MPI - Wisconsin Chapter Announces 2016-2017 Award Winners

[Madison] – The Wisconsin Chapter of Meeting Professionals International recently celebrated members, volunteers, and chapter accomplishments at their annual Gala held at the Madison Marriott West Hotel, in Middleton, Wisconsin. Among the many honorees of the evening, Carmen Smalley, CMP, joined the MPI-Wisconsin Hall of Fame. The chapter honored Carmen’s years of dedication as a board member, President, supplier and faculty in our industry. Carmen is an instructor at the Milwaukee Area Technical College.

The Meetings Industry Advocate Award is presented to a member whose actions consistently promote the meetings industry in Wisconsin. Individuals that encourage growth and image of our industry through education, promotion or lobbying are eligible to be nominated for this award. The 2016-2017 recipient was Reggie Driscoll, CMP, Senior Meeting Professional, State Bar of Wisconsin.

The President’s Award is presented by the Immediate Past President to a member who makes significant contributions to our Chapter over the past term and stands out as a volunteer to support the Chapter and our Members. The 2016-2017 recipient was Katie McGinnis, Senior Sales Manager at The Iron Horse Hotel.

A Rising Star Award is presented to a member who has been in MPI-Wisconsin for two years or less. The 2016-2017 recipient was Jason Kauffeld, Director of Group Relations at Green Lake Conference Center.

The Industry Partner Award is presented to an organization that takes a leading role in promoting MPI and our industry. Nominees for this award are submitted by and voted on by the members of the board of directors. The Fox Cities CVB was the winner of the 2016-2017 award.

The Supplier of the Year and the Planner of the Year awards are a tribute to the individual’s service, accomplishments, recognition and contributions to our industries. The 2016-2017 Supplier of the Year was given to Deana Heinisch from the Waukesha/Pewuakee CVB. The 2016-2017 Planner of the Year recipient was Cheryl Oswald, CMP, of Kohl’s Department Stores.

The Team of the Year award is designed to recognize an entire team’s accomplishments, rather than exclusively rewarding one person for their efforts. The 2016-2017 Team of the Year was the April Chapter Meeting planning team. It was led by Kathy Reading, The Scan Group Inc. Contributing members were: Julie Kronlage, Travel Dubuque and Kyra Popp, Wisconsin Dells VCB.

A Kristin Bjurstrom Krueger Scholarship is available for students enrolled in a course of study in the meetings field at an accredited college. Ann Breitenbach, student at Madison College, received the scholarship.

The MPI-Wisconsin Chapter member grant recipients were also announced. The funds can be used at the discretion of the recipient for expenses like membership dues, registration fees or other professional development activities. The 2016-2017 Member Grant recipients were Carmen Smalley, CMP, Instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College and JoEllen Graber, Marketing and Tourism Coordinator at Mount Horeb Chamber of Commerce.

About MPI-Wisconsin Chapter
Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the meeting and event industry’s largest and most vibrant global community helps our members thrive by providing human connections to knowledge and ideas, relationships, and marketplaces. MPI–Wisconsin membership is comprised of more than 300 members from the planner and supplier sectors. Established in 1977, MPI – Wisconsin offers education, the latest research and trends, leadership training, best practices, professional development and networking opportunities, which help its members enhance their professional value and define the strategic value of meetings within their respective organizations.

For More Information Contact
Christopher Dyer
MPI Wisconsin Executive Team
admin@mpiwi.org
www.mpiwi.org