MEETS CONFERENCE
Atlantic City was definitely the place to be for April 3-4 for our 3rd Annual MEETS Conference. The day and a half event, held at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City was a resounding success. The event combined excellent educational sessions with ample opportunities to network and catch up with friends and colleagues.
MEETS started on Monday afternoon with roundtable discussions focused on topics relevant to our day jobs. Great information was shared among industry peers on contracting, budgeting, security and other items top of mind for meeting professionals. Following a behind-the scenes tour of Harrah’s, we closed out the day with a sports-themed reception in honor of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game happening the same night. Attendees, many wearing the jerseys of their favorite sports teams, enjoyed cocktails, games, great food and lots of laughs!
The learning kicked off early on Tuesday with forums on exploring career opportunities and achieving success as an independent planner. An interactive session on Mastering Your Membership gave attendees the opportunity to ask questions and learn how to get the most benefit out of joining MPI. A series of Ted-type talks focused on industry specific topics including catering to attendees’ dietary needs; managing revenue management and the importance of event safety and security. The agenda also included talks on Empathy, Diversity and Inclusion and Engagement. We ended the educational sessions with an eye-opening panel discussion on Navigating Corporate Moral Responsibility. The educational sessions offered the audience up to 6 CEs for attendance.
The meeting included valuable networking time with industry exhibitors who met with meeting attendees during session breaks and over lunch. There was a mad dash through the exhibit hall to meet with as many suppliers as possible to be eligible for raffle prizes at the end of the meeting.
MPI New Jersey also took the opportunity to give back to the local community. Our generous attendees arrived with new and gently used clothes and monetary donations to benefit the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. In addition, during the event, we assembled care packages with toiletries and food to be distributed by the mission.
Throughout the event the chapter was pleased to be able to “take over” the social media account of MPI for the first time. We shared stories and photos highlighting the day with our extended global community. This was a great opportunity to share our award-winning chapter with a larger audience.
This new signature event for our chapter would not have been possible without the “over the top” efforts and commitment of our MPI New Jersey Education Committee. (pictured above)
- Michelle Aponte
- Kathleen Diggins
- Lindsay Plath
- Michael Shannon
- Celestina Sierra
- Michael Hochman
- Julie Whitson
- Pam Wynne
We also owe a huge debt to our generous sponsors and exhibitors. We could not do what we do without your support.
Diamond Sponsor: Caesars Entertainment
Platinum Sponsors: Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center & Wind Creek Bethlehem
Gold Sponsors: Ocean Properties Hotels, Resorts & Affiliates & Visit Atlantic City
Silver Sponsors: Experience Kissimmee & Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Lanyard Sponsor: Visit Raleigh
Tote Bag Sponsors: OC Maryland & Visit Hershey
CSR Sponsor: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Exhibitors: Cupa Cabana Espresso & Coffee Catering, Destination Gettysburg, Discover Albany, Discover Lehigh Valley, Discover Saratoga, Esstart, Grand Lakes Orlando, Gem Limo, Greater Wilmington CVB, Hotel LBI, Leros Point to Point, Metlife Stadium, Mohegan Pennsylvania, Mosaic Meetings & Events, Park Ave Limo, Recipe for Success, & Simon Pro Photo and Video
We are already hard at work planning MEETS 2024 and look forward to seeing you there!
