A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD
CHAT, CONNECT AND COLLABORATE ON MEMBERSHIP MONDAYS

Staying connected as we get busier and busier is a challenge we all face. The hours turn into days and, days into weeks. We are rushing all day trying to stay ahead and afloat. We now decide on what we can attend, how we can attend, and how much we can attend events that allow us to meet new people and share ideas for how we are all managing in this post-pandemic business environment.

Membership Monday began in 2020 during a committee call where the team was sharing how we were all coping and, wondering how our membership was coping. It was then we realized that each of us was struggling with the world as it was in different ways. The disconnect from our beloved industry and, our way of connecting with our peers was on hold. The emotions we were all feeling drove our discussion to create a monthly lunch and share check-in in the only setting we had – online.

The platform for our lunch and share meet-ups is organic. It started with “how are you doing?” and “how can we help?” and quickly evolved into topic discussions from members about things they are challenged with or, need advice on from peers. No matter the topic, no matter the number of attendees, the time together has continued to evolve and provide an opportunity to network with chapter members whom they may not have met under other circumstances. Calls always ended with “we cannot wait to see everyone in person!”

On January 9th, we hosted our first 2023 Membership Monday. We had 24 members join us to discuss what each of us is seeing as the industry trends and, how we are now managing the work-life balance. Jenna (Innocenzi) Paulo, a Senior Events Specialist with Inspira Health, attended her first lunch and share and, post-session, sent us comments about her first experience:
An open, interactive concept was introduced and allowed attendees, ranging from current to former planners and suppliers, to have the opportunity to connect with one another in multiple breakout discussions.
Topics raised by NJ Chapter liaisons included sharing visions of upcoming industry trends and work-life balance recommendations such as taking ‘me time’ for yourself and planning personal trips, near or far, giving something to look forward to.

Comments like this confirm that these sessions provide value to those who attend. We hope you join us for our next Membership Monday on June 12th from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. Registration will be available mid-May. The link can be found on our home page at https://www.mpi.org/chapters/new-jersey .
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay connected!

ADELE PERKINS, HMCC
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP, MPI NEW JERSEY
UPCOMING EVENTS
MEETS CONFERENCE

Established in 2021 as a virtual half-day event, the MPI New Jersey MEETS Conference attracts professionals in the meetings, events, hospitality, travel and sales industries from across the tri-state area. An anticipated 150+ attendees will gather at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City on Monday, April 3, 2023 & Tuesday, April 4, 2023, with exclusive and fun conference parties, site visits, and more.

A host of knowledgeable subject matter experts will complement an engaging supplier and buyer trade show during this time of learning and networking. This mix will give attendees access to must-have information as the meetings industry powers back strong!


DATE: Monday, April 3, 2023 - Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Location: Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
777 Harrah's Boulevard
Atlantic City, NJ 08401

REGISTRATION TO OPEN SOON!
SPONSOR THE MPI NEW JERSEY MEETS CONFERENCE

The MPI New Jersey MEETS Conference is offering exclusive sponsorship and exhibit opportunities for the April 3-4, 2023 conference. Download our Sponsorship & Marketing Guide for more information.
ANNUAL GOLF EVENT

MPI New Jersey's Signature Golf Event is back for a 25th year! We are excited to again be playing one of New Jersey's best golf courses, Wild Turkey at Crystal Springs Resort, on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

For the past 25 years, our MPI New Jersey Golf Event has been a premier networking event that brings together those in the hospitality community and takes business out of the office and onto the golf course. You’ll walk away from the event with new contacts, reconnect with old friends, and maybe win a raffle prize or two. One thing we do know is you’ll walk away wanting to come back next year!

Not a golfer? No worries there! Our MPI New Jersey Golf Event offers many opportunities to enjoy the event. Look into our Sponsorship opportunities or host a "Sip, Swing and Dine" foursome that includes a golf clinic, lunch, wine tasting and attendance at our evening reception.

Whether you’re interested in entertaining clients, showcasing your business or networking with hospitality professionals, this event is one not to miss because... NOBODY DOES GOLF LIKE MPI NEW JERSEY!

DATE: Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Location: Crystal Springs Resort
3 Wild Turkey Way
Hamburg, NJ
SPONSOR THE MPI NEW JERSEY ANNUAL GOLF EVENT

For the past 25 years, our MPI New Jersey Golf Event has been a premier networking event that brings together those in the hospitality community and takes business out of the office and onto the golf course. 
WORLD EDUCATION CONGRESS 2023

When it comes to meetings and events, WEC23 will expand not only what you know, but who you know. It delivers the connections and actionable education you need to advance yourself as an event professional and a person.

Recognized for four consecutive years as one of the top association conferences in the world, WEC23 is THE EVENT for event professionals, with a program that will refresh your mindset and re-invent what your events can be.

Interested in MPI’s Hosted Buyer Program at WEC23? To be the first to know when applications open, by registering your interest.

