MPI Pittsburgh Chapter July 2025 Newsletter

It's Summer 🎆

July is here, and we’re keeping the momentum going! From impactful education sessions to unforgettable networking events, MPI Pittsburgh is in full swing this summer. Be sure to mark your calendars for upcoming opportunities to connect, grow, and be inspired by fellow event professionals. Plus, don’t miss the recap of WEC St. Louis and a sneak peek at what's ahead—because this season is all about community, collaboration, and celebrating our industry together.

Upcoming Events 🥂

MPI Pittsburgh Chapter Member Appreciation

Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 from 3:00pm-5:00pm

The Landing Hotel Pittsburgh | 757 Casino Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Mark your calendars and join us as we celebrate YOU—our incredible members! We're rolling out the red carpet to thank our MPI Pittsburgh members for their support, dedication, and commitment to our chapter and the meetings industry.

Enjoy an afternoon of networking, light refreshments, and appreciation in one of Pittsburgh’s most scenic venues.

You won’t want to miss this special summer celebration.

Save the Date: MPI Pittsburgh Chapter Membership Appreciation

Tuesday, August 12th, 2025

Get ready to mix, mingle, and make meaningful connections at MPI Pittsburgh’s August Speed Networking Event! Whether you're a planner, supplier, student, or industry professional, this high-energy afternoon is designed to expand your network—fast.

Come prepared with your business cards and your best elevator pitch. You’ll walk away with new contacts, fresh ideas, and maybe even your next big opportunity.

Stay tuned for venue details and registration information—this is one summer event you won’t want to miss!

MPI’s 2025 WEC 💖

June 18-20, 2025

St. Louis, MO

MPI’s WEC 2025 in St. Louis brought together thousands of meeting professionals for an unforgettable week of learning, networking, and inspiration. From powerful keynotes to cutting-edge breakout sessions, the energy was electric, and the takeaways were endless. Our Pittsburgh chapter was proud to be represented among the industry's best—connecting with peers, exploring new trends, and bringing back fresh ideas to fuel our local events. Thank you to MPI Global for hosting such a dynamic experience in the Gateway City!

Professional Development

AI for Event Sales Certificate Course

Looking to boost your sales game with AI? MPI Global’s self-paced certificate program gives event professionals the tools and training to use platforms like ChatGPT and Beautiful.AI to personalize pitches, automate follow-ups, and work smarter. Learn at your own pace and discover how to stay human while using the power of AI.

MPI Global 🌎

MPI Global New Member Orientation

New members, register for the MPI New Member Orientation (a 45-minute webinar). You’ll learn all about the benefits available to you - beyond what is offered through our Chapter/Club - and how to utilize them to accomplish your unique goals.

All sessions take place on Zoom at 10:00am-10:45am, CDT.

Next Orientation: Thursday, July 31st, 2025

Grow Your Reach with an MPI Pittsburgh Partnership in 2025!

Looking to connect with key decision-makers in Pittsburgh’s thriving meetings and events industry? Partner with MPI Pittsburgh in 2025 and gain direct exposure to a network of 125+ engaged members—including event professionals from top corporations, associations, and universities.

Why Partner with Us?

• 47% of our members are meeting and event planners.
• 30% of our planners organize events across the Northeast region.
• Our members represent over $45 million in collective purchasing power.

Whether you're looking to build brand awareness, drive leads, or showcase your products and services to industry professionals, partnering with MPI Pittsburgh puts your business at the center of our dynamic, collaborative community.

Partnership Opportunities Include:

• Annual Partnerships (Carnegie, Liberty, Keystone & Steel City levels)
• Signature Event Sponsorships (GMID, May Celebration, Holiday Gala)
• Digital Communication Advertising (newsletters, social media, web)
• Monthly Education & Networking Event Partnerships
• In-Kind Partnerships (venues, F&B, décor, entertainment)

June Member Spotlight

Olivia Donnan

Growing up with a globe-trotting flight attendant mother sparked my love for hotels, restaurants and making people feel welcome. It only made sense to enter the world of hospitality, which resulted into a multifaceted career. Throughout my career, I built a solid foundation in hospitality and sales by holding various roles in restaurants and steadily working my way up in hotel operations and sales, including international hotel work Northern Ireland! Transitioning from restaurant work to hotel operations and eventually into hotel sales has provided me with a well-rounded perspective on sales, operations and customer service. After 20 years of working in this industry, I love it just as much now as I did when I began, and I cannot see myself doing anything else.

💙What first inspired you to pursue a career in meetings and events?

Travel is in my blood thanks to my parents both working for an airline. I also have a love for helping people and assisting them to see their visions come to life.

💭What’s one lesson you’ve learned the hard way in this industry?

Everything does not always go as planned. It’s how you adapt, and recover.

💖 How do you stay current with changes and innovations in our industry?

Going with the flow since things are always changing. MPI is also a good resource. 😊

🗻What advice would you give to someone just entering this profession?

There will always be challenges but everything is figureoutable!

👯‍♀️What do you love most about being a member of MPI?

Meeting new people and learning from everyone!

Refer a Friend!

Members, help a colleague, friend, or young professional enjoy the benefits of MPI membership... and save on your next renewal! Refer a friend to join MPI and give them the attached voucher. MPI will waive their application fee AND give you a credit towards your next renewal.

✨Thank you to our Sponsors✨

Rivers Casino is Pittsburgh’s most engaging event destination with thousands of slots, world class restaurants and bars, live entertainment and more. Whether you are planning a wedding, corporate event, convention, seminar, reunion, party, or trade show, we are ready to go above and beyond your expectations. Our high service standards and seasoned culinary team will ensure every detail is customized to your group and gets the attention it deserves.

Jackie Hooper, founder, is combining her education, experience, and passion into Sound Advice Entertainment, which has quickly become a premier entertainment and event booking agency in Pittsburgh, PA. Music and the arts have always been a prominent part of Jackie’s life, which is why it only takes one time working with her to know that she will recommend and book the perfect solutions for your event.

Sound Advice Entertainment represents top talent ranging from musicians, DJ’s, children’s entertainment, photographers, speakers, and other specialty acts. We cater to corporate events, private parties, weddings, receptions, country clubs, casinos, retirement communities, festivals, and more.

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