In a room full of eminent meetings people I felt honoured and proud to be in such company. It was 24 April 2014 and I was at the 20th Year Celebration of the MPI UK & Ireland Chapter for Past Presidents.
Tales around the table demonstrated just how much has changed in the meetings industry in 20 years. Peter Haigh, the first President, recalled a time when the international members were asked to stand up and take applause for travelling to the World Congress in the USA!
Twenty years ago, there was little activity around qualifications and gaining degrees, and now in 2014, we interact with thousands of students coming out from University/College each year with such a qualification wanting to work in the meetings industry. This is great progress.
But, how much has changed in 20 years in being a Chapter Leader? Probably not much. As I looked around the room I realised that each of the Presidents that had taken on the post had stepped up and had encountered the challenges of their particular time with relish. Each person has made a significant contribution that was right for the organsation at that point.
So can you pay tribute to an organisation? Or do you pay tribute to the individuals who have helped shape the organisation? I think it’s a bit of both and it’s good to see Past Presidents still contributing wisdom and support. Here’s to the next 20 years and to meeting more professionals individually.
