A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD
ACCELERATION AT THE CHAPTER BOARD RETREAT

The Embassy Suites Berkeley Heights played host to the incoming 2022-2023 MPI New Jersey Chapter Board of Directors May 1-2. The team had a productive (and fun) two days reviewing our successes and lessons learned from the current term and strategically planning for the upcoming term that begins on July 1.  As always, throughout the planning, our members are top of mind in our decision-making. 

For 2022-2023 our theme is “Accelerating into the Future of Meetings” and we look forward to welcoming you, our membership, along for the ride. Throughout the coming term I plan to help steer our board towards being on the cutting edge bringing our members content and opportunities to grow in your roles and grow in your businesses. It is very important that we not be afraid of choosing to explore new ways and opportunities to develop and create meeting and event experiences. This is how we will accelerate into the future of meetings. 

It is beyond gratifying to be moving past the pandemic that changed meetings and meeting planning forever. For 2021 and 2022 we focused on “Pioneering Beyond the Pandemic” and are now happy to be moving forward in a positive light. Live meetings are coming back and we are able to get together and make the connections that are so essential to our industry. 

During our time together at the Board Retreat, we worked on our calendar for the year to schedule great educational offerings and special events with plenty of opportunities to connect and network both in person and virtually.

We look forward to sharing our plans with you and answering your questions during our virtual Town Hall scheduled for June 29. At that time, we will also induct our new Board of Directors. We hope to see you there!
 
I hope you all have a wonderful summer and I look forward to seeing you at our future events.

Corrine Statia-Thomas, CMP
MPI New Jersey President 2022-2023
UPCOMING EVENTS
TOWN HALL
Find out what the 2022-2023 MPI New Jersey Chapter Leaders and Committee members are hard at work on to deliver for our members in the upcoming term!

Join us on our VIRTUAL Town Hall as we hear first hand from each department and induct our new Board. There will be plenty of time for Q&A, so please bring questions for your Chapter Leaders.

DATE: Wednesday, June 29th
TIME: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LOCATION: Virtual
JOINT CHAPTER EDUCATION PROGRAM:

Digital Marketing Campaigns; Diversity Strategies for Meeting Planners and their Attendees

The MPI New Jersey, Philadelphia, Middle PA and Pittsburgh chapters are coming together for a virtual program you won't want to miss.

One extremely important area of meeting planner responsibilities is ensuring the proper digital marketing and social media campaigns are used to alert your members and customers to upcoming events, product launches, legislative initiatives, and more. No matter how great a conference is planned with top speakers, a great venue, and solid educational content – your event will only be successful if your members show up and participate.

Even for the smallest association, the pandemic has moved all organizations into conducting email campaigns, branding, online ads, social media interactions – the whole array of social media and digital marketing promotions has exploded. These are the new ways that meeting planners, hotels and suppliers use to reach their customers and members. But with digital marketing – how do you measure what is working? How do you discover what types of email messages and social media conduits work for your members and audiences? 
Our top experts will present:
● A brief overview of the different types of digital marketing and social media conduits available for all
● Best ways to measure digital to see if you reached your audience. Did they respond? Did they take action (register for your conference)? Did they open and read? Did people view your digital ads?
● The best methods to measure how many of your members and customers take action – i.e., register, go to another part of your website, download the white paper. How do you measure those members who start but never complete the process? How does this information help you determine what to fix?
● Social media has so many types of platforms – LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, more – how does today’s meeting planner determine which works best for their audiences
● Steps you should follow to be sure that once one of your members responds (i.e., registers for your program) – you continue to interact with them and give them the information they need for your program. How many interactions work?
● What are the top 3 digital marketing no no’s – and what to offer instead
● Online survey overkill – everyone now surveys – restaurants, retail, auto shops, to name a few - people no longer bother to fill these in. Yet capturing what they thought of your meeting/product is so valuable to help you plan for the future – are there alternatives to get the information you need for planning and to determine what really worked, what didn’t
● Best practices for your digital marketing and social media campaigns

DATE: Wednesday, July 13, 2022
TIME: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Virtual
ANNUAL CMP/CMM RECOGNITION EVENT: NEW DATE

The focus for our Annual CMP/CMM Recognition Event is renewal. So much has changed since we last met in person and we have discovered how important it is to take care of ourselves, our colleagues, and our attendees.

As we rapidly move back to "normal" we want to continue to share the lessons we have learned by fostering a strong community of like-minded professionals.

Join us as we engage in panel and round table discussions and learn how the industry is continuing to renew in 2022.

