Throughout the early 1980s, a small group of Alexandria, Va., meeting planners were concerned about the need for professionals in their field to come together to discuss ideas for improvement in their profession, to exchange information on problems of common interest, and to give thought to better ways to meet and to network with peers. This was underscored by the acceleration of trade and other associations moving their headquarters to Alexandria, which some labeled a “mecca” for associations. Also, many industry-related activities were in the District of Columbia, which increased the difficulty in meeting fellow planners and others in the hospitality industry.
From April to July of 1982, several monthly “gatherings,” usually the third Thursday of each month, were held in individual’s offices. Concurrently, Dick Noble, who was at that time the director of sales for corporate accounts with Hilton Hotels Corporation, and Diane Adamson began to vigorously move ahead to formalize the monthly “gatherings” by arranging for the first organizational meeting at the former Ramada Inn in Alexandria. At that time, about 34 planners and eight suppliers were involved, along with three Alexandria-based hotels. The group formed the core of what became the Alexandria Meeting Planners. At the time, about 85 Alexandria-based organizations were on the mailing list. Several volunteer committees began to develop, including membership and programs, and monthly “gatherings” (what became known as bag lunches) were held in several board rooms of associations as well as in local hotels. Also recognized at this juncture, in the initiation of an active association focused on Northern Virginia, was the need to appeal to suppliers as well, many of whom had frequent contact with planners. Later, the group name was changed to the Alexandria Meeting Professionals.
The underlying philosophy and driving force was to provide “a place in our immediate geographical location” to get to “know each other,” informally learn from each other, enhance “educational knowledge of the profession” in a convenient “local, intimate environment,” to try to develop a forum that would provide a good combination of information exchange coupled with a social period, and to encourage members to volunteer for committee work. Importantly, there was much emphasis on maintaining dues at a reasonable level. These factors, combined with the long hours, diligence, tenacity, and esprit de corps of the original group of “movers and shakers,” were essential to the initiation of today’s AMPs, and underscored the significance of volunteers for the life of the association.
On September 8, 1992, AMPs celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Old Town Holiday Inn with more than 200 in attendance. The theme was “The First Ten Years – The Vision Continues . . .” The first Dick Noble Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dick Noble for “his visionary leadership and outstanding contributions while conceiving, planning, and executing the formation of the Association Meeting Professionals.” Noble’s selfless devotion and high standards of excellence directly resulted in the founding of an organization that now includes more than 300 industry professionals.
At that time, the growth in size of the association and its scope required an infrastructure for the success to continue. This led to the first strategic Long Range Plan which served as a mission guide to provide “local, affordable opportunities to members” where they could meet to share information and to improve and strengthen their value to employers and to the overall profession. The decision was made to employ a management staff to bring stability to the operations side of AMPs. With that in mind, a management company was contracted to carry out specific administrative management duties.
The ongoing leadership of AMPs continues to make every effort to comply with the original vision for the association, which has made its presence felt throughout the regions, and especially in Northern Virginia, and is recognized nationwide as a significant contributor to professional excellence in the meetings and hospitality industry.
AMPs relies heavily on its member-volunteers to keep its programs and committees both timely and dynamic. Each member and each prospective member brings unique ideas, strengths, and insights to AMPs, through involvement in the various opportunities for volunteerism. This spirit of volunteerism is the “lifeblood” of the association – it is what sustains it as a vigorous, active, and exciting professional organization. Each member should think seriously about what needs to be done and where he or she can “give back” to the association. Such volunteerism contributes to personal and professional growth, and is both a rewarding and an enriching experience. The association is continually seeking new talent for its leadership roles.
One of the most important aspects of AMPs is its dedication to maintain a 50/50 planner-to-supplier ratio in its membership, to allow for equal opportunities for interaction between segments of the industry. AMPs also has student members to help future meeting professionals get a jump start in the industry.
AMPs will continue to act as a forum for the exchange of information on changes in the industry and its dynamic work environment, and as a means of meeting individuals with similar interests and concerns.
Chronology of Important Events in the History of AMPs: The First Twenty Years
April-July 1982
Alexandria Meeting Planners (AMPs) began to develop into a more formal organization.
July 1982
Dick Noble, then director of sales for corporate accounts, Hilton Hotels Corporation, and Diane Adamson spearheaded the formation of monthly “gatherings” along with Judy Harris and Mickey Wright.
August 1982
First official “gathering” of AMPs at the former Ramada Inn in Alexandria, Va. No formal program!
