December 2016
  • This month we introduce you to one of our student members,
  • Take a sneak peak at what's coming up in January,
  • Share an exciting MPI/NE success story,  
  • Plus, a super secret family recipe!
  • We want to hear from you with story ideas and member photos- please let us know if you would be interested in contributing!

In case you missed it...
Capo Restaurant toasted MPINE at our annual holiday party!

And a great time was had by all…

On Monday, December 5th about 100 MPI New England Chapter planners and suppliers launched the holiday season in style at Capo Restaurant in South Boston.

Capo is a comfy and inviting spot and they made us feel welcome in their newly-renovated exposed beam and brick space. The food was delectable and seemingly endless as guests mixed and mingled with old friends and new. Music by Entertainment Specialists highlighted the evening and Future Affairs made the scene festive and bright with holiday decor to welcome the season. All Occasion Transportation offered guests shuttle service to and from the Lawn on D parking lot, allowing everyone to celebrate in merry measure.

The lively event encouraged attendees to talk, laugh and connect with one another, and it was all captured by our own David Fox of David Fox Photography. Take a look through David's pics to recapture the spirit of the evening.

If you were there, thanks for stopping by and sharing part of the holiday season with your fellow MPI/NE cohorts. If you didn't make it, we missed you and look forward to seeing you at our educational event on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at the Joseph B. Martin Conference Center At Harvard Medical School!

SPONSORED BY:
Make Your Bid To Support MPINE!

The MPI New England Winter Auction is now open! Click on the image below and start bidding!

The auction runs from Dec. 12, 2016 to Dec. 30, 2016, with proceeds going to MPI New England in order to support our mission.

Auction items range from vacation getaways to tickets for sporting events and are guaranteed to delight and surprise! So, tell your friends, family, and community....and pick up something for yourself, too! 

UPCOMING EVENT

Get Wicked Smaht in January!

Planners: A breakfast event to begin your day with content to start the new year off right!

This special event will be an eye-opening way to make you even more successful in 2017- you'll leave with valuable insights and information that you can put to use right away!

When: Thursday, January 19, 2017

Where: Joseph B. Martin Conference Center At Harvard Medical School

Time: Registration & Breakfast Reception: 8:00am – 8:45am 
           Educational Session: 9:00am – 10:30am

Learn More
   
December Student Profile

This month we get to know Mackenzie Thompson, a student at Johnson & Wales University! 

MPINE: How did you get interested in the meeting and event industry? What made you decide to attend Johnson & Wales?

MT: Throughout high school I was an avid concert goer. I loved the friendly, free spirited atmosphere that festivals provided and the exposure to different styles of music. I have some amazing memories, not only with some of my closest friends, but also with perfect strangers that made those times much more special. When exploring my options for college, I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity to be able to study something that makes me excited to wake up and go to class in the morning.

Originally accepted to Johnson and Wales for psychology, I knew I could not see myself in this major for the next 4+ years. When looking through their list of colleges, I found “Sports/Entertainment/Event Management,” under the college of Hospitality, and it immediately clicked that this is something I could excel in if I was given the chance. The entertainment side really pulled me in, I was interested to learn more about music and concerts. 

While I was in the Event Management class, my professor had introduced us to MPI and explained all of the wonderful benefits, opportunities, and exposure it provides. Being an eager freshman, willing to get involved with anything that would help my career, I decided to join. After attending my first student chapter meeting, I found I had common interests with many of the club members. Since then I have attended 3 monthly meetings with our New England chapter, and I find everything my professor was telling me about this amazing association to be true.

Read the full interview here >>>

Success Story — Buy MPI

Photographer David Fox shares his story and how being a member of MPI has helped him to make connections and business partnerships

MPINE: Has photography always been your passion?  Was it a hobby before you decided to do it professionally?

DF: Yes, photography has always been my passion. In the 7th grade, I discovered photography through my art teacher, Joe Zina. Years later he became a client when he was executive director of the Coolidge Corner theatre – I ended up photographing celebrities such as Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline for him, kind of like coming full circle.

My first professional job was with the Swampscott Reporter – the town editor came to my high school to recruit some budding photographers, and I leapt at the chance. It was great training and experience, with access to a real darkroom, as I covered everything from fires and accidents to rock concerts and sports – it was photojournalism and it was also great training for event photography.

MPINE: How did you learn about MPI and become involved in the meeting and events industry? Can you describe your first experience going to an MPI event?

DF: I first learned about MPI in 2003 from an industry colleague. My company was evolving from a focus on consumer services like weddings, bar mitzvahs and family portraits, and expanding into the growing area of corporate and event photography. My first MPI experience was at NEMICE in 2003 and I hopped on board the industry train and never looked back!

The mantra “Buy MPI” resonated and I knew right away that this was a special group that is not only professional but also supportive, encouraging and loyal to each other. MPI has always felt like family. I started photographing MPI’s meetings and events in 2003, and by 2005 I was covering every single monthly meeting and annual education conference, which my company has continued to do ever since. We have grown, and have a team of seasoned, professional photographers. Whenever there is a meeting on a date when I am personally under contract to be elsewhere, we always send one of our associates and make sure MPI’s photography needs are consistently taken care of so there is always a fresh, up to date set of meeting photos for the website.

Read the full interview here >>>

Special Holiday Pricing for WEC 2017!

Join MPI Register for WEC
= Great Savings for You in December!

Our Favorite Holiday Recipe

Our own Mark Bice shares a secret family recipe!

Holiday Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

         Butter, for greasing

         2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

         1/2 cup finely diced pepperoni (2 ounces)

         1/2 pound mushrooms, any kind will do

         1 medium onion, minced

         1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

         2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

         8 large eggs

         3 cups whole milk

         1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

         1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce

         1/2 teaspoon pepper

         3/4 pound day-old challah (preferred…or other white bread),
         sliced 1 inch thick and cut into 1-inch dice (10 cups)

         8 ounces Black Forest ham, thicker cut slices, finely diced (1 1/4 cups)

         1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1/4 pound)

         1 cup shredded aged white cheddar cheese (1/4 pound)

         1/2 cup finely chopped scallions, plus thinly sliced scallions for garnish

Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the mushrooms and cook until lightly browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, bell pepper and a generous pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and browned, about 7 minutes; let cool completely.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, mustard, soy sauce, pepper and 2 teaspoons of salt. Add the cooled vegetable mixture, bread, ham, both cheeses and the chopped scallions and mix well. Scrape the mixture into the prepared baking dish, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350°. Uncover the casserole and bake for about 50 minutes, until it’s just set and the top is browned. Let stand for 10 minutes, then top with thinly sliced scallions and serve with hot sauce.