Each year, Metro NYSAE celebrates the achievements of individuals and organizations that have contributed to the continued growth and relevancy of the association and not for profit community. In October Metro NYSAE held its annual Synergy Awards breakfast and ceremony in the spectacular event space of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Attendees had the opportunity to network with and celebrate key individuals and organizations for their contributions and impact to the industries they serve.
Upon arrival, attendees had the opportunity to network during breakfast in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Breakfast was sponsored by D2L and OnPeak, a GES company. Once the crowd moved to the theatre, Board Chair Colleen Harper, CAE, welcomed the crowd. Awards co-chair Annette Homan, COO, RIMS, introduced Christopher Vasami of Vasami Method as the opening speaker. He shared his journey and experiences as a former college and professional baseball player, his cancer battle, and his years of coaching to help people work through their obstacles, take action, persevere, and win. With his spirited honesty and unique perspective, attendees felt encouraged, empowered, and inspired.
NYSAE Board Member, Rhonda Payne, CAE, CEO + Founder, Flock Theory, presented the DEI Champion Award to Yvonne Riley-Tepie, Ed.D., Senior Vice President, Social Impact, Real Estate Board of New York. Malachy Kavanagh, CAE, Executive VP, ICSC presented the Excellence in Educational Programming Award to The Toy Association. Greg Ahearn, The Toy Association’s CEO, accepted. The Excellence in MarCom Award was presented to the American Thoracic Society by Danielle Daley, Director of Sales Worldwide, Hilton Luxury Brands. Dacia Morris, Director of Communications and Marketing and Dorcas Gelabert, Senior Director of Creative Design accepted. Shane Jackson, National Accounts Manager, Discover Philadelphia presented the Rising Star Award to two deserving young professionals. They were Christin Chachula, Conferences & Events Associate, SIFMA and Chris Hicinbothem, Network Administrator, New Jersey State Bar Association. The Meetings Professional of the Year Award, presented by Rita Lopez, CMP, HMCC, National Sales Director, Discover Puerto Rico, went to Maria Salas-Pilla, HMCC, DES, VP, Conference & Travel Services, National Bleeding Disorders Foundation. Eric Schmidt, Co-Founder and CEO of Glue Up, presented the Chief Executive of the Year to Clare Cusack, President & CEO, New York Bankers Association. The final award, Lifetime Achievement, was presented to Carlotta Jacobson, President, Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) by CEW’s Chairwoman, Jill Scalamandre, Chief Executive Officer, Beekman 1802.
Event photography was generously contributed by di vision creative group.
