MPIGNY 30/30
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Message from Our President

 

Happy New Year MPI Greater New York Members!
As we kick off 2025, our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. The effects of such events ripple through our industry and our communities, and our hearts go out to those facing loss and hardship.

Here’s how MPI is helping:
The MPI Foundation's Natural Disaster and Hardship Relief Fund is available to support affected members. The fund provides:

  • Six months of membership at no cost, with an additional six months funded by the MPI Foundation
  • Access to professional education
  • Event attendance opportunities to aid in recovery and career growth
  • You can learn more about this vital resource and how it supports our members here.

As a chapter, let’s come together to offer compassion and assistance to our colleagues in need. Our strength lies in our connections, and together, we can help rebuild and move forward.

Looking Ahead 
This year, our theme is “Collaborative Community”—a celebration of the strength and innovation that come from working together. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and 2025 will be a year to deepen our connections, share ideas, and grow as a unified chapter.

Upcoming Events 
We are excited to kick off the year with our January Education Event: "Innovate, Educate, Elevate: A Meeting Planner's Guide to Emerging Tech." On January 28, 2025, this event will highlight groundbreaking advancements in Web4, XR, AI, and more, providing you with the tools to create transformative experiences.

Get Involved
Our chapter’s strength comes from the active participation of its members. Whether it’s volunteering, joining a committee, or attending events, there are countless ways to contribute to our collaborative community. Your involvement not only strengthens our chapter but also enhances your personal and professional journey.

As we navigate 2025 together, let’s embrace the power of connection, shared purpose, and mutual support to continue advancing the meetings and events industry.

 Wishing you a year of collaboration, growth, and success.

Warmest Regards, 
John Sklencar
President, MPIGNY
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In Memoriam
Anna was deeply proud of her career in the hospitality industry, where she found fulfillment and success. Her long tenure as Director of Catering Sales at the Javits Convention Center was a testament to her hard work and exceptional talent. Known for her professionalism and attention to detail, Anna built lasting relationships and created countless memories. Her success was not only measured by her career accomplishments, but by the way she touched the lives of everyone she worked with, leaving an impact that extended far beyond the workplace.
 
Mark is remembered as a creative genius and beautiful soul with a heart of gold. Mark's career made a lasting impact in our industry.

An arts endowment fund is in the process of being set up in his name to help inner city kids.
 
MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS: THE DIRECTORS' DEN
  
Hi, I’m Hallia Baker, President-Elect of MPIGNY 2025.

Presently I am the Special Events Director for the Netherland-America Foundation based in NYC.

On a personal level, I am a Gospel singer, playwright, gardener and devoted cat mama to three spoiled kitties.

My aspirations for the year; as I work with John Sklencar this year’s President; will be to make sure members are engaged. One of our goals will be to continue growing this membership to the level where it was when I first joined MPI back in the mid-nineties, when we were nearly 900 members strong. Yes, it is a lofty goal, but aiming high eventually gets you the results you want.

We want our members to feel welcomed, that they are heard, and that they get the most out of their MPI membership.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Hilton Hotels and Resorts/ Tulkal Hospitality Services
MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS: MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
  
Motto: Meet Someone New Every Day

This is Debra's first year with MPI. She joined to network and explore the industry possibilities that MPI is well-known for fostering.
Outside of work, Debra enjoys uncovering and exploring local experiences. She is looking forward to connecting with planners in the B2B space as well as potential clients. She enjoys assisting groups in finding the perfect property for their next big event.

Welcome to MPIGNY, Debra!

 
Pre-Con
  
Join us for an evening of cutting-edge insights and inspiration! On January 28, 2025, we’re bringing together event pros and tech enthusiasts to explore the future of events.

Whether you're an industry veteran or a curious innovator, this is your chance to discover how emerging technologies are shaping our industry.

What to Expect:
•Dive into Web4, XR, AI, and the Metaverse
•Gain insights from Dr. Richie Karaburun ("Dr. K") of NYU and an expert panel
•Immerse yourself in innovative art, design, cocktails, and bites at Artechouse

Moderator: Dr. Richie Karaburun

DATE: January 28 (5:30-8pm)
Location: Artechouse
                 439 W 15th St.

