onsite 2014 january-february issue
DESCRIPTION
The OnSite January-February Newsletter is published by MPI New Jersey a chapter of MPI International.TRANSCRIPT
2 january/february 2014 www.mpinewjersey.org
Happy New Year NJ ChapterMembers!
I hope the Holidays were full of joy andnew memories with friends and families.As President, I wish you much success in2014 and thank you for continuing withyour NJ Chapter membership!
As we begin 2014, I am sure many of ushave thought and/or written down goalswe want to accomplish in theNew Year. The NJ Chapteris here to assist you in yourprofession with educational,motivational and network-ing programs. I encourageyou to visit the website forupcoming programs andregister early.
Every year, MPI conducts aMembership Chapter Survey. This Sur-vey will begin February 14 and end Feb-ruary 28. The survey has a two weekwindow and will take approximately 15minutes to complete. On February 14,each member will receive a link to thesurvey. This link is unique to you andcannot be shared.
I would like to take the opportunity inthis President's Message to emphasizehow essential this Survey is to all of us asChapter members. In 2013, we had a
total of 140 members participate in thesurvey. Of those that responded, 49%scored the Chapter high, 36% mediumand 16% low. The Chapter’s averagescore was 6.97, slightly better from 2012.
Our goals for the February 14, Survey isto achieve a score of 7.91 or higher! Wecan make this a reality if we all do ourpart. If you have attended 1+ EducationPrograms since September 2013, please
take the survey!
What is at stake for member-ship? First, additional fundingfor the Chapter, second, rankingamongst all MPI Chapters andthe most important knowingwhat you think the chapter isdoing right and what we can im-prove upon to make the Chapterthe best it can be.
In the coming weeks, we will be provid-ing additional details via Social Media,phone calls and email blasts. I look for-ward to your participation and feedbackmaking this a highly productive 2014 forus all.
I wish you much success,optimism and strength in 2014!Julia Ramos, CMPMPI NJ Chapter President2013-2014
www.mpinewjersey.org january/february 2014 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEIn this issueWhat’s New At MPI-NJ?Page 4
Meeting Move Us ForwardPage 5
Behind the Scenes ofSuperbowl 2014Page 6 9
Food Fight!A Game Without All the MessPage 10 12
Satisfaction SurveyPage 13
GBTA and MPI Launch NewCMM Designation Program Page 14 15
MPI Got Melissa WinfieldHer JobPage 16 17
Standing for Hours andEnjoying itPage 18
MPINJ Strategic PartnersPage 19
MPINJ Executive BoardPage 20
MPINJ Board of DirectorsPage 20
MPINJ Committee ChairsPage 21
January 24, 2014 9:30 AM – 12:00 PMEducational ProgramSay It Better with Kare AndersonThe Heldrich HotelNew Brunswick, NJREGISTER NOW
February 12, 2014Educational ProgramPortrait of an American TravelerWith Peter YesawichCollege of Saint ElizabethMorristown, NJ
June 26, 2014Annual Golf OutingRoyce Brook Country ClubHillsborough, NJ
OTHER MPI CHAPTER EVENTS
January 17, 201411:00 AM – 3:00 PMMPIGreater New York Chapter Education Program: Live & Learn or Diepresented by Dave Mitchell
OTHER INDUSTRY EVENTSFebruary 7, 20146:30 PM – 9:30 PMNJBTA Charity GalaWaterside CaféNorth Bergen, NJREGISTER NOW
February 23 – 25, 2014European Meetings & Events ConferenceIstanbul, Turkey
May 20 22, 2014IMEXFrankfurt, Germany
2014 MPI-NJ Events
4 january/february 2014 www.mpinewjersey.org
It is just the beginning of January 2014 andthe question I receive most at the MPI-NJChapter office is “when is the MPI-NJ Golf
Tournament?”
The official date of the MPI-NJ Chapter GolfTournament is Thursday, June 26, 2014 atRoyce Brook Golf Club in Hillsborough, NJ.PLEASE SAVE THE DATE!
If you are new to MPI-NJ Chapter, you will sooncome to realize that this is the biggest and bestfun event of the year. We are lucky to have allthe support of our fabulous sponsors andvolunteers! Details will be posted onwww.mpinewjersey.org shortly. For moreinformation, please contact our golf chair,Melissa Ullmann at [email protected] call 215-636-3333. Melissa is looking for agolf Co-Chair. If you can STEP UP and help outat this fabulous event, we would reallyappreciate it.
Attention Sponsors! You DO NOT have to waituntil June to PARTNER with MPI-NJ Chapter.
Let’s start right now!
We have several GREAT and COST EFFECTIVEways for YOU to reach OVER 2,000 meetingprofessionals who are searching NOW forexciting properties, unique venues, excellentmeeting services, new products, technology andmore!
MPI-NJ Chapter is offering advertisements onour website (www.mpinewjersey.org) for as littleas $95.00 a month or color advertisements inour digital online newsletter, OnSite, for only$625.00 an issue (1/4 page ad) and many otheroptions. You can also choose just one issue tosend out a special promotion or you can chooseall six issues!
For a sample of OnSite, please click here.
For a complete advertising kit/rate sheet/orderform, please click here.
Please contact me at the MPI-NJ Chapteroffice by January 20th to place anadvertisement on our website by February 1.Or call me at 201-875-2476 or e-mail [email protected] any time to discussall your options!
Happy New Year 2014! We look forward topartnering with you in 2014 and making thisthe best year to date!
