We have had such a great start to the year! MPI Pittsburgh is seeing an increase in attendance and meeting planners at our monthly programs.

On March 5, 2012, MPI International will be e-mailing each member an annual survey. I encourage each of you to participate in the survey. Your favorable responses will help provide wonderful benefits to our Chapter including more affordable, quality speakers. When you take the survey, please print the confirmation or thank you at the end of the survey and bring it with you to the March meeting. We will be hosting a drawing for a pair of tickets to this year's Gala for those who participate!

Our next monthly educational meeting is one you won’t want to miss! "6 Powers of Purpose" will be presented by Jeffrey Tobin. The program will be held at the Renaissance on March 7, 2012. I look forward to seeing each of you.

We thank each of you for your continued support! 

Hope Gritzer
President, MPI Pittsburgh Chapter

Have you explored the new MPI Pittsburgh Website?

Please take the time to explore the new site at http://mpipittsburgh.org/. To login to the Member Area, click on the LOGIN button on the left side of the page. Enter your e-mail address and password. Please take a few minutes to change your password and update/confirm your member profile as your profile is public to all members.

Questions or concerns? Please feel free to contact Lori Graham via email at admin@mpipittsburgh.org or via phone at 407-361-3213.

Mark your calendars now!  Our 2012 Gala is already shaping up as one of the premier events of the season.  In addition to the fun food and entertainment, guests will have a chance to win a stay at the beautiful Fairmont Hamilton Princess Bermuda!

The Gala themed "BOLLYWOOD BALL" will take place Wednesday, May 2, 2012 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.  The event will be held amidst Phipps’ new and exciting Tropical Forest India exhibit.

Not only would we like to invite you to attend our incredible event, we are also requesting sponsorship and silent auction prizes to help us raise funds.  All donations will be recognized in the event program and on the MPI website.  Your generous support will be greatly appreciated by our organization.

Please do not hesitate to contact our Director of Special Events, Colleen Chorney for more information about attending and donating items for this great event.  She can be reached at 412-622-6915 x 6402 or email specialevents@mpipittsburgh.org. 

We thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

MPI Pittsburgh will be recognizing two outstanding individuals at this year’s Gala on May 2nd, the Planner and Supplier of the Year!  We are now accepting nominations for these two prestigious awards. Please complete the brief nomination form and send it to admin@mpipittsburgh.org.  The nomination form can be found attached to the emailed newsletter and under the "Downloads" tab of the "Member Area" section of the website.

The MPI Pittsburgh Board will also name the recipient of the Jenna Award. This award is named in memory of an exceptional young leader whose enthusiasm inspired success in the industry. The Jenna Award will be presented as a token of appreciation to a member who has worked diligently to help our Chapter stand above the rest.

Anyone taking the CMP Exam in July and interested in starting a study group, please contact Becky McMillen (mcmillen_b@calu.edu)