MPI Pittsburgh Chapter April 2026 Newsletter

A Season of Momentum and Possibility

With spring in full swing, April is all about growth, movement, and new possibilities. It’s a time when ideas come to life and connections deepen, and MPI Pittsburgh is proud to be at the center of it all. We’re excited to bring our community together this month through opportunities that inspire collaboration, spark creativity, and keep you connected to what’s next in our industry.

Upcoming Events 🥂

Thursday, April 9th, 2026 at 1pm-2pm

Join us on April 9 for a 60 minute virtual human trafficking awareness training designed to educate participants on identifying and responding to human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, with particular emphasis on vulnerabilities surrounding large public events such as the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Presented by Eden’s Farm, let’s prepare our city with information and coordinated care.

MPI WEC

Date: June 2-4th, 2026 Location: San Antonio, TX There is no bigger celebration of the people and purpose of the business event industry than MPI’s World Education Congress. Through a strategy of intentional event design, personalized learning, and the festive hospitality of San Antonio, WEC will deliver what you need to skyrocket your event career. Because of what you learn and who you meet at WEC, your events will come alive like never before.

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? Contact Darlee Kelly-Stewart at stonehouse@bellnet.ca

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.

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

2027 Board of Directors Nominations!

We are excited to announce that the nomination process is now open for the 2027 MPI Pittsburgh Board of Directors! This is your chance to get involved, make a meaningful impact, and contribute to the future of our chapter. Whether you're looking to expand your leadership experience, enhance your professional development, or grow your network, serving on the board is a valuable opportunity. The 2027 Board of Directors term will begin on January 1, 2027, and end on December 31, 2027. Eligibility Requirements:

• Any MPI member in good standing, whose primary affiliation is with the Pittsburgh Chapter, is eligible.
• Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to dedicating time, energy, support, and creativity to the chapter.

Nomination Process and Timeline:

• April 1 - 30: Call for Volunteers – Nominations open for the 2027 MPI Pittsburgh Board of Directors
• May 1 - 31: Nomination Committee reviews applications and conducts candidate interviews
• June 1-7: Nomination Committee prepares the proposed board slate in advance of the June MPI Pittsburgh Board meeting
• June 8: Proposed 2027 Board of Directors slate presented for a vote at the board meeting
• June 9-July 9: Proposed 2027 Board of Directors posted on chapter website for a 30-day contest period for general membership
• August 1: Approved 2027 Board of Directors slate due to MPI Global

If you're ready to take on a leadership role, please submit your application here. You may nominate yourself or a fellow member in good standing. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Molly Klaas, Immediate Past President and Chair of the Nominations & Governance Committee by emailing molly.klaas@visitpittsburgh.com. 

We look forward to seeing your nominations!

Student Engagement

MPI Pittsburgh Supports Collaborative Student FAM Tour in Pittsburgh

On March 2, 2026, MPI Pittsburgh partnered with regional hospitality leaders to deliver a dynamic Student FAM Tour designed to strengthen the pipeline of future event and hospitality professionals. The experience brought together students from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Slippery Rock University, and Point Park University for a full day of behind‑the‑scenes industry engagement. This initiative showcased the power of MPI’s collaborative network. Visit Pittsburgh played a central role in coordinating the day’s logistics, and MPI Pittsburgh extends special thanks to Natalie Weiss, Destination Engagement Manager, and Amber Harkleroad, Group Tour Sales Manager and Incoming MPI Pittsburgh Chapter President, for their leadership in shaping a seamless and impactful itinerary. Students received exclusive access to key event and hospitality venues, including:

• David L. Lawrence Convention Center
• The Westin Hotel Pittsburgh
• Sheraton Station Square
• Gateway Clipper
• PNC Park

Each site generously opened its doors to provide guided tours, operational insights, and opportunities for students to connect with seasoned professionals—demonstrating the industry’s shared commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. The tour also featured a keynote session with Joyce Kramer, Senior Event Planner at Highmark and MPI Pittsburgh Vice President of Membership, who spoke to students about career pathways, professionalism, and the value of MPI involvement in shaping meaningful industry connections. This event was coordinated on the academic side by Dr. Nicole Clevenger, Associate Professor in the IUP Hotel, Restaurant, Tourism, and Event Management Program, and MPI Pittsburgh Director of Student Involvement. Her work ensured that this experience not only supported industry‑academic engagement but also strengthened relationships among MPI student members and regional university partners. The FAM tour reflects MPI Pittsburgh’s ongoing mission to foster education, collaboration, and community across every level of the meetings and events profession. Through the generosity of our venue partners and the dedication of MPI members, students gained invaluable hands‑on exposure and a clearer vision of the career opportunities ahead. Thank you to all our members who hosted and provided their time to make this event a success!

April Spotlight

Help us welcome in our new administrative team to MPI Pittsburgh. Get to know the people behind the work!

Thank you to our Sponsor

Eden's Farm

Eden’s Farm exists to provide a safe place, trauma-informed holistic care, and resources to survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. We strive to provide education through outreach efforts and work towards building solid partnerships with existing organizations in order to create a cohesive, united community. At Eden’s Farm, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against human trafficking. Our Human Trafficking Education page is a hub for learning—designed for community members, service providers, and students who want to deepen their understanding and take informed action.

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