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July/August 2016
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Wow! As I sit here starting to craft my first President’s Message, I am in shock that half of the year is over. Schools are letting out, summer vacations have begun and WEC has left its mark on New Jersey and our chapter. What is even more unbelievable to me is, I am about to step into some truly BIG shoes, those of our Immediate Past President, Pam Wynne. My thanks to Pam for all the work and support that she has provided me and the foundation she has laid for this chapter. Pam has tirelessly worked to improve the board, the chapter and me personally as an individual. If it was not for her strong encouragement, I would not be sitting here writing this message to you all. Thank you, Pam. Pam Wynne as Immediate Past President, Alyssa Lippincott as President Elect and I have determined that in order for this organization to succeed, we need to communicate the most effective way possible to our members. As the Office of the President Speaking from one voice, one team, we plan to engage each and every one of our members this year. Ruth Marion, our administrator will keep the Office of the President serving our members with initiatives that drive your education and our success as we move into 2017. Thank you, Ruth. As I drove down the Turnpike on my way to Atlantic City, I realized what New Jersey is all about‌yes, it is about the tomatoes, Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi, but did you also know that New Jersey has 130 miles of Atlantic Coastline? Our state bird is the Goldfinch. We are the most densely populated state of the 50. We are the third wealthiest state per capita income. I realized that we are so fortunate to live in this amazing state with such a talented group of individuals that participate, volunteer and engage in our chapter. And, we want to include all of you in some way so that you will continue to receive the benefits from your MPI membership with opportunities to do business, network, and volunteer in MPI-NJ chapter events.
MPI NEW JESERY CHAPTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2016/2017 PRESIDENT: Kellie Cahill, CMP PRESIDENT ELECT: Alyssa Lippincott IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Pam Wynne, CMP, CMM, HCCC VP EDUCATION: Rhonda Moritz, CMP
Time, resources and other commitments can pull you in a different direction than MPI NJ. As a member, I realized very early in my career that being out of the office could mean more time the next day in the office. This misplaced thought allowed me to miss the opportunity at our meetings, with new customers or the learning from our members. At first I missed looking at what would it do for my team, my career or this association in the long run. Volunteering or getting engaged meant choosing between family time, my day job or my own free time. In the long run, everything is important. MY commitment to you as the incoming President of this organization is to give you the education or networking that makes leaving the office worthwhile, the encouragement/reason to give the extra hour you can give to volunteer to make a difference. We want you to feel the value that MPI and MPINJ brings to you both professionally and personally. As the incoming President, with two children under the age of ten, a husband and a full time job with a tough commute, this organization is well worth that 30 minutes, that one hour board meeting, that outside the office interaction. Give what you can, take what you need, and get involved. I am fortunate to have outstanding support personally in my family, but also professionally. Thank you Taylor (9), CJ (5), and Chris. I thank Hilton for supporting me in this role and this organization. It is great when your team (thanks Laurens) appreciates personal commitment and time dedicated to developing my skills. I look forward to this road ahead and know that my time is well spent with you, our members.
Kellie Ann Cahill, CMP
Kellie Ann Cahill, cmp MPI-NJ Chapter President 2016-2017
VP FINANCE: Michael Brill, MBA, HMCC VP MEMBERSHIP: Rebecca Wakefield, CMP DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION: Mike Tidwell DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Kaaren Hamilton, CMP, CMM, HMCC DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP: Heather Kresge
CHAPTER ADMINISTRATOR: Ruth Marion, CMP 201-567-6338 rnarion@mpinewjersey.org ONSITE EDITOR: Carol Malinky, CMP Editor@mpinewjersey.org ONSITE DESIGNER: Gerry Salomon gerry@romaxcommunications.com www.romaxcommunications.com
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SOURCING MEETINGS? HOSTED-BUYER Museum of the West & Old Town Gallery and wine bottling, taking a scenic ride down the Salt River on a flat river float, or the Hummer Tour, which was my selection. Why do Buyers and Sellers participate In Hosted-Buyer programs? Here’s what a few event participants had to say…
Photo credit: Brian Ling, Stellar Adventures Guide
When Event Planners have a lot of meetings to plan, they have several resources they can use. One resource is to meet face to face with hoteliers, DMCs, CVBs, and Tourist Bureaus at a Hosted-Buyer program. The Hosted-Buyer program can help produce quick results with existing RFPs and provide a database of direct contacts for future RFPs. I recently attended the M&I Forum HostedBuyer Program held May 24-26 at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch. The program provided the opportunity to meet with over 25 appointments in 2 days, learn about their properties, personally provide them with RFPs, network with other Meeting Professionals, plus have the chance to be an actual attendee and enjoy onsite and offsite events at various venues in Scottsdale. And, we could choose an afternoon to enjoy Scottsdale either playing golf, touring the
Grace-Ann Fallon, Sales Manager InterContinental Dublin – “The hosted buyer program can be a more measurable way for a hotel to know that the meetings they schedule are with buyers that want and need their specific services. It is a very affordable opportunity for qualified buyers to connect with their International partners.” Michael Dalton, Director of Sales, Moloney & Kelly – “Programs like M&I Forums give me the opportunity to meet a lot of new and existing clients in a unique environment and develop strong genuine relationships with these amazing people. As a supplier, I highly recommend taking part in programs like these to grow your business and make some good friends along the way.”
