Meetings & Events
MPIMP holds one monthly chapter education program each month of the academic year beginning in September and ending in May. In most cases, the program is held on the second Wednesday of the month.
Event details, locations and times, session outcomes, and presenter bios are shared via the registration link, prior to the event, in conjunction with the opening of online registration for the event.
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What to present/speak/facilitate an MPIMP event? Submit RFP here.
Sparked Leadership & Future Connections
Join us for a two-day immersive experience in State College designed to spark leadership, boost connections, and elevate your professional growth in the MPI community.
What to Expect
Tuesday Evening
Student & Emerging Professional Roundtables | 4:00 - 5:30pm
Start the night by connecting with tomorrow’s event leaders. This interactive roundtable brings students
together with industry professionals to explore the most pressing topics and
opportunities in the meetings and events field. Through open dialogue and
shared experiences, participants will gain insights into the realities of
contract negotiations, from navigating staffing shortages to managing risks in
a shifting global landscape. The discussion will also highlight career
development pathways, including certifications like the EMP and CMP, and how
continuing education supports long-term success.
Reception | 6:00pm
The energy doesn’t stop after the roundtables! Keep the momentum going at the evening reception, where students, faculty, and industry professionals will come together to socialize and network in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Join us at the iconic Nittany Lion Inn for an evening filled with great conversations, new connections, and fun. It’s the perfect way to spend the opening night of the Overnight Educational Event and connect with the people who make this industry so dynamic
Wednesday - Breakfast, Property Tour & Education
Sparked Leadership Workshop with Dr. Katie Sandoe | 9:00am
After breakfast and a property tour of the newly renovated Nittany Lion Inn, join us for "Sparked Leadership"
This interactive workshop will help you discover your unique purpose-driven leadership style. We’ll use various Japanese concepts to create a personal mission and philosophy that will change the way you lead in the workplace and your life.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn the core attributes of purpose-driven leadership.
- Identify your personal mission (kokorozashi), get clear on the things worth doing in and outside of work (yarigai), and find balance to be an impactful leader (yutori).
- Develop 3-5 ways to integrate this mindset into your work and life.
Why Attend?
Grow your leadership potential through expert-driven content and hands-on learning.
Forge meaningful connections across the MPI Middle PA network - from students to seasoned professionals.
Be part of your community - engage actively in conversations that shape the future of MPI in our region.
Recharge & reinvigorate your professional passion in a focused, supportive environment.
Agenda
Tuesday, November 11
- 3:30 pm: Registration - Round Table Sessions
- 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm: Hospitality Industry Round Tables
- 5:30 pm: Registration - MPI Overnight Education
- 6:00 pm: Networking Reception
Wednesday, November 12
- 7:30 am - 8:30 am: Breakfast
- 8:30 am -9:00 am: Property Tour
- 9:00 am - 10:00 am: Education
- 10:00 - 10:15 Break
- 10:15-11:15 Education
- 11:30 am: Lunch
About Dr. Katie Sandoe
Dr. Katie Sandoe is The SparkologistTM! She believes that we're all created for a purpose and hers is to help people find deeper joy and fulfillment in their life and work. She is also a professional speaker, podcast host, founder of Light Echo Co., and an avid taco lover. She is passionate about giving audiences a transformative learning experience. From small workshops to national conferences, Katie has spoken thousands of times to over 200,000 people (and counting!). She's a graduate of Heroic Public Speaking CORE program and currently part of the Heroic Public Speaking GRAD program. She also teaches public speaking at Penn State Harrisburg. So, you could say she loves the stage.
Katie holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Millersville University, a Master of Arts in Communications, and a Doctor of Education in Adult Education both from The Pennsylvania State University. She’s certified as a Sparketype® Advisor, helping people discover the work that sparks them, as well as a certified Ikigai (ick-ee-guy) Coach/Advisor, the Japanese philosophy on how to create a life worth living. Katie is also trained by Tara Mohr in The Coaching Way, Playing Big, and Loving Well.
Nittany Lion Inn
200 W. Park Avenue
State College, PA 16803
MPI Middle Pennsylvania Chapter Attendance Policy: All Essential Level members or non-members are limited to no more than two events in one fiscal year and must pay the Essential Level/Non-member rate. MPI Preferred or Premier Level members are welcome to attend all chapter events at the Member Price.
Please note: The time(s) listed could change depending on an in-person or virtual event.