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Celebrate and Elevate: The Power of CMP for Industry Professionals
Becoming a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) as a supplier has been one of the most rewarding steps in my career. While many often associate the CMP designation with planners, earning this certification as a supplier offers unique and impactful advantages that elevate the way we work with our clients and peers.
One of the most valuable benefits is the deeper understanding it provides of client needs and expectations. The CMP curriculum covers everything from strategic planning to onsite logistics, giving suppliers the insight needed to anticipate challenges and align more closely with planners' goals. This enhanced perspective allows for more productive collaboration and ultimately more successful events.
Staying up to date on industry trends is another significant advantage. The meetings and events industry is constantly evolving, and maintaining my CMP keeps me informed about current best practices, emerging technologies, and key issues affecting planners and suppliers alike. This knowledge translates into better service and more innovative solutions for clients.
The CMP designation also opens the door to a powerful and supportive network of professionals. Whether it's sharing resources, exchanging ideas, or simply offering encouragement, the CMP community is an incredible source of connection and collaboration. Being part of this network has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
One of my favorite ways to celebrate this community is by attending the MPI New Jersey Chapter CMP CMM Recognition Event. It’s always a highlight of the year. This year’s event will take place at The Albion Summit Hotel on November 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. It’s an amazing opportunity to recognize our peers, gain insights from industry leaders, and enjoy time with fellow professionals who are just as passionate about excellence in meetings and events.
For any supplier considering earning their CMP (or anyone in the meetings, events, and hospitality industries, really), I can’t recommend it enough. It’s an investment in your future, your clients, and the broader meetings industry.
Melissa Kienzlen, CMP, HMCC, TbHS - Director of Special Events
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CHAPTER STRATEGIC PARTNER | | |
We’re thrilled to be celebrating 40 incredible years as a chapter!
This anniversary is not only a time to reflect on how far we’ve come, but also to look ahead with excitement for what’s next. Thank you to all our members, past and present, who’ve helped shape our journey. Here’s to 40 years strong—and many more to come!
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9th ANNUAL CMP CMM RECOGNITION EVENT
Join us as we celebrate achievement, leadership, and connection at the 9th Annual CMP / CMM Recognition Event — an inspiring event dedicated to honoring those who have earned their Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Certified Meeting Manager (CMM) designations. This special gathering is more than a celebration — it’s a chance to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and gain fresh insights to fuel your professional growth.
This year’s event will feature an empowering keynote, “Living With Intention: Sustainable Self-Care for High Performers,” with Ashley Brooke James, which is designed to help busy professionals thrive without burnout. You’ll also hear from dynamic guest speakers and industry leaders who will share valuable perspectives on success, growth, and the future of our field.
Whether you’re coming to celebrate milestones, expand your network, or leave inspired to reach new heights, this is an evening you won’t want to miss.
DATE: Thursday, November 13, 2025
TIME: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
LOCATION: The Albion Summit Hotel
570 Springfield Avenue
Summit, NJ 07901
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VIRTUAL SILENT AUCTION
Be Part of the Excitement – The MPI New Jersey Chapter's Virtual Silent Auction is Back!
Get ready to bid on incredible prizes while supporting a great cause! Our Virtual Silent Auction is one of the most exciting ways you can help fund the MPI New Jersey Chapter's mission to deliver education, networking, and resources to our community.
Auction Preview: November 10 – November 16
Live Bidding: November 18 – December 2
You’ll find amazing items up for grabs—think hotel stays, unique experiences, gift cards, tech gadgets, and so much more!
Help Us Make This Auction Extraordinary, and make a Donation!
We’re currently accepting donations of all kinds — gift cards, experiences, services, merchandise, and more. Your contribution will directly support the MPI New Jersey Chapter and give you exposure to our network of meeting and event professionals.
Why Donate?
✔ Support a nonprofit making a real impact in the industry
✔ Gain visibility for your business or brand
✔ Be part of an event that reaches hundreds of engaged participants
Ready to Donate an Item?
Click here to submit your donation today
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CHAPTER STRATEGIC PARTNER | | |
JOIN VISIT ATLANTIC CITY FOR A SPECIAL PROGRAM
The invitation is open to meeting planners only.
Join our Strategic Chapter Partner Visit Atlantic City and hear from founder and president of thrive! Meetings and Events, Tracy Stuckrath, on her session, "Edible Impact: Food & Beverage Choices that Shape Event Success."