DATE: June 13-15, 2023
Location: Mexican Caribbean
SPONSOR

Official registration partner of MPI New Jersey
SPONSOR
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
TOWN HALL
On Thursday, January 19 the MPI New Jersey Board of Directors was pleased to start off the new year with our virtual Town Hall. We welcomed over fifty members and industry colleagues for a conversation on what is in the works for 2023. We shared big plans for the year including:

  • Our third annual MEETS Conference is scheduled for April 3-4 in Atlantic City. Registration will open shortly with details on the many opportunities to connect, network, learn and have fun.
  • The MPI New Jersey 25th Annual Golf Event is happening on June 20 at the Crystal Springs Resort. Registration for foursomes and sponsorships is now open on our chapter website.
  • MPI’s WEC23 will convene in the Mexican Caribbean June 13-15. Visit MPI.org for details.

In addition to these exciting events our chapter board and committees are working hard on additional educational activities throughout the year to benefit our membership. As an EIC-approved education provider we recognize the value in offering industry education opportunities. For a wide variety of educational opportunities, virtual, in-person and on-demand visit the MPI Academy at mpi.org/academy.

Our members can also benefit from Membership Mondays held virtually. Membership Mondays give chapter members the chance to talk about their careers and what is important to them. We have gotten great feedback on these open, interactive sessions. Make plans now to join us for our June 12 Membership Monday. MPI also offers many forums to share your knowledge and learn from others in the MPI Communities – these online interactive groups are geared to your specific role in the industry. There are communities for Executives, Suppliers, Planners, Association Planners, Women in the Industry and many more. There is even an MPI New Jersey Community, and we welcome your input. Details and sign ups for the MPI Communities can be found on MPI.org.

We want to be an asset to our members and are happy to promote you whenever we can. Visit our website and complete a member spotlight form. We feature all member spotlights on our website and in our monthly newsletter. If you have job-related news to share and/or event success stories (or challenges) we want to hear about them. We welcome writers and bloggers willing to share their stories with us. In turn we will share them with our audience.
There are also plenty of chances to interact with our membership and the industry through our social media. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram – like and comment on our posts and share them out with your followers. We are happy to share your industry-related posts as well.

Our chapter also has many opportunities for our members to collaborate with us as volunteers, speakers, event planners, writers, bloggers, and the list goes on. We welcome any questions or inquiries for more information. Reach out to us at [email protected].

We concluded our Town Hall with a Q&A session giving us the chance to hear from you and answer any questions about the chapter and our plans. If you were not able to join the Town Hall, you can view the recording on our chapter website
EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP:
Congratulations are in order to the recipients of the MPI New Jersey Chapter education scholarships for 2023.

  • The recipient of the 2023 Julia Ramos, CMP Education Scholarship is Joanne Joham, CMP, CMM, DES

  • The recipient of the 2023 Pamela James, CMP Education Scholarship is Julie Whitson
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
10 Ways to Create Events for Introverts


Written by: Claire Hoffman
Making the Case for Meetings in Uncertain Times

Written by: Rob Carey
How Travel Trends are Impacting Destination Events

Written by: Miguel Neves
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
MEMBER MILESTONES:
Congratulations to members celebrating anniversaries with MPI this month:

37 Years
Janet Pickover, CMP Emeritus - JR Associates

20 Years
Kellie Cahill, CMP - Hilton New York Midtown/ Conrad New York Midtown

19 Years
Frank Fricano, CMP - Bridgewater Marriott

17 Years
Stephanie Menashe, CMP - Charles Schwab
Gail Brophy, CMP - NPS Pharmaceuticals

15 Years
Tracey Lane - The Lane Group, LLC

14 Years
Kristin Neglia, CIS, HMCC - Radisson Hotel Group Americas

10 Years
Lauren Francies-Nance, CMP - Nance Communications, Meetings & Events

3 Years
Gail Marrant, CMP - Sivantos
Amy Giron - ION

2 Years
Rosemarie Mendes
Janet Murphy-Stott, HMCC

1 Year
Michele Aponte - Premier Innovations
Carol Hanley - Notified
Donna Vitale-Schwartz - Caesars Entertainment - Atlantic City Region
Pam Chamberlain - Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City
Salvatore Mancuso
Jenna Innocenzi - Inspira Medical Centers, Inc.
Beth Surmont
Gabriella Ribeiro - TruMarketing
Jordan Perkins
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
We want to feature you in an upcoming member spotlight. This is a great opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow members and share your meetings industry journey.

Please complete and submit the membership spotlight form and upload a headshot and a casual photo we may use. Then keep an eye out for your member spotlight in an upcoming chapter newsletter and on our social media channels
SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER:
MPI is all about creating community, and these days we have more opportunities to connect online then we do in person. So, let us hear from you and engage on MPI New Jersey's social media channels including Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date on Chapter happenings!
SPONSOR
MASTERING YOUR MEMBERSHIP
MPI COMMUNITY FORUMS:
The MPI Community Forums are the place to share best practices, start conversations, and engage with the people in the world's most vibrant meeting and event community. Forums are open to MPI members only from across all 65 international chapters.

There is sure to be a forum for you, just take a look and join the conversation. There is also a forum for MPI New Jersey members only which serves as a great way to stay connected with our local community and share regional based information.
MARKET YOUR BUSINESS WITH MPI NEW JERSEY
Do YOU want an opportunity to let your company shine? Discover MPI-New Jersey'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 serve as the perfect complement to your marketing strategies.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS