A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD

Last October I also did the newsletter lead-in as the Director of Membership and this year I come to you as the VP of Finance. I am thrilled to be in my 4^th year on the MPI New Jersey board and serving in a position where I learn more about the overall chapter and what each department does to make our chapter a Chapter of Excellence over and over.

Your chapter and your board are constantly thinking about how we can do better for you, our members. We look to offer topics that will engage you. We look to give back to our members through dynamic education programs, speakers, and virtual events but always we ask ourselves, how will this serve our members? We volunteer so that we can make a difference. The current board is doing some heavy lifting as we prepare for our annual events, enhance our signature events (The CMP/CMM Recognition Event 2023 was off the charts!) and bring new ideas to the table to continue to Rise to Elevate the chapter.

To do all of this we need to be wise in our budgets and ensure the whole team is asking questions, looking at how we can do more without overspending, reviewing costs, exploring fundraising opportunities, and so much more. There is much thought that goes into what we charge for an event, what we can afford for an event and what areas will need a bigger budget to enhance our events for our members.

The upcoming virtual silent auction is a big fundraiser for the chapter and will allow us to do more for our members in 2024. With that, I would like to ask a favor. Please share the silent auction on your social media accounts with your peers, friends, and family. There will be close to 60 items available to bid on and some of the generous offerings from our donors are SO great!! Trust me that you will want to spread the word to everyone. The virtual silent auction will launch on November 13 and bidding will be open for 2 weeks closing November 27, 2023.

Thank you all for your continued support of our chapter. Together we make MPI New Jersey an award winning chapter. I hope to see you all on November 2^nd at our next education event. You won't want to miss it!

I am so grateful to all of you.

Stephanie Maurice

MPI New Jersey Chapter Vice President of Finance

MPI NEW JERSEY AWARDED

Congratulations are in order to the MPI New Jersey Chapter for achieving a Chapter of Excellence Award for performance in the 2022/2023 term as announced by Global on Wednesday, October 25th.

Congratulations to all of our members, as this is an achievement you should all take pride in.

A big thank you goes out to all of our volunteers for your hard work, determination, and passion. We could not earn this achievement without your support!

We need you! Help MPI New Jersey design the next award-winning MEETS Conference in 2024.

You're invited to join Devon Pasha, CMP, CED (Director of North America, Event Design Collective) to become part of a real Event Design team. This is a hands-on, interactive opportunity to learn the value of event design using the Event Canvas Methodology and apply it directly.

This design "sprint" includes stakeholder analysis, empathy mapping, and using the Event Canvas for basic prototyping.

You'll walk away with the knowledge of what it's like to be on an Event Design team, and how to use the language of event design to express how your events create value in your organization. In addition you will have contributed your experiences directly to the Chapter's signature education conference.

Planners and suppliers will each have a unique opportunity to provide input to help design the 2024 MEETS Conference from their perspective. Each attendee will learn to apply the Event Canvas to articulate how the MEETS Conference can create value.

DATE: November 2, 2023

TIME: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm

LOCATION: The Hilton Short Hills

41 JFK Parkway

Short Hills, NJ 07078

VIRTUAL HOLIDAY SILENT AUCTION

 Get excited because MPI New Jersey is having a Silent Auction fundraiser that will launch on Monday, November 13th! You do not want to miss out on the fantastic array of items we have in store for you! It's a great opportunity to cross a few holiday gifts off your list early.

The auction site with be available to preview items on November 6th and bidding will be open for two full weeks starting November 13th.

We ask that you share with your family and friends to help ensure we hit our fundraising goal for the chapter. 

Managing Cancer Like An Event!

By Arlene M. Karole, FACHE, CHCP, CMP, MSA

"You have breast cancer."

Handling The News

While we go about our days prioritizing what’s important, from juggling meetings with leadership presenting budgets, negotiating contracts with vendors, doing a site visit, or taking care of personal issues like dropping the kids off at school, food shopping, or carving out time for the gym, there’s nothing more foreboding than hearing those four words that push the attention of your health to the top of the list!

I was terrified, angry, in denial, shocked, and caught off guard by this diagnosis. Plus, I just started a new job and was preparing to celebrate a big birthday; I thought—I don’t have time for cancer!

And so, then, what? How do you handle that news? After going through a roller coaster of emotions, I knew I had to prioritize my health. I had to take control of a seemingly uncontrollable situation. At that moment, I decided to remove my feelings and manage my diagnosis like my job! 

