Hello –

Wow, a huge shout-out and thank you to our members who completed the MPI Global 2021 survey. In the middle of a pandemic, we scored 84% in chapter member satisfaction. Seeing such a high score really matters to me, the board and all the other volunteers that drive this chapter. Knowing we are hitting marks makes us aim higher and do bigger, better things for our community.   

As most of you know, last year we created a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. The committee has been an integral part of moving the chapter forward and for this reason, the Office of the President has decided to add a director of diversity, equity and inclusion to our board of directors. The role is open and slated to be filled by Sept. 28. We are seeking a strong leader who can build on the work that our DEI Committee has already done and lead us up the path to ensure that we champion each and every one of our members. More information about the role can be found here, and you can apply here.

As we move forward and inch back to live, we have several volunteer opportunities available across all facets of the chapter. Whether you want to learn a new skill or hone an existing one, whether you have an hour or lots of time on your hands, we want you to be involved with our community. Committee descriptions and more information can be found here.

Last but certainly not least, it was FANTASTIC to be back in-person for not one but two events last month. First, our Annual Industry Summer Bash presented by HSMAI NYC at the brand new Margaritaville Resort Times Square was a perfect setting for seeing each other face-to-face again. Then we hosted our first After Six Mix since 2019 at Mustang Harry’s, bringing it back to the location of our first ever After Six Mix. It was great to see everyone, and I hope to see more of you at our upcoming events.

Please check out the rest of the newsletter below to see our upcoming offerings, event recaps, CSR activities and more.

Yours in hospitality – 
Laura

Laura Mulholland
President
MPI Greater New York

P.S. If you are not yet following us on our social media platforms, please do so here.

 Photo credit: One Chance Media

It’s been a long hard road to recovery from COVID-19’s impact on our industry. From fist bumps and foot shakes to masking and quarantine, from working from home to hybrid work environments, the pandemic has brought more than its share of challenges. And as we eagerly seek a measured return to face-to-face meetings, we are simultaneously balancing concerns over the Delta variant with ways to come together once again safely and considerately.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, Sept. 23, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. and join us for The Courtesy Cure – Rebooting Our Etiquette with Mister Manners, Thomas P. Farley.” Thomas will help us navigate the forgotten channel of business etiquette and steer us away from being androids to social beings once again. 

Registration will open soon, so please stay tuned!

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2021 MPIGNY FALL SOCIAL!

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

48 Lounge
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

More details and registration coming soon!

After a summer of great live events returning to the NYC events scene, we have one more waiting to make a come back. YES, the Annual Auction and Mixology Madness is back, live and in-person Wednesday, Nov. 3!

Join us for an evening of libations, excitement and winnings at our annual extravaganza! Where meeting and event professionals from the greater NYC area (including New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and beyond) come to network, bid on fantastic auction items and participate in a fierce mixology battle where supplier mixologists mix up their original cocktails.

We will have more details to share very soon, but for now, mark your calendars and prepare yourself for the MADNESS!

Please join your MPIGNY colleagues as we team up to raise money for God's Love We Deliver. After the COVID pandemic cancelled last year's event, the Race to Deliver returns to Central Park on Sunday, Nov. 21, and we are so excited to join our fellow fundraisers for this, the 28th annual, event IN PERSON!

Whether you run or walk, you will be helping one of New York City's most essential organizations provide healthy meals for the sick and homebound.

Date: Sunday, November 21, 2021
Time: 8:00am Adult Race
Location: Central Park, NYC
Race: 4 mile run/walk partnered with New York Road Runners

The race will be at full capacity and precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of participants. Several precautions being taken include no festival area, award ceremony and team tents. Masks are recommended at the start and finish of the race. 

How to Register for the Race:

• Step 1: Start registration Join Team MPIGNY. (Pay the $25 registration fee & create your own fundraising page). Registration fee will go toward the team fundraising goal.
• Step 2: You will receive an email from NYRR with an invitation code. You should receive this within 24-48 hours. Complete race registration on the New York Road Runners website.

For questions regarding registration, please contact Marisa Wilkes at marisa.wilkes@opensocieyfoundations.org.

