MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

THE MPI NEW JERSEY CHAPTER MEETS CONFERENCE 2025:

A RECAP OF CONNECTIONS & INNOVATIONS!

If there’s one thing we love about the MPI New Jersey Chapter, it’s how we always MEET with purpose! This year’s 5th Annual MPI New Jersey Chapter MEETS Conference was no exception—it was a day packed with meaningful connections, inspiring sessions, and a few surprises that made it extra special.

From the moment attendees arrived, there was an undeniable energy in the air. Megan Miller, our fabulous emcee, kept the momentum going with her infectious enthusiasm and heart nuggets. Whether you were a first-time attendee or a seasoned MPI veteran, there was something for everyone.

Engaging & Insightful Sessions

This year’s sessions were designed to tackle the most pressing topics in our industry. We explored the evolving role of AI in event planning, strategies for effectively communicating, and how to navigate contracts and inclusivity in the ever-changing political landscape. Attendees also gained insights from industry leaders in the Chart Your Course roundtable session where they could choose which topics to engage in and share their expertise and insights.

Prioritizing Wellness

This year, we placed a strong emphasis on wellness, ensuring attendees could recharge and stay present throughout the conference. Therapy Dog, Tucker, was an instant favorite for stress relief and friendly cuddles. Our Wellness Room offered mindfulness activities, including a sound bowl class and a breathwork session to help attendees center themselves. A special chef demo had participants making their own fresh spring rolls, adding a delicious and interactive twist to the day. These initiatives were a big hit and reinforced the importance of well-being in our industry.

The Best Part? The People!

For me, the absolute highlight was seeing so many first-time attendees and reconnecting with longtime MPI friends. Y'all are truly my people! The conversations, collaborations, and laughter throughout the conference reminded us why we do what we do—because this industry thrives on relationships, and the MPI New Jersey Chapter is leading the way.

So, what’s next? Keep an eye out for details on our Spring Education Program—you won’t want to miss it! Until we see each other again, keep planning, keep innovating, and keep being the rockstars you are.

Lindsay Plath, CMP - Vice President of Education

5th Annual MPI New Jersey MEETS Conference

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICCARDI MEDIA

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAPTER

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

SPONSOR

UPCOMING EVENTS

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!

Date: Monday, March 10, 2025

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Location: Virtual

27th Annual Golf Event:

This year, we’re teeing off at a brand-new location: Stanton Ridge Golf and Country Club!



While we have a new venue, we’re keeping the same high-energy vibe, amazing networking opportunities, and of course, plenty of fun on the course!

Don’t wait to sign up regardless of how you plan to participate!

Sponsorship

Take a look at the sponsorship guide with all the exciting options and pricing for this year’s event and pick your favorites. Make sure to claim your spot right away!

Golf Foursomes

Your foursome will get to enjoy not only a challenging and beautiful course but also plenty of opportunities to network, unwind, and have fun!

Pickleball, Sip & Dine Foursome

Not everyone wants to hit the greens – and we totally get that! That’s why we’re excited to offer our Pickleball, Sip & Dine experience.

Whether you’re a pickleball pro or just looking for a fun way to spend the day, this activity is perfect for you and your guests.

Planners

Join us for a fun-filled day of golf, pickleball, sipping, dining, and networking with over 30 suppliers — ALL FOR FREE.

Whether you’re an avid golfer or new to the game, you’ll be paired with a team of hosts for a great experience. If golf isn’t your thing, no problem—pickleball, sip, & dine is a perfect alternative.

This is your chance to connect with fellow meeting planners, build relationships, meet with suppliers, and discover new opportunities, all in one exciting day!

FEATURED ARTICLE

It's American Heart Month, Show Your Heart Some Love!

February is a time to not only celebrate Valentine’s Day, but it is also about raising awareness and support for women’s heart health.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States, killing about 1 in 5 women each year. It has been written that cardiovascular disease kills more women then ALL forms of cancer combined. How can this be true? 

The reality is that heart disease and stroke can affect a woman at any age, making it a priority for all women to understand their own personal risk factors and complete family medical history. Most research shows that stress may and can impact health, which is why women need to understand the mind-body connection and how to focus on improving their mental well-being and physical health.

The life of a meeting planner may look glamourous from the outside, but it has its “pitfalls” as with any high demanding profession. Long work hours, stressful travel, enjoying elegant meals and not maintaining health sleep habits, can affect you and your overall job performance.

Patty Stern, a valued MPI family member, is living proof of surviving a heart attack back in August 2018. Patty has been in the meetings industry for over 25 years. Throughout her career, working extra hours, not eating well (sometimes not eating at all), not getting enough sleep, not exercising regularly, and making herself available to her clients 7 days a week was her standard way of “operating”. Patty’s heart attack was a huge wake-up call to look at how she was living and working for years. This lifestyle does not happen overnight and changing your habits does not either.

Patty flipped the script and made wellness and self-care her priorities in life. She was able to change not only how she worked but when she worked.

There are several things you can do to make lifestyle changes that can prevent heart disease:

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

Article by:

Janet Murphy-Stott, HMCC, MMP

Strategic Events Manager Professional and Clinical Education

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS OF THE 2024 CHAPTER AWARDS:

It’s time to celebrate the exceptional individuals who’ve gone above and beyond to make our chapter great! We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Chapter Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements, hard work, and dedication. From trailblazing leadership to remarkable contributions, these honorees embody the spirit of excellence within our community.

Without further ado, here are the winners who’ve truly set the standard in 2024!

• Volunteer of the Year Award: Alyssa Lippincott
• Chapter Leader of the Year Award: Michael Hochman
• Emerging Leader Award: Jenna Paulo
• Chapter Impact Award: Gary Titunick, CMP
• President's Award: Corrine Statia-Thomas, CMP

MEMBER MILESTONES:

Congratulations to our chapter members celebrating anniversaries with MPI this month:

27 Years

Joanne Joham, CMP, CMM - J Joham Associates

14 Years

Jennifer Zavaglia - The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Kelly Bodnarchuk, CMP - County College of Morris

8 Years

Corrine Thomas, CMP - Absolute Events By Corrine

6 Years

Donna Powell - Selective Insurance Company of America

3 Years

Cassandra Foy - Tailor Made Events, LLC

Shannan Ierovante

Shawna Riggs - Visit Tampa Bay

2 Years

Lori Battista, CMP - IEEE

Mohamed Osman - Fleetwood Limousine Worldwide

1 Year

Lisa Folts - Promoshop

Anthony Moreschi - Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Patrick McCormick, CEM - Visit Atlantic City

Jennifer Cornier - Event Center @ iPA

Asaf Shuster - Kampfire

Danielle Baruch, HMCC - InterContinental Hotels Group

Peyton Hinson

Annina Caruso - Regeneron Healthcare Solutions

Wendy Irvine - Regeneron Healthcare Solutions

Keith Shane - Aria AV

Rakia Whitfield - Fogo de Chao

NEW MEMBERS:

Welcome to our newest MPI New Jersey Chapter Members. We are excited that you have joined our community!

• Roman Lavrov - Harmony Meditation
• Carly Marsh - Fogo De Chao

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!

SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER

MPI is all about building connections, and with so many ways to engage online, it's easier than ever to stay in the loop! Join the conversation and connect with MPI New Jersey on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for all the latest Chapter news and updates. We can’t wait to connect with you!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS