"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart." - Elizabeth Andrew

I want to start by sincerely thanking our 2021-2022 outgoing board which included Jill Kopecky, Valerie Summers, Cayce Brasel, Erica Monroe, Sarah Kelly Freeman, Tara Moore, Joy Felton, Stephanie Harmon, Tara Henderson, Derrick Pannell, Beci Ruzek, Tina Gionis, Michael Farrell, Daniel Camp, and Ashley Jensen. With the number of revenge events we saw in 2021 it was no easy task to handle the craziness of our real jobs and keep up with the commitments of our volunteer positions. We appreciate you putting your time into our members and continuing to support MPI Tennessee with all of your heart. 

I also want to thank every single one of our sponsors and volunteers from this past year. Without you, we could not continue to provide our membership, the networking, education, and special event offerings we have all become accustomed to attending. 

I would like to welcome the new 2022-2023 board officially as this month begins their service. We have a stacked board of absolute Rockstar members to lead us this fiscal year. I'm ecstatic to see the amazing things we do for our chapter this year. I'll close with a quote from Margaret Mead that goes:  "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." 

July MIX - Game On!

Thursday, July 28, 2022

4:00 PM-7:00 PM CST

Game Terminal Nashville

Get ready to game on at Nashville's largest arcade! Join us for an evening filled with games, food, and drinks. This is an experience you will not forget!

Bring your industry friends and immerse yourselves in tons of games and activities. We will also have great giveaways for members and non-members, so you won't want to miss out on this!

You SHOULD attend if:

• You're a fan of arcades and games
• You want to do some meaningful networking
• You work in the events or entertainment industry
• You want to mingle with great people
• You want to have a load of fun

Can't wait to see you there!

Marisa McWilliams and Jessica Jarve 

are our Rock Star award winners for May! These two incredible leaders chaired the 2022 Gala at City Winery, and gave us all a reason to celebrate. Thank you both so much for all you did to make the Bridgerton Meets Studio 54 Gala such an incomparable event!!

We are excited to announce our June Rock Star: 

Anna Morgan Michel! 

Anna was selected for this honor because of her hard work and dedication during the 2022 Gala. Because of Anna's efforts, the Gala was a huge success and enjoyed by everyone in attendance. Thank you, Anna!

MPI Member of the Year: Shannon Jones, CMP 

Shannon Jones, CMP was named the MPI Rise Award winner for Member of the Year at the President's Dinner, held during the World Education Congress convention last week in San Francisco. A former President of MPI Tennessee, Shannon continues to dedicate her time, talents and knowledge to others involved in the meeting industry. 

Shannon was also recognized as one of MPI Global's 50 Up-and-Comers to Watch, an honor given to members who are focused on inspiration and evolution. We are blessed she calls Tennessee home!

MPI Global's 50 Up and Comers to Watch: Jill Kopecky

Our Past President, Jill Kopecky , was also recognized as one to watch.

Sky's the limit Jill - Congratulations! 

Christina Dallas Jones, CMP

Cambria Nashville Downtown

Director of Sales & Marketing

christinadallas.jones@concordhotels.com

Congratulations to Christina Dallas Jones, CMP who won Concord Hospitality’s 2021 Sales Leader of the Year!

Holly Carpenter

Carpenter Hospitality Consulting

Owner/Sales Queen

Holly@Carpenterhc.com

How long have you been in the events and hospitality industry? 

    Since I was 16 when my dad dropped me off at IHOP and told me to get a job

Why did you join MPI?  

    I could tell it was different then other groups. More qualified like minded individuals that could help me grow professionally

What do you hope to get from your MPI Tennessee membership?  

    I want to grow professionally. Learn more about networking as well as the meetings with education. I didn't expect to meet people who would become like family, that was an added bonus

What is your favorite meeting or event you have been involved in and why? 

    There are honestly so many. Judi Holler at Nissan where I had an ah-ha moment about life and goals. Gala at the Grand Ole Opry where I won Volunteer of the year (truly did not expect to win) or 2021 Gala because it was the big bash after the awful 2020 and I was the Director of Special Projects where I worked with an amazing team that brought my vision to life

Tell us more about yourself: 

• Feb 2022 I got the courage to rip off the band aide and start my own Hospitality Sales Consulting Business
• I am a single mom of an amazing little boy Jameson (yes named after my favorite whiskey)
• I am originally from Connecticut and have been in Nashville for 13 years
• Little known fact - I have 3 flip flop tattoos on my foot that symbolize one of the best summers of my life

What would you sing on karaoke night? 

    Lord - I don't like to sing in front of people I know but if I do Can't Fight the Moonlight by Leann Rhimes or On a Pontoon by Little Big Town

What makes you laugh the most? 

    Everything! I love to laugh and if you are lucky enough sometimes I snort

Which decade do you love the most and why? 

    90s - Life was simpler, Music was really good

You can have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life, what is it? Diet Coke? Sushi? Scotch Tape?

   JAMESON

We want to know more about you! Our membership is diverse, and we have grown so much over the last few years. We want to recognize each of you and help all of us feel more connected by learning more about each other.

Click on the link below to fill out our Member Spotlight form. We will include your responses in newsletters, social media posts and other MPI Tennessee communications. Don't forget to include your picture!

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