A Note From Our President, Becky Faris
Dear Members, Chapter Sponsors, and Supporters,
If you’re like me, you may be reading this newsletter wondering how it is already March. If one thing is for certain, it’s that 2024 is not waiting on anyone!
I have a lot of MPI pride and excitement this month, as March coincides with our Member Appreciation Event (Tuesday, March 12th at Puttshack - register below 😉). The team has gone above and beyond to make this event special in every way and if you’re able to make it, you’ll find that you’re in for a real treat!
Whether you are a long-standing member or have recently joined our chapter, I want to personally thank you for your membership. Collectively, we are an amazing group of people and I love being connected with you all. It is rare that you will attend one of our events without seeing a smiling face across the room, or another member making an introduction, and those personal connections make our chapter truly special. Beyond the social aspect, membership with MPI Pittsburgh offers tangible benefits. It provides a network of professionals to whom you can confidently refer business, a sounding board for brainstorming sessions, and a community of peers with whom you can share experiences and insights. And all those great things going on in the chapter? None of it would be possible without you!
If you are not a member but have considered joining, our membership team would be delighted to talk through any obstacles or hesitations you may have. There is no better time to join and I encourage you to let 2024 be the year you make the leap! 🙂
And to our dedicated members, I look forward to celebrating you all on March 12th!
-Becky Faris, CMP, MPI Pittsburgh, President
Upcoming Events
Putting the Spotlight on You: Membership Appreciation Putt-Fest
Tuesday, March 12th | 2:30-5:00pm
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of fun and appreciation as we roll out the greens and celebrate YOU at our Membership Appreciation Event held at the fantastic Puttshack in the Strip District!
🏌️♂️ Swing into Thanks:
Navigate through exciting mini-golf courses that promise twists, turns, and the occasional surprise challenge. It's a hole-in-one gratitude experience crafted just for our MPI Members (and friends!). This is “FORE” the members, by the members! The first 40 member registrants will receive a swag bag filled with goodies, snacks and fun! For an added “HOLE in ONE”, you might just be the lucky member to receive the golden golf ball for an even bigger takeaway!!!
Members and Non-members are all invited to this yearly event. We cannot wait to putt with you!
SAVE THE DATE: May Celebration
6-week Spring CMP Study Group
March 18, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Join virtually or in-person!
Enrollment in the MPI Pittsburgh Study Group is designed to provide individuals with the necessary support and structure as they prepare for the CMP exam. This opportunity is open to both members and non-members who have been accepted to sit for upcoming CMP exams. It is essential to have an approved application and materials before registering for the study group. Why consider joining a CMP Study Group? Participating in the MPI Pittsburgh Study Group offers the following benefits to enhance your CMP exam preparation:
1. Structured Syllabus: Receive a 6-week syllabus with assigned readings from the nine domains outlined in the CMP-International Standards (CMP-IS), which forms the basis of the CMP exam.
2. Local Network: Connect with other CMP candidates within the Greater Pittsburgh area who share the goal of taking the exam within the same calendar year.
3. Industry Insights: Gain valuable tips and insights from experienced industry professionals who have already earned their CMP credentials.
SAVE THE DATE: Global Meetings Industry Day: A Deep Dive into AI
Thursday, April 11th. 2:00-6:00pm
Steamfitters Local Union 449 Event Center & Catering. 232 Wise Road, Harmony, PA 16037
📈 Professional Development Pulse Check
Date: You pick!
If you would like to meet with our Vice President, Professional Development, Kristen Turner for a quick 30-minute discovery session, she would love to learn more about your career goals and professional development and see how she can help! You can choose a date and time slot using the Calendly link below. Once confirmed, you’ll receive an online questionnaire to complete so that we can get the best out of our 30 minutes together.
WEC 2024 - Craft Your Experience
Date: May 20th-22nd, 2024
Powered and programmed by the MPI Academy, WEC Louisville’s education will be a Kentucky-sized charcuterie board for the brain. Featuring formats of all shapes and sizes, and top-of-mind takeaways for event professionals of every level, what you learn will nurture your career like never before.
Sponsor A Student Membership!
Are you passionate about fostering the next generation of event professionals? Here's your chance to make a meaningful difference!
At Meeting Professionals International (MPI), we believe in empowering students with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed in the dynamic world of event management. MPI Pittsburgh is now accepting donations to Sponsor a Student Membership.
Your generous donations will directly support deserving students in their pursuit of an MPI student membership, providing them with access to invaluable networking opportunities, educational resources, and mentorship programs. By investing in their future today, you're helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow's events industry.
Join us in making a positive impact and nurturing the talent of tomorrow. Together, we can build a brighter future for the events industry!
2025 Board of Directors Nominations Opening Soon!
Get ready to make a difference! 🤝✨ Nominations for our MPI Pittsburgh Chapter's Board of Directors will be opening this spring! 🎉
Are you passionate about shaping the future of the events industry for Pittsburgh? Here's your chance to step up and lead in key areas like membership, events, partnership & finance, and marketing & communications.
Your skills and vision could drive impactful change within our vibrant community of meeting professionals! 🌟 Stay tuned for more details on how you can nominate yourself or someone you believe would be an outstanding addition to our board! 🗳️🤝
To learn more about the Board of Directors and available positions, please contact Molly Evans, MPI Pittsburgh's 2023-2024 President-Elect at molly.evans@visitpittsburgh.com.
February Education Event Recap
Feel the Love: Team Up with Us as a Partner in 2024!
We love our partners! If you, too, are feeling the love, consider partnering with MPI Pittsburgh throughout the year. Here’s just a handful of partnership opportunities for events over the next few months:
March Membership Appreciation Event:
- Showcase your attraction by providing discounted or complimentary tickets as a members-only thank-you gift.
- Elevate your brand by sponsoring awards at this special event dedicated to honoring our members.
Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID):
- Seize the spotlight as the Presenting Sponsor for our flagship event, Global Meetings Industry Day. This high-profile opportunity puts your brand front and center, reaching a diverse and engaged audience.
May Celebration:
- Sponsor favors for all attendees.
- Become the exclusive Bar Sponsor for our biggest fundraiser of the year. Your brand will be prominently featured, creating a lasting impression on attendees.
Align your company with MPI Pittsburgh's dynamic community, and position yourself as a leader in the meetings and events industry. Don't miss the chance to elevate your brand and make a lasting impact. For more details on these sponsorship opportunities and how your company can get involved, please contact VP of Partnerships, Jennifer Lishego at jlishego@gmail.com.
Thank You to Our Partners!
Puttshack Pittsburgh
Puttshack is tech-infused mini golf, which means they’ve thrown out the paper and pencils and replaced them with a super fun new scoring game! Their balls track your gameplay, and you can earn (or lose) points based on how you play. This isn’t just a new way to play mini golf, it’s the only way! All of that competition is sure to work up an appetite, so their passionate chefs & bartenders will tantalize your taste buds with flavors from around the globe. Don’t miss out!
Thanks for reading through our February newsletter! Have something you'd like to include in our April issue?
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