January/February 2015
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In this issue
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
What’s New At MPI-NJ? Page 4
Today’s MPI in the Meeting & Events Marketplace Page 5
Celebrate The Holidays Page 610
6 Powerful Strategies for Travel & Meeting Partnerships Page 1213
Networking 2.0 Page 15
2015 Event Ideas Page 1619
GLAMping at the Clayoquot Resort Page 2024
Membership Corner Page 2627
New, Transfer & Affiliate Members Page 28
MPINJ Strategic Partners Page 29
MPINJ Executive Board Page 30
MPINJ Board of Directors Page 31
MPINJ Committee Chairs
A
s I am writing the first President’s Message of the New Year, I still haven’t fully reflected on 2014. I sit here and ponder – where did the time go? Before I turn to the messages of starting fresh in 2015, I want to stop and reflect on this past year, what I have learned, what things have shaped me, what will I forget, pack away and more importantly what will I carry into the future with me? For me personally, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I have seen too many things in 2014 that have made me realize time and time again how short this life really is. As an eternal optimist, I struggle to make sense of it all, but I always remain positive and look for the good in people. I love seeing the stories highlighting all that has happened both good and bad in 2014, but what I look forward to
most is the stories of hope. What will the New Year bring in terms of trends in our industry, and most importantly writing my resolutions. As you reflect on your experiences, I ask you to consider: What will you resolve to do better in 2015? What I am trying to promise for 2015:
-
- Kiss my loved ones every chance I get and tell them "I Love You" - Volunteer with my time, not just my donation - Be more patient and kind - Read more for pleasure Get some fresh air every day Travel Prioritize Stick to my goals and objectives (Continued on page 28)
Page 31
2015 MPI-NJ Events Wed., February 4, 2015 11:00 am 2:00 pm Today’s MPI in the Meetings and Events Marketplace, Kevin Kirby Crown Plaza, Englewood, NJ Click Here To Register
Wed., February 25, 2015 5:30 pm 7:00 pm After 5 Networking The Kenilworth Inn, Kenilworth, NJ Click Here To Register
Fri., March 20, 2015 Educational Program Ocean Place Resort & Spa Long Branch, NJ
OTHER INDUSTRY EVENTS PAMPI Wed., January 21, 2015
GBTANJ CHAPTER Thurs., January 22, 2015
5:30 7:30 pm After 5 Courtyard Philadelphia Click Here For Details
12:00 2:00 pm How to Run a Successful RFP Click Here For Details
MPIGNY Wed., January 21, 2015 6:00 8:30 pm After 6 Slate Click Here For Details
February 1012, 2015 3rd Annual Global Pharmaceutical and Medical Meetings Summit Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing To register, go to www.globalmedicalmeetings.com and mention priority code MPINJ to Save $50
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What’s New At MPI-NJ? Happy New Year from the MPI-NJ Chapter Office! We hope you took at least a few days off with family and friends to reflect on the past year and make plans for an even better 2015! I know I did! As a chapter, we are proud of our accomplishments in 2014 and are looking forward to achieving even more in 2015. We would be delighted for you take part in helping MPI-NJ reach our goals for 2015 so we can continue to be the fabulous chapter we are. There are many small and big ways each member can help. Members that are involved in the MPINJ Chapter find that there are many opportunities to network with members in the NJ chapter, other MPI chapters and hospitality industry associations, plus they share information and do business together. Here are just a few of our accomplishments and goals for 2015:
• An additional 15 members were added to our
volunteer roster for a total of 65 committee members! But we need more. We are always looking for new people to participate and help with special events, monthly educational programs, communications, and more! ∆ GOAL: We want to have at least 50% chapter participation! In order to reach this number, we need to increase our committee volunteers by 60 new members! Why not make volunteering at MPI-NJ your New Year resolution? We would love to have you!!
• New sponsors have stepped forward to support
the chapter in so many ways and we are grateful for each and every one. We want to urge our members to look at the ads in this OnSite, read their email blasts, reach out and thank our sponsors, book an event, or just recommend these properties to a colleague.
∆ GOAL: Suppliers - We would like to provide even more opportunities that will benefit you
and your company! We’ve created so many ways for you to support the chapter and promote your properties or meeting services. For example, sponsor our bi-weekly newsletter, take out a banner ad, or be a table sponsor at an educational meeting.
• Communications has added 800 new Twitter
followers and almost 300 LinkedIn and FaceBook members! ∆ GOAL: We want to reach 400 members on LinkedIn and FaceBook and 1,000 followers on twitter. You can help. Just go on LinkedIn and FaceBook and LIKE US!
• Education had an amazing year with over 300
members attending educational programs! Check out the new awesome calendar for 2015 at www.mpinewjersey.org.
∆ GOAL: Education Team looking for new venues to host our educational programs. What a great way to showcase your property to 100+ meeting professionals AND get some great sponsor benefits! Contact rmarion@mpinewjersey.org for more details.
• Our Membership Team is busy at work making
sure that each and every member is engaged and benefitting from their membership. Several new After 5 Networking events are being planned that we know you will love. Be on the lookout for our Membership Survey and Scholarship Applications! ∆ GOAL: We want more MPI-NJ Members and Affiliate Members! Remember that there are many benefits for recommending a new member to the chapter. If you are a MPI Member with another fabulous chapter, you can ALSO be a Member of the New Jersey Chapter as an Affiliate Member! The fee is only $99.00 per year and you get all the benefits of a MPI-NJ Member! (Continued on page 13)
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TODAY’S MPI IN THE MEETINGS & EVENTS MARKETPLACE
J
oin us on February 4th for our Educational Program which will discuss industry trends and MPI evolution in 2015 with MPI's International Chairman of the Board, Kevin Kirby.
The presentation will provide an informative overview on the state of the meetings industry as well as offer recent changes and ongoing trends that effect our businesses. Kevin brings his experience of working with the iconic brands of Universal Studios, Disney Parks & Resorts, and Hard Rock International as a backdrop of industry activation.
