A Note From Our President, Becky Faris
Dear Members, Chapter Sponsors, and Supporters,
Happy New Year, MPI Pittsburgh!
As we step into the new year, the Board of Directors is thrilled to share with you the exciting events and opportunities that we have lined up for 2024. Our team has been hard at work curating a calendar filled with the very best in education events, networking opportunities, and professional development initiatives that will most certainly elevate your skills and connections within our industry.
You’ll see our lineup of events and professional development opportunities outlined in this newsletter. All have been carefully designed with YOU in mind. Our goal is always to provide members with valuable insights, ways to foster meaningful connections, and platforms to contribute to your professional growth.
The strength of our chapter is only as strong as our membership, so I want to take this opportunity to encourage each of you to share your thoughts,ideas, and suggestions with the Board of Directors throughout the year (you can email me directly anytime at becky.faris@concordhotels.com). Whether you have interest in sponsoring an event, ideas for innovative programming, ways to enhance our membership experience, or suggestions for additional professional development opportunities, know that our door is always open.
The coming year holds immense promise, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for the MPI Pittsburgh community. May 2024 bring you success, fulfillment, and moments of joy both personally and professionally.
Cheers to 2024!
-Becky Faris, CMP,MPI Pittsburgh, President
Upcoming Events
Registration Open: January
Event Planning Advice as Told by Taylor Swift Songs. Presented by Kate Patay, VP of Engagement at Terramar, DMC Network Company
Wednesday, January 17th | 9:00-11:00 am
City Winery
1627 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Please join us on Wednesday, January 17th at 9 am as Kate Patay, CPCE, VP of Engagement at Terramar, a DMC Network Company, takes us through a journey of experiences and lessons that can be learned from The Taylor Swift, that can help you achieve your wildest dreams in business and in life.
Kate Patay is a prominent industry professional known globally for unique events, strategic partnerships and impactful experiences. She speaks internationally on an array of topics, serves as the chair of the SEARCH Foundation, and is obsessed with Taylor Swift. In 2023 she was awarded the Smart Speaker Keynote Award, while 2022 brought her recognition as one of the #WomenToWatch and Influential Event Planners You Should Know.
We are extremely honored to be hosting Kate for what is sure to be a very entertaining and insightful morning. Hope to see you all there!!
Save the Date: February
Behind the Petals, Planners Edition
Tuesday, February 13th | 3:00-5:00 pm
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh PA 15213
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, located in the heart of Schenley Park, is a City of Pittsburgh historic landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On February 13th we have the unique opportunity to Peak Behind the Petals of this stunning garden and see how their team creates the most beautiful floral exhibits in Pittsburgh. While their brilliant Horticulture Team plans, designs, constructs and installs these massive shows, the Marketing, Events and Guest Services Team simultaneously work to create a wonderful experience for their guests. Please join us as we enjoy light refreshments, compliments of Phipps, while their team takes us on a journey through their extensive exhibit and event planning process.
Complimentary Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Information Session
Dates: January 22nd, 2024 and February 26th, 2024
Learn more about the CMP application process, upcoming MPI Pittsburgh Study Groups and other tips and tricks for obtaining your CMP!
Spring CMP Study Group
March 18, April 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2024
Participation in the MPI Pittsburgh Study group is intended to give members support and structure as they prepare to take the CMP exam. The group is open to all members who plan to take the CMP examination within the calendar year.
Now Introducing, Jaime Budesa, Chapter Representative to the Regional Council
In 2023, MPI Global underwent strategic restructuring to better support its chapters and synchronize with a standardized fiscal year, leading to the establishment of a Regional Council. We are delighted to share that Jaime Budesa has been appointed as MPI Pittsburgh's representative on this council, advocating specifically for Pittsburgh's interests.
Jaime has been a member of MPI for a total of 10 years, with 6 years of service on the MPI Pittsburgh Board of Directors. Positions held by Jaime include Director of Monthly Programs, Vice President of Education, President-Elect, President, Past President, and Chair of GMID.
As the Regional Council Chapter Representative, Jaime plays a crucial role as a link between our chapter and the Regional Council, representing the overall well-being, performance, and interests of MPI Pittsburgh. Jaime's responsibilities include facilitating effective communication and collaboration between the Regional Council and MPI Pittsburgh, ensuring a seamless exchange of information. This appointment underscores Jaime's pivotal role in contributing to strategic planning, fostering ideas, and aligning the efforts of MPI Pittsburgh with the broader Regional Council for the overall success of the MPI community.
As Jaime puts it, “I look forward to continuing my leadership with MPI. It is an honor to be selected to represent the Pittsburgh Chapter to the Regional Council. We are doing great things!”
Jaime’s one-year term began on January 1st.
New Year, New Goals: Get Involved in 2024!
Embrace the spirit of 2024 by becoming an active force in MPI Pittsburgh! Joining a committee is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, expand your network, and give back to both the industry and our local community. We have a variety of committees seeking passionate individuals like you:
Membership:
Membership Ambassador: Welcome and support new members, vendors, and sponsors.
- New Member Acquisition: Reach out to potential members and spark their interest.
