MPI Pittsburgh Chapter June 2025 Newsletter

It's Summer🌸

Summer’s in full swing—and while you're busy soaking up the sun and stopping to smell the flowers, we're here to help you refresh, recharge, and bring your best “event” self to everything you do!

Because you showed up, supported, and shined in 2024… we’re thrilled to share that MPI Pittsburgh has officially earned Chapter of Excellence status—congrats to our amazing community!

We are thrilled to share that the MPI Pittsburgh Chapter has been honored with the Chapter of Excellence Award for the 2023-2024 term! This prestigious recognition celebrates our chapter’s commitment to innovation, engagement, and outstanding service to our members and the meetings industry. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers, passionate members, and supportive community. This achievement is yours as much as ours!

Upcoming Events 🥂

Grounded and Unstoppable: A Well-Being Blueprint for Event Pros

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 9:00-11:00am

UPMC Events Center | 6001 University Blvd., Moon Twp., PA 15108

Join MPI Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Technology Council for an energizing morning workshop designed to help you refuel your energy, reframe stress, and rise above burnout. In the fast-paced world of events and hospitality, taking care of your well-being is more than important—it’s essential.

Led by mindset and energy coach Neysha Arcelay, this 60-minute interactive session will explore the effects of stress on the mind and body, guide you through uncovering your inner strengths, and provide practical tools and daily habits to help you manage stress and prevent burnout. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to thrive—both personally and professionally.

Thanks to our partners at the Pittsburgh Technology Council, breakfast will be provided to help you start your day nourished and focused.

Prioritize your well-being. Empower your performance. Let’s rise together.

Save the Date: MPI Pittsburgh Chapter Membership Appreciation

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

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. More details and registration coming soon! You won’t want to miss this special summer celebration.

Don’t Miss MPI’s 2025 WEC 💖

June 18-20, 2025

St. Louis, MO

Advance your event career at WEC St. Louis! Experience cutting-edge innovation, gain valuable insights, and achieve instant ROI. Join us to redefine your professional journey and make lasting connections.

Professional Development

An Update from our Vice President of Professional Development

Michaela Morgan, our Vice President of Professional Development has some updates to share around the Events Industry Council changes and the new CMP Exam!

MPI Global 🌎

MPI Global New Member Orientation

New members, be sure to register for this 45-minute webinar with MPI Global! You’ll learn all about the benefits available to you - beyond what is offered through our Chapter - and how to utilize them to accomplish your unique goals.

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

Next Orientation: Wednesday, June 25, 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

Megan Colf

Megan L. Colf, CMP, is a seasoned event professional with 15+ years of experience leading high-impact events across the hospitality, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. As Senior Director of Events at the Pittsburgh Technology Council, she specializes in large-scale event strategy, production, and brand growth. A Certified Meeting Professional, Megan is recognized for her leadership, client-focused approach, collaborative spirit, and ability to deliver exceptional results.

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

I landed in this industry purely by chance while working through college, but I stayed because I developed a genuine passion for hospitality and creating experiences. The longer I stayed, the more I realized how much I loved the energy and impact of well-designed and produced experience.

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

Find the people who light a fire under you, those who challenge, inspire, and push you to level up. Seek out mentors who’ve been where you want to go, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or take up space in the room. Stay curious, stay hungry, and stay open. In this industry, your network isn’t just a support system. It is your launchpad.

💖 How do you stay current with changes and innovations in event planning?

This industry is always evolving, and it’s essential to evolve with it. I stay current by investing in continued education, attending industry showcases, and staying connected with fellow professionals who are pushing boundaries. Lastly, NETWORK. Know your hospitality community. That is how you bring the best to your clients and shareholders.

🗻What’s one myth about event planning you’d like to bust?

One myth specifically that stands out is that hiring an event professional is an unnecessary luxury. The “I can do it myself” mindset often limits an event’s potential. A skilled event professional brings far more than logistics. They bring vision, strategy, and a deep network of trusted resources. Their expertise transforms events from simply organized to truly unforgettable.

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

It’s the energy of being surrounded by people who get it, who understand both the intensity and the magic of this industry. MPI is more than a network; it’s a community where ideas are exchanged freely, support is constant, and every success is celebrated together. It’s where collaboration fuels growth and is centered by passion.

✨Thank you to our Sponsors✨

The Pittsburgh Technology Council is here to help your company succeed!

Since 1983, we have helped companies at all growth stages in building new business, connecting to capital, growing talent, and making headlines. We accomplish this through our proven platform of:

• Business Development: Building new business takes connections. Tap into ours!
• Talent Retention: Attracting and retaining a talented workforce is a top priority for companies and the Tech Council.
• Government Relations: We seek to build a pro-growth environment for innovators and entrepreneurs.
• Visibility Services: Our robust multimedia platform can help you gain credible, positive visibility.

The Tech Council also offers its members a wide range of benefits options, from healthcare to 401(k) MEP. Members even have access to many member-to-member discounts that can save you money while also helping the local economy.

The UPMC Events Center is owned by Robert Morris University (RMU) and managed by Oak View Group (OVG). The UPMC Events Center is a 4,000 seat arena on the campus of RMU. The venue is a multi-functional arena that hosts meetings, conferences, concerts, special events and is home to the RMU Colonials men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball teams.

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster of arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents.

P: (412) 397-2019

Thanks for reading through our June newsletter! Have something you'd like to include in our July issue?

Stay connected! Follow MPI Pittsburgh on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.