Global Bylaws & Policy Updates

MPI's Board of Directors, supported by a Governance Task Force, performed a routine review of the MPI board structure and governance. As a result, the MPI Bylaws and Policy manual, last approved in 2023, has been amended to support the following modifications.  

• The MPI Foundation representative on the MPI Board will now be the immediate past chair instead of the acting chair, allowing the current chair to focus on Foundation efforts.
• This amendment formalized the MPI Board chair position from a re-electable term to a fixed two-year term. This adjustment aims to provide greater clarity in the transition of our board leaders. The immediate past chair will serve one year, afterwards the chair-elect will serve one year to support succession.
• Additionally, the two “appointed” members on the Boards have been removed. All members will now be elected through the Board Development Committee, ensuring a consistent and transparent selection process.

These changes have resulted in a reduction in the overall size of the board, which will now consist of 11-15 members instead of the previous 12-18 members. The streamlined structure is intended to enhance efficiency, engagement, and decision-making capabilities. These modifications are relevant to the MPI Board (IBOD) but do not affect the Foundation Board (GBOT) or Chapter Boards.

Call for Volunteers – IBOD & GBOT

We are now accepting applications from MPI members for the 2026 International Board of Directors (IBOD) and Global Board of Trustees (GBOT). The deadline to apply is August 1, 2025. As you prepare your submission, please make note of the skills each board is seeking further detailed at the Volunteer Center.

Volunteering with MPI is a place to lead, learn, and collaborate with a diverse global community.  Even if board service isn’t in your path for 2026, there are many ways to get involved. Regional Councils and International committees offer meaningful opportunities to contribute, grow, and connect. Applications for the Regional Councils and International Committees will open in September following the IBOD and GBOT application period. To avoid duplicate applications, your submission for the IBOD or GBOT can also count as an application for Regional Councils.

International committee applications for 2026 are coming soon, September 15, 2025. 

2025 Chapter Challenge and the Closing Party Challenge at WEC St Louis

Congratulations to the Chapters that won the 2025 Chapter Challenge and the Closing Party Challenge at WEC St Louis!

2025 Chapter Challenge:

• First Draw: MPI Greater New York Chapter
• Second Draw: MPI Kansas City Chapter
• Third Draw: MPI Aloha Chapter
• Grand Prize Draw: MPI Kansas City Chapter
  

Closing Party:

• MPI Kansas City Chapter
• MPI Connecticut River Valley Chapter
• MPI France Switzerland Chapter
• MPI Atlantic Canada Chapter

Congratulations to the 2025 RISE Award Recipients

On June 18 and 19, MPI announced publicly the recipients of this year’s RISE (Recognizing Industry Success and Excellence) Awards during WEC25 in St. Louis. The recipients were selected for exceptional achievements in the meeting and event industry. 

We extend our congratulations to the following recipients:

Meeting Industry Leadership: JC York, MPI Tampa Bay Area Chapter

Member of the Year: Rafa Hernandez, MPI Mexico Chapter

Young Professional Achievement Award: Jordan Lacey, MBA, CMP, MPI New Jersey Chapter

Marketplace Excellence: MPI New Jersey Chapter

Membership Achievement: MPI Atlantic Canada Chapter

Innovative Educational Programming: MPI UK & Ireland Chapter

Social Impact: MPI Ottawa Chapter

Learn more about the recipients and the RISE award process: https://www.mpi.org/about/rise-awards

Chapter/Club Demographic Report (July 2025)

The bi-annual Chapter/Club-specific Demographic Report and the MPI Demographic Report are now available via the CLRP under the Chapter Metrics area of the CLRP. 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.

Future MPI Conference Locations Announced

During WEC in St. Louis, MPI announced the host cities for several upcoming conferences. WEC locations have been confirmed through 2030, including San Antonio (June 2–4, 2026), Las Vegas (2027), Denver (2028), Anaheim (2029), and Tampa Bay (2030). Dates and additional details will be shared as they become available.

Additionally, EMEC 2026 will take place at the SLS Hotel in Barcelona from 22–24 February 2026!

August 1 Compliance Reminder

FY2026 board slates are due to MPI no later than August 1, 2025. Please ONLY use the submission template available via the CLRP > Compliance > August 1 Compliance > Chapter Slate for Internal Distribution (MS Excel file) to send your FY2026 slates so incoming and returning board members can be invited to Chapter Leadership Summit, taking place on September 11.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Training

As announced in June, the required Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training are self-paced modules to be completed by all MPI Staff, Volunteer Chapter leaders, Chapter Administrators and Facilitators, International Level Volunteers, International Board of Directors and Global Board of Trustees. To complete the training, click here to let us know you pledge to view the videos.

