 Margaret O’Gorman, CMP Tourism Development Manager Joined MPI Ohio in 2015 Currently serving on the Professional Development Committee, Education Committee, and works with members interested in earning their CMP designation Awarded the MPI OH 2016-2017 Rising Star Award |  Jennifer Berkemeier Sales Manager, TCF Center Detroit Joined MPI Michigan in 2008 Currently serving on the MPI MI Board as Director of Social Media Formerly Vice President of Communications and Vice President of Membership |
Midwest Meetings: How has being a member of MPI made a difference in your career?
Margaret O’Gorman: I changed careers from working in higher education to working in the tourism and hospitality industry. Getting involved with MPI was great for accelerating my learning and for meeting people within my new industry. I was familiar with meetings and events from my work in student development and I had also worked as a planner, but I didn’t realize there was a specific professional organization. It’s been great to have a network of peers!
MM: Why do you think people should join MPI?
MO: One of the best reasons to join is for the support of a peer network. We work in such a unique industry, it’s great to spend time with people who totally understand what I do, and who “get” the oddities we face regularly. Through MPI OH, I’ve expanded both my personal and professional networks, and feel I have great support.
MM: What is one tip you received in your career that you will never forget?
MO: Say “thank you” for the little things that are easy to take for granted. Show gratitude for the everyday aspects of being part of a team, because it’s those everyday things that build the trust you need to know your team will step-up on the bigger issues.
MM: Is there any advice you have for planners new to the industry?
MO: Ask questions, build your network, and take every educational opportunity that comes your way. Build a group of peers that can be your sounding board by connecting with people in similar roles who aren’t close competitors. They’ll have similar experience, but because they aren’t competitors you’ll be able to share information freely.
Margaret O’Gorman: I changed careers from working in higher education to working in the tourism and hospitality industry. Getting involved with MPI was great for accelerating my learning and for meeting people within my new industry. I was familiar with meetings and events from my work in student development and I had also worked as a planner, but I didn’t realize there was a specific professional organization. It’s been great to have a network of peers!
MM: Why do you think people should join MPI?
MO: One of the best reasons to join is for the support of a peer network. We work in such a unique industry, it’s great to spend time with people who totally understand what I do, and who “get” the oddities we face regularly. Through MPI OH, I’ve expanded both my personal and professional networks, and feel I have great support.
MM: What is one tip you received in your career that you will never forget?
MO: Say “thank you” for the little things that are easy to take for granted. Show gratitude for the everyday aspects of being part of a team, because it’s those everyday things that build the trust you need to know your team will step-up on the bigger issues.
MM: Is there any advice you have for planners new to the industry?
MO: Ask questions, build your network, and take every educational opportunity that comes your way. Build a group of peers that can be your sounding board by connecting with people in similar roles who aren’t close competitors. They’ll have similar experience, but because they aren’t competitors you’ll be able to share information freely.
Midwest Meetings: How has being a member of MPI made a difference in your career?
Jennifer Berkemeier: I can’t speak enough as to the positive impact being an active MPI Michigan Chapter member has had on my career. Through attending the regular meetings, I have met scores of intelligent, knowledgeable meeting industry professionals and learned from countless professional industry speakers. Joining a committee has elevated my experience. I have gained invaluable board experience, honed my collaboration skills, and grown my confidence for public speaking. It has taught me how to effectively network and how to put timely takeaways to use.
MM: What makes the Michigan Chapter different from other MPI chapters?
JB: The Michigan Chapter truly has their members as their main focus. They listen and consider all feedback from members, and design the meetings around their needs. They have recently added several innovative programs, such as the Mentor Cafe (pairs seasoned members with incoming, young professionals) and Membership 101, an informational board call that helps to onboard new members and answers any questions while showing them how to get the most out of their membership.
MM: Why do you think people should join MPI?
JB: MPI offers many opportunities throughout the year to expand on your industry knowledge and grow your professional network. If you volunteer and attend the meetings regularly, it can help you become a mature professional, all the while helping to develop your meeting industry skills.
MM: Is there any advice you have for planners new to the industry?
JB: Always be on the lookout for the next learning experience, and for that next great connection.
Jennifer Berkemeier: I can’t speak enough as to the positive impact being an active MPI Michigan Chapter member has had on my career. Through attending the regular meetings, I have met scores of intelligent, knowledgeable meeting industry professionals and learned from countless professional industry speakers. Joining a committee has elevated my experience. I have gained invaluable board experience, honed my collaboration skills, and grown my confidence for public speaking. It has taught me how to effectively network and how to put timely takeaways to use.
MM: What makes the Michigan Chapter different from other MPI chapters?
JB: The Michigan Chapter truly has their members as their main focus. They listen and consider all feedback from members, and design the meetings around their needs. They have recently added several innovative programs, such as the Mentor Cafe (pairs seasoned members with incoming, young professionals) and Membership 101, an informational board call that helps to onboard new members and answers any questions while showing them how to get the most out of their membership.
MM: Why do you think people should join MPI?
JB: MPI offers many opportunities throughout the year to expand on your industry knowledge and grow your professional network. If you volunteer and attend the meetings regularly, it can help you become a mature professional, all the while helping to develop your meeting industry skills.
MM: Is there any advice you have for planners new to the industry?
JB: Always be on the lookout for the next learning experience, and for that next great connection.