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R PROGRAMS ARE A GREAT RESOURCE
Jackie D’Imperio, President, Excellence in Meetings – “My team and I have a lot of meetings to source and this program provided the opportunity to learn about properties and activities around the world that may be a good fit for my clients. With the new contacts I have personally met, I am excited to start booking meetings at some of their venues.” Jean Northy, Vice President Sales, Southwest Conference Planners was delighted to be a part of the planning of this event. Jean said, “The Forum was a great opportunity for Southwest Conference Planners to help showcase some of what Scottsdale has to offer, and the services that SWCP can provide. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to participate as a sponsor and meet so many qualified planners while showcasing our destination.” I asked M&I Forum Event Manager, Max Cogger how many hosted-buyer programs do they run a year and what makes this type of event so successful. Max said, “This year we’re running five M&I Forums, including our
American edition here in Scottsdale. At all our events we try to build an immersive program that goes far beyond the all-important one-toone meetings. Our buyers are only here for two days, but in that time they spend every waking minute interacting with sellers through networking events, dinners, and even on the airport transfers! By spending all that time together in such a productive environment, delegates are able to forge real business relationships that last way beyond the event itself, and I believe that’s what makes these events successful for everyone involved.”
Written by: Carol Malinky, CMP Editor, OnSite MPI-NJ Editor@mpinewjersey.org 201-232-0110
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“REWRIT Silent Auction. And, MPI also raised another $145,000 at the President’s Dinner, which will support the MPI Academy in providing professional growth opportunities focused on women’s leadership and diversity training and programs. There were a lot of memorable highlights including the Opening Night Party outside at the Bally’s Beach Bar. Attendees could visit the various food stations on the beach, have a drink on the boardwalk bar or dance the night away with music played by DJ, CB Shaw.
After attending this year’s World Education Congress (WEC), I am secretly renaming it the World “Extraordinary” Congress because it was a phenomenal event! The bay, the ocean, and the beaches were the backdrop for the 2016 WEC in Atlantic City. Over 2,000 registered attendees, which included 44 percent planners and 56 percent suppliers, had the opportunity to attend exciting networking events, 80 educational sessions, and inspirational and entertaining general sessions and Flashpoints, visit with Suppliers at the MarketSquare, and enjoy cocktail receptions, activities and entertainment throughout the event. The MPI Foundation raised more than $300,000 with The Big Deal, Rendezvous, and the Not-So-
The theme was “Rewriting the Rules” and the opening general session seating design did just that as it was not your “typical” classroom or theater seating. Attendees had the choice of sitting on couches, cocktail rounds, high boy tables and a variety of seating options. Then the Water Coolers took the stage with custom songs all about what Meeting Planners experience and they were right on target as everyone in the room could not stop laughing because we knew it was all true! The general session, educational sessions, flashpoints, and lunches were held in the beautiful new Harrah’s Conference Center. And, attendees enjoyed their breakfast at the Harrah’s Waterfront Buffet.
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TING THE RULES” AT MPI’S WEC 2016
Whether attendees actually participated in “The Big Deal” held at Caesars, watched the other attendees play, had fun playing the other casino games in the ballroom, or enjoyed the food, beverage and dancing, it was a great time for all and the evening event benefited the MPI Foundation.
