A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD


HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
On behalf of the MPI New Jersey Board of Directors we wish all of our members, colleagues and friends a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday. 

We are thankful for all of you and hope you will take this time to enjoy the company of family and friends.

In Gratitude,
The 2022-2023 Board of Directors
MPI NEW JERSEY RECOGNIZED:

We are pleased to share that MPI New Jersey has been recognized as a Top Performing Chapter by Meeting Professionals International.

Our chapter has excelled through difficult times and the commitment and dedication of our members is the reason behind our success. Thank you for all that you do!
SPONSOR
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
OCTOBER EDUCATION PROGRAM:
"From Alkaline to the Plan Z Diet"

The fall weather with trees at peak color was a perfect backdrop for our October 20th education program, hosted by Lambertville Station in Lambertville, NJ. I was excited about this meeting because the focus of the topic was FOOD, a classic audience favorite! 

This particular meeting held super-special meaning for our speaker Sharon DeFelices, CMP, one of our seasoned planners and a MPI member. She is passionate about sharing her expertise regarding nutrition and understanding dietary trends, and she purposefully selected our venue because of her history working with the property. And, as a bonus to complement the topic, she looked forward to working directly with the chef to create an interactive food experience for us.

Over the past decade in our industry, the topic of the foods being served at meetings and conferences, with attention to ingredients, allergies and nutrients, has continued to increase in relevance.

Sharon dug deep sharing the huge variety of dietary concerns attendees have nowadays. Appropriately, her presentation title of “From Alkaline to the Plan Z Diet” is truth! My head was  spinning as she outlined a variety of diets attendees may request. I wondered to myself, “How on earth can we possibly deliver on every single dietary requirement requested by attendees?”

Here is an important distinction to consider: Sharon’s presentation focus was on helping us understand DIETARY requirements, NOT allergy requirements. There is definitely a difference between healthier lifestyle choices and cultural eating, which have increased in popularity (and thus more requests are coming back from dietary surveys) and life-threatening dietary requirements that might be attached to an allergy. Collecting and understanding the information is key to attendee satisfaction (and safety) at your events.

Sharon and Chef Beall spent time discussing how planners can have effective conversations with the chef and that most chefs absolutely welcome the opportunity to be a terrific culinary partner and accommodate dietary needs with clever menus. (And accommodate those attendees with specific dietary needs who may need a more customized menu.)
Cost was brought up, as well. In addition to inflationary costs for F&B, it’s time for planners to make sure they increase their food and beverage budgets and proactively prepare to offer menus that can better accommodate requests for healthier menus where the costs for the ingredients and preparation are higher. (Remember, you can always come in under budget, right)?

What was the high-reaching message we took away from this program? Menu planning that is more inclusive can be achieved when you’re willing to invest the time to collaborate with the culinary team and the chef.

Equally important is to make certain that when attendees register and notate special dietary needs, this information is clearly communicated to the planner. The attendee should be acknowledged with an email or phone call to discuss what is needed to accommodate the dietary requirement. (And any additional cost that may be involved.)

Chef Beall and Sharon collaborated on our lunch menu, which was freshly prepared in front of us. Creative, healthy, and clean food, and great fun, too!

As always, we are deeply appreciative of our Strategic Education Partners and thank Wind Creek Bethlehem and Kalahari Resorts for their continued loyal support of the MPI New Jersey Chapter. Thank you for joining us and keeping us apprised of what’s happening at your properties.

As for Lambertville Station, what a gem of a property and a gem of a town! Looking forward to returning for an overnight to get the full “small-town” experience. Thank you for hosting us.

Article by Patty Stern
Patty Stern Creative
CALL FOR SPEAKERS:

If you would like to speak at an MPI New Jersey Chapter Event, including our signature MEETS Conference, please submit your application to our Education committee for consideration!

Official registration partner of MPI New Jersey
SPONSOR
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Fearless - Doing What Other Wouldn't


Written by: Lynn Logg
3 Questions About Leadership


Written by: Michelle Russell
Event Tech Check



Written by: Claire Hoffman
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
GET INVOLVED WITH MPI:
Consider becoming a leader in an award-winning chapter of the largest organization of meeting professionals. This is your chance to contribute to the growth and professionalism of our chapter.

One of the most crucial resources to ensure our Chapter success, revolves around the selection of our volunteer leadership to serve on the Board of Directors. We encourage all members interested in chapter leadership for the 2023-2024 term to complete an online Call to Nominations form.

As a member in good standing you may also nominate another member in good standing that you recommend to the nominations committee for chapter leadership.

If you are willing to make a serious commitment to our membership, 170 members strong, then the nominations committee looks forward to hearing from you by December 5, 2022.

For those members not quite ready for Chapter leadership, we are always looking for new volunteers to serve on our various committees. Learn more here!
MEMBER MILESTONES:
Congratulations to members celebrating anniversaries with MPI this month:
35 Years
  • Michael Fahner
23 Years
  • Danielle Baruch, HMCC - InterContinental Hotels Group
21 Years
  • Tristan Nelsen, CMP, HMCC - MedscapeLIVE!
17 Years
  • Sabrina Pergass - Tourisme Montreal
16 Years
  • Kaaren Hamilton, CMP, CMM - Red Lion Hotels Corporation
10 Years
  • Donna Marchese - Hard Rock International
3 Years
  • Liz Santoro - Hotel LBI/Mainland Holiday Inn
1 Year
  • Nick DiRoma - Degy Entertainment
  • Taqira Elliott
  • Anthony Panchery - Forest Lodge Catering
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 social media channels
SCHOLARSHIPS:
In the 2019/2020 term, MPI New Jersey experienced the great loss of two of our legacy members and Past Presidents. 

MPI New Jersey Chapter has established a scholarship program in their honor to provide educational opportunities to our members and encourage involvement in Meeting Professionals International. 

Pamela James, CMP served as Chapter President in 2004/2005 and Julia Ramos, CMP in 2013/2014. Those that knew either Pam or Julia know that they were champions of MPI. They were always there to make you feel welcome, encourage you to get involved and learn thru our educational programs, all in order to help each of us be the best in our professional lives. 

The following scholarships are available: 
  • Julia Ramos, CMP Education Scholarship – Available to a Planner Member in good standing
  • Pamela James, CMP Education Scholarship – Available to a Supplier Member in good standing 

Applications for 2023 are now being accepted from qualified MPI New Jersey members for the financial support of attendance at MPI New Jersey Chapter Education programs for 2023. Please complete and submit the application by Monday, December 5 for consideration.
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.
MPI RESOURCES: 
You are invited to use a smarter search with MPI's Global Marketplace. Search venues, transportation, CVB's, and much much more with ease.
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