Join Meeting Professionals International

HOW TO JOIN MPI 
If you would like to join this dynamic organization of over 24,000 meeting professionals,you must first go the national website, www.mpiweb.org / click Join MPI and follow the link. The direct link is http://www.mpiweb.org/CMS/mpiweb/JoinMPI.aspx.  You must designate which local Chapter that you would like to be affiliated with, please list Houston.  Additionally, to keep MPI full of actual Meeting Planners, a Supplier cannot join without being linked with a Planner.

Therefore, if you are a Meeting Planner, you can join on your own.The cost is $375 per year.

If you are a Supplier (Hotel, Production Company, Transportation Company, etc) you have 2 options:1)     Go ahead and Join MPI on the national website and pay your $375 fee.   The computer at the MPI Headquarters will eventually match you with a Planner that joins.  This process can take up to 2 months. 2)  If you know a Planner that would like to join, submit your applications together or indicate on-line that you would like your applications linked, and then your application will be process immediately. Once your Membership is processed, you will receive a packet from MPI HQ with general information and you login number for the national website. 
Additionally, you will receive a welcome call or email from a member of the Houston Member Care Committee advising you of the password to the local website and how to get involved.  

Once you have submitted your application, if you would like to follow up on the status of your application you can call MPI HQ Customer Service on 972.702.3021. We look forward to welcoming you into the Houston Chapter.   ‘Membership Adjustments’  Membership in MPI belongs to the individual supplier or planner who originally joins the association, rather than the employing organization.

TRANSFER
Option 1) In the event that an MPI member leaves their current company, they can take the membership with them.   If they do so, the employer who loses the membership representation in MPI may apply for a Trial Six-Month’ Limited Membership for a newly hired or existing employee of the company to replace the departing MPI member.After the six-month complimentary membership, the new member is expected to pay full annual dues and find a planner match (if a supplier) to continue the membership. Membership dues are non-refundable and are due annually on the anniversary date of acceptance.

To download this form,Go to: www.mpiweb.org / click ‘About MPI’ / click ‘Membership & Chapter’ / click ‘Limited Membership’/ Submit the Limited Membership Form as instructed on the form.  Option 2) If the departing MPI member would like to Transfer the membership to another representative within the company they are departing, then they can go to the MPI national website and download a Transfer Form.  Go to:   www.mpiweb.org / click ‘About MPI’ / click ‘Membership & Chapter’ / click ‘Transfer Policy’ / Submit the Transfer Application as instructed on the form.  Employers please note that if you would like to insure that the membership can be transferred at a later time to another employee, it is recommend that at the time of the original membership application, have the new employee sign the Transfer Form and keep it on file.  Then in the event that they leave the company, you will have the authority to process the Transfer Form.

UNEMPLOYMENT
If you have become unemployed, it is a crucial time to maintain all your contacts and networking opportunity.  Your membership with MPI will remain with you until your individual expiration date.   If you find that you are still unemployed and your membership expires, MPI HQ has a provision to continue your membership for up to 6 months.   You will need verification that you have lost your job.   Then you can download the application to continue your membership by going to:www.mpiweb.org / click ‘About MPI’ / click ‘Membership & Chapter’ / click ‘Unemployment’/ Submit the Unemployment Membership Extension From as instructed on the form.

INSTALLMENTS
In these tough economic times, it is important to maintain all of your networking and continued education opportunities with MPI.  Therefore, MPI HQ has an ‘Installment’ provision to help you maintain your membership even when your cash flow may not be as consistent or if your employer does not wish to continue paying for your membership.  The Installment Plan is an affordable way to maintain your membership on your own.  Once you are a member for over one year, you are eligible to pay your renewal membership by installments.  To download this application, Go to: www.mpiweb.org / click ‘About MPI’ / click ‘Membership & Chapter’ / click ‘Installment’ / Submit the Installment Application Form as instructed.  You may also call MPI HQ Customer Service on 972.702.3021 and ask for Connie Kizziar for assistance.   

SUBSCRIBER MEMBERSHIP
If you are already an MPI Member of another chapter and would like access to the members and events of the Houston Chapter, you are welcome to become a Subscriber Member of the Houston Chapter.  Situated in the Energy Capital of the US, we have a strong corporate base of Planners. In addition, having one of the largest Medical Centers in the US and we have a strong medical meeting planner membership as well.  In addition, our membership is incredibly supported by our professional and creative base of suppliers. Subscriber Membership with the Houston Chapter is $100 per year.   If you are interested in becoming a Subscriber Member, click here for an application.

DIAMOND MEMBERSHIP
Avoid the registration lines at monthly meetings and save money too! The MPI Houston Area Chapter Diamond Member Program is your express ticket to monthly meetings with a few added bonuses. Pay $250 up front for one annual member registration for ten (10) luncheon meetings and receive two (2) complimentary 50/50 raffle tickets at each luncheon. But wait…there’s more! With your diamond membership, you also select one of the following options – one complimentary luncheon ticket, a $25 registration fee for Professional Development Day (PDD), OR 50% discount off a sponsorship booth at Professional Development Day (PDD). Monthly Meeting Attendance is also transferable – the Diamond Member can transfer their status to another MPI HAC chapter member in good standing should they not be able to attend a luncheon. Please submit Diamond Membership application at your earliest convenience to enroll.  The application can be found online, click to download. Contact Heather Ives for questions regarding membership Heather.Ives@ihg.com.