Member Spotlight Patty Stern

Name: Patty Stern
Occupation: CCO
Planner or Supplier: Planner 
Member Since: 1996
Current Employer: Patty Stern Creative Marketing & Events

How did you get your start in the industry?
My family owned a large limousine company in Dallas, Texas. The first day I started there, I joined MPI as a supplier member.

How many years have you been in the industry?
It will be 23 years this July.

What is your favorite thing about our industry?
That feeling of exuberance during the planning stages when I’m surrounded by like-minded people who are passionate about delivering excellence and the ideas are flying! Curiosity is a wonderful part of our industry. I’ve planned conferences & events for many different industries; my curiosity has enabled me to speak knowledgeably about many industries now.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?
Never be afraid to speak up and do the right thing, even when it’s not the popular choice; integrity is everything and your name is your word.

What is the most memorable event you have planned or client experience you have had?
I planned a national conference in Dallas for attorneys and our final night was an awards dinner for 700 attendees. A major sponsor was Mercedes-Benz and they’d donated a car to raffle. It just happened we were in the ONLY hotel in Dallas where you can drive a car into the ballroom. We kept it under wraps but logistically planned an exciting entrance to have the car driven into the ballroom (with audio and lighting at full throttle for a dramatic effect), and down the “double-wide” red carpet I’d had installed. Inside the car was the association president, the president-elect, and the executive contact from Mercedes-Benz. They were waving at everyone as the car drove to the stage. What an ego-booster VIP experience for them. The car sold fast and for a high amount. After the event was over, the executive from Mercedes-Benz came to find me and said “I don’t know how we will ever top what you created for us tonight”! That made all the logistical details worth the work required to bring it to life! 

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Dallas, Texas. Fell in love with Gary and moved to New York City. Then we moved to New Jersey. All of my family is still in Dallas.

If you could invite one famous or noted people (past or present) to dinner who would you choose?
He’s only famous to me: My dad Bill. He was always the voice of reason for me, and as my life progresses, it gets grayer. I’d love to be able to talk to him at dinner about how to best navigate life without ever compromising standards.

Which three words describe you best?
Creative. Authentic. Generous.

What do you love about MPI NJ?
MPI NJ welcomed me when I moved to New Jersey and of course pulled me in as a volunteer to share my talents for the benefit of the chapter. What I love about this chapter is the sincerity of every member to lift each other up to be the best and have each other’s backs to ensure every endeavor we pursue at the chapter level is a success.