strategic partnerships VP venue liaison VP of community Director community Director of community VP membership Director membership Director membership Director of corporate membership VP of young leaders VP of marketing Director of marketing VP MPI Ireland Director MPI Ireland Name Judy Elvey Richard Allchild Lexi Pettigrew Jessica Templeton Steve Garratt Jessica Clifford Jo Stamp Jessica Clifford Felix Goblet Craig Bingham Liz Agostini Leo Platt David Young Susan Arslan Emma Wellstead Sarah Chapman Ciara Feely Dan Noyce Anelise Longo Levi Silver Cathy Joyce Jonathan Tok Ed Holdcroft Michael Piddock Brian Hand Gary Morrison 11 Digest Company Cvent IMEX Cvent Greenwich University Studio Giggle Canadian Nuclear Association IMEX Realise GL Events Interstate Hotels Mash Media Leopold Marketing Venue Tech Collective Helms Briscoe Warwick Events CWW Travel Ciara Feely IMEX M&I Forums ARHT Media Melia Jonathan Tok Word on the Street Glisser Venues World Turning Technologies www.conference-news.co.uk