I had to research, organize, communicate, budget, and manage up. Instead of researching the perfect venue for my next medical conference, off-site event, or faculty dinner, I was seeking out breast cancer specialists and plastic surgeons. I wasn’t organizing a pre-con or walk-through meeting with my AV team; I was coordinating medical appointments and scheduling breast needle biopsies, MRIs, PET scans, and blood tests. Instead of managing my budgets and negotiating contracts, I worked with insurance companies, discussing possible medical expenses and co-pays to ensure my procedures and tests were covered.

Taking Control

Early on in my diagnosis, I came across this quote that inspired me:

“Everything can be taken from a man, but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.”

― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning

While my diagnosis initially seemed like I was thrust into a seemingly uncontrollable situation, this quote made me realize no matter your unique diagnosis, stage of breast cancer, stage of life, or gender (Men get breast cancer, too!), we have choices regarding our attitude, approach, and healthcare decisions.

While my diagnosis initially seemed like I was thrust into a seemingly uncontrollable situation, this quote made me realize no matter your unique diagnosis, stage of breast cancer, stage of life, or gender (Men get breast cancer, too!), we have choices regarding our attitude, approach, and healthcare decisions.

It was then I got empowered by taking charge of my diagnosis. Now thriving, I am living with purpose and passion and able to help others through their journey with an illness toward recovery, healing, and beyond. I pay it forward by teaching others how we must be engaged participants as co-creators of our wellness and well-being.

I was journeying through breast cancer when I crafted the initial seven steps I took to own my diagnosis. My dear friend, who battled kidney cancer, Mr. Jimmy Maxwell, shared with me that these steps applied to his diagnosis and can be applied to help navigate any diagnosis. You, too, can use these steps or share them with a friend, family member, or colleague who may have been recently diagnosed. 

The Seven Steps

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON THE ONSITE BLOG HERE!

SPONSOR

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

CMP/CMM RECOGNITION EVENT: A RESOUNDING TRIUMPH!

The MPI-NJ CMP/CMM Recognition Event, aptly named "The Awakening: Where Soul Meets Success," was a resounding success that left a profound impact on all who attended! This was no ordinary event; from the moment attendees stepped through the door, it was evident that something extraordinary was in store. The atmosphere was electric and charged with energy!

When Alyssa Lippincott and I took on the roles of co-chairs for this event, we knew that making it truly special was our utmost priority. We were determined to ensure that every CMP and CMM in the room felt acknowledged and valued. We wanted every aspect of the experience to resonate with attendees on a sensory level. From the soul-stirring music and the tantalizing Soulful Elixir to the innovative bacon clothesline, elegant floral arrangements, and the presence of our incredible colleagues, we aimed to deliver the "WOW" factor. Our objective was to elevate this event from the moment attendees arrived, with greeters welcoming each guest and MPI members holding signs with messages like "Your work amazes and deserves many praises." Handwritten notes were thoughtfully prepared for all the honorees, and to top it off, we had a special CMP/CMM Lounge, where our remarkable keynote speaker, Shelley Paxton, signed her book "Soulbbatical" and attendees departed with beautiful flower bouquets sponsored by our chapter.

Dion Magee set the stage with an electrifying opening that resonated deeply with the souls of the attendees. One attendee described him as "awesome." His stage presence was pure magic as he declared, "We are here to celebrate your achievements. It's time to recognize you!" - all in Dion's signature RuPaul voice (a delightful touch).

In the segment honoring our CMPs and CMMs, who could be better suited to speak about their significance than Joanne Dennison, MSEd, CMP? Joanne delivered a speech that was on point, thoughtful, and the perfect fit for this part of the program. Her words hit home when she emphasized, “You don’t get your CMP to quit doing this”. Once you decide to pursue your CMP designation, the dedication and work it demands demonstrates unwavering commitment to the profession. These were truly soulful words that resonated with everyone in the room.

Alyssa and I had the distinct honor of presenting the inaugural Legacy Award, named after mentor, advocate, instructor, guidance counselor, colleague, friend, and MPI-NJ past president, Joanne Dennison, MSEd, CMP. The Joanne Dennison Legacy Award is set to become an annual tradition, and we couldn't be prouder of this milestone. This event made history!

