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In this issue What’s New At MPI-NJ?
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Page 4
Are You Listening? Page 5
SPIN Your Way Into Networking Page 6
The Big Game Experience Page 8
Global Pharmaceutical Meetings Page 9
CMM Toronto, November 2013 Page 10
Member Spotlight Page 14
New, Affiliate and Transfer Members Page 15
Strategic Partners Page 16
MPINJ Administration Page 18 Cover Photo courtesy of : John Bellenis Back Cover Photo courtesy of : Nicolas Raymond
H
ello MPI NJ Chapter members and non-members!
I am thrilled with anticipation as the new fiscal year begins. I look forward to serving the New Jersey Chapter and getting to know each and every one of you in the months to come! With a new Board and a greater number of active committee members involved in the Chapter, I am confident that the NJ Chapter will continue to prosper. The Education Committee is working on providing high level education programs to help you advance in your career and create innovate and fun networking events. The Membership Committee is continuing programs such as Membership Assistance, Scholarships, Awards and the all network Meet-
Ups. Membership will be scheduling focus groups and table discussion to hear from our members directly on your needs. The Communications Committee will continue to use our social media, LinkedIn, Facebook & Twitter to communicate more frequently with you. OnSite and our website will be used to deliver relevant, innovative information and educational articles. The Board decided to make our digital newsletter, OnSite, open to not just members, but also to non-members. The decision was based on providing our advertisers, partners and sponsors with a wider audience and showcasing membership activities to further enhance your ROI. The Finance Committee is enhancing the Chapter’s strategic partnerships (Continued on page 13)
2013 MPI-NJ Events September 23, 2013
August 20, 2013
August 13, 2013
12:00 noon 2:00pm Legal Panel with Lisa Sommer Devlin and Barbara Dunn Hilton Short Hills Short Hills, NJ
2013 CMP Conclave 5:30pm 8:30pm Hot Technologies in the Meetings Concierge Conference Centers New York, NY
6:00pm 9:00pm HSMAI Annual Industry Summer Bash Pranna Restaurant/Bar/Lounge New York, NY
Other MPI Chapter Events
OTHER INDUSTRY EVENTS July 20 23, 2013
Sept. 45, 2013
GNYMPI July 31, 2013 8:30am 8:00pm Destination Quebec Annual Golf Outing Harbor Links Golf Course Port Washington, NY
World Educational Conference Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, NV
HSMAI's MEET National Walter E. Washington Convention Center Washington, DC
August 3 6, 2013
Oct. 15 – 17, 2013
2013 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta, GA
IMEX America Sands Expo Las Vegas, NV
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What’s New At MPI-NJ?
S
ummertime—and the “livin’ may be easy”—but things are heating up at MPI-NJ Chapter! Summer heralds the beginning of a new fiscal year, a new board, new VP’s and Directors, new objectives, new committee chairs, and new ideas to keep the Chapter exciting for you in 2013/2014. This “team” of committed volunteers is amazing…but we still need YOU! This is a perfect time for you to make a commitment to MPI-NJ and join a committee. We always need new volunteers to step up and help keep the organization growing! We welcome your voice, your enthusiasm and your perspective. Here are some of the goals and objectives the new VP’s are working on: The new VP of Finance, Todd Steinberg, CMP, and Director of Finance, Michael Brill, CMP have been working closely with the MPI-NJ Chapter office staff and Director of Strategic Partners, John Pursel to put together new sponsor packages that will greatly appeal to all our sponsors. “Golf 2013,” chaired by Todd Steinberg, was amazing! The day was beautiful and spirits were high. Everyone had only great things to say. The entire golf committee deserves big KUDOS for a job well done. You can read more about this and see photos in the next issue of OnSite.
President-Elect, Pamela Wynne, CMP, CMM is already off and running, bringing new, cutting edge ideas to the chapter and working closely with all the VP’s and Committee Chairs! We are extremely lucky to have talent like Pam on the Board! Kellie Cahill, CMP, has stepped into the role as VP of Education. She and Director of Education, Nancy Sutta Berns are working to bring you top speakers at every educational program. For this upcoming year, we will be holding educational programs at different locations once again. Stay tuned for more information to be posted shortly.
