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Dear MPIGNY Members,
As we step into August, I hope this message finds you well and in high spirits. The summer months have provided us with a wonderful opportunity to recharge, reflect, and look forward to the exciting events and initiatives we have planned for the remainder of the year.
Our chapter continues to make strides in fostering professional growth, networking opportunities, and industry advancement. I’m particularly thrilled about our upcoming Annual Softball game against NYPCMA that will take place on August 14. I encourage members to sign up to participate whether you choose to play or cheer us on. We won last year so let’s win again! This is a wonderful opportunity to support our chapter and network with your fellow members.
I’d like to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our volunteers and committee members. Your dedication and hard work are truly the driving force behind our chapter’s achievements. Your contributions are deeply appreciated and play a crucial role in helping us reach our goals.
As we navigate through this month, I encourage each of you to take full advantage of the resources and opportunities available through MPIGNY. Whether it’s attending a seminar, participating in a workshop, or simply connecting with fellow members, your engagement is vital to our collective success.
Let’s continue to support and inspire one another as we strive for excellence in our profession. Here’s to a productive and enjoyable August!
She believed she could, so she did. I have this quote up in my office as art. It’s always meant so much to be. I’ve been through a lot personally and that quote has got me through some tough times!
I’ve been a member of MPI for 15 years. I’m a Past President of the WestField Chapter and have been with MPIGNY for 4 years.This is such a strong community of powerful industry leaders. It’s fun to collaborate with likeminded people and launch these great chapter events together. Many MPI colleagues have become lifelong friends!
Professionally, I’ve been with CORT Event Furnishing for nearly 16 years in New York City. I design and furnish events nationwide with my New York clients and work on strategic national partnerships for the company as well.
I’m a twin mom and wrote my first children’s book titled: Twinchanted Tales: The Power of a Pair, and it’s out on September 17th! I'm thrilled to get my story out and in the hands of children everywhere. It celebrates the world of identical twins and connects the emotional dots of what it means to be a twin, but more importantly, what it feels like to be one, too!
I’d suggest every member get involved with our chapter, even if it’s in a small capacity. We are all very busy, that I understand, but commit to whatever you can do. It’s so rewarding to be a part of this organization and make a difference to the community!
 
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Answer a few questions, upload your headshot and be featured in an upcoming addition of the Buzz!
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MPIGNY versus PCMANY on August 14, 2024!
MPIGNY and PCMANY are once again playing ball on August 14! As reigning champions, we need to step up our game and win again. This is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together for an exciting day of baseball, camaraderie, and support for our local teams.
Event Details
Date: August 14, 2024
Time: 3pm
Location: Central Park, West 100th Street, Field #1
Enter Central Park at Central Park West and West 100th
The Field is near the North Meadow
Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a fun day out with colleagues, this event promises to be a highlight of the summer. Bring your friends, family, and team spirit as we cheer on our players and enjoy the great American pastime together.
How to Participate
→Sign Up: Register now to secure your spot and receive event updates.
→Volunteer: Enthusiastic Volunteers Needed. Please indicate your availability on the sign-up form.
→Spread the Word: Share this event with your colleagues and friends in the hospitality industry.
→Support and Sponsorship: We also welcome support from our members in the form of sponsorships. Your contributions will help enhance the event experience and support local sports programs.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Meredith Reed at mreed@rentfurniture.com.
Let’s show our team spirit and make "Let's Play Ball" an event to remember. We look forward to seeing you there!
*** After Party will be held at Tavern on the Green***
Get ready to get lucky this fall at our first ever MPIGNY Casino Royale & Silent Auction Fundraiser! On Monday, November 25, the stunning Apella by Alexandria will be hosting this year’s Casino Royale event on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, a chic, modern venue overlooking the East River. Order your martini shaken, not stirred, at our open bar or sample some signature cocktails and other culinary specialties. Press your luck at blackjack, poker, craps, or roulette at one of our sponsored game tables. Or browse the silent auction, which will be open throughout the event, to bid on a wide variety of exciting items! There is no better way to kick off the holiday season, this is an event you do not want to miss.
Interested in sponsorship? Interact with attendees in a fun and engaging way as you promote your brand. Contact Ingrid for more info at ingrid.priscilla.w@gmail.com.
Please consider completing our "Find Your Fit" survey to join an MPIGNY Board Committee!
⇒ Build Your Resume
⇒ Fill Your Portfolio
⇒ Gain Real-World Experiences
⇒ Network with Amazing Industry Colleagues
We will work with you to find the best fit for your interests, time, and talents.
Apply Today!
⇓ ⇓ ⇓
Want to get more involved? Take our survey and see which MPIGNY Committee is your best "fit"!
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Interested in writing for the Buzz and having your work seen by hundreds of industry pros? Take the Find Your Fit Survey ⇐ ⇐ ⇐ ⇐ ⇐ ⇐ ⇐ ⇐
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Unexpected financial hardships can arise at anytime. Click below to learn how MPIGNY may be able to help.
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Congratulations to the following members who have been deemed elected to the 2025 MPIGNY Board of Directors, as outlined in the chapter bylaws.
Officers
The following slate of officers has been elected by the Chapter Board of Directors.
| Position |
Name and Company |
| President |
John Sklencar, Destination DC |
| President Elect |
Hallia Baker, CMP, The Netherland- America Foundation |
| Immediate Past President |
Jennifer Rondinelli, CMP, CDMS-SP, MAC Cosmetics |
| VP, Special Events |
Carri Clemens, A Closer Look Events |
| VP, Education |
Micayla Diener, CMP, CSEP, TikTok |
| VP, Membership |
Marc Dooner, Visit Raleigh |
| VP, Marketing & Communications |
Carrie Holmes, The Founders Inn and Spa |
| VP, Finance |
Travis Pham, CMP, 360 Destination Group |
Directors
The following slate of Board members is elected by the membership of the Chapter.
| Position |
Name and Company |
| Director, Communications |
Sabrina Shore, Influence Digital Solutions |
| Director, Corporate Social Responsibility |
Jennifer Wellington, CMP, HMCC, JFW Meetings & Events, LLC |
| Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion |
Sandra Serrant, CMP, Research Foundation of The City University of NY |
| Director, Education |
Cristina Dalal, Wythe Hotel |
| Director, Fundraising |
Meredith Reed, AFR American Furniture Rentals |
| Director, Golf |
Marisa Wilkes, CMP, Open Society Institute |
| Director, Leadership Development |
Annie Kojundzija, MSCI |
| Director, Marketing |
Tatiana Valerie, ApplePix Pro |
| Director, Membership Engagement |
Trevor Brune, Conrad New York Downtown |
| Director, Membership Recognition |
Jamion Simmons, Bermuda Tourism Authority |
| Director, Networking |
Meg Nieves, One Way Event Productions |
| Director, Partnerships |
Rita Malek, The Conference Board, Inc. |
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What another amazing day at the 33rd Annual MPIGNY Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Annual Golf Outing. Read all about it and check out all the photos and videos. We hope to see you there next year! We are so happy to produce this annual tradition, and we could not do it without our valued attendees, volunteers, golfers, and of course our incredible partners! We are so humbled by the outpouring of generosity from this year’s many sponsors, without whom none would be possible!
We want to thank each and every one of you who assisted us and continue to support MPI Greater New York!
If you are interested in supporting the 34th Annual MPIGNY Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Golf Outing in 2025, please reach out to Marisa Wilkes at mpignygolfcmte@gmail.com. More details for another successful year to follow!
In the meantime, check out the Highlight Video, compliments of Brothers Gorman, and these Photo Booth Photos from Incinerator LA Photo Party.
PLUS, our official photography partner, SimonProPhoto, captured all the festivities both on and off the course at New York Country Club.
THANK YOU TO...
