Dallas-based Meeting Professionals International announced it has hired Tim Boobar as its new chief financial officer and acquired “the EVENT,” one of Canada’s most prestigious event industry experiences.

MPI, the world’s largest professional development organization for the meeting and events industry, made the announcements at a press conference during the IMEX-America conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In a move that MPI said signals a continued expansion of its global presence, the company announced it had acquired “the EVENT,” one of Canada’s most prestigious event industry experiences. MPI said the deal solidifies MPI’s reputation as the leader within the meetings and events industry worldwide. Financial details of the transaction were not released.
 
“We’re excited to bring ‘the EVENT’ into our MPI portfolio of global signature events,” MPI Chief Brand Officer Drew Holmgreen said in a statement. “Paired with our Canadian chapters and their exceptional leadership, who have driven this experience for a number of years, this acquisition is a testament to MPI’s commitment in creating a strong, global presence for face-to-face professional development.”
 
Via the acquisition, MPI said it aims to leverage its Canadian community and industry insights and emphasize the innovative approaches, connections, and creativity that the EVENT has proven since its inception.
 
MPI added that working alongside the MPI Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal/Quebec Volunteer Chapter Leaders, and Ryan Young, Tim Whalen, and Marie-France Watson, the original three co-founders of the EVENT, MPI plans to host the experience in the fall of 2024.

Boobar to offer ‘Invaluable’ financial leadership

New CFO Boobar comes to MPI having recently served as CFO for Marketplace Chaplains, a faith-based nonprofit that operates a network of more than 2,000 individuals across North America.

Before that, he was CFO at The Expo Group, spent 13 years at Freeman as SVP of finance, and 16 years as a controller and manager of finance.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tim to the MPI family as our new Chief Financial Officer,” Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of Meeting Professionals International, said in a statement. “His depth of experience provides a strong understanding of the unique financial challenges and opportunities that meeting and event professionals, and non-profit organizations face. We believe his experience, insights and strategic financial leadership will be invaluable as we continue to serve our members and navigate the evolving landscape of our industry.”
 
Boobar starts his new role on Oct. 30, and he will oversee all financial aspects of MPI, including financial strategy and planning, budgeting, and ensuring the organization’s long-term fiscal health.

Boobar will play a critical role in developing and executing financial strategies that support MPI’s mission to connect and educate meeting and event professionals worldwide, the company said.

“I’m excited to join MPI and contribute to an organization that plays such a vital role in our industry,” Boobar said. “MPI has a rich history of supporting meeting professionals, and I am eager to work with the team, and their exceptional board members to ensure the organization’s financial strength and stability as we move forward.”

MPI also announced its 2024 Industry Leader Award recipient, Steve O’Malley, COO of Missouri-based behavioral science company Maritz. The award ceremony will take place during MPI President’s Dinner at WEC Louisville on May 21.

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