Where Northern California’s Meetings & Events Industry Connects

Education. Relationships. Leadership. Experiences.
Join the professionals shaping meetings and events across Sacramento and the Sierra Nevada region.

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More Than Networking. A Community Built Around Experiences.

MPI Sacramento/Sierra Nevada Chapter connects the professionals shaping meetings, events, hospitality, tourism, and live experiences across Northern California.

From planners and suppliers to destination partners, venues, and industry leaders, MPISSN creates opportunities to connect, learn, grow, and lead within a vibrant professional community.

Whether you are expanding your network, building your career, growing your business, or finding your place within the industry — MPISSN is where community and opportunity come together.

What Makes Us Different

Rooted in Sacramento. Global Reach.

Unlike generic networking groups, MPISSN connects you directly with the people driving Northern California’s meetings and events industry — while giving you access to the global MPI community.

Members Gain Access To:

Industry education and certifications
Local networking events and experiences
Leadership and volunteer opportunities
Career growth and mentorship
Business development connections
Global MPI resources and community access

Job Postings

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President's Message

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Why MPISSN

MPISSN brings together the professionals creating meetings, events, hospitality experiences, tourism initiatives, and live experiences across Northern California.

Our chapter creates opportunities to build meaningful connections, grow professionally, exchange ideas, and stay connected to the people shaping the industry locally and globally.

Whether you are growing your career, expanding your network, developing business relationships, or looking for a stronger sense of community within the industry — MPISSN helps you stay connected, involved, and inspired.

“Our MPISSN community brings us together, reinforces career paths and builds friendships with collaboration. Connectivity and networking are core benefits to our members.”

— Lauren Siring, 2022–2023 MPI Sacramento/Sierra Nevada Chapter Immediate Past President

2026 Sponsorship Opportunities

Become a Key Partner of MPISSN

Connect your brand with the professionals shaping meetings, events, hospitality, tourism, and live experiences across Northern California.

Founded in 1985, MPI Sacramento/Sierra Nevada Chapter serves industry professionals throughout the Sacramento Valley and Sierra Nevada region, including Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, and Reno. Our chapter brings together planners, suppliers, venues, destination organizations, hospitality leaders, students, and emerging professionals through education, networking, collaboration, and community engagement.

Partnering with MPISSN provides opportunities to:

Increase brand visibility within the meetings and events industry
Build meaningful relationships with local decision-makers
Support industry education and professional development
Engage with a vibrant and growing professional community
Align your organization with one of the industry’s leading global associations

Whether through event sponsorships, educational programming, networking experiences, or chapter partnerships, sponsorship with MPISSN helps position your organization in front of an engaged and connected audience throughout the region.

Ready to get involved? Become a sponsor and grow with our community.

MPI Chapter Membership Population

Planners: 71

Suppliers: 60

Students: 9

Faculty: 1

Other: 2

Connect with Us

Meet Your 2027 MPI Sacramento Sierra Nevada Chapter Board of Directors!

By Christina Bauders, CAE, CMP

Serving on the MPI Sacramento Sierra Nevada Chapter Board of Directors is one of the most rewarding experiences our profession has to offer. While volunteering requires a significant commitment of time, energy, and passion, it also provides an incredible opportunity to grow personally and professionally while helping shape the future of our chapter and the meetings and events industry we all love.

We are excited to introduce the dedicated leaders who have stepped forward to serve our members over the coming year. Their unique talents, fresh perspectives, and commitment to excellence will help ensure our chapter continues to educate, connect, and inspire our community.

2027 Board of Director Slate

President: Jeff Dougherty - Visit Sacramento
President-Elect: Cynthia DeOliver, CMP - Ca Lawyers Association
Immediate Past President: Christina Bauders, CAE, CMP - Compass Management Solutions
Vice President of Finance: Cristi Harris, CMP – Ca Medical Association
Vice President of Membership: Maria Dempsey, CMM, DES, CSW - Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Vice President of Education: Marie Cicogni, Alegria Destination & Events
Vice President of Marketing & Communications: Hope Fuerniss, HMCC, CHS – Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown-Arena
Director of Events: Jovan Samonte – Premium Shots
Director of Education: Megan Denhardt, CAE – Denhardt Productions
Director of Strategic Alliances: Melanie Kern - California Hotel and Lodging Association
Director of Membership: Ernesto Alonzo – Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
Director of Marketing: Kelly Rocha, Ca Association of Health Facilities

Please join us in congratulating this outstanding group of volunteer leaders. We look forward to another year of building meaningful connections, creating valuable educational experiences, supporting one another, and continuing to make the MPI Sacramento Sierra Nevada Chapter one of the strongest chapters in the MPI community.

Thank you to each of these volunteers for investing your time, talents, and leadership in our chapter. Here's to an exciting year ahead!

MPISSN Nominating Committee,

Marques Davison, Capital Event Center

Jeff Dougherty, Visit Sacramento

Rachel Hickerson, Horizon Meeting and Management Group, LLC

Danielle Fayette, Ca Peace Officer's Association

* Proposed slate will be posted to the membership for a 30-days (election period). During the election period, the committee will monitor any contested positions and work through the process as defined in MPI Chapter Policy Manual, Section 2.2.