OUR MARQUEE SPONSOR
Accor
AFR Furniture Rental
Bermuda Tourism Authority
Caesars Entertainment
Coast to Coast Transfers
Coral Tree Hospitality Group
CORT
Destination DC
Discover Long Island
Discover Puerto Rico
Encore
Electric Shuffle
ETHOS Event Collective
Everline Resort & Spa
Fairmont Century Plaza
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts + The Rimrock Banff, Canada’s Western Mountain Collection
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
Fairmont Mayakoba
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
Grapevine TX CVB
Hard Rock Cafe New York
Hyatt Regency, DFW
LA PHOTO PARTY
Manhattan Center
Margaritaville Resort New York
Mary Giuliani Catering & Events
Meet Boston
Mohegan Sun
Mohonk Mountain Resort
Moxy NYC
New York Hilton Midtown
Ocean Properties Hotels, Resorts and Affiliates \ OPAL COLLECTION
Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau
Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel
Rosewood Bermuda
Simon Pro Photo and Video
SLS South Beach
Sofitel New York
Swingers
Swissotel Chicago
SunnySpot Celebrations
The Hythe, A Luxury Collection Resort, Vail
The James New York – NoMad
The Sagamore Resort
Lake Placid Lodge
The Woodlands Hotels
The Wythe Hotel
Town & Country Resort, San Diego
Tradewinds Island Grand Resort
TWA Hotel
Visit Raleigh
Visit Salt Lake
Visit St. Pete/Clearwater
WAVE Lake Nona Hotel
Washington Hilton
Wind Creek Bethlehem
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With your help, we decked out 60 backpacks with all the school essentials - notebooks, folders, Crayola markers, a tissue packet and hand sanitizer, and pencil cases filled with pencils, erasers, glue sticks, scissors, Post-it pads, and highlighters. Each participant also provided a personal touch with a note card of encouragement for the student who will receive the backpack they packed.
A huge shoutout to Cristina Dalal and the Wythe Hotel for the fantastic support and sponsorship, and to all the MPIGNY members who generously pitched in with school supplies. The teamwork and generosity made this activity a huge hit!
Here's to a fabulous start to the school year for the kiddos of the Lexington Academy!
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The MPI Greater New York Chapter is pleased to announce the formation of the MPI Northeast Affiliate Membership program. This program is available to Preferred or Premier Members of MPI in good standing. Click the link below to learn more!
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Want to strengthen a friendship AND an industry? Refer a friend to MPI.We are pleased to offer you an opportunity to help a colleague, friend, or young professional experience the benefits of MPI membership. By giving this voucher to a future MPI member, you will allow them to waive the $50 application fee – and you'll receive $25 off your next membership renewal.
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The 2024 Membership and Chapter Satisfaction Survey has launched and is ready for you to complete! You should have received an email with your personal link on or around August 8. This survey is an opportunity to tell us how we're doing and give critical feedback for our organization.
To show our appreciation, all members who fully complete the survey and provide your email address will receive 20% off select MPI Academy certificate programs and be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card! The winner will be notified shortly after the survey closes on August 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
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Much like the boardroom across corporate America, golf courses across our nation do not reflect the diversity of the country. In this video you will hear from different voices that comprise the golf industry and are underrepresented in the overall presentation and marketing of the game. From lack of resources and exposure to the game to underlying institutional bias you will hear from people who continue to persevere in their efforts to grow the game and make it more inclusive. How does all this relate to our industry? Golf is a game that is rooted in business-to-business relationship building something that is replicated in the meetings/events space. We can help make the game more inclusive through voluntarism, financial support and innovative partnerships. If you have any interest in pursuing any of the above, please reach out to the DEI committee for assistance linking you to worthy non-profits working in this space.
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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14
Aug 2024
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Date: August 14, 2024
Time: 3pm
Location: Central Park
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10
Sep 2024
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 Date: September 10 Time: 5:45pm Check in at Battery Park to Board Ferry Location: Ellis Island
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25
Nov 2024
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 Date: November 25 Time: TBD Location: Apella by Alexandria
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