Allison Kinsley, CMM, CMP, CED, describes herself as thoughtful, passionate and involved. Learn more about her.
What I do: I am the chief meeting architect at the company I founded in 1993. While I am integrally involved with many of our client meetings, I am equally passionate about running a small business, and being involved in leadership and change in the meetings industry.
How I got here: I spent 10 years in the planning departments of an assortment of associations, from D.C. to Colorado to San Francisco. In 1993, I founded the company and created my ideal job—working for myself.
Greatest career accomplishments: Over many years of involvement with MPI, I’ve gone from board member to president of our local chapter and on to involvement at the international level on the MPI Foundation Board of Trustees, then to the MPI International Board of Directors.
What I am working on now: We have been working with several of our clients on event design, a process that includes a deep-dive examination of stakeholders, their needs, organizational outcomes and how focusing on those components of a meeting—rather than standard-issue logistics—helps to create a more impactful meeting experience for all involved.
What I do outside of work: After spending time from 2005-2015 on the International Boards for MPI and the MPI Foundation, my most recent volunteer role is on the Industry Insights Committee of the Events Industry Council. Other passions include travel and meditation.
Fun fact: I’ve done two 10-day silent meditation retreats—the perfect counterpoint to the fast-paced meetings world.
