MPI Potomac Cast

Should planners budget for photography at events? The answer is YES. Tune in and listen to Jules Clifford, Owner and Founder of EPNAC describe the importance of capturing and memorializing the event experience for both planners and attendees.

Looking for something a little different for your attendees? Tune in and listen as Nichole Szymanowski and Jennifer Burchfield with Punch Bowl Social share the fun and unique experiences available to planners at Punchbowl Social!

Listen to a panel of Potomac Chapter members who attended MPI WEC 2026 in San Antonio. This panel was perfectly curated with a mix of long-time attendees and those attending for the first time. Have you attended WEC in the past but were not able to make it this year? Or, have you considered attending but have not been able to do so or have been on the fence? In either case, this episode is for you...

In this episode, MPI Potomac Chapter President Evan Nielson reflects on the chapter’s past and future, discussing key achievements, challenges, and goals for 2026. He explores the importance of volunteer engagement, the impact of WorldPride, and the need to strengthen member retention. Evan also shares insights from his leadership journey, highlights the value of community involvement, and encoura...

Considering tackling the CMP? Tune in and listen to two special guests with key knowledge to share for any listener who is interested – or even considering – earning their CMP, the industry -leading Certified Meeting Planner credential.

MPI Potomac brings you exclusive excerpts from the chapter’s May E2 event, featuring a powerhouse panel of event professionals with experience managing major gatherings like WorldPride DC 2025. Dive into a dynamic conversation that explores the planning and security challenges of hosting high-profile, large-scale events in the heart of Washington, DC.  Our expert speakers from share actionable str...

In this episode, Andrea Rouse speaks with Cleo Battle, President and CEO of Louisville Tourism , about the cultural significance of the Kentucky Derby, the vibrant community spirit it fosters, and how it positions Louisville as a premier destination for events and tourism. Cleo shares insights into the traditions surrounding the Derby, the economic impact of the event, and the various attractions...

Kick off the 2025 podcast series with an engaging conversation featuring  Evan Nielson, CMP, President of the MPI Potomac Chapter . Discover Evan's journey with the MPI Potomac Chapter, from his beginnings as a student member to becoming chapter president. He shares how his involvement with MPI Potomac Chapter has influenced his career and provided invaluable experience. Evan also discusses his go...

The conversation discusses the member benefits of Meetings Professional International and the MPI Potomac Chapter. Guest speakers, Cheri L. Fairchild and Cammie Cisik, share their perspectives as a seasoned professional and a newcomer, respectively. They highlight the importance of community, connections, and mentorship in MPI. The conversation also touches on the role of MPI in supporting profess...

In this podcast episode, Shawn Pearson, VP of Education, interviews 2024 Rise Awards finalists Evan Nielson, nominated for the Young Professional Achievement Award, and Devin Lewis for Member of the Year about the purpose of the RISE Awards, eligibility and the nominations process. They also share their reactions to being nominated and their plans to continue positively impacting the industry. The...

The conversation with Drew Dudley continues from the January 2024 e2 and explores the concept of lollipop moments, where small acts of recognition and empowerment can profoundly impact others. The Zeigarnik effect is discussed, highlighting the importance of breaking down tasks and creating consistent habits. The conversation also delves into conscious leadership behaviors that become unconscious...

In this episode, audiovisual (AV) experts discuss the importance of AV for events and the common issues that planners face in AV planning. They emphasize the need for advanced planning and understanding of the basics of AV equipment, negotiating various charges and AV contracts, and budgeting for AV needs. Featuring AV Experts : Deirdre "Dee" Clemmons , CMP, CAE, Chief Event Strategist,...

In this first episode of 2024 and in honor of Presidents Day, MPI Potomac's 2024-25 Incoming President Cheri Fairchild, CMP is joined by Phil Rappoport, Immediate Past President who shares their goals and vision for the chapter and offers advice to new and existing members. Episode Highlights: - Benefits of Membership - The importance of networking, volunteering, and giving back to the industr...

