MPI Aloha Chapter : Hawaii Motivates Meeting Planners

A large Hawai‘i contingent was out in full force at The Motivation Show in Chicago - the world's largest incentive exhibition - September 23-25, 2008. In keeping in line with our vision to build a rich global meeting industry community in the Hawaiian Islands, as well as our mission statement to elevate the value of Hawai‘i as a strategic global meeting partner to the world, nearly one-fourth of our MPI Aloha Chapter membership actively participated in the Hawai‘i pavilion, organized by the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau, (HVCB). Mike Murray, CMP, CMM, CASE, HVCB's vice president of sales and marketing for corporate meetings and incentives (CMI) said HVCB has been putting added emphasis this year on booking incentives in response to the challenges of today's economy. Murray added, "Hawaii continues to be immensely popular with travelers and that carries great value, especially for companies wanting a strategy to counter the impact of today's economy."

Randy Clark, MPI Aloha Chapter president commented, "It was so great to see so many of our members in Chicago, joining with over 100 Hawai'i industry partners to sell our destination."

Hawai‘i had a dominant presence on the tradeshow floor, just footsteps away from the main entrance. The music, cuisine, and visuals all added to the special flavor. "Our islands of aloha always stand out at this show. We are all truly blessed to represent Hawai‘i. From the opening pule to the singing of Hawai‘i Aloha, everyone can feel the aloha permeate throughout the pavilion," added Edie Hafdahl, CMP, CTC, MPI Aloha Chapter immediate past president.

Mahalo to all MPI Aloha Chapter members who traveled to Chicago to help to elevate the member conversation and experience:

Chris Cashabeck, Randy Clark, Kathy Clarke, Edie Hafdahl, CMP, CTC, Mary Hall, CMP, Debbie Hogan, Robb Huff, Robin Ide, Russ Kembel, Ava Matchen, Lisa Mock, Mike Murray, CMP, CMM, CASE, Sandy Narvaez, Lauren Rawlins, Tom Risko, Sis Ryan, Aaron Schosso, Marianne Suarez Will, Adele Tasaka, Sandi Williams, Terry Yawata, Karen Yonemoto, JoAnn Bayne and Christy Yomes.

MPI Aloha Chapter Presidents Marianne Suarez Will, Rodahl Leong-Lyons, Adele Tasaka, Ava Matchen, and Edie Hafdahl re-unite at The Motivation Show.