Welcome to the Synergy Awards!
Celebrating Excellence and Innovation
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: ICSC Headquarters | 1251 Avenue of the Americas, FL 45, New York, NY 10020
Price: $75 Members | $125 Non-Members
This October, Metro NYSAE’s Annual Synergy Awards will honor the brightest minds and the most impactful contributions within our association community of Metro New York. This prestigious event recognizes individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and innovative practices, setting new standards of excellence in our industry.
2026 Award Honorees
Lifetime Achievement
Michael Weamer
President & CEO, Marfan Foundation
Chief Executive of the Year
Michelle Jackson
Executive Director, Human Services Council of New York
Meetings Professional of the Year
Christabelle Flanhardt
Vice President, Event Operations, ICSC
Rising Star
Kristin Allgaier
Senior Associate, Conferences & Events, SIFMA
Public Affairs & Advocacy Impact
Melissa Barbour, CAE
Executive Director, Mechanical Contractors Association of New York
Excellence in Membership
Maria Ungaro
Senior Vice President, Membership & Partner Relations, Licensing International
Inclusive Leadership
Danette Leighton
Chief Executive Officer, Women’s Sports Foundation
Excellence in Educational Programming
Kaleigh White Smolinski, PhD
Director, Professional Development, MISBO
2025 Award Presenters:
- Chief Executive of the Year: Eric Schmidt, GlueUp
- Meetings Professional of the Year: Melissa Hayden, Visit Fort Worth
- Lifetime Achievement: Rita Lopez, Discover Puerto Rico
- Association Partner of the Year: Mark Lowry, Higher Logic
- Rising Star: David Donovan, New York State Broadcasters Association
- Excellence in Educational Programming: Jason Sojka, Louisville Tourism
- Excellence in Membership: Craig Coleman, Interactive Advertising Bureau
- DEI Champion: Lili DeVita, Financial Executives International
2026 Synergy Awards Speaker
An author and sought-after speaker known for engaging audiences on leadership and organizational growth, previously spoke at Metro NYSAE’s ExecConnect Retreat in 2025, where he was well received by association executives and industry leaders. His keynote is expected to highlight themes of connection, resilience, and performance in today’s evolving association landscape, aligning with the spirit of the Synergy Awards, which celebrate excellence and impact across the professional community.
Thank You To Our 2026 Sponsors
Join us as a Sponsor:
Please contact Holly Koenig at hkoenig@northstarassociations.com to learn more!
2025 Synergy Awards
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, Metro NYSAE held its 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.
Breakfast, sponsored by GES and OnPeak, was held in a relaxed and casual atmosphere at ICSC. Once the crowd moved to the theatre, Chair Colleen Harper, CAE, welcomed the crowd. Awards co-chair Diane Tiberio, Sr.Sales Director, APPA, 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.
Event photography was generously contributed by ICSC.
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