FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 1, 2005
CONTACT: Juli Jones, Vice President
Convention Industry Council
(703) 610-0273
jjones@conventionindustry.org
www.conventionindustry.org
Terri Breining Re-Joins APEX Commission
McLean, Virginia – July 1, 2005 – M. Theresa “Terri”
Breining, CMP, CMM, owner and president of Concepts Worldwide in Carlsbad,
California, has recently re-joined the Convention Industry Council’s
APEX Commission representing the Convention/Meeting Management industry
segment for the APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange) initiative. Amanda
Moses, director of corporate events marketing for Sprint in Overland
Park, Kansas, has filled this role since May 2003 and recently resigned
due to an increase in her already impressive professional duties.
“I feel very privileged to have been able to serve as an APEX
commissioner, along with other commissioners who epitomize the professionalism
in our industry,” Moses said. “I will remain passionate
about APEX and what it will continue to accomplish. I regret having
to resign, but am thrilled that Terri Breining is rejoining the commission.
It could not possibly be in better hands.”
Ms. Breining was one of the original APEX Commissioners from November
2000 to May 2003 when she resigned due to her responsibilities as chair
of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). At the time, she said,
“[APEX] is too important to have anything less than my full attention
and with my increased responsibilities as MPI chair I can not give APEX
the attention it deserves.” With that volunteer commitment fulfilled,
Breining explains that she is returning to APEX because “I believe
absolutely in the importance of the APEX initiative and am an activist
for the adoption of voluntary industry standards and best practices.”
The APEX Commission has responsibility for general oversight of the
APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange) initiative. The nine Commissioners
were selected to represent the various segments of the meetings, conventions
and exhibitions industry. They bring extensive leadership experience
to APEX. Ms. Breining will represent the convention/meeting management
industry segment which includes planners, both individual and organizational,
of meetings, conventions and other events.
Breining brings great experience and insight to the Commission. She
founded Concepts Worldwide in 1988 as a meeting and tradeshow planning
company, and has been in the meeting planning industry since 1976. Terri
is often recognized for her dedication to the industry, and as one of
the most influential leaders within the industry. She served as the
2003-2004 Chairwoman of the Board for Meeting Professionals International
(MPI), the meeting industry’s largest international organization
with almost 20,000 members worldwide.
“I have conflicting feelings about this transition. I’m
sad to see Amanda leave, and just delighted to have Terri back on board.
In this industry, making a 3-5 year volunteer commitment is sometimes
a challenge. The leadership that APEX has had from the Commissioners
is a testament to the great value and potential that APEX has for the
industry,” stated Mickey Schaefer, president of Mickey Schaefer
& Associates and chair of the APEX Commission. “Amanda represented
her colleagues with great professionalism and strategic insight, ensuring
the corporate planner’s perspective was represented. The Commission
agrees that we have been fortunate to have served with her and to have
learned from her.”
Mary Power, president of the Convention Industry Council agreed. She
stated, “APEX is a volunteer-driven initiative and the knowledge
and experience of these volunteers are APEX’s greatest assets.
We thank Amanda so much for her service and welcome Terri back on board.”
APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange), an initiative of the Convention
Industry Council, is developing and implementing industry-wide accepted
practices which will create and enhance efficiencies throughout the
meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry.
The Convention Industry Council’s 31 member organizations represent
more than 100,000 individuals and 15,000 firms and properties involved
in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. Formed in 1949
to provide a forum for member organizations seeking to enhance the industry,
the CIC facilitates the exchange of information, develops programs to
promote professionalism within the industry, and educates the public
on its profound economic impact. In addition to the APEX initiative,
the CIC is also responsible for the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
Program and the Hall of Leaders.
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Note to Editors: A photo of Ms. Breining is available upon
request.