Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has hired Darren Temple as its new chief business development officer, effective in mid-September, it announced yesterday.
"Darren is a strong and well-respected leader in the global meeting and event community, and we are thrilled to have him join the MPI team," MPI President and CEO Paul Van Deventer said in a statement. "We conducted an extensive search to find the right sales leader for our association and firmly believe his proven track record in global sales and commitment to our industry will be valuable assets as we continue to transform and strengthen MPI."
An industry veteran, Temple joins MPI from the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, where he most recently was chief sales officer. In his new position, he will lead strategic business development and sales planning for the Dallas-based association, which will include strengthening MPI's relationships with destination management organizations (DMOs), hoteliers and global suppliers, and developing global sales strategies for MPI and the MPI Foundation.
"I am very excited to join the MPI team and make a contribution to an organization that I have been so passionate about for so many years," said Temple, who has been an MPI member for 15 years and was an MPI board member from 2012 until 2014. "I look forward to leveraging my experiences and relationships in this incredible industry as we take MPI to the next level. As our industry continues to change and evolve, we have a phenomenal opportunity for growth and I am honored to be part of the leadership team."
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