As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared throughout the 2023–2024-chapter year. Serving as your President has been a profound honor, and I am deeply grateful for the support, dedication, and passion of our MPIGNY community.

First and foremost, I extend a heartfelt thank you to our exceptional Board of Directors. Your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have been instrumental in driving our chapter’s success. It has been a privilege to work alongside such talented individuals who share a vision for growth, inclusion, and meaningful impact.

This year, we celebrated a surge in membership, a testament to the strength and appeal of our chapter. This growth reflects not just numbers but our commitment to fostering a community where all are welcome. Prioritizing inclusion and diversity, we’ve worked to ensure that every member feels seen, heard, and valued. Together, we have cultivated an environment where diverse perspectives strengthen our chapter and enrich our shared experiences.

Beyond membership, we’ve made a deliberate effort to leave a positive imprint on the communities we serve. From impactful CSR projects to collaborative partnerships with local organizations, our chapter has demonstrated the compassion and generosity of our industry. These initiatives remind us that as meeting professionals, our influence extends far beyond the events we create—we are catalysts for positive change.

To our members, thank you for your continued engagement and trust. You are the foundation of our success, and your enthusiasm inspires us to keep reaching new heights. Your participation has been vital in making this year’s achievements possible.

As we look forward to 2025, I am confident that MPIGNY will continue to thrive and lead the way in creating opportunities for connection, growth, and innovation. Let us carry forward this year’s momentum into the new year, building on our successes and embracing new challenges together.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Warmest Regards,  Jennifer Rondinelli President, MPIGNY FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Dear MPIGNY Members,

As I wrap up my time on the Board of Directors and reflect on my tenure as President of the MPI Greater New York Chapter, I am filled with gratitude and pride. Serving in the Office of the President has been an incredible honor and a truly memorable chapter in my journey with MPIGNY. 

This role brought me the opportunity to work alongside an exceptional Board, whose dedication and collaboration were instrumental in delivering impactful education and engaging events for our members. Together, we set ambitious goals, achieved remarkable milestones, and laid a strong foundation for the Chapter’s continued success. 

Some highlights from our time together include: 

♦ Winning the prestigious RISE Award for the Golf Outing, a true reflection of the creativity and passion that define this Chapter.
♦ Increasing our membership, welcoming more professionals into our thriving community.
♦ Enhancing our events, ensuring they were more dynamic and engaging than ever before.
♦ Achieving the highest membership satisfaction score our Chapter has seen in years—an accomplishment that underscores the value we bring to our members.

These achievements represent the collective efforts of the entire Chapter—Board members, volunteers, and, most importantly, our incredible members. Your enthusiasm and commitment are the lifeblood of MPIGNY, and it has been a privilege to serve such a vibrant and supportive community. 

While my time on the Board has come to an end, my dedication to MPIGNY is unwavering. I look forward to remaining an active member and supporting the Chapter as it continues to grow and evolve.

Thank you for the trust, camaraderie, and memories that will stay with me for years to come. 

Here’s to MPIGNY’s bright future and the continued success of our amazing Chapter! 

With gratitude and best wishes, 
Andrew Barnes
Immediate Past President
MPI Greater New York Chapter

As a proud member of MPIGNY, I’m thrilled to be part of such a vibrant and influential chapter. I joined in 2023 as an affiliate member to connect with leading professionals in NYC’s fast-paced and innovative events industry, to forge new and lasting relationships and to introduce Ithaca as an inspiring destination for conferences and retreats.

As Director of Sales for Visit Ithaca and Director of Sponsorship for MPI Upstate NY, I’ve seen firsthand the power of networking in growing our industry, and I’m eager to bring Ithaca’s "Gorges" charm and sustainable meeting solutions to NYC.

I don’t work a day in my life. =) Outside of my professional role, I’m an outdoor enthusiast who loves exploring the stunning landscapes of the Finger Lakes region. Hiking world-class trails followed by enjoying local craft beverages at a favorite farm, orchard, or vineyard is my happy place. I’m blessed with a beautiful son, an outstanding husband, and a quaint little place I call “home” atop a hill near Keuka Lake. As a true Finger Lakes advocate, I’m always eager to share the beauty and inspiration of our region with others—both in work and in play.

