MPIGNY 30/30
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Message from Our President

Dear MPI Greater New York Chapter Members,

November is here—and with it, a season of gratitude, reflection, and connection. As the city begins to twinkle with early holiday lights and we gather around tables with friends and family, it’s the perfect time to pause and give thanks for the vibrant community that makes MPIGNY so special.

October in Review
What an incredible month it’s been! Our EDI Education Event at the Wythe Hotel, brought together an inspiring panel of thought leaders who reminded us that true inclusivity is both intentional and actionable. Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and helped make the conversation so impactful. Your commitment to learning and growth continues to push our industry—and our chapter—forward.

Honoring Our Veterans
This month, we take time to honor and thank the veterans among us—those in our chapter, our families, and our wider community—who have served our country with courage and dedication. Their commitment to service reminds us of the importance of leadership, teamwork, and resilience, values that resonate deeply within MPI’s mission. On behalf of the MPIGNY Board, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for their sacrifices and contributions.

Looking Ahead
As we move toward the end of the year, we have even more to look forward to. I hope you are planning on joining us for our “MPI Greater New York Chapter Presents: The Roll Royale!” next Monday, November 17 at Brooklyn Bowl! Additionally, mark your calendars for our upcoming Holiday Gathering on December 10 at Starbucks Roastery Meatpacking — a wonderful opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate another successful year together. Keep an eye on your inbox and our social channels for more details coming soon!

Gratitude in Action
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you—our members, volunteers, sponsors, and partners. Your dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm are what make this chapter thrive. Whether you’ve chaired a committee, attended an event, or shared your expertise, you’ve played an essential role in shaping our success this year.

As we give thanks this November, let’s also look ahead with optimism and purpose—continuing to uplift one another, support our community, and build meaningful connections that define the heart of MPIGNY.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving season. 

Warmly
John Sklencar
President, MPIGNY
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Events

Dear MPI Greater New York Community,

The excitement is building! Following the rebrand of our annual awards program, we are thrilled to officially open nominations for the Celebration of Excellence: MPI Greater New York Empire Honors.

This is your opportunity to champion the colleagues, partners, and leaders whose dedication, innovation, and achievements elevated our industry in the past year. Who inspires you? Who is driving the future of events?

Why Nominate?
The Empire Honors is our chapter's most prestigious recognition. By nominating a deserving peer, you help shine a spotlight on the excellence within the Greater New York events community. Honorees will be celebrated at our signature event in January 2026.

We are seeking nominations across key areas including:

Individual Excellence: Recognizing outstanding event professionals (Planners, Suppliers, Young Professionals).
Organizational Innovation: Honoring companies or teams that executed groundbreaking programs or solutions.
Chapter Leadership: Celebrating members who have demonstrated exceptional service and commitment to the MPIGNY chapter.

How to Submit Your Nomination
The process is simple and takes just a few minutes, but the impact lasts a lifetime.

Review the Categories and Complete this Form sharing a brief yet compelling summary of why your nominee(s) deserves the honor.

The deadline for submissions is December 1, 2025

Don’t miss the chance to give credit where credit is due. Nominate a champion today and help us Celebrate Excellence!

We look forward to reviewing your submissions and celebrating our 2025 honorees in January 2026.

Pre-Con

Event:              The Roll Royale: Bowling, Bidding & Blackjack
Date:               Nov 17
Time:               6-9pm
Location:          Brooklyn Bowl
Address:           61 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn 11249
CSR Partner:    AFSP – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Get ready to roll the dice and strike up some fun at our Chapter’s Annual Auction & Casino Night – hosted at the iconic Brooklyn Bowl! 🎳

All proceeds go directly to supporting our chapter’s Mission – so come party with a purpose!
We’re bringing the heat this year with a high-energy night of casino games, bowling lanes, and bold bids at our live and silent auction.

Enjoy signature eats, beverages, and a few surprise moments that’ll keep the good times rolling. Whether you're here to win big at blackjack, show off your bowling skills, or just support a great cause – this is one night you won’t want to miss.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the leading nonprofit dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. Make a donation to our 50/50 raffle for a chance at a cash prize and help us support this great cause.

I'm Ready to Roll!

Want to reach your Target Audience and connect with dozens of potential clients in person?
Have items, services or experience packages you want to show off?
Please consider joining MPI's Greater New York Chapter in hosting one of our biggest events of the year.

Reach out to Meredith Reed at mreed@rentfurniture.com to learn how we can work together to strengthen our community and build your business!

Finish your day with great people, great coffee, and a fresh perspective.

Its Happy Hour: grab a beverage while connecting with fellow planners, producers, venues, and event partners and explore the Roastery’s two event floors and get an exclusive first look at their stunning Winter Wonderland art installation.

Event Professionals carry a lot. We juggle timelines, personalities, expectations, and the unexpected, all while still being the calm in the room. But being great at what we do isn’t just about the work… it’s about how we show up while doing it.

That’s why MPI Greater New York is pleased to invite you to drop by the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in the Meatpacking District on your way home on Wednesday, December 10 to meet up and wind down with good friends, good vibes and a great coffee - or an espresso martini!

Mark your calendar: Only the first 65 people will be able to join us on Wednesday, December 10th.

Registration will open soon!

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Chapter Opportunities
  
Our Marketing & Communications Committee is kicking off exciting new projects, and we’re on the hunt for fun, creative folks to join us. Do any of these roles sound like you?

