Employee Spotlight: Meet Action Star Chris Bonnett
We are very excited to share Chris Bonnett, CHIA, CMP, program manager with Meetings & Incentives Worldwide, Inc., was recognized as a member of Connect Corporate magazine’s “40 Under 40.” The honor highlights the top young professionals in the events industry. Connect Corporate is a national, B2B magazine that provides resources and ideas to professionals and planners in the meetings and events industry.
Action Stars – 2020 40 Under 40
Peers in the events world nominated Bonnett. Nominations were received from across the country, then reviewed and evaluated by the Connect staff based on references, industry involvement, and other resources.
“We are thrilled other meeting professionals are getting to know our Chris Bonnett. Chris embodies what it means to be a “Hospitality Hero” here at M&IW. The footprint he has made in just short of three years with us is quite impressive,” said Katie Jankowski, Manager, Program Management. “His dedication to excellence and learning makes him a multifaceted member of our team with skills that span attendee management, mobile applications, and program management. In fact, he just earned his Cvent certification.”
Join us in congratulating our action star Chris and his peers for being industry leaders and change-makers.
The Meeting Professional Magazine
Chris was also featured in The Meeting Professional Magazine, June Issue. He is finishing up his third year on the Board of Directors for the MPI Georgia Chapter. He joined as a student member is 2012 and is currently the VP of Education. Previously, he served as Director of Communications and VP of Educations. He has attended the MPI-WEC for the past five years.
“What I enjoy most about my position with M&IW, is the planning and organizing projects and events for our clients. I also love being able to travel for clients, especially to international destinations like Amsterdam, Cape Town, and Thailand,” said Chris.
A little factoid about Chris is that the first time he left the country was in 2016 at 26 years old. He ventured on a solo trip to Amsterdam, Greece, and Spain. He feels solo travel allows you to explore the country and deep dive into what you really enjoy about traveling. It’s about exploring different cultures and talking to people from that country to get a perspective of their daily life. On his most recent trip to Colombia in March 2020, he spent three hours at the hotel bar chatting with the bartenders (in broken Spanish) about music, Colombian culture, COVID-19, and nightlife.
“His love for international travel has brought his talent and bright shiny smile to many countries leaving a mark wherever he goes. Chris’s hunger and desire to learn and succeed shows his true passion and motivation to bring the very best to his everyday work. We can’t wait to watch Chris blossom in his program management role for years to come, said Katie.
When asked where he sees himself in the next five years, he responded, “I see a COVID-19 free world. I will still be traveling to great destinations for clients in a Senior Program Manager or Account Lead role with M&IW. I hope to be married and living in a cute neighborhood near the Atlanta Beltline with my husband and maybe a dog (no kids).”