I’m especially keen to connect with meeting planners, corporate retreat organizers, and event professionals who are looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, unique venues, and a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. Ithaca’s breathtaking landscapes, including the nation’s first fully electric conference center, offer an exceptional backdrop for conferences and retreats. I’d love to collaborate with those looking to create memorable, eco-conscious events that leave a lasting impression.

We'll be hosting a 50/50 Raffle at the Industry Holiday Party on December 18, 2024, with proceeds being donated to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots.

This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and make a difference in the lives of those in need. The 50/50 Raffle works like this: half the pot goes to the lucky winner, while the other half is donated to Toys for Tots. It's a win-win situation—someone walks away with a cash prize, and we get to spread holiday cheer to children in our community.

The mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is to assist the U. S. Marine Corps in providing a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. This assistance includes providing day-to-day leadership and oversight of the program, raising funds to provide toys to supplement the collections of local Toys for Tots Chapters, to provide promotional and support material, and defray the costs of conducting annual Toys for Tots Chapters. I encourage all of you to participate in this exciting raffle. Let's make this holiday season extra special by supporting a great cause. Purchase your tickets when you register or purchase at the party. Be sure to bring cash if purchasing on site and get ready to feel the holiday spirit!

 In an era where technological advancements are rapidly reshaping the landscape of business and societal interaction, understanding the confluence of Web3, Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Metaverse technologies is paramount. These innovations herald a new paradigm, one that promises to redefine the boundaries of digital interaction, economic exchange, and collective governance. 

Registration will Open Soon!
DATE: January 28 (5:30-8pm)
Location: Artechouse

For the third consecutive semester, MPIGNY’s Leadership Development team has teamed up with NYU’s Tisch Center of Hospitality to present a dynamic career panel as part of the graduate students’ capstone project. Under the leadership of Annie Kojundzija, MPIGNY’s Director of Leadership Development, and Pam Strug, Chair of the Emerging Leaders Program, graduate students Damina Murchison, Yangrong Zhang, Amanda Soto, and Chengyang Ge acted as event planning consultants to design and deliver the event Level Up: Thrive & Lead in the Ever-Changing Event World.  

The event featured an exceptional panel of industry experts:

> Anika Grant, Founder & CEO, Idlewild Experiential
> Howard R. Jean, AI Strategist & Event Tech Specialist; Founder, Black Meta Agency and Tech Specialist
> Stella Rankin, Founder, Pinch Food Design; Founder, Narratta
> Matt Schechter, Director, New York City Tourism & Conventions
> Megan Janel Zimmer, Senior Experience Strategist, Encore

The panelists shared invaluable insights, discussed the latest trends, and offered advice on navigating the evolving challenges and opportunities within the hospitality sector. MPIGNY member David Riederman, Global Account Director at Omni Hotels & Resorts, masterfully guided the discussion, ensuring an engaging and informative exchange.

Attendees left with fresh insights, actionable takeaways, and a renewed passion for thriving in the ever-evolving world of events and hospitality. And the best part? We welcomed new members to the MPIGNY family from this event, expanding our community with even more talented professionals! 

Conference planning is no small feat—it's like herding cats, except the cats are late, demanding AV setups and guzzling coffee. But fear not! As a seasoned motivational speaker and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist, I have three game-changing life hacks to help you stay organized, efficient, and calm amidst the chaos.

Hack one: Schedule a daily “meeting with yourself.” Like you wouldn’t kick off a conference without a morning production meeting, don’t start your day without a personal check-in. Take 10 minutes to review your schedule, goals, and to-do list while savoring a coffee (because you are the VIP of this operation). This small ritual sets a tone of clarity and confidence, ensuring you’re ready to tackle the day with purpose.

Hack two: Embrace midday check-in breaks. Yes, even when you’re swamped. A five-minute pause midway through your day allows you to assess what’s working, what’s not, and what can be delegated. Think of it as hitting the refresh button for your brain—it’s a tiny investment that pays off big in efficiency and sanity. 

Hack Three: Wrap up your day with a five-minute evening review. Reflect on what you accomplished, note what needs attention, and set a plan for tomorrow. This simple practice frees your mind, improves your sleep, and prepares you for anything. Staying organized in this fast-paced industry isn’t just about logistics; protecting your well-being and enjoying your work. So, what’s your favorite organization hack? Please share it with your fellow planners, and let’s thrive together!

Mike Veny
2025 MPIGNY Marketing & Communications Committee