A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD
Stronger together, MPI’s network of industry partners provides a united front for growth and recovery.
 
As we reflect over the last year, there has never been a better time to come together and unite for the common good, not only as industry professionals but as human beings who ultimately care deeply about the wellbeing of others and making a difference.
 
Inclusion. Connection. Unity. Comradery. Collective Wisdom. Collaboration. Partnership. Support. Compromise. Positive Change. Progress. Growth. – These words have never been more critical as we look forward and embrace the future together.  
 
It was exciting that MPI and IMEX provided the platform for leadership, growth, and industry advancement this month at IMEX America in Las Vegas. This event was an excellent opportunity for partners to come together to share new experiences, create new bonds, and develop long-lasting relationships to help move our industry forward. 
 
Finally, be sure to check out “MPI Communities.” With seemingly endless specialties, they provide additional connections, information, and a voice for you. As an MPI board member, I highly encourage you to get involved! Be sure to attend our events, network with your peers, and look for those volunteer and leadership opportunities, as this is the cornerstone of our organization. 
 
We are here to help. And remember, we are stronger together! 

Karen Decker, CMP
Vice President of Finance, MPI New Jersey
UPCOMING EVENTS
MPI New Jersey Chapter's Tune In To Talk is a virtual program designed to bring our  community together with discussions our industry cares about right now!

Eating Right….for who?

Plant-forward, Keto-light, Volumetrics, Flexitarian….. what do they all mean? Come join us for an interactive discussion about healthy eating and the increasing number of lifestyle and eating programs we hear about. Sharon will take on the truths and myths we’ve all heard for years about ‘diets’.  We’ll dig in to the top-rated plans and discuss the principles of each.  

Learning takeaways:
1. How the definition of a healthy diet has changed over the years.
2. How to align your health goals and your eating.
3. How to integrate healthier principles into your life and your events. 
Join your MPI New Jersey Chapter on the second Monday of each month for our MEMBERS ONLY Membership Monday event!

Grab your lunch and spend some quality time over Zoom with your colleagues. This hour will provide you with an opportunity to connect in breakout rooms to discuss what is on your mind and how your MPI New Jersey network can help.

This is designed as an interactive session, so we will ask you to have cameras on and be ready to participate. 
(Make-up NOT required!)

We look forward to chatting, connecting & collaborating with you!

DATES: December 13, 2021
2022 Dates will soon be available
TIME: 12:00PM - 1:00PM
LOCATION: Virtual Program 
WHO: MPI Members Only
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR ADDITIONAL CHAPTER EVENTS

Education Programs:
December 16, 2021: Virtual Education Program: Registration opening soon!
March 22-24, 2022: MPI NJ MEETS Conference: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
May 19, 2022: Education Program

Special Events:
March 23, 2022: MPI New Jersey's 35th Birthday Party (following the MPI NJ MEETS Conference)
June 9, 2022: Annual Golf Event @ Crystal Springs Resort
CALL FOR SPEAKERS:
MPI New Jersey is looking for presenters for our 2nd Annual MPI New Jersey MEETS Conference for Wednesday, March 23, 2022.

We are seeking presenters that will invigorate, engage, surprise, and inspire our audience. 
 
Deadline for submissions is Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Submitting more than one application is welcome.

For any questions, please contact, Vice President of Education, Kim Cowperthwait, CMP, DES.
WE WANT 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
Concerns for Planners: Hospitality Labor Pools and AV Supply Chains

Written by: Rob Carey

Pioneering Beyond the Pandemic: Leadership for Women & Men

Written by: Kim Cowperthwait

Is Interest in Hybrid Trade Shows Waning?


Written by: Natalie Campbell-Reid
MPI New Jersey Chapter has established a scholarship program in the honor of two of our Past Chapter Presidents to provide educational opportunities to our members and encourage involvement in Meeting Professionals International. 
The following awards that are available: 

  • Julia Ramos, CMP Education Scholarship – Available to a MPI NJ Planner Member in good standing
  • Pamela James, CMP Education Scholarship – Available to a MPI NJ Supplier Member in good standing

Applications are NOW being accepted for the financial support of attendance to MPI New Jersey Chapter Education programs for 2022.

