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 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.
2025 Award Honorees
Chief Executive of the Year
Nancy Urbanowicz, CAE
Former Executive Director, Academy of Management
DEI Champion
Carine Desroches, HMCC, MMP
Meeting & Events Director, National Kidney Foundation
Meetings Professional of the Year
Kathleen McKay
Vice President, Events, IAB
Rising Star
Lina Kang
Meeting Planner, Cardiovascular Research Foundation
Association Partner of the Year
Rhonda Payne, CAE
Founder & CEO, Flock Theory
Lifetime Achievement
Claire Rosenzweig, CAE
President & CEO, Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan New York, Hudson Valley and Long Island
Excellence in Membership
Amy Chapman
Director of Operations, New Jersey Psychological Association
Excellence in Educational Programming
Brienne Willcock
Director of Education and Standards, Illuminating Engineering Society
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
Thank You To Our 2025 Host & 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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