A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD
Diversity and Inclusion in the Meetings Industry
 
Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace, closer to home for us, in the meetings industry is comprised of many levels that sometimes get overlooked or ignored due to gaps in the workplace.

Diversity and inclusion are often mentioned in the same breath, but while they're similar, they are different. Diversity, which describes an organization's workforce demographics in terms of gender, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation, is the "what."

Inclusion, on the other hand, is the "how." It describes the ways the organization's culture enables diversity to thrive. Both are essential for employees to feel they belong, remain engaged and produce at the top of their game.

Unfortunately, as much as many organizations still struggle to create diversity, they have an even harder time creating an inclusive culture and measuring inclusion in the workplace. There are 7 different areas of inclusion and no one is more important than another.
  • Access. Access is both physical and viewpoint
  • Attitude. Attitude is often cited as one of the biggest barriers
  • Choice. “One size does not fit all”
  • Partnerships
  • Communication
  • Policy
  • Opportunities

As experts in the meetings industry, we deal with D&I in many of these facets, and even though we are more aware than we have been in the past few years, D&I sensitivity needs to be in the forefront of our behavior as well as our events. The awareness of these categories goes beyond just being politically correct, it includes demonstrating “Best Practices” from a simple idea to the execution of an event. Whether it be from a carefully selected date to host an event –as well as the venue and room set up we need to accommodate every meeting attendee with specific needs, being considerate is key in all aspects.
 
MPI has made Diversity, Equity and Inclusion a major initiative within the organization and offers many resources for members. Visit https://www.mpi.org/tools/equality-and-justice-resources  for more information on this important topic and way to incorporate DE&I into your meetings and events.

Rebecca Wakefield, CMP
MPI New Jersey Immediate Past President
UPCOMING EVENTS
ANNUAL CMP/CMM RECOGNITION EVENT

Take Time to Renew, to Grow, to Become!

In 2022, 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 move back to "normal" we want to continue to share the lessons we have learned in the last two years by fostering a strong community of like-minded professionals. Join us as we engage in round table discussions and learn how the industry is continuing to renew in 2022. 

DATE: Thursday, April 28, 2022
LOCATION: Hilton Short Hills
41 John F. Kennedy Parkway
Short Hills, NJ 07078
WHO: Attendees must have CMP & CMM Designation
MPI NEW JERSEY ANNUAL GOLF EVENT

Our Annual Golf Event is back and better than ever after a two-year pandemic-induced absence. This has been a signature event for MPI New Jersey for 23 years gathering suppliers from all over the country and planners from the tri-state area for a full day of networking and fun!

With over 200 attendees annually, you are certain to make new connections or reconnect with a few old friends.

Mark your calendars now to join us because... NOBODY DOES GOLF LIKE MPI NEW JERSEY!

DATE: Thursday, June 9, 2022
1 Wild Turkey Way
Hamburg, NJ
SAVE THE DATE FOR OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
May 19, 2022: Education Program
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
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Words of Wisdom - Staffing and the Meetings Industry


Written by: Pam Wynne, CMP,CMM
One Size Does Not Fit All



Written by: Janice Cardinale


Is Sustainable Swag Really Possible?



Written by: MEETINGSNET

SPONSOR
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS - APPLY NOW!
Due to the performance achievements of the Chapter in the 2020/2021 term, MPI New Jersey has earned several $100 off membership certificates from MPI Global.

We would like to give these certificates back to our community - they can be applied to your upcoming membership renewal or a new membership with MPI New Jersey.

Please complete a brief application via the link below to be considered to win one of the certificates available.

Submit your application by April 30, 2022
MEMBER MILESTONES:
Congrats to the following members celebrating anniversaries with MPI this month:
Esther Eagles: Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau - 37 Years
Mimi Baldwin: Trio, an IPG Health Company - 23 Years
Michelle Shannon, CMP: Novo Nordisk, Inc. - 22 Years
Rosalie Batista, HMCC: Hilton Worldwide Sales - 21 Years
Doreen Pierre, CMP, CMM, HMCC: Merck - 21 Years
Chandra Allison: The Venetian Resort Las Vegas - 21 Years
Vanessa Hall, CMP: BlackRock - 15 Years
Michael Brill, MBA, HMCC: MEDALS LLC - 15 Years
Michael Hochman: Hard Rock Atlantic City - 10 Years
Stacey Ret: Century 21 Real Estate LLC - 9 Years
Vianetta Johnson, CMP, HMCC: Visit Norfolk - 6 Years
Rochelle Moneta: LeRoe Promotional Marketing - 6 Years
Vicki Menniti: Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City - 2 Years
Irene Song: Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District - 2 Years
Lauren Gangemi: Century 21 Real Estate LLC - 2 Years
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
What is your favorite thing about our industry?
The service we provide and making people feel at home when they are on the road. The little things make such a difference like having a puzzle in their room, their favorite soda on the beverage service, or simply greeting them in the lobby upon their arrival after a long flight.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?
“Let’s get to yes”. One of our former executives used to preach this and I think it is so important to remember in everything you do.


VOLUNTEERS WANTED:
MPI New Jersey is powered by volunteers and we are looking for a few good members to assist with the following committees:
  • Marketing
  • Golf
  • Membership
  • Education

Whether you have a few hours a week or a month to give, we appreciate your time and talent to help make MPI New Jersey better. Plus we work to help you build skills that you want or need to help you in your professional career.

Contact us to determine the best fit for you and your schedule!
SPONSOR
MASTERING YOUR MEMBERSHIP
MPI'S CAREER CENTER:
Connecting you with career opportunities:
Post a job or search available listings at MPI's Career Center

AFFINITY MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM:
As a member of MPI, you have access to a number of exclusive savings on a variety of services ranging from travel to business, technology and more! Below is a small sample of the many brand and product savings available to meet your personal and professional needs and priorities.
To access your savings simply click here for more information.

MPI RESOURCES: 
MPI is here to bring you the information and resources you need to be succeed in
today's world. Check out the links below for information you want to know.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS