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Micro-volunteering – What a Concept!
I love words, terms and phrases and I especially love when I learn a new one and can use it right away. Recently, in a meeting (of course), I heard the term “micro-volunteering” and I was intrigued. I know that micro is an adjective that means very small, microscopic or involving minute quantities (per Oxford Dictionary). And volunteering is an act of freely giving of time and labor often in service to the community (per Wikipedia). So… in a nutshell micro-volunteering refers to the opportunity to volunteer on a short-term, low-commitment basis. It is a great way to engage more volunteers and create value for their efforts. What an amazing concept – why didn’t I think of that? How many of us would be willing to give of our time if the obligation was minimal, the task or tasks simple to accomplish and the timing on our terms? And, if the volunteering involves something you enjoy doing or connecting with people you like that makes it even easier and more fulfilling.
We have had many conversations with the MPI New Jersey Board on how valuable this type of volunteering would be in terms of engaging more members and promoting that sense of belonging. There are often occasions within our chapter activities where an extra pair of hands would lighten the load and bring someone new into the fold. Whether it’s making a handful of phone calls to your industry friends who you enjoy talking to anyway with a message promoting chapter membership, working an hour of registration at an event or stuffing bags for on-site distribution, these seemingly small tasks make a difference. We field these needs all the time and tend to turn to our tried and true, dedicated volunteers who will usually come through, even if something else has to give in order to make it happen.
We all know our industry thrives on relationship building. We are social creatures and enjoy getting to know new people and talking about the trials and tribulations (per Oxford Dictionary- a cause of great trouble or suffering) of our day-to-day work lives. Plus, at the end of the day, we are fun people with many things in common. As meeting professionals with busy lives filled with work and personal responsibilities, the idea of adding one more thing to our plates seems daunting. What is someone asked, “Can you give us an hour of your time for a good cause?” It sounds like it would be hard to say no, and it would feel good to say yes. But, until now, no one is asking. So, I’m asking… will you come and hang with us?
In short, I am asking if you are interested, willing and ready to work with us on a “micro” level please reach out to me and let me know. Send an email to trish.rafferty@maritz.com with the subject line, “I want to micro-volunteer!” We will welcome your involvement and you will get to know a great group of people.
I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to our current volunteers – you are truly stars to MPI New Jersey. Read on in the newsletter for information on taking your commitment to the next level and joining our Board of Directors. Thank you, as always, for your support of this amazing chapter.
Trish Rafferty, HMCC, CMP
MPI New Jersey Chapter President-Elect
Trish.rafferty@maritz.com
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VOLUNTEERS POWER MPI:
As a Member of MPI-New Jersey, you have a vested interest in the future of this chapter. We want you to bring your talents to our team by volunteering and serving on a committee. When you GIVE your time, you GET so much more in return and GROW in ways you never expected.
Complete the Volunteer Interest Form today, and you will be contacted by our membership team to discuss the right opportunity for you!
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JUNE EDUCATION PROGRAM
Dr. Kristin Malek, CMP, CED, DES joins us virtually for a session on "Using AI to Elevate Your Events, Career, and Life".
Dive into the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with this dynamic 90-minute educational session tailored specifically for event professionals. Discover how AI can revolutionize your life, work, and events by enhancing productivity and driving innovation across various facets of your professional and personal endeavors.
Date: Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Virtual
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MEMBERSHIP MONDAY
MPI New Jersey Chapter Membership Monday Events are for MPI MEMBERS ONLY!
This interactive session will provide you with an opportunity to connect with your colleagues for some industry "REAL-TALK". We will ask you to have cameras on and be ready to participate so you may get the most out of your Membership Monday!
Date: Monday, June 10, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Virtual
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26TH ANNUAL GOLF EVENT
MPI New Jersey's Signature Golf Event is back for a 26th year. This year we play at Crystal Springs Resort on their Wild Turkey course. The golf event is an industry favorite with sponsorship opportunities, golf foursomes, and putt, sip, and dine foursomes. There is something for everyone to enjoy a day of networking.