Carol Malinky, CMP, Director of Internal Communications, will be working closely with Mary Lou on our bi-monthly digital newsletter, OnSite. Remember, we are always looking for new articles or blurbs for OnSite. It’s a great way to get your name out there and you will get points towards your CMP recertification. Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing summer! I look forward to seeing you at our first Educational Program on September 23, 2013!
Ruth Marion, CMP
MPI-NJ Chapter Chet Jasinski, CMP, will now fill Administrator the position of VP of Membership. 2018752476 Chet brings knowledge, rmarion@mpinewjersey.org enthusiasm, and commitment to MPI-NJ Chapter. He is very Congratulations to our winners connected and plans to work from the 2013 Chapter diligently to grow the chapter and Satisfaction Survey. bring you more value during the Mary Lou Pollack Director of Sales & upcoming fiscal year. Marketing, Ocean Place Resort and Spa Mary Lou Pollack has graciously iPad Mini 16GB with WiFi (black) accepted the position of VP of Marla SeltzerClaudio Director, Communications. She has already Operations, Maritz Travel implemented some new 1Year MPI Membership Extension procedures with regard to emails going out to members. You should Colene Smith Vice President Sales & Marketing , World Ground Inc. be seeing some new materials in 1 Free Chapter Educational Program till the near future. She assigned Lisa December 2013 Drake to handle all MPI-NJ Linda Taylor General Manager, chapter social media marketing. Forest Lodge To be up on the latest information, 1 Free Chapter Educational Program please join us on facebook, twitter, till December 2013 or linkedin.
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ARE YOU LISTENING?
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rowing up, I am sure all of us heard our parents ask “are you listening?” As we enter the professional world, listening well is a great asset for those that master the art of listening well.
There are no degrees, certificates or electives in college on listening. It’s only after we are in the professional world and sign up for courses to stay relevant that most of us look for courses on listening, public speaking, body language, etc. So where do we learn to listen? Where do we study to improve this necessary life skill? I believe we learn to listen by watching our family listen to each other. We grasp that listening can be done while the television is on, or when one other person is in another room. We watch while teachers remind us to be quiet while they talk, and then expect us to regurgitate what they have said without questioning or augmenting the information in the lecture. Now we listen while we read e-mail, text messages, and even talk on the phone! Listening is the skill that no one is trained for. Listening is an art that we avoid appreciating. Listening is the most valuable aspect of persuasion. Listening IS part of persuasion! There are many reasons to listen fully to the conversations you are engaged in, and likely an equal number of reasons to be multi-tasking and not fully present to the voice talking to you. First, whether I’m speaking to an audience or in a client session one-onone, my expertise begins and ends with listening. My training happened in the classroom, and also on the job. In fact, I learned so much more about listening by bringing my classroom training into my office. We hear the voices around us, the noise around us, and the various pockets of stimuli that flow through the air during the day. You hear the complaints that are delivered to your office in the voices of your employees and colleagues. Some are easier to listen to; some are noise in your ears! Listening gives you the ability to expand your leadership, to persuade the talker of a solution that seems obvious to you, and the power of understanding what is said, and what is unsaid. When we really listen, we go deeper than the words being tossed out — we have a greater understanding of the person before us.