We would also encourage you to share the link above with any Chapter volunteers to help inform them about supporting EDI initiatives at your Chapter and throughout our industry. 

Join the Discussion – MPI Community Forums

Chapters Leaders Community Forum – Membership Department:

“I'm curious what is working for others? Any great, winning strategies to get people together easily and with little to no cost to them?  If so, what is the frequency and timing that you find has worked best? How do you keep the momentum going and encourage new people to come out?”

Each FY2025 Chapter Board of Director now has access to engage with other Volunteer Chapter Leaders in similar roles across the MPI Chapter and Club network.  You can now ask other VP’s or Directors questions or seek advice from your colleagues serving in a similar department at any MPI Chapter or Club worldwide.  Access is granted based on your role on your Chapter Board.

Visit the MPI Communities Forum to join your Volunteer Chapter Leader Department community. https://u.mpi.org/communities/allcommunities

    •    Chapter Administrators

    •    Chapter Leaders: Education

    •    Chapter Leaders: Finance & Strategic Alliances

    •    Chapter Leaders: Marketing & Communication

    •    Chapter Leaders: Membership

    •    Chapter Leaders: Office of the President

theEVENT Toolkit is Available

theEVENT 2025 toolkit is available. We are asking all Chapters to post each MPI Signature Event as an event on your website. The toolkit will be saved in the CLRP > Chapter Toolkits > Monthly Toolkits. 

MPI members are invited to apply for scholarships from the MPI Foundation to attend theEVENT in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Applications will be accepted through July 27, with notifications of awards to all applicants by July 31. 

2025 Membership & Chapter Satisfaction Survey

Below is the schedule for the 2025 Membership & Satisfaction Survey.  

• Digital Toolkit Launch: Available on CLPR > Monthly Toolkits
• Survey Opens: Tuesday, July 15
• Survey Closes: Tuesday, August 5 
  
  

Membership Update

Encourage Your New Members to Attend an MPI New Member Orientation Session

Does your Chapter/Club offer a member orientation? If you do not offer new members a monthly orientation, please encourage your new members to join the MPI New Member Orientation. By attending orientation, your new members will engage with other MPI members worldwide and learn about opportunities for them to advance their knowledge and connections across MPI. 
 


Copy/Paste Content for Chapter Communications: 



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.   

Thursday, July 31, 2025 - REGISTER

Friday, August 29, 2025 - REGISTER

Wednesday, September 17 - REGISTER

Updated Membership Reports Guide

We have expanded the Membership Reports Guide on the CLRP to help provide you with more information about the members in your chapter. This document can be found in Membership Documents > Membership Team Roles and Responsibilities > Membership Reports Guide. New information includes how to identify members who might be price sensitive, and how to understand membership tenure.

MPI’s Anti-Human Trafficking Committee Updates

MPI’s Anti-Human Trafficking Committee hosts eye-opening session at WEC

MPI’s Anti-Human Trafficking committee was honored to host a 30-minute breakout session during WEC in June.  We welcomed esteemed speakers Katie Rhoades (Survivor; Founder, Healing Action Network) and Eryn Borders (Community Education Specialist for MO CATE – Coalition Against Trafficking & Exploitation) and were thrilled to have the room at near capacity. 

The session provided attendees with crucial information about human trafficking in our industry (and beyond), action items every person/chapter can take to raise awareness, and inspiration for why this issue should matter to all MPI members.  We are thankful for this incredible opportunity to raise awareness and share knowledge!

Review the slide deck from the session here.

Chapter Action Starts Here: An Ask Me Anything Session on Trafficking Awareness & MPI Metrics Requirements

This webinar is to inform incoming leaders about the required AHT content, how to meet the new metrics / content requirements, how to report on the metrics, provide tips, make suggestions for content, and answer questions. 

Any incoming (2026) chapter leaders who wish to attend (all are welcome), with a focus on Education, Leadership, OOP – including chapter Admins

Session will include:

• Basic facts on human trafficking
• Best practices / ideas for how to share content
• Guidelines for meeting MPI metric requirements
• We’ll share tools (templates, info sheets) after the call
• Time for Q&A at the end

September 30 at 11:00 am CDT – Register here

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Support for Your Chapter/Club

The MPI Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee is here to help you advance inclusive efforts within your Chapter or Club. In addition to training, several resources are available to keep the work moving forward:

• Regional Ambassadors Program – EDI Regional Ambassadors collaborate with MPI leadership and regional councils to support your EDI goals by sharing resources, creating content, and championing initiatives. Questions? Email: EDIRegionalAmbassadors@mpi.org
• Resources: Our online page includes a variety of helpful resources, conversation starters, discussions, educational materials and more. These are to help you get started to engage your Chapter/Club in meaningful and inclusive dialogue.  
• Diversity & Inclusion Community Forum – Connect, ask questions, and share ideas in this dedicated online space.
• #MPI Real Talk Dialogue – Series of conversations and discussions focused on important industry topics around Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Social Impact Award – Nominate a Chapter/Club making an impact. Applications open this fall.