Complimentary valet parking will be available.
One CE credit will be awarded for your participation.
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Location: The Frog & The Peach
29 Dennis Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
*Space is limited, so secure your spot today!
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SAVE THE DATES
Registration for these events will open soon!
December Education Program
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Membership Monday
Date: Monday, December 8, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Virtual
*November 2025 Education Program & Meet Up information will be released soon. Please stay tuned.
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GBTA NEW JERSEY
Date: October 23, 2025
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: The Liberty House
76 Audrey Zapp Road
Jersey City, NJ 07305
MPI New Jersey Chapter Members & Friends Use Code: GBTA/MPI202 for a discount on the registration fee
LEARN MORE HERE
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CHAPTER STRATEGIC PARTNER | | JOANNE DENNISON LEGACY AWARD | | |
"Your Legacy is every life you have touched." - Maya Angelou
Nominations are now being accepted for this year's Joanne Dennison Legacy Award, an award recognizing an MPI New Jersey Chapter member for outstanding service, leadership contributions, commitment to education, mentorship, and advocacy in the community of meeting and hospitality professionals.
The nominations deadline is 5:00 pm on October 17th, 2025.
The award will be presented at the 9th Annual CMP CMM Recognition Events on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at The Albion Summit Hotel.
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MEMBER MILESTONES
Congratulations to our chapter members celebrating anniversaries with MPI this month:
43 Years
Nancy Miller, CMP
28 Years
Kathleen Aris, CMP - Zebra Technologies
26 Years
Jennifer Holt, CMP - East West Connection
20 Years
Denise Maurer, CMP - Compass Group
Nancy Sutta Berns - Nancy Sutta Berns, LLC
10 Years
Dion Magee, CMP CMM PMP, CMP, HMCC, CTA, CIS, CSSBB, GRCP, GRCA - Magee Enterprises, LLC
4 Years
Marie Monroe
3 Years
Jamie Bowen
2 Years
Linda Bomba - Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel
Sonya Easley, CMP CMM HMCC
Rosemarie Mendes
Jodi Schwartz
Tori Thomsen, CIS - Martiz Travel
1 Year
Thomas Tolve - San Diego State University, L Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism
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NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to our newest MPI New Jersey Chapter Members. We are excited that you have joined our community!
- Danielle Bowens - VivaMee- LBI National Golf & Resort
- Andrew Broening
- Taylor Buonocore Guthrie
- Shamina Kramer
- Kelsey Sarro
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COLLABORATIVE CHAPTER PROGRAM: METLIFE STADIUM - SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
The MPI New Jersey Chapter and the MPI Greater New York Chapter delivered an exciting and insightful program at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The event brought together industry leaders to share their expertise on hosting large-scale events. Visit Atlantic City was proud to serve as a Champion Sponsor, with a chance to highlight our destination during the program.
The panel discussion was a standout, featuring perspectives on some of the most dynamic events on the horizon—from the FIFA World Games to the Hot Air Balloon Festival, Tall Ships Festival, and marquee events hosted right at MetLife Stadium. The conversation offered valuable takeaways on collaboration, logistics, and the power of live experiences to inspire communities.
It was also a fantastic networking opportunity, with planners and partners connecting in an iconic setting that showcased the scale and impact of major events. The energy in the room reflected the strength of our meetings and events community and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Article by: Patrick McCormick, Visit Atlantic City
*Photos courtesy of Simon Pro Photo
| | ONSITE ONLINE BLOG: FEATURED ARTICLE | |
Ensuring HCP Compliance at Medical Meetings and Conferences in 2025
Article by: Janet Murphy Stott
Read Article
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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 upcoming 2025 sponsorship opportunities—strategically designed to elevate your brand within the tri-state area’s vibrant meetings and events industry.
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.
We’re currently seeking sponsors for one of our most anticipated upcoming events:
Annual CMP/CMM Recognition Event
- Align your brand with excellence and leadership and help us honor those who have earned their designations. This prestigious gathering brings together some of the top decision-makers in the region—a prime opportunity for sponsors to connect with influential leaders and demonstrate a strong commitment to professional achievement in the meetings industry.
Secure your sponsorship today and position your brand for a year of powerful connections and elevated exposure.
Budgeting for 2026? The 2026 sponsorship prospectus will be released on September 5th.
| | 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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