$75 Non Members
$50 Members 
  
Join colleagues for a fulfilling CSR activity assisting in Kitchen Projects at God's Love We Deliver. Volunteer on projects in the kitchen with the guidance of GLWD staff chefs. Tasks may include packaging meals, chopping onions, making meatballs, ladling soup, peeling potatoes, scooping baked goods, or preparing fresh herbs.

Shifts Available:

Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: God's Love We Deliver
Address: 166 Avenue of the Americas, NYC

First-time volunteers must create an individual account through the following link and be registered for the shift to ensure entry to the building.

We look forward to your participation in helping prepare meals for GLWD clients in the NYC community!
Discover Saratoga®
Let’s Go to Saratoga! More Memorable Experiences
Book your next meeting or event in Saratoga! Centrally located at the foothills of the Adirondacks; a convenient 3-hour drive from Boston, New York, and Montreal. Saratoga offers a variety of versatile meeting venues; diverse dining options; unique experiences for groups; Plus, a range of accommodations to choose from. Let the Discover Saratoga team help customize your next event!
Book Now
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Chapter Opportunities

Are you interested in growing your own career and maximizing your return on investment within MPI? Then join the MPIGNY Mentorship Program – The Power of Two  –  either as a mentor or a mentee for the February - June 2025 term.

This program is designed to benefit both mentees and mentors alike by cultivating relationships that help individuals grow their career.  As referenced in a recent Forbes article, mentoring relationships can “push your career to a new height” and “deliver a rewarding and potentially life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee.”  Effective mentoring happens when both the mentor and mentee assume responsibility for making the relationship work.

In this initiative, we will pair up a select few emerging professional members within the industry with seasoned subject matter industry experts for mutual growth and career development.

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
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Unexpected financial hardships can arise at anytime. Click below to learn how MPIGNY may be able to help.
Post-Con

Thank you to all who participated in the 2024 New York Cares Winter Wishes!

We fulfilled holiday wishes for 15 children at Homes for the Homeless. Your generosity in providing a Christmas gift for children who may not otherwise receive a gift definitely warmed hearts and put a smile on children's faces this holiday season.

This is a message from the contact at Homes for the Homeless:

Thank you and your team for purchasing gifts from Winter Wishes for some of our children. You all have helped give them something to look forward to for the holiday season.

Naylor Association Solutions
Discover Newport
Connect
  
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!
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.
 
Grow
  
Let’s face it—there’s no exhaustion like day two of a three-day conference. Your feet ache, your coffee’s cold, and you’re wondering if 10,000 ballroom steps count as cardio (they do!). But energy slumps don’t have to derail your day. By making small, intentional choices, you can stay energized and efficient. First, get outside for fresh air. Even a five-minute break can recharge your focus, and a short walk is like hitting the reset button for your brain. If anyone asks, tell them you’re “enhancing productivity.”

Hydration is another game-changer. Keep a stylish water bottle handy—one that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together—and sip consistently throughout the day. Staying hydrated boosts energy sharpens focus, and keeps you from hitting that dreaded mid-afternoon wall. If you think you don’t have time to drink water, ask yourself if you have time for an energy crash. I didn’t think so!

Finally, take strategic breaks. Coordinate with your team to fully unplug without worrying about event disasters. Use this time to breathe, stretch, or sit in silence. Recharging is key, whether retreating to your hotel room for a quiet moment or sneaking under a table for a quick rest. These simple habits will help you power through even the longest events. What’s your go-to energy-saving tip? Share it with others—it might be just what someone else needs!

Mike Veny
2025 MPIGNY Marketing & Communications Committee
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.
Partner Spotlight
     
            
Calendar and Events
28
Jan 2025
 
DATE: January 28 (5:30-8pm)
Location: Artechouse
Register Now!
 
Naylor Association Solutions
Naylor Association Solutions