VIRGINIA VIEW THE
NEWSLETTER
FIRST QUARTER, 2026
We’reexcitedtokickofftheyearwithfreshinsights, upcomingopportunitiestoconnect,andhighlightsfrom membersmakinganimpactacrosstheMPIVirginia community.Ourgoalistokeepyouinformed,inspired,and engagedaswemovethrough2026together.
TheVirginiaViewiscreatedwithyouinmind,andyour ideasandfeedbackhelpshapeeachissue.Here’stoa strongstartandanexcitingyearahead!
President’s Letter
PENNY GUILES
A Strong Start to 2026: Connection, Community, and Momentum Across MPI Virginia
MPI Virginia has launched 2026 with renewed energy and a clear focus on connection and collaboration. We began the year in January with a vibrant happy hour at the Town Point Club in Norfolk, where members gathered to reconnect, welcome new colleagues, and network.
Our February Quarterly Education & Networking Program continued to build on that momentum. Over two days in Richmond, members explored timely topics including inclusive event design, authentic social storytelling, innovative leadership, and proactive planning. The program blended learning with meaningful interaction, offering space for thoughtful conversations, shared insights, and the kind of relationship building that strengthens our chapter.
As I begin my year as President, I’m inspired by the enthusiasm and engagement I’ve seen across our community. In 2026, we will continue to prioritize opportunities that bring members together—through innovative education, intentional networking, and a chapter culture rooted in support and collaboration. This year is about elevating one another, expanding our collective expertise, and strengthening the impact of our profession across Virginia. Thank you for being part of MPI Virginia. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the months ahead.
Penny Guiles President
New
Introducing our
Chapter Administrator
LINDSAYHORNE
MPI Virginia is pleased to announce our new chapter administrator, Lindsay Horne of Choice Collaborative Consulting.
Choice Collaborative Consulting supports nonprofits and small businesses throughout the Greater Richmond area by providing dependable administrative and marketing support that helps organizations streamline operations and amplify their impact. With Lindsay’s partnership and expertise, MPI Virginia looks forward to strengthening our operations and continuing to grow our vibrant community of meeting professionals.
Please join us in welcoming Lindsay to the chapter.
Welcome Newest Members
Laurie Gulluscio, Gold Thread Marketing & Events LLC
Lindsay Horne, Choice collaborative Consulting, LLC
Kayla Peterson
Jarrettt Taylor, White Lodging
We are pleased to offer you an opportunity to help a colleague, friend, or young professional experience the benefits of MPI membership.
LEARN MORE HERE
MembershipMilestones
Join us in celebrating these amazing members and their commitment to MPI Virginia
1 Year Members
Chyla Bocanegra, Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
Michaela Claywell, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
Brandon Johnson, Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
Olivia Lambert, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
Jillian Lasky, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
Hannah Mollenhauer
Hannah Phillips, The Management Office
Michaela Prescott
Alandria Terry
1 Year Members | Students
Stephanie Bizerra, Skyla Bryant, Kayla Burch, Emily Deyoung, Alexandra Droujinsky, Lydia Gee, Mari Golden, Braelyn Grooms, Madelyn Hinkley, Kaylee Keith, Joy Kochan, Jessi Krause, Caleb Maas, Eleanor Nichols, Ashley Nowacki, Riley Plott, Claire Roberts, Grace Verwys, Ella Woods & Victoria Woods
2-9 Year Members
Wendy Baten, Ceasars Virginia - 4 years
Mark Brown, Lost Office Collaborative - 2 years
Dwight Driskill, Kings Dominion - 3 years
Lauren Graf, Hillsdale Conference Center - 2 years
Lyndsi Hale, Mountain Lake Lodge - 5 years
Rachael Holt, CMP, White Lodging - 2 years
Jordan Hook, Richmond Flying Squirrels - 2 years
Martina James, Bellatrix Consulting Group, LLC - 4 years
Kimberly Martin, CMP, Virginia Association of Realtors - 7 years
Pamela Melita, Swedish Match North America - 3 years
Michelle Moock, Groovin Gourmet - 4 years
Stacy Nicodemus, Sigma Phi Epsilon - 2 years
Kristin Pettway - 3 years
Brittany Rice, Colonial Williamsburg Company - 5 years
Tina Theodor, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation - 2 years
Kelsey Thompson, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity - 3 years
Lori Whaley, Tradeewinds Consulting Inc - 3 years
Danielle Woerner, Holiday Inn Oceanside - 5 years
MembershipMilestones
Join us in celebrating these amazing members and their commitment to MPI Virginia
10-19 Year Members
Jeff Bristow, Colonial DJs, LLC - 10 years
Beth Castro, World Law Group - 16 years
Megan Hazzard, Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority - 17 years
Megan Seagram, Seagram's Systems Audio/Visual - 10 years
M'Leta Watson, CMP, Marriott International - 14 years
20+ Year Members
Lauran Dangler, Crestline Hotels & Resorts - 33 years
Carol Torricelli, CMP - 29 years
Congratulations to all our member on these milestones!