Apply by December 5, 2021 by submitting form to [email protected]
SPONSOR
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MPI NEW JERSEY
Did you hear, MPI New Jersey is celebrating 35 Years as a Chapter and boy have we come a long way! Each member, past: present: or future has made up the fabric of this Chapter and contributed to the success and longevity of MPI New Jersey.

We all know that MPI New Jersey is one of the top industry associations in the region, but what made us so awesome? Well, we thought we would ask some of our Past Presidents for what they would say has set MPI New Jersey apart from other industry organizations? 

Here is what they had to say!

MPI New Jersey has always been a very dynamic chapter which enabled the leadership team to concur any chapter or industry challenges. They always led by example within the organization and still do to this day. Carey Rushatz, CHBA: President 2005-2007

Commitment! Janet Pickover, CMP Emeritus: President 1991-1993

I think that MPI has provided me with some of the most amazing friendships and connections in the industry as well as in my personal life. Having known some people within our industry for over 30+ years makes them more than colleagues, they are friends. With so much history right here in NJ, some of my best and closest friends are here in NJ as well and have grown in this industry with me. We have a very cohesive and tight knit group of supporters for each other. Michael Shannon, CMP, HMCC: President 1998-1999

It’s a chapter who has continuingly had to prove it is worth having. People said there was no need. Philly and NYC was enough. Joanne Dennison, MSEd, CMP: President 2000-2001

Share with us why you think MPI New Jersey rocks by emailing us and have a chance to see your story featured at the 35 Year Birthday Party. You're invited to our birthday party on March 23, 2022 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, following the MPI New Jersey MEETS Conference.
GET INVOLVED
MEMBER MILESTONES:
Congrats to the following members celebrating anniversaries with MPI this month:
Danielle Baruch: InterContinental Hotels Group - 22 Years
Tristan Nelsen, CMP, HMCC: MedscapeLIVE! - 20 Years
Sabrina Pergass: Tourisme Montreal - 16 Years
Kaaren Hamilton, CMP, CMM: Red Lion Hotels Corporation - 15 Years
Donna Marchese: Hard Rock International - Worldwide Headquarters - 9 Years
Toshamalla McCloud: KOPS - 8 Years
Elizabeth McGlinn: Icon Group SJT New Jersey - 6 Years
Sonya Easley, CMP CMM, HMCC: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma - 3 Years
Alison Kohyama, Hamamatsu Corporation - 3 Years
Liz Santoro: Hotel LBI/ Mainland Holiday Inn - 2 Years
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS:
How did you get your start in the industry?
My first job was working in the Dean’s Office at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School and I was responsible for booking a conference room. I became friendly with the person responsible for university wide events and eventually went to work for her and the rest is history! I’ve been planning events ever since.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?
Never stop learning!


What is the most memorable event you have planned or client experience you have had?
My most memorable event was when I worked at Skytop Lodge. We had Kyle Busch and his wife arrive via helicopter from Pocono Raceway to have dinner with M&M Executives at a private home on property during race weekend.

If you were not in this industry, what would you be doing right now?
I don’t think I could imagine not working in this industry!


NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE:
Every year a small group of MPI New Jersey Members, chaired by the Immediate Past President, come together to form the Nominations Committee. This committee serves to identify, interview and nominate the Board Slate for the following term.

Serving on this years nominations committee are the following members:
  • Rebecca Wakefield, CMP (Committee Chair)
  • Kellie Cahill, CMP (President - Elect)
  • Frank Fricano, CMP
  • Patty Stern
  • Pamela Wynne, CMP, CMM, HMCC
  • Alyssa Lippincott, CHSP

The application to serve on the 2022-2023 MPI New Jersey Board of Directors will be available soon!

Come have your seat at the table!
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.
SPONSORSHIP
MPI NEW JERSEY SPONSORS