International Meeting Planners was established in 1978 by Audrey Bird, CMP, after Ms. Bird had devoted a considerable number of years to planning and managing global meetings, incentive travel programs, and training in U.S. marketing techniques for the corporate clients of Needham, Harper & Steers, Inc. and its worldwide network of advertising agencies.  

Ms. Bird, a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), was the recipient of Meeting Professional International's "Meeting Planner of the Year" in 1986 and MPI’s International Appreciation Award for spearheading development of chapters throughout the world. An acknowledged industry leader, author and authority, she is a much sought-after speaker at numerous worldwide conferences.

Ms. Bird, as an Adjunct Professor at New York University School of Professional Development, initiated the required certificate course on international meeting management.