A Note From Our President, Becky Faris
As we step into another fall season, I can't help but feel a rush of excitement. This time of year brings with it a sense of renewal and energy, propelling us into what is often the busiest time of year for many of us in the events industry.
Fall is a reminder of the true magic that events hold. It's the time when we see ideas come to life, when months of planning and coordination culminate in memorable experiences that linger long after the ballroom lights dim. It’s looking at your calendar and having every weekend booked with an event, but knowing that it doesn’t matter, because that magic? It’s something that you helped create.
It's the thrill of seeing a vision realized, of witnessing guests' faces light up with delight, and most of all, knowing that every detail, from the smallest to the grandest, contributes to the tapestry of an extraordinary event.
So, as we dive headfirst into the hustle & bustle of the season, let's remember the passion that fuels us: the thrill of crafting something truly remarkable.
Here's to the magic of events, the artistry that defines our work, and the camaraderie that binds us as a community. Let's create experiences that leave a lasting impact and continue to elevate our industry in Pittsburgh and beyond.
Wishing you all a splendid fall season filled with achievements, collaborations, and, of course, the enchantment of events (and maybe an extra cup of coffee to get you through them all unscathed! 😉).
Becky Faris, Chapter President
Upcoming Events
September Networking Event Elevate Your Connections
Wednesday, September 20th, 9:00 - 11:00 am
Where: COhatch Waterfront
137 West Bridge St, West Homestead, PA 15120
CMP Information Sessions
Our next session will take place on September 25th at 7:00 pm via Zoom
Save the Date: October Educational Event: Get A Clue
October 17th, 2023, 4:00 - 7:00pm
Where: Mansions on Fifth
5105 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Save The Date: November Education Event: Innovative Intelligence
November 8th, 2023, 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Where: Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Cranberry
2000 Garden View Ln, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066
Make A Difference
The Future of Events: Sponsor A Student!
MPI Pittsburgh has always had a strong student membership, and we’re excited to launch a new student sponsorship initiative that allows professional members to become a student sponsor. It’s our hope to make MPI Pittsburgh student membership and involvement more accessible for all.
August Networking Event Recap
Thank you to Rivers of Steel and Visit Canton for a scenic and educational networking event. Visit Canton brought scrumptious salted candies and provided a beautiful spread of bruschetta and meats and cheeses. Rivers of Steel offered eye-catching views of the point and many of Pittsburgh's Bridges. Not to mention there was plenty of bridge trivia and microscopes where you could view the microbes that keep the river alive and well.
Member Spotlight
Jana has been involved in event planning for 16 years. After completing her undergraduate studies in 2006 at WVU, Jana began her tenure at Oglebay Park in Wheeling, WV where she quickly put her skills to the test and excelled in planning events at many different levels for a wide variety of guests and clients. In 2012, Jana traveled with Disney Cruise Lines, upholding and exemplifying the world-renowned high standards of service as a Guest Relations Cast Member. Upon returning home, Jana returned to Oglebay and continued to boost the entertainment options available to both corporate clients as well as day guests. In 2019 Jana began her career at the David L Lawrence Convention Center and has worked with all levels of corporate and private events. Jana was promoted to Sr Event Manager in April of 2022.
❤️ What do you love most about meetings & events? It is so easy to go to and from work, to stay in your event bubble and not think of the world around you. MPI Meetings give you a chance to pop that bubble, meet like minded people. The meetings and events give you the opportunity to see a world outside of your own. The give you a safe environment to learn, ask and question the industry.
🤔 What do you want to get out of MPI Pittsburgh? My goal is to make connections. To be able to ask a client “which hotel are you staying at?” “Say hello to my friend Sarah!” to be able to help my clients even further because of the meeting professionals I have met around the area. But mostly, I hope to make friends. People who get and understand the world I work in and can support me when I am struggling on an event.
💡 What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? “Learn their names and say thank you” - I was taught at the beginning of my career that your events are just on paper if you don’t have the team behind to cultivate and create them. It is so important to thank those who help you make the magic and to truly know them. I have learned to take time to learn the names of the team members on the floor, to ask how their family is, to talk sports or to just listen to their favorite music. I need the entire staff on my side to make sure I have a truly great event and I need them to know, I know that and I appreciate them.
If you had one superpower, what would it be? I would like to be able to read minds and emotions. I feel like being able to tap into someone’s emotions and to be able to help them deal with their thoughts would be a wonderful way to be able to help the world be a better and happier place.
✈️ What is your dream vacation? A guided world trip to all the Disney Parks!
🍚 What is your favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh? Nicky’s Thai -hands down! No competition!
🍿 What is your guilty pleasure? Watching the Greatest Showman over and over again!
What is your most-used emoji? 🤦♀️
New & Renewing Members
🙋♀️Welcome to our NEW members and a huge shout out to RENEWING members!
We're thrilled to have these incredible new members on board, ready to ignite connections and elevate our event expertise. A special shoutout to our dedicated members who've renewed their commitment to growth and community this month. Together, we're building bridges, sharing knowledge, and fostering positive connections! 🎊
Thank you to our Sponsors
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