1. Ray Roa, CSEP, Visalia Convention Center.
2. Danny Pferschy, Grand Sierra Resort, Reno.
3. Leah Banchero, DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country.
4. Kimberly Dunnegan, Visit Newport Beach.
5. Elizabeth Pemberton, Embassy Suites Monterey Bay Seaside.
6. Matt Brezinski, San Francisco Travel Association.
7. Terry Schroeder, CMP, and Kristine van Winkle, CMP, CASE, CTE, Marriott International.
8. Marcia Durst, CMP, Durst Event Strategies, with Paul Dickey, Mercy Peddlers.
9. Sandy Smart, DoubleTree Hotel & Spa, Napa Valley/ American Canyon.
The annual education luncheon and trade show of the Sacramento Sierra Nevada chapter of Meeting Professionals International brought out many fancy hats and the smaller accessories known as “fascinators,” a nod to the “Derby Days” theme. Held in the Clubhouse at the Cal Expo racetrack, the event’s bar served up mint juleps, another merry bow to the theme.
Nearly 700 MPI members gathered in Grapevine for Meeting Professionals International’s World Education Congress (WEC).
The New York and New Jersey chapters of the National Association for Catering & Events (NACE), along with the Banquet Event Strategic Task Force (BEST Task Force), held an in-person gathering in August, their first since the start of the pandemic.
The Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE) hosted its first inperson event since the pandemic began at The Medalist Golf Club in Marshall. MSAE’s goal was to host a fun networking opportunity that followed COVID guidelines, and helped members gain confidence attending in-person events again.