PULLMAN – WSU Conference Coordinator Dana Colwell has been named director of programs for the state chapter of an international meeting planning association.
Meeting Professionals International has 24,000 members and 71 chapters and clubs worldwide.
As director of programs, Colwell will coordinate the chapter’s education programs, including determining educational content, arranging speakers, negotiating facilities contracts, writing articles, and reviewing monthly programs.
“Education is very important to me so I look forward to contributing towards the strategic goals of the chapter while fulfilling a passion of my own,” Colwell said.
Colwell graduated in 2003 from WSU, where she majored in broadcast news and public relations. She joined WSU’s Conference Management unit in 2006.
She has coordinated events ranging from 10-4,000 people, including Harvesting Clean Energy, Partners in Emergency Preparedness, Pacific Northwest Bridge Inspectors, Pacific Northwest Bridge Maintenance, Northwest Solar Summit, National American Harp Society Conference, Washington State Healthy Schools Summit, Northwest Clerks Institute, 4-H Know Your Government Conference, Hire America’s Heroes Summit, and The Military Kids and Families Summit.
“I’ve always felt our staff is the best,” said Kelly Newell, director of WSU’s Conference Management unit. “This honor shows that a lot of other people agree.”