|
From the President’s Desk
Thank you so much for taking the time to check out all the things going on in the Connecticut River Valley Chapter. We are in a time of uncertainty as our speakers, meeting attendees and meeting staff grapple with the affects of the Coronavirus on our events. Spending months putting together great events and then realizing your event may not happen is stressful and can lead to hectic contingency planning and sleepless nights. Gathering with other planners can help you destress, commiserate with others that share your pain and maybe pick up a couple helpful hints from those who are making the same types of decisions you’re making. We’d love to see you at a meeting soon. I’ve included some resources in this issue that may be helpful in the next few weeks. If you have a resource to share, please feel free to send it to me and I can help spread the information. As always, thank you for being a member of MPICRV. You are always encouraged to reach out to any Board member or directly to me if there is anything we can help you with or you have suggestions on how we can assist you and other planners in the Chapter.
Cindy Panioto, MPICRV Chapter President
cindyp@ctcpas.org
Just out from MPI Global
MPI Global has created a resource page for information and guidance for the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This is a great resource as you and your teammates make contingency plans and decisions about your events, your attendees and your office. For local information, we’ve also included the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Department of Health and the New York Department of Health.
MPI Global www.mpi.org/tools/coronavirus
CT DPH www.ct.gov/coronavirus
MA DPH https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
NY DPH https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
March 11th Education Session on Transportation
On March 11th join us to hear Michael Lindsey, president of Lindsey Limousine, Kevin Dillion, Executive Director and CEO of the Connecticut Airport Authority and Richard Andreski, Bureau Chief of Public Transportation at Connecticut Dept of Transportation. They will talk Trains, Planes and Automobiles, our transportation options and insider tips for you and your attendees. Register for an evening of great conversation on March 11th. https://www.mpi.org/chapters/connecticut-river-valley/education-events/event/2020/03/11/default-calendar/march-education-program
CHAPTER NEWS
MPICRV Needs You!
We are looking for Chapter members who want to increase their leadership skills and make a difference in our industry. Whether you’ve got an hour or two a month to volunteer on a committee or you’d like to up your game and apply for one of our Board of Directors positions, we want to hear from you. Our new volunteer year begins July 1, 2020 (committee chairs and member can jump in at any time!). Positions open are: Committee Chairs for special events, education events, committee members for Chapter social media engagement, Chapter newsletter coordination, special events during the year, and educational events during the year. Open Board positions are Vice President of Education, Director of Member Engagement, and Director of Special Events. Please contact Rebecca Mockalis, current Director of Engagement at rmockalis@lindseylimo.com or Chapter President, Cindy Panioto at cindyp@ctcpas.org.
Again this year, your Chapter celebrates Global Meeting Industry Day (GMID) on April 14th! Celebrated across the globe, GMID shines a light on the real impact meetings have on people, businesses and the economy. Led by the Meeting Mean Business Coalition, including MPI, it brings together meetings industry advocates across six continents and more than forty countries.
MPICRV will host an evening at the Hartford Windsor Marriott with CVBs from Connecticut and Massachusetts. Join us to learn more about the CVBs’ services in your own backyard and how to partner with their teams to maximize your attendee experience. Most, if not all of CVB services are free so get ready to join forces with them, elevate your programs and benefit from their services. CVBs are your secret weapon!
 
Kelly Murphy, Global Trade Show & Event Coordinator, Corporate, Mirion Technologies
Tell us a bit about yourself and your career:
I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Eastern Connecticut State University. Eastern is where I started my event planning career. As a freshman I joined the campus activity board, planning the cultural and education events for all students. While pursuing my degree, I interned at a local entertainment agency as an event planner. After college, I accepted a full-time position at one of the largest venues in CT coordinating events and sales. I’m working at a global technology manufacturer planning corporate events and trade shows. I have a well-rounded view of the industry having broad experience while still being early in my career. Next year I plan to acquire my CMP and CTSM.
What are you hoping to get out of MPI?
I’m hoping to network as much as possible with MPI. Connecting with professionals in the industry and exchanging ideas is very important to me.
What is your craziest industry-related story?
This is a tough one since every event always has at least one interesting story. My most memorable crazy story was when I was planning weddings and the bride broke her ankle from doing the Cotton-Eyed Joe dance. However, that wasn’t the only time, another client broke their ankle during her wedding later that year. I now warn people about the risk of playing that song at any event.
Why are you passionate about meetings and events?
I’m passionate about meetings and events because it’s the perfect balance of my “Type A” personality and my creative side. I had a great mentor during college that trusted me unconditionally giving me the confidence to develop all my ideas. This drove my passion to coordinate as it no longer felt like a job.
What would you recommend for our student members as they prepare to join the industry?
I would recommend trying to get an internship where you can network with as many people as possible. From my experience, contacts and genuine relationships in this industry are invaluable. Interning at an entertainment agency linked me to almost any preferred vendor.
Why are you passionate about meetings and events?
I’m passionate about meetings and events because it’s the perfect balance of my “Type A” personality and my creative side. I had a great mentor during college that trusted me unconditionally giving me the confidence to develop all my ideas. This drove my passion to coordinate as it no longer felt like a job.
What would you recommend for our student members as they prepare to join the industry?
I would recommend trying to get an internship where you can network with as many people as possible. From my experience, contacts and genuine relationships in this industry are invaluable. Interning at an entertainment agency linked me to almost any preferred vendor.
Welcome to our new members
Stephen Cogan, Spare Time Entertainment
Benjamin Craig, MassMutual Center
Jennifer Goodley, Aetna, Inc.
David Hulme, Party People, Inc.
Megan Kavanagh, Solomon & Associates
Emily Kuzma, Yale University
Kate McGlew, Trinity College
We look forward to seeing you at our next event!
Be sure to check the MPI CRV website for updates:
If you no longer want to receive emails from Meeting Professionals International Connecticut River Valley, please Opt-Out.
|