MPI BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
When I think of spring, one of my favorite seasons, it makes me smile. Spring is a time of new beginnings, awakenings, blooming and this year we can feel it more than ever. Our world has changed so much over the past two years and one key takeaway is the deep sense of community within our chapter, and within our industry.
MPI New Jersey, through the pandemic and at no cost to industry professionals, offered many different connection points: Membership Monday, Tune in to Talk, Education programs, and several other opportunities. Our goal was to keep our members aware of what was happening in the industry and in our world. We worked to keep our members engaged and accommodate a feeling of togetherness. We welcomed nonmembers to our group and offered support during an uncertain time. Zoom made it easy to join conversations, make new connections and share life challenges and experiences while providing a sense of community for people to comfortably share stories of similar situations. No longer were we planner and supplier; we were a united industry that was in this together and that sense has carried on as we pioneer beyond the pandemic. We saw this recently on Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) – a panel of industry experts from MPI GNY agreed that we all need to join forces and figure out how to work together moving through the continued uncertainty and needs of our industry.
Globally, the MPI Foundation extended scholarships, offered payment options, and delayed renewals all to ensure that we, on a chapter level, could maintain our memberships and members could continue to receive the benefits of membership. It brings so much joy to say that MPI New Jersey has welcomed many of our members back and we are seeing more interest in joining of late, thanks, in large part, to a wonderful MEETS Conference that brought our community face to face for the first time in far too long. The success of our March conference showcased our enthusiasm and the bond of our members.
There are many lessons we can take from our experiences during the pandemic and we don’t want to lose sight of them. As our industry and we, as individuals, start to get back to the norms of travel and in-person meetings we hope you will take time to reflect and maintain some of the lessons learned. The past two years brought some positive changes to us. Moving forward we should continue to take opportunities to connect through mentorship opportunities, the MPI-NJ community page New Jersey Chapter - MPI Full Community and industry activities. Visit our website and the MPI global site and follow us on social media to stay connected.
Thank all of you for your presence, input, loyalty and comradery. There is a different unity in our industry following the pandemic. Thank you to the members who attended our events, shared info on social media, brought new faces, shared stories, and experiences and now as we get back to work continue to share.
Without connections who would we be? That’s what this life in hospitality is all about, connections, caring, sharing and giving. I feel blessed to be part of such an amazing chapter connected to so many amazing people. Thank you all for choosing MPI New Jersey to plant your flag and stay tuned – there is so much more to come! Want to know more, plug in to events and reach out to volunteer and be part of the future!
Stephanie Zapata
MPI New Jersey Vice President of Membership
Mohegan Sun
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MEMBERSHIP MONDAY
MPI New Jersey Chapter Membership Monday Events are for MPI MEMBERS ONLY!
This interactive session will provide you with an opportunity to connect with your colleagues for some industry "REAL-TALK". We will ask you to have cameras on and be ready to participate so you may get the most out of your Membership Monday!
TOPIC: 2022 Meeting Trends: What's New?
Meetings are back and busier than ever! The flood gates are open on in person meetings, how are you managing it all? Let’s meet to discuss this shift, trends we are seeing and things to look out for.
DATE: Monday, May 9, 2022
LOCATION: Virtual
TIME: 12:00pm- 1:00pm
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MAY EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Difficult Conversation: 5 Ways to Ease Your Pain
In business and in life, difficult conversations are inevitable. Easy-breezy isn’t always the order of the day when a situation goes awry. A verbal conversation can become precisely what’s needed to set things straight. The WHAT we say becomes as crucial as HOW we say it and even WHERE it’s said.
In this workshop, wordsmith Lauren Nance, CMP, of Nance Communications, Meetings & Events, will share her insight on moving from difficult conversations to achieve positive outcomes.
Attendees will learn five key ways to ease the pain of challenging discussions plus how to:
- Identify why the difficult conversation is even necessary
- Create safe spaces to talk about almost anything
- Consider facts over feelings when preparing for challenging discourse
- Use practical strategies to communicate clearly in the midst of intensity
- Work through difficult sample conversations in peer groups.
Register to attend this information-packed presentation and come away with tools you can put to use right away.
DATE: Thursday, May 26, 2022
3 Speedwell Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
TIME: 10:30am- 12:30am
CE: 1 credit - Human Resources Domain
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THANK YOU TO OUR
EDUCATION PROGRAM PARTNERS!
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MPI NEW JERSEY ANNUAL GOLF EVENT
Our Annual Golf Event is back and better than ever after a two-year pandemic-induced absence. This has been a signature event for MPI New Jersey for 24 years gathering suppliers from all over the country and planners from the tri-state area for a full day of networking and fun! Mark your calendars to join us Thursday, June 9th
With over 200 attendees annually, you are certain to make new connections or reconnect with a few old friends. And, as in past years, it’s not just about the golf… We have great networking opportunities including our “Sip, Swing & Dine” activities during the day and our fabulous post-outing reception in the evening.
PLANNERS: if you would like to be hosted at this event, for either golf or Sip, Swing & Dine, please sign up here and you'll be added to our waitlist to be added to a team as the event gets closer.
We hope you will join us because... NOBODY DOES GOLF LIKE MPI NEW JERSEY!
DATE: Thursday, June 9, 2022
1 Wild Turkey Way
Hamburg, NJ
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OUR EDUCATION COMMITTEE WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU:
- Is there a hot topic you want to learn about?
- Have you attended an MPI-NJ education program in the past year and want to share your experience?
- Are you looking to get more involved in the chapter but don’t know where to start?
If you answered YES to any of these questions; the Education Committee wants to hear from you! We want to meet, and exceed, our members' expectations while continuing to deliver award-winning educational programs all year long.
