MPI New York Chapter Announces Awards and Installs New Board

On Wednesday night, the Greater New York chapter of Meeting Professionals International held its 2010 award presentation and installation dinner at Tribeca Rooftop for more than 180 members. Striking a positive tone, MPI president and C.E.O. Bruce M. MacMillan—who hosted the event alongside Ralph Wynn, past president and founding member of the local chapter—asserted that there is a renewed focus and energy on meetings that will stimulate growth within the industry. Taking advantage of the warm night, the guests crowded onto the terrace for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres before heading inside for dinner.

Recipients of this year's awards included Jared Silverman of the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel & Conference Center (Rising Star Award), Ted Schlecht of William Charles Printing (Chapter Manager of the Year), DMM Group Communications' Patty Stern (Planner of the Year), Randy Misko of Skytop Lodge (Supplier of the Year), International Baccalaureate's Jeanine Littrel (President’s Award), Laurie Meyer (Hall of Fame Award), the Golf Committee (Outstanding Committee of the Year), and the Socials Committee (Board of Directors Award).

The event also inducted the following officers to the 2010-2011 executive committee:
Don Diorio, president
Ken Edwards, president-elect
Ted Schlecht, vice president of communications
Patty Stern, vice president of finance
Aysha Gourdine, vice president of membership
Karen Madden, vice president of programs

The board of directors for the 2010-2012 chapter years will include:
Sara Davis
Carvie Gillikin
Tracy Horwitz
Mary Lou Race
Jared Silverman
Christopher D. White

Local companies contributing their services to the gala included Apogee Events/Tribeca Rooftop, Bermuda Limousine, Grand Hyatt New York, Hotel Beacon, LifeTeacher.com, conjurer Ryan Oakes, SmartSource Computer & Audiovisual Rentals, Starbright Floral Design, and Total Entertainment.