We kicked off the new year with a fantastic MPI Virginia Happy Hour at Towne Point Club in January. With 20 attendees, the evening offered a great opportunity to reconnect, build new relationships, and start the year on a strong note. The energy in the room was high, with plenty of meaningful conversations and engagement throughout the event.
Thank you to everyone who joined us—we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming programs!
February 2026 Education & Networking Program Recap
Morethan40meetingandeventprofessionalsgatheredFebruary4–5for the MPI Virginia February Education & Networking Program at the RichmondMarriottDowntowninRichmond,Virginia.Evenontheheelsofa wintersnowstorm,theeventdrewstrongparticipationasmemberscame together for two days of education, connection, and professional growth. Attendees enjoyed the venue’s welcoming atmosphere and thoughtfully prepared meals throughout the sessions—two favorites frequently mentionedwerethehamburgersandfriesandthebreakfastburritos.
The program featured four engaging education sessions led by industry professionals.MeaganCulkinopenedwithEnsuringInclusiveEventsforAll, highlightingpracticalapproachestodesigningexperiencesthatconsider both visible and invisible disabilities. Paige Poprocky followed with Make Your Social Sizzle, offering strategies for building authentic and effective social media engagement. On Thursday, Shawn Smith led Fostering a Culture of Innovation, encouraging leaders to cultivate environments where creative ideas can thrive. The program concluded with Suzi Silverstein’s session, The Proactive Planner, equipping attendees with strategiesforanticipatingrisksandrespondingeffectivelytounexpected situations.
The sessions were highly interactive, incorporating group activities and scenario-based exercises that encouraged participants to think proactively about people, spaces, and event design. The networking reception was another highlight of the program, where attendees connected with colleagues while enjoying specially crafted chocolates createdjustfortheevent!
-CherylSimmons,VPofEducation
Brittany Alger Member Spotlight
Director of Sales, Visit Williamsburg
Member Since: 2009
Can’t Live Without: Diet Coke!
Favorite Hobby: Coaching - I have been a cheerleading coach for 22 years and continue to coach for my local high school team.
Why She Joined MPI VA
“Early in my career I was told that to do well in any industry that you must get involved. Joining MPI is one of the best decisions of my life, I have not only grown into my career with these industry leaders, but they have all become great friends that have been with me through career moves, growing family etc ”
What She Loves Most About the Industry
“In my current job I get to show people why our destination is SO amazing - it's a real treat! ”
Her Advice to Newcomers
“Volunteer, intern, or assist at events real experience matters more than titles Build strong relationships - Treat vendors and venues as partners, not just service providers. A good reputation travels fast in this industry.”
Know someone we should spotlight next? Or want to be featured yourself? Let us know now!
Nominate
Meet the 2026 Board of Directors
Cheryl Simmons Vice President, Education
Dwight Driskill Immediate Past President
Marianne Johnson Director, Quarterly Meetings & Special Events
Rachael Holt Vice President, Communications
Kristy Archer Geiger Director, Leadership Development
Brittany Alger Director, Communications
Holly Jackson Vice President, Membership
Lindsay Thompson Director, Member Care
Valencia Moore Director, Membership
Caleb Shifflett Vice President, Finance
Martina James Director of Sponsorship
GET TO KNOW YOUR 2026BOARD
Heather Grimes
MEMBERSHIP
I’m incredibly excited to step into the role of President Elect for MPI Virginia in 2026. This chapter has been a meaningful source of inspiration, connection, and growth for me, and I’m honored to help lead us into the next chapter.
What excites me most is growing together creating impactful experiences, welcoming new voices, and strengthening the connections that make MPI Virginia a true community.
Kristy Archer Geiger
I’m honored to serve as the Director of Leadership Development for the MPI Virginia Chapter in 2026. Having previously served as Chapter President, I’m excited to re-engage with this vibrant community and continue supporting our members’ growth.
