|
THE GAVEL - THE GRATITUDE - HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Happy Holidays MPI New Jersey Chapter,
We just finished our MPI Board Holiday Dinner closing out the 2024 year! While not all of our Board Members were able to attend, it was a moment that we got to celebrate what an amazing year it has been.
We have come together this past year to have amazing events, legacy awards, networking, meet-ups, and education. I am truly proud to have been the leader of this amazing organization for the second time in my hospitality career. People never want to leave the MPI New Jersey chapter because of our great members, which is why, as leaders we serve!
I cannot tell you how much being a part of this organization has meant to me personally and professionally. I value the close relationships I have made over the years. This year has been particularly challenging for me with balancing the art of change. I am thankful to the Office of the President for truly acting as one unit for the benefit of our chapter. Corrine, Trish, and Heather, you are the core that keeps it together, and such a strong group of leaders that I love working with. Our morning chats or crazy traffic talks are always about driving the chapter forward.
Trish, as I pass the gavel (which was my favorite MPI gift and new tradition - thank you, Heather!), I know that you will continue to steer this chapter into 2025 with a steady, thoughtful, and business-minded approach.
Gratitude comes in many ways – a thank you, a smile, listening ears, or helping hands! I am eternally grateful for all the MPI New Jersey Chapter has done for me.
Gavel Down, graciously and happily!
Kellie Cahill, CMP - Chapter President
| |
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAPTER STRATEGIC PARTNERS | |
|
JANUARY MEET-UP
COME AND GET YOUR SWING ON!
We invite you to tee up and practice your swing at our next Meet-up at Topgolf Edison. It will be an evening full of networking, food, drink, and of course golf. (No worries about the cold temps, there are heaters in the golf bays and a toasty warm banquet room for us.)
Come out by yourself or, better yet, get your team together for a practice session. Registration includes golf, reception food, two-drink tickets, and exceptional networking!
DATE: Thursday, January 23, 2025
TIME: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
LOCATION: Topgolf Edison
1013 US Route 1
Edison, NJ 08817
| SPONSORHIP OPPORTUNITY - Bay sponsorships are available for just $250.00. Inquire with admin@mpinewjersey.org for more information. | |
|
5th Annual MEETS Conference
Founded in 2021 as a virtual half-day event, the MPI New Jersey MEETS Conference has quickly become a premier gathering for professionals in the meetings, events, hospitality, travel, and sales industries across the tri-state area. In 2022, the conference was honored with a RISE Award for Innovative Education and has continued to grow, consistently elevating the attendee experience each year.
In 2025, the MEETS Conference will return to Harrah's Resort Atlantic City, running from Monday, February 24 to Tuesday, February 25. The event will feature an exciting lineup of activities, including an exclusive conference party, site visits, and more.
Attendees can look forward to 6.5 CE credits, as well as valuable insights from a diverse group of expert speakers. There will also be an opportunity to network and gain valuable insights from an engaging supplier and buyer trade show, helping them navigate the evolving dynamics of the meetings industry.
DATE: Monday, February 24, 2025 & Tuesday, February 25, 2025
LOCATION: Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
| |
|
27th Annual Golf Event
We are thrilled to announce our upcoming golf event at a brand-new course. Stanton Ridge Golf and Country Club, in Whitehouse Station, NJ is located in a more central and accessible area for all participants!
This exciting move opens up new opportunities for both golfers and non-golfers alike, as we’re also introducing Pickleball, Sip & Dine which offers a fun and engaging activity for those looking for a break from the traditional greens.
Whether you’re perfecting your swing or enjoying a friendly pickleball match, this event promises a great time for everyone. We can’t wait to see you there for a day of friendly competition, community spirit, and plenty of, fun!
Registration for this event will open in January 2025, but mark your calendar for June 10th now, and plan to be part of this Signature Event, because Nobody Does Golf Like the MPI New Jersey Chapter.
DATE: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
LOCATION: Stanton Ridge Golf and Country Club
| |
HELPFUL TIPS TO MANAGE STRESS OVER THE HOLIDAYS | |
The holiday season is in full swing!
As we know, preparing for the holidays can elevate our increased sense of family responsibility which will lead to additional feelings of stress. It can lead to heightened anxiety, doing more than we can do, and the burden of being constantly overwhelmed.
| | | |
|
MEMBER MILESTONES:
Congratulations to our chapter members celebrating anniversaries with MPI this month:
24 Years
Susan Zeiri - Visit Orlando
23 Years
Saira Banu Kianes, CMP, HMCC - Banu Event Solutions & Training (B.E.S.T) LLC
19 Years
Juel Brathwaite-Alleyne, CMP - Guttmacher Institute
11 Years
Marnie Hock - Associated Luxury Hotels International
Michele Morgan, CMP, DES - NiUG International
6 Years
Jessica Karczewski, CMP
3 Years
Julie Whitson, CMP - IMS Technology Services, Inc.
2 Years
Jennifer Gerstenberg, CMP - ZS Associates Inc
1 Year
Jennifer Biolsi
Kristy Doherty, CMP - Global Meeting Group, LLC
Jamie Keith, CMP - JLL
Darlene Kuykendall - TenDot
Heather Robinson
Jennifer Wigfield Kelly - Syneos Health
Shawna Wilker, CMP - MJH Life Sciences
| |
|
NEW MEMBERS:
Welcome to our newest MPI New Jersey Chapter Members. We are excited that you have joined our community!
Nicole Martin-Depelteau - Hyatt Regency Morristown
Nicholas Schlegel - Wind Creek Bethlehem
Michele Wylie - Novo Nordisk AS
| |
A Rise in Bleisure Travel & Immersive Events | As we reflect on the evolving event landscape at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, two growing trends have emerged in 2024 that are shaping our outlook for 2025: the rise of bleisure (business and leisure) travel and the growing demand for experiential | | | |
|
2025 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Do you want an opportunity to let your company shine?
Discover MPI New Jersey Chapter's sponsorship opportunities designed just for you! Now is the time to partner with your MPI New Jersey Chapter to promote your organization to meeting professionals in the tri-state area. We have created new and unique sponsor opportunities that will be the perfect complement to your marketing strategies.
Secure your sponsorship now for 2025!
| UPCOMING SPONSORHIP - Bay sponsorships are available at our January Meet Up at Topgolf for just $250.00. Inquire with admin@mpinewjersey.org for more information. | |
MPI is all about creating community and these days, we have more opportunities to connect online than in person. So, let us hear from you and engage with MPI New Jersey's social media channels, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), to stay up to date on Chapter happenings! We look forward to hearing from you. | |
| What are you most excited about from the MPI New Jersey Chapter in 2025? | | | |
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: | |
Official technology partner of MPI New Jersey
| | | | |
