MPI Pittsburgh Chapter January 2026 Newsletter

Reset, Refocus, Reconnect

As we step into 2026, MPI Pittsburgh is energized by a fresh start and the momentum of new possibilities ahead. This new year invites us to move forward with intention—strengthening connections, sparking innovation, and building on the collaborative spirit that defines our chapter. Rather than pausing, we’re leaning in—excited to launch new ideas, deepen engagement, and create meaningful experiences together in the months ahead. Thank you for your continued leadership, commitment, and enthusiasm as we begin another impactful year with MPI Pittsburgh.

Upcoming Events 🥂

Own The Room: The Art of Soft Skills & Executive Presence with Will Baggett

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Pittsburgh Marriott City Center 112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Great leaders don’t just take up space—they own the room with confidence, presence, and genuine connection. Leadership isn’t about having the loudest voice or the biggest title; it’s about how well you engage, inspire, and empower those around you. In this session, you’ll discover how authentic connection, powerful body language, and strategic communication fuel confidence, influence, and team success. At the end of this session, you will:

• Command Presence with Confidence – Use body language, eye contact, and posture to create an engaging and authoritative presence.
• Lead Through Influence, Not Authority – Build trust and credibility by empowering others and fostering a culture of collaboration.
• Master the 4 A’s of Leadership – Strengthen your leadership with Accountability, Adaptability, Availability, and Accessibility to create a positive, high-performing culture.
• Turn Connections into Success – Discover practical strategies to break down barriers, encourage teamwork, and make every person in the room feel valued and included

LOVE MPI

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 3:00 - 5:00 pm Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse 247 N. Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Celebrate your LOVE for MPI Pittsburgh Chapter with industry colleagues while enjoying appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages at Hyde Park. A cash bar will also be available for beer, cocktails, and wine. 

MPI Global 🌎

MPI New Member Orientations

New members, register for the MPI New Member Orientation (a 45-minute webinar). You’ll learn all about the benefits available to you - beyond what is offered through our Chapter/Club - and how to utilize them to accomplish your unique goals.    
 
  All sessions take place on Zoom at 10:00am-10:45am, CDT.     1. Tuesday, January 13, 2026 2. Thursday, February 12, 2026

Introducing the 2026 MPI Pittsburgh Chapter Board of Directors

The MPI Pittsburgh Chapter is proud to introduce our 2026 Board of Directors and volunteer leaders! These dedicated professionals will guide our chapter through another year of growth, innovation, and community-building. We are grateful for their commitment to advancing our mission and elevating the meetings and events industry across our region. Alongside our elected Board, we are also excited to recognize our appointed volunteer leaders who will spearhead key chapter initiatives throughout 2026, including our Regional Council Representative, Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) Chair, and July Celebration Chair. Please join us in welcoming and congratulating all of our incoming volunteer leaders! Their passion, expertise, and vision will help shape a year filled with impactful education, meaningful connections, and engaging chapter programming.

2026 MPI Pittsburgh Chapter Board of Directors

President  Jessica Walz, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust President Elect Amber Harkleroad, VisitPITTSBURGH Immediate President Molly Klaas, VisitPITTSBURGH Vice President of Membership Joyce Kraemer, Highmark Health Vice President of Education Events Stephanie Montavon, TRYP by Wyndham  Vice President of Networking Events Becky Wiley, Event Source  Vice President of Marketing & Communications Rachel Henderson, Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center Vice President of Finance & Strategic Partnerships David Stephens, Revest Properties  Vice President of Professional Development Michaela Morgan, Marc & Rose Hospitality  Director of Membership Retention Logan Smith, Petersen Events Center Director of Strategic Partnerships Lina Terpin, Common Plea Catering  Director of Chapter Content Madison Yanosky, Puttshack Pittsburgh Director of Event Marketing Ashley Schmid, Enterprise Events Group  Director of Student Involvement Dr. Nicole Buse Clevenger, Indiana University of Pennsylvania  Appointed Chapter Volunteers Chair of May Celebration Lauren Lowen, Pittsburgh Technology Council  Chair of GMID Ahnna Jones, David L. Lawrence Convention Center  Regional Council Representative Jaime Budesa, Resilient Destination & Events, LLC

Call for Volunteers: Nominations & Governance Committee

Are you passionate about leadership development, chapter sustainability, and the future of MPI Pittsburgh? We’re now accepting volunteers for our Governance & Nominations Committee for the 2026 term (January 1–December 31, 2026). This committee plays a critical role in shaping the chapter’s leadership pipeline and ensuring strong governance practices. Members will help guide the nominations process for our 2027 Board of Directors while supporting sound governance policies that keep our chapter aligned with MPI Global standards and best practices.

What to Expect

• A one-year commitment with structured responsibilities and clear timelines
• Committee chaired by Molly Klaas, Immediate Past President, with Amber Harkleroad, President-Elect serving as a non-voting member
• Collaboration with fellow chapter leaders to:
• Review bylaws, policies, and governance documents
• Lead the annual board nominations and election process
• Conduct candidate interviews and recommend a slate of leaders
• Support leadership transitions and ongoing governance improvements

Committee Key Duties

The Governance & Nominations Committee supports the long-term success and leadership continuity of the MPI Pittsburgh Chapter by overseeing governance practices and managing the annual nominations process. Key duties include:

• Governance Oversight
• Review and recommend updates to chapter bylaws, policies, and governance documents to ensure alignment with MPI Global standards and best practices.
• Evaluate the chapter’s organizational structure and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Board Nominations & Elections
• Review, interview, and recommend qualified candidates for Board roles.
• Prepare and submit the proposed slate to the Board of Director at the June 8, 2026 MPI Pittsburgh Chapter Board Meeting.
• Support leadership transitions and assist with filling board vacancies as they arise during the year.
• Compliance & Reporting
• Ensure all nominations, elections, and governance actions meet MPI deadlines and requirements.
• Submit final slates and required documentation to MPI Global by August 1, 2026.

Who Should Apply

We welcome members with a variety of backgrounds and experiences—including past board members and members who have not yet served on the board. A diverse committee helps ensure a thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive nominations process. Please note: Members who plan to apply for a board position for the 2027 term must recuse themselves from related nomination activities.

Why Serve

Serving on the Governance & Nominations Committee is a meaningful way to:

• Influence the future direction of MPI Pittsburgh Chapter
• Support leadership development across the Chapter
• Gain deeper insight into chapter governance and board operations

We hope you’ll consider lending your voice and expertise to this vital committee!

If you’re interested in volunteering or would like to learn more, please email Jessica Walz, MPI Pittsburgh Chapter President by January 15, 2026. 

January Member Spotlight

Erin Maxwell

I started my career as a waitress in high school, which sparked my interest in hospitality. I went on to study Culinary Arts at IUP’s Academy of Culinary Arts before earning my bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from IUP. While my original dream was to own a restaurant, I quickly realized my passion was less about the kitchen and more about the people and the business behind the experience. I worked my way through various hotel roles, including cook, restaurant manager, and banquet manager, gaining valuable experience, before I found my niche in sales.

What first inspired you to pursue a career in meetings and events? I liked the idea of creating experiences that bring people together and actually feel impactful. The first time I helped pull off an event and saw everything come together in real time—people connecting and enjoying themselves—I was hooked. No two days are ever the same. What advice would you give to someone just entering this profession? Be flexible, stay calm when things go sideways (because they will), and don’t be afraid to ask questions. What’s one myth about event planning you’d like to bust? That it’s all fun and parties. There are great moments, but it’s also a lot of planning, problem-solving, and long days. The “fun” part works because of all the behind-the-scenes effort people never see. What do you love most about being a member of MPI? Having the opportunity to grow in my career without it feeling like a chore, and It gets to happen in a room full of friends.

✨Thank you to our Sponsors✨

Pittsburgh Marriott City Center

The award-winning Pittsburgh Marriott City Center effortlessly blends style and substance. You'll find this hotel across the street from PPG Paints Arena, just minutes from the heart of downtown. Spacious, intuitively designed rooms and suites feature pillowtop bedding, flexible workspaces, marble bathrooms and high-speed internet access; many also showcase views of the Pittsburgh skyline. Additional amenities include a fitness center. Crafted North is an exciting cocktail destination. Our Pittsburgh hotel also offers exclusive deals to elevate your stay in Pittsburgh, PA. Planning an event in the city? Our hotel features expansive spaces with city views from our ballroom and outdoor courtyard space. Stay minutes from popular attractions such as University of Pittsburgh, Acrisure Stadium, PNC Park and PPG Paints Arena. Let us welcome you to the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center.

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

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