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Message from Our President
Dear MPI Greater New York Chapter Members, As we welcome March, we embrace the arrival of spring—a season symbolizing renewal and growth. This month holds special significance as we celebrate Women's History Month, a time to honor the remarkable contributions of women who have shaped our society and industry. Celebrating Women's History Month Upcoming Events
 March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of women who have paved the way for future generations. As we reflect on the progress made, we honor the leaders who have broken barriers, championed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and empowered women to rise in leadership. From Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and a fierce advocate for gender and racial equity, to Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire who uplifted Black women entrepreneurs, history is filled with trailblazers who have redefined leadership. We recognize Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose relentless fight for gender equality shaped landmark policies, and Dolores Huerta, a civil rights icon advocating for labor rights and social justice. Their legacy reminds us that while progress has been made, the journey continues. Within MPI Greater New York, we celebrate the incredible women in our chapter who are driving change, leading with purpose, and fostering inclusive spaces in the meetings and events industry. Your voices, leadership, and contributions make a lasting impact. This month, let’s take the time to uplift and support the women around us. Let’s mentor, advocate, and continue creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders. Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape a more inclusive future. Jennifer Rondinelli Immediate Past President #WomensHistoryMonth #LeadWithImpact #DEIMatters
MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS: THE DIRECTORS' DEN
I'm David Hughes, and I am in my second year of service as the Chapter Representative for MPI Greater New York on the MPI Regional Council Northeast US. The MPI Regional Council Northeast US includes representatives from eight chapters ranging from the MPI New England Chapter down to MPI Potomac Chapter and over to MPI Pittsburgh Chapter. The goal of each Regional Council is to provide strategic leadership and to promote consistency, innovation and the highest standards of performance. I am in my 25th year as an MPI member. I am currently the Director of Group Sales at Sheraton New York Times Square. My long-time favorite event to attend annually is the World Championships for Drum Corps International. The logistics are mindboggling for this culmination of DCI's summer tour, and the organizers always work miracles in pulling it all together. If I had a superpower to improve our industry, it would be to be to simultaneously increase event budgets while containing escalating event costs like AV and F&B. My vision for the future of our chapter is to continue being on the leading edge of technology-driven changes in our industry from AI to VR & AR to 6G and beyond through effective partnerships with thought leaders, vendors, and other like-minded industry associations.
MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS: MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
As a passionate culinary professional born into a family of farmers and fishermen in Puglia, Italy, I have always had a deep appreciation for the Mediterranean lifestyle and its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Growing up alongside the Adriatic Sea, I was fortunate to experience firsthand the joys of the Mediterranean diet, which instilled in me a love for healthy, flavorful food and the importance of the dinner table as a family In 2010, I founded Alloro New York Private Dining, a private chef and hospitality company that brings authentic Italian culinary experiences into the homes, yachts and private jets of clients in New York and the Tri-state area. My mission is to share my cherished heritage of Puglia and Southern Italy, transforming long-forgotten, centuries-old recipes into unforgettable dining experiences.
I am committed to nurturing connections through food, celebrating culture, and delivering excellence as a personal chef. I invite you to join me on this journey as we explore the rich tapestry of Italian cuisine together. A member of MPI for over two years, I joined to promote a healthier lifestyle and a more sustainable food system. Outside of work, I enjoy helping people and I look forward to connecting with all those who believe in the power of love. Events
Global Meetings Industry Day is a time for meeting and event professionals to come together and celebrate the incredible impact of what we do. Face-to-face meetings and events not only drive organizations’ bottom lines, they drive cultures, communities and humanity forward. GMID is the perfect shared opportunity to connect, learn and refuel for the year ahead. Next Stops Along The Way March 20th: Africa March 27th: Central and South America GMID April 3rd: North America *The online sessions in March will be broadcast at a specific time and available also to watch on 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, 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.  Join us on March 19, 2025, at City Winery NYC for an unforgettable evening honoring the achievements, dedication, and innovation of our industry’s finest professionals. This signature event brings together meeting and event industry leaders, partners, and peers for an inspiring night of networking, recognition, and celebration. Enjoy a welcome reception, followed by a curated dining experience, live entertainment, and the prestigious Genie Awards Ceremony, where we spotlight the outstanding contributions of our chapter members. Come together with your industry colleagues to connect, celebrate, and be inspired as we applaud those shaping the future of events. Secure your spot and be part of this incredible evening! ◊Non-Member Planner: $85
◊Non-Member Supplier: $200 ♦Member Planner: $65 ♦Member Supplier: $125  Transform your event video content in one session with "Video Content Simplified for Event Professionals: Strategy, Creation, and Optimization." Learn Jera Bean's proven "3-Step Video Success Framework," then master venue-specific filming with David Ma's "15-Min Event Film School" that teaches planners to shoot like directors. Walk away with practical techniques to immediately elevate your event documentation and marketing videos—no experience or fancy equipment needed. Join us to discover video content skills that showcase event value, drive attendee engagement, and deliver measurable ROI for your clients.
GMID Date: April 3, 2025 Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: Planet Hollywood NYC PROGRAM 5:00 - 6:00 PM - Networking and reception (lite bites) 6:00 - 7:00 PM - Programming 7:00 - 8:00 PM - Networking (lite dessert) Pricing for GMID - All Associations Below: ILEA, MPI, PCMA, SITE, IAEE Member Planner: $85 Member Supplier: $115 Nonmember Planner: $100 Nonmember Supplier: $150
Chapter Opportunities
Post-Con
 MPIGNY has been absolutely loving our recent partnership with ILEANY Metro, and our latest networking events have been nothing short of spectacular! On February 18th, we teamed up to host an incredible Winter Social at Electric Shuffle USA, and our venue host, Kristin Forkin Collins, made sure the night was an unforgettable success. From the moment we walked through the doors, we were welcomed with outstanding hospitality, lively décor, and fantastic music. The food and drinks were abundant, and of course, the shuffleboard games brought out some fun, friendly competition. A huge congratulations to MPIGNY member Jen Wilson, who scored the highest of the night! Then, on March 4th, we joined forces with ILEA once again for our New Member Networking Event at Raines Law Room at The William. The venue pulled out all the stops, offering an exceptional spread—from caviar to sushi—perfectly paired with specialty cocktails. With its "old New York" speakeasy ambiance and impeccable service, the setting was ideal for meaningful industry connections. A special thanks to our venue host, Lauren Davis, and her team for curating such an incredible experience.
 On February 19th, we had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at God’s Love We Deliver, where we helped package meals for individuals in our community who are unable to shop for or prepare meals due to illness. It was a truly meaningful experience to be part of an organization that provides nourishment and care to those who need it most. Together, we worked to ensure that every meal was prepared with love. The energy, teamwork, and shared commitment to service made the day both rewarding and inspiring. Many thanks to David Fletcher, Colleen Jasinski, and Jacqueline Seltzer for joining us! We hope you’ll join us for our next God’s Love We Deliver activity! It’s a great way to give back, network with colleagues, and meet new people. Stay tuned for details on upcoming volunteer opportunities—we’d love to have you with us!
Connect
I'm sure you've heard the old saying you only get out, what you put into it.This addage still rings true today in everything we do—including our MPI Membership. Don't throw your membership dollars away by paying dues and then... doing nothing. Make your membership work for you by getting involved, attending events, and making new connections. The best that could happen: you land a huge partnership and increase your revenue stream. The worst that could happen: you make a new life-long friend and colleage. 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 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.
   Connect
Grow
Handling challenging clients is an inevitable part of any meeting professional's job. To navigate these situations with compassion, staying grounded is crucial. This might involve incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation, ensuring you're well-hydrated, and maintaining a regular exercise routine. The better you are at being consistent with these habits, the better you will be able to deal with difficult client In addition to self-care, effective communication is key. When talking to clients, speak in a calm, measured tone, and be willing to offer sincere apologies when necessary. However, setting boundaries and recognizing that you don't have to tolerate abusive behavior is also essential. Balancing empathy with assertiveness ensures a respectful and productive working relationship with your clients. Mike Veny
2025 MPIGNY Marketing & Communications Committee Grow
Calendar and Events
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