The Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC), a cross-industry advocacy initiative, appointed Richard Harper, executive vice president at HelmsBriscoe, as its coalition co-chair effective January 2016.
Harper will work with fellow co-chair Michael Dominguez, senior vice president and chief sales officer at MGM Resorts International, to lead the organization as it showcases the substantial value of meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions.
“I look forward to working alongside Richard to ensure that Meetings Mean Business continues to promote the industry’s value, build support across the industry and work with leaders from other sectors to spread our messages further,” Dominguez said. “Richard has been an active member of the coalition since 2009 and we are fortunate to have his leadership and vision.”
Under Harper and Dominguez’s leadership, MMB will look to expand upon the success of this year’s North American Meetings Industry Day (NAMID) by working with partners around the world to host 2016’s Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID). They will also continue engaging with business leaders to identify industry champions who can speak to the value of face-to-face meetings.
In addition, the coalition will continue expanding its presence on social media as it grows its following and engagement with leading industry professionals, publications and more.
Harper assumes the leadership position previously held by David Peckinpaugh, president at Maritz Travel. Peckinpaugh, who has co-led MMB since 2013, has been a staunch advocate for the industry’s role in fostering strong relationships and driving positive business outcomes.