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Official registration partner of MPI New Jersey
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MPI NEW JERSEY MEETS CONFERENCE
MPI New Jersey is beyond thrilled with the success of our second annual MEETS Conference held on March 23 hosted by the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. What a great opportunity to network with colleagues and friends in person after a long two years of being apart! 140 attendees, with 20 sponsors and exhibitors, connected in a high-energy atmosphere and set the tone for an unforgettable time that also included a backstage tour of the Hard Rock.
The Education Committee presented well-programmed content that provided in-depth and useful information attendees could readily apply in their day-to-day business practices. An opportunity to earn up to 7 CEs made this conference a one-stop-shop for planners and suppliers to get the quality learning opportunities for which MPI New Jersey is known.
During the keynote session, master wedding and event designer, Marcy Blum, shared several of her inspiring experiences planning celebrity weddings and high end events. Our own Lauren Nance, CMP moderated an insightful Q&A session that dug deeper into Marcy’s vision for her company, secrets of her success, and what’s next on the horizon for Marcy Blum Events.
Five dynamic breakout sessions included topics such as our industry in the news, selling to historically Black Greek letter organizations, sales, DEI values and integrity, and an always timely discussion on the future of meetings. Leading industry experts gave their perspective on changes we may see in our meetings and events post-pandemic.
Event contracts guru, Josh Grimes, made a return to MPI New Jersey and did not disappoint! His deep-dive into the contract clauses industry professionals can expect post-pandemic was an excellent way to close the conference. In addition to learning, MPI New Jersey took time to party! Wednesday night featured our 35+1 Birthday Party! Several of our chapter presidents and chapter leaders from the past 36 years joined more partiers donning 80s-era clothing while dancing to the music of Madonna, Huey Lewis and the News, and Cyndi Lauper!
This event would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our MPI New Jersey Education Committee including Maryann Gaitan, Jennifer Holt, Michelle Kienzlen, JoAnn Mitchell, and Tristan Nelsen lead by the VP of Education, Kim Cowperthwait and Director of Education, Lauren Nance as well as the support from our Board of Directors.
MPI New Jersey is fortunate to have strong partnerships with a number of sponsoring and exhibiting companies who go above and beyond to make sure we can host conferences, like NJ MEETS. We value their participation.
Exhibitors: ALHI, Cupa Cabana Espresso & Coffee Catering, Discover Saratoga, Gem Limousine Worldwide, Mohegan Sun Pocono, Resorts Casino Hotel, SimonProPhoto, Teambonding, Universal Orlando Resort, Visit Norfolk, VISTA Convention Services
Want to experience the educational content from the conference? Sessions from this conference will be available on-demand soon!
Will you be at MEETS 2023? You should be! It will be another conference for the record books. Stay tuned for more details!
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A Breakdown of Post-Pandemic Contract Clauses
Written by: Smart Meetings
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Labor Issues: One Alleviated, One Exacerbated
Written by: Rob Carey
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Attendee Retention Tips: Keep Your Audience Coming Back
Written by: Anja Grcar
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MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS - APPLY NOW!
Due to the performance achievements of the Chapter in the 2020/2021 term, MPI New Jersey has earned several $100 off membership certificates from MPI Global.
We would like to give these certificates back to our community - they can be applied to your upcoming membership renewal or a new membership with MPI New Jersey.
Please complete a brief application via the link below to be considered to win one of the certificates available.
Submit your application by April 30, 2022
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MEMBER MILESTONES:
Congrats to the following members celebrating anniversaries with MPI this month:
33 Years
Cornelius Larkin, CMP, CMM, CAE, CEM, DES - New Jersey Association for Justice, Inc.
25 Years
Sherry Russ, CMP:- IEEE
20 Years
Gary Titunick, CMP - Johnson & Johnson Consumer
5 Years
Kathy Grau -The CM Group
4 Years
Cynthia Flanagan - Janssen Pharmaceuticals
Jane Margulies - The TEAM Group, Inc
2 Years
Karen Burris - Association of Environmental Authorities
Janine Meluso, CMP - Allentown, Inc
1 Year
Shannon Pallen
Mark Elia - Distillery Venue
Valerie Kearns - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Tina Smith, CMP, CHME - MGM Resorts
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Who would you like to be for a day?
My 10 year old daughter. I guess that sounds like a total “Freaky Friday” scenario, but I would love to experience life through her eyes and see what her day-to-day perception is of today’s world. I could also learn how I can help make her world a better place.
What is the best career advice you’ve received?
Never burn bridges! Always keep business relationships strong and positive, as you never know when you can utilize your network for assistance in your current and future roles.
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VOLUNTEERS WANTED:
MPI New Jersey is powered by volunteers and we are looking for a few good members to assist with the following committees:
- Marketing
- Golf
- Membership
- Education
Whether you have a few hours a week or a month to give, we appreciate your time and talent to help make MPI New Jersey better. Plus we work to help you build skills that you want or need to help you in your professional career.
Contact us to determine the best fit for you and your schedule!
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MASTERING YOUR MEMBERSHIP |
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MPI'S CAREER CENTER:
Connecting you with career opportunities:
Post a job or search available listings at MPI's Career Center
AFFINITY MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM:
As a member of MPI, you have access to a number of exclusive savings on a variety of services ranging from travel to business, technology and more! Below is a small sample of the many brand and product savings available to meet your personal and professional needs and priorities.
To access your savings simply click here for more information.
MPI RESOURCES:
MPI is here to bring you the information and resources you need to be succeed in
today's world. Check out the links below for information you want to know.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS |
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