Meeting Professionals International (MPI) announced the approved slate for its 2025 International Board of Directors (IBOD), which will take office effective January 1 for a one-year term through December 31, 2025.
The governing body of MPI is responsible for reviewing and approving the organization’s strategic plans, overseeing the financial integrity of the organization and monitoring MPI’s performance against achievement of strategy and long-term vision.
"I am thrilled about the new slate of Directors, whose leadership, experience and passion are truly inspiring,” said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI, in a press release. “I am confident that their positive influence, perspectives and contributions will effectively guide MPI in advancing the global meeting and event community, uniting people to make a meaningful impact on the world.”
[Related: The Boundless Potential of Bishop-McCann CEO Rob Adams]
MPI’s global community is comprised of 60,000 meeting and event professionals around the world, including more than 17,000 engaged members, over 90 chapters and clubs in 24 countries.
2025 MPI International Board of Directors.
MPI Chair of the Board
Rob Adams (term expires in 2026)
CEO, Bishop-McCann
MPI Chair – Elect
Jim Russell (term expires in 2027)
Executive Vice President, Client Relationships, Freeman
MPI Immediate Past Chair
Michelle Allgauer, CAE, CMM, CMP Fellow (term expires in 2025)
Senior Vice President, Engagement & Education, Financial Services Institute (FSI)
Vice-Chair, Finance
Lisa Messina (term expires in 2025)
Chief Sales Officer, Visit Orlando
Board Members
Chair, MPI Foundation
Rebecca DeLuca (expires in 2025)
Vice President of Destination Sales, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Special 1-Year Terms
Bobby Heard, CAE
Chief Operating Officer, American College of Emergency Physicians
Michel Wohlmuth
CEO, Creatividad
Expiring in 2025
Charles Bello, CDS
Senior Vice President, ConferenceDirect
Dzidra Junior, CMP
President, Renditions Consulting
Gerilyn Horan
Vice President, Group Sales & Strategic Accounts, Hilton Worldwide
Expiring in 2026
Luis Lamar
Vice President Sales, Group Operations, MGM Resorts International
Robbert Weddepohl
Group Venue Director, Stage Entertainment B.V.
Scott Beck
Strategic Advisor – Innovation and Development, JLL, Global Tourism Advisory Group
Steve Kinsley
President, Kinsley Meetings
Expiring in 2027
Fiona Bruder
President, Americas, George P. Johnson (GPJ)
James Jessie
Chief Sales Officer, Travel Portland
Thijs Peters
Founder, Conventus Consultants
Co-Founder, MICE DAILY
Corey Tuttle, CMM, HMCC
Senior Director, Strategic Meetings & Events, Marketing Operations, Gilead Sciences
