I remember looking through a magazine about 16 years ago, and there was an advertisement for the local MPI Chapter. I was intrigued to find out that there was actually an organization for people like me who planned meetings - although I wasn't considered a meeting planner. I went to that meeting and so began my relationship with MPI.
Since 1995, I have been a member of MPI. I was involved in the Greater Calgary Chapter for 4 years as the Treasurer. I think it is so important to be involved in your local chapter. For me, it was an opportunity to meet and network with the other members of our chapter. When I moved back to Edmonton, I later became involved in the Greater Edmonton Chapter first on the EMAs (Event Management Awards) Committee and I just recently finished my term as the VP of Administration. I feel very fortunate to have had all of these opportunities through MPI.
Currently, I am the Program Coordinator for the Legal Education Society of Alberta. We are a not-for-profit organization that provides continuing education for the legal community. I have also worked as a Corporate Planner, and Independent Planner and an Association Planner. All of our meetings and events are held within Alberta.
Besides being a busy event planner, I am married with two teenage children. Our daughter is in college and our son is in high school, so our weekends and evenings seem to be busy with driving to various sporting events or driving our children to and from their work. I also enjoy volunteering at my church and making cards.