A Note From Our President, Becky Faris
Dear Members, Chapter Sponsors, and Supporters,
As we step into the month of February, traditionally associated with expressions of love, I am excited to reflect on all the reasons why I love our chapter.
It has been an absolute honor to be part of the passion and commitment we collectively share for our industry, community, and, most importantly, our MPI family. This month, I am witnessing the power of love in action within our membership - a love for learning, for collaboration, and for making a positive impact.
Our chapter volunteers have been the embodiment of this love, investing countless hours in organizing events, educational sessions, and professional development opportunities. Their efforts not only elevate our chapter's caliber but also foster a strong sense of unity and camaraderie among us. This love for our community is the driving force behind our chapter's success.
Moreover, many of you have taken remarkable steps in investing in yourselves professionally through MPI. Whether it's attending networking events, pushing the boundaries of your comfort zones to connect with new faces within the chapter, or pursuing CMP credentials, you are showcasing a beautiful display of self-love. What better way to celebrate our individual and collective growth than recognizing these achievements?
Without question, you have all become an extension of my family throughout our time together, and I am hopeful that you share that same sentiment when you think about the people you know through MPI. Though we may not talk every day, know that you have someone rooting and cheering for your success – a true reflection of the genuine love that defines our chapter.
With Love, -Becky Faris, CMP, MPI Pittsburgh, President
Upcoming Events
Registration Open: February
Behind the Petals, Planners Edition
Tuesday, February 13th | 3:00-5:00 pm
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
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.
Save the Date: Putting the Spotlight on You: Membership Appreciation Putt-Fest
Tuesday, March 12th | 2:30-5:00pm
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of fun and appreciation as we roll out the greens and celebrate YOU at our Membership Appreciation Event held at the fantastic Puttshack in the Strip District!
🏌️♂️ Swing into Thanks:
Navigate through exciting mini-golf courses that promise twists, turns, and the occasional surprise challenge. It's a hole-in-one gratitude experience crafted just for our MPI Members (and friends!). This is “FORE” the members, by the members! The first 40 member registrants will receive a swag bag filled with goodies, snacks and fun! For an added “HOLE in ONE”, you might just be the lucky member to receive the golden golf ball for an even bigger takeaway!!!
Members and Non-members are all invited to this yearly event. We cannot wait to putt with you!
MPI Ohio’s Navigate Conference
Date: February 26th-27th, 2024 9:00-1:00 pm
The Navigate Conference, which is sponsored by the Ohio Chapter of MPI, is an event that you cannot afford to miss if you are looking to learn and expand your network! MPI Pittsburgh is proud to promote this event in conjunction with the Ohio Chapter.
This two-day conference will feature a variety of topics such as Radically Inclusive Events and Conquering Complacency. Our lineup of speakers includes experts on Excel, Social Media and Business and Cultural Etiquette. Do not miss this opportunity to learn, network, and advance your career. Register for the Navigate Conference today!
Complimentary Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Information Session
Date: Monday, 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.
📈 Professional Development Pulse Check
Date: You pick!
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, you’ll receive an online questionnaire to complete so that we can get the best out of our 30 minutes together.” to “Once confirmed, you’ll receive an online questionnaire to complete so that you can get the best out of your 30 minutes together
WEC 2024 - Craft Your Experience
Date: May 20th-22nd, 2024
Powered and programmed by the MPI Academy, WEC Louisville’s education will be a Kentucky-sized charcuterie board for the brain. Featuring formats of all shapes and sizes, and top-of-mind takeaways for event professionals of every level, what you learn will nurture your career like never before.
Sponsor A Student Membership!
Are you passionate about fostering the next generation of event professionals? Here's your chance to make a meaningful difference!
At Meeting Professionals International (MPI), we believe in empowering students with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed in the dynamic world of event management. MPI Pittsburgh is now accepting donations to Sponsor a Student Membership.
Your generous donations will directly support deserving students in their pursuit of an MPI student membership, providing them with access to invaluable networking opportunities, educational resources, and mentorship programs. By investing in their future today, you're helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow's events industry.
Join us in making a positive impact and nurturing the talent of tomorrow. Together, we can build a brighter future for the events industry!
January Education Event Recap
Those who attended our January program, "Event Planning Advice as Told by Taylor Swift Songs," walked away with some seriously savvy insights, and the pun game was on point – All Too Well, to be exact. Kate Patay, our guide through Taylor Swift wisdom, dropped nuggets of advice that hit home. It was all about embracing our unapologetic, authentic selves and knowing when to take the plunge. Whether it's living out loud or going all in, we left with a playlist of tips and tricks for navigating the event planning world.
For those interested in delving deeper into the mission of the SEARCH Foundation, which was established in 1997 to support event, meetings, and catering professionals confronted with life-threatening illnesses and has since expanded to include catastrophic occurrences, we encourage you to explore their website at https://searchfoundation.org/. MPI Pittsburgh takes great pride in contributing a $500 donation to this meaningful cause. Should you have the capacity to contribute, we extend an invitation to make direct donations on the SEARCH website at any time.
Member Spotlight
🙋♀️Meet our February Member of the month, Miriam George
Miriam George is the Executive Director of Events for Carnegie Learning, Inc., with over ten years of experience as an accomplished meeting and event professional. Currently leading a dynamic team, Miriam orchestrates the strategy, logistics, and execution for a spectrum of events, ranging from industry tradeshows to internal and customer-facing meetings, accommodating audiences of 10 to 500 attendees. Managing a multi-million-dollar annual budget, Miriam has earned a reputation for her proven and successful track record, driven by an unwavering passion for excellence and flawless event execution.
In her role at Carnegie Learning, Miriam navigates diverse responsibilities with finesse, ensuring each event reflects the organization's commitment to quality and innovation. Her strategic vision and meticulous attention to detail contribute to the seamless execution of events that leave a lasting impact.
❤️ What do you love most about meetings & events? I love bringing people together and while I enjoy the full scope of the planning process, the best part is seeing it all come together on-site. I live for the excitement that comes with working in events- the travel, long days, logging thousands of steps, putting out fires in a high energy, fast paced atmosphere and when it all comes together, and you’ve had opportunity to help create a memorable and seamless event experience- its magic.
💡 What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?"Worry about the things you can control and let go of the rest." (Hello unpredictable weather!)
✈️ What is your dream vacation? Any vacation that someone else plans!
🍿 What is your guilty pleasure? Parked on the couch and settled in for a Law & Order SVU marathon.
What is your most-used emoji? 💁🏻♀️
New & Renewing Members
🙋♀️Welcome to our NEW members and a huge shout out to RENEWING members!
We're thrilled to have these incredible new members on board, ready to ignite connections and elevate our event expertise. A special shoutout to our dedicated members who've renewed their commitment to growth and community this month. Together, we're building bridges, sharing knowledge, and fostering positive connections! 🎊
2025 Board of Directors Nominations Opening Soon!
Get ready to make a difference! 🤝✨ Nominations for our MPI Pittsburgh Chapter's Board of Directors will be opening this spring! 🎉
Are you passionate about shaping the future of the events industry for Pittsburgh? Here's your chance to step up and lead in key areas like membership, events, partnership & finance, and marketing & communications.
Your skills and vision could drive impactful change within our vibrant community of meeting professionals! 🌟 Stay tuned for more details on how you can nominate yourself or someone you believe would be an outstanding addition to our board! 🗳️🤝
To learn more about the Board of Directors and available positions, please contact Molly Evans, MPI Pittsburgh's 2023-2024 President-Elect at molly.evans@visitpittsburgh.com.
Feel the Love: Team Up with Us as a Partner in 2024!
We love our partners! If you, too, are feeling the love, consider partnering with MPI Pittsburgh throughout the year. Here’s just a handful of partnership 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!
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 February newsletter! Have something you'd like to include in our March issue?
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