Finally, join us for a special session to provide Volunteer Chapter Leaders with an opportunity to discuss current EDI initiatives, share ideas, and collaborate. We will also explore key global EDI efforts and discuss how they can support and strengthen regional initiatives.   

Tuesday, July 29 – 12:00pm-1:00pm CDT – REGISTER    

Wednesday, July 30 – 1:00pm-2:00pm CDT - REGISTER   

Upcoming Events

QuickBooks Online Training – Budgeting  

This session will provide general guidance on how to use QuickBooks Online for Budgeting, share best practices, and answer any specific questions you may have. Bring your questions! Open to any Volunteer Chapter Leader or Chapter Administrator who uses QuickBooks Online at an MPI Chapter.  

July 31 at 11:00am CDT – Register here  

August 28 All Hands Call

MPI Chapter Leader All Hands Calls inform Volunteer Chapter Leaders with crucial information and updates about our association. Hear from MPI Leadership about important association updates, projects and programs to help you guide your chapter to success.

August 28 at 10:00am CDT – Register here

theEVENT MPI Volunteer Discounted Registration

All FY2025 Volunteer Chapter Leaders, Chapter Administrators, International Volunteer Committees (task forces, advisory boards, advisory councils), and Regional Council members are eligible for a discounted registration rate. You must be an MPI member in good standing at the time of registration and use the following URL.

theEVENT discounted registration rates: https://theevent.mpi.org/7M8y2D

CAD$309.00 for Planners 

CAD$649.00 for Suppliers

See the MPI Foundation post in this newsletter for scholarship opportunities. 

Chapter Leadership Summit 2025 - Save the Date   

All FY2026 Volunteer Chapter Leaders and Chapter Administrators will be invited to attend the virtual Chapter Leadership Summit taking place Thursday, September 11, 2025.  Please mark your calendars now and include this date in your Nomination Process to ensure new board members attend this important training session. Complete details will be shared as they are finalized in the Chapter Leader Newsletter.

MPI Foundation Updates

We were lucky to meet so many Chapter Leaders in St. Louis. You are not just passionate about your own Chapter but also love to celebrate the success of every Chapter. We love to celebrate too! The MPI Foundation exceeded its fundraising target at WEC and we could not have done it without you, from the Presidents Dinner, to our 1 million Hilton Honors Point raffle, Silent Auction, Pickleball and the LGBTQ+ Reception. THANK YOU for participating. But what was our biggest celebration at WEC? THE CHAPTER CHAMPION AWARD 2025 – If you missed it…. Congratulations to MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter!  Your Chapter works continuously to participate in our scholarship and grant opportunities and raising funds to perpetuate these opportunities to all MPI members and Chapters/Clubs. Keep up the GOOD work.

What we’re working on 

MPI Foundation Chapter Recognition Program: With so many Chapters/Clubs working to meet their pledge commitments, we are working on our pledge to you, to celebrate your success and your achievements. Our way to showcase Chapters/Clubs succeeding and surpassing their commitment to giving back. Stay tuned for details.

MPI Foundation Fundraising Forum & Exchange: Looking for easy Foundation friendly activations? Sharing best practices? Looking to swap packages or prizes with other Chapters/Clubs? We’re working on how we can facilitate this Chapter/Club-to-Chapter/Club connection.

NEW SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - SHARE WITH YOUR CHAPTER MEMBERS NOW

Check out the full list of possibilities: https://www.mpi.org/foundation/get-help/scholarships

IMPORTANT UPDATE ABOUT MPI FOUNDATION APPLICATIONS: Our platform for applications is upgrading, and all applicants will need to open a new account in the new system. More information will be available on the scholarship webpage and on the application itself. Should users have any questions, they can always reach out to mpifoundation@mpi.org for assistance.

UPDATE ON CHAPTER/CLUB PLEDGE LETTERS: We know many Chapters/Clubs are working on fulfilling their pledge plan and appreciate all you are doing. Reminder to reference your Pledge Letter on how to make your donation.

Haven’t sent in your Pledge Letter yet? Not sure what you will do or cannot do this year or need Foundation support, send us a quick update or let us know how we can help. stonehouse@bellnet.ca.