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Message from Our President
Dear MPI Greater New York Members, As we step into February, we celebrate Black History Month—a time to honor the incredible contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and visionaries who have shaped our society and our industry. This month is not just about reflection—it’s about action, allyship, and amplifying diverse voices within our professional community. Our Commitment to DEI This month, we encourage you to engage in meaningful conversations, explore Black history’s impact on our industry, and support Black-owned businesses and professionals. Through Sandra’s leadership, we will continue to provide resources, education, and opportunities that promote inclusivity within MPIGNY and the broader events community. Upcoming Event: ILEANY Metro + MPIGNY Winter Social at Electric Shuffle 📅 Date: February 18 | 5:00PM – 8:00PM Get Involved As we honor Black History Month and celebrate the power of collaboration, let’s continue to grow, learn, and uplift one another. Wishing you a month of learning, engagement, and shared success.
MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS: THE DIRECTORS' DEN
I’ve been a proud member of MPI for almost three years. Being part of this community has given me incredible opportunities to connect with event professionals, collaborate on exciting projects, and continue growing within the industry. I am the owner of ApplePix Pro, a media production company based in Midtown Manhattan. With a background as a professional photographer, I have built a talented team of photographers, videographers, live-streaming specialists, video editors, copywriters, and on-camera interview talent. Together, we create high-quality photography and video content that captures moments with authenticity and elevates brand storytelling. Our mission is to craft visually compelling stories that do more than document events—they evoke emotion, engage audiences, and leave a lasting impact. I would love to attend and photograph the inauguration of the next U.S. president at the White House. It’s a historic moment filled with powerful emotions, incredible energy, and a sense of unity (or contrast) that shapes the country’s future. Capturing the grandeur of the event, the behind-the-scenes moments, and the reactions of world leaders and citizens would be an extraordinary experience—one that blends photojournalism, history, and storytelling at the highest level. If I had a superpower, it would be instant lighting mastery—the ability to adjust and perfect lighting in any environment with just a thought. Lighting can make or break a photo, and while I love the creative challenge, having a superpower to effortlessly enhance natural and artificial light would make every shot flawless, no matter the conditions. I envision MPIGNY continuing to grow as a hub for creativity, innovation, and meaningful connections in the events industry. I hope to attend more educational workshops and networking events and, perhaps, even organize my own workshop on the evolving role of photography, video, and AI-driven media production in events. I envision our chapter as an innovator in the event industry, driven by members who are truly among the best and brightest. I also see stronger networking opportunities that bring together professionals from all aspects of event production. As the industry evolves, our chapter can continue leading the way by fostering excellence, innovation, and a strong sense of community. 
MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS: MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Personal Motto: "Character is Destiny" & Company Motto: "We Nearly Always Show Up" I’ve been a member of MPI off and on since 2005, starting with the Potomac Chapter. I like to meet interesting people in the events industry. Specifically, I like to meet, hang with, and commiserate with my colleague/competitors. When not mismanaging my businesses, New York's Best here and Washington's Best in D.C., I work as a music director/conductor in regional and Off Broadway productions. Outside of work, I bike 100 miles a week... even in the snow. I notice that other musicians tend to take turns belonging to MPI... I'd like to meet more of them. Events
Do you know someone in our chapter who goes above and beyond—an absolute superstar making a real impact on our industry? Now’s your chance to give them the recognition they deserve! To nominate someone, simply CLICK HERE to complete the online nomination form. The submission deadline is Monday, February 24, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate those who truly make a difference! Pre-Con
 Join Us for a Fulfilling Volunteer Activity with God’s Love We Deliver! Looking for an opportunity to make a real difference while connecting with colleagues? Join us for an inspiring Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity at God’s Love We Deliver, where we’ll be lending a hand in their Kitchen Projects. Register Here Together, we’ll help prepare and package meals that bring comfort and nourishment to people in the tri-state area who are too sick to shop or cook for themselves. Tasks may include: * Packaging meals with care * Chopping onions or peeling potatoes * Making meatballs or ladling soup * Scooping baked goods or preparing fresh herbs Every contribution, no matter how small, adds up to a life-changing impact for those in need. God’s Love We Deliver is the region’s leading provider of nutritious, individually tailored meals, and we’re excited to support their mission. Location: God's Love We Deliver Address: 166 Avenue of the Americas, NYC Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wednesday, March 12, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM First-time volunteers must create an individual account through the following link and be registered for the shift to ensure entry to the building.
Chapter Opportunities
Noteworthy Updates
Post-Con
 MPI Greater New York kicked off the year with our first educational event on January 28th, at Artechouse—a venue perfectly suited to the discussion. A special thank you to Dr. Richie Karaburun from the NYU Tisch School of Hospitality for sharing valuable insights on how emerging technologies will shape our industry in the years ahead. We were also fortunate to have an incredible panel featuring Alia Aljunied (AYN Studio), Jon Yianilos (Wizard Studios), and Carissa Parrish (NYC Tourism), who provided thoughtful perspectives on the real-world applications of event technology—the do’s, the don’ts, and what’s next. Following the discussion, attendees continued engaging conversations while enjoying catering by Deborah Miller Catering. Thank you to everyone who participated in making this event a success!
Connect
   Connect
Grow
You know the drill: flight delays, last-minute speaker cancellations, and unexpected coffee spills on your only clean blazer. It’s all part of the job, right? The fast-paced, high-stakes nature of the meetings profession can overwhelm even the most seasoned veterans. But amidst the chaos, finding small moments of mindfulness can be the key to reducing stress, improving focus, and feeling more in control. The good news? You don’t need hours of meditation or a serene retreat to make it happen—all you need is a few easy techniques that fit seamlessly into your busy day. Mindful breathing is one of the easiest ways to reset during a hectic schedule. The 5-5-5 Breath is a technique in which you inhale for five seconds, hold for five, and exhale for five—it can be done in less than 90 seconds and offers instant relief. Another powerful technique is the Anchor Point Method, where you choose a familiar object, like your conference badge or watch, and use it as a grounding tool. Simply touching it, noticing its texture, and repeating a calming phrase like “This moment is mine” can bring you back to the present. And for those times when stress takes a toll on your body, a Mini Body Scan can help—take a few seconds to check in with your posture and tension points, shake out any stress, roll your shoulders back, and remind yourself that you’re strong and adaptable. The best part about these mindfulness techniques? They’re subtle, quick, and can be done anywhere—whether you’re waiting for AV to reboot, standing in line for coffee, or dashing between breakout sessions. By incorporating these small habits into your daily life, you’ll find that staying calm and centered isn’t just possible—it’s the key to thriving in your role! Because let’s face it: as a meeting professional, the show must go on, and with a bit of mindfulness, you’ll be ready for anything. Mike Veny
2025 MPIGNY Marketing & Communications Committee Grow
Calendar and Events
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Committee of the Year
