An open letter to MPI Orange County’s 2020/2021 Board of Directors Written by: David Jacob, CMP

Dear friends:

At the MPIOC State of the Industry address at Monarch Beach Resort in January, Michael Dominguez offered the result of a recent study suggesting that 40% of all of us will no longer be relevant in five years if we do not adapt. This astonishing revelation stuck with me ever since and shaped my thoughts and contemplations as we are moving through this unprecedented crisis, especially for our beloved industry.

If you indulge me, I would like to share some thoughts and perspectives on relevance & adaptability and growth.

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First, here are some notes on relevance and adaptability.

In 2016, at the conclusion of my term as President, I shared a line from a commercial by NY Life Insurance Company which goes…

”We are all reflections of the people who came before us. The good they did inspires us, prepares us and guides us.”!

Tonight, whether you join the board for the first time or return for another tour of duty, you are standing on the shoulders of many giants who came before you. While all were faced with their own sets of challenges, none have faced the difficulties of the present times. This figure of speech might ring true: many have gone to space; you’re the first going to Mars or, using the theme of Star Trek, your mission has become “to boldly go where no one has gone before!”.

PwC offered the following:

“Staying relevant means adapting faster and innovating sooner.”

During your term, you will need to continue adapting to another reality, a “new normal”, such as virtual events over in-person gatherings, diminished and shifting revenue streams and difficult times for our members who are adversely impacted by this crisis.

As evidenced in recent weeks by the creative ways to deliver educational content and connect members, you’re destined to maneuver our chapter through these unchartered waters and bring relevance not only to your personal branding as industry leaders, but aid our members as well as our entire industry in maintaining and growing their significance!

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 Author C. JoyBell C. wrote:

“The only way that we can live, is if we grow.

The only way that we can grow is if we change.

The only way that we can change is if we learn.

The only way we can learn is if we are exposed.

And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open.

Do it. Throw yourself.”

Growth is, or should be, one of the ultimate purposes of life.

Through your countless contributions and your leadership, you will help grow professional networks by providing appropriate networking opportunities, grow professional skills sets and careers by providing advanced education and grow businesses by matching suppliers and planners through I Buy MPI. Remember, in order to mentor and to help others in their growth, one must remain curious and never, ever stop learning!

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In closing, I would like to congratulate you all on your tremendous achievement on holding a position at MPIOC’s prestigious Board of Directors. You deserve an enormous amount of gratitude for your recent and future accomplishments as they reflect your hard work, passion and commitment and the time you so generously give to volunteer and serve our chapter.

Bruno, the chapter will be in your incredible hands as an exceptional and inspirational professional. You’ve worked tirelessly, for many years, to prepare yourself for your year as president.

I wish you a steady hand in steering the ship that was christened “MPIOC” 33 years ago. Doubts I have none that you will take the chapter to new heights!

You’ve always belonged in front of a camera, as you will be tonight however, your place has always been on stage as your natural habitat.

I long for the days when the curtain lifts once again, the lights go on and we have the privilege of seeing you, and your amazing board of directors live, on stage and in-person!

Your friend and big fan always,

 David Jacob, CMP

Area Sales Leader | Marriott International

Past President | MPI Orange County

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Written for...

President: Bruno Duarte, CTA — Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen

President-Elect: Jon Trask, CMP CMM – Strategic Meeting Tech

Immediate Past President: Pawntra Shadab, CTA – Elite Productions International

VP, Communications: Deanne Figueras, CMP CMM – California & Nevada Credit Union Leagues

VP, Education: Beth Hoffman, CDS – ConferenceDirect

VP, Finance: Alivia Kimotho, CMP CTA — IREM Orange County

VP Membership: AnaLaura Becerra, CMP CTA – Destination Irvine

Director, Marketing Communications: Jolene Campbell, CTA — Visit Anaheim

Director, Public Relations & Social Media: Michelle Sais, CMP — HSF Affiliates, LLC

Director, Educational Events: Gina Gaytan, CMP – PRA Business Events

Director, Special Events: Kelly Feeney – Disney Meetings & Events

Director, Education Conference: Christina Domino-Philpott, CMP CTA — Hornblower Cruises & Events

Director, Supplier Partnerships: Demea Metcalf, CMP – Meetings Made Easy

Director, Member Recruitment: Troy Karnoff, CMP – Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau

Director, Member Retention: Nicole Hickey – All About You Events