Following the news that James Samuel has stepped down as President of Meeting Professionals International, UK & Ireland Chapter (www.mpiuk.org), it has been announced that Miguel Neves, Senior Online Community Manager, IMEX Group, has been nominated by the MPI committee as their new MPI President for 2013/2014.
James Samuel, Event Director, Leisure Industry Week commented, “Following my move outside of the industry that after several years involved at board level I am reluctantly relinquishing my position of President at MPI.”
Miguel Neves commented on his new appointment, “I look forward to contributing and strengthening the strategic direction of the MPI UK & Ireland Chapter. We have a strong board and volunteer base that are committed to the development of the meetings industry and we feel that MPI UK & Ireland Chapter can have an important part to play. We are also making our best efforts to personally connect with all our members and grow our business community.”
Samme Allen, Head of Sales – Business Events, Barbican Centre and former President of MPI UK & Ireland Chapter commented, “I am delighted that the board have voted Miguel into the role of President. A strong board of directors plus Miguel’s experience in both his leadership role at IMEX and his long standing reputation globally amongst meeting professionals will certainly help drive the chapter forward and help our members become more successful.”
Neves has extensive experience in the meetings industry, given his longevity and previous positions on the UK & Ireland board. He has served as Deputy VP Marketing, VP Finance and various other local and international committee positions. He also currently sits on the APEX council.
Allen continues, “This and in particular the experience of his current role as VP of Finance, affords him an excellent understanding of the various challenges – strategically and operationally faced by the Chapter which need to be addressed from this important position. He also has a good working relationship with both IBOD members and HQ staff and is keen to develop this further.
“He is ready to push forward with the current strategy and continue to drive better industry relationships and deepen the various association synergies at both at a local and global level. Miguel was also awarded the coveted MPI RISE member of the year in July”.
The latest MPI Board meeting also covered the importance of educational and event activities with a strong emphasis on fulfilling the upcoming events calendar, which offers coverage on extensive educational topics as well as delivering effective networking opportunities.
For more information visit www.mpiuk.org and to join in the conversation follow @MPIUKI on Twitter.
