In the News

In 2006 Mary Magnini earned the designation of Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) from the Convention Industry Council.

"The foremost certification program of today's meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry, the CMP designation recognizes those who have achieved the industry's highest standard of professionalism. Established in 1985, the CMP credential was developed to increase the proficiency of meeting professionals in any component or sector of the industry by:

• Identifying a body of knowledge;
• Establishing a level of knowledge and performance necessary for certification;
• Stimulating the advancement of the art and science of meeting management;
• Increasing the value of practitioners to their employers;
• Recognizing and raising industry standards, practices and ethics;
• Recognizing and raising industry standards, practices and ethics;
• Maximizing the value received from the products and services provided by Certified Meeting Professionals."*

In 2008 Mary Magnini became a member of the Professional Convention Managers Association (PCMA), and for three years Mary has served on the PCMA Professional Development Committee. The committee is responsible for the planning and execution of all educational and social events for the Capital Chapter. The committee oversees and manages the entire process from logistics to content development and through to the execution of the event. The focus is on creating high quality networking and educational opportunities for our local industry partners.

Here are our most recent mentions in national, local and trade media.

In 2006, Mary Magnini was interviewed by Barbara Wysocki for an issue of the Executive Traveler, and was quoted in an article on family business travel titled "Balancing Act".

The Transportation Link recognizes Meetings Management, Inc. as an exemplary small business in its April 2000 issue. "In this service-oriented business, Meetings Management, Inc. stays ahead by recognizing the importance of client interaction, even during the 'off-times'..." (see full article)

Mary Magnini was the 1000th member to join the Capitol Chapter of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). Read her interview from the October 1999 issue of Capitol Chatter, the official newsletter of the PCMA Capitol Chapter. (see interview)

Meetings Management, Inc. Service, Safety and Success

April's Success Story features Meetings Management, Incorporated and the President, Mary Magnini. Ms. Magnini was the recipient of the DOT Minority Enterprise Development (MEDWeek) Award for her work with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Meetings Management, Inc. has served as the Contractor for NHTSA's all-hands" meeting, the National Lifesavers Conferences, and the Safe Communities Town Hall meeting and workshops. She handles all phases of conference planning, logistics and management.

Her work has been exemplary, was the praise that NHTSA gave Ms. Magnini. "Her expertise and skill in dealing with hotels, partners, participants and speakers was instrumental in the success of these national efforts. Ms. Magnini's extraordinary teamwork, dedication and commitment in making these conferences a resounding success are a true reflection of her services to NHTSA." Ms. Magnini's business evolved from a previous job she had in NW Washington. When she stopped working to take a year off to stay at home with her newborn son, her previous employer offered her meetings and conventions to work on from home. Eventually, she obtained more clients. While she continues to work from home, her business has grown exponentially since 1989, with revenues five times the initial year's gross.

She credits her success on "being blessed with great clients and the teamwork she shares with her employees Nicole Scott-Howe and Terry Bittenbender." Magnini believes the critical element that sets her company apart is communication, and plenty of it. The three of them work closely together, sharing ideas and different approaches to suggest to their clients. Most importantly, "we have a lot of communication with the client and never forget that the client is the decision-maker".

In this service-oriented business, Meetings Management, Inc. stays ahead by recognizing the importance of client interaction, even during the "off-times" when not working directly for them. Educational advances, improved technology, and knowing the suppliers have all helped keep the Meetings Management team focused on improvements in meeting and convention planning. In this business, "we do it all: meeting planning, site investigations, research, promotion and on-site management" Often her staff may include 3-4 additional employees that are recruited as the need arises.

Magnini incorporated her company, but does not plan to expand outside of her home in the near future. "With current technology, we are able to transfer information and communicate with one another from our home offices". Her goal for expansion includes "making it possible for other parents who want to work from home to do so".

Magnini credits her father for setting such a good example for her. "My father had a wonderful work ethic. Regardless of what job he did, he was dedicated, loyal, and did his job well. And his family always came first".

Ms. Magnini's dedication and commitment have proliferated into several contracts with the DOT. NHTSA is one of their largest clients. Meetings Management, Inc. usually does 3-4 meetings for NHTSA per year. She speaks very highly of the people that she's worked with there. "The people we work with at NHTSA are very hardworking, staying late at night and starting very early in the morning. All our direct contacts on projects are very accessible and organized."

Other clients include Lifesavers Conference, National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (NEETF), the Children's Environmental Health Network and Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning.

Interview with the PCMA Capitol Chapter 1000th Member

Q: How did you hear about PCMA? What prompted you to join?

A: I belonged to PCMA in my past association job several years ago. After I started my own meeting planning business I had to pick and choose my affiliations wisely. I decided to join PCMA because they focus on meeting planners. It gives me the opportunity to share and receive information with other planners. In my case specifically, with independent planners. It also gives you increased visibility with the suppliers.

Q: What do you hope to gain from your membership in PCMA?

A: I joined with another co-worker of mine, Nicole Scott-Howe, and we hope to gain increased skills and knowledge through all the great education PCMA offers. We are both enrolled in the CMP study course, and if we can only go to one industry conference a year, it is PCMA's.

Q: What is your background in meeting planning and how did you become an independent meeting planner with your own company?

A: I started my meeting planning career working for the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). I had absolutely no experience. It was great on the job training, I worked on a variety of meetings, large and small, and traveled everywhere for seven years until my son was born. In 1989, I started Meetings Management, Inc.

Q: What type of a company is Meetings Management, Inc.?

A: Meetings Management, Inc. can plan a conference from start to finish, or they can assist companies with specific projects to relieve the work load. Our services include site selection, hotel negotiation/liaison, menu planning, program coordination, registration services, exhibit promotions, graphic consulting, etc.

Q: What insight can you give to other meeting planners about independent planning?

A: My two coworkers and I talk about everything. It is our greatest tool. Don't always assume that you know how to do something. You may know one way of doing something, but there could be ten other ways to accomplish the same task. Be open to others' ideas, as they may be better. I encourage everyone to network and brainstorm with others.

Q: Welcome to the PCMA Capital Chapter, Mary. We look forward to your future involvement.