Registration is set to open soon - but SAVE THE DATE on your calendar today!

DATE: September 29, 2022
TIME: 3:00pm - 6:30pm
Location: Hilton Short Hills
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. 

Please email Kim Cowperthwait, VP of Education, and share your feedback.

Official registration partner of MPI New Jersey
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
24TH ANNUAL GOLF EVENT
After a two-year absence and, with a big assist from Mother Nature, the MPI New Jersey Golf Event took place at Crystal Springs Resort on June 9. The day dawned with clouds and threatened storms, but they never materialized and over 150 industry colleagues were able to gather. It was a great day full of reconnecting with friends and associates, plenty of food and drink, many pictures (see our Facebook page), lots of laughs and a little golf. Shout Out to everyone who golfed, sipped, sponsored a foursome and joined us to enjoy the day. 

The event featured a scramble golf tournament, a Sip, Swing and Dine activity and a closing reception where everyone shared tales of the day, filled up on a delicious buffet and vied for raffle prizes before heading home. 

At the end of the day we had 3 foursomes who prevailed. Congratulations to the Winners!
First Place
Chris Nyikos -- Leros Transportation Group
Mike Basso – Leros Transportation Group
Jeff Nyikos – Leros Transportation Group
Pete Tasaptsapsaris – Leros Transportation Group
 
Second Place
Shelly Tubbs
Adrian Drew – J Knipper & Co.
Trevor Hanks – 360 Destination Group
Mark Sonkin – Classic Conferences

Most Honest (aka highest score)
Sara McWilliams – Helms Briscoe
Susan Powell – Helms Briscoe
Seth Osterberg – The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Putting Contest Winners
Chris Nyikos – Leros
Nell Nicholas – Helms Briscoe
 
Longest Drive Winners
Denise “Guns” Adams – Helms Briscoe
Jason Simmon – Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel
 
Closest to the Pin Winner
Michael Shannon – Ashfield Event Experiences

MPI New Jersey was pleased to support First Tee of Metropolitan NY as the beneficiary of the Golf Event 50/50 Drawing. This organization teaches life skills to young people through the game of golf. To learn more visit https://www.mgagolf.org/foundation/the-first-tee. 

First Tee was the big winner of the day! Julie Vago of the Diplomat Beach Resort, who had the winning 50/50 ticket, did not hesitate to turn her winnings over to the organization to help further their mission. In addition, Michael McNeil from First Tee won a prize in the raffle and immediately raffled it off for additional funds to the organization. All in First Tee earned $1600!

The MPI New Jersey Golf Event would not be possible without the support of our industry sponsors. We are beyond grateful for the generous support of the following in making this event come to life.
Connecticut Convention Center
Coral Tree Hospitality
Conrad New York Midtown
Corsair Productions
Crystal Springs Resort
Encore
Encore Boston Harbor
Experience Kissimmee Florida
New York Hilton Midtown
Historic Hotel Bethlehem
Hyatt Regency Jersey City
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
MJM Creative
Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
Mohonk Mountain House
Nashville Music City
Omni Hotels & Resorts
Premier Innovations
Rosewood Hotel Group
The Sagamore
Skytop Lodge
Visit Norfolk
Venetian Meetings
Visit Lauderdale
Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin
Wind Creek Bethlehem

We also owe a huge debt to our tireless volunteers who made the day seamless (and fun) under the steady leadership of Melissa Ullmann, our Director of Special Events. The energetic crew included:

Dorothea Calabrese, Coral Tree Hospitality
Karen Decker, Harborside
Jonna Kahler, Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin
Alyssa Lippincott, Wind Creek Bethlehem
Randy Misko, The Bushkill Inn and Conference Center
Marie Monroe,
Trish Rafferty, Maritz Global Events
Dana Romano, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
Michael Shannon, Ashfield Event Experiences
Corrine Statia, Absolute Events by Corrine
Patty Stern, Patty Stern Creative Marketing & Event Concepts
Rebecca Wakefield
Pam Wynne, Ashfield Event Experiences

And nothing happens at MPI New Jersey without the superhuman efforts of Heather Kresge, our beyond amazing chapter administrator!
 
It was great to be back in 2022 and plans are already in the works for 2023. We will share the date soon and mark your calendar as soon as we do because Nobody does golf like MPI New Jersey!
Article by Trish Rafferty, CMP, HMCC
SIP, SWING & DINE
Among the many great features of the MPI New Jersey annual golf outing is the Sip, Swing and Dine event. This engaging way of introducing the game of golf to attendees was a big hit this year.
 