On behalf of MPI New England, members of the MPI Greater New York chapter are invited to attend MPI NE Educational Institute (EI) on Nov. 22 -23. This year’s event will be hybrid with the in-person event taking place at beautiful Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino. In addition, there will be a virtual experience available, allowing attendees to participate in the way that works best for them. 

If you are not familiar with EI, it is the New England chapter’s premier educational conference offering engaging keynote speakers and innovative educational sessions. The conference is designed to provide professional development (including CMP credits) and create ample opportunities to network with event professionals and suppliers. 

Registration will open soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact Michele Yebba, VP Educational Institute, MPI NE, at michele_yebba@tjx.com.

The Summer Bash was a summer smash!

Since 1994, the Summer Bash has been the signature summer networking event for the hospitality industry. However, the pandemic that has decimated our community this past year left us uncertain as to the response for this year’s event. Our ace-in-the-hole was the venue. The Margaritaville Resort is a unique property that includes a year-round (weather permitting) outdoor pool and a laidback vibe that transcends the hustle and bustle of Times Square. Another potential concern was the requirement that all attendees provide proof of vaccination, but not one of the 200+ attendees balked at having to show their vax cards. Accolades to John Pasquale and his team, who went above and beyond to ensure that everyone had a positive experience. Margaritas were never in short supply, and the food was tasty and plentiful. Thanks also to our sponsors and partners and to all of the associations who joined in to celebrate New York’s resurgence with colleagues and clients.

Click here to check out more photos from the event!

Photos courtesy of SimonProPhoto.com

Our first After Six Mix of the year was held on Wednesday, Aug. 25, and it was the perfect way to wrap up the summer season. As we are starting to get back into the swing of in-person events, it felt really nice to have this group gathering. We had some fresh new faces join us for some great times, laughs and delicious bites. A special thanks to Mustang Harry’s for hosting us with the absolute best-in-class hospitality. Perfect location and great private upstairs space, it’s an amazing go-to spot.

With the next few months loaded with amazing events, we will be back for our next A6M to kick off the new year, so stay tuned! Looking forward to seeing everyone this fall!

This past Monday, City Guide, partnering with One World Observatory and more than 20 co-sponsors, held an Industry Fall kickoff event — NYC Tourism Is Back, Start Spreading Your News, officially ushering in the fall event season and declaring New York City open for business! Event attendees were treated to delicious passed hors d'oeuvres, desserts and tasty cocktails while taking in the breathtaking views only visible from 102 floors above Manhattan. By all accounts, the event was a hit, with much hugging, handshaking and networking, as colleagues reconnected and toasted to our collective success!

MPI Greater New York has an opening on our board for a director of diversity, equity & inclusion. 

As members of MPIGNY, we live in, work in and represent the most diverse city in America. As such, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is committed to ensuring that everyone not only feels included but also uplifted and celebrated.

It is crucial that the makeup of our chapter is reflected in the work that we do and the support that we offer through a unified mission. The Diversity & Inclusion Committee will champion developing diverse educational content, hosting forums that tackle pertinent issues, while creating pathways of inclusion in which everyone can thrive.

We are seeking a strong leader who can build on the work that our DEI Committee has already begun and lead us up the path to ensure that we champion each and every one of our members.   

Click here for a complete description of the role and here to access the online application.

We encourage all those interested in the role to complete the application no later than Sept. 14.

MPIGNY is interested in launching a Supplier Diversity Initiative test program and is asking for your thoughts. The goal of the initiative would be to identify and connect members who own or work for a women business enterprise (WBE)* or minority business enterprise (MBE)* to members who are actively seeking to diversify their global supply chain.

Find out more and complete our quick survey here. Now is your chance to be heard and help your chapter develop a meaningful and impactful DEI program!

We added a new campaign this year called "People of MPIGNY" and want to learn more about our incredible members! If you are interested in being featured, click the links below to read about some of our members and to complete the handful of questions to be considered for our next issue!

People of MPIGNY
People of MPIGNY Application

The MPI Foundation is focused on helping as many current members as possible retain their professional affiliation and the opportunity to continue to have access to all our resources. For more information, please contact Member Services at feedback@mpi.org.

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