As we begin our 2022-23 year we hear from Phil Rappoport, Principal of Virlybird, and the 2022-2023 MPI Potomac Chapter President.  Phil shares with us the value of volunteering as an act of "giving to the greater good" and how this leads to industry and career security.   Phil also shares his vision for his presidential term as he keeps the chapter on the path of "having a sense of purp...

This week we have Mike Matthews, CMP, Producer, Technical Director, and President of Event Alliez, a strategic event consulting firm helping organizations and meeting planners maximize their events. Mike shares his stories and lessons learned when working on presidential inaugurations, global summits, and various city-wide events that consist of high-profile speakers. From there he helps to explai...

As we come out of the pandemic “gratitude” should be on our minds as we extend thanks to our family, friends, clients, vendors, event attendees, and co-workers.  But are we showing gratitude to those that are grateful for us, and most importantly... are we showing gratitude to ourselves as well? Join Linda Roszak Burton, Executive Coach, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Founder of DRW Coaching as...

What is the true role of the meeting planner in events as we move toward the second quarter of the 21st century?  Hear from our members as they share their path from "falling into it" to managing some of the largest trade shows and events in the world. This episode of "Share Your Journey" captures an exciting conversation with Andria Gibbon, CEM, Executive Director of The North American Trail...

Intuitive Healer, Devon Whitaker, is one of a kind.  Take a listen to her gentle approach toward the New Year as she provides helpful tips on workplace stress and soul quenching advice.   Follow Devon on Instagram @Dmindfulsoul and via Facebook.  If you haven’t booked one of her sound bath experiences, we highly recommend it.   Thank you Devon! @MPI #mpipotomac #wellness #event...

In our first podcast of 2022 who better to kick things off than our own Chapter President, Shelli Vasser Gilliam, CMP, SEPC as she shares her own goals, the collective goals for the chapter, and how we can become more engaged and connected to one another in '22. Shelli will also share how volunteerism motivates her and how she got involved with our chapter four years ago, eventually moving into he...

Join Dr. Assegid (AZ) Habtewold as he shares ideas from his number one bestselling book on Amazon “Overcoming First Timers Syndrome.” In the final episode of our three-part series Dr. Habtewold helps us understand the best practices when it comes to articulating your leadership philosophy, developing a successor, and the value of volunteerism as a key element to promotion. “You have one life, one...

Join  Dr. Assegid (AZ) Habtewold as he shares ideas from his number one bestselling book on Amazon "Overcoming First Timers Syndrome." In part two we Listen to Dr. Habtewold as he shares the tools to allow you to jump in and deliver results by building your team through coaching, mentoring, and cross-pollination. You'll also learn why it's important to say no and how to do it by providing alt...

Join Dr. Assegid (AZ) Habtewold as he shares ideas from his number one bestselling book on Amazon. He takes us on a three-part journey that starts with recognizing your value and place as a leader, enhancing those skills, and developing your team while creating a flow of succession. Dr. Habtewold is a transition and transformative strategist, coach, author, and speaker, who empowers 1st-time super...

Listen to Brian Monahan, Vice President of Sales and Business Development with Prestige AV @PrestigeAV and Troy J. Peters, CTS Vice President of Marketing & Business Development with Video West, Inc. @VideoWestInc as they discuss the ins and outs of embracing the "New Normal" of virtual, hybrid, "simulive," and in-person production as we head into 2022.   This podcast will set you up with...

Join author, speaker, swimmer and host of Hospitality Today Live, Deborah Gardner as she shares her journey of adaptation through the pandemic and how it lead her to launch International Women in Hospitality Day. This inaugural event will take place online on September 23rd and consists of several women hospitality leaders from around the globe and one “surprise male guest.” Get the inside scoop h...

Join current MPI Potomac President Shelli Vasser Gilliam and Immediate Past President Devin Lewis as they share the ups and downs of leadership during the past two years of the pandemic.  Learn from their stories of staying positive, staying involved, and how they were able to evolve and embrace the chapter's needs and their own.  Hosted by Nancy Rosenbaum.