Many of the chapters held their own receptions the evening of June 12th. The Big East Chapters held their special event at the Resorts Casino Hotel. Over 300 MPI members attended this fun reception hosted by Pamela James, CMP and her team.
The Rise Awards luncheon recipients were selected for exceptional achievements in the meeting and event industry and honored at the annual MPI RISE Awards Presentation and Luncheon. For more information on the deserving recipients, please see the press release from MPI Global… http://www.mpiweb.org/about/press
And then…TRAIN! The MPI Foundation Rendezvous event was held at “Wav at the Playground” Pier in front of Caesars. MPI had our own private concert for 2,000! Lead Singer, Patrick Monahan of Train picked two MPI members out of the crowd to sing with him on stage. Talk about a memorable MPI experience! Patrick even took selfies with those lucky guests in the front row! Take a look at that night… (Continued on Page 8)
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“REWRITING THE RULES” AT M
The WEC 2017 Preview luncheon was not just a lunch, but also a rock concert with none other than - Rick Springfield! Here is the video clip...
Click Here for Video
MPI made a few new important announcements during the WEC including… *MPI Redesigns Membership Model, Offers Special Promotion to New Members *MPI Academy Unveils New Offerings During the World Education Congress Click on the MPI website link for more information… http://www.mpiweb.org/about/press The Closing Night Celebration was held at The Pool at Harrah’s and also upper outside deck where we were all pleasantly surprised with lobster tails on the grill, along with all the other fabulous food! Entertainment included DJ Roonie G, American Idol
winner Kris Allen and headlining the night with big haired, hard partying, dance/pop music creator Redfoo of LMFAO. On a side note, I’ve had a lot of guacamole in my lifetime and the best guacamole I ever had was at Dos Caminos in Harrah’s where one of the Media Dinners was held. The other delicious Media Dinner was hosted by Meet AC at the historic Knife and Fork Inn which is indigenous to Atlantic City! On a personal note, I had the opportunity to attend a cooking class with Chef Sarah and Chef Vincenso at the Viking Cooking School located in Harrah’s. It was a great team activity, was educational, delicious and a fun experience. Thank you, Caesars Entertainment! I promised to make the entire scrumptious breakfast we made at the cooking school for my family. I have the recipe and the apron, all I need now is the time!
As Meeting Professionals in the hospitality industry, we are truly one community. During the WEC, we were all saddened by the tragedy in Orlando. The MPI Community came together onsite for a moment of silence in the general session and all were invited to the LGBTA reception to acknowledge and pay respect to those who lost their lives. Our hearts go out to their loved ones as they continue to cope with this tragedy.
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PI’S WEC 2016 (Continued from Page 7)
Behind the Scene WEC Interviews The WEC 2016 was extraordinary this ye ar. Caesars Entertainment truly pulle d out all the stops at Ha rrah's, Caesars, and Bally's to make the Opening Night Be ac h Reception, The Big Deal, and the Fin al Night party a lot of fun and provided wonderful networkin g opportunities for all the attendees. Michael, did what yo u initially envisioned for each of these events exceed your expectations?
We had a chance to interview a few key participants involved with the WEC. Let’s hear what they had to say… d started your rk, raised in NJ an Yo w Ne in rn bo Jersey Shore. It Paul, you were ry working at the st du in y lit ita sp 16 to Atlantic career in the ho g the MPI WEC 20 in br to g tin ci ex EC NJ highlights must have been the memorable W of w fe a re we t City, NJ. Wha this year? members enjoyed that you and MPI here was defiand CEO of MPI: “T t en id es Pr , er nt s from around the Paul Van Deve in seeing attendee ide pr al loc of e ns ty and accessibility nitely a nice se by the natural beau d se es pr im be d re that Atlantic world realize an endous infrastructu m tre e th d an e or to the local cuiof the Jersey Sh ts. From the beach en ev d ian gs tin ee m ss conference facil City offers for lity to the world cla ita sp ho ing r m ou r lco fo sine and the we azing destination lantic City was an am ties and venues, At conference.”
Michael Massari, Se nior Vice Presiden t, Caesars Enterta ment: “This year’s ev inents at MPI WEC 20 16 went beyond my expectations. Unde rstanding and being involved in the planning process for alm ost a year, I knew tha t with all of the focus commitment and ho , urs that were put in that we were going have a great event. to Not a single detail of each event was over looked, and I think the time and thought tha t was put in during the planning stages were evident to ever yone who attended. think the most surpris I ing thing was the fee dback we received from attendees abou t the events. So far we’ve received so many wonderful resp onses, and I think we not only exceeded my expectations bu t everyone else’s as well.”