About Our Speaker: "By Rowland Stiteler" and "Originally published in the July 2014 edition of The Meeting Professional." It literally started when he was a baby; the long, perspective-shaping process that prepared Kevin Kirby to lead MPI's international board of directors (IBOD). "I was one of nine children in my family, so working with groups and being part of a team literally goes back to the time I was learning to walk and talk," he says. Growing up in the small town of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, near Cleveland, he also had more than 20 cousins, so the frequent extended family get-togethers involved anywhere from 20 to 30 kids who were not just acquaintances, but relatives and close friends. "That experience didn't make me a planner or a supplier, but what it did was give me the group perspective that is part of the fabric of who I am and always have been," he says. Kirby considers it to be no small irony that he began his professional life, after graduating from Bowling Green State University with a dual major in international business and sales management, as a group coordinator at one of the Midwest's original shrines to the roller coaster experience, a small, century-old theme park called Geauga Lake. "This was a job without pomp and circumstance," Kirby says. "I was coordinating group experiences like family reunions and picnics. But it was really good, fundamental preparation for my career because in that business, you had 110 operating days to earn your revenue for the entire year, and you went to work every morning with a sense of urgency and focus." Fast-forward to 2014, and Kirby has a résumé and professional life experience that's totally right for his term at the helm of MPI's IBOD. He most recently spent eight years
as senior director of worldwide sales for Hard Rock International, including the last year or so as the organization's head of international sales and marketing, guiding the strategies and execution for Hard Rock Cafe branding activities in 55 countries. Add to that the six years he spent as national director of sales for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and the four years he spent in special events and conventions for Universal Orlando, ending his tenure there as vice president of special events and conventions. (Kirby recently left Hard Rock, formed The Kirby Consulting Group and, he says, is in a transitional stage in terms of his employment.) Consider, too, the 15 years he has been an MPI member, including the past five years on the IBOD, and you have a leader who is right for the times and the journey going forward for MPI as a global professional association. These days Kirby is often asked, "Where do you see MPI going during your tenure as board chair?" He sees the association in the right fundamental position to move forward, thanks to the leadership of board chairs before him such as Sébastien Tondeur, Kevin Hinton and Michael Dominguez, as well as MPI President and CEO Paul Van Deventer. "We have been involved in a refocusing of this organization in the recent past and I think it is going in the right direction and sets the table for great strides going forward," Kirby says. "This is not a basketball game or a football game or a soccer game where there's just 90 minutes and then it's done. This is a long-term effort in which there are things that we have to consistently do to keep pushing this brand forward. And while we have done a lot, there is a lot more ahead to do. "[Dominguez] has done such a phenomenal job as my predecessor. We need to keep making the consistent, strong efforts toward industry advocacy that he did. Our association is chapter-centric, so the visits made by board members to chapters to listen are critical. Mike visited something like 35 of them in his tenure. We need to understand what's happening in their world and how we can be a useful and relevant resource for MPI members' own personal and professional development."
Membership DOES Have Rewards! Current MPI-NJ Chapter Members: Renew your MPI membership this month and you will be entered into a drawing for one of two great prizes. The winner will pick either one! Either a Complimentary CMP Study Kit or 1 year extended MPI membership. Go to www.mpiweb.org/renew to renew and be entered into the giveaway.
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NJ CHAPTERS OF ISES, NACE, AND
T
he evening of Monday, December 1st was a great way to start the holidays with colleagues and friends from the New Jersey Chapters of MPI, ISES, and NACE! The three associations came together to have fun and to give back to the community. A portion of the proceeds and all donations will go to "MakeA-Wish速 New Jersey". The holiday event was sponsored by The Terrace, Bergen County's premier wedding and special event venue, located in Paramus, NJ. With over 25 years in the food service industry, this family-owned and operated restaurant and banquet hall had a beautiful ambience including color-lit waterfalls, unique rooftop terrace, stunning 28-foot-heigh entryway, magnificent Italian marble, cocktail reception room and grand ballroom with state-of-the-art lighting and screens. The Terrace was the perfect venue for our event. Our thanks and gratitude to Paula and Tommy Perides and their team for a wonderful time! (Continued on page 8)
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D MPI CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS!
Photos Courtesy of: www.sachiphoto.com www.facebook.com/sachiphoto
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NJ CHAPTERS OF ISES, NACE, AND MPI CELE Oh what a night! Attendees had the chance to win fabulous door prizes, have fun photos and slow motion videos taken, tweet about the event and see themselves on the big screens, create artwork that would be placed on a tile and made into a table to be donated to "Make-A-Wish速 New Jersey", eat dessert from a live strolling table, play Plinko and miniature golf, have tarot card readings, eat delicious food and desserts, drink wine and enjoy great music! Our sincere thanks and appreciation to all our wonderful Event Sponsors for providing the decor, food and beverage, entertainment and fun for the entire evening! And, a huge thank you to our door prize sponsors for providing exciting prizes that were given out throughout the evening! (Continued on page 10)
EBRATE THE HOLIDAYS!
www.mpinewjersey.org (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7)
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CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS!
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9)
Finally, many thanks to all the volunteers from MPI, NACE and ISES who came together as one team to create this spectacular event that started off our holiday season and provided a terrific close to the 2014 season.
Written by: Carol Malinky, CMP Event Director C.A. Malinky & Events Tmalinky@aol.com 201-232-0110 MPI-NJ Director of Communications / OnSite
Thank You to our Door Prize Sponsors iBooth Photo Booth Company, Sparta, NJ Sonesta Hotel, Phila, PA The DND Group, NYC, NY Westminster Hotel, Livingston, NJ Panico Salons, Ridgewood, NJ Sands Casino Resort, Bethlehem,PA Woodloch Pines Resort, Hawley, PA Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson, Jersey City, NJ My Limousine Service, Inc., E. Hanover, NJ Ocean Place Resort & Spa, Long Branch, NJ Historic Hotel Bethlehem, Bethlehem, PA NJMeetings+Events Magazine, NJ Kenilworth Inn, Kenilworth, NJ Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Pocono Mountains, PA Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ Marion Associates, Delray Beach, FL EMCVenues, LLC, Sea Girt, NJ Pole Position, Jersey City, NJ The Madison Hotel, Morristown, NJ Dave & Buster's Palisades, Palisades, NJ MPI/ISES/NACE, NJ
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january/february 2015
Merging business with pleasure, effortlessly.
Get down to business in style, with every imaginable innovation. We’ve assembled the best and the brightest professionals to expertly map out the kind of details that take your meeting or trade show all the way to extraordinary. We’re at the top of our game so you can be at the top of yours. Book your meeting or conference today by calling Patrick Ryan at 484.777.7903 or email Patrick.Ryan@sands.com. M Must us t bbee aatt lleast eas t 21 21 years years of of age age to to enter enter the the Sands Sands Casino. C as i n o .
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6 POWERFUL STRATEGIES FOR TRA partnership with value propositions, how to rely on suppliers to improve and integrate travel and meeting strategies, and align travel and meetings for optimal success using measurable key performance indicators. Following the program, MPI-NJ and GBTA-NJ had the opportunity to network while enjoying a delicious buffet dinner sponsored by Lanyon. Thank you to Jackie Lue Raia, Assistant Director of Resource Development for the NJ Sharing Network and her team for hosting the space for our educational program and reception. Registrants had the opportunity to tour the NJ Sharing Network facility and see all the great work they do by “saving lives through organ and tissue donation.”