- Brown Bag Luncheons: Assist in facilitating engaging quarterly luncheons.
Contact: Melissa Hickman, Vice President of Membership, melissa.hickman@visitpittsburgh.com
Finance & Strategic Partnerships:
- Gift Procurement: Source speaker gifts for education events.
- Partnership Liaison: Help in requesting annual partnerships.
Contact: Jennifer Lishego, Vice President of Finance & Strategic Partnerships, jlishego@gmail.com
Professional Development:
- CMP Study Group: Assist in creating questions for the CMP practice exam.
Contact: Kristen Turner, Vice President of Professional Development, kturner@alleghenyconference.org
Events:
- Registration Command: Run the registration desk at monthly events.
- Raffles: Solicit raffle sales at monthly events.
- Audience Engagement: Bring new interactive elements to our events.
Contact: Aliza Rutledge, Vice President of Events, aliza@shortyspxp.com
Marketing & Communications:
- Newsletter Columnist: Share your insights through a monthly column.
- Reel Editor: Get creative and create reels following our events.
- Event Photographer: Capture moments for our social media and newsletters.
- Publication Liaison: Submit monthly events for inclusion on local calendars.
Contact: McKenzie Hollenbaugh, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, mckenziehollenbaugh@gmail.com
Make 2024 a year of growth, connection, and impact by contributing your talents to one of these dynamic committees. Contact the respective Vice Presidents to express your interest and be part of making 2024 MPI Pittsburgh’s best year yet!
December Holiday Party Recap
Thank you to everyone who made our "Magic of the Holiday Season" Gala a success! ✨
A special acknowledgement goes out to the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel who played host and a HUGE shout out to our Ornament Tree & silent auction donors! Your generous contributions, ranging from gift certificates to weekend getaways, added an extra layer of joy and competitive spirit to the festivities.
Let's carry the spirit of the season into the coming year. 🥂🌟
Thank you to:
- Shorty's
- Chautauqua Harbor Hotel
- Tabbara Chocolates
- Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History
- Tazza d'oro
- Puttery
- The Oaklander Hotel
- Common Plea Catering
- Big Spring Spirits
- mckenzie louise productions
- Puttshack
- Cadence+ Cellars
- The UMPC Rink at PPG Place
- Sally Ann's
- Wigle Whiskey
- Dancing Gnome
- Universal Studios
- City Winery
- Five Iron Golf
- POGOH
- The Westin Pittsburgh
- DoubleTree Green Tree
- Gateway Clipper Fleet
- Pittsburgh Winery
- Phipps Conservatory
- Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
Member Spotlight
🙋♀️Meet our January Member of the month, Tricia Panos
Tricia Panos is an Event Manager at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC).
Previously she was the Special Event Coordinator at Animal Friends. She has a Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Robert Morris University (RMU). While at RMU, Tricia was a student-athlete and held a variety of internships and a graduate assistant position, providing an array of event experiences before graduation. She is a team player and strives to use her driven personality and growing knowledge base to provide excellent client experiences. Outside of work Tricia enjoys being outside, reading, and anything fitness related.
❤️ What do you love most about meetings & events? Being able to see events and meetings come together after working with clients is what Tricia loves most about meetings & events.
🤔 What do you want to get out of MPI Pittsburgh?Being able to see events and meetings come together after working with clients is what Tricia loves most about meetings & events.
✈️ What is your dream vacation?To travel the world.
🍿 What is your guilty pleasure? Visiting small town book stores and finding new novels to dive into
What is your most-used emoji?😂
Elevate Your Impact: Join Us as an MPI Pittsburgh Sponsor/Partner in 2024
MPI Pittsburgh invites you and your company to join us as a key partner in shaping unforgettable experiences throughout 2024. Here’s just a handful of sponsorship 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!
City Winery
Pittsburgh's premier venue, restaurant, winery, and event space. Live music, comedy, and wine events in an intimate venue with good food, a full bar, and great wine. Part of The Strip District Terminal, City Winery Pittsburgh is a welcoming space to indulge your senses with music, wine, and food
Homewood Suites Downtown Pittsburgh
Overlooking Interstate 579, this relaxed all-suite hotel is a 6-minute walk from the nearest train station and a 10-minute walk from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
Modern studios offer kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and living areas with pull-out sofas. The 1- and 2-bedroom suites add separate living rooms.
Hot breakfast and regular evening socials are complimentary. There's a casual bar, an indoor pool, a gym, plus a 24-hour convenience store and coin-operated laundry facilities
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a Pittsburgh gem — a thriving oasis with many unique environments to explore. Begin your journey in our LEED®-certified Welcome Center before entering our exquisite 1893 glasshouse with ever-changing displays. Then, continue on to the Tropical Forest Conservatory and the Center for Sustainable Landscapes, one of the greenest buildings on Earth. Be our guest and let us indulge your senses with breathtaking seasonal flower shows and exhibits; groundbreaking sustainable architecture; gorgeous outdoor gardens and green rooftops; and more.
Thanks for reading through our January newsletter! Have something you'd like to include in our February's issue?
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