Ruth Marion, CMP MPI-NJ [email protected]
What’sNewAtMPI-NJ?
A mountain of possibilities.
KEYSTONECONFERENCES.COM | 877.625.1539
LARGEST CONFERENCE CENTER IN THE ROCKIES(BOOYAH)
www.mpinewjersey.org january/february 2014 5
MPI is launching our Meetings Move UsForwardSM grassroots effort this week,which includes the unveiling of a new
section of our website and resources for promotingour industry. Our goal with this effort is to helpteach members how to talk about the meeting andevent industry in a consistent and meaningful wayusing a common language.
As you may recall, the grassroots communicationseffort began in July 2012 when MPI formed a taskforce to explore ways to tell our industry's storyand promote the value it delivers in the U.S. Thatgroup determined it was critical to define ourindustry and show the diversity, breadth andimpact as well as the important role it plays in oureconomy. So, a core message platform wascreated, validated, refined and put into action bythe MPI Marketing & Communications Team.Over the past year, we have integrated this coremessage platform into MPI publications,marketing and communications – all in an effortto tell our industry’s story.
Now, we are launching the Meetings Move UsForwardSM grassroots effort so members can telltheir own story and help garner recognition forour industry and the work we do. As part of thiseffort, conceptualized in late 2012, we havecreated a number of resources for our membersand the broader meeting and event community,including the following .• Brief Industry Documentary Video• 1-Minute Television Commercial• When We Meet, We Change The World Video• Print and Web Ads• Core Message Platform• Fact Sheet• Presentation• Articles & Studies• Relaunch of I Am MPI Initiative• Storytelling Template• Link to U.S. Travel Association
MPI invested $25,000 towards the production anddistribution of the documentary and commercial,which will reach 60 million and 84 millionhouseholds, respectively. An edited version of thedocumentary will be aired on public television inJanuary 2014, with introductory and closingsegments featuring award-winning actor, MartinSheen. The television commercial will airnationwide starting in January as well. We’ll sharemore details on the timing of these televisionappearances in the next couple of weeks.
In the meantime, we encourage you to check outthe different Meetings Move Us ForwardSMresources online at www.mpiweb.org/forward.Also, we have created a presentation to help youpromote the Meetings Move Us ForwardSMgrassroots effort among our membership duringchapter meetings. You can find this presentationas well as supporting talking points on the ChapterLeader Resources page in the Marketing &Communication section. If you have questions,please do not hesitate to contact me directly at972-702-3044 or [email protected]. Asalways, thank you for your support.
Caroline JohnsonSenior Director, Marketing & CommunicationsMeeting Professionals International
MPI-NEW JERSEY - MEETINGS MOVE US FORWARDSM
Come hear Peter Yesawich speak:MPI NJ Educational Program
Portrait of American Travelers 2013Wednesday, February 12, 2014
11:00 AM – 2:00 PMCollege of Saint Elizabeth, 2 Convent
Road, Morristown, NJPeter C. Yesawich is vice chairman ofMMGY Global, America’s leading marketing,
advertising and public relations agency serving travel, leisure and lifestyleclients. The agency represents clients in every category of the travel in-dustry through offices across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Eu-rope.
MMGY is an integrated marketing communications company that is knownfor its strategic thinking, breakthrough creativity and innovation in market-ing practice. The firm’s Research & Brand Strategy Group is also regardedas one of the most respected sources of insights on the emerging travelhabits, preferences and intentions of Americans and coauthors the widelyacclaimed Portrait of American TravelersSM survey with Harrison Group,LLC.
Yesawich is a frequent commentator on travel trends in such publicationsas The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal,USA Today, Time, Newsweek and Business Week. He is also featured onthe CNN, CNBC, MSNBC and BBC World television networks andNational Public Radio. He serves as a featured columnist in severalindustry trade publications and has authored numerous articles onmarketing and advertising strategy in professional journals. He is also acoauthor of Marketing Leadership in Hospitality published by Prentice Hall.
Listed in Who’s Who in America, Yesawich is the recipient of the WorldTravel Award from the American Association of Travel Editors, The AlbertE. Koehl Award from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association Inter-national (HSMAI) and the Silver Medal from the American Advertising Fed-eration. He was also named one of the 25 Most Extraordinary MarketingMinds by HSMAI and is a former member of the board of directors of theU.S. Travel Association.
Yesawich received three degrees from Cornell, including a doctorate in ap-plied psychology, and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Pro-gram at Yale.
PETER C. YESAWICHVice Chairman, MMGY Global
6 january/february 2014 www.mpinewjersey.org
BEHIND THE SCENES O
Yes! We are ready forsome Football - SuperBowl XLVIII, February 2,
2014 is being played atMetLife Stadium. This is thefirst time the Super Bowl hasever been held in the NY/NJarea and is being hosted by twoteams.
With Super Bowl XLVIII beingonly a few weeks away, I hadthe opportunity to find outfrom several key businessexecutives involved with theSuper Bowl, just how they arepreparing for all theevents/activities leading up togame day.
MayorMichaelGonnelliSecaucus, NJ
This is a veryexciting andbusy time forthe SuperBowl Events
Planning Committee and me asMayor. With Super BowlXLVIII on the horizon,Secaucus will be hosting aWinter Blast which willincorporate three separateevents:
Saturday, January 25, a SuperBall Gala where attendees willenjoy cocktails, appetizers,silent and live auction items ofjewelry, sports memorabilia,fantasy adventures, trips, anddesigner handbags, as well aslive entertainment and afashion show.
Monday, January 27, TheSyncronetts, 2013 Junior U.S.Synchronized Ice Skating Teamwill perform in the 200 ft. x 85ft. indoor ice skating rinkfollowed by skating lessons,
pictures, and autographsigning.
Thursday, January 30 -Saturday, February 1, the Pre-Game Before the Big Game inBuchmuller Park will beunderway. There will be avariety of hockey games, FoodTruck Mash Up, Beer Gardenhosted by Charlie’s Corner Bar,radio stations on site Fridayand Saturday nights providinggreat music, giveaways andprizes, family friendlyactivities and games on thelittle league field, vendorvillage, fashion trucks as wellas live musical performancesand open skating during non-game times.
We created these events toappeal to the large number ofvisitors staying in Secaucus's15 hotels, approximately 7,125residents, and the nearly400,000 commuters andvisitors that pass throughHudson County on a dailybasis. With all of thisadditional traffic andexcitement in our area, duringthis historical time, there is atremendous opportunity forSecaucus to showcase the town,it's 30 restaurants appealing todiverse pallets and cultures, aswell as 13 designer outlets andretail stores, our recreationcenter and parks. My hope isthat people visiting Secaucuswill like what it has to offerand they will come back andvisit, stay in our hotels, eat atour restaurants, shop in ourstores and jump on the trainand be in NYC in 10 minutes.
Putting together these eventshas been very exciting.However, there have also beenchallenges, as with anyundertaking this large . The
good news is that we haveworked through the difficultiesand are moving forward with avery exciting line up of events,that will be fun for the wholefamily to enjoy. The proceedsof these events will benefitthree worthwhile 501c3organizations SecaucusEmergency Fund, K & S, andSpectrum Works. This is whatmakes all of the effort it takesto organize an event like thisworthwhile.
CM: Mr. Mayor, What doesSuper Bowl 2014 mean to NJbusinesses (hotels, restaurants, etc.)?
MG: Added revenue andexposure.
CM: How will the Super Bowleffect transportation andtraffic flow in the areas surrounding Super Bowl?
MG: I feel transportation andtraffic flow in the areassurrounding MetLife Stadiumwill increase to a degree.
www.mpinewjersey.org january/february 2014 7
OF SUPERBOWL 2014
However, because of addedsecurity measures, this SuperBowl is going to predominatelybe a commuter event. We areplanning for shuttle busservices to and from BuchmullerPark, the location SecaucusWinter Blast will take place, inorder to help eliminate anypotential traffic flow problemsin our town.
CM: Snow or no snow? I haveheard some people say thatthey want a little snow tomake it a real NJ/NY winterSuper Bowl experience whileothers say no. Your thoughts?
MG: Definitely snow! I wouldlike for people who are visitingto get to experience theexcitement of a snowy gameday.
CM: What are you mostlooking forward to on gameday?
MG: Sitting home relaxingand watching the game with myfamily.
RonSimonciniPresidentat AxiomCommunicationsand Owner,MRCCVenture 1
CM: Ron,what is your role in preparingfor the Super Bowl?
RS: My role in the super bowlis to represent theMeadowlands RegionalChamber as it seeks to brandthe region. I am the co-chairof the Meadowlands HuddleZone marketing committee,which is a locally authorizedgroup promoting the gamewithin our region. I have beensomewhat entrepreneurial anddeveloped programs that takeadvantage of the large group ofpeople associated with thegame, in particular advising myclients on opportunities toutilize their assets anddeveloping events to createbusiness opportunities for localbusinesses.
CM: What are theopportunities for hotels,restaurants and businesses inthe NY/NJ area?
RS: When the Super Bowlcomes to your town, the hotels,major meeting spaces andpreferred restaurants getbooked early or are part of thebid package and they have avery good week. It might be agood enough week to create anexceptional quarter andperhaps even make thedifference between a good anda great year.
The larger parties and eventsalready have producers, eitherworking directly with the NFLor the annual hosts of thoseevents. The good news is,there is a lot of activity thathappens around the game that“local businesses” can be partof, because the NFL is not theonly source of business relatedto the game. There are all sortsof organizations looking foropportunities to address theirlocal constituencies and the150,000 people who want tocelebrate but have noconnection to the game itself.
CM: How have you promotedthe Super Bowl in the NY/NJarea?
RS: Some of the things wehave done include the BigGame Experience, a showcasefor local entertainment andevent-oriented vendors. Wecaptured these providers at awebsite,www.thebiggameexperience.com,which then became a referenceresource that could be used bythe host committee or visitingorganizations or even primaryvendors looking for support.We also encouraged non-sponsors of the game todevelop opportunities to serveor benefit from the gameoutside of the authorizedparticipants.
For example, Meadowlandsbusinesses helped developticket brokerage solutions,parties, concerts, educationalprograms and other activities— all the while maintaining awelcome posture to the HostCommittee to address anyneeds for which it reaches out.
Continued on page 8
8 january/february 2014 www.mpinewjersey.org
BEHIND THE SCENES OF SUPERB
Frank J.VuonoPartner16WMarketing,LLC.
CM: Frank,are you andyour team
ready for Super Bowl XLVIII?
FV: With Super Bowl only afew weeks away, the focus willturn to our backyard in EastRutherford, the location of thisyear’s pinnacle of all sportingevents in our country - SuperBowl XLVIII. For an entireweek, a wave of sponsors, teamexecutives, media and fans willgather together to celebratewhat has become in essence anational holiday. It’s alwaysfun to catch up with longtimefriends in the industry who wedon't see throughout the year.
CM: What events arehappening in the NY/NJ area?
FV: The events thataccompany the gamethroughout the week aresecond to none and are notexperienced anywhere else.For example, Bud Light hasrented a massive cruise ship onthe Hudson to host andentertain thousands of guests.DirecTV will throw its seventhannual Celebrity Beach Bowl(in Jan/Feb no less!) featuringcelebrities and athletes at NewYork City’s Pier 40. On ourside of the river, the NFL willhold Media Day, which hasamazingly evolved into a fanattended event, at Newark’sPrudential Center.
For my partner Steve Rosnerand I, and our company 16WMarketing, it is the singlebusiest week of the year,
beginning with multipleappearances for some of ourhigh-profile talent includingPhil Simms, Boomer Esiason,Howie Long, Cris Collinsworthand others. We will behosting/attending many eventswe helped organize for ourcorporate clients, as well as"official" events run by theNFL, the Host Committee, andthe Pro Football Hall of Fame.Our 16W annual Super Bowlparty will be held in ourbackyard in Carlstadt, NJ forour clients and friends in theindustry.
CM: What about Game Day?
FV: Game day will besomething local businesseshave never experienced before,with a multitude of morningand afternoon events leadingup to the game. Local game dayheadquarters and events willinclude StubHub at HarmonMeadow in Secaucus, NFL &Host Committee at theMeadowlands Racetrack inEast Rutherford, Pro FootballHall of Fame at Redd’s inCarlstadt and many otherevents in and around MetLifeStadium.
CM: Your thoughts aboutsnow on game day?
FV: Maybe the only variablethe NFL will not be able tocontrol is the weather. Whilecold weather is inevitable, theLeague and Host Committeeis hopeful that no inclementweather paralyzes the region inthe days leading up to gameday. However, it would makefor some great viewing ontelevision if we had a lightsnowfall on Super BowlSunday. I am hoping my goodfriend, the late Steve Sabol of
NFL Films fame, will somehowarrange for that dramaticsetting.
StephenBorgPresidentNorth JerseyMediaGroup
CM:Stephen, howis NorthJersey Media Group involvedwith the Super Bowl?
SB: The NY/NJ Super BowlHost Committee has selectedNorth Jersey Media Group tohelp publish the Committee’sCommemorative Magazine.North Jersey will assist ineditorial, design, ad sales,printing and distribution.
150,000 copies of the magazinewill be distributed at hotelsand other select locations inthe days prior to Super BowlXLVIII, played at MetLifeStadium on February 2, 2014.The magazine will providebehind-the-scenes access tothe making of the big game,the first ever played in the NewYork/New Jersey region and inan open-air venue in a cold-weather city. The magazinewill also help visitors knowwhere to eat, shop and visitduring their stay.
Proceeds of the magazine willbenefit the Host Committee’sNY/NJ Snowflake YouthFoundation, whose purpose istransform after-schoolfacilities for youth in the NewJersey and New York metroarea.
The Host Committee’s missionis to create a memorable Super
BOWL 2014 (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7)
www.mpinewjersey.org january/february 2014 9
Must be 21 years of age or older to enter the Sands Casino.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER.
DESTINATION INNOVATION.At Sands Bethlehem, we’ve assembled the best and the brightest to assure meetings and tradeshows go beyond the expected. Our 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 14,000 sq. ft. of tradeshow space merge seamlessly with our exceptional accommodations and exquisite catering. We offer the latest in technology, 10 dining choices, legendary entertainment, outlet shopping, rejuvenating spa services and so much more.
Simply stated, we’re at the top of our game so you can be at the top of yours.
Book your meeting or conference today by calling Alyssa Lippincott at 484.777.7497 or email [email protected].
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Bowl week for all – includingresidents, visitors, businesses,the NFL, team owners andsponsors and partners — andestablish the New York/NewJersey region as the place to gofor big events.
North Jersey Media Grouppublishes The Record,northjersey.com, bergen.com,more than 40 communitynewspapers and severalmagazines including (201).
We are excited. The magazineis fully sold out. Finishingtouches are being made on theeditorial. The cover is great.We will go to print in earlyJanuary so there is plenty oftime to make sure it is perfect.We thank the Host Committeefor this wonderful opportunity.
I would like to thank all mycontributors for taking timeout of their busy schedules tolet us know all that ishappening behind the scenesand leading up to Super BowlXLVIII.
Carol Malinky,CMPDirector ofInternalCommunicationsC.A.MalinkyCommunications201-232-0110
“Mark Your Calendars”The 2014 MPI -NJGolf Tournament
will be held June 26that
Royce BrookCountry Club
Follow us on Twitterand Facebook for
more to come on ourfavorite
June Event andFundraiser!
10 january/february 2014 www.mpinewjersey.org
FOOD FIGHT! A GAME W
When we meet we usually eat…but not verywell.
Eating is a major life activity. The food we eat fuels ourbodies and minds. It is vital for our survival andperformance. Meetings are vital too, in a different way.They provide opportunities to learn, collaborate andconduct business.
But until recently we didn’t think much about the foodwe served at events. A hotel banquet menu from DesMoines looked just like the one from DC, San Diego,Dallas and Las Vegas. Our main consideration wasmaking sure we didn’t serve the same thing we didyesterday.
And, eating in our time has gotten a bit complicated.Countless experts tell us to eat this, not that. Shuncarbs. Cut back on red meat. Dodge grains. Reducesodium. Avoid high-fructose corn syrup. Eat moreplants.
At events, these practices make providing F&B evenmore complicated. From accommodating guestsconflicting diet regimens and food allergies tosourcing locally and feeding participants brains, it ishard to figure out what to serve and to whom.
But with the growing number of dietary needs beingrequested at events, it's about time we understoodwhat they are and how to incorporate them into ourmenus because it is becoming standard fare.
www.mpinewjersey.org january/february 2014 11
WITHOUT ALL THE MESS
At your October 2013 meeting I had the opportunity toprovide you education on the needs and theopportunities of feeding guests with dietary needs.The 30-minute presentation and subsequent“Jeopardy”-style trivia game reinforced the educationin a fun, and interactive way.
Hopefully what you learned will help you look atmenus differently, ask your participants about theirneeds, and work with your food and beverage serviceproviders to create menus that are healthy, safe anddelicious for all.
Food Fight Q&A
A: Eggs, Milk, Soy, Wheat, Fish, Shellfish, Tree Nuts,PeanutsQ: What are the 8 Foods Cause 90% of all AllergicReactions?
A: A serious allergic reaction that occurs rapidly andmay cause death. Q: What is Anaphylaxis?
Continued on page 12
12 january/february 2014 www.mpinewjersey.org
FOOD FIGHT! (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11)
A: Honey, dairy, eggs, chicken, pork, red meatQ: What are foods NOT in a vegan diet?
A: This dietary practice aligned with Cross-Fit anddesigned around a caveman’s diet avoids all grainsQ: What is Paleo?
A: Quinoa, lentils, legumes, nuts & beans are goodsources of this for vegetarians and vegansQ: What is protein?
A: This activity was added to the ADA’s list of majorlife activities in 2008Q: What is Eating?
A: A common ingredient in Twizzlers, Pretzels,Snickers, Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream Bars and Biscotti,favorite afternoon break items.Q: What is Wheat?
A: At this final planning meeting, all special mealrequests should be reviewed & confirmed and serviceprocedures verified.Q: What is the Pre-con?
A: Some wines may not be acceptable for vegan guestsor those with food allergies because these items maybe used in the filtering processQ: Eggs or Fish Skin
Article by:Tracy Stuckrath,
CSEP, CMM, CHC
www.mpinewjersey.org january/february 2014 13
MPI CHAPTER SATISFACTION SURVEY
K nowing how to best meet your needs andexceed your expectations is important to yourNJ Chapter leaders and MPI staff. As a MPI
member, we appreciate your input and want to knowwhat is important to you as part of the chapter andthe industry. Sharing your feedback about your MPIexperience is extremely important to MPI and takesjust 15 to 20 minutes.
If you have attended more than one educationprogram, we want to hear what you have to say tohelp us continually improve and grow the NJ Chapter.
Out of respect for your time, International andChapters have collaborated to only issue onesatisfaction survey to the membership. We’ve donethis because your feedback is important and enablesMPI to improve programs and services to better meetyour needs. We will use your input to makeadjustments, refine and deliver greater value to you. On February 14, you will receive an email from MPIwith a unique link to you. Please fill the survey out assoon as possible. The survey will be available for onlytwo (2) weeks. The 15-20 minutes to fill out thesurvey is time well spent and appreciated.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to completeour survey.
MPI-NJ Chapter Board of Directors
New, Transfer & Affiliate MembersNEW MEMBERSMERVAT ALSAYEDStudentBrookdale College172 Townsend DrFreehold, NJ 07728
FELICIA DAVISSalesAtlantic City Convention &Visitor Authority2314 Pacific AveAtlantic City, NJ 08401
MICHELLE ELEJALDECorporate Sales ManagerHilton Woodcliff Lake200 Tice BlvdWoodcliff Lake, NJ 07066
TOSHAMALLA McCLOUDDivision Meeting ManagerKessler Institute forRehablitlation1199 Pleasant Valley WayWest Orange, NJ 07052
ABIGAIL OLOFINStudentBrookdale College47, BeamwayDagenham, Essex,RM10 8XR, UK
REBECCA PLAUTDirector, Global AccountsOmni Hotels GlobalSales Office551 Madison AvenueNew York, NY 10017
LORI RABONGeneral ManagerNassau Inn10 Palmer Square EPrinceton, NJ 08542
TRANSFERSMICHELLE DOMINGUEZDirector of CorporateNational Sales ManagerVenetian/Palazzo Resort &Casino3355 Las Vegas Blvd SLas Vegas, NV 89109
AFFILIATE MEMBERRYAN THOMPSONSales ManagerSonesta ResortHilton Head Island130 Shipyard DriveHilton Head Island, SC 29928
This listing contains all New Members,Chapter Transfer Members and Affiliate
Members fromNovember 1 to December 30, 2013.
If you should not be listed please contact:[email protected]
14 january/february 2014 www.mpinewjersey.org
GBTA AND MPI LAUNCH NEW C
Collaboration DeliversRobust Business Educationfor Meeting and TravelProfessionals
DALLAS, TX and ALEXANDRIA,VA, December 18, 2013 — TheGlobal Business TravelAssociation (GBTA) and MeetingProfessionals International (MPI)announced today that they havejoined forces to create the newCMM Designation Program, thebusiness standard of excellence formeeting and travel professionals.The program, which is the firstand only collaborative designationfor meeting and travelprofessionals, features anintensive business managementstudy program led by highlyesteemed university professorsfrom renowned business schools.
Together, GBTA and MPIdesigned the CMM DesignationProgram to help meeting andtravel professionals strengthentheir business acumen andadvance their careers. Participantswill learn critical business skillssuch as risk mitigation, businessanalytics and compliance,strategic negotiation and more.The program is an evolution of theprestigious Certificate in Meeting
Management program created byMPI in the mid-1990s and payshomage to the highly regardedCMM designation.
“We are pleased to offer the newCMM Designation Program inpartnership with GBTA to meetingand travel professionals aroundthe world,” said Paul VanDeventer, president and CEO ofMPI. “Over the past year, MPI hasbeen transforming in order tobetter serve our members and partof this transformation involvedtaking the Certificate in MeetingManagement program to the nextlevel. CMM has been a revereddesignation within the meetingand event industry for some time,and we believe the value CMM hasestablished will translate wellwithin the travel industry and as astandalone trademark.”
The development of the new CMMDesignation Program originatedwhen GBTA and MPI formed alimited liability company (LLC)and developed an executivesteering committee tasked withcreating the leading globalbusiness management educationprogram for the meeting andtravel industries.
“GBTA is pleased to join forceswith MPI to offer this newprogram that will quickly becomethe business standard ofexcellence for both meeting andtravel professionals,” said MichaelW. McCormick, executive directorand COO of GBTA. “The newCMM Designation Program withMPI will offer our collectivemembers the opportunity to learnnew skills and grow their careers.”
Path to Designation
To achieve the new designation,participants must complete threedistinct phases. Phase 1 includes3.5 days of rigorous onsitebusiness education sessionsadministered by universityprofessors. It also requiresparticipation in two self-ledwebinars
During phase 2 of the program,participants must attend a one-day boot camp at which they willpartake in either meeting or travelfocused sessions taught byindustry-leading subject matterexperts. The boot camps willinitially be offered annually duringboth GBTA and MPI conventions.The third phase involves thedevelopment of an independentwork-based project. Thereafter,program participants are grantedthe CMM designation.
While continuing educationcredits are not required tomaintain the designation, existingand new CMM holders areencouraged to attend CMMconclaves hosted by both GBTAand MPI annually starting in2014. At the conclaves, new CMMholders join the outstandingcommunity of CMM leaders torefresh their business skills,network and become part of theCMM legacy.
www.mpinewjersey.org january/february 2014 15
CMM DESIGNATION PROGRAM
With the launch of this newprogram, all current CMMdesignations will continue to besupported by MPI and now byGBTA as well. As such,professionals that achieved theformer Certificate in MeetingManagement designation willretain the CMM designation.
“Our combined vision was toevolve CMM to mean more than acertificate for meetingprofessionals, so it is no longerdefined as an acronym. CMM isnow a designation fordistinguished meeting and travelprofessionals with businessexcellence,” explains VanDeventer.
GBTA and MPI will publishdetailed program information andthe full schedule of offerings inJanuary 2014. In the meantime,visit www.mpiweb.org/CMM tolearn more or to register interest.
About GBTA
The Global Business TravelAssociation (GBTA) is the world’spremier business travel andmeetings organization.Collectively, GBTA’s 6,000-plusmembers manage over $340billion of global business traveland meetings expendituresannually. GBTA provides itsnetwork of 21,000 business andgovernment travel and meetingsmanagers, as well as travel serviceproviders, with networking events,news, education & professionaldevelopment, research, andadvocacy. For more information,visit gbta.org.
About MPI
Meeting ProfessionalsInternational (MPI) is the largestand most vibrant global meeting
and event industry association.The organization helps itsmembers thrive by buildinghuman connections throughknowledge and ideas,relationships, and marketplaces.MPI membership is comprised ofapproximately 20,000 membersbelonging to 71 chapters and clubsworldwide. For additionalinformation or to join, visitwww.mpiweb.org.
CONTACTS:Sonya Thorpe+1 972 [email protected]
Colleen Lerro+1 [email protected]
Kellie Gleason+1 212-446-1869,[email protected]
ACTE
NJBTACHARITY GALA
February 7, 2014
6:30 - 9:30 PM
Waterside CaféNorth Bergen, NJ
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MPI GOT MELISSA W
Iam a manager of Global Salesfor the sports market for theCarlson Rezidor Hotel Group,
one of the world's largest andmost dynamic hotel companies.I am responsible for a thresholdof business, projects, maintainingrelationships with customers andpeers as well as many other salesactivities. I am active within mycommunity, enjoy participatingand watching all athletics, have agreat interest in the lives of myfamily and friends, and continueto learn about the world aroundme. I am also a member andcommittee chair of MPI-NJ.
My career was not handed to me,and to be honest, during highschool, if you told me this iswhere I would be, I wouldn’tbelieve you. My journey to thepresent day was not the typicalroute when it came to education.I did not stay at the sameuniversity four years, andreflecting on it now, I wouldn’tchange any of it.
I started 10 hours away fromhome at a small school insouthern Virginia and quickly
realized that this option was notfor me. I returned home toattend Sussex County CommunityCollege where I majored inBusiness Administration.Although home, I was at a newschool where I only recognized acouple familiar faces from highschool. I knew the only way tomake my experience the best wasto become involved with studentgroups on campus. I joined theRotaract Club, the collegiatechapter of Rotary. I wasappointed Vice President thenPresident during my year and ahalf at SCCC. It was throughRotaract that I was blessed withthe opportunities to speak at theNewton Rotary Chapter as well asother neighboring chapters toshare what projects the SCCCchapter was doing. Because ofRotaract, I was nominated andreceived a scholarship to attendthe World Conference inBirmingham, England where I
shared experiences with 200other students from 35 differentcountries. Needless to say, thiswas a life changing experienceand still something I hold veryclose to my heart. This was alsothe moment in my life when Irealized I had a love of travelingand a thirst to understand theglobal market.
Through my membership ofRotaract I became friends withother students who were also partof the Hospitality Club. The clubwas working on a project thatwould benefit the local adult daycare center. There were notenough students to assist so Ivolunteered to assist in theouting. This first meeting led tofurther meetings and courseworkopportunities. I was able to takehospitality courses as my electivesto graduate. I became moreinvolved in this area of study.Little did I know that this was just
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WINFIELD HER JOB!
the first stepping stone into theworld of hospitality.
Understanding where I wantedthe final two years of mycollegiate path to take me, Iresearched institutions that had arespectable Hospitality Program.Fairleigh Dickinson Universitywas the perfect fit: FDU had anarticulation agreement with SCCCin which all my credits wouldtransfer, close to home, athletics,and scholarship opportunities.Similarly to my extracurricularlife at SCCC, I decided to do thesame at FDU. I was an activeboard member of Eta Sigma DeltaHonor Society, Rotaract Club,and Phi Sigma Sigma. I also tookpart in on-campus athletics, theHospitality Society and otherhospitality organizations, toinclude MPI.
The hospitality community atFDU was almost like a family.The student and faculty all knewone another, which werefriendships that lasted postgraduation. It was because ofthis, and my involvement withMPI, that I am where I am today.The October after graduatingfrom Fairleigh DickinsonUniversity, I received an e-mailfrom my college professor andMPI member, Kirstin Tripodi. Itwas a job opening for a temporaryposition with the Carlson RezidorHotel Group under KaarenHamilton. I took this opportunityand contacted Kaarenimmediately. It was only a fewdays later that I was in for aninterview and a few days afterthat in which I was offered theposition. From my time as atemporary hire as salescoordinator, to full time salescoordinator, to my present
position, I am forever grateful forthe mentorship from Kaaren andher guidance through my career.Without the education I receivedand the relationships Imaintained, it is safe to say Iwould not be in the position I amin today.
Today, I am a MPI NJ Memberand Student Leadership Chair. Iwork with a committee to buildrelationships with NJ Collegesand Universities. It is within thiscommittee that I hope to inspire ahospitality student to allow MPI-NJ into their career as I have inmine.
We are grateful to Melissa forsharing about her journey withMPI. When asked to comment,Kaaren Hamilton had this to say.“Melissa’s story exemplifies thevalue of my MPI membership.She is not the first employee Ihave recruited through ourchapter relationships, butcertainly our greatest successstory to date. Our student
members are the future of ourchapter and our businesses.Knowing that to be successfulworking in the Global SalesOrganization, I need people thatare interested in many aspects ofour business and have a desire tobe an industry professional soMPI would be the most logicalplace to turn.When I first reached out toKristin Tripodi at FairleighDickenson, I told her I needed asmart ‘go-getter’ who wanted tobuild a career in the hotelbusiness. She delivered a fewexcellent candidates and in theend, Melissa had the spirit I lookfor. Skills can be taught, attitudeis god given. Melissa has both,with a maturity and grace beyondher years. “
Thank you, Melissa, for yourcontinued support andcontributions to MPI-NJ.
18 january/february 2014 www.mpinewjersey.org
When you think of a tradeshow, do you inwardlygroan about all the hours
you’ll have to spend in a small “cell”(uh booth)? Long hours in a boothover a few days can be daunting,tiring, and maybe even boring,unless you have a plan.
Know exactly why you purchasedthat space. Are you there to showyour company has a presence? Areyou rolling out any new products orservices? Are you looking for newsales reps or new customers? Whatis your overall company goal forbeing there? Have you determinedthe objectives you want to achieveduring those trade show hours? Theplan is “make a plan, then work theplan.”
The foundation of my professionalexperience comes from growing upin a family owned and operatedbusiness. This afforded me theopportunity to attend shows andtravel throughout the country. Sure,the travel part to different locationswas fun and exciting, but the tradeshows entailed a great amount ofwork. The hard work was well worthit, as our family business was a greatsuccess and the lessons I learnedhave served me well in myprofessional endeavors. Below, youwill find a culmination of myexperiences with trade shows. The
goal here is to share helpful tips thatreally do make a difference whenparticipating in a trade show.
When someone approaches a booth,you have about five seconds to gettheir attention, to make a goodimpression, and to entice them towalk into your booth. That meansyou must have a creative boothdesign that gives the “WOW”experience for your prospects.Featuring and showing sampleproducts encourages touching andcomparing. There should always beplenty of literature, catalogs,samples, and sales materials onhand. Keep your space layout clean,uncluttered, and allow your companyname and your message to be themain focus. This approach givesvisitors an unobstructed view of thebooth, catches their attention, anddraws them into the booth.
Once they are in the booth, makethose minutes count to make apositive impression! The longer an attendee stays in yourbooth, the less time they spend inyour competitor’s booth.