Fiona, MPI members come from all over the world to attend the WEC. What were the top 3 things that you and members took away from this year's program? Fiona Pelham, Chair of MPI 2016 International Board of Directors and Managing Director of Sustainable Events Ltd and Positive Impact: “The top 3 things I took away were: 1) The power of taking action even when you don't know exactly how to. One flashpoint speaker shared about running a summer camp for girls in Pakistan and openly admitted they didn't know how to do it. One of the girls who attended was Malala Yousafzai who now leads a global campaign for girls around the world to have access to education. 2) The amazing sense of community amongst MPI members from volunteer chapter leaders arriving at the conference early for extra education to the LGBTA reception being open to all attendees, we were a community that gathered, celebrated and supported. 3) The suitability of Atlantic City as a meeting location. The opening reception on the beach was amazing but it was the friendliness of each and every staff member that made me want to return.”
Reina - what do you think attendees took away from this year's WEC? Reina Herschdorfer, Direct or of Marketing, Caesars En tertainment: “We have been workin g on MPI WEC for almost a year and were so excited when MPI cho se the Harrah’s Atlantic City Waterfront Conference Center as the venue for 2016. Having the event all under one roof at Harrah ’s Atlantic City provided an inti mate setting. It was so easy to see everyone and spend time tog ether, as opposed to being spread throughout the city. It was con venient. I repeatedly heard how so ma ny participants had never bee n to Atlantic City and how nice it is to be right on the water. The y were surprised by the many option s available for their groups, and how wonderful the amenities suc h as the indoor Pool/Night Clu b at Harrah’s, the Boardwalk and The Playground are.”
(More Interviews on Page 10)
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MPI’S WEC 2016 - BEHIND THE SCE a event and Meet AC had City was a phenomenal tic an to Atl le in ab C m WE tea s ur ar' Jim, this ye w were you and yo s of the conference. Ho huge role in the succes thly? make it all run so smoo our Meet AC Team had to AC: “First, everyone on et Me O, mCE & nt ide es hundred percent to acco Jim Wood, Pr completely buy-in at one d an and nd ha ort at pp n su sio g rin mis the unwave embrace the ustry show. Then, it takes ind at an g job stin the ho lish of k mp tas also acco plishing the o and vendor partners to sin ca , rtel live ho de r to ou d all itte m fro mm fully co commitment t everyone involved were tha ort rep C to WE ed I’s as MP ple of ry hand. I am ve ring that all aspects cuperience possible in ensu r service personnel, to se ing the very best client ex portation to our custome ns tra e in m on Fro . ery ch ev t hit a tha ut ve of positi went off witho er, the final results are pro ath we al ide ” ing on try. us mm ind su rity to even ngs and convention d fully support the meeti Atlantic City was all in an
There was a MPI member, “Steve" who was our fun guy throughout the event with Dena Blizzard. Every chance Dena had, she got video of “Steve” dancing and even had him up on the stage. I tracked down “THE STEVE” and asked him a question. Steve, I am sure you came to the WEC as a member to network and for the education. Little did you know that you would become part of the entertainment with Dena Blizzard. How did you enjoy becoming part of the fun? Steve Kinsley, President, Kinsley Meetings: “Well, let’s say it was a bit of a surprise, and so much fun! Dena is funny and thoughtful and I just knew that it was all about having fun. From that perspective it made it very easy to play along.”
Mike, The General Session design was truly uniqu e this year with 5 stages, huge screens, a band, and a variety of seating that included cocktail rounds, high boys, long tables, couches, coffee tables, and dinner rounds. 1) How many floor plans did you and your team have to edit to get to the final set up? 2) How do you think the attendees enjoyed this design? Mike Silvestro, Client Solutions Director, Freem an: “From the beginning, we knew where we wanted to place the stages, however the seating, screen layout and scenic elements went through several revisions. At one point we were considering a well-known speaker who dictated a redesign in the stages, but in the end the shift did not align with our overall concept so we decided to stay with the 5 stage layout and adjust our speaker lineup accordingly . Ultimately we went through 14 revisions of the floorplan. We definitely took a chance with the out of box layou t and non-traditional seating, but ultimately that was the intent. After all, MPI’s under lying message was to “rewrite the rules”. This could only be achieved with taking risks. The challenge we have with today’s audiences are short attention spans and everyone glued to their mobile devices. There was a whole strategy aroun d what stage was used when and what content was sent to each screen in an effort to keep the audience engaged and to give them delight moments on nearb y stages. In the end, the responses we received were overwhelmingly positive. It just proves that sometimes change is worth the risk!”
