What a shame so many of your readers appear to have a poor view of our industry associations at a time when membership could well be one of their most important investments. Associations offer focal points for the industry as was demonstrated last weekend at MPIs EMEC event in Malaga. Hundreds of members came together to network, form partnerships and above all educate themselves through a diverse range of keynotes and seminars. As a global association we have an opportunity to affect change across the whole industry, providing real benefit for members.
At a local level, the MPI UK and Ireland Chapter has worked tirelessly over the last couple of years to clearly demonstrate the benefit of membership. This includes more than 30 free events per year \(excludes Christmas and summer parties) on topics ranging from "the Great Venue Rate Debate" and "The Event Industry is Changing Are You Ready"; to this week's "Social Networks for Meetings Professionals."
As an association we engage with our members, seeking their input for our activity. Last year there was a clear demand for more regular networking opportunities, which led to a doubling of the number of events in our calendar, including the addition of our monthly MPI and a Pint evenings.
Has all this effort made a difference – we certainly think so, with 12 new members in January, more than that in February and attendance at events ranging from 50 to 100 people. But, like all organisations members get a certain amount for zero effort but to really benefit they do have to at least show up occasionally, read the magazine or engage with the rest of the membership.
Interestingly – as a final point, when we recently asked our members if they were happy with their membership \(which I appreciate is not quite the same as the question asked by CIT); 52% said they are very happy or happy with their Membership, with 31% content and only 13% not happy.
Anthony Hyde, President MPI UK and Ireland Chapter and head of corporate sales, Barbican