T
ravel and meeting professionals from MPINJ and GBTA-NJ gathered together on October 22, 2014 at the NJ Sharing Network-NJ Office for an interactive panel discussion entitled “6 Powerful Strategies for Travel and Meeting Partnership” moderated by Debi Scholar, Director Congress & Events, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. The panelists consisted of industry professionals… Marty Hoski, Global Manager, Travel & Meetings Operations, Educational Testing Service Kristel Nesrallah, Manager, Business Development, American Express Meetings & Events Allyson Antin, Global Account Executive, Strategic Partners, Marriott International Attendees had the opportunity to hear six critical components that should be integrated for a successful travel and meeting program from industry experts who have succeeded in bringing together program strategies to improve service, reduce costs and risks and improve spending behaviors. It was a very interactive and informative program. Everyone walked away with more knowledge about what influences travel and meeting
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AVEL AND MEETING PARTNERSHIP
“Mover and Shaker” of the industry by Corporate & Incentive Travel Magazine, and was named a Top 20 Changemaker by Corporate Meetings & Incentives Magazine. Debi has achieved 9 designations, including CMM, CMP.
What’s New (Continued from Page 4)
Debi Scholar is a coach and mentor in Strategic Meetings Management and Virtual / Hybrid meetings and volunteers her time to help corporations, associations, and suppliers. She was a Meetings and Group Travel Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers, a Director at American Express, and owned her own consultancy, Scholar Consulting Group. She recently accepted the role of Global Leader and Director of Virtual Meetings at a major pharmaceutical company working in the Strategic Sourcing group. Debi has authored four books on meetings and events was named one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry in 2013 by Successful Meetings Magazine, was the co-chair of the GBTA Groups & Meetings Committee, a GBTA Foundation Board Member, named a
If you would like to join MPI-NJ, please go to www.mpiweb.org/join and fill out the application. You will be asked to select a chapter – please choose New Jersey! Please feel free to contact the MPI-NJ office with any comments or questions you might have. We are here for you at anytime. Happy New Year…and please let us know how we are doing! Best Regards,
Rut h Marion, CMP
MPI-NJ Chapter Administrator
201-875-2476
rmarion@mpinewjersey.org
MD - Round 1
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NETWORKING 2.0
N
etworking is an activity as old as time. People met in forums in ancient Greece to discuss current events and philosophical ideas. Over time, networking has evolved into a formal business practice that is best exemplified during meetings and events. While the venues may have evolved, one thing that hasn’t changed is that meeting new people is difficult. Finding the right people to chat with is challenging and starting a conversation with a stranger is often intimidating. The good news is that the introduction of technology into the networking process has provided new avenues of connecting. Some of the most common ways that we have seen this happen is through social media and mobile applications. Social media. In general, conversations that take place on social networks are public. There are many benefits to using social media to create networking opportunities including publicity for the event. Many relationships and micro-networks start and grow through social media. Social media has created entire
communities with roots that go back to an event hashtag. Because people are often already on social media like Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook, they easily jump into conversations surrounding events. Social media has become the “preparty” to the opening reception.
and connect on common ground. Rather than walking into a large reception where you don’t know anyone, a mobile app creates an environment that encourages networking and takes some of the “fear of strangers” out of the equation. Although in-person meetings will not be replaced by technology (thankfully!), the right mobile app can “engineer serendipity” when it comes to meeting new people and create virtual communities that are nurtured in-person.
Mobile Apps. Mobile apps are increasingly becoming an event staple. They have evolved to provide much more than basics like agendas and speaker bios. Mobile apps can serve as the bridge that joins people and ideas. When using a mobile app that is designed to facilitate networking, we create communities that can exist within an event and thrive even when the event ends. The advantage to using a mobile app for networking is that it can be controlled more than in social media. This is not to say that the conversations are monitored, but that an event organizer can keep the conversation to conference attendees only, creating a private networking environment.
Regardless of whether it is a mobile app or social media, creating an environment where people can begin to network before they arrive, during the event and where they can keep the momentum going is an important component of modern meeting plans. Networking no longer happens during receptions and meals. Thanks to modern technology, it happens wherever and whenever you want it to.
Mobile apps often allow people to login with an existing social profile so that they don’t have to recreate profile information. In an app like Topi, people can engage with others with similar profiles/interests and have private conversations or chat in dedicated public conversation groups. The ability to see what people have in common with you makes it easier to start a dialogue
Eric Francois has 14 years of experience in the finance industry advising executive management teams with market positioning and fundraising strategies. He is a former Lazard Frères Director and Cowen & Co VP. MA in Business and Marketing from Université de Paris Sorbonne.
Written by: By Eric Francois COO Topi ef@topi.com www.topi.com
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2015 - IDEAS FOR INCORPORATING ENTERTA
A
s Event Professionals, we like to make sure our events are educational, creative, include the latest trends, provide networking opportunities and are fun. I asked entertainment and interactive companies for their thoughts on making events exciting, interactive, unique and engaging. Everyone was asked the same question (below), and here is what they had to say... What types of entertainment, activities and new ideas will be exciting to incorporate into events / meetings in 2015?
SwarmWorks Ed Manning Chief Operating Officer SwarmWorks ed.manning@swarmworks.com (828) 705-1969
The most successful events and meetings in 2015 and beyond will be ones that foster connection and collaboration. So much of work in organizations has become virtual and remote with email, teleconferences and social networks that it is critical for meetings and events to provide that physical, human connection now more than ever before. Technologies and platforms that engage and unite participants will be some of the most exciting to incorporate into meetings and events in the coming years.
Activities that entertain, educate and create a sense of belonging will create a powerful experience for event participants. One such activity is interactive gaming. These games create excitement and energy and can be easily used throughout an event. Other activities that promote involvement will be in demand for events and meetings in 2015. People want to be more involved and active at an event, so why not make them part of the process? When you do, you not only keep them engaged you gain their support and buy-in. This can be done with simple realtime questions asked by speakers throughout their presentations or by creative brainstorming sessions with the whole audience by using the latest technologies. These interactions create a dialogue where participants are engaged and feel a sense of belonging that just does not exist for most presentations today. The key, of course, is to use technology in a way that is seamless and non-disruptive.
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AINMENT, ACTIVITIES, AND FUN INTO EVENTS MAX MAJOR Max Major www.maxmajor.net Twitter.com/itsmaxmajor Have you recommended a magician to a client in the past year? Chances are they rolled their eyes and politely asked "What else did you have in mind?" This is largely due to widely held preconceptions that go along with the word "magic." -conjuring up images of capes, rabbits, and top hats. While this is a grossly inaccurate clicheËŠ, it is an unavoidable mental image. The alternative? Hire a Mentalist! It's new, exciting, sexy and smart - all the things that magic is not. The idea of a mentalist appearing at an event creates anticipation and buzz. While many have seen a magician, few have ever seen mind reading in real life! No exposure = no preconceptions. Unlike a magician who relies on tricks and sleight of hand, a mentalist utilizes body language, psychology, hypnosis, suggestion and an understanding of human nature to demonstrate incredible feats of the mind. Hiring a mentalist will create conversation and buzz, resulting in a memorable and engaging event. Plus you'll look like a rock star for thinking of it!
Max Major is a leading corporate presenter, speaker and entertainer. For more than 15 years his performances, key notes, and appearances have made an immediate and lasting impact on thousands of attendees, helping to create over 2075 memorable events. His clients have included Deloitte, Facebook, Merrill Lynch, Lockheed Martin, Fannie Mae, Enterprise, Washington Redskins, PNC, Booz Allen Hamilton, Nordstrom, Accenture, Corporate Executive Board, Altria, UBS, Wells Fargo, Toll Brothers, MedImmune, Constellation Energy, 7-Eleven, ServPro, The Wharton School and many more.
The Water Coolers Sally Allen, Executive Producer SallyA@seethewatercoolers.com 212-662-3402 www.seethewatercoolers.com Our clients are working in a completely different world than they did five years ago. They’re under increasingly high pressure to deliver measurable impact. On top of that, attendees literally have access to all of their friends, family, the news of the day, and the history of the world on their (Continued on page 18)
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2015 - IDEAS FOR INCORPORATING ENTERTAINMENT, AC TeamUnity Merlene Wilder, CMP Senior Account Executive TeamUnity, 973-325-9111 merlene@TeamUnity.com One trend that has been popular and continues to be successful over the years is the Game Show.
phones. You stand at the back of some sessions and it’s like a light show as the phones twinkle across the semi-dark ballroom. Every aspect of the meeting needs to engage, engage, engage or no one pays attention to content and it certainly has no chance to stick. In that environment, long days of dry content will never fly. Planners have been challenging us to use entertainment to help them slay this dragon and we’re having a blast with it. From palatecleansing interstitial performances that stretch across several days to fully customized comedy shows that set up and then reinforce an executive team’s message to a full-length Keynote that delivers practical content through comedy and music, clients have requested it all this year and we’re continuing to get requests for it going into 2015. Other cool entertainment ideas that will create impact? Interactive pieces that engage audience members and using polling technologies to engage an entire audience. Both of these need to be used with great skill so that the event can stay on course.
Modifying the structure of these popular programs allows the client to experience new and exciting events based on shows such as Let’s Make a Deal, Family Feud, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and Hollywood Game Night. Their accessible design keeps people of all demographics involved and engaged. Questions and surveys can be tailored to fit a company’s core objectives in order to maximize their ROI. This is a great tool to use post meeting in order to reinforce key concepts and practices.
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CTIVITIES, AND FUN INTO EVENTS Supreme Talent International Larry Carter, President Lindsay Carter, Managing Director www.SupremeTalent.com 201-307-0604 Supreme Talent International has witnessed all the latest trends in the entertainment business for over 28 years. At this juncture in the Special Events Industry, one of the noteworthy trends being used at Events and Corporate Functions is “Mentalism” (a connection to one’s intuitive abilities). This is becoming a worldwide phenomenon. We have the privilege of representing “The World’s Greatest Mentalist”, namely Ehud Segev. He has appeared on NBC's Phenomenon and its Israeli predecessor The Successor. Ehud teaches people how to become a “Mentalizer” by tapping into their intuition and using this ability to connect to people on all different levels. He educates all types of leaders on the secrets of being mentalizer, so they can best influence others and utilize their powers as a manager, politician, teacher, CEO, etc. Ehud Segev works the floor at galas, instructs employees on the methods of mentalizing at a corporate event or retreat, and performs his dazzling show Anomal, a blend of the biographical and the magical that New York Magazine declared would “amaze even the most skeptical in the audience". He has worked with the Foundation for Handicapped Children, The Jewish Agency, and Mt. Sinai Hospital and impressed notable figures including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Saturday Night Live veteran Ana Gasteyer, and Fox Business’ Lou Dobbs.
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(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17)
Another noteworthy trend existing today is Tribute Shows. We are seeing more tribute shows today, replacing the headline show entertainment. The quality of today’s A-level tribute shows are so close to the real thing that corporations feel they are actually watching the headliner. The distinction between your average tribute show and the top tributes is that some of the best tribute shows incorporate performers from the origi-
nal act as well. The Ultimate MJ Experience includes a few of Michael Jackson’s dancers, The Magic of Motown has singers from The Temptations and Four Tops, Ballroom with a Twist uses Dancing With The Stars and American Idol performers from the actual show. The same is true with The Midtown Men and Unexpected Boys who feature cast members from the Broadway Jersey Boys. I would like to thank all the contributors for this article and wish them and OnSite readers a very Happy New Year! Carol Malinky, CMP Event Director C.A. Malinky Communications & Events Tmalinky@aol.com 201-232-0110
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GLAMping AT THE C ence was perfected in Africa and has recently been imported to the Western Hemisphere in just a very few blessed spots.
I
was always intrigued with the concept of camping -loving nature, the idea of being one with the outdoors, smelling the fresh wilderness air and most of all leaving the hyper-connected urban New York City world of mine behind. However, the self proclaimed urbanite “travel brat JAP” that I am, knows that I would never last a minute in a rudimentary tent -- without air conditioning/heating, grilled and canned cuisine and, well, bathroom conditions beyond my imagination. I don’t mind getting dirty by day and I actually crave those incredible hikes and adventures like the next adrenaline junkie, but I need my marble bathroom and high-thread count linens when I get home at night. What’s best about a tent (versus a proper room in a building) is that while you are delicately ensconced inside you hear everything around you. Whether it is the rain, the animals or the sound of the river you feel like you are in the middle of nature. It’s almost like watching a show or being immersed in the middle of the production. That’s why the relatively new concept of “GLAMping” fascinated me. Inspired by the spoiled, wealthy Victorian explorers who would stay in uber-“pimped out” tents while hunting in far flung places like Africa, modern-day glamping combines all the creature comforts you would wish for at a 5-star hotel with the rustic, authentic and natural sense of place you get going camping. Luxury tents fuse classic canvas walls and tops with hard wood floors, Persian rugs, down comforters, Frette linens, electricity, WiFi and, yes, a full working, 5-fixture bathroom. This contemporary luxury tented experi-
And so, when my kids told me they wanted to go camping with their friends in Upstate New York, I cringed and opted to fly them 5 hours to Vancouver and hop on a 45 minute float plane ride to the remote Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (pronounced Klakwat). Situated at the head of a pristine sound peppered with verdant atolls, this 500-acre resort is part of the UNESCO protected tempered rain forest in British Colombia and provides endless activities for the whole family. Founded by John and Adele Caton in 2000, the resort started as a base camp for couples to explore the incredible surroundings. But soon, more and more upscale families were drawn to its magical shores asking for improved accommodations inspiring them to up the ante. Fourteen years, Clayoquot has evolved to 20 luxury tents and a staff of over 50 young, energetic staff that create remarkable experiences for every guest. Indeed, Clayoquot is summer camp for adults and kids. Okay, so it is summer camp with a sommelier and canapés before dinner, but summer camp nonetheless. It is actually all about going back to the simple things in life and truly interacting with people. There is no cell service and, gulp, Wifi is very limited; it is too weak to use Netflix or Youtube and barley gets a few minutes on Facebook or Instagram. Texting and email were frustratingly intermittent. Yes, this made me (and especially my kids) twitch the first 10 hours but once we realized we weren’t getting anywhere we stashed all of our mobile devices in the luggage and started making conversation with full eye contact. How novel – and precious! There was no multi-tasking. Limited were the distractions causing the ADD to kick in, which meant, well, just unlimited time to connect to each other and to yourself. The most difficult decisions that had to be made was how to fit in all the activities we wanted to do and what not to order from the menu.
