2026 MPI Pittsburgh Chapter Member Award Voting!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit nominations for the 2026 MPI Pittsburgh Chapter Member Awards. We’re excited to recognize the outstanding individuals who make our chapter and industry so strong.

Now it’s time for you to help us select this year’s award recipients! Please take a few moments to review the nominees below and cast your vote.

Voting will close on Friday, November 13, 2026.

Your participation helps us celebrate and honor the incredible contributions of our members. Thank you for being a vital part of this process, and congratulations to all of our nominees!

Now is your time to vote!

All nominees meet the following requirements:

• They are a current member in good standing with MPI (meaning all membership dues are paid) for more than 1 year of membership

• Demonstrated leadership, service and/or involvement with MPI Pittsburgh Chapter during the 2026 year

• Demonstrated professional accomplishments, meeting industry service, and community involvement

• Any current 2026 Board of Directors Members nominated for The Olivia Donnan Volunteer of the Year awards have been removed. 

Planner of the Year

Joyce Kraemer | Highmark Health

Joyce has navigated significant changes within her organization this year while continuing to plan events in destinations across the country. Despite a demanding professional schedule, she has remained committed to volunteering with MPI Pittsburgh, the Greater Pittsburgh Hotel Association, and her local community.

Kristen Turner | Turnstyle Results, LLC.

Kristen demonstrated exceptional professional growth and leadership in 2026, embracing new career opportunities while continuing to make a meaningful impact on Pittsburgh’s meetings and events industry. As the host destination planner for the 2026 SYTA Annual Conference, she led planning for the welcome reception at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center Rooftop and coordinated transportation, sightseeing tours, and FAM dinner logistics, helping deliver an exceptional attendee experience and showcase Pittsburgh as a premier destination for student and youth travel.

Brittany Spinelli | Grant Street Group

Brittany contributed her expertise to MPI Pittsburgh’s Global Meetings Industry Day program as a panelist, sharing valuable insight into her work and the planner perspective. Her participation helped create a meaningful industry conversation and provided attendees with an important perspective from the planner community.

Supplier of the Year

Matthew Blume | The Pennsylvanian

Matthew is a consistent and engaged presence within MPI Pittsburgh, regularly attending chapter events, sharing industry insights, and building relationships with fellow members. He has also expressed a willingness to further support the chapter by hosting a future MPI Pittsburgh event at The Pennsylvanian.

Becky Wiley | Event Source

With more than a decade of experience in her role, Becky consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her clients have the best event experience possible. Her dedication to service and continued professional success demonstrate her commitment to both her clients and the meetings and events industry.

Austin Nadin | Bridge Badge

Austin has brought Bridge Badge to life while becoming an enthusiastic supporter of MPI and networking organizations throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio. His contagious energy, creative social media presence, and commitment to connecting people have helped him build strong relationships while continually championing the meetings and events industry.

Jackie Danko | Sound Advice Entertainment

Jackie is an exceptionally engaged member of MPI Pittsburgh who consistently attends chapter programs, supports fundraising efforts, contributes as a sponsor, and volunteers whenever help is needed. Her enthusiasm for MPI Pittsburgh and genuine commitment to its members are evident in the many ways she continues to support the chapter.

Amber Harkleroad | VisitPITTSBURGH

Amber demonstrated exceptional leadership in support of the 2026 SYTA Annual Conference, leveraging her Pittsburgh relationships and destination expertise to showcase the region to the student and youth travel industry. She planned 15 pre-conference sightseeing tours, developed and executed a pre-FAM with Rivers of Steel, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and GroupCollect, and conducted 30 sales appointments with tour operators, helping change perceptions of Pittsburgh and generate future leads and group business opportunities.

Rising Star Award

Linda Minor | American Association of Physicists in Medicine

After recently returning to Pittsburgh and joining MPI Pittsburgh, Linda has quickly demonstrated her enthusiasm for becoming an active member of the chapter. She regularly attends events, has expressed an interest in volunteering, and brings extensive meeting planning experience that will be a valuable asset as she continues to become involved.

Marissa Watson | The Industrialist Hotel

Marissa joined MPI Pittsburgh earlier this year and immediately began making connections and becoming involved. She has become a familiar face at chapter events and consistently demonstrates a willingness to engage, contribute, and find new ways to support the MPI Pittsburgh community.

Sarah Greiner | Vail Resorts

Sarah first became involved with MPI Pittsburgh as a sponsor in 2025 and has quickly expanded her engagement with the chapter. Her enthusiasm, willingness to contribute, and genuine support of MPI Pittsburgh have positioned her as an emerging leader, including her commitment to serve on the chapter’s Board of Directors.

Lauren Lowen | Pittsburgh Technology Council

Lauren took on a significant role in supporting the July Celebration, helping develop packages, solicit community donations, and tackle numerous responsibilities throughout the planning process. Her willingness to take on whatever was needed and her outstanding onsite support contributed greatly to the success of one of the chapter’s signature events.

Ahnna Jones | David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Ahnna has quickly emerged as a rising leader within MPI Pittsburgh, demonstrating her commitment as Chair of Global Meetings Industry Day, where she led the planning and execution of a successful industry panel discussion at City Winery. Her leadership, enthusiasm, and willingness to step forward have already made a meaningful impact, and she will continue her service as Vice President of Education Events on the 2027 MPI Pittsburgh Board of Directors.

The Olivia Donnan Volunteer of the Year

Lauren Lowen | Pittsburgh Technology Council

Lauren demonstrated outstanding commitment to MPI Pittsburgh as Chair of the 2026 July Celebration, dedicating significant time and energy to the success of this important chapter event. Beyond the Celebration, she has volunteered at several other chapter programs and consistently brings enthusiasm, hospitality, and a willingness to help wherever she is needed.

Becky Faris | The Courtyard University Place

Becky has remained an active and dedicated volunteer even after completing her service on the MPI Pittsburgh Board of Directors. She consistently steps forward to support the chapter wherever needed, including volunteering once again to assist with the Wine Pull at this year’s Holiday Gala, demonstrating her continued generosity and commitment to MPI Pittsburgh.

Austin Nadin | Bridge Badge

Austin embodies the spirit of volunteerism through his consistent willingness to give his time, resources, and voice in support of MPI Pittsburgh. In 2026, he served as a volunteer member of the Nominations & Governance Committee, supported the July Celebration as the name badge sponsor, and continually advocated for the chapter across social media and throughout his extensive professional network.

Student of the Year

Marissa Flemming

Marissa has demonstrated tremendous growth as a student leader through her service as Vice President of the IUP Student Chapter of MPI. She consistently goes beyond the responsibilities of her role by supporting fellow students, contributing to events and initiatives, and remaining actively engaged with MPI Pittsburgh, all while bringing a welcoming attitude, enthusiasm, and passion for the meetings industry.

Isabella Yuhas

As Secretary of Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s student chapter of MPI, Isabella consistently goes above and beyond to keep the organization running smoothly. From tracking attendance and reserving rooms to supporting event planning and keeping initiatives organized and on schedule, her reliability, dedication, and willingness to help have made a significant impact on the student chapter.

Grace Gallagher

As President of her student chapter, Grace demonstrates tremendous dedication to creating a successful experience for her fellow members. Her hard work, leadership, and commitment to the organization are evident in the continued success of the chapter.

Partner of the Year

Jackie Danko | Sound Advice Entertainment

Jackie consistently shows up for MPI Pittsburgh, generously offering her time, expertise, and business resources to support chapter events and members. Her reliability, generosity, and genuine commitment to building relationships make her a true partner to the chapter and an important part of the MPI Pittsburgh community.

VisitPITTSBURGH

VisitPITTSBURGH continues to demonstrate its commitment to MPI Pittsburgh as an annual chapter sponsor and valued industry partner. Beyond its ongoing financial support, the organization consistently steps forward to provide additional resources and assistance when the chapter needs it.

Dr. Nicole Clevenger | Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Nicole Clevenger has gone above and beyond as an advisor to the IUP Student Chapter of MPI, consistently providing guidance, encouragement, and hands-on support throughout the year. Her willingness to assist with events and programs and share her time and expertise has helped the student chapter and its members continue to grow and succeed.

Highmark Health

Highmark Health demonstrated meaningful support for MPI Pittsburgh throughout 2026 by encouraging employee engagement with the chapter, including Joyce Kraemer’s Board service and planner participation in chapter programs. The organization further strengthened its partnership by welcoming MPI Pittsburgh into its space for the November Planner Roundtable, providing valuable support for the chapter’s programming and planner community.

Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh Downtown demonstrated exceptional partnership by stepping forward to host the 2026 Celebration and remaining flexible when MPI Pittsburgh needed to move the event from May to July following a change to the Global Meetings Industry Day schedule. Through generous in-kind support and a willingness to adapt to the chapter’s needs, the hotel helped ensure the success of one of MPI Pittsburgh’s largest annual events and a critical fundraiser supporting the chapter’s financial sustainability.