Mr. Mayor, now that the WEC is over an d Meeting Professionals from all over the globe had a chance to experience all that Atlantic City has to offer from the Ocean to the Bay, do you think the pe rception of Atlantic City has now changed? Mayor Don Guardi an: “I had an amaz ing time meeting all the Meeting Profe ssionals who came to Atlantic City. I was truly impressed with their passion an d commitment to their profession. An d after just a few sh ort days in Atlantic City, I hope that the y were able to see ou r passion and commitment to Atlan tic City and all it has to offer. We have very dedicated professionals all thr oughout Atlantic City who are dedicate d to making sure ev eryone has a great time and enjoy s their stay in Atlantic City. If you come to Atlantic City and don’t have a go od time, then I’m not doing my job. I hope that all the Me eting Professionals who came from around the world co nsider us their number one destina tion to hold their fut ure conferences and conventions!”
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ENE INTERVIEWS (Continued from Page XX) Michael, thank you to you and your team for supplying all the volunteers at the WEC to help direct the attendees to their destinations. What was the experience like at the WEC for all the volunteers? Michael Shannon, CMP, Business Events Canada: “Thank you… I truly feel the role I played was a small part in helping our NJ Board of Directors move the vision along. We had a wonderful group of very strong leaders engaged at all the touch points along the way. Sometimes when we set a vision and path, the best thing to do is get out of the way of the engaged leaders and with the strength we had along the way, that was the best course of action. The proof is in the engagement… we had great attendance at the Big East Reception that New Jersey had a clear leadership role in. Between Ruth Marion and the great volunteer leadership of Jackie D’Imperio and the wonderful and committed direction of Edie Leibman, they made sure failure was not an option and it showed. Our very own Pam James at Resorts did a phenomenal job with the execution of this event and her entire team should be congratulated. New Jersey was visible and where appropriate, we sat together, met with members and stayed committed to having New Jersey be well represented at the events. I think for the most part, the volunteers from New Jersey felt appreciated for their roles and assistance provided. They say it takes a village… Over a year ago, this plan was developed and while there were small bumps along the path, the focus and drive to success was always there. Caesars Entertainment, Meet AC, MPI and the committed volunteers from MPI New Jersey combined to make this a most memorable and quite successful WEC! See you all in 2017 in Las Vegas!”
MPI-NJ President-Elect Kellie Cahill, CMP said, “The WEC and Atlantic City was incredible. So nice to see how well our stat e and chapter shined at this event. I was proud to be a part of a successful event.”
The MPI slogan says, “When We Meet, We Change the World”. That certainly sums up the remarkable experience at the WEC 2016 in Atlantic City! My sincere thanks to Sonya Thorpe Cobb, Manager of Communications, Meeting Professionals International, Caitlin Batoon, Marketing Specialist – Public Relations & Communications, Caesars Entertainment National Meetings & Events and Jessica Merrill, Communications Manager, Meet AC for all their help before, during and after the WEC. Their hard work and dedication made this event a huge success!
To view more WEC photos, double click on my photo album link https://goo.gl/photos/sMSw2CYFJqadsptSA Looking forward to seeing you all in Las Vegas in 2017! Written by: Carol Malinky, CMP Editor, OnSite MPI-NJ Editor@mpinewjersey.org Photo Credits: © Orange Photography
Let's hear what our NJ Scholarship recipients had to say about what they learned as a result of attending the WEC... Suppliers: Naz Cuzzo, APA Hotel Woodbridge: “I learned that we all have a lot more in us than we think we do. Opportunities are unlimited and that we should always go for it, never give up!!! Randy Misko, Shawnee Inn: “WEC WAS AWESOME….!!! I learned many things, but what stood out for me was that I had been preparing proposal’s wrong for the last 13 years, but It’s never too late to learn.”
