• Summer 2009 Newsletter
  • President's Message
  • Community Outreach Green
  • Community Outreach Rubber Duckie
  • MPI Foundation
  • UP-SIDE to the DOWNTURN
  • New Members
  • WEC 2009
  • 2nd Annual Awards Gala
  • MPI Aloha Chapter Luncheon Review
• Spring 2009 Newsletter
• Winter 2008 Newsletter
• Late Summer 2008 Newsletter
• Summer 2008 Newsletter
• Spring 2008 Newsletter
• Winter 2007 Newsletter
• Fall 2007 Newsletter

MPI Aloha Chapter 2nd Annual Gala Awards
By: Philip Richardson

Mahalo Nui Loa to those who attended and helped celebrate the 2nd Annual Gala Awards for our MPI Aloha Chapter. As you know, the MPI Gala Awards recognize industry leaders and rising stars for their role in moving the meetings and events industry forward. This year’s winners included Planner of the Year, Joel Cantor, Lead Conference Coordinator, Pacific Telecommunications Council; Supplier of the Year, Joy Tomita, Sales Manager, Halekulani Hotel; Rising Star, Sandy Narvaez, Sales Manager, Makaha Resort & Golf Club; and President's Award, Ava Matchen, National Sales Manager, Meetings & Incentives, Hilton Hawaiian Village. These exceptional members have been instrumental in building a strong chapter through their teamwork, aloha and lokahi.

In addition, MPI Aloha Chapter recognized Tom Moffatt with a “Pioneer of Events” award for his contributions to Hawaii’s event industry over the last 50 years. As the promoter of paradise, he has brought to Hawaii some of the biggest acts in music history, including Elvis, Michael Jackson and the Rolling Stones. In fact, “Elvis” made a surprise appearance at our event, serenading Tom with a special song.

Our theme for the event was “innovation,” incorporating a variety of elements bringing us “back to our future.” From the outdoor setting of the Waialae Country Club’s beachfront lawn, which included a mini lounge, high-top tables and an aerialist, to the strolling food stations offering delectable dishes, to the phenomenal entertainment provided by Taimane Gardner and the Hot Club of Hulaville, all of these elements blended ‘change’ seamlessly with the good ole’ days. Other elements included a silent auction in addition to a live auction hosted by Michael Troy, director of sales and marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii, who could make a living as a comedian, should he ever wish to pursue a new career.

Many thanks are extended to the Gala’s Committee chairs and volunteers, who volunteered their time, talents and resources to make this event such a resounding success.