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CLAYOQUOT RESORT Lay of the Land: The resort’s core surrounds the “cook house” which is where the main lounge, fireplace and restaurant is located. Built in classic log-cabin style with a large open kitchen, it is surrounded by a fabulous bar that the kids loved dining on. It sure helped that one full end of the bar was stocked daily with overflowing candy and cookie jars, plus a generous selection of cakes, brownies, and, well, you get the point…. it was a good thing we left mommy home! For more formal dining, tables are set by floor to ceiling windows overlooking the majestic mountains draping into the pristine Clayoquot Sound right in front. Just behind, the cook house is flanked by 2 private dining tents done up in a Western-Victorian style. With antique chests, beautiful crystal stemware, wooden tables and servers and classic, polished silverware each dining tent will take you back in time and present an experience not to be missed. Beyond these is a beautiful green space strewn with Adirondack chairs and a small boardwalk leading to a host of “lounge” and activity tents. There are activity tents for just about anything: a Bike tent, game tent, billiards tent, fishing gear tent, lounge tent, and even a library tent. Each is decorated differently with such compelling décor that you want to linger in each just to soak up the atmosphere. Think antique games, large aged maple chests, old travel trunks, velvet couches and arm chairs, classic oil lamps and woven rugs.
Accommodations: On either side of the cook house is an elevated boardwalk through the woods leading the way to the guest tents. There are basically two categories of tents to consider: Deluxe Tents and Luxury Ensuite Tents. The latter tents are definitely the ones to get. Each elevated luxury “ensuite” canvas tent is around 600 sf with a generous bathroom attached to the rear. There
is ample space for a king size bed, a convertible full couch bed, additional rollaway and even a small desk with table and chairs. They are perfect for a family with small children. Couples also can enjoy the added space and beautiful river views from the spacious terrace. The bathrooms have abundant closet and drawer space, double sink and vanity area, separate toilet room and an outdoor shower with double shower heads. Deluxe tents are beautiful tents that measure around 400 sf with a small “compose” toilet. While beautiful, guests need to walk about 1 minute to get to their own private bathroom and shower. King and queen deluxe tents have beautiful views while twin bedded tents have more limited vistas since they are situated near the “ensuite” tents making them ideal for teenagers to be close to their parents in the nicer accommodations. They all have a heater, abundant lighting and plenty of electrical outlets to charge the devices that don’t connect to anything anyway. My kids absolutely LOVED the tented experience. We actually loved it so much that we lounged in the tents every morning and even took a nap/chill mid day. The kids could not get over the fact that they didn’t need a key to get into their room and that they could “zip” the door closed at any time. I, the intrepid traveler who has seen it all, even got a thrill whenever I walked into the classically done tent or one of the many recreational tents. It was just so cool how comfortable and classic they were designed. Not only are the tents beautiful, but they are immaculate thanks to twice daily maid service. I expected to get a little grossed out from bugs in my room but they never came. In fact there are more bugs in my house in Brooklyn than my tent in the woods. (Continued on Page 22)
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GLAMping AT THE CLAYOQUOT
Cuisine: Room service (“tent service”) is limited to drinks in the morning in order to avoid a wandering bear from sharing in your meal. As my son relates to his friends “and if you keep food the bears will come in and jump over your head to eat your potato chips!” In fact, no food is allowed in any tent at all … instead they take all food and snacks on arrival and store it in their closed kitchen. That being said, you really need not bring anything. They have any snack you could ever want and can cater to any dietary need. The generous cookie and candy jars are constantly being refilled to appeal to even the most hard-core sweet tooth. For more serious fare, executive Chef Ryan Orr seems to effortlessly create 5-star worthy gourmet cuisine that is still comfortable, casual and approachable all at the same time. Locally sourced, the menu changes daily with the catch of the day or the produce harvested by local farmers that morning. The menu however, is just a basic guideline of suggested options as they will basically make anything you request which is especially helpful with children. My kids could not get enough of the handmade pizza and pasta selection... oh and who could forget the French Fries. Indeed, the F&B team will surprise you with the culinary creations they come up with each day. The wine list is especially impressive with sommelier Tereza Roux on hand for the most exquisite pairings. Together the gastronomic experience is amazing for being in the middle of nowhere and something my kids looked forward to in between activities. Activities: One of the aspects that differentiates Clayoquot from the
other few glamping experiences in North America are the activities. You see, most other glamping resorts are set in the countryside and are more like cowboy ranches while Clayoquot is set on the water with a temperate rain forest as its backyard offering guests a host of land and water based activities with a heavy wildlife viewing component. Most guests go home seeing Clayoquot’s “big five” including giant gray whales, black bears, bald eagles, seals and orcas. The guides are young but very sharp, experienced, super nice and friendly (as most Canadians are). All of the guides and activities allow guests to explore and appreciate the wild and untouched landscape, which the knowledgeable and enthusiastic team go out of their way to share. My kids fell in love with each one and still keep in touch with them by email. It was surprising how much there was to do as there was something for everyone, at every fitness level. We did so many “firsts” together like horseback riding, archery, shooting, paint ball, kayaking, zip lining, mountain biking, rock climbing on a real mountain, fishing, walking past endless waterfalls and jet boating. Downtime activities were also a treat like jumping on a giant trampoline, climbing a huge tree, and even water color painting. We went on a boat adventure ride where my 5 year old son Steven caught a fish and fed it to giant bald eagles that spotted us from nearly 1 mile away. We saw lots of bears (and a bunch of baby bears) and even got to see giant whales-- all this in three short days and we didn’t even touch the surface. Others opted for heli-hiking adventures and trekking on a remote island full of seas, sea otters and a host of other wildlife. I wish we had stayed 4 or 7 nights instead of the 3 day weekend we planned as there was so much we wanted to do. Luckily they helped us jam in 3-5 activities each
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(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21) for the kids. While we had done a S’mores roast many times before, it was the first time we ever broke a branch off a tree, skinned the top and used it as a marshmallow skewer. My eldest daughter, Susie was especially freaked out at first, but the smell of roasted sugar and fun of blowing out the flames helped her get over it quickly.