There are three levels of listening: Level 1 — Listening is what we all do very well. I hear what you are saying while I’m figuring out what I’m going to say in reply. Sometimes I even step on your sentence to put my comments into the conversation. In Level 1 listening we find ourselves putting our opinions into the conversation, adding our “two cents,” making statements with judgment and filters from our own experiences. We operate in this level the majority of our lives. Level 2 — Listening goes deeper. Level 2 listening is where we remove the judgment, our life experiences, and the desire to have a prepared statement before the other person completes their thoughts. When we are in Level 2, we aren’t forming or comparing in our minds during a conversation. We are listening to the words of our colleague without any concern about what we will add to the conversation. And, when we bring forth this level of listening into our lives, we begin to have deeper and more meaningful relationships. Do you have a friend that you call when you are seeking advice? Do you have a separate friend you call when you only want to be heard, without someone telling you their opinion? Most of us do, when we really think about it. The difference? Likely one friend is a better “listener” — or a Level 2 listener. How does this apply in our workplace? When someone comes into your office with a desire to talk, and you open yourself to Level 2 listening, there is an explosion of information available to you — the words not being said appear in your mind as you have the space for them to show up. You’ll have more compassion in the conversation, and the ability to name what you aren’t hearing, which will improve performance, communication, and your relationship. For example, a client/manager/boss-type comes into your office in a flurry. He/she wants to know about the financial reports for the big meeting next week — Are they done? What do they say? Why aren’t they distributed? You know the questions that you get hammered with. He/she is pacing the floor, rubbing their forehead. As he/she continues tossing them at you, your mind is racing to have the exact “right” answer. In Level 2 listening, and in a Level 2 response, you simply notice the anxiety of this person. You’re listening to their questions with curiosity, wondering about all the things you are seeing and hearing from them. When he/she is done questioning, you might respond with a question: When would you like to have them? Is there something specific that you are looking for? Then offer a general comment about the specific timing you will distribute (Continued on page 13)
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SPIN YOUR WAY INTO NETWOR
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recently was sent an email from colleague and MPI-NJ member, Saira Banu Kianes, CMP who invited me to attend "SPINCAKE WARS: THE SMACKDOWN!" I was totally intrigued. As an Event Planner, I always look for unique, fun ideas to add into events and decided to attend. SPIN (Senior Planners Industry Network) hosted Spincake Wars in 12 North American cities throughout April, in celebration of National Meetings Industry Month. The events provided the opportunity to network with other Senior Event Planners prior to the Spincake War and then have some creative, fun time together as Planners.
Loosely based on the Food Network TV show called "Cupcake Wars", but with a "SPIN", Shawna Suckow, CMP, Founder and President of SPIN, presented us with a challenge to design a cupcake representing our favorite place in the world using different color icings, and many decorative items. As we all grabbed for colored icing and toppings, we felt the creativity in the room. While some were very talented with their cupcake designs, a few of us, including me, had a great idea in my head, but it wasn't transferring to my hands and the cupcake. But, it was all about fun, and we had enough time to redo and recreate our cupcake until we were ready to present them to the judges. The planners with the winning design from each of SPIN’s branches across North America were entered into the finals on Facebook. The design that garnered the most ‘likes’ won the Grand Prize to attend SPINCON
2013 in Atlantic City. Our NJ winner was Saira Banu Kianes! The overall winner of the North American competition was Regina Portee from Atlanta, for her Disney design based on green Earth Day concepts. SPIN is a professional association for pre-screened, qualified senior-level planners with at least 10 years of full-time planning experience. I had the chance to interview Shawna Suckow, CMP, Founder & President of SPIN, who was named to Successful Meetings Magazine Top 25 Most Influential people in the meetings industry. CM: Shawna, I had such a great time at SPINCAKE WARS. How and when did you come up with the concept for your association, SPIN? SS: I created a simple LinkedIn group for my peers back in 2008, and it grew so quickly that I realized the industry needed something like this. Five years later, we’ve expanded way beyond the LinkedIn group to offer all kinds of ways for our
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RKING, EVENT IDEAS, AND FUN! members to connect, exchange ideas & frustrations, and get senior-level education. CM: How many members currently belong to SPIN and are you global? SS: We’re over 2,200 members now, primarily in North America – although we just welcomed our first member from Nigeria, and our first member from Colombia!
experiences, digital storytelling, gamification and much more. And, there was a tradeshow, but it was anything but typical. Suppliers went ‘boothless and paperless’ and tracked visitors by scanning individual QR codes on our badges, which then deposited their information into our ‘virtual tote bags.’ Each supplier had the opportunity to take the Cabaret Stage, where they were challenged to deliver their sales message in a unique way – some even sang!
Report on SPINCon 2103 I had the opportunity to attend SPINCon 2013 which was held at Harrah's in Atlantic City, NJ from June 5th - 7th. The theme was the 4 C's: Community, Celebration, Challenges, and Contribution. There was a bonus "C" we all thought was appropriate "Change" - providing positive change in your life or another person's life. At SpinCon, expert speakers offered us the opportunity to learn new ideas to incorporate into events: technology, apps, Meeting Architecture, attendee
Giving back is something Event Planners like to incorporate into their meetings and events when possible. SPINCon collected clothing for Covenant House New Jersey and held a Silent Auction to raise funds for The SEARCH Foundation. I saved the best for last - the fun! As Event Planners, we don't have time for fun at our events because we are the ones planning the fun. The SPINCon team sprinkled fun throughout the event with a Monopoly theme, chances to win play money for prizes, the challenge to decorate a hazmat suit for one of the social events, and interactivity with the attendees.