After a boxed lunch of delectable wraps in the Crystal Springs Resort Rotunda, nearly 20 participants were led in golf basics by Crystal Springs award-winning golf pro, Mary Beth Kohberger. Learning the details of club use, set-up and swing posture, and golf etiquette introduced attendees to what Mary Beth calls “the very big world” of golf. Networking was made easy as teams of golfers worked together to perfect their swings for an enjoyable time learning the sport.
 
From the plush greens, attendees were escorted to Crystal Springs’ award-winning Wine Cellar. Its collection of rare and renowned wines is noted worldwide and was built by resort owner, Gene Mulvihill. The sommelier introduced our group to six fine wines from various countries. They were paired with a variety of cheeses and fruit that heightened the experience and discussion about the tastes, aromas, and body of each selection. The tasting was followed by an exclusive tour of the Wine Cellar, including a view of wines from the 1800s and rooms dedicated to specific wines and countries. A view of The Curator, Crystal Springs’ wine and spirits shop, made for insightful conversation and plans to return next year (or sooner).
Article by Lauren Nance, CMP
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Cvent's Brian Ludwig on the Future of Events



Written by: JT Long
Venue Ventilation: Reasons for Planners to Pay Attention


Written by: Rob Carey
10 Event Technology Trends: Hot or Hype?



Written by: Brandt Krueger
SPONSOR
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
CONGRATS TO OUR FEATURED MEMBERS

For 50 years, MPI has been the world’s leading meeting and event industry association. That greatness is led by the brilliant individuals who make up this incredible community. While the celebrations to recognize this milestone will continue throughout 2022, it’s especially important to bring attention to some of your peers who have made and continue to make an impact.

Congratulations to MPI New Jersey Member, Chandra Allison named one of the 50 Most Influential Meeting Professionals by MPI.

MPI members recognized among the top 50 up-and-comers are focused on inspiration and evolution. Please join us in honoring all of these community members full of grit and determination who appear set to deliver the industry to its rightful and wonderful future.

Congratulations to MPI New Jersey Affiliate Member, Lindsay Plath being named one of the 50 Up and Comers by MPI.
MEMBER MILESTONES:
Congrats to the following members celebrating anniversaries with MPI this month:

26 Years
  • JoAnn Mitchell, CMP, MBA - Mitchell Management and Consulting
20 Years
  • Robin Lasky, CMP - UnitedHealth Group
  • Lauren Kautz - Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center
15 Years
  • Karen Mack - Verizon
12 Years
  • Marti Winer, MBA - MGM Resorts Events Productions
7 Years
  • Stan Radomski - Ashfield Event Experiences
5 Years
  • Diana Grazio
4 Years
  • Roseanne Ketchel, CMP - Panasonic
3 Years
  • Dana Romano - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
2 Years
  • Kimberly O'Connor, CMP - Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals
  • Beth Briant, CMP - Marriott Hotel Newark Liberty International Airport
1 Year
  • Christina Moch, CMP - IEEE SA
  • Breyonna Edwards
  • Hali Zaben - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
  • Jennifer Klein
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
What is your favorite thing about our industry?
Every event is like a jigsaw puzzle. I enjoy working with clients and coworkers to put all the pieces together. 

How did you get your start in the industry? 
I started as a guest room attendant at 16 and was moved to front desk that summer. I have been fortunate enough to progress over the years, thanks to great mentors and friends I have met along the way. . 
SPONSOR
MASTERING YOUR MEMBERSHIP
GLOBAL VOLUNTEER CENTER
MPI relies on its volunteers in support of achieving its strategic objectives and mission. We rely on our volunteers’ knowledge, skill and time and in return our volunteers learn, grow, meet new people and expand their network.

There are numerous opportunities available at the chapter level, but did you know you can volunteer on the international level as well?

Learn more by visiting the Global Volunteer Center for available committees and timeline to apply.

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.
MPI RESOURCES: 
Working together, our industry can and will be a powerful force for equity and inclusion. We have demonstrated what we can do collectively through our efforts to combat the horrors of human trafficking, improving on the Duty of Care of attendees, celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ community and lobbied governments to provide economic stimulus legislation to accelerate the recovery from COVID-19. By working together, we can make a difference in where we go from here, recalibrating systems of inequities across all social identities and within our workplaces to ensure accessibility, empowerment and representation.

As an MPI member, you’re given access to invaluable tools and resources that help you make a difference.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS