A Note From Our President, Becky Faris
On behalf of the Nominations & Governance committee, it is with great joy that I present to you the current slate of candidates selected to serve on the 2025 Board of Directors, with term of service beginning on January 1st, 2025.
OOP:
- President: Molly Evans
- Immediate Past President: Becky Faris
- President-Elect: Jessica Walz
Membership:
- Vice President of Membership: Amber Harkleroad
- Director of Member Retention: Melissa Hickman
- Director of Student Involvement: Nicole Buse
Events:
- Vice President of Education Events: Aliza Rutledge
- Vice President of Networking Events: Courtney Ford
MarComm:
- Vice President of Marketing & Communications: McKenzie Mottiqua (Hollenbaugh)
- Director of Event Marketing: Teddy Mermigas
- Director of Chapter Content: Jennifer Lishego
Finance:
- Vice President of Finances & Strategic Partnerships: Ashley Duke
This slate of officers has been prepared by the Chapter Nominations & Governance Committee and is being presented for review to the membership. If uncontested, the slate will be considered approved by a unanimous vote. The membership does have the opportunity to present a challenge to the proposed candidates, so long as a petition is received by Sunday, July 21, 2024. If anyone wishes to oppose any one of the candidates selected, please send a detailed explanation to Becky Faris, President at becky.faris@theoaklander.com.
If no petitions are received, the candidates listed above will assume the position for which they have been slated on January 1, 2025.
We wish to express our gratitude to the members of the Nominating Committee for their dedication and work to produce this slate. The Committee will continue existing and future conversations regarding the open position of Vice President, Professional Development and if you have interest in this position, please reach out by email to becky.faris@theoaklander.com.
Becky Faris, President, MPI Pittsburgh
Upcoming Events
Stellar Connections: Networking Among the Cosmos
Tuesday, July 16th, 3:00-5:00pm
Space Bar
22 Market Square, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Embark on a journey beyond the ordinary and into the vast reaches of space at our exclusive networking event at Space Bar Market Square. Discover new connections, exchange ideas, and cultivate partnerships that will propel your professional trajectory to new heights. Break the ice with interactive Mingle Bingo designed to spark meaningful conversations and indulge in celestial-inspired refreshments as you mingle amidst a captivating atmosphere of stars and galaxies.
Save The Date: Elevate Your Connections - Speed Networking Event
Tuesday, August 13th, 2:30-5:00pm
Rivers Club
301 Grant Street Suite 411 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your network, build lasting connections, and elevate your professional journey. Whether you're a seasoned networker or new to the networking scene, your time spent with us promises an afternoon of growth, fun, and boundless opportunities. Each Speed Networking interaction will last a few minutes, giving you the chance to exchange business cards, share your elevator pitch, and discover potential collaborations or career opportunities. Complimentary Small Bites will be provided by Rivers Club to keep you energized throughout the afternoon. We look forward to welcoming you!
Professional Development
đ Professional Development Pulse Check
When: YOU PICK!
Are you feeling a little stale on your professional development goals? Are you hoping to make a career change or get a promotion but donât know how to get there? 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, youâll receive an online questionnaire to complete so that we can get the best out of our 30 minutes together.
CMP Practice Exam
Anytime you want to take it!
MPI Pittsburgh is committed to providing our members (and non-members) an opportunity for professional development and growth through preparation for the Certified Meeting Professionals exam. We NOW offer a 75-question practice exam that will test your knowledge of the Event Industry Council's CMP Prep Coursework. The practice exam is intended for those professionals that have prepared for the exam and need to test their working knowledge of the materials covered prior to taking the CMP Exam.
Member Spotlight
Introducing our July Member Spotlight, Becky Wiley!
Bio: I have worked for Event Source for 11 years and have come to love the daily challenges and opportunities from all our Pittsburgh customers, small and large. I love the fact that no event is ever the same, and the variety of events I have had the opportunity to work on during my time at Event Source is what gets me excited to come to work each day. When Iâm not helping customers choose rentals for their special events, I am my daughter Brooklynâs Uber driver from activity to activity. My 16-year-old son Grant recently got his license, and while scary, it has helped my husband Brent and I out drastically as he can now navigate his own work and activities. We also have 2 labs, Guinness and Stella, who keep us on our toes. I am a proud member of Burn Boot Camp in Zelienople and enjoy the challenge it gives me daily.
đWhat did you love most about being in the meeting & events industry?
The thing I love most about meetings and events is the people that they bring together.
đWhat do you enjoy most about being part of MPI Pittsburgh Community?
I am a member of MPI Pittsburgh for the personal and professional business connections, as well as the industry experience. I have gained some life long friendships, who have also been clients from time to time.
đĄWhat's the best piece of advice you have been given?
The best piece of advice Iâve ever been given is to not worry about what happened yesterday, what tomorrow might bring, but what is right in front of you today.
âŽď¸If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
If I had one superpower, it would be the ability to solve world peace.
đ´What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation is the Maldives.
đWhat your favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh?
My favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh is Off the Hook.
â¨What is your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is Graeterâs Black Raspberry Chip Ice Cream.
đWhat is your most used-emoji?
My most-used emoji is the rolling eyes. â Incidentally, my mom used to yell me all the time growing up for thisâŚlol
New & Renewing Members
đââď¸Welcome to our NEW members and a huge shout out to RENEWING members!
Thank you to our Sponsors
Thanks for reading through our July newsletter! Have something you'd like to include in our August issue?
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