MPI Pittsburgh Chapter March 2026 Newsletter

Grateful, Energized, and Moving Forward Together

March gives us a chance to reflect on what truly makes MPI Pittsburgh special—our members. Your passion, ideas, and willingness to connect are what drive our momentum and shape the future of our chapter.

Upcoming Events 🥂

Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 3:00PM- 5:00PM

Tequila Cowboy 380 North Shore Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Join fellow MPI Pittsburgh Chapter members for a fun afternoon event celebrating both our members and the upcoming NFL Draft! Rep your favorite team colors while enjoying Tailgate Bites and Draft Day drinks.

Professional Development

A Note from Our Vice President of Professional Development

 How I fulfilled my CMP-Fellow designation I am writing to share a personal perspective on the CMP Fellow Program and why it holds particular significance for me, who has proudly maintained her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation since 2001. For more than twenty years, I have been deeply committed to advancing the meetings and events profession—both through my own work and through my engagement with the MPI community. Many of you have seen firsthand how I approach this industry: with professionalism, curiosity, and a genuine desire to elevate the standards of our field. Maintaining the CMP designation for over two decades is not simply a matter of renewal; it reflects sustained dedication, continuous learning, and a long-term investment in excellence. The CMP Fellow Program recognizes individuals who have gone beyond mastering the fundamentals of meeting and event management. It honors those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, mentorship, and meaningful contributions to the profession over time. CMP Fellows are individuals who help shape the direction of our industry, influence best practices, and support the growth of others. For me the CMP Fellow designation represents more than an advanced credential. It is an acknowledgment of my long-standing commitment to the profession and my impact on the colleagues, partners, and communities I have supported throughout my career, including the MPI Pittsburgh Chapter. I strive in my work to reflect the very qualities the CMP Fellow Program seeks to recognize leadership grounded in experience, service rooted in passion, and a sincere dedication to strengthening our industry’s future. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the significance of the CMP Fellow Program and my connection to it. Your support of professional growth within our chapter continues to make a meaningful difference. Michaela Morgan

MPI Global 🌎

MPI Foundation

Scholarships and Chapter Grants are available to support conferences, MPI Academy courses, membership, education and special projects.

Have questions for the MPI Foundation?

Cvent CONNECT Discount Codes for MPI Members

July 13-16, 2026 in Nashville, TN Level up your event strategy at Cvent CONNECT 2026 with CMP‑accredited Training Camp, 1:1 access to Cvent experts, and role-based sessions designed by event marketers for event marketers. MPI members get 25% off with code: MPI252026.

WEC San Antonio Hosted Buyer – Applications Open!

Applications to apply for the WEC San Antonio Hosted Buyer program are now open. If selected, you could attend WEC and have your registration, housing, and more hosted. Don’t delay and submit your application today! Notifications of acceptance will begin in early March!

IMEX Frankfurt Hosted Buyer – Applications Open!

Applications to apply for the MPI group at IMEX Frankfurt are open. If you plan global events (outside of your home country), this is the largest tradeshow of its kind in Europe! Apply on the IMEX Frankfurt website using our unique MPI codes: Europe Planners - cntbxb Mexico Planners - q1lz13 North American Planners - fw9fmy

March Member Spotlight

Marissa Watson

Marissa Watson is a dynamic hospitality leader serving as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Industrialist Hotel by Marriott Autograph Collection. With a passion for building meaningful relationships and creating memorable guest experiences, she blends strategic revenue growth with a hands-on, team-focused leadership style. Known for her energy, creativity, and ability to connect people, Marissa is dedicated to elevating the guest journey while driving strong results for the property.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned the hard way in this industry? You can’t do it all yourself. Event planning is a team sport, and real success comes from trusting your team and collaborating across all outlets — not trying to carry everything alone. What advice would you give to someone just entering this profession? Learn the operation before you lead the strategy. Understand how every department works, build strong relationships, and don’t be afraid to pick up the phone — connections close business and friendships last a lifetime! What’s one myth about event planning you’d like to bust? That it’s glamorous. The beautiful event you see is powered by logistics, budgets, backup plans, and a lot of behind-the-scenes problem solving.

✨Thank you to our Sponsors✨

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is home to America’s largest indoor waterpark resorts and premier convention centers. With expansive meeting spaces, state-of-the-art technology, and flexible event venues, Kalahari seamlessly blends business with unforgettable experiences.

Designed to inspire productivity and play, each property offers extensive convention facilities paired with world-class dining, luxury spas, and thrilling waterpark attractions, all under one roof! Whether you're planning a high-impact conference, a dynamic trade show, or an engaging corporate retreat, Kalahari delivers a setting that energizes attendees and elevates every event.

Big meetings deserve bold destinations—and Kalahari makes it easy to turn business gatherings into memorable experiences.

Tequila Cowboy

 Tequila Cowboy offers versatile spaces, with areas to fit any theme, and spaces guaranteed to make your corporate events, holiday parties, birthday celebrations, or team building event memorable and successful. Tequila Cowboy Versatile Spaces Offer:

• Accommodations for groups 25-700 people
• 6 bars with 3 themes under one roof: Country, 80/90s Little Red Corvette and WannaB’s Karaoke
• Voted “Best Bar” by EAT.DRINK.PITTSBURGH
• Custom catering and banquet packages to fit your party needs
• Live entertainment
• Walking distance to Acrisure Stadium, Stage AE, and Rivers Casino and Landing Hotel
• Space for team building events
• Available A/V compatibility for presentations
• Largest bar in the Pittsburgh North Shore

Courtney Watkins Email: c.watkins@tcrestgroup.com Phone: 412-498-5736

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