day. You see, Clayoquot prides itself on bespoke experiences and John Caton, the resort owner, personally meets with each guest every morning to plan their day based on their interest level, fitness and most importantly the weather. What’s best is that the Clayoquot experience is so personal that most of the time you end up with your own guide or guides who tailor the activity for you on the fly. This was perfect for me as my children were not adept at most activities so we needed to take things a bit more slowly and wanted spend less time doing a larger variety of different things. As it turned out, my situation was pretty common as many a city-kid struggles with holding a bow and arrow or getting onto a horse. Our guides led us through the pouring rain from one activity to another without even batting an eye lash. Thankfully Clayoquot has an extensive “gear” room with all weather uniforms in every size for every activity imaginable. And like the luxury camps in Africa they even do your laundry for you which saved the day with our wet clothes! In between, it all was just old-fashioned fun. With daylight activities starting as early as 7:00 am and going until dusk at 9:30 pm in the summer, we were able to do so much and still enjoy leisurely lunches or picnics and even chill out with mid-day en-tent naps. My kids were so exhausted using muscles they didn’t know they had, they could not wait to retire for a while and just chill on their comfy bed in the beautiful tent. Beyond our own tent we also all enjoyed just hanging around the many lounge tents with antique games and board games that build family bonds, billiards. The open air lounge in back of the cook house had a soaring fireplace and became the regular gathering place. For more seclusion, guests opted for the library tent that was perfect for a post dinner read, though the S’mores pit was always the top attraction
The last day was bitter sweet. Though the set departure leaves at 4:30 pm, we were all able to fit in a full day of adventure from horseback riding to zip lining and kayaking. We even ended with a Clayoquot tradition -- a Paintball showdown amongst the 20 kids and teens that were there. Adults like me got to play too. Indeed, the weekend we were there, we counted over 20 kids ranging from ages 5 – 18. I learned that the kid quotient was pretty common as 90% of the guests in July and August are families. That being said, Clayoquot is very focused on making couples feel comfortable with a wonderful “Healing Grounds” spa ,secluded hot tubs overlooking the mountains and river, a special “adults only” area with tents perched up in treetops and private, remote, romantic picnics by waterfalls promising inspiring vistas. For me, Clayoquot was the perfect daddy-and-kid weekend. It was easy, safe, cozy, small and gave me an opportunity to engage with my children as I had never done before. Though we kept busy with so many activities, the lack of connectivity made us slow down and connect to each other instead of the outside world. We laughed, told stories, and played “old fashioned” manual games like horse shoe throwing and checkers. I saw my kids working as a team more instead of bickering with each other. With mommy at home they all unpacked themselves, helped each other with their hair in the morning (girls), kept their tent immaculate at all times, watched out for each other, encouraged each other to face their apprehensions and try new things, and, well just hung out and had so much fun together. (Continued on Page 24)
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GLAMping
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23) boy” experience and very different from Clayoquot. • Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana • Resort at Paws Up , Montana • Value • Dunton Hot Springs , Colorado • Siwash Lake Ranch, British Columbia • Moab under Canvas luxury tents, Utah • Storm Creek, Montana • Fireside Resort, Wyoming
Booking it: Clayoquot is a seasonal resort open from May – October. Rates are more expensive in July and August which are the driest months and full of families. You can choose from a 3 day, 4 day or 7 day adventure. We chose the 3 day which was definitely not enough. The resort has set arrivals and departures as planes only fly in/out on Sundays and Thursdays. The price is not cheap: approximately $1,000 per person/day in a tent with bathroom ($750 in deluxe tent without)) but when you think about it further, it is quite reasonable. It includes the 45 minute round-trip charter flights from Vancouver, all meals, wine, gear, laundry, guides and activities. If you consider just going horseback riding for an hour could cost $500 for a family the price is pretty reasonable. Looking back, you will find that the family bonds and the incredible adventures you experienced together will make it all worth it – a bargain in fact! You can easily book with our great friends Janine Cifelli & Co who can give you even more details on logistics. Other Great North American Glamping Spots: if your clients are looking for a glamping experience in North America they can also consider the few other great options which are much more of a Mid-Western “cow-
Written by: Jack Ezon President Ovation Vacations New York, New York, USA www.ovationvacations.com As President of Ovation Vacations, Jack S. Ezon specializes in luxury travel experiences and oversees all independent contractors and in-house vacation consultants. Over the past six years, he has grown Ovation's leisure business exponentially. As part of Ovation Travel Group, a $700 million travel company and the nation’s 5th largest travel management company, Jack focuses on cultivating young new talent and marketing to the “next generation of luxury travelers,” which has attracted a core group of wealthy Generation-X and Generation-Y clients. A former commercial finance attorney, Jack left the law to pursue a life-long passion of luxury travel. As a member of Virtuoso® he sits on the Hotel & Resorts Committee and was the first chairman of Virtuoso’s Next Gen Committee, focusing on trends and programs geared to the next generation of luxury travelers. He also serves on the travel agent advisory board for Travel + Leisure, Orient-Express, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, JG Black Book of Travel and Sofitel. He also sits on the Park Hyatt Leadership Forum advisory board and The Ritz-Carlton Presidential Roundtable advisory board. Ezon has been recognized as one of the Top 12 “Super Agents” in the world by Travel + Leisure Magazine in 2014 and 2013 and one of the top 25 Travel Agents for 2011 by Travel Agent Magazine, and was named Virtuoso’s Most Innovative Travel Advisor for 2010.
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WE’RE NEARBY. BUT BEYOND EXPECTATIONS. Welcome to Kalahari, a uniquely African-themed convention center resort that goes above and beyond expectations. You’ll find 65,000 sq. feet of flexible convention space, state-of-the-art meeting and breakout rooms along with five-star amenities and fine dining options. We’ve hosted over 22,000 groups and 1.4 million group room nights in our existing locations. We know attendees also want to relax. We have a range of world-class leisure activities from our spa to our family-friendly waterparks. Just one more reason our clients average a 20% attendance increase by hosting their event at Kalahari—where everything goes Beyond Expectations.