How will you participate?
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Don't wait to be asked to play, sign up today and secure a hosted spot on a foursome for either 18 Holes of Golf or for the Putt, Sip and Dine activity. | |
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Gain valuable face time and entertain your clients by hosting a golf foursome or a putt, sip & dine foursome.
A variety of sponsorship opportunities are also available, allowing you to cruise the course with a cart sponsorship or sponsor a hole and allow the golfers to come to you.
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Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Location: Crystal Springs Resort
1 Wild Turkey Way
Hamburg, NJ 07419
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WEC LOUISVILLE
Special 2-DAY offer for WEC Louisville
Act now and save $100 on WEC Louisville registration! Use the exclusive code “SAVINGS” but hurry – it's only for the first 100 registrants.
Plus, book your hotel by April 26th to enjoy even more savings. Register and reserve today!
Dates: Monday, May 20, 2024 to Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Location: Louisville
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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
One of the most crucial resources to ensure our Chapter's success revolves around the selection of our volunteer leadership to serve on the Board of Directors. We encourage all members interested in chapter leadership to complete the Nominations form.
As a member in good standing, you may nominate yourself or another member that you recommend to the nominations committee for chapter leadership.
Serving on the board is not only demanding and challenging, but it is also extremely rewarding.
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MEMBER MILESTONES:
Congratulations to our chapter members celebrating anniversaries with MPI this month:
27 Years
Sherry Russ, CMP - IEEE
22 Years
Gary Titunick, CMP
7 Years
Kathy Grau - MedForce
6 Years
Cynthia Flanagan - Janssen Pharmaceuticals
4 Years
Karen Burris - Association of Environmental Authorities
Janine Meluso, CMP - Allentown, LLC
3 Years
Tina Smith, CMP, CHME - MGM Resorts International
2 Years
Jonna Kahler - Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Linda Hamilton - Shionogi, Inc
1 Year
Dawn Petit
Bradley Madsen - Clarity Music Productions
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:
Let's celebrate our newest members!
- Lisa Cimpko - Hilton Hotels and Resorts
- Jonathan Neis - Providence Warwick CVB
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Hotel Rates: Back to Business | |
Which Social Media Platforms are Making the Biggest Impact for Event Profs Right Now? | |
Photos Courtesy of Simon Pro Photo & Video | |
4TH ANNUAL MEETS CONFERENCE MEETS AND EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS
MPI New Jersey hosted the 4th Annual MEETS Conference at Caesars Atlantic City on March 4th and 5th with over 150 attendees and a host of knowledgeable speakers with loads of time for networking. We want to thank all our sponsors who supported this program. It is because of their support that MPI New Jersey can continue to bring innovative education to its members.
Below is a recap of the event from three unique attendee perspectives, including a planner, supplier, and 1st time attendee.
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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE:
By: Hara Gordon, HMCC - Sr. Meetings Manager
Belonging, Education & Engagement! This year’s MPI NJ MEETS Conference had it all and then some. Events like this foster community, and collaboration and are such a refreshing reminder about the why of what we do. We curate events to encourage relationship building, create memories, share stories, educate, and thrive together.
With an inspiring and innovative list of speakers and sessions, this year’s MPI NJ Meets covered a wide range of topics including belonging, engagement, event design, artificial intelligence, industry trends and transformation, and one woman’s amazingly powerful story of survival through human trafficking. Did I mention the party scientist and cupcakes!? Jacques The Party Scientist brought the fun, energy and JOY through conga lines, dancing, singing and togetherness. Johnny Cupcakes reminded us that we should be haunted and inspired by the idea that people have options. We need to keep collaborating, re-inventing our services, and our commitment to delivering the beauty of meetings and engagement.
The “gold mine” round tables offered opportunities to share best practices and explore a variety of topics to include making your meetings more accessible, professional development, and the ever-popular budgeting and negotiations.
Of course, the myriad of networking opportunities were icing on the cake. Everyone came together to enjoy the supplier tables, the Wild Wild West Evening Event, vendor events & networking breaks.
Thank you MPI for the reminder that our self-care and wellness are important and always needed. The wellness room offered a relaxing space to reset and recharge with stretching sessions, healthy snacks, and eating tips. For those of you that created your own gratitude jar, keep remembering things that make you happy, thankful and passionate throughout the year!
I left this year having fostered new industry friends, a stronger sense of community, a wealth of knowledge to support my personal and professional development, and a renewed sense of self and purpose.
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SUPPLIER PERSPECTIVE:
By: Sal Mancuso - Caesars Atlantic City
The MEETS Conference consistently surpasses expectations, drawing in meeting planners eager to discover the full spectrum of offerings from MPI. As a staunch partner of MPI, Caesars Entertainment takes immense pride in spotlighting not just our destination, but particularly the vibrant pulse of Caesars Atlantic City. Hosting MEETS at one of our premier Caesars Entertainment properties provided meeting planners with an unparalleled experience of our world-class products and services. With our trio of iconic properties—Caesars, Harrah’s, and Tropicana—we present an impressive array of flexible meeting spaces and amenities designed to meet the distinct needs of each planner.
The conference offered invaluable one-on-one exhibit time during the tradeshow component, complemented by enriching educational sessions featuring speakers ranging from industry stalwarts to pioneers in hospitality and travel. This intimate setting cultivates meaningful networking opportunities for both meeting planners and suppliers. As Atlantic City continues to evolve, it's imperative for MEETS to actively involve the local community. In this spirit, MEETS extended its reach to the aspiring professionals of tomorrow, welcoming students from Stockton University’s esteemed Hospitality & Tourism Management program to gain firsthand insights and networking experiences at the conference.
MEETS stands as a beacon of excellence in the conference circuit, growing in significance with each passing year. We look forward to supporting MEETS in future years!
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1st TIME ATTENDEE PERSPECTIVE:
By: Jordan Lacey, CMP
As a passionate CMP and MBA student, I embarked on an enriching journey by attending this year's NJ MEETS Conference at Caesars in Atlantic City. Being a fresh member of MPI New Jersey, I was eager to immerse myself in the dynamic world of event planning, seeking opportunities to expand my network, gain valuable insights, and ignite my passion for the industry.
The experience began with the pre-arrival planner event, where I found myself in a setting buzzing with anticipation. Engaging with fellow planners the night before the conference proved to be invaluable. I seized the opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and establish connections that would lay the foundation for fruitful collaborations in the days to come.
As the conference unfolded, I delved into a whirlwind of networking activities and educational sessions. I seized every chance to interact with suppliers, eager to broaden my understanding of the industry while accruing essential hours towards my CMP re-certification. The bustling halls of Caesars became a playground for learning and growth, as I navigated through workshops, seminars, and discussions, soaking in knowledge like a sponge.
However, the true highlight of my experience was not merely the accumulation of professional credits, but the profound sense of camaraderie and inspiration that permeated every interaction. Amidst the exchange of business cards and handshakes, I found myself in a community of like-minded individuals, united by our passion for creating memorable events and experiences.
As the conference drew to a close, I departed with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm. The connections forged and insights gained served as catalysts for my personal and professional growth, propelling me forward with newfound energy and determination. With a heart full of gratitude, I embraced my role as a new member of MPI New Jersey, eager to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the event planning community.
In retrospect, my journey at the MPI NJ MEETS Conference encapsulates the transformative power of networking and education within the events industry. Beyond the acquisition of skills and certifications, it is the bonds forged and the inspiration ignited that truly define the essence of such gatherings. My story serves as a testament to the limitless opportunities that await those who dare to immerse themselves fully in the world of event planning, ready to learn, connect, and grow.
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MPI is all about creating community and these days, we have more opportunities to connect online than in person. So, let us hear from you and engage with MPI New Jersey's social media channels, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), to stay up to date on Chapter happenings! We look forward to hearing from you. | |
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS | |
Official technology partner of MPI New Jersey
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