Meeting Professionals International (MPI) recently announce the approved slate for the 2026 MPI International Board of Directors (IBOD), which is the senior governing body of MPI and is responsible for setting the organization’s mission and strategic plan, as well as providing overall fiduciary and governance oversight of the association.
Board members will take office effective January 1, 2026, for the term from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
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 of Freeman
MPI Immediate Past Chair
Rob Adams (term expiring in 2026)
CEO of Bishop-McCann, LLC
Vice-Chair, Finance
Bobby Heard, CAE (term expiring in 2026)
COO of American College of Emergency Physicians
Board Members
Terms Expiring in 2028
Rachel Andrews
Global Head of Events of Cvent
Kelly Smith
Vice President, Sales of Caesars Entertainment
Terms Expiring in 2027
Fiona Bruder
Global CEO of George P Johnson Marketing
James Jessie
Chief Sales Officer of Travel Portland
Thijs Peters
Partner of Conventus Consultants
Corey Tuttle
Senior Director, Strategic Meetings & Engagements of Gilead Sciences
Terms Expiring in 2026
Lisa Messina
Chief Sales Officer of Visit Orlando
Luis Lamar
VP of Group Sales of MGM Resorts International
Rebecca DeLuca
VP of Destination Sales of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Immediate Past Chair, MPI Foundation
MPI Foundation Representative
Robbert Weddepohl
Group Venue Director of Stage Entertainment B.V.
Scott Beck
Strategic Advisor, Innovation and Development of JLL, Global Tourism Advisory Group
Steve Kinsley
President of Kinsley Meetings
The full list of current and future officers is available here.
MPI, founded in 1972, connects and supports those in the meeting and event industry with education, advocacy, and networking. The organization now boasts more than 60,000 members worldwide with 70+ chapters and clubs.
Visit mpi.org for more information.
[12.09.25]
