MPI Potomac Cast

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 goals and priorities for the upcoming year. Tune in to hear his vision for fostering member engagement and positioning the chapter as a positive force in the meetings and events community. Moderated by Andrea Rouse, Senior Director, Conferences & Events, Merchant Advisory Group. Recorded and edited by Chip Dizárd, Photographer/Videographer, Chip Dizárd Studios.

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!

Tune in and listen as our esteemed panelists share their experience and perspectives.

      Guests:

Evan Nielson, President, MPI Potomac Chapter and Event Manager, AARP

Hayley Egart, EventEQ

Jennifer Prinzivalli, American Retirement Association

Jamie Rice, National Habor CVA

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 encourages members to play an active role in shaping the chapter’s future.

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 strategies for effective pre-planning, building trust within teams, and delegating responsibilities to ensure seamless execution. We also tackle critical topics like navigating political climates to foster inclusivity, leveraging technology for crisis management, and the vital role of community in creating impactful experiences. Whether you're an event planner or simply curious about what it takes to pull off a global celebration, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Hear from speakers from the following organizations: The LGBT Meeting Professionals Association, First Watch Strategies & Events, Smart City Networks, WorldPride DC and Capital Pride Alliance, DowntownDC Business Improvement District, Revolution Events and Events DC. 

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 that make Louisville a unique place to visit.

The conversation discusses the member benefits of Meetings Professional International and the MPI Potomac Chapter. Guest speakers, Cheri L. Fairchild and

 Guest Speakers: Cheri L. Fairchild, CMP, MPI Potomac Chapter President, 2024 and Cameron “Cammie” Cisik, new MPI Potomac member

Moderator/Host: Malene S. Ward, CMP, CEM, DES, Founder - Phoenix Planning Group

Recording Engineer: Chip Dizard,

Takeaways

 Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:44 What MPI Potomac Represents and Motivation to Join

03:55 The Impact and Benefits of MPI

06:46 Dual Membership and Affiliate Membership

09:06 Supporting Professional Development in MPI

12:21 Maximizing Engagement and

15:40 Benefits and Opportunities for Newcomers and Seasoned

20:30 Making Newcomers Feel Comfortable in MPI

23:07 Experiences that Exemplify the Value of MPI

25:28 Conclusion

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.

They discuss their involvement in MPI, its impact on their careers, and their commitment to paying it forward by helping others achieve success.

Guest Speakers: Evan Nielson, CMP and Devin Lewis, CMP Fellow, CEM, DES

Recording Engineer: Chip Dizard, Photographer/Videographer | Chip Dizárd Studios

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to the Rise Awards and Guests

00:26 Overview of the Rise Awards and Eligibility

01:14 Discussion of Award Categories

04:04 Devin Lewis's MPI Journey

06:32 The Impact of MPI Membership

08:19 Reactions to RISE Award Nominations

09:53 The Significance of Recognition

11:28 Paying It Forward and Helping Others Succeed

15:37 Enrichment and Balance in the Industry

22:08 Encouraging Involvement and Building Connections