All That Sparkle and Shine

Spotlight Sojourns

At the “Sparkle and Shine” Annual Gala, Meeting Professionals International Northern California Chapter (MPINCC) celebrated a record-setting program year.

Over 300 industry leaders attended the sold-out black-tie soirée at the landmark Merchants Exchange Club and Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco.

Celebrating this year on MPINCC: Your Practice Field

The Sparkle and Shine Gala team, led by Gala Chair Laura Tyson, Co-Chair Hillary Barlesi, CMP, Director of Special Events Samah Menoufy, and VP of Finance Owen Rundall, outdid themselves with a glimmering, gorgeous ambiance.

Mistress of Ceremonies and Past President Dana Marshall, CMP, CMM, resplendent in Tadashi Shoji, welcomed the audience of industry luminaries.

President Joey Nevin recapped the record stats of his program year leading on MPINCC: Your Practice Field.

One especially exciting stat was MPINCC becoming the world’s largest Chapter of the world’s largest association of meeting, event, and hospitality professionals.

President Nevin then awarded the prestigious Crystal Star to the MPINCC All-Star members:

  • TOMORROW’S LEADER:  Nikki Brainerd
  • COMMITTEE CHAIR OF THE YEAR:  Alaina Hee Tobar, DMCP
  • BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEAR:  Lucy Giovando Watts, CMP, CMM
  • MEETING PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR:  Susan Piel, CMP
  • SUPPLIERS OF THE YEAR: Villa Florence and CORT Event Furnishings
  • PRESIDENT’S AWARD:  James Gregg and Lori Kinsey, CMP
  • HALL OF FAME AWARD:  Matthew Schermerhorn, CMP, HMCC

After cheering the award winners, the audience cheered on the Golden State Warriors to victory in Game One of the NBA Finals.

Celebrating the new year to Educate, Engage, IGNITE!

Before the oath and speech, I slipped off red-sole stilettos and slipped on gold ballroom shoes. Because several show-stopping surprises were in store.

Next, newly inducted into the Hall of Fame and elegantly attired in tuxedo, Past President Schermerhorn administered the oath of office to the incoming Board of Directors.

Past President Schermerhorn then introduced my inaugural presidential speech. 

I then challenged the audience to define their WHY. To determine your ROI.

Because we’re going to fire up and light up the sky. We’re going to make heads turn.

So join up, get up, suit up, and show up. And together we will  Educate, Engage, IGNITE!

My thematic anthem Firework by Katy Perry, resounded through the ballroom. And then –

Boom! Confetti cannons with custom metallic streamers concluded the speech with fabulous flair.

Thousands of shimmering golden streamers flooded everything. Stage. Tables. Dance floor. Indeed, everywhere.

So the plan had been to move directly from the stage to the dance floor for a special performance.  But a 30-minute wait ensued for the crew to sweep the hazardous streamers from the dance floor.

However, the energy in the room didn’t fade. And then –

It was go time. It was showtime. Cue opening stance.

First Dude, Paul Kostadimas, and I performed a modern cha-cha-cha choreographed to Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk.

He was altogether awesome. Completely in the zone. With his first-ever public performance. In front of hundreds of people, he didn’t know. He hit every mark and shone like a star.

(And yes, on this auspicious occasion, Paul did rock Chuck Taylor Converse All-Stars with his classic tuxedo. Until he, too, switched to ballroom shoes).

After that, everyone hit the illuminated dance floor, swirling and twirling until the last call.

What a year it’s been on MPINCC: Your Practice Field. And what a year lies ahead to Educate, Engage, IGNITE.

Oh, what a night it was to sparkle and shine!

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Photo Credit: 2Dudes Photography

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READ: Lead The Way: MPINCC Leadership Team

READ: MPINCC and You Made History

LEARN: About Meeting Professionals International

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