Jacob Adamski is on the Rise

By Katie Scrivano

Wisconsin Meetings (WM) recently spoke with Jacob Adamski, Director of Special Education Projects for MPI Wisconsin and Director of Sales and Event Experience at the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (SPACVB). Adamski was named Rising Star by the MPI Wisconsin chapter for his efforts in 2024.

WM: What path brought you to the events management industry?

JA: After graduating from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point in 2022 with my marketing degree, I wasn’t ready to leave the area. A sales and event role opened up at the Stevens Point Area CVB and I took a leap of faith. Now, two years and two months into the role, I wear many hats and cover all groups that come into the area from meetings, conferences, sporting events, weddings and more. I’m still fresh into this industry, and I’m learning something new every day.

WM: You jumped right into leadership opportunities with MPI Wisconsin — what’s been most rewarding?

JA: Our CVB has been a part of MPI for years, and I happily jumped into becoming the lead for the Spring Education event in 2024 and it’s been very rewarding — I’m excited to take on the role of Director of Special Education Projects in 2025. MPI is a very welcoming environment and it’s very beneficial to have different perspectives from all parts of the industry – planners, suppliers, hoteliers – bouncing ideas off one another to make an event more successful than the last. Building those connections is the most important.

WM: What’s the most exciting part of your role?

JA: It’s exciting to see big things come to fruition and win a bid for an event to be hosted in Stevens Point and show off what the area has to offer. I have a passion for the destination and like to be engaged in the community to get people excited to explore it and come back. I love painting that picture for people.

WM: You’ve been able to make a big impact relatively quickly at both SPACVB and MPI. What do you think attributes to that early success?

JA: It’s been a lot of hands-on learning. I’ve been fortunate to have leaned on a now-former tenured executive director who I looked to for guidance. And no matter where you are, your peers are willing to help. I like seeing what other people are doing (to promote) another city or state.

WM: What three tips do you have for up and comers in the industry?

JA: My first tip is not to be scared to get involved – it’s beneficial to gain knowledge that you won’t get from webinars but from hands-on experiences. And as a perfectionist, it’s also OK to fail, especially if you’re not comfortable yet in this space. It’s about how you can be one step ahead or better a situation to make it successful. Finally, with AI taking over the world and tech continuing to evolve, stay on top of trends on what things are potential to integrate into a meeting. I want to stay on top of it and educate myself on what it means for the industry.

Adamski reinforces the importance of staying connected. “You have to stay connected and continue to talk with your peers — it’s a big component of the role to get to know the people you’re working with on more personal levels outside of work, or outside of their event, and build that connection.