GRCVB’s seventh annual Meeting Professionals Summit (MPS) took place on Fri., July 11, at the Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel. The event welcomed meeting planners and hospitality professionals from across the region for a full day of education, networking and collaboration.

This year’s summit featured two dynamic keynote speakers. Jess Ekstrom kicked off the day with “Making It Without Losing It: The New Rules for Innovation and Motivation That Last,” encouraging attendees to embrace change and tap into purpose-driven leadership. Later, Ali Ingersoll delivered “The Meeting Professional’s Playbook: Outmaneuvering Challenges, Adapting Like a Pro and Still Having Fun,” a high-impact session filled with real-life examples and strategies to adapt, innovate and thrive in the meetings industry.

The day also included Meeting Minds, a collaborative session designed to give planners space to share ideas, discuss challenges and connect with peers.

One of the most impactful moments of the day was GRCVB’s Networking with a Purpose activity. Attendees came together to create 100 personal care bags and 100 baskets for the Alliance of Disability Advocates, supporting individuals with disabilities in the Raleigh area and demonstrating the power of community-minded hospitality.

Key takeaways from MPS 2025:

• Jess Ekstrom encouraged professionals to pursue long-term motivation by focusing on purpose over productivity and embracing personal storytelling in their brand.
• Ali Ingersoll reminded attendees that resilience and adaptability can be learned—and that humor and authenticity go a long way in leadership.
• The Raleigh, N.C., area continues to grow, and exciting developments including the Raleigh Convention Center expansion and increased hotel offerings are creating more opportunities for planners and attendees alike.

Thank you to all of our attendees, speakers and partners—especially the team at Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel—for helping make the 2025 Meeting Professionals Summit a success.