MPI Pittsburgh February 2025 Newsletter

Happy February 💖

It's the perfect time to get together, learn something new, and just enjoy being part of our awesome community. We've got some exciting events on the horizon that you won't want to miss. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to make some great connections this month!

Upcoming Events 🥂

Drink, Dink and Network

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 3:00pm-5:00pm

The Pickleball Warehouse, 6815 Hamilton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208

Join MPI Pittsburgh for a fun and interactive evening of networking at the Pickleball Warehouse! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a pickleball newbie, this event is the perfect way to connect with fellow event professionals while enjoying one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.

We’ll have plenty of time to socialize, play, and enjoy refreshments as we serve up connections and fun on and off the court. Grab your paddle (or borrow one of ours) and get ready for a night of friendly competition, laughter, and great conversations.

Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks will be provided, and you’re welcome to bring your own alcoholic beverages in non-glass containers.

Save the Date! Spring into Learning with MPI Pittsburgh

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 10:00am-12:30pm

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Mark your calendars and get ready to jump into spring with MPI Pittsburgh at our March Education Event! Join us at the beautiful Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for an inspiring morning of learning, networking, and fresh ideas to elevate your events.

Stay tuned for more details on our exciting education topic and speaker. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to grow your knowledge and connect with fellow industry professionals in one of Pittsburgh’s most stunning venues!

Save the Date for Global Meetings Industry Day: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers

Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 2:00-6:00pm

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh’s Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Join MPI Pittsburgh on April 3, 2025, as we come together to celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID)! This year’s event, held at the stunning Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh's Music Hall, will explore the theme:

Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers.

We’ll dive into how the meetings and events industry fosters collaboration, drives inclusivity, and creates innovative solutions for both global and local challenges. Expect engaging discussions, thought-provoking speakers, and powerful networking opportunities as we celebrate the impact of our industry.

Stay tuned for more details and registration information.

Support MPI Pittsburgh’s May Celebration!

We’re seeking donations for our raffles and silent auction—whether it’s a gift card, hotel stay, attraction tickets, dining experience, or other exciting offerings. This is a great opportunity to showcase your business to meeting planners, event professionals, and suppliers in Pittsburgh and beyond.

If you’re interested in donating or have questions, please contact Joyce Kraemer, Chair of May Celebration. Thank you for supporting MPI Pittsburgh and helping us make this year’s May Celebration unforgettable!

February Member Spotlight

Emma McAnulty

Hello! My name is Emma McAnulty and I am a recent graduate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I have a bachelor’s degree in hotel, restaurant, tourism, and event management with a minor in business administration. My professional journey includes hands-on experience in restaurants and banquet operations. I have a passion for creating unforgettable experiences where I thrive on the energy of bringing people together and working with others. Outside of work, I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, especially baking sourdough bread with my starter which is named Bread-ney Spears.

💙What do you love most about meetings & events? I love collaborating with others to reach a shared vision and experiencing the satisfaction of seeing all the pieces come together to create a memorable event.

What is your most-used emoji? 😂

🤭What is your guilty pleasure? My guilty pleasure is binge-watching shows on Netflix.

🍝What is your favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh? It is hard to choose just one, but one of my favorite dining spots in Pittsburgh is City Kitchen in Bakery Square. I love how it offers four different cuisines all in one location, giving you the option to choose whatever you are hungry for.

🗻What is your dream vacation? My dream vacation is exploring Europe, especially Italy, and experiencing the beauty each country has to offer.

🦹🏼If you had one superpower, what would it be? If I could choose a superpower, I think I’d pick the ability to teleport, so I could travel anywhere!

🤔What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is never to be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new, but make sure you believe in yourself along the way.

👯‍♀️What would you like to get out of MPI Pittsburgh? To build meaningful connections and relationships with members!

⭐What is your career goal? I am looking for a position in the events sector of the hospitality industry and am open to new opportunities that will allow me to grow and develop my skills and knowledge.

Professional Development

A Reminder from our Vice President of Professional Development

Just a friendly reminder that when you are signing up for our monthly educational meetings, please ensure that you are using the email address that is associated with your Events Industry Council (EIC) account. Many times, the email defaults to gmail or other social emails. By double checking this, you will be assured that you will receive your EIC credits moving forward. As always if you have questions, please email me!

CMP Central

CMP Practice Exam

While exam will be changing in 2025, these are types of questions you may be faced with. 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.

✨Thank you to our Sponsors✨

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

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