Mastering the Calm: Elevating Excellence at the 8th Annual CMP/CMM Recognition Event

The 8th Annual MPI New Jersey Chapter CMP/CMM Recognition Event, titled Mastering the Calm: A Celebration in Elevating Your Excellence, was a memorable gathering held at the Hyatt Regency Morristown. With an engaging theme and an inspiring keynote by Eliz Greene, this event honored the achievements of CMPs and CMMs while equipping attendees with tools to stress-proof their lives.

Alyssa Lippincott and I co-chaired the event last year and many people asked us how we would outdo what was done before. For me, it was never about topping it or “outdoing” last year’s event because frankly, it would be impossible. As a CMP, I understand that each meeting is different and is planned for the attendees and not for the planner. Besides, how could we ever compare the two? Last year featured a flower truck on the lawn, and we presented the inaugural Legacy Award named after the incomparable Joanne Dennison! Top it? Couldn’t do it if we tried. 

This year was different. It needed to be different. As co-chairs, we constantly put ourselves in the “attendees chair”. It felt like there was a lot on the line. People were hanging in the balance and hard-pressed for answers to their daily struggles: stress, exhaustion, financial insecurities, and more. For me personally, this year felt like an opportunity of a lifetime to be in the presence of people who understood - people who got the struggle of a meeting professional and supported me in the whirlwind of challenges. Once again, the CMP/CMM Recognition Event did not disappoint. It brought a calm to the storms of life and elevated our excellence once again.

The day began with an energizing “Power Hour” led by Joanne Dennison, who set a vibrant tone for the event. Her dynamic session brought attendees together, sparking connections and celebrating the excellence in the room. Corrine Statia Thomas took the stage during our Purposeful Pause with an Inspiring Interlude. She reminded us not to lose sight of our inspiration that got us started in the industry. Corrine shared her daily interludes for inspiration: taking a mindless minute, enjoying an outdoor walk, and cultivating an attitude of gratitude.

Of course, the highlight of the day was recognizing all the CMPs and CMMs in the room. Stephanie Maurice joined Alyssa on the stage to celebrate the honorees… calling them by name and announcing the years of designation. It was heartwarming to see all the smiles and hear the cheers from everyone in the room.

Another significant highlight of the morning was the presentation of the Joanne Dennison Legacy Award to Janet Pickover, CMP Emeritus. The recognition of her contributions and dedication were met with heartfelt applause, underscoring the spirit of mentorship and leadership that defines this community. Let’s give a shout out to all of our CMPs, CMMs and our recipient of the Joanne Dennison Legacy Award – Janet Pickover!

Keynote speaker, Eliz Greene, took the stage and immediately got the room moving—literally! Her interactive session taught attendees how to release stress and embrace simple, actionable strategies to transform how they feel. With her expertise and humor, Eliz illuminated ways to protect our calm and manage the unavoidable stressors in life and work. 

Our chapter president, Kellie Cahill, closed us out with another Purposeful Pause that threaded every detail of the day together. Kellie challenged us to consider our industry as a hospitality business that is in the business of connection management. Our career is not just connected to our titles and designations but to the connections we make with the people we meet.

Attendees left the event not just with insights but also a renewed sense of empowerment, elevation and calm. This year’s recognition event wasn’t just a celebration of professional accomplishments—it was a celebration of resilience, balance, and the power of community. For those who attended, it served as both a recharge and a reminder that excellence is not just about what we achieve but how we thrive.

Congratulations to all of the legacy award nominees: Dion Magee CMP, CMM, HMCC,, Kellie Cahill, CMP, Meghan Shott CMP, DES, Michael Shannon CMP, HMCC, Pam Wynne CMP, CMM, HMCC and Saira Banu Kianes, CMP, HMCC. Continue to be a servant leader in the industry.

A huge thank you to the amazing volunteers that made this event a success – Corrine Statia Thomas, Janet Murphy-Scott, Lori Battista, Nancy Sutta Berns, Sherita Session ,our awesome marketing team: Heather Kresge, Meghan Shott, Jenna Paulo, Patty Stern, Meredith Dickinson, and Kelly Somers, and our legacy award committee: Joanne Dennison, Frank Fricano, Jennifer Holt, Cece Peabody.

To our strategic partners and sponsors: Wind Creek Bethlehem, Hyatt Regency Morristown, HQ Audio Visual, Experience Kissimmee, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Mohegan Sun, Riccardi Media, Cupa Cabana, The Chocolate Bar, My Limousine Service. We could not have done this without you! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.