• Letter from the President
• Anniversary Feature: Reflections of our Second Member
• CSEP Discussion Group Meeting
• December Membership Drive Results
• ISES Minnesota Star Awards
• MPI Announces KnowledgeQuest 2008
• ISES Members Attend TSE
• New Member Profiles
• Meet A Board Member
• ISES Sound Off

As we begin 2008, I am excited to announce a new local operating/branding position and personality for our chapter. Collaborative. Creative. Credible. These three powerful words distinguish our chapter to members, prospective members and clients. They best exemplify the core of the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter.

Collaborative: who do we work with, our audiences
Creative: how do we do it, innovation
Credible: what is the process, results

As I have reached the midyear point in my term as president of the chapter, I think this is the perfect time to reflect on how our chapter epitomizes the Collaborative, Creative, Credible moniker.

In October we collaborated with MPI and in February we will do the same with the Twin Cities Bridal Association. These collaborations have been very beneficial to the chapter by both reaching out to new potential members as well as gaining us more credibility in the Twin Cities events community.

November was an opportunity for us to showcase several of our member's creativity. The table top designs showcased at the Walker were simply amazing. I look forward to the upcoming Star Awards to showcase our creativity once more. The Star Awards also gives us a chance to further our credibility. We use a very strict criteria and judging process in determining the Star Awards winners. This insures the continued credibility of this awards program.

These are just a few examples at the chapter level of our collaboration, creativity, and credibility. I urge you each to look at your companies and as individuals to find ways that you can use these traits in your work and personal lives.

Craig Oliver: Direct from the Lobby Bar...
by Tiffany Gaudette, (tiffany@umn.edu)

Picture this. You're working in the event industry and are vaguely familiar with an international group called ISES. You've attended The Special Event Show twice as a self-proclaimed "volunteer grunt." You hear buzz that a group of people are trying to start a Twin Cities chapter of this organization you don't know much about. You walk into the first start-up meeting, you're the only male, and you don't know anyone in the room. Lesser men may have headed for the nearest exit, but not Craig Oliver (craigoliver@aarcee.com). To quote our first chapter president, Becky Harris, "he took a leap of faith," and helped recruit 35 members so the group could be recognized as a chapter. Ten years and two terms as chapter president later, he is still actively involved as Director of Membership, his sixth consecutive position on the board of directors. When asked what he is most proud of regarding the growth and evolution of the chapter, Craig replied, "Just a few years ago we were struggling with 60 or 70 members. We are now rocking with 187 members, two consecutive International Chapter of the Year awards and a young energetic board that is poised to keep the chapter strong. Their dedication is inspiring."

I, for one, was inspired when Craig shared, "There is a saying in ISES that 'Everything you need to know about special events can be learned at the lobby bar.' While this may not be the official motto of ISES, it may be the most accurate. I have learned more about the special events industry at national conferences than I ever would have had I not had the opportunity to attend. It is amazing how generous and willing to share ideas the members of ISES are."

Among Craig's most memorable ISES moments are being sworn in as chapter president, and winning International Chapter of the Year the second year in a row. "It was wonderful having people from all over the world realize that Minneapolis-St Paul has some great special event professionals," he said. "I was there and got to gloat on stage!" Craig expressed his gratitude to his colleagues at AARCEE Party & Tent Rental for their support of ISES. He said, "My boss, Dick Nelson, has given me the freedom to volunteer, paid for many, many conferences and has donated more equipment than he probably realizes {author's note... hope Dick doesn't read this, and if he does - thanks, Dick!} He understands the value of being involved and building relationships. Special events are a relationship business and what better place to start one than by joining an organization such as ISES and heading for the lobby bar." Well, thanks in large part to Craig's efforts, we're nearing 200 members, so that had better be one big lobby!

The Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP) Discussion Group will meet on Tuesday, February 19 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Location TBD. If you are interested in hosting the group of approximately six members, we would welcome your assistance. It is most helpful if the next location has teleconferencing abilities and internet access to facilitate participation by members who might be traveling or otherwise unable to attend in person. Members will continue to review the CSEP Content Outline and vocabulary terms.

Discussion Group members met on January 8, 2008 to begin review of the Content Outline for the written, essay portion of the exam. Items for discussion were chosen based on participant responses to areas group members identified as challenge points within the Content Outline. Members share their own, real-life experiences and help those with less confidence in a particular area.

To join the CSEP Discussion group, or if you or your company is willing to host a future meeting, please contact Ruth Wikoff-Jones at ruthsbluemarble@hotmail.com.

For more information on the CSEP certification process and exam, visit the International Special Event Society (ISES) website at www.ises.com/CSEP.

December membership drives sets a new record! Thanks to our new members who joined in December we are approaching the 200 member mark!

With the addition of 16 new full members and 4 new student members, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter now has 187 members.

