Looking for professional development training for emerging talent and seasoned professionals? A new coaching cohort program has been launched by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Visit Fort Worth, with 20 participants completing the inaugural six-week online program in August. The Fall session is currently taking applications, and planners can apply here. 

The partnership between MPI and the Texas CVB matches event planners with coaches to help industry professionals define their career trajectories. The inaugural program brought industry professionals together to learn, grow, and receive support from seasoned coaches and industry veterans with a deep understanding of the industry. 

Two curated learning experiences—one for young professionals and one senior-level for--drill down on key topics, including making better decisions, managing stress, clarifying one’s values in work and life, and increasing resilience. 

“Participating in personal and professional development can have a profound impact on overall happiness and success,” said MPI Academy Director Tim Luepke. “These programs serve as beacons of innovation and empowerment, offering transformative journeys for participants at every career stage. Interactive elements, peer learning, and mentorship opportunities enrich the participant experience, fostering meaningful connections and actionable insights.” 

How it works 

For young professionals embarking on their career journey, “Crafting Your Professional Development” is designed to serve as a compass to help equip participants for the demands of the industry while guiding them through foundational pillars of success, such as crafting compelling narratives, mastering networking strategies, and honing leadership skills. 

For senior-level professionals, the “Continuing Your Professional Development Journey” pathway focuses on navigating the complexities of leadership roles within the events arena, taught by seasoned coaches delving into advanced topics such as executive presence, stakeholder management, and decision-making. 

All participants receive post-program support, including access to resources, networking avenues, and continued learning. 

Why it matters 

“By providing participants with the opportunity to grow as leaders and colleagues, it’s not only enriching their individual careers but also contributing to the collective advancement of the industry,” said Amy Brown, Visit Fort Worth senior vice president of convention sales and services. “When individuals are empowered to reach their full potential, it creates a ripple effect that benefits organizations, communities, and the industry as a whole.” 

Industry professionals leading the programs include: 

Vimari Roman, a professional certified coach and second-generation hotelier, is dedicated to catalyzing professional transformation, guiding individuals toward peak performance and fulfillment. With more than two decades of experience in the hospitality and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industries, Roman brings a wealth of expertise to her coaching practice from a roles  

Rachelle Stone is accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) as a Professional Certified Coach, is Brené Brown Dare to Lead trained, is a Certified Positive Intelligence Mental Fitness Coach, and a Guide with CHIEF, a private membership network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders. She spent more than 25 years in Miami’s destination management and meetings industry and has been consistently recognized as one of the top DMC professionals in the U.S.  

Backstory 

The vision for the new coaching cohort was curated last year after MPI connected with Visit Fort Worth as a partner that aligned with the association’s vision and heart for professional development, said Luepke. 

“Visit Fort Worth believes investing in the next generation and supporting current leaders is crucial for any industry, especially in one as dynamic as business events and tourism,” Luepke said. “Fort Worth’s rapid growth makes it an ideal hub for fostering innovation and nurturing talent, and in collaboration with a great partner like Forth Worth, we collectively are investing in the future success of the industry but also ensuring that our organization stays at the forefront of these changes.  

Deeper dive 

With the support of the CVB, MPI has been able to provide 50 meeting professionals with complimentary program tuition this year, and next year, plans to continue to build on the program’s success with like-minded partners that will enable more event professionals to participate in the program outside of a sponsored coaching cohort.   

“Each cohort is tailored to equip new and tenured industry professionals with practical leadership and professional development skills, skills that are often overlooked in traditional educational settings or through company-sponsored and industry-specific training programs,” Luepke said. “These are human skills that all good leaders need, such as recognizing your blind spots, navigating difficult conversations, and effectively managing conflicts, stakeholder management, better decision-making, and navigating self-doubt. Our intent is to ‘spark life’ into the participant’s career journey.” 

Looking ahead 

While the coaching courses are held online, MPI and Visit Fort Worth will be kicking off two in-person gatherings: the Fall 2024 Coaching cohort at IMEX America in October in Las Vegas, and at MPI’s World Education Conference (WEC25) in June.  

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