October 1982
About 32 planners were involved in the organization.
November 1982
Forty-one planners and eight suppliers expressed interest.
March 1983
Decision made to hold participation to Alexandria-based meeting planners. Development of “perfect combination” – meetings for a “serious information exchange” coupled with an “optional social period.”
May 1983
Topic for an evening meeting (vs. luncheons) was “Meeting Planner-Convention Manager Status and How These Positions are Viewed.”
July 1983
Planning Committee for monthly meetings established.
August 1983
Eighty-nine Alexandria-based associations on mailing list. Several small committees were initiated. Traditional September “kick-off” meeting (now the Annual Meeting) established at Holiday Inn Old Town to meet acquaintances and to welcome new members.
January-May 1985
Monthly topics included” How Travel Agents Can Assist and Enhance Your Meeting,” “The Model Accounting System for Meeting Management, or Pack Up All Your Troubles and Put Them on a Disc,” “Successful Meetings on a Shoestring Budget,” “Negotiating With a Hotel While It’s Under Construction,” and “Why Do We Need Convention Insurance?”
June 1985
Proposed bylaws for Alexandria Meeting Planners Society sent to members for review at organizational meeting. Twelve-member Board of Directors established with four standing committees, including: budget & finance programs, membership, site, and logistics.
July 1985
Memo sent to supplier members of AMPs to reaffirm that AMPs would “continue to provide the forum where meeting planners can discuss problems and opportunities with their peers and those who supply products and services to our growing industry.” Suppliers were invited to contribute to the “continued success of the Alexandria Meeting Planners Society.”
October 1985
Bylaws adopted.
September 1989
First annual summer outing. Elizabeth Welch, National Association of Business and Education Radio, became the 200th member.
June 1992
First strategic planning meeting held.
September 1992
Tenth Anniversary Celebration attended by more than 200. First “Dick Noble Distinguished Service Award” presented to Dick Noble, the original “organizer” of AMPs.
Summer 1993
First AMPs-sponsored golf tournament.
September 1993
Mickey Wright is presented with the second Dick Noble Distinguished Service Award.
1982-1995
AMPs known as Alexandria Meeting Planners, then Associated Meeting Planners Society, then Associated Meeting Professionals, in 1995, officially became the Association of Meeting Professionals.
September 1997
AMPs celebrates its 15th Anniversary at the former Ramada Inn in Alexandria, Va. Jodi ( Rhodes) LeBlanc, receives the third Dick Noble Distinguished Service Award. She is presented the award by her father, founding member John Johnson, CAE.
January 1998
Bylaws amended to clarify that AMPs is a “local” association, founded in Alexandria, Va.
June 2001
AMPs Golf Committee established.
December 2001
AMPs jointly hosts the first “Joint Industry Holiday Party” with GWSAE, the DC Chapter of HSMAI, The DC Chapter of IAEM, The Capital Chapter of PCMA, and PMPI with more than 1100 in attendance.
May 2002
AMPs 10th Anniversary Golf Tournament is held at Tantallon in Ft. Washington, Md. with record attendance.
September 2002
AMPs 20th Anniversary celebrated. New logo unveiled. Tom Rohlfing, CHME becomes the fourth recipient of the Dick Noble Distinguished Service Award.
September 2004
Karin Soyster, CMP, CAE is presented with the Dick Noble Distinguished Service Award by recipient Tom Rohlfing, CHME.
June 2006
AMPs holds an “indoor picnic” and mini tradeshow for local vendors at Belle Haven Country Club.
September 2006
The AMPs Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration adds “AMPe” as the nickname of awards, and the event becomes black tie-optional. Mary Gallagher, CMP receives the Dick Noble Distinguished Service Award by recipient Karin Soyster, CMP, CAE.
January 2008
AMPs celebrates 25 successful years with a “Simply Silver” theme. The black-tie event includes many founders, past chairs, AMPs founding father Dick Noble, and first chair Diane Adamson-Banks, CMP, CEM.
This brief history of AMPs is dedicated to the original founders of AMPs, who had the vision to perceive the need for an organization of meeting industry professionals.
AMPs thanks the following individuals who participated in the research of this history. Diane Adamson-Banks, CMP, CEM, Marcie Bannon, Karen Climo, P. Dianne Ehmann, John P. Giaocomini, John Johnson CAE, Judy A. Peck, Karin Soyster CMP, CAE, and Mickey Wright.
Thank you to Founder Dick Noble, the visionary of AMPs.