President

Susan Kainz
ConferenceDirect
Email

MPI-WI Member for 6 years

“What value have you received from your involvement in MPI?”
Personally, my life is enriched from the network of fellow members I now call “friends”.  But, the largest payout has been having a constant and steady stream of quality information, education and tools to make my life easier as a meeting professional. 

"What was your first experience volunteering for MPI?"
Laura (Cornell) MacIsaac approached me at one of my very first meetings to join the Raffle team.  It was a perfect fit!  I was able to go around and meet everyone and sell raffle tickets to benefit the organization.  No longer did I feel like a stranger and I found out that this group was unlike most networking groups – I felt welcome and knew I wanted to be part of it.

President Elect

Naomi Tucker, CMP
Humana
Email

MPI-WI Member for 7 years

“What value have you received from your involvement in MPI?”
The value that I’ve received from my involvement has been inexplicable. The education that I have been exposed to has aided me in my career as a meeting professional. In addition, being a volunteer has opened up many opportunities for me, and has engaged me with this industry in a way that I couldn’t have accomplished outside of MPI. 

"What was your first experience volunteering for MPI?"
My coworker (Lana Frank) was working a team lead for a chapter meeting, and asked me to assist her. By helping, I felt like I also contributed to a bigger cause. From that point, I was hooked, and continued to volunteer in different capacities. My experiences have been fun, I’ve met new people, made close friends, and have learned a lot about this great organization.

Immediate Past-President

Marie Johnson, CMP
Meetings & Incentives
Email

MPI-WI Member for 6 years

What value have you received from your involvement with MPI?

It is hard to imagine life without MPI. It is fabulous organization dedicated to advancing the personal and professional goals of our members. My career decisions and successes are a direct result of all the great networking, educational, and leadership opportunities I have received because of my involvement with MPI and the MPI-WI Chapter. It has been very rewarding to participate at the board level, collaborate with my peers, and provide guidance on the strategic direction and long-term sustainability of our association.

What was your first experience volunteering for MPI?

I had the privilege of working under the tutelage of Tami Gilbertson, CMP, as the associate editor for the Agenda Newsletter. It has and continues to be an amazing publication that is produced for and by our members. Assuming the editor role was a great learning experience that allowed me an opportunity to connect with our members, sharpen my writing skills, and promote all the great things about MPI and our chapter.

VP Communications

Shannon Timmerman, CMP
Wilderness Territories
Email

MPI-WI Member for 4 years

“What value have you received from your involvement in MPI?”
Where do I begin??  MPI has been such a great addition to my personal and professional career in so many ways.  The number of events that have been brought to my company from business contacts I have made through MPI is unbelievable.  Definitely more that I could have hoped for.  Also, the knowledge I have gained from the educational components and from networking with peers has helped me to reach the professional goals I had set for myself, and brought about an entire new realm of goals I never would have even dreamed of!

"What was your first experience volunteering for MPI?"
My first experience volunteering for MPI was working on the Education Team of an event that was 5 months out from the day I attended my first meeting.  I jumped in with two feet and signed up for the team at my first event, and was able to meet so many people within those first few months by being involved. 

VP Education

Alison Huber, CMP
Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau, Inc.
Email

MPI-WI Member for 5 years

“What value have you received from your involvement in MPI?”
My involvement in MPI has been incredible. I have been on numerous teams as well involved on the Board of Directors. I have learned new tips to use in my career from volunteering, as well as met amazing people who are wonderful colleagues and friends. The education I have received is integral to my career. I can't imagine not being involved with such a wonderful group of professionals.

"What was your first experience volunteering for MPI?"
My first experience was volunteering for the May 2005 Awards program at the Performing Arts Center in Appleton. I was able to work setting up for the event with other MATC Madison students to assist our team lead, Gloria Nelson, CSEP. It was a wonderful experience to see first-hand how rewarding volunteering for the Chapter really can be.

VP Finance

Jen Hlavachek
Madison Concourse Hotel & Governor's Club
Email

MPI-WI Member for 3 years

“What value have you received from your involvement in MPI?”
I value the relationships that I have been able to cultivate since becoming a member, and I have been able to grow personally to become part of the leadership team for this Chapter.

"What was your first experience volunteering for MPI?"
I was recruited for the Gala and Awards Team at my first official meeting and jumped right on board!

Director - Awards and Scholarships, Recruitment

Denise Humphrey
Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau
Email

MPI-WI Member for 3 years

“What value have you received from your involvement in MPI?”
In addition to meeting many fantastic colleagues in the industry, I feel that MPI-WI has provided a great educational and networking outlet at each of the monthly meetings. I walk away from each meeting with knowledge of something new in the industry and ideas to take back to my office. And, of course, I meet new people every time, many that I have become good friends with and look forward to seeing every month! 

"What was your first experience volunteering for MPI?"
My first experience was shortly after I joined MPI-WI, I attended the new member meeting which talked about getting involved with committees because that's how you get to meet new people. Susan Kainz actually connected me with Denise Henson who was looking for members for the communications committee and I've been involved ever since! There are so many ways to be involved and many that don't require a ton of time, so it's definitely worth asking about!

