Michael Shannon, CMP joined MGM Resorts International as Regional Director of Sales, Northeast, in March 2010, representing their properties in Las Vegas, as well as properties in Detroit, Biloxi and Connecticut. After eight successful years, he left a position as Vice President and a Partner with a full service meeting and event planning company. A twenty-nine year veteran of the hospitality industry and graduate of the University of Denver, School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, Michael has spent his career in a variety of hotel operational and sales & marketing positions.

Active in Meeting Professionals International since 1994, he served on the board of directors of the New Jersey Chapter from 1996-2000, and was the chapter's President from 1998-1999. Michael has served on and Chaired MPI’s International Chapter Leadership Committee as well as serving on and Chairing MPI’s International Membership Committee. Michael went on to serve a three-year term on the International Board of Directors from 2004-2007, and has served on the Marketplace Advisory Committee, as well as the Membership Advisory Council. Honors from the New Jersey Chapter include the 1996-1997 Chapter Supplier of the Year as well as the recipient of the 2000-2001 Meeting Professional of the Year.

Michael has been published in The Meeting Professional, and has presented programs on topics such as: Starting your own Business; Negotiation Skills; Everyday Ethics for the Meeting & Sales Professional, as a Platinum Series Speaker at various MPI Chapters as well as a speaker at MPI’s World Education Congress and Professional Education Conference, MeetDifferent and served on faculty for MPI’s Institutes program.  Michael has also served on National Customer Advisory Boards for Las Vegas, St. Louis and Vail/Rock Resorts.