Planners: Sheritta Session, Planet Connect: "Engaging in education sessions pertaining to security, food & beverage trends, and overall professional development confirmed that this was the very best professional conference I have ever attended. I was forced to think outside of the box and doing so while networking with some of the best professionals in the meetings industry was the highlight of my career. Well done WEC 2016 AC!" Heath Kelts, Quintiles: “I am so grateful for this, my first WEC experience. It was like pressing the reset button on how I function as a planner. The sessions I attended made me look at different ways I can do things smarter, more efficiently and with greater ease.” CeCe Peadbody, M.A.T., C.M.P: “WEC was a WOW! It could not have been a better experience for my first ever WEC. I saw 'out of the box' things -- a new unique way the general session was set up with a center stage, a variety of seating options from couches, to small tables to high boys, to long tables, big screens all around, and a fabulous emcee to keep things moving. I learned how friendly and open Atlantic City hotels were and how much space to hold meetings were available. I met like-minded meeting professionals and participants who shared their best practices and brainstormed new ideas. The social events were just fabulous…plenty of food, fun, drinks, and chances to try new tastings from local places. Everyone I met was open, friendly, and happy to share. I was blown away by the variety of learning sessions. This could not have been a better event to attend and I thank the chapter for awarding me the scholarship to do so.”
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The entire BOD and Membership of MPINJ would like to thank the following teams for their hard work, dedication, and professionalism at the WEC in Atlantic City in our home state of New Jersey...
Caesars Entertainment Especially Harrah's Conference Center, Caesar's Resort and Casino. For their tireless promotion and support: Jordan Clark, Wendy Blaney, and Shelley Williams and their entire team.
MEET AC Jim Wood and his entire team for their support and continuous out of the box thinking and creativity! Atlantic City has never presented better!
MPI New Jersey WEC Committee Especially Michael Shannon, Edie Leibman, Jackie D'Imperio, Julia Ramos, Ruth Marion, and Joanne Joham for their hard work and support!
Resorts Casino Hotel & Conference Center Thank you to Pam James and Bill Jackson for their hosting of the Big East Reception.
MPI Global For their innovative production, top-notch education, awesome networking, entertainment, and cutting-edge technology.
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MPI-NJ’S 2016 GO The 19th Annual MPI-NJ Golf Outing was held on June 9th at Royce Brook Country Club in Hillsborough, New Jersey. It was a beautiful, yet very windy day which made it a bit challenging and fun for the golfers! Golfers, sponsors, board members and spectators enjoyed all the activities and the opportunity to support the Chapter. Over 120 golfers made up 30 foursomes to compete in the shotgun tournament raising funds for the MPINJ Chapter. In addition, over 200 golfers and supporters attended the spectacular dinner, awards ceremony and amazing raffle prizes.
Photo Courtesy of: Kara Davis, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
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OLF TOURNAMENT Tournament Stats And the winners were... Finishing in First Place was the foursome of Gene Rurka, Joe Cascio, Bobby Lee and Nick Borzone. In Second Place…Edd Karlan, Derrick Steinour, Danzy Miller and John Knob. And in Third Place…Matthew Kurylo, Angelo Giammanco, Joe Bierowski, and Susan Lejeune. Closest to the Pin Hole 15: John Knob with 7’2”. Long Drive Hole 14: Innes Meldrum, closest to the line Hole 6: LauraLee Wren. Long Drive Hole 16: Gene Rurka and Anne Madden.
Golf Committee Pam Wynne, CMP, CMM, HCCC congratulates the Golf Committee Co-Chair, Melissa Ullmann, Caesars Entertainment, Todd Steinberg, Co-Chair, Hilton Hotels, Patrice Vanace, Loews Hotels, Golf Donations and Jim O’Donnell, Destination Hotels, Golf Foursomes.
On Site Volunteers Susan Croggan, Mike Brill, Rhonda Mortiz, and Jackie D’Imperio.
Todd Steinberg said, “Another successful event! I want to thank Melissa for her hard work and dedication to this event, Jim, Beth, and Patrice for their assistance again this year, the sponsors who are the key to the success of this event, the golfers for taking time from their work/home life to be with us, the volunteers for their assistance throughout the day, Ruth for her on-going assistance throughout the year, Royce Brook Country Club, especially Lynn for her years of dedication to this event and Pam and Kellie for their guidance and leadership throughout the planning process. I look forward to seeing everyone again in 2017.”
Here’s to the Sponsors The Chapter extends great appreciation to all our sponsors to make this the largest fundraising event of the year! Our sincere thanks to all who participated, sponsored and helped make this a favorite MPI-NJ event. Photos Courtesy of: Jerry Troianello Corsair Productions, LLC
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Click Here for More Pictures
Thank you to our 19th Annual Golf Outing Sponsors: ALHI Banff Lake Louise Caesars Entertainment Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Chauncey Conference Center & Laurie House Corsair Productions Crystal Spring Resort Destination Hotels Grande Lakes Orlando Hilton Atlanta Hilton New York Hilton Orlando Hilton Worldwide - Luxury Brands Innside New York Nomad Kalahari Resorts La Quinta Resort & Club Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority Loews Philadelphia Marriott International Marriott Marquis Maui Jim Meetings Calgary
Melia Hotels International MGM Resorts International Mohonk Mountain House Nashville Covention & Visitors Corp. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort NYC & Company Omni Dallas Omni Hotels & Resorts Omni Orlando Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Sands Bethlehem Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club The Borgata The Diplomat Resort & Spa, Curlo Collection The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Miami Beach The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples The Venetian/Palazzo Tourism Whistler Travel Alberta Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater
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MPI-NJ EDUCATION MEETING REC The effects of color on mood and our brain in the paper, highlight a few and discuss ways to use them. Blue – increases safety, relaxation and the reward region of the brain. Break out session where brainstorming on a problem will happen, have a picture of nature on the screen when they walk in and blue up lighting. Red - fire and depicted in warning signs increases our heartbeat. It also increases our alerting state and memory – so adding red to your event logo may just be the thing you want to do to help people recall seeing your promotional materials. Physical space matters, it influences how we think and what we think. Event professionals create “the power of place” to drive new ideas, create solutions, and help people connect with others that they would not normally meet. We internalize what the space tells us about how we will relate and behave. As we discussed at the May Chapter meeting, our brain organizes everything into two buckets: Danger/Reward and remember this is in a 1/5th of a second. We are driven to first minimize danger and then maximize reward. The boss of that 1/5 of a moment is a tiny part of the brain called the amygdala. The amygdala decides two simple things: fight or flight. It’s designed to keep us safe – minimize danger. When it activates – threat goes up, critical thinking goes down. It physically shuts off our higher level thinking like a faucet. It hi-jacks our thinking. When we are relaxed, happy, in a good mood dopamine levels increase and the reward region of our brain activates and amygdala – it shifts into neutral! Things that increase dopamine/reward – giving opinion! Roundtable discussion, social media. We like posting our opinions but we love it when we get “likes” “retweets” best.
A color that has no direct psychological properties Grey. On the upside – this is a neutral color and a great foundation to help create accents of other colors and textures we want to use. So don’t dismiss the power of grey. Lastly – white. This is the most neutral of colors. It’s very calming for us giving us a sense of “white space” for the senses, our eyes, thinking, and brain. Stark white – can be bad, such as white topped linen tables with high fluorescent lighting – bad combination for our brain and attention.
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July/August 2016 17
CAP: “MINDFUL MEETING DESIGN” Thanks for a fun meeting and keep planning meetings that leave an indelible imprint on the heart, not a scar on the brain.
MPI Global Community of 60,000 to have the honor and distinction to receive this award.
Written by: Janet Sperstad, CMP Program Director Meeting and Event Management Madison College Email: jsperstad@madisoncollege.edu Thank you Janet, for a fascinating presentation! The May 18th Meeting was also MPI-NJ’s opportunity to present the “MPI Lifetime Achievement Award” to Nancy Miller, CMP. Nancy is 1 of 55 people in the
Congratulations, Nancy! Rhonda Moritz, CMP, V.P. of Education, MPI-NJ and the MPI-NJ BOD would like to thank the Renaissance Meadowlands for hosting the May 18th meeting. They would also like to thank our partners on this educational program…Caesars Entertainment, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Bear Creek Mountain Resort & Conference Center, Discover Newport, Rhode Island, and Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board. And, our sincere thanks to Cort Furniture Rental and PSAV for providing a special meeting design set-up and making this a memorable attendee experience!
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