Welcome to our newest members:

Dylan Andersen (dylan.andersen@thehotelivy.com)
Hotel Ivy

Maya Blue (mblue@lancercatering.com)
Lancer Catering

Diana Brasch (dbrasch@plato.com)
Plato Learning

Cookie Coleman (cookie@cococompany.com)
Cookie Coleman Company

Scott B. DeLage (sdelage@eventlab.net)
Event Lab

Martha Gabler Lunde (martha@marthasfloralstudio.com)
Martha's Gardens

Terry Gentry (terry@creative-license.net)
Creative License

Kim R. Kirmeier (kkirmeier@centpoint.com)
CenterPoint

Paula Kittelson (kitte050@umn.edu)
Weisman Art Museum

Mary J. Lindahl (mlindahl@nscsports.org)
National Sports Center

Tim McVean (tm@goavex.com)
AVEX Audio Visual Express

Shelley A. Meyer (meyer0097@msn.com
University of St. Thomas

Susan Milteer (smilteer@eventlab.net)
Event Lab

Elizabeth Plaetz Lori (beth@childrensheartlink.org)
Children's HeartLink

Shawn Plante (shawn@instantrequest.com)
Instant Request DJ Entertainment

Peter Provost (p3propel@aol.com)
Propel

Amy Ransom (mnrans@msn.com)
Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS

Kim Renneberg (krenneberg@saintpaulhotel.com)
Saint Paul Hotel

Beth Ditter (bethdit@msn.com)

Kaley M. Hanson (kmhanson@cord.edu)
Student Member


We would like to welcome all the new members and extend and open invitation to call us anytime if you have membership questions. Also, keep an eye open for your invitation to the 2nd annual New Member Wing Ding that will be held in February. Welcome again. We look forward to seeing you at the February program.

Meghan & Craig

Meghan Jager VP of Membership meghan@ises-msp.org		Craig Oliver Director of Membership craig@ises-msp.org
Editors Note: In the January newsletter, we inadvertantly mispelled new member Susan Milteer's last name. Our appologies Susan. Welcome to the chapter!

Thank you to everyone who entered the 2008 ISES Minnesota Star Awards. There were over 50 entries submitted this year! Event professionals from another region of the United States are busy judging the submissions as you read this and we will have the nominees by the next newsletter! Mark your calendars for our two-time internationally award-winning event celebrating the best local events and event professionals.

Friday, March 14, 2008
The Great Hall
180 East Fifth Street
St Paul, MN 55101
(Please enter at street level through the 5th street entrance.)

7:00 p.m. Champagne Reception
8:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony
9:30 p.m. Allusion Party

Watch for your invitation coming next week!

Sponsorships
Contributions of product and services are an important feature of the Minnesota Star Awards. If you would like to showcase your discipline in front of the Minnesota event community, (rentals, catering, AV, decor, floral, etc.) this is an excellent opportunity.

Volunteers
If you're not able to participate on a committee, but would still like to be involved, there are a variety of volunteer positions available. Volunteers are primarily needed during load-in and load-out of the event on March 14, but there are a number of needs leading up to the event as well.

If you are interested in participating in either of these areas, please contact Jodi Collen, CSEP at 612-330-1107 or starawards@ises-msp.org.

The Minnesota Chapter of Meeting Professionals International is excited to announce it 2008 day-long education conference:

KnowledgeQuest 2008
Your Piece in the Puzzle -
Putting it Together

February 20, 2008
8:00am - 4:00pm

KnowledgeQuest 2008 will help you to understand your piece in the global meetings industry through access to relevant knowledge, rich ideas and profitable relationships. Join MPI MN at our annual educational event, KnowledgeQuest, being held at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, MN.

New to KnowledgeQuest 2008:

• Four breakout session choices in the morning and afternoon instead of three
• More prize drawings at the Supplier Showcase during lunch
• Full- and half-day registration options available to fit your busy schedule
• An interactive opening and closing general session featuring national speaker Joe Calloway

Earle Brown Heritage Center
6155 Earle Brown Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55430
www.earlebrown.com

For more information, event schedule, speaker and session information and to register, please visit the KnowledgeQuest website.

Nearly 20 members of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter attended the 2008 Special Event Conference in Atlanta, Georgia January 15-18.

After taking in great education sessions, walking a large trade show floor and attending the social functions, local members were exhausted but returned to Minnesota filled with new ideas on how to make events in our area even better!

ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul members at the Georgia Aquarium during the 'TSE Starts Here' party.		One of the many beautiful tabletop designs featured at TSE 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Want to see more pictures from TSE? Visit the Photo Gallery.

Hear what fellow event professionals are saying about ISES, our monthly programs and events, and learn the great things local ISES members are doing.

ISES member Dianna Fuller, CMP (diannaf@hoffmancommunications.com) is excited to announce that Hoffman Communications, Inc received two prestigious Silver International Davey Awards for its work on, "Pre-surgery Video Tour", produced for Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota and "Webisode #3: Studio", produced for Hoffman Communications' marketing campaign. The Davey Awards honors the finest creative work from the best small firms, agencies, and companies worldwide by the International Academy of the Visual Arts.

ISES member Tami Cabrera Weinmann (yummy@muddypawscheesecake.com) announced that the Muddy Paws Cheesecake Co. has closed its retail space in uptown in order to focus on their wholesale (restaurants and food service est.), wedding, team/school fund-raisers, nationwide shipping, and home delivery markets. Their new address is 7600 W 27th Street Suite B2, St Louis Park, MN 55426.

With these type of accolades we know they'll be a success!

• Twin Cities Best Cheesecake, Andrew Zimmern & Mpls St Paul Magazine
• Outstanding Business Achievement of the Year, Minnesota
• Silver Spoon Award, Twin Cities
• As Featured: Food Network, Modern Baking Mag., Chocolatier Mag., State Fair Food Stage, Kare 11, WCCO, City Pