MPI Chapter Leader Newsletter

August 2026

August 13


Leadership and Engagement

Welcome 2027 Volunteer Chapter Leaders!

All eligible 2027 Volunteer Chapter Leaders are invited to attend the virtual Chapter Leadership Summit taking place on Thursday, September 10, 2026.  All 2027 Chapter Presidents should encourage their board members to attend this important training session.  

 

Chapter Leadership Summit 

September 10, 2026 

10:00am - 2:30pm CST

VIRTUAL 

Register Here

Help Us Get Every 2027 Chapter Leader Registered! 

Registration invitations will be sent on August 19, August 27, and September 7, to ensure all 2027 Chapter Leaders receive an opportunity to register. Beginning August 17, we will post an updated registration list on the CLRP every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, so you can review the latest status.



Dissolution of MPI Montreal/Quebec Chapter

The International Board of Directors approved the dissolution of MPI Montreal/Quebec Chapter at their July meeting. The chapter was the second Canadian chapter chartered in 1980.  The chapter has not had a full board in more than three years and was not active.  The remaining members have been given the opportunity to affiliate with another chapter of their choice.   


Mid-Year Metric Performance Progress

It’s time to check your Chapter’s mid-year progress towards your Metric performance goals. All defined goals and current status are easily found on your Chapter Dashboard. Take the time to review where you stand at the mid-point of the year and make any necessary adjustments to finish the year strong! If you have any areas of concern or would like to discuss strategies for improvement, please reach out to your Regional Director of Operations. 


New Reports Available via the CLRP

Chapter/Club/MPI Demographic Reports – the bi-annual Chapter/Club-specific Demographic Report and the MPI-specific Demographic Report are now available via the CLRP under the Chapter Metrics area. The Chapter/Club-specific Demographic Report provides a snapshot of your Chapter/Club’s membership profile and useful information for developing sponsorship prospectus. A quick reminder that these reports are only updated twice a year, in January and July. 

Chapter/Club/MPI 2026 Membership & Chapter Satisfaction Survey Reports – the annual MCSS reports for Chapters/Clubs/MPI are also available via the CLRP under the Chapter Metrics area. These reports provide the satisfaction results for several Chapter/Club-related questions and should be reviewed in preparation for your Annual Retreats/Summits. 

Please note that the dashboard reports for all Chapters/Clubs have been updated with the satisfaction and participation rates. 

 


Behind the scenes of Chapter Leadership Summit

Go behind the camera and discover what it takes to bring the Chapter Leadership Summit to life. Join our partners at Foster+Fathom and GRIT Expositions & Production for an inside look at event planning, production, logistics, and attendee experience. Learn how creative vision, technology, and seamless execution come together to create an engaging and impactful event for chapter leaders.β€― And learn what’s new at this year’s Chapter Leadership Summit!  

Link to attend LinkedIN LIVE!


Marketing and Communications

Cvent Event Build Step by Step Guide

To support consistent event setup and support, Cvent has prepared an easy-to-use step-by-step guide with visual references.  The guide outlines the key steps and checkpoints chapters should complete in the MPI Global Cvent Account. See the CLRP > Office of the President > Event and Marketing Automation > Cvent Event Build Step-by-Step for MPI Chapters. 


Membership

Membership Update


NEW Resource for Recruiting Planner Members

Check out the new toolkit for attracting planner members to your chapter! This resource includes graphics to use on social media or at events and includes step-by-step guidance for posting to your chapter’s social channels. You can find the new toolkit in the CLRP under Membership > Member Recruitment > Top 5 Reasons – Planner Acquisition Marketing. And stay tuned for the future release of a supplier version!


Help Us Personalize Your MPI Experience

From August 10-25, MPI will run a campaign to encourage members to update their profile information. Please use this message in any newsletters or other communications to help remind your members:  

Members, to make sure you receive the most relevant content, benefits, and opportunities, we’d love your help keeping your MPI member profile up to date. 
 
Plus, update any information in your profile between August 10 and August 25, and you’ll be automatically entered into a raffle to win exclusive MPI swag!

Login to update your profile now. Be sure to review the information in each of the tabs on the left side of your profile.   

Questions? Contact the MPI Member Services team at feedback@mpi.org  


Education

Explore the New MPI Academy Learning Platform

The new MPI Academy learning platform has officially arrived—and we can't wait for you to check it out! It's faster, smarter, and built to make learning fit the way event professionals actually work. You'll find AI-powered course recommendations, a fresh mobile-friendly experience, social learning features, and growing collections of courses and certificates to help you build new skills all year long. Take a look, explore what's new, and be sure to share it with your chapter members. This is just Phase One, with even more exciting features and content on the way!

Check it out here: https://academycatalog.mpi.org/


MPI Foundation

Let’s Celebrate – Mid Year Milestones

Just a quick check-in. It’s that time of year when we have a chance to review our YTD progress. 

Where are we on our path? What are we doing well? Where can we make some improvement? What has been overlooked on our Chapter success “to do” list? 

I know I’ve needed to do this for my own volunteer position, which brings me to my next set of questions. 

What ARE you doing for the MPI Foundation this year?  

If you have a plan in place for 2026 - THANK YOU - but have you sent us your pledge letter yet? Are you on track to deliver your MPI Foundation donation? (Thank you to the chapters who have submitted their mid-year payment 😊) 

For those chapters who are still not sure or want to do more, consider this: 

Will you ADD one simple activation where your chapter members can make a donation to the Foundation before the end of 2026?  

There is still ample time to DO something, anything really, for the Foundation. 

ADD one simple chapter fundraising activity, providing a direct pathway for voluntary donations from your member community, that can make a difference. This does not need to negatively impact your chapter revenues; consider it a flow through.  

If you need ideas – we have lots – get in touch with us or your regional council.  

Just get creative and make it happen.  

Remember, chapter donations contribute to the Foundation’s ability to support members (like you) looking for scholarships to extend their membership or attend a conference or education session. Here’s a small sample of what we’ve been able to do so far this year: 

WEC (June) provided over 100 MPI member attendance scholarships;  

TheEVENT (September) scholarships are facilitating attendance for over 20 MPI members; EMEC (February ‘27) scholarships will be offered soon.  

Upcoming timetable and deliverables:  

August:  

Annual MPI Foundation Pledge - We’re volunteers too, send when you can. If you haven’t had a chance to get this on your agenda yet, send in your 2026 pledge letter at your earliest opportunity. It’s never too late to commit, and it’s never too early to plan ahead. Even if your current priorities in 2026 do not include the MPI Foundation, please send back your form. Send to stonehouse@bellnet.ca and cc to kkirby@mpi.org   

Have you thought about taking your Volunteer passion to the next level? MPI International Committees and Advisory Board applications will be available September 15.  

Check the Volunteer Center options here. (scroll down to learn more)

EVERY MONTH - Sharing Opportunities  

One way to ensure your chapter members maximize their education and MPI experience is sharing access to MPI Foundation Scholarships. Scholarship offers are updated regularly, and their scope includes MPI Conference experiences, MPI Academy courses, MPI memberships and more. Opportunities exist for all member types and levels. Easiest for you is to copy and paste this link with your regular and ongoing chapter messaging. If there is something special coming up, we will let you know in this section of the CLN.  

SHARE WITH YOUR CHAPTER MEMBERS NOW! (COPY/PASTE)  

Membership and education Scholarships are available – please share the link with your members. https://www.mpi.org/foundation/get-help/scholarships    

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE and UPDATED regularly   

Remember, Chapter Grants are also available. Whether it is for day to day or planning for special projects or education, let us know how we can help to deliver enhanced experiences for your membership. This is the link to the Chapter Grant application form:  

I look forward to being on this journey with you and extend my support to you as chapter leaders throughout the year. Questions? Get in touch – stonehouse@bellnet.ca 


Special Committees

July EDI Office Hours Takeaways

Thank you to everyone who joined our July EDI Office Hours! 

The purpose of these sessions is to create a space for cross-chapter collaboration. They provide an opportunity to share what Chapters/Clubs are working on, hear updates from MPI, exchange ideas and best practices, and ask questions. Our hope is that everyone leaves with practical insights they can take back and apply within their own Chapters/Clubs and regions. Our goal is to send takeaways after each office hours moving forward. 

July Office Hours: Key Takeaways 

WEC Accessibility & Inclusion Feedback 

Attendees shared observations and ideas from the World Education Congress (WEC), including: 

  • The Resilience Room was highly utilized and received positive feedback. Suggestions for future events included: 

  • Providing additional space to reduce crowding.

  • Incorporating accommodations for attendees with low vision. 

  • Continuing to consider fragrance-free practices and mobility needs when designing the space. 

  • Accessibility improvements identified for breakout sessions included: 

  • Replacing or supplementing high-top chairs with accessible seating options. 

  • Providing clearer signage and information about who attendees can contact if they need accessibility support during sessions. 

  • Developing and sharing an accessibility guide before the event so attendees know what accommodations and resources are available. 

Chapter/Club Ideas & Best Practices 

Several Chapters/Clubs shared initiatives that others may find helpful: 

  • MPI Carolinas Chapter hosts DEI Tuesday Tidbits, providing members with regular inclusion-focused tips and resources throughout the year. 

  • They also look for opportunities to partner with a local nonprofit, helping connect community impact with chapter events. 

  • Another Chapter shared that they offer complimentary wheelchairs and mobility scooters at their events to improve accessibility for attendees who need mobility support. 

  • Another attendee shared the accessibility guides they post prior to each event. 

EDI Training Update 

We also shared an update on the next phase of the MPI EDI Training. We are currently developing two new modules focused on: 

  • Disability Inclusion 

  • Psychological & Physical Safety

As these modules are being developed, we welcome your input. If you have articles, tools, case studies, templates, or other resources that have been valuable in your Chapter/Club or organization, we'd love for you to share them by emailing EDIRegionalAmbassadors@mpi.org. Your ideas and experiences help ensure the training reflects practical, real-world examples and best practices from across our MPI community. 

Thank you again to everyone who contributed to the discussion and shared ideas. These conversations help us learn from one another and continue building more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming experiences across our chapters. We look forward to seeing you at our next EDI Office Hours!


DEI Lunch & Learn – Hosted by MPI Toronto Chapter and Open to All Chapters

Join MPI Toronto Chapter for an interactive conversation exploring how the principles of inclusive event design can be applied in practice through real experiences, honest reflections, and shared learning. 

Earlier this year, MPI Toronto Chapter members came together to explore what it truly means to design more inclusive events. Now, we're continuing that conversation by bringing those ideas into the real world. 

Join us for a 60-minute interactive discussion featuring MPI Toronto Chapter leaders as they share how the principles of inclusive event design influenced the planning of their committee events throughout the year. Through candid conversations, practical examples, and audience participation, we'll explore what we've learned, where we've been challenged, and how small, intentional changes can create more welcoming experiences for everyone. 

Whether you attended our previous session or are joining the conversation for the first time, you'll leave with fresh perspectives, practical ideas, and inspiration to help make your next event more inclusive. 

Key Logistics 

Format: 60-minute interactive virtual discussion 
Date: September 22, 2026 
Time: 12:00 PM (ET) 
Location: Online via Zoom 
Zoom link: To be provided in your registration confirmation 

Moderator: 

Sarah Rouseau – Volunteer, DEI & Social Events & GMID Committee 

Panelists:

Monika Chase – Chair, Professional Development Committee 

Angela Yeung – Chair, Social Events Committee 

Shawn Shapiro – Chair, Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 

Registration Fees:

Eligibility: Open to all MPI members (all Chapters/Clubs welcome) 
Cost: Free 


The Final Whistle Is Not the Finish Line

The 2026 FIFA World Cup brought valuable attention to human trafficking prevention, prompting host cities, hotels, venues and hospitality teams to strengthen training and reporting partnerships. But trafficking is not limited to major sporting events, and the end of the tournament cannot become the end of the conversation. 

The events industry is uniquely positioned to make a lasting difference. Event professionals can train staff beyond the security team, establish clear reporting protocols, ask venues and hotels about their prevention policies, and include anti-trafficking expectations in RFPs and contracts. Education should also reflect the realities of trafficking: many victims are controlled through grooming, fraud, emotional manipulation, debt or fear, not physical restraint. 

MPI’s Anti-Human Trafficking team can connect chapter leaders and education teams with credible, industry-specific resources and programming.

Reach out to your AHT Advocate, Past Chair Jen Berkemeier at jberkemeier@huntingtonplacedetroit.com or 2026 Chair Jill Rasco at jill@attendeenet.com. 

 


Volunteer Engagement

2027 RISE Awards Nominations

The 2027 RISE Award nomination and application season is coming soon! Mark your calendar for September 10 as the RISE Award nominations and application will open.  

Start thinking about what programs or which peers you’d like to nominate. 

Also, don’t forget to refer to the RISE Up packages on the CLRP Rise Awards & RISE UP to see award winning programs and visit mpi.org/RISE to stay up to date on MPI RISE Awards! 

 


Expand Your Impact: MPI International Committee Volunteer Applications Open September 15

As chapter leaders, we value your involvement with MPI and your commitment to your chapter. We hope that you will consider applying to serve on an international volunteer committee, council, or task force in 2027!

Visit Volunteer Center | MPI

The 2027 application for International Volunteer Committees, Task Forces, Councils and Advisory Boards will open on September 15, 2026.  

As an international volunteer, you will have the opportunity to network with peers and assist with the implementation of MPI’s vision and mission. All MPI members in good standing are eligible to serve.