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 (CIC) 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.