MAY 2023
GREETINGS FROM OUR PRESIDENT
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Greetings MPI Upstate NY Members,
I love this time of year as the weather warms up, the grass is turning green and the trees are blooming! So many amazing festivals, attractions and events to enjoy in all parts of NYS. Where else can you live and have some much diversity in one state to include such things as a spectacular waterfall; various mountains; over 1000 Islands; miles and miles of hiking/biking trails; one of the oldest thoroughbred horse racing tracks; so many wineries, breweries and distilleries; and a very large, metropolitan city. Plus so much more to explore.
It was great to see so many of you at our annual Gala that was held at Saratoga National. What a great venue with amazing food and a fun, festive theme. Thank you for your support and Congratulations to all our award winners!
As the MPI Upstate NY chapter continues to grow, we invite you to become involved by attending events, volunteering, and letting us know what you would like for educational content. Please reach out any time to a board member, list on our website at www.mpi.org/chapters/upstate-new-york.
Thank you for your membership!
Thank you,
Wendy O'Duffy
President MPI UNY, 2022-2023
Director of Sales, Visit Rochester
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WELCOME NEW CHAPTER MEMBERS
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Kelly Sweeney-Foley, Supplier
Director of Sales, Whiteface Lodge
Tyler Poitras, Supplier
Senior Sales Manager, Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB
Chloe Pierce, Student
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Makenna Moore, Student
Megan Marriott, Student
Kris Hughes, Supplier
Sales and Services Director, Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center
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CONGRATULATIONS INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS
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We are privileged to acknowledge the following individuals were chosen by their MPI peers to receive recognition for their outstanding service to the chapter this year:
INDUSTRY LEADER:
Susan Baker, CMP
Saratoga Springs City Center
RISING STAR:
Lisa Conarton
Visit Ithaca
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PARTNER OF THE YEAR:
Discover Albany
PLANNER OF THE YEAR:
Caitlin Gaborow, CMP
Delaney Event Management
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:
Meaghan Zimmer, CFMP
Visit Buffalo Niagara
 
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Let MPIUNY Help You Make Sure You’re Looking Your Best As We Wrap Up Another Successful Year!
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Have you been looking to refresh your professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile, job applications and more? This is your chance! Join us for a professional photo session and summer sendoff celebration in Albany next week.
We have partnered with Joan Heffler of Joan Heffler Photography to bring the shoot to you. All professional headshot participants will receive one retouched high-res and one low-res image digitally post event.
As photos are taking place, plan to grab a cocktail to toast to MPIUNY Chapter’s Annual Board Installation with your fellow industry leaders. We'll celebrate Outgoing President, Wendy O’Duffy, and the 2022-2023 Board of Directors and welcome Incoming President, Mary-Jo Guidi, CTIS, and the 2023-2024 Board of Directors.
Register Now! MPIUNY Salute to Summer takes place the night before ESSAE’s Trade Show. What better way to kick off the summer than to keep the cocktails flowing in the company of industry friends?! |
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For those registered to attend, be sure to check out Joan's tips and tricks for making the most of your individual portrait session HERE!
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Our 2023 MPIUNY GMID Masquerade Gala brought together nearly 85 meeting industry professionals to celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day and to recognize deserving hospitality professionals from across New York State. MPI UNY President Wendy O’Duffy kicked off the event, followed by Master of Ceremonies Benita Zahn taking us through several celebrations. We enjoyed an evening of networking, delicious food and showed support to those that have made the local meeting industry an important part of the economy in this state.
Global Meetings Industry Day is an initiative of MPI that strives:
- To define and shape the meetings and event profession in the future
- To help raise the profile of the industry and the benefits it generates for communities and institutions across the United States
- To discuss the economic impact of meetings in the region with people who are outside the country.
A HUGE THANK YOU to all of our members, partners, and friends for joining us for an amazing 6th Annual Gala Celebration at Saratoga National Golf Club. We had so much fun celebrating a great year with you all.
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THANK YOU TO OUR GALA SPONSORS!
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Last month we teamed up with our friends at The Empire State Society of Association Executives to host a virtual discussion on all things F&B. This event led by our experienced "Panel of Pros" provided valuable insights and practical tips to help attendees take their food and beverage planning to the next level.
A special thank you to our talented panelists!
Supplier: Shannon Licygiewicz, CEM, General Manager at the Albany Capital Center
Supplier: Kris Hughes, Sales & Services Director at the Rochester Convention Center
Supplier: Melissa Burke, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at the Buffalo Convention Center
Planner: Caitlin Gaborow, CMP, Delaney Event Management
Planner: Colleen Earley, CMP, CME Events
Moderator: Heidi Longton, CMP Fellow, CMM, DES
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THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSOR!
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CALLING ALL PLANNERS - SPECIAL INVITATION
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REMINDER! DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO SAVE
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Did you know that by giving THIS VOUCHER to a future MPI member, you will allow them to waive the $50 application fee? Additionally, for each new member who uses this referral voucher, you will receive $25 off your next membership renewal! Don't miss out on this opportunity to save.
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LEAD THE WAY - VOLUNTEER WITH MPI
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Your journey to becoming a leader starts with MPI, and the quickest development path is at the chapter level. Unlike other industry associations, we have ample volunteer leadership opportunities.
At this time we want to express our thanks to our dedicated MPI Upstate New York Chapter Volunteers. THANK YOU for being a part of #MPI. Your work and dedication as an MPI volunteer has paved the way for the industry’s recovery.
You are the heart of MPI. Thank you for your vision, passion, hard work and resilience. We continue to move forward together. 👏👏👏👏
CONTACT US MORE INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED:
Alysha Bigelow, Chapter Administrator mpiupstateny@gmail.com
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Enhance your meeting planning career with the MPI Academy.
With hundreds of hours of free education for MPI members, the MPI Academy is your one-stop shop for meeting planning and event industry skills training, CE credits and certificate courses. Featuring online and in-person classes and webinars, it's the perfect resource for the job you have - or the job you want.
CHECK IT OUT
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Women dominate the meetings industry, representing somewhere between 70%-80% of the total workforce. However, women remain a minority in terms of executive leadership and have yet to achieve gender pay equity.
Members of the MPI Women's Community enjoy specialized education designed to help them fulfill their career potential and which is focused on actionable next steps women and their allies can take to raise awareness, and help close the leadership and pay gaps that currently exist.
CLICK TO LEARN MORE
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SAVE THE DATE - UPCOMING PROGRAMING
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Save the Date:
June 7th, 2023
Salute to Summer
Albany, NY
Networking reception, individual professional head shots and 2023-2024 Board Installation celebration.
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Save the Date:
June 8th, 2023
ESSAE Annual Conference & Trade Show
Albany, NY
This annual one-day conference is about professional development, networking, showcasing services, and interacting with key decision-makers within the association community.
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Save the Date:
June 13-15th, 2023
MPI World Education Congress
Mexico's Riviera Maya
Delivering connections and actionable education needed to advance yourself as an event professional.
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Are You A Supplier Looking To Get More From Your Membership? Become a 2023 Partner Today!
- Interested in making an even deeper connection with your peers? Check out our marketing and sponsorship opportunities available HERE.
- Do you have an idea for a creative/custom sponsorship or promotion? We will work with you to create a sponsorship to fit your needs and budget. We welcome every idea and budget!
CONTACT US MORE INFORMATION: Lisa Conarton, lisa@visitithaca.com
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CONNECT WITH US
Are you following #MPIUNY on your social media platforms? Be sure to follow us for the latest information on upcoming events, educational programing and industry news and updates. Check us out:
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