Shelley Paxton’s keynote, Where Soul Meets Success, was a major hit! She equipped us with the tools to ensure our souls remain full so we can achieve “success-FULL” lives instead of feeling “success-EMPTY”. Shelley also gave us permission to throw away the list (Ha! That is a huge ask for a planner). This was next-level talk!

As the event came to a close, the excitement didn’t diminish; it was only the beginning of an awakening to limitless possibilities lying ahead. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspiration, and a stronger commitment to “setting your soul free.”

The success of this event would not have been possible without the support of our strategic partners and sponsors: Wind Creek Bethlehem, Chateau Grande, Events by David Burke, Merge Event Management, Experience Kissimmee, Simon Pro Photo, and GEM Worldwide Ground Transportation. We would also like to thank the VP of Membership, Adele Perkins, and Director of Membership, Marie Monroe for their support as well as other committee members Dion Magee, who served as Emcee and Patty Stern for her role in marketing the event. They all played a pivotal role in making this event extraordinary. We encourage all our members to give a shout of thanks to each of our sponsors in appreciation of their commitment to MPI-NJ.

Co-chairing this event was a deeply fulfilling journey. It provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with the incredible Alyssa Lippincott in recognizing and celebrating our esteemed colleagues. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and am grateful for an amazing team. We did it together!

Article by: Cassandra D. Foy, CMP

CMP/CMM Recognition Event Co-Chair

NEW CHAPTER LEGACY AWARD ESTABLISHED

Earlier this month, MPI New Jersey proudly announced the creation of the Joanne Dennison Legacy Award, named after the chapter’s esteemed friend and colleague, Joanne Dennison.

Joanne was honored with the inaugural award at the chapter’s annual CMP/CMM Recognition Event held October 5 at The Chateau Grande in East Brunswick, NJ. During the CMP/CMM Committee’s planning of this event, they decided to give special honor at the event to someone who not only holds the designation but has given back to our community.

CMP/CMM Committee Members Cassandra Foy and Alyssa Lippincott described Joanne as playing multiple roles in our lives – teacher, mentor, advocate, leader, and guidance counselor, guiding us towards success. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, Joanne owns her own business, hosts a podcast, serves as a professor at Boston University, and has contributed as a past MPI New Jersey President and a sought-after speaker.

Moving forward, the Joanne Dennison Legacy Award will celebrate someone within our MPI New Jersey community who not only embodies the spirit of the CMP/CMM designation but also consistently strives for excellence, imparts knowledge to others, advocates for our industry, and inspires everyone to reach their full potential. 

Article by: Meghan Shott, CMP, DES

SPONSOR

MEMBER MILESTONES:

Congratulations to our chapter members celebrating anniversaries with MPI this month:

20 Years

• Vanessa Willis, CMP

15 Years

• Nicole Swanander - Mohonk Mountain House

11 Years

• Daniel Raimonda, CMP - MatureHealth Communications

10 Years

• Alyse Pashman, CMP - McCarter & English, LLP

8 Years

• Hara Hawthorne, HMCC - Eisai Inc
• Kim Cowperthwait, CMP, DES - Larc School

6 Years

• Stephanie Zapata - Mohegan Sun

4 Years

• Adele Perkins, HMCC - Ashfield Event Experiences, a division of Inizio Engage

3 Years

• Larry Sieg - Meet AC
• Agnes Zaranski, CHE - Visit Lauderdale

1 Year

• Celestina Sierra, CMP, MTA - Freelance Planner
• Cheryl Lupo - P-Value Communications
• Belinda Hamilton - United Site Services, Inc.
• Brooke DiGiuseppe

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:

Let's celebrate our newest members!

• Linda Bomba - Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel
• Rose Bradley
• Sonya Easley, CMP CMM HMCC - Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma
• Christa Layne
• Rosemarie Mendes
• Wendy Nash - Brooklake Country Club
• Bill Schafer - CI-Group
• Jodi Schwartz
• Vanessa Shuber - Visit Bucks County
• Tori Thomsen, CIS - Maritz
• Kevin Villalba

VOLUNTEERS POWER MPI:

As a Member of MPI-New Jersey you have a 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. 

Complete the Volunteer Interest Form to be contacted by our membership team to discuss the right opportunity for you today!

MPI is all about creating community and these days, we have more opportunities to connect online than in person. So, let us hear from you and engage with MPI New Jersey's social media channels, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and X (formally Twitter), to stay up to date on Chapter happenings! We look forward to hearing from you.