 ♦ Writers itching to craft stories and articles
 ♦ Marketers ready to strategize and promote
 ♦ Social Media Mavens driving engagement
 ♦ Newsletter Editor with a keen eye for detail
 ♦ Inaugural Magazine Crew eager to launch something fresh and fabulous
 
Why jump in?
Boost your skills — from AI tools to automation, level up on the cutting edge
Build your leadership chops — take charge, own initiatives, make your mark
Forge real connections — meet pros, mentor peers, ignite collaboration
Elevate your career — gain insider know-how and be seen as a mover and shaker
Have a blast — we promise excitement, creativity, and a dash of that NYC energy

Let’s bring together the future of meetings — with fresh tech, a bold vision, and a joyful spirit.
Curious? Reach out, and let’s make some magic!

Ready to ride this wave? Complete the Find Your Fit Survey (below) and let's chat about where your spark fits best!
>Feel the energy.
>Be the energy.
>Join us!

**This Article (and the graphic) were drafted using Chat GPT5 — em dashes and all**


Chapter Opportunities
  
Want to get more involved? Take our survey and see which MPIGNY Committee is your best "fit"! 
  
Interested in writing for the Buzz and having your work seen by hundreds of industry pros?
Take the Find Your Fit Survey
⇐      ⇐ ⇐ 
Post-Con

On October 29th, MPIGNY hosted its latest EDI education program, titled Inclusive Impact: Designing Events with EDI at the Core, at The Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn, NY. The event brought together a diverse group of event and meeting professionals for an insightful panel discussion focused on intentionally incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles into event design and execution.

Engaging Panel Discussion

The panel was expertly moderated by Sandra Serrant, PMP, CMP, MS, and featured distinguished speakers Mike Veny, Cheyenne Nelson, HMCC, MMP, and Janeen Saltman. Throughout the discussion, the panelists shared practical strategies that attendees could implement immediately, as well as personal stories that inspired and motivated the audience. The conversation was dynamic and collaborative, delivering actionable ideas for creating more inclusive event experiences.

Networking Reception

Following the panel, attendees participated in a lively networking reception. This provided a valuable opportunity for professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships with others who are equally committed to fostering inclusive environments within the events industry.

Community Support and Acknowledgments

In addition to the educational content, MPIGNY demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity by supporting The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI). SIGBI is a charitable organization established in honor of the historic Stonewall Inn uprising, which sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and is recognized as a national monument in the United States. A portion of the registration fees from the event was donated to SIGBI to help advance its mission of promoting inclusivity and driving progress toward global equality.


Congratulations to Meg Lyons Nieves and Alicia Rossetti, our lucky drawing winners from  the on-site donations. Thank you to everyone who contributed!

In support of our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, the MPIGNY Chapter made a donation to the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) with proceeds ferom this event. The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative’s Safe Spaces certification program helps retail businesses, entertainment venues, and public spaces identify and show visible support for their LGBTQAI+ patrons, employees, customers, and neighbors. We are proud to share that our venue host, Wythe Hotel, has received this certification and is recognized as a Safe Space. To learn more about the Safe Spaces program, please visit: https://safespaces.stonewallinitiative.org

MPIGNY extends sincere thanks to the event sponsors: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Applepix Pro, and Simon Pro Photo Video, as well as to the venue sponsor, Wythe Hotel, for their generous support in making this impactful education program possible.
 

 
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Don't throw your membership dollars away by paying dues and then... doing nothing. Make your membership work for you!

Get Involved
Attend Events
Make New Connections

Need help making these connections? We've got you covered!

Click on the link below, spend less than five minutes answering a few questions, and we will feature you in one or more of the following ways:

1. Member Spotlight: Each month we feature a member in the Buzz. Use this as a platform to reach out to potential business partners, get your name out there in the community, and make new connections.

2. Hot Tip Tuesday: Share your knowledge and be featured in our new social media campaign! 

3. Feature Story: Give us the green light to contact you for an upcoming article in the Buzz. We are looking for thought leaders in all areas of the industry.
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Industry News

The MPI Greater New York Chapter is deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa across the Caribbean—particularly in Jamaica, where many communities have been left in crisis.

In the spirit of compassion and global citizenship, we are sharing several organizations actively aiding in relief and recovery efforts.

If you feel called and are able, please consider donating to support those affected and help them rebuild their lives.

American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) – Disaster Relief Fund
Founded in 1982, AFJ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Jamaicans in need.

Donate to AFJ Disaster Relief Fund

JAHJAH Foundation – Hurricane Melissa Disaster Relief Project
The JAHJAH Foundation (Jamaicans Abroad Helping Jamaicans at Home) has activated its Hurricane Melissa Disaster Relief Project to provide aid to those hardest hit, especially in western Jamaica.

Supply Drop-Off Locations: East Orange, NJ and Bronx, NY

Now is the time for action. Every donation helps deliver food, medical aid, and emergency supplies.

Donate to Donate Now | JAHJAH Foundation

United Way – Disaster Relief & Recovery
United Way is coordinating disaster relief and recovery across affected Caribbean regions, helping families regain stability and rebuild communities.

Donate to United Way Disaster Relief & Recovery

UNICEF USA – Supporting Children in Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa
UNICEF is providing essential care, clean water, and safe spaces for children and families impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Donate to UNICEF USA

Together, we can help restore hope and healing.

Even the smallest act of giving can make a world of difference to those who have lost everything.

Grow
  
Free, live webinars are available to all members on the MPI Academy web page. New webinars are being added on a regular basis. You can also learn about & register for several certification courses offered by MPI.
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Calendar and Events
17
Nov 2025
 
The Roll Royale: Bowling, Bidding & Blackjack
6pm
Brooklyn Bowl

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