Let me share the Rules of the Booth: Number one – No sitting, ever. In fact, we were always standing.Sitting implies boredom. If we weretired and felt we really needed to sit,we left the booth for a few minutesand returned refreshed and ready tostand more. Number two -- No using cell phone,headphones, or laptops (unless it iscritical to making a presentation fora customer) during booth hours. We left the booth if we had to take ormake an important call. Number three – No eating ordrinking at the booth. It is uninviting for a prospect to stepinto a booth and see mouthsmunching or someone trying to talkand eat at the same time. Instead,take a lunch break.Number four –If a business card wasexchanged during a conversation,notes were taken on the back of thecard about what the visitor wasinterested in. You would have thesenotes to defer to when making follow
up phone calls.We had another goal and that was togather as many leads as we could. A few name-gathering ideas:1. Encourage prospects to drop abusiness card into a fish bowl to wina prize. 2. Be part of a ‘passport’ – a card ofsome kind that must be signed orstamped if someone comes to yourbooth. Ask for their card beforesigning. Make sure your boothnumber can be clearly seen from theaisles. 3. Host a “Spin the Wheel” contestat your booth to encourage prospectparticipation. Ask for a business cardto participate. There are plenty ofplaces to buy colorful turn wheelswhich can be customized with yourproducts, services as well as yourlogo.
Giveaway items should be utilized asan additional avenue to market yourbrand and philosophy. Select itemsthat enhance your company imageand are relevant and useful to yourprospects.
A few giveaway ideas:1. A flash drive that brands yourcompany. The more memory, thebetter –1 GB, 2 GB.2. A cloth bag with a side holder fora bottle of water. This may seem likean old idea but the value of anattendee walking the trade showfloor with your name on the bag is aninvaluable way to market yourbusiness.
From the moment the trade showdoors open, to the moment the showcloses, you are on stage. Comeprepared with product knowledge,company objectives, lots of energyand most importantly, comfy shoes.If you follow these few simple steps,your show will surely be a success!
Feel free to email Cece with anyquestions or comments:[email protected]
Article by:Cece Peabody, MAT, CMP
STANDING FOR HOURS - AND ENJOYING IT!
www.mpinewjersey.org january/february 2014 19
Gold
Wynn Las Vegas7027707000www.wynnlasvegas.com
Hilton Short Hills9733790100www.hiltonshorthills.com/defaulten.html
Ocean Place Resort & Spa7325714000www.oceanplace.com
Silver
Pocono Mountains5704215791or 1800POCONOS18007626667www.PoconoMountains.com
Skytop Lodge8553457759www.skytop.com
Bronze
Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem8668255361www.pasands.com
MPI-NJ CHAPTER would like to acknowledge and thank ourStrategic Partners for their Support of the Chapter
20 january/february 2014 www.mpinewjersey.org
PresidentElectPam Wynne, CMM, CMPCarlson Wagonlit Travel609771[email protected]
VP AdministrationKaaren Hamilton, CMPCarlson Rezidor Hotel Group908448[email protected]
VP EducationKellie Ann Cahill, CMPNew York Hilton Midtown212261[email protected]
VP MembershipChet Jasinski, CMP908234[email protected]
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE BOARD
PresidentJulia Ramos, CMPJR Global Events Associates, LLC201333[email protected]
Past PresidentMichelle Wescott, CHSPSkytop Lodge570595[email protected]
VP CommunicationsMary Lou PollackOcean Place Resort and Spa732571[email protected]
VP FinanceTodd Steinberg, CMPSonesta Collection8622287079 [email protected]
Director of InternalCommunicationsCarol Malinky, CMPC.A.Malinky Communications201232[email protected]
Director of EducationNancy Sutta BernsNancy Sutta Berns, LLC.973886[email protected]
Director of FinanceMichael BrillMEDALS LLC (MedicalEducation Delivery, Advisoryand Logistics Support)732659[email protected]
Director of Strategic PartnershipsJohn PurselHyatt Regency Jersey City201469[email protected]
www.mpinewjersey.org january/february 2014 21
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Awards & ScholarshipCommittee
Jamie Keith, CMP, ChairHilton Woodbridge732603[email protected]
Education Committee
Lisa Kelly, ChairThe Westfield [email protected]
Rhonda Moritz, CoChairCadaret Grant and Company973770[email protected]
Golf Committee
Melissa Ullmann, CoChairPhiladelphia CVB856228[email protected]
Membercare Committee
Rebecca Wakefield, CMP, ChairKPMG LLP2013077259 [email protected]
Bruce Boillotat, CoChairRoyal Coachman9734003204 [email protected]
OnSite Committee
Paula Dellaluna, ChairGEM Limo732618[email protected]
PR/Marketing Committee
Patty Stern, CMP, ChairDMM Group Communications973669[email protected]
Michele Ross, CoChairFRHI Hotels and Resorts709883[email protected]
Social Media Committee
Lisa Drake, ChairOcean Place Resort & Spa732571[email protected]
Special Events Committee
Merlene Wilder, CMP, CoChairUniRec973325[email protected]
Dagmaris Graziani, CMP, CoChair917620[email protected]
Student LeadershipCommittee
Melissa Winfield, ChairCarlson Rezidor Hotel Group973919[email protected]
Linda SantangeloMosley, CoChairSantangelo Consulting, LLC9736151398 [email protected]
Chapter Administrator
Ruth Marion, CMPMPI NJ ChapterPhone: 201875[email protected]
Don’t Forget to mark yourcalendars and make yourreservations for ourAnnual Golf Outingon June 26th.