DALLAS, December 3, 2025—Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is pleased to announce the approved slate for the 2026 MPI International Board of Directors.  

The International Board of Directors (IBOD) is the senior governing body of MPI and is responsible for setting MPI’s Mission and strategic plan, as well as providing overall fiduciary and governance oversight of the association. 

We are proud to present the approved slate for the 2026 MPI International Board of Directors. Our sincere appreciation goes to the Board Development Committee for its rigorous, thoughtful evaluation process. The leaders selected reflect exceptional governance strength, strategic vision, and deep commitment to MPI’s mission. Their leadership will advance our strategic priorities, strengthen our global community, and elevate MPI’s impact across the industry.” 

— Michelle Allgauer, Chair of the Board Development Committee and Immediate Past Chair of the International Board of Directors, and Paul Van Deventer, President and CEO of MPI  

Board members will take office effective January 1, 2026, for the term from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.   

Below is the full slate of the 2026 MPI International Board of Directors. 
 
MPI Chair of the Board 2026-2027 
Jim Russell (board term expires in 2028)   
Executive Vice President, Client Relationships 
Freeman 
 
MPI Immediate Past Chair   
Rob Adams (term expiring in 2026) 
Bishop-McCann, LLC 
CEO 

Vice-Chair, Finance   
Bobby Heard, CAE (term expiring in 2026) 
Chief Operating Officer 
American College of Emergency Physicians 
 

Board Members   

 
Terms Expiring in 2028 
Rachel Andrews 
Global Head of Events 
Cvent 

Kelly Smith 
Vice President, Sales 
Caesars Entertainment 

 
Terms Expiring in 2027 
Fiona Bruder 
President, Americas 
George P Johnson 

James Jessie 
Chief Sales Officer 
Travel Portland 
 
Thijs Peters 
Partner 
Conventus Consultants 
 
Corey Tuttle, CMM, HMCC 
Senior Director, Strategic Meetings & Engagements 
Gilead Sciences 

 
Terms Expiring in 2026 
Lisa Messina 
Chief Sales Officer 
Visit Orlando 

Luis Lamar 
Vice President of Group Sales 
MGM Resorts International 

Rebecca DeLuca
Vice President of Destination Sales
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Immediate Past Chair, MPI Foundation
MPI Foundation Representative

Robbert Weddepohl   
Group Venue Director   
Stage Entertainment B.V.   

Scott Beck   
Strategic Advisor – Innovation and Development 
JLL, Global Tourism Advisory Group 

Steve Kinsley   
President   
Kinsley Meetings