VIRGINIA VIEW THE
NEWSLETTER
SECOND QUARTER, 2026
President’s Letter
PENNY GUILES
Over the past six months as your Chapter President, I’ve had the chance to meet and connect with many of you. I am inspired by your passion, creativity, and willingness to support not just our chapter, but one another. We are stronger together as we continue to grow, learn, and create meaningful opportunities to connect.
What stands out to me most is how adaptable our members are, given the challenges we face in our industry. Rising costs, staffing shortages, and changing client expectations are things we’re all navigating every day. We are finding new ways to deliver great events, using technology in smarter ways, and supporting each other through change. That’s what makes this chapter special, we don’t face challenges alone.
Looking ahead to the next six months, I’m excited about what’s to come- especially as we celebrate our 40th anniversary as a chapter. We have great programs planned and more opportunities to connect and learn, all while honoring the strong foundation that’s been built over the years. This anniversary is a reminder of the lasting impact we make on our community, and the leaders who have shaped MPI Virginia along the way. As we gather at the conference and throughout the year, I encourage each of you to stay involved and take advantage of everything our chapter offers.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President- it truly means a lot. I am excited to see you all as we come together at our Annual Conference, “Legacy in Motion: Connect. Learn. Lead”, taking place August 10-12 at the Hilton Short Pump and celebrating our 40 Anniversary. This milestone moment reflects where we have been and where we’re going, and I look forward to continuing to build on our strong legacy together in the months ahead. th
Penny Guiles President
Welcome Newest Members
Juan Bialet
Susan Breeden, Guests Inc.
Wilson Brown, Skyline Tent Company
Angela Bowles
Tracy Bushing, Fogo de Chao
Donna Casanave
Zach Gossin, SignalThread
Anissa Ladd, CASE, DES, Visit Virginia Beach
Keri Weber, Stand Together
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
Coffee Chat Recaps
April 7 | Surrounding Counties | Richmond, VA th
We gathered at Surrounding Counties for our April Coffee Chat, enjoying a relaxed morning of networking and meaningful conversation. These informal gatherings continue to provide valuable opportunities to connect with industry peers, exchange ideas, and strengthen our chapter community.
May 6 | 1607 Coffee | Williamsburg, VA th
MPI Virginia members gathered in Williamsburg for a casual morning of coffee, conversation, and connection. Thank you to everyone who joined us as we strengthened relationships, shared ideas, and expanded our professional networks.
Happy Hour Recap
June 11th | Kings Dominion | Doswell, VA
Members enjoyed an evening of networking, great conversations, and fun at Kings Dominion's new Victoria's Pizza Bar and rooftop patio. A special thank you to Dwight and the Kings Dominion team for their hospitality and for hosting a memorable event for our MPI Virginia community.
We hope to see you at our next event!
2026 Annual Conference
Legacy in Motion — Connect. Learn. Lead.
MPI Virginia's 2026 Annual Education Conference will take place August 10–12, 2026 at the Short Pump Hilton Hotel & Spa.
This year marks a milestone as we celebrate 40 years of MPI Virginia. Our conference theme, Legacy in Motion, reflects both our proud history and our commitment to the future. Join fellow industry professionals for three days of learning, connection, and inspiration as we explore new ideas, develop leadership skills, and gain actionable strategies for the evolving events landscape. Together, we'll honor our legacy while building momentum for what's next.
Register Today Rates go up 07/29
Short Pump Hilton Hotel & Spa is close to Short Pump Town Center and features a spa, offering the perfect setting to relax. Enjoy the indoor pool and patio, as well as spa services like massages, facials, and nails.
Book your room here by July 20th!
Support Today: MPI Virginia relies on generous sponsors and auction donors to help us deliver valuable programming, networking, and scholarships for our members.
Silent Auction Donations: Contribute an item or experience to help fund chapter initiatives. Sponsorship Opportunities: Explore ways to showcase your brand in our 2026 Sponsorship Packet.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Kristy Geiger
NominationsareinfullswingfortheMPIVirginiaAnnualAwards! NOMINATENOWtocelebrateourincrediblevolunteermembersof theMPIVirginiaChapter.Wehaveavarietyofawardscategories andwouldloveforyoutonominateyourfellowchaptermembers. Wehavealsoreceivedgracioussupportfromoureventhost propertiesandspeakersforastrongeducationalyear.Please shareyourfeedbackforthevenueandspeakerthatimpressed youthemost.
AwardsTimeline:
·June18,2026=NominationsOpen ·July3,2026=NominationCloses ·July6,2026=VotingOpens ·July20,2026=VotingCloses
Upcoming Events
Register Here!
NEWMEMBERORIENTATION
SAVE THE DATES: Whether you’re a new member or looking to reconnect, these sessions are a great way to learn more about MPI Virginia, member benefits, and ways to get involved.
Upcoming Dates:
HAPPYHOURMEETUP
Join us on Thursday, July 9th from 5:30pm-7pm for a summer Happy Hour at The Perch at The Virginia Guesthouse in Charlottesville.
Connect with fellow industry professionals while exploring one of Virginia's newest hotel destinations, complete with a guided hotel tour, drinks, light appetizers, and stunning rooftop views. We hope to see you there!
1.Tuesday, August 18 | 10:00 – 11:00 am | Zoom
2.Tuesday, October 6 | 10:00 – 11:00 am | Zoom
3.Tuesday, December 8 | 10:00 – 11:00 am | Zoom
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!
The first half of 2026 has been a reminder of what makes MPI Virginia so special: a community committed to connection, learning, and supporting one another. As we celebrate our chapter's legacy and continue building toward the future, we're grateful for the members, volunteers, and partners who make it all possible.
With an exciting lineup of events still ahead, including our Annual Conference in August, we look forward to continuing the momentum throughout the year. Thank you for being part of MPI Virginia and for helping us shape what's next.
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.