Leadership development is at the heart of what we do, and I look forward to empowering individuals and cultivating the future leaders of our industry.
Cheryl Simmons
As Vice President of Education for MPI Virginia, I’m excited to help shape meaningful learning experiences that support professional growth across our chapter.
I look forward to delivering innovative, high-impact education in collaboration with our board and partners to elevate our industry and support members at every stage of their careers.
Caleb Shifflett
As MPI Virginia’s Vice President of Finance, I enter 2026 with tremendous optimism for our Chapter’s growth and the value we provide our members. My commitment is to partner closely with our board and directors to elevate every event, create opportunities to host exceptional thought leaders, and execute a financial strategy that positions our Chapter for long-term success.
Rachael Holt
As VP of Marketing and Communications, I’m excited to level up our communications in 2026! I’m looking forward to working more closely with all our committees, creating engaging content, and making it easier than ever for members to stay connected and in the loop. Together, we’re going to make 2026 our most engaging and exciting year yet!
Marianne Johnson
I’m thrilled to join the MPI Virginia Board of Directors as the incoming Director of Quarterly Events and Special Events! As we look ahead to 2026, I’m excited to build on our top-tier programming by creating experiences that inspire, enlighten, and bring our community together. I can’t wait to connect with new faces throughout the year’s events!
Holly Jackson
I am excited to join the MPI Virginia Board of Directors and gain insight and knowledge on what it means to be an MPI Leader. In 2026 I would like to increase membership retention as well as onboard hundreds of new members! The Membership team is energized and looks forward to a successful year ahead!
CONGRATS TO OUR 2026 SURVEY WINNERS!
ARIEL COLE
DANIELLE WOERNER
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their feedback with MPI Virginia—we truly appreciate your input!
Industry Insights
Curated reads to keep you sharp, savvy, and in-the-know.
TEN CORPORATE EVENT PLANNING TRENDS FOR 2026
By Heather Nicholls | Conference News
A new study from booking.com for business has revealed the ten core trends set to redefine the corporate event industry in 2026, including the growing prevalence of AI, sustainability and hybrid conferences. Read More
EVENT TECH & AI NEWS ROUNDUPFEBRUARY 2026
By Miguel Neves | Skift Meetings
The event tech sector is continuing its AI-boosted evolution into 2026, marked by more consolidation and a layering approach to bringing AI power into legacy platforms Innovation in product development is heavily leaning into artificial intelligence, with multiple providers re-launching or transforming their offerings around AI-driven features These updates aim to automate manual tasks, resolve common queries, and surface crucial insights for organizers in real time
Read More
10 NETWORKING STRATEGIES FOR BEGINNERS
By Barbara Scofidio | Skift Meetings
It can be intimidating to walk into a roomful of strangers As an emerging professional, it’s natural to feel nervous and unsure of how to act.
The good news is that attending networking events becomes easier over time. The more you practice, the more confidence and skills you will build
The following 10 tips will help turn beginners into pros.
WHY WE GATHER: HILTON REVEALS BEHAVIORAL, EMOTIONAL AND CULTURAL DRIVERS DEFINING 2026 MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Hotel Online
Trends Report special section explores how the digital era is redefining in person connection and the attendee motivations reshaping meetings and events
According to new Hilton research, 84% of attendees say they love bringing their “authentic selves” to work events highlighting the growing demand for genuine, in-person connection Read More
GET INVOLVED WITH MPI VIRGINIA
Looking to connect and grow within the meetings and events industry? MPI Virginia offers opportunities to lead, volunteer, and share your voice.
VOLUNTEER Opportunities
Are you new to the MPI Virginia Chapter? Are you a current member looking to engage further with chapter membership? Or are you looking for personal leadership opportunities and experience?
Reach out to Kristy Geiger, Director of Leadership Development at kristy@eventivethinking.com to learn how you can maximize your membership today.
Stay Engaged with MPI Virginia!
As we wrap up the first quarter of 2026, we ’ re reminded that the true impact of MPI Virginia comes from the strength of our community. From meaningful education sessions to the connections made at our events, the year is already off to a fantastic start and there’s so much more ahead.
We look forward to the months to come as we continue learning, growing, and supporting one another. Thank you for being part of MPI Virginia and for helping make our chapter such a vibrant community. LET’S CONNECT!
Stay in the know with event updates, industry trends, and networking opportunities. Follow us on social media to stay connected with the MPI Virginia community!
Have a success, insight, or lesson learned that could inspire others? Submit your ideas to be featured in the next edition of The Virginia View.