Our first night social activity was at ONE Atlantic which overlooked the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlantic City coastline. We had a fabulous view, great food, outstanding band, dancing, atmosphere, and networking with our peers. It was a memorable, and I will say it again, fabulous time! The final evening social event was held at Harrah's pool which is enclosed with a huge glass dome and designed like a tropical oasis which included palm trees and cabanas. Music, caricaturists, food, and "Welcome SPIN" scrolling on the side of Harrah's Hotel provided for a great closing night event. For more information on SPIN, go to www.spinplanners.com.
Carol Malinky, CMP Event Director C.A. Malinky Communications 201.232.0110 Tmalinky@aol.com
8 july/august 2013
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THE BIG GAME EXPERIENCE - 2014 SUPER BOWL Industry professionals and NFL representatives were on hand to provide an outline of plans for the Super Bowl XLVIII. County Officials from nearby towns/counties were on hand to address their individual plans for The Big Game. They addressed the opportunities not-forprofits, civic organizations and communities have in hosting events related to The Big Game. From downtown festivals, fundraisers and volunteer events, attendees were given a summary of ideas for entertainment and hosting a wide variety of events and programs.
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n May 22, 2013, MPI-NJ Chapter was a participating sponsor at The Big Game Experience, presented by Westfield Garden State Plaza, at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, NJ. Julia Ramos, CMP, President, Pam Wynne, CMP, CMM, President Elect, Merlene Wilder and Kim Stiefel, Active Committee Members represented the NJ Chapter at Booth 411. Attendees and colleagues at the event stopped by our booth. It was a positive experience for the Chapter and us personally to continue promoting our wonderful Chapter. The purpose of the exhibition and program sessions was to give an overview and connect resources to potential clients, transportation overview and everything else brought to you by experts in the field.
The 2014 NY/NJ Super Bowl, February 2, 2014, is the NFL’S first attempt to host a game at a coldweather site, the NJ’s MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ. This is the first Super Bowl to take place in this region and hosted by NY/NJ. For further information visit the NJ NY Guide. If you wish to make a difference, 15,000 volunteers will be needed to meet and greet all visitors during the Super Bowl. Click on the following website and register to be a volunteer.
Julia Ramos, CMP MPI-NJ Chapter President JR Global Events Associates, LLC 201-333-8834 juliaramos@comcast.net
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GLOBAL PHARMACEUTICAL MEETINGS – YOUR GSO IS YOUR CONSULTANT
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aving worked at the Global Sales level for the past 7 years with clients sourcing international meetings, I have seen firsthand how challenging this can be when you take into consideration the time difference, language barriers and cultural differences. Add to this the extensive pharmaceutical guidelines and then you make it really difficult. There is a lot more for the hotel to think about and to take into consideration when working with an international pharmaceutical client verses booking a meeting for a non-pharmaceutical client based in the home country with local attendees. Many times the hotel is not aware of all the details upfront, such as where are all the attendees coming from, what are the sleeping room and meal caps for all the different attendees, who does the client consider to be their competitors, is it an HCP attended meeting? If a booking has been made by a third party the hotel might not even realize that it is for a pharmaceutical client. This in general will lead to a lot of back and forth before a contract can even be drafted. When you finally come to an agreement on rates, dates, space and competitors the fun really begins when we add the addendum to the mix! Over the years I have noticed that hotels are getting more and more familiar with the different clauses in the addendums but there are always at least a few points that still need to be negotiated. A lot of times it is simply a language barrier, for example I frequently find hotels getting stuck on the indemnification clause just simply because they do not understand exactly what it means and that it in a lot of cases means they are protected too. Another one would be the attrition and the rebook clauses, I cannot tell you how many times I have seen hotels cross out entire clauses when in reality it is only one number in the whole section that need to be negotiated for it to be agreed upon. In order to save time we work closely with our hotels and advise them about this in advance in order to make the whole process smoother.
