MPI forms partnership with HSMAI
Meeting Professionals International is partnering with Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International to offer members of both organizations better education and more membership opportunities. “This partnership allows us to better serve our supplier members and heightens the business value of our events for all members,” says Cindy D’Aoust, interim CEO of MPI. The first part of the alliance was enacted at MPI’s World Education Congress in St. Louis, Mo., July 28-31, with two HSMAI education sessions: “Hotel Sales Giants Talk About What’s Keeping Them Up at Night” and “Sales and Revenue Management: Managing the Relationship.” At HSMAI’s MEET National event in Washington, D.C., Sept. 5-6, MPI will present its education track.
In the future, MPI and HSMAI might open up joint membership. Some local chapters of both organizations already host joint events. “The real purpose of the partnership is to take what’s out there and not put an additional strain on those who are trying to be part of the industry,” D’Aoust explained in a press conference at MPI’s WEC. “We want our members to get the best professional development, and this is an immediate way to help without asking them to switch their alliance.”
The partnership was announced in a press conference at MPI’s 2012 World Education Congress in St. Louis. In attendance were (L-R) Barb Bowden, HSMAI; Fran Brasseux, HSMAI; Cindy D’Aoust, MPI; and Robert Gilbert, HSMAI. Not pictured: Kevin Hinton, MPI.
