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Upping Your Game with the MPI New Jersey Chapter
My journey to MPI Chapter Leadership was not a short one. I have been involved with MPI at the chapter level off and on since 1995 but never considered the presidency. In my mind I would make my contributions through director and VP roles but not assume the lead role. As recently as 2022 I still said, “not for me.” Something shifted for me shortly after that time that had me saying, “Why not for me?” I think the shift was due to having the time to contribute, although to be honest, it never seems like there is enough time. The bigger factors for me were feeling a strong connection to the chapter, and its leadership and a sense of confidence that I could do the job. The result, in retrospect, has been a rewarding, exciting journey. It was my honor and great pleasure to serve as your chapter president in 2025. And much to my surprise, the journey is not over.
Serving in a leadership role with MPI on a local level opens many doors. Volunteer service allows individuals to make a difference in our industry and often provides opportunities to work on hospitality projects that are often outside the realm of a day job. Example – perhaps your position is focused on logistics, menu planning, speaker, and vendor management, but marketing is on someone else’s “to do” list in your organization. You might miss out on that process as a growth opportunity. Serving as a chapter volunteer can expose you to that area of the industry allowing for cross-training and resume worthy experience. I learned much more than I ever knew about social media when I worked with the marketing and communications team and got comfortable again with picking up the phone and connecting with people when I worked with membership.
Board service has also given me opportunities to stand at a podium and address an audience of my peers, sit on panel and roundtable discussions where my opinion is sought and valued, and accept a prestigious chapter award on-stage at MPI’s WEC. As a long time introvert, the MPI New Jersey Chapter has definitely yanked me out of my comfort zone and broadened my horizons and I value these opportunities! The over the top bonus of board service is the cherished friendships formed through chapter association.
There is also an abundance of networking opportunities with people in the same industry available through the MPI New Jersey Chapter. Benefits include business prospects, job prospects, and the development of a community to lean on as needed. I personally have, more than once, turned to my MPI peeps during job searches, workplace challenges and even personal matters. This is a welcoming community of people who love our industry and are always ready to lend an ear or a helping hand.
In my 2026 role as your chapter’s Immediate Past President, I also serve as the chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee tasked with recruiting, interviewing and producing the 2027 MPI New Jersey Chapter Board Slate. We are looking for a few good volunteers to continue the work of our chapter board and guide our membership through challenging and interesting times in our industry.
I promise this is not intended as a hard sell – just some things to ponder if you are considering board or volunteer service. 30 years on I know a thing or two about how it works out. We are deep into the process of assembling our board for 2027 so if you have an interest in knowing more let’s have a conversation.
Trish Rafferty, CMP, HMCC - Immediate Past President
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CHAPTER STRATEGIC PARTNER | | |
The MPI New Jersey Chapter CMP/CMM Power Hour brings the energy and connection of our annual CMP/CMM Recognition Event into a more intimate, ongoing forum. This virtual gathering is designed exclusively for CMP and CMM designees to connect and engage in meaningful conversation around the topics that matter most.
Join a trusted community of like-minded event professionals to share ideas, exchange advice, and offer support in a non-sales, safe environment. This is your space to strengthen relationships, build community, and grow together.
DATE: Thursday, May 28, 2026
TIME: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
LOCATION: Virtual
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WEC 2026:
There is no bigger celebration of the people and purpose of the business event industry than MPI’s World Education Congress. Through a strategy of intentional event design, personalized learning, and the festive hospitality of San Antonio, WEC will deliver what you need to skyrocket your event career.
Because of what you learn and who you meet at WEC, your events will come alive like never before.
DATE: June 2-4, 2026
LOCATION: San Antonio
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28TH ANNUAL GOLF EVENT
DATE: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
LOCATION: Stanton Ridge Golf & Country Club
25 Club House Dr
Whitehouse Station, NJ
This year, we’re teeing off again at: Stanton Ridge Golf and Country Club on Tuesday, June 23rd.
Spaces for all activities are filling up fast, so don’t wait to sign up regardless of how you plan to participate!
Sponsorship
There are only a few spots left, so 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!
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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!
