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MPI 2026 International Board of Directors Announced
12/3/2025
DALLAS — 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,” said 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
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
Learn more at www.mpi.org.
Contact:
[email protected]
DALLAS — 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,” said 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
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
Learn more at www.mpi.org.
Contact:
[email protected]
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