In this issue
What is your background, and how did it lead into the event planning industry?
I have a unique background, bachelor’s degree in business administration with an accounting major. Worked in accounting through the multi-location controller level, pretty much every type of industry, started out in public accounting, non-profit hospital system, wholesale grocery distributor, small business co-owner while being a stay at home mom, manufacturing, university, Harley Davidson dealerships. A friend saw the listing for my current role in her church bulletin, was looking for someone to plan events with accounting background. I was always the event organizer for my group of friends, organizations that I served etc., so she thought it was a great fit… I have found my passion in the meetings industry, planning events, working with the properties and CVBs, and getting to know the people, it is a great fit for me. Pretty much 99% event planning and 1% accounting lol…
Debbie Hughes, CMP
Event Coordinator / Accountant
Michigan District, LCMS
Strategic Partners
Diamond Sponsors
Quick Links
April 2019 
Board Member Exposé
Veronica Rogers, CMP
Director of Leadership Development
Veronica (Roni) Rogers, CMP, is an experienced meeting professional with 17+ years as a corporate meeting planner. Upon retirement she continued her passion for meeting planning and currently owns EVENTI, LLC, and works as an independent meeting planner.
Roni joined MPI Michigan Chapter in 2011 and immediately became involved in supporting chapter activities, including Engaged Member roundups and working on the annual Celebration Award Recognition program during 2015-2018. In 2016 & 2017 Roni was elected to the Board of Directors of the Michigan Chapter as Director of Leadership Development. Roni will be installed as Director of Finance for 2019-2020, assisting Maryellen Jensen, VP of Finance.
Roni is also a member of Society of Government Professionals, Central Michigan University Alumna and serves on the Pastoral Care Committee for St. John’s Episcopal Church, Midland.
Roni’s interests include family activities, travel, golfing (new outfits required as you must look good missing the ball) and attending MPI Michigan Chapter meetings and networking with members.
Michigan Meetings + Events
Congratulations to the finalists for The Michigan Meetings + Events Best of 2019 readers' choice awards! We look forward to celebrating with you and announcing the winners and 2019 Hall of Fame inductees on Wednesday, May 22 at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. Please click below to register.
Save The Date
Celebration! will take place on June 4th at Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek.
*More details to follow!
Membership Information
Check out these specials!
Refer a Friend • Code: MyFriendMPI – When a new member joins and uses the code MyFriendMPI they will receive $50 off their membership. The referring member identified on the application will also receive a $25 credit that may be applied towards their next renewal.
GMID19 MPI Offer: • Code: MPIGMID19 • Description: Removes $100 off new Premier & Preferred membership levels - $50 off renewals. (excludes: Essential, Faulty, Student and Retired member categories) • Expires: 04/30/2019