Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has launched a new group for independent and small business members in the face of commission cuts by major hoteliers, the association announced yesterday. As Hilton Hotels has followed Marriott International in reducing third-party commissions from 10 percent to 7 percent, MPI has launched the Independent and Small Business Owners (ISBO) Community, aimed offering targeted resources to independent association members.
"MPI understands the groundswell of concern following recent announcements regarding third party commission cuts," MPI President and CEO Paul Van Deventer said in the statement announcing the new group. "We have nearly 3,000 third party meeting planners and small business owners within our global community, and since MPI was established 45 years ago, we have consistently provided this group with relevant, unparalleled education and networking opportunities to assist with their career advancement and business growth."
In addition to the new special interest group, which will be open to qualifying planners, hoteliers, DMCs, and other members who run small businesses, those who are part of ISBO will get access to a MyMPI Online discussion group. MPI has also launched the MPI Academy Virtual Small Business Summits, "all of which support them in navigating and planning for success, especially in the current business environment," according to Van Deventer.
Putting its money where its mouth is, the organization also, with the support of MGM Resorts International, offered a special discount to third-party planners on their registration to the 2018 World Education Conference in Indianapolis. Planners receive $200 off the registration cost for all third-party planners (through May 15, 2018, if booked with promo code 18IN3PP200) and 30 percent off for planners buying a new or renewed Preferred Planner Membership (also through May 15, but with promo code ISBO18).
This statement offered a more vocal support for third-party planners than MPI's initial statement, made in January following Marriott's commission cuts.
"As an association, MPI's focus is on ensuring the long-term and sustainable financial health of the events industry, and raising the professionalism of those who work in it," Van Deventer stated on Jan. 25. "MPI's membership consists of a broad and diverse community of event professionals who are directly and indirectly impacted by this decision, including thousands of third-party planners, the global hotel brands and numerous Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs). Third-party organizations have become an integral part of the live events industry value chain and are a proven and important resource for planners, destinations and venues. As in any business relationship, the value of services provided needs to be determined by the organizations benefiting from said services."