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Planners
Join us for a fun-filled day of golf, pickleball, charcuterie making, 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—paddles & platters 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!
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Donate a Raffle Item
The raffle prizes have always been a big part of the MPI New Jersey Chapter Annual Golf Event, and it is a great opportunity to showcase your business.
It is also a way to be part of the event even if you are unable to attend in person.
If you are interested in donating a raffle prize from your company to be given away at the reception, click the button below to submit.
| | Upcoming Chapter Events: Save the Date | | |
July Meet Up
DATE: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
TIME: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
LOCATION: Ocean Casino Resort Atlantic City
500 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ
September Joint Chapter Education Program with the MPI Greater NY Chapter
DATE: Thursday, September 17, 2026 - Friday, September 18, 2026
LOCATION: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Pocono Mountains
250 Kalahari Blvd
Pocono Manor, PA
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CHAPTER STRATEGIC PARTNER | | |
GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR CHAPTER!
Now Accepting Board Applications for 2027.
Our call for Board Nominations is coming to close, and we don't want you to miss the opportunity to nominate yourself or a fellow member for a MPI New Jersey Chapter Board position in the 2027 term!
Serving on the Board of Directors of this award-winning chapter is an honor, as you can serve your professional community as well as grow your leadership skills.
The Call to Nominations closes on Friday, May 22, 2026 and Applications are due by Friday, May 29, 2026 at 5:00 pm.
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Ready to Volunteer on a Committee?
As a Member of the MPI New Jersey Chapter you have vested interest in the future of this chapter. We want you to bring your talents to our team by volunteering and serving on a committee.
When you GIVE of your time, you GET so much more in return and GROW in ways you never expected.
To join a committee with the MPI New Jersey Chapter complete the Volunteer Interest Form and our Membership team will reach out to you to get you started!
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HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE NEXT WAVE?
The Next Wave is where the next generation of event professionals come to connect, grow, and shape what’s ahead. An MPI New Jersey Chapter small group, designed for those under 40 or with five years or less in the industry, this group is all about fresh ideas, real conversations, and building meaningful relationships with peers who are navigating the same exciting stage of their careers.
Keep up with Next Wave events, initiatives, and news by signing up to receive their emails. Click here to join the database!
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NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to our newest MPI New Jersey Chapter Members. We are excited that you have joined our community!
- Nirala Bissram - Fogo de Chao
- Dorin Pislaru
- Rebecca Plaut - Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Sheldon Senek - Eagles Talent
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MEMBER MILESTONES
Congratulations to our chapter members celebrating anniversaries with MPI this month:
27 Years
- Rebecca Wakefield, CMP - Wakefield Events
21 Years
- Catherine Passiatore, CMP - Anywhere Real Estate
- Grace Mauro, CMP - Messer LLC
16 Years
- Kerry McMahon - AIC Hotel Group
9 Years
- Dana Hill, CMP - Anywhere Real Estate
7 Years
- Kate Barnes, CMP - Corcentric
5 Years
- Emily Thompson - Pierce Communications
3 Years
- Ralph Arzayus - Ocean Casino Resorts
2 Years
- Kelly Somers, CMP - Crum & Forster
- Meredith Dickinson - Visit Atlantic City
1 Year
- Jessica Attara - CCTE
- Mitch Glasser - Audio Visual Dynamics
- Dana Rosamilia - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
- Angela Adamchak - The Peabody Group
- Thomas Magette - Encore
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CHAPTER STRATEGIC PARTNER | | ONSITE ONLINE BLOG: FEATURED ARTICLE | |
Leveraging Your Meeting Needs Into Meaningful Concessions and Discounts—Without Compromising Your Event Integrity
Article by: Janet Murphy Stott
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES -
NOW AVAILABLE
Want your company to shine in front of top meeting professionals?
The MPI New Jersey Chapter invites you to explore our 2026 sponsorship opportunities—strategically designed to elevate your brand.
Whether you're looking to build brand awareness, showcase your services, or connect directly with decision-makers, our new and exclusive sponsorship packages are tailored to amplify your impact.
Secure your sponsorship today and position your brand for a year of powerful connections and elevated exposure.
| | 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 | | |
Official technology partners of MPI New Jersey
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