I know in all cases it is not possible but my recommendation would be to provide the hotel with as much details as possible up front so that they can send an offer that will reflect what the client is looking for and also not risk out pricing themselves just because they didn’t have all the details. Also for the hotel to have an opportunity to review and comment on the addendum upfront could save a lot of time during the contract process. In the ever changing world of pharmaceutical meetings and with the National Physician Payment Transparency Program taking effect it will be interesting to see how things will continue to change. Already now most pharmaceutical clients try to stay away from anything perceived as luxury…5 star, resort, golf, spa…and the hotels are also repositioning themselves, especially in the countries where they self rate to become as compliant as possible. At the global sales organization it is our role to educate our hotels about our client’s business and the unique needs of pharmaceutical meetings and events. At the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group we have a formal training document that we review with our hotels that give them the tools and knowledge needed to compete and effectively deliver on all expectations, while making the process as easy as possible during the contracting phase. By working through your GSO we are able to assist our clients every step of the way from the sourcing of the meeting to the contract and addendum process. From a planning and sourcing perspective I would recommend teaming up with you NSO or GSO, a fantastic resource that the truly global brands provide. We also have great knowledge about our hotels and have an understanding of which ones are the most pharmaceutical compliant, and for the most part we have traveled to and conducted site inspections of most of our hotels, enabling us to speak effectively during the sourcing process.
Anna Link Director, Global Sales Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group 973-548-8012 alink@carlsonrezidor.com
10 july/august 2013
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Certification Management Meeting (CMM) Toronto - November 2013 The Certification in Meeting Management (CMM) designation involves quite a few steps to acquire.
Step One: Apply
The Waiting – April 2013
First there is an application to be completed in order to be accepted into the program along with a fee.
There is a two month waiting period to find out if you have passed the strategic business plan. You are given an opportunity to revise your plan if you do not pass all the requirements needed. However, if you are not successful on the submission of your revised plan, you will need to re-enroll in CMM and begin the program from start at a later date.
Step Two: Attend After being approved to attend CMM, you must meet on-site, in-person for intensive one week training. Topics that are covered over the week are: Strategic Business Plan writing; Leadership Development; Contingency Planning & Business Continuity; Elements of Strategic Value; Strategic Financial Management; Strategic Negotiation; Measurement and Metrics; and Integrated Marketing Communication. The large group is divided into smaller groups where you will work as a team for group presentations and case study reviews. It is a great networking and learning experience.
Step Three: Exam Upon completion of the week long program, an essay examination based on all the topic objectives covered must be submitted within a two week period. It is highly suggested to take a minimum of eight hours to complete this exam. You must pass this exam to move on to the next step in certification.
Step Four: Strategic Business Plan After passing the exam, you must write a strategic business plan to demonstrate the application of strategic knowledge gained as a result of attending the CMM program. The time period to submit the strategic business plan is approximately two months from passing the exam.
Unfortunately, I did not pass the Strategic Business Plan on the first try. I was set up with a coach on a coaching call to go over which areas needed to be improved on. There is a two week period to get the revisions done and resubmit my plan. Then the waiting begins again. I am happy to report that after revisions, I have passed and have been awarded the Certification in Meeting Management (CMM) designation. Overall, this 6 month process was the best learning experience I have had in the events and tradeshows industry!
Suzanne Axt, CMM Chairperson Ambassador Committee Tradeshow Madness suzanne.axt@tradeshowmadness.com
Congratulations to Suzanne Axt, CMM for achieving her CertiďŹ ed Meeting Manager status
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CONNECT INSPIRE EXCITE MEET AT MGM GRAND DETROIT Make your meetings and events unforgettable occasions at MGM Grand Detroit. We are proud multiple-year recipients of the prestigious Pinnacle Award and Gold Key Award. We offer 30,000 sq. ft. of event space, 12 individual meeting spaces, 400 oversized guest rooms, ďŹ ve distinct lounges, three signature restaurants, state of the art audio visual technology and impeccable service. Let our event specialists help you plan and execute your event to perfection.
Contact: 877.MGM.EVNT (646.3868)
Or send your RFP to: sales@det.mgmgrand.com
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www.mpinewjersey.org President’s Message
(Continued from Page 3)
opportunities and will be developing networking special events in the coming days. Dates, times and place will be posted on the Website as soon as all details are completed. Besides enhancing sponsorship opportunities, the Finance team is making sure our Chapter is fiscally responsible and financially sound. This year, one of my goals as President, is for additional members to become active in the Chapter. Not all of you are as involved with our chapter as I would like. The benefits to volunteering are numerous! First, when you volunteer, you make valuable connections, which have an enormous impact to your career. Second, you get to make a difference in the chapter. Third, you receive extra credit towards your CMP/CMM or credit towards your renewal and lastly, you give back to other members.
Are You Listening
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them. (In Level 1 listening, you would likely chirp in with the status, or reasons you aren’t done). Level 3 — The third level of listening is the most remote from our current approach. In Level 3 listening, we notice what external elements might be adding to the dynamics at hand. Level 3 listening might be the sound of a siren outside the window that comes in just as the client is saying something. I hear the client, with the ambulance siren in the background, and third level listening tells me this is urgent, important, or sometimes even life-changing. Another example is when a plane is flying overhead. Again, listening to a client in that moment, perhaps there is something more to explore or the client may be jetting past something important.
I think about how more incredible our chapter would be if every one of our members volunteered for at least one hour per week. My goal is to engage every single one of you and match you up with the perfect Committee that fits your schedule and matches your specific interests and talents.
There is no doubt that deeper listening will build better relationships. Getting to those second and third levels of listening isn’t easy, and it isn’t hard either. When someone enters your office with, “Can I talk with you?” turn off your computer monitor, your phones (yes, cell and landline), and take a deep slow breath as you transition to being fully present.
All of the above programs and initiatives could not be possible without a good foundation from past and present Board members and active committee members. I thank all of you for sharing your time and talents with us! I pledge my commitment to be accessible and open to hearing your feedback and ideas in the coming months. Do not hesitate to reach out to me and my fellow Board members if we can serve you in any way.
Listen without judgment, preconception, or outcome in mind. You’ll be surprised how much faster a problem is resolved, and how much easier it is for you as the solution isn’t entirely yours to create. You’ll also find that you are more persuasive, as you help others find their own solutions, simply by asking for clear definitions and directions in curious questions.
I Wish you a great summer with family and friends and look forward to seeing many of you at our first fiscal year Education Program in September. Saludos, Julia Ramos, CMP MPI-NJ Chapter President JR Global Events Associates, LLC 201-333-8834 juliaramos@comcast.net
Happy Listening!
Judy Hissong, Principal Nesso Strategies 619-546-7885 Judy@nessostrategies.com
MPI-NJ Chapter congratulates Member, Merlene Wilder, on the birth of her grandson.
14 july/august 2013
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MPI-NJ MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Bruce Boillotat Bruce Boillotat Senior Sales Executive Royal Coachman Worldwide Service Date You Joined MPI: Can’t count that far back – Originally joined MPI back in 1987 MPI-Long Island as Zip Limousine Do you (or have you) volunteered/served on any MPI-NJ committees? Have you served on any other industry or nonindustry boards? • I am currently Co-Chair to the MPI-NJ Member Care Committee • Former Chair of MPI-NYC Membership Committee 2000-2001 • Morris County Chamber of Commerce • Member Business Development Committee • Member “Morris in the Evening” Committee • Member Ambassadors Committee • Seat on the Morris Chamber Member’s Council • GBTA-NJ – Global Business Travel Association • Membership Committee • ISES-Northern New Jersey (International Special Events Society) • Membership Committee What prompted you to join MPI? Nikon! In about 1987… My client Roberta Adams from Nikon on Long Island had suggested that I join MPI-LI. Since 1985 when I got started in this crazy limousine business I was fascinated by the Meetings & Events side of travel (plus Private Aviation, but that’s for another article). I have always been extremely detail oriented and forced myself to always think outside of the box, and with M&E there is always a “Grey Area” when it comes to ground transportation. Have you ever published an article in journals or other publications? If so, in which ones and on what topic(s) and are any of your the articles published online? Some years ago I was requested on a few occasions to be a guest speaker at Kean to address the Hospitality Students regarding the vast uncharted territory of M&E Ground Services & Logistics. I found talking with the students to be very rewarding. Do you write a blog on the Internet (Name of Blog)? Blogging has always been an interest, but never pursued… There are so many great pieces done by my peers in the industry’s trade publications. I have been interested in shepherding those third-party ramblings for our friends in the M&E business. I was always concerned that blogs would be perceived as selfaggrandizement or advertising in an editorial format that I have been reluctant to self-publish.
How has your MPI membership benefited you and/or your career? Wow, we are talking 20 plus-plus years. What I did by the seat of my pants was honed by associating with and learning from the members of MPI Long Island, NYC, Westchester-Fairfield, Philadelphia & the New Jersey Chapters. MPI educates and solidifies what you learn on the street and the knowledge you gain through local monthly meetings, committee interactions and “the ultimate” - WEC. If you have the privilege to attend WEC go to every seminar – become a sponge… Age does not matter Personal hobbies or volunteer activities? I love gardening and fix’n stuff - I most look forward to getting back into Hiking, Camping and Canoeing. Just being active again has been a quest and a reward – Take care of your health I just lost 30 pounds with 20+ more to go… Don’t live a stagnant life – take care of your health What is a unique or fun fact about yourself that you would like to share? I love hanging with my family – I am an old dad – at 53 I have a 15 year old daughter and a loving, caring and massively supportive wife. I want to cherish every minute I have with my daughter before she wanders off to college, and my wife & I love spending time & traveling together. Do you have a MPI moment or memory? MPI moment? - You will think this is strange – Taking Jim Spello’s class - twice - on the intricacies of Microsoft Excel – I guess down deep I’m a big geek, but Jim has a great teaching technique. I learned more in his classroom that helped me help my clients to communicate their needs. Through a simple spreadsheet I have clearly seen their changes and challenges to each and every program we have done together. If you could share one piece of advice with other meeting industry colleagues what would that be? Never stop learning.
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New, Transfer & Affiliate Members ALANA ROSE GIORDANO Sales and Marketing Associate PAIGE CARLIN & Planner Associate, Conferences & 3525 Quakerbridge Road Professional Development Suite 909 Financial Executives International Hamilton, NJ 08619 1250 Headquarters Plaza, West Tower Morristown, NJ 07960 DAYLA SANTURRI Meeting planner 505 Paradise RdSuite 307 JOHN DECESARE Swampscott, MA 01907 Publisher NorthStar Travel Media 100 Lighting Way KATE SCOZZARO Secaucus, NJ 07094 Events Specialist Wyndham Hotel Group 22 Sylvan Way JACLYN DWYER Parsippany, NJ 07054 Sales Administrator Ferrero 600 Cottontail Lane Somerset, NJ 08873
NEW MEMBERS
TRANSFERS
PAM FALCUCCI National Sales ManagerNortheast Omnia Housing Services 208 Hogan Court Asbury, NJ 08802
DEB FISHER-HORVATH National Sales Producer Omnia Housing Services 200 Rt. 31 N, Suite 204 Flemington, NJ 08822
CRYSTAL CHISM Northeast Sales Manager Rosen Hotels and Resorts 9939 Universal Blvd. Orlando, FL 32819
MATTHEW MARCIAL, CMP Director of Meetings and Education NAFA Fleet Management Association 125 Village Blvd., Suite 200 Princeton, NJ 08830
MICHELE PAYPAY National Accounts Manager Tallen Technology Rentals 33 Wood Avenue South 7th Floor Iselin, NJ 08830
AFFILIATE MEMBER ANDREA FORTALEZA Waldorf Astoria Naples 54 SW 9th Avenue Boca Raton, FL 33486
This listing contains all New Members, Chapter Transfer Members and Affiliate Members from May 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013. If you shold not be listed please contact: rmarion@mpinewjersey.org
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16 july/august 2013
www.mpinewjersey.org
MPI-NJ CHAPTER would like to acknowledge and thank our Strategic Partners for Their Support of the Chapter
Gold
Silver
