A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD
ACCELERATING INTO THE FUTURE OF MEETINGS! A DEEPER DIVE

There's no doubt that the meetings industry has faced some challenges in recent years. Thanks to advances in technology, we are now better equipped than ever to take on whatever comes our way, and more prepared than ever to take on the challenges of the future!

A notable trend that we are seeing in the meetings industry is a move towards hybrid events, which allows companies to provide an engaging and immersive experience for their attendees, while also giving them the flexibility to participate from anywhere in the world. We’re also seeing an increased focus on sustainability. As meeting professionals, we have a responsibility to our planet, and we are starting to see more and more companies incorporate sustainable practices into their events. From using recycled materials to offsetting carbon emissions, there are many ways that we can make our events more eco-friendly. It is often the job of the meeting professionals to educate our clients about these options and help them make choices that are good for both their business and the environment.

As we accelerate into the future of meetings, we should not be afraid to try new things when planning our meetings and conferences.

Trying new things can be scary. It's normal to want to stick with what you know and what has worked in the past, especially when we’re busy. But when it comes to planning meetings and conferences, sometimes it pays to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Here's why:

  • Fresh perspectives can breathe new life into old ideas: If you're planning a program that's been around for a while, chances are you've already tried all the usual suspects when it comes to venues, activities, and so on. That doesn't mean there's nothing left to try! Sometimes all it takes is a fresh pair of eyes to see old ideas in a new light, and who knows? You might just come up with the next big thing that everyone will be talking about.
 
  • New technologies and trends can give your program a cutting-edge feel: Meetings and conferences that embrace new technologies and trends tend to be more popular than those that don't. After all, meeting attendees are always looking for the latest and greatest experiences. If you want your program to be on the leading edge, don't be afraid to try out new things. You might discover that it’s a hit!
 
  • Stepping out of your comfort zone can make you (and your conference) more successful: Let's face it: planning a meeting or conference is a lot of work. So why not make it worth your while by really going for it. Trying new things may not always pan out the way you wanted, but it's sometimes better than playing it safe. You never know what amazing opportunities lies ahead when you're willing to take a chance!
 
The next time you're planning a meeting or conference, don't be afraid to try something new. It might just be the best decision you ever make!

Corrine Statia-Thomas CMP
MPI New Jersey President 2021-2023
UPCOMING EVENTS
ANNUAL CMP/CMM RECOGNITION EVENT
"Ensure your Designation is Excelling you to Excellence"

As we have quickly moved back to "normal" we want to continue to share the lessons learned in the last two years by fostering a strong community of like-minded professionals. Please join MPI New Jersey and your fellow CMPs and CMMs for an interactive and lively discussion on the current state of our industry and how we can support each other through successes and challenges. As we take the time to learn and grow from our peers and discuss the renewal of the meetings industry post-pandemic, we will be better prepared to thrive in this new age.

We will also take this opportunity to celebrate you and your accomplishments as a designated expert in your field.

Panelist Include:
Kellie Cahill, CMP - Conrad New York Midtown I New York Hilton Midtown
Missy Madden, CMP, CMM, CIS, CITP - Iconic Incentives & Meeting Management
Lindsay Plath, CMP - AMR Management Services
Michelle Shannon, CMP, HMCC - Novo Nordisk, Inc
Event Emcee:
Sir Dion Magee, CHE, CMP, PMP, CMM, CGSP, GRCP, GRCA, CSSBB, CRCMP, HMCC, SMPP, CIS, CTA - Magee Enterprises

Outcomes:
· Sharing of knowledge and best practices among industry peers and leaders
· Fostering new and existing connections
· Understanding the availability of industry and growth opportunities for professional development
· Recognizing and celebrating the commitment and hard work that you, as CMPs and CMMs do every-day

DATE: Thursday, September 29, 2022
TIME: 3:00pm - 6:30pm
Location: Hilton Short Hills, Short Hills, NJ
Thank you to our Premier Sponsor!
Thank you to our Preferred Sponsor!
OCTOBER EDUCATION PROGRAM:
FROM ALKALINE TO THE PLAN Z DIET: UNDERSTANDING YOUR ATTENDEES' DIETARY SURVEY RESPONSES

Speaker: Sharon DeFelices, CMP

Current dietary surveys go beyond traditional food allergies and now include many personal and cultural eating plans. Healthier lifestyle choices and cultural eating are increasing in popularity and we are seeing more of these requests listed on our event dietary surveys. Collecting and understanding the information is key to attendee satisfaction at your events.

In this session, we will identify and define many of the common responses and discuss ways to talk to your venue and culinary partners to accommodate needs. Inclusive menu planning is easier than you think. Collaborating with the culinary team at your host venue is a win-win for your next event.

Learning objectives:
  • Attendees will gain an understanding of dietary trends, cultural eating parameters and food allergies.
  • Attendees will learn how to decipher survey responses and work with venues to satisfy event attendees’ needs.
  • Attendees will acquire tools for onsite F&B oversight to ensure that inclusive menu items are identified and accessible.

DATE: Thursday, October 20, 2022
TIME: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Lambertville Station
11 Bridge Street
Lambertville, NJ
MPI New Jersey is a CMP Preferred Provider and works with the EIC to have all our education programs pre-approved for credits.

CE: 2 Hours
Domain G- Meeting or Event Design
Thank you to our Strategic Education Partners!
CALL FOR SPEAKERS:

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


Official registration partner of MPI New Jersey
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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
IMEX America: Composing Events with Kai Kight


Written by: Jason Hensel
IMEX America Preview: What to Expect at the 2022 Show


Written by: Tyler Davidson
Salary Survey 2022: Calculating the Pandemics Effect on Compensation

Written by: Michelle Russell
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
MEMBER MILESTONES:
Congratulations to the following members celebrating anniversaries with MPI this month:

40 Years
  • Nancy Miller, CMP
25 Years
  • Kathleen Aris, CMP - Zebra Technologies
23 Years
  • Jennifer Holt, CMP - JLH Events
20 Years
  • Timothy Lescoe - Grand Lakes Orlando
17 Years
  • Denise Maurer, CMP - Compass Group
8 Years
  • Maria Jedrejcic - Jet Set Sports
  • Sheritta Session, CMP - Evolution Medical Communications
7 Years
  • Dion Magee, CMP CMM PMP, CMP, HMCC, CTA, CIS, CSSBB, GRCP, GRCA - Magee Enterprises, LLC
1 Year
  • Grant Kehler - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
  • Sandra Towell, CMP HMCC - Harborside
  • Marie Monroe - Freelancer
  • Melissa Kienzlen, CMP, HMCC - Hyatt Hotel and Resorts
  • Mary Ann Romano - Team Building Unlimited, LLC
  • Pam Alvarez - Hyatt Regency Morristown
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
What is the most memorable event you have planned or client experience you have had?
Each event really has their own special qualities, but the events I’ve done for medical meeting professionals, have been very rewarding. It’s a daunting task planning a conference for those who work in the meetings industry, but you know you’ve blown in out of the park when your peers give you positive feedback.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you bring with you?
I’d just bring one, my husband. He’s active-duty military with a focus on emergency management, so he’ll totally be able to MacGyver us whatever we need.

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: 
With MPI, you can meet students from across the globe who share your goals and get connected with your local meetings and events community as well. Connect in person at a local student club or chapter. Click the links below for a list of MPI Student Clubs and Chapters. You can also connect online in the My MPI Members Forum to ask questions and discuss all topics related to the meeting and events industry with fellow MPI members. If you are beyond your student years, we hope you will share with any students you know and help build the future generation of the meeting industry.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS