Midwest Meetings: How has being a member of MPI made a difference in your career?
Nicole Coon: MPI has allowed me the education and opportunity to continue to grow in my career — from formal training to leadership experience, both have been integral in supporting growth in my career. I’ve gained valuable connections professionally to assist in my day to day operations with vendors and supplies and invaluable connections with planners for collaboration, feedback and insight.
MM: Why do you think people should join MPI?
NC: MPI Minnesota is a fantastic place for networking and education. I hear time and time again how welcome people feel attending our events. We have meaningful programming on a variety of topics, which is great if you’re maintaining your CMP or want relevant timely education.
MM: What is one tip you received in your career that you will never forget?
NC: Remain flexible. We have good intentions that all our planning will execute flawlessly, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Leave room for when it doesn’t and adjust accordingly (deep breaths, woo-sa is what we say in our office).
MM: Is there any advice you have for planners new to the industry?
NC: I can’t express enough the importance of self-care (sleep, exercise, nutrition, balance, relationships, spirituality). Something I still don’t have the hang of. I think with our innate nature of wanting to take care of things and go above and beyond, it becomes hard to say “no” to the additional demands we put on ourselves.
Nicole Coon: MPI has allowed me the education and opportunity to continue to grow in my career — from formal training to leadership experience, both have been integral in supporting growth in my career. I’ve gained valuable connections professionally to assist in my day to day operations with vendors and supplies and invaluable connections with planners for collaboration, feedback and insight.
MM: Why do you think people should join MPI?
NC: MPI Minnesota is a fantastic place for networking and education. I hear time and time again how welcome people feel attending our events. We have meaningful programming on a variety of topics, which is great if you’re maintaining your CMP or want relevant timely education.
MM: What is one tip you received in your career that you will never forget?
NC: Remain flexible. We have good intentions that all our planning will execute flawlessly, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Leave room for when it doesn’t and adjust accordingly (deep breaths, woo-sa is what we say in our office).
MM: Is there any advice you have for planners new to the industry?
NC: I can’t express enough the importance of self-care (sleep, exercise, nutrition, balance, relationships, spirituality). Something I still don’t have the hang of. I think with our innate nature of wanting to take care of things and go above and beyond, it becomes hard to say “no” to the additional demands we put on ourselves.
Midwest Meetings: What makes the Ohio Chapter different from other MPI chapters?
Ann Luketic: The Ohio Chapter members have such a passion for the industry and MPI. Everyone wants to contribute to the success of the chapter and participate in the chapter events. Even though we are spread out across the state, most members don’t mind driving a few hours to meet up with their industry partners.
MM: What is one tip you received in your career that you will never forget?
AL: My dad was my early career coach and told me to use every job as an opportunity to learn something new. You are not always going to be working at your dream job; however, each time you work on a new project there’s the opportunity to learn a new skill or gain experience. Many planners learn the same skills, but it’s the proven experience that helped me advance my career.
MM: Does the Ohio Chapter offer any unique experiences for new members?
AL: The chapter offers many unique experiences for all members, however they do recognize new members at each event. Many members send welcome messages to the new members and make sure to introduce themselves at chapter meetings.
MM: Is there any advice you have for planners new to the industry?
AL: Get out there and get involved! There are a lot of opportunities to meet new people and create new experiences. Planners need to make the time to connect with other professionals and schedule time for personal development.
Ann Luketic: The Ohio Chapter members have such a passion for the industry and MPI. Everyone wants to contribute to the success of the chapter and participate in the chapter events. Even though we are spread out across the state, most members don’t mind driving a few hours to meet up with their industry partners.
MM: What is one tip you received in your career that you will never forget?
AL: My dad was my early career coach and told me to use every job as an opportunity to learn something new. You are not always going to be working at your dream job; however, each time you work on a new project there’s the opportunity to learn a new skill or gain experience. Many planners learn the same skills, but it’s the proven experience that helped me advance my career.
MM: Does the Ohio Chapter offer any unique experiences for new members?
AL: The chapter offers many unique experiences for all members, however they do recognize new members at each event. Many members send welcome messages to the new members and make sure to introduce themselves at chapter meetings.
MM: Is there any advice you have for planners new to the industry?
AL: Get out there and get involved! There are a lot of opportunities to meet new people and create new experiences. Planners need to make the time to connect with other professionals and schedule time for personal development.