Wynn Las Vegas 7027707000 www.wynnlasvegas.com
Rutgers University Inn and Conference Center 7329329144 ruicc.rutgers.edu Pocono Mountains 5704215791 or 1800POCONOS (18007626667 www.PoconoMountains.com
College of St. Elizabeth 9732974000 www.cse.edu/rentyourspace Skytop Lodge 8553457759 www.skytop.com EMECVenues 8004905976 www.emcvenues.com
www.mpinewjersey.org
july/august 2013
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18 july/august 2013
www.mpinewjersey.org
EXECUTIVE BOARD President Julia Ramos, CMP JR Global Events Associates, LLC 2013338834 juliaramos@comcast.net
PresidentElect Pam Wynne, CMM, CMP Merck, Co., Inc. 9084230526 pamela.wynne@merck.com
Past President Michelle Wescott, CHSP Skytop Lodge 5705958937 mwescott@skytop.com
VP Administration Kaaren Hamilton, CMP Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group 9084487804 khamilton@carlsonrezidor.com
VP Communications Mary Lou Pollack Ocean Place Resort and Spa 7325715739 mpollack@oceanplace.com
VP Education Kellie Ann Cahill, CMP New York Hilton Midtown 2122615966 kellie.cahill@hilton.com
VP Finance Todd Steinberg, CMP Sonesta Collection 8622287079 tsteinberg@sonesta.com
VP Membership Chet Jasinski, CMP 9082341481 vpmembership@mpinewjersey.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Director of Internal Communications Carol Malinky, CMP C.A.Malinky Communications 2012320110 tmalinky@aol.com
Director of Education Nancy Sutta Berns Nancy Sutta Berns, LLC. 7328868852 nsuttaberns@optonline.net
Director of Finance Michael Brill MEDALS LLC (Medical Education Delivery, Advisory and Logistics Support) 7326591133 medalsllc@aol.com Director of Strategic Partnerships John Pursel Hyatt Regency Jersey City 2014694763 John.pursel@gmail.com
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COMMITTEE CHAIRS Ambassador Committee
2014 Golf Committee
Special Events Committee
Suzanne Axt, CMM, Chair Events Design and Production 9734413816 suzanneaxt@gmail.com
Nancy Miller, CMP, CoChair ADP 9739747588 nancy.millercontractor@ adp.com
Jackie D’Imperio, Chair Excellence in Meetings 2017738078 jdimperio@ excellenceinmeetings.com
Jennifer Sena, CoChair Internal Communications Puerto Rico Convention Bureau Committee 2017665205 Ilyse Link, CMP, CoChair jsena@prcb.org Parexel International 2018835814 Awards & Scholarship Ilyse.link@parexel.com
Committee Jamie Keith, CMP, Chair Hilton Woodbridge 7326037790 Jamie.keith@hilton.com
Patty Stern, CMP, CoChair Group DMM 9736692891 patty@groupdmm.com
Denise Curran, CMP, CoChair East West Connection 9739787485 dcurrancmp@gmail.com
Membercare Committee
Education Committee Lisa Kelly, Chair The Charles Group, Inc. 9735751444 lisak@thecharlesgroupinc.com Rhonda Moritz, CoChair Cadaret Grant and Company 9737702300 rmoritz@cadaretgrant.com
Dagmaris Graziani, CMP, CoChair 7324033116 Dagmaris.graziani@gmail.com
Strategic Partners Committee Heather Boyle, CoChair Destination Hotels 2012840295 hboyle@destinationhotels.com Ronnye Schreiber, CoChair Planet Connect 7324033116 ronnye@planetconnect.com
Rebecca Wakefield, CMP, Chair KPMG LLP Student Leadership 2013077259 Committee rlwakefield@kpmg.com Melissa Winfield, Chair Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group 9739199125 Bruce Boillotat, CoChair mwinfield@carlsonrezidor.com Royal Coachman 9734003204 bruce.boillotat@royalcoachman.com Linda SantangeloMosley, CoChair Santangelo Consulting, LLC 9736151398 lsantangelomos@optonline.net
Chapter Administrator Ruth Marion, CMP 2018752476 rmarion@mpinewjersey.org
Have a Wonderful Summer MPI New Jersey Members.... See you in September!