Director - Member Care

Shirley Kaltenberg
Alliant Energy Center
Email

MPI-WI Member since 1995

“What value have you received from your involvement in MPI?”
Continuing Education on relevant topics that I can incorporate into my professional and personal life.  Insight from the diverse group of members that make up our chapter.  Camaraderie with an interesting group of individuals that share a common passion.

"What was your first experience volunteering for MPI?"
My first experience volunteering was collecting raffle prizes and selling tickets at monthly events.  It was a team effort, a new way to meet people and it showed me that whatever time or energy you put into a volunteer project, you really do receive so much more back.

Director - Monthly Programming

Michelle Tyo-Johnson
Northcoast Productions
Email

MPI-WI Member for 3 years

“What value have you received from your involvement in MPI?”
I consider the value I receive from my involvement in MPI to be priceless on both a professional and personal level! In addition to always learning something new at the monthly programs, I have developed both business relationships and friendships I will always cherish.

"What was your first experience volunteering for MPI?"
My first experience volunteering for MPI, was a holiday party. Cindy Foley, CMP, basically volunteered me to be on her team at the time - something I am truly grateful for!

Director - Professional Development

Sara Beuthien
WPS Health Insurance
Email

MPI-WI Member for 6 years

“What value have you received from your involvement in MPI?”
I have received both personal and professional growth from my MPI involvement.  The relationships I made with chapter members have really made my experience even better.  I really look forward to the many opportunities the upcoming year will provide.

"What was your first experience volunteering for MPI?"
Remembering back to when I was a new member, it was Laura Cornell who talked me into volunteering on a committee.  To be honest, I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into and decided to give it a try.  It was a great experience, and I was so glad I said, “Yes!”

Director - Publications, Advertising & Community Outreach

Jodi Goldbeck, CMP
MATC
Email

MPI-WI Member for 8 years

“What value have you received from your involvement in MPI?”
The value I receive from my MPI membership is immeasurable.  I have met so many great people, have learned so much from the speakers and have gained valuable skills through my board involvement.

"What was your first experience volunteering for MPI?"
My first volunteer experience was working on the Retention Committee.  It was difficult for me to attend many monthly meetings due to my job at the time so I was happy I could find a committee that involved me making phone calls from my office.  It was flexible, took a short amount of time and it was a way to meet other MPI members.  It was a great way to get my feet wet!

Director - Special Education Projects

Wanda Gilles
TASC
Email

MPI-WI Member for 7 years

“What value have you received from your involvement in MPI?”
My MPI involvement has afforded me so much in my career and my personal life. I have been able to expand my planning skills with our monthly education we receive and I have learned from others within the Chapter from their own experiences. The networking that we do is not only done at our Chapter meetings once a month, but I find it is done daily throughout the year. I use my contacts through MPI to enhance my job by sharing my MPI contacts with my co-workers as they are planning events or looking for a new location. I have been able to expand my use of MPI now that I work for a National company, and have reached out to many other Chapters throughout the country to source MPI locations. I only book events at MPI member locations and I find myself “selling” MPI to whomever I know, wherever I am. I have also made some true friends through MPI and feel that even if we would ever not be in MPI for any reason in the future, we would still be close friends. For this, I thank all of my MPI-WI chapter family. Afterall, we are more of a family than just friends.

"What was your first experience volunteering for MPI?"
My first MPI memorable volunteering experience was joining the November Education Team under the guidance of Marin Medema. I worked on the raffle portion of the team and was amazed at how our team worked so well together. With a great location, the Alliant Energy Center, and with some seasoned volunteers on our team we pulled off a very successful event. I stayed on this team for several years and eventually took on the role of Leading the team for one year. This has always been one of my favorite monthly chapter events but with the MPI Wisconsin Chapter, every month's Chapter event is something memorable!

Director - Special Events, Fundraising & Strategic Alliances

Tamara Putney, CMP
EVENT Success, LLC
Email

MPI-WI Member for 6 years

“What value have you received from your involvement in MPI?”
I have gained so much through my involvement with MPI-WI, including but not limited to networking with new partners, education on personal and professional levels and insight to the non-profit world.

"What was your first experience volunteering for MPI?"
Thanks to then President, Tami Gilbertson, CMP, I was requested to assist in gaining sponsorships for the first MRC. I met so many wonderful people and had an opportunity to hone my 'request for sponsorship' skills. It was a such a terrific experience, I was thrilled to then be nominated to the BoD!

 

Director - Website, Public Relations & Advocacy

Tom Graybill
Tri-Marq Communications
Email

MPI-WI Member for 2 years

“What value have you received from your involvement in MPI?”
Being a member of MPI has been a great asset to me professionally and personally.  I have made great connections with planners and suppliers who I can help and who can help me better serve my clients.  I have greatly enhanced my education, both through the great presenters but also from other members.  And I look forward to every MPI meeting as a chance to get together with a fun group of friends.

"What was your first experience volunteering for MPI?"
My friend John Dorgan “volunteered me” (willingly) to work on the 2010 Awards Gala.  This turned out to be an excellent way to learn about MPI, serve on an outstanding committee,  and use the skills of my company.  I ended up writing the script for the event, and also serving as host, while Tri-Marq produced the show.