Visit KalahariMeetings.com/NJ or call 855.411.4605 to learn more.
POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA (COMING 2015) SANDUSKY, OH | WISCONSIN DELLS, WI ©2014 Kalahari Development LLC
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MEMBERSHIP
C O R N E R
MPI-NJ SPOTLIGHT Welcome to our first MPI New Jersey Chapter Member Spotlight! Too often we only get a glimpse into who our members are, what they do for a living and what they care about in life. So, the membership committee decided to start a new series of spotlights, which will appear in the OnSite magazine, in our chapter email digests and on the chapter website. To launch this program, we chose to interview Tracy Blithe, who will be the chair for this chapter program moving forward. We had a great time learning more about Tracy and hope you do, too! We’ll be seeking out lots of members to interview…so, if you hear from us, please participate. And, if there’s a member you want to recommend we spotlight, please contact Tracy directly at tblithe@nj-justice.org Here’s to a wonderful 2015! Patty and Rebecca
MPI-NJ Member Spotlight...Tracy Blithe Company Name/Title: Manager, Meetings and Special Events New Jersey Association for Justice Phone: 609-396-0096 Email: tblithe@nj-justice.org Tracy, how long have you been in the meetings industry? Ten years – since 2005. What was your first job in this industry? I worked for a small third party planning company in Tracy and Rick in 2011 on one of their road Philadelphia. We had about nine people. We managed trips to New York’s Finger Lakes region. medical meetings mostly. Tell us about your job. As the Manager for Meetings and Special Events for the New Jersey Association for Justice, I work with member volunteers to deliver first-rate Continuing Legal Education programs for plaintiff trial lawyers. These programs are important as they give trial lawyers tools they can use to help fight those who sell defective products, those who commit negligence or malpractice and those who put profits over people. In addition, each of our educational programs boasts a tradeshow where exhibitors can meet our attendees and discuss their products and services to help win cases and manage practices. What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is working onsite to deliver education to our members. I love seeing the exhibit hall and educational session rooms come to life each morning with the buzz of excitement for learning. Why did you join MPI? I joined MPI at the recommendation of Paul Fogarty, New Jersey Department of Education, who was teaching classes in the Temple University Certificate Course in Meeting Planning which I was
enrolled in at the time. I took his advice that it would be a great place to continue my education and network with others in the industry. It also led me to my first job in the industry with a third party meeting planning company in Philadelphia. I began with the Philadelphia Area Chapter and just recently transferred my membership to the New Jersey Chapter where I serve as a volunteer on the Membership Committee. What do you do when not at work? On evenings and weekends, when I am not at work, I spend my time with my significant other, Rick, and Rygel, our miniature pinscher. I enjoy going to restaurants with friends and family. I also swim and take yoga at the local health club. A hobby of mine is making greeting cards and other paper crafts. I found a local group of scrapbookers and card makers who go on a retreat four times a year to Port Murray, NJ. This is a great outlet for expressing my creative side and for taking a break from work and the normal routine. What is your favorite color? Purple, green and gray Favorite vacation spot? Rick and I like to take road trips which we call our “adventures.” We enjoy winery hopping in upstate New York’s Finger Lakes region. Several times each autumn we head to State College, PA for Penn State football and tailgating. Other road trips include vacations to the Jersey Shore, weekends in New York City for a show or sightseeing, visits to the Aquarium in Baltimore, and spending time in Washington D.C. for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Favorite type of food? Rick and I have a tradition of going to Bobby’s Burger Palace each month for their burger of the month. Best burger in town! We have been doing this for almost two years now and some of the staff at the Cherry Hill location now know us by name. It’s like our version of the show “Cheers.” What advice do you have for a planner or supplier new to the meetings industry? Immerse yourself in all things having to do with the industry. Take classes, subscribe to industry trade journals, join MPI and volunteer to serve on a committee. Plan to sit for your CMP or another certification. You get out of it what you put into it. The rewards are bountiful.
Patty Stern, CMP VP of Membership patty@groupdmm.com
Rebecca L. Wakefield, CMP Director of Member Care rlwakefield@kpmg.com
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Get Ready....The MPI Chapter Satisfaction Survey will be coming to your inbox on February 13th! As always, MPI wants to hear what you have to say, how we can improve and what you are enjoying about your membership. You will have from February 13 - February 27, 2015 to fill out the survey. Taking a few minutes to fill out the survey is greatly appreciated and will help in preparing for your membership experience in the chapter for 2015-2016. Thank you!
Special 30th Anniversary Committee Calling all members who would like to be part of this special committee for our Anniversary Year of Activities. Committee will be responsible for working with special events, communications, and the Office of the President to drive the message around our 30th Anniversary in December of 2015. If you are interested, please contact Ruth Marion at rmarion@mpinewjersey.org who will consolidate the list so we can begin contacting the committee. Thank you.
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Meeting Industry lost one of our own Rosaelena Ledesma-Bernaducci, or "Rosie" as she was known, died on October 29, 2014, leaving behind the one, true love of her life, her son, Louis Kolydas. Rosie was an incredible person, with a contagious smile and a generous heart. A true professional, a planner, speaker, team player, a supporter, an animal lover, friend, a sister, daughter and a mom. The news of her passing spread like wildfire through phone calls, emails and social media outlets. Many couldn’t believe that it was true. Confusion and disbelief turned into sadness and guilt for many as they missed their friend and wished they could have spent more time with their friend, Rosie. Rosie was a vibrant person who was always willing to help you. She had answers to your questions, and if she didn’t have an answer, she found a way to get you the answer. Rosie was very passionate about the meeting industry and was an expert on pharma meetings. An ambassador for animal rights and a contributor to many meeting industry publications. Some of the posts, poems and notes that were left by her friends and industry colleagues on her facebook memorial page were very touching and we wanted to share a few... “In Memory of Rosie Bernaducci” • That luminous part of you that exists beyond personality–your soul, if you will–is as bright and shining as any that has ever been....Clear away everything that keeps you separate from this secret luminous place. Believe it exists, come to know it better, nurture it, and share its fruits tirelessly." George Saunders • Rosie - As I pray for you by name tomorrow for your joyful entry into the kingdom with our Lord, I say this to those you have left behind in sorrow: The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not ‘get over’ the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross An intimate and beautiful memorial service was attended by her immediate family and friends on November 9, 2014 in Brick, NJ. Her son and some of her close friends share beautiful thoughts about Rosie. Letters that were written by industry leaders were also read at the service. There is a memorial fund that has been started to benefit her only son, the love of her life Louis Kolydas.
Thank you for your support by providing ground transportation to our guests.
