This award recognizes an MPI chapter, club or student club for achievement in membership growth, engagement and retention.
Insight provided by Becky Faris, CMP, president of the MPI Pittsburgh Chapter.
Are there some specific factors that you feel contributed the most to your chapter’s success, leading to this RISE Award recognition?
We have placed a strong emphasis on the benefits of membership, catering to both our general chapter members and our student members. Recognizing the financial challenges that students may face, we recently established a scholarship fund to cover event and membership fees for those in need. Beyond financial support, we also provide practical experiences to help students bridge the gap between their academic learning and real-world application. This has included offering FAM tours and involving students in the planning discussions for our major annual event, Global Meetings Industry Day. Our chapter is only as strong as our membership, so it has been integral for us to put our members at the heart of every decision we make!
Can you name any certain skills—existing or new—that played a significant role?
Creativity! Our board of directors has done a phenomenal job of thinking outside the box. Over the past year, we’ve introduced exceptional programs featuring unique experiences, new venues and innovative topics. We’ve also expanded our social media presence and launched new professional development opportunities, such as our CMP study group. These initiatives have significantly strengthened the MPI Pittsburgh Chapter’s position as a leading organization for professionals in our community and industry, all helping to grow our overall membership!
Is there a skill that you’re keen for your chapter to learn, or develop further, in the next year or so?
In our ever-changing landscape, we’ve come to learn the ways in which our members and potential members consume information, so we’re keen to continue developing our social media presence. We’ve found immense value in leveraging video and reels to engage our audience, but there is much to learn and expand on! We are also exploring tailored approaches to content across various platforms, fine-tuning our messaging to fit each unique channel. This includes experimenting with engaging polls, actively tagging our partners and speakers to increase visibility and creating dynamic, interactive content that resonates with our community. Our goal is not just to make our social media platforms sources of information, but a space for interaction and connection.
What advice do you have for other chapter leaders who may be struggling with some of the challenges currently facing association volunteers?
We believe it’s crucial to maintain open communication among our volunteers and foster a positive environment. We understand that volunteers are driven by their passion, but we also recognize they juggle demanding responsibilities in their day jobs. We frequently remind our volunteers that if they need to take a break from their MPI duties due to a particularly intense event or project at work, the entire board is here to support one another and help carry the load.
What is something that your chapter is most excited about in the near future?
There is a lot on the horizon for the MPI Pittsburgh Chapter, but we have two major initiatives that we’re particularly excited about.
First, we’ll be launching a mentor program, pairing seasoned industry pros with those looking to broaden their experience in the field. This initiative not only fosters valuable mentorship but also serves to cultivate a pipeline of future talent, ensuring sustained growth and innovation within our industry.
In addition to our mentorship program, we’re in the midst of developing a full-day conference that promises to be a highlight of our calendar year. This conference will feature a distinguished keynote speaker, thought-provoking breakout sessions and several networking opportunities for attendees. We intend for it to become an annual keystone event for members to look forward to.
What led to the MPI Pittsburgh Chapter receiving this RISE Award?
The MPI Pittsburgh Chapter implemented a series of targeted initiatives aimed at fostering substantial growth and retention within its membership base, with a particular focus on engaging both students and general members.
To bolster student involvement, the chapter established a dedicated Director of Student Engagement position on its board, ensuring focused attention on the unique needs of student members. Additionally, the chapter introduced reduced event registration rates to make professional development opportunities more accessible to students. Collaborative efforts with local universities facilitated targeted outreach, while involving students in the planning stages of significant events provided valuable hands-on experience. The introduction of the Sponsor a Student fund further encouraged professional members to financially support student engagement by covering related fees.
For general membership, the chapter implemented personalized outreach strategies. Monthly updates featuring new members were shared with the board, who then reached out to these members on LinkedIn to extend a warm welcome and foster connections.
These and other initiatives yielded impressive results, exemplified by a 28.57% year-over-year increase in membership.
