President's Message — April 2021

5…4...3...2...1...We welcome with open arms a new year and put behind us a year that shut down our industry.  We have celebrated the words and inspiration of a great civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. and we all cheered the return of dining and celebrated with loved ones one Valentine’s Day.  We took time to celebrate past leaders on President’s Day and for some of us, we lifted a cocktail or two on what was a very different Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day.  We now embrace the blooming of new flowers with the arrival of Spring and for many of us, we prepared to see loved ones safely with Easter weekend.  As planners, suppliers and professionals in our industry, we have already celebrated so much in just 3 months, and we still have so much to look forward to!

“All we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about” – Charles Kingsley

Personally, I have so much to be happy and grateful for, my health and the health of my family and friends.  An overwhelming appreciation for my job, co-workers, colleagues and an amazing leader, Ralph Brennan.  Most importantly, a huge respect and appreciation to YOU, our members of this amazing chapter.  Although my term is not one I ever imagined, it is one I would not change.  I have learned so much from all of you, our volunteers and each board of director.  I have witnessed so much resilience in the face of so much negative news.

“Every Production of genius must be the production of enthusiasm” – Benjamin Disraeli

It is with such enthusiasm from the board that we have presented our State of the Industry event in January along with a supplier and planner focus groups session to hear from you, our members.  Plus, a full of laughter BINGO event in February and finally our session on diversity, equity & inclusion with “BOLD.  BRAVE.  BEAUTIFUL. The Importance of DEI Within the Meetings & Events Industry”.

The celebration continues with the addition of our CMP Study Group series starting on April 7th and coming soon…our “Masters of Networking” fundraiser event, where our Director of Special Events, Kelly Feeney has created a fun spin on your usual golf tournament.  In addition, the return of a SIPS event in April (Social & Informational PRO Sessions).  Stay tuned for details on all these events and more.

So, in a year where we have all celebrated so much and still have so much to celebrate, I ask you, what are you enthusiastic about in 2021?

On behalf of the Board of Directors, VP’s and myself, let our ‘genius’ flag fly high and let us celebrate with enthusiasm, the new year!