Please visit http://www.youcaring.com/tuition-fundraiser/the-rosaelenaledesma-bernaducci-memorial-fund/259691 to donate. Thank you. A remembrance of Rosie from her friends and colleagues.
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NEW, TRANSFER & AFFILIATE MEMBERS NEW MEMBERS SARAH BONDAR The Charles Group, Inc. Senior Account Executive 61 Birkendene Rd, Caldwell, NJ 07006 FERN DICKEY Metropolitan New York Coatings Association President 9-16 4th Street, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 SHEILA ROBINSON-KISS MSW, LCSW Lakecalm Therapist, Speaker and Trainer 0-178 Tunbridge Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
SUZANNE DEFALCO Prudential Financial, Inc. Mgr Meeting Planner 751 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102 JACQUELINE D’IMPERIO Excellence in Meetings, Incentives & Events Owner 12 Locust Street, Elmwood Park, NJ
This listing contains all New Members, Chapter Transfer Members and Affiliate Members from November 1 to December 31, 2014. If you should not be listed please contact: rmarion@mpinewjersey.org
AFFILIATE MEMBERS RICK CHAPMAN CS Meetings Direct 130 Airmotive Way, Suite 140 Reno, NV 89502 RANDY MISKO The Inn at Pocono Manor One Manor Drive Pocono Manor, PA 18349 FRANK NOLAN Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Bureau 1000 First Avenue, Suite 101 King of Prussia, PA 19406
are starting to discuss the 30th Anniversary Celebration in December of 2015! Look for continual Through this industry, I have met so many amaz- improvements as we look for ways to engage and ing people who continue to drive me, inspire me, inspire our members. We are always in need of and challenge me to be a better person. I am additional volunteers to make it all happen. thankful for all of the experiences, education, and Please visit the website, www.mpinewjersey.org networking I have done to get me where I am for the latest events. Like us on Facebook @MPI today. THIS is the backbone of our industry and New Jersey Chapter and Twitter @MPINewJersey I encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities that your MPI membership has to I offer each of you a heartfelt thank you for your membership and wish you a safe, healthy and sucoffer. cessful New Year! I would like to thank all of our sponsors who provided venues, donations, and partnership opportunities. We truly appreciate the generosity and time our sponsors have dedicated in making our chapter so successful. In order to produce great events, it all starts with the venue. Please consider hosting an event or advertising with us. Your venue will get exposure to over 300 members and a circulation over 650! As members we need to support one another and promote the idea of BUY-MPI. Meeting Planners – don’t be shy in promoting your favorite venues to each other!
President’s Message (Continued from Page 3)
Behind the scenes, we are putting together some great educational and networking events for you. Pam We are busy planning our State of the Union event in early February with Kevin Kirby, Chairman of the Board for MPI International. The golf com- PamWynne, CMM, CMP mittee is busy planning the MPINJ Outing and we MPI NJ Chapter President - 2014-2015
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MPI-NJ CHAPTER would like to acknowledge and thank our Strategic Partners for their Support of the Chapter
Diamond
Platinum
Gold
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EXECUTIVE BOARD President Pam Wynne, CMM, CMP Carlson Wagonlit Travel 9084230526 pwynne@carlsonwagonlit.com
VP Administration Kaaren Hamilton, CMP Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group 9084487804 khamilton@carlsonrezidor.com
Immediate Past President Julia Ramos, CMP JR Global Events Associates 2013338834 juliaramos@comcast.net
VP Education Kellie Ann Cahill, CMP New York Hilton Midtown 2122615966 kellie.cahill@hilton.com
VP Communications Mary Lou Pollack Ocean Place Resort and Spa 7325715739 mpollack@oceanplace.com
VP Membership Patty Stern, CMP Chief Creative Officer Patty Stern Creative 9736692891 patty@groupdmm.com
VP Finance Todd Steinberg, CMP Sonesta Collection 8622287079 tsteinberg@sonesta.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Director of Communications Carol Malinky, CMP C.A.Malinky Communications 2012320110 tmalinky@aol.com
Director of Education Nancy Sutta Berns Nancy Sutta Berns, LLC. 9738868852 nsuttaberns@optonline.net
Director of Finance Michael Brill MEDALS LLC (Medical Education Delivery, Advisory and Logistics Support) 7326591133 medalsllc@aol.com Director of Membership Rebecca Wakefield, CMP KPMG, LLP 2013077259 rlwakefield@kpmg.com
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COMMITTEE CHAIRS Ambassador Committee
OnSite Committee
Special Events Committee
Richard McCadden, CoChair Wyndham Hotels 9733772424 rmccadden@wyndham.com
Paula Dellaluna, Chair GEM Limo 7326188485 pdellaluna@gemlimo.com
Dagmaris Graziani, CMP, CoChair
Awards & Scholarship Committee Jamie Keith, CMP, Chair Hilton Newark Airport 9088202908 Jamie.keith2@hilton.com
PR/Marketing Committee Michele Ross, CoChair Gray Consulting International Meetings & Incentives 2154137897 mross@gcimi.com
Education Committee Rhonda Moritz, CoChair Cadaret Grant and Company 9737702300 rmoritz@cadaretgrant.com
Social Media Committee
Edie Leibman, CoChair LPC Consulting, LLC. 9739922455 edie.leibman@gmail.com
Student Leadership Committee Melissa Winfield, Chair Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group 9739199125 mwinfield@carlsonrezidor.com
Lisa Drake, Chair Ocean Place Resort & Spa 7325715739 ldrake@oceanplace.com
Membercare Committee Rebecca Wakefield, CMP, Chair KPMG LLP 2013077259 rlwakefield@kpmg.com
Bruce Boillotat, CoChair Royal Coachman 9734003204 bruce.boillotat@royalcoachman.com
Chapter Administrator Nominating Committee Julia Ramos, CMP, JR Global Events Associates, LLC 2013338834 juliaramos@comcast.net
Ruth Marion, CMP MPI NJ Chapter Phone: 2018752476 rmarion@mpinewjersey.org
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REASONS
for Meeting Planners
to Join MPI
MPI membership gives you access to the largest network of industry professionals. GET CONNECTED Make crucial connections to people, ideas and marketplaces which can take your career to the next level through our online community and engaging with your local chapter. LOCAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Access to local chapter events and education to sharpen your skills, build alliances, share information and support one another. EDUCATION WHEN AND WHERE YOU WANT IT Professional Development On Demand gives you 24/7 access to online education to advance your knowledge and accumulate clock hours. PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS ProfessionHS *LY[PÄJH[PVU VWWVY[\UP[PLZ [V ZL[ `V\ HWHY[ and guarantee you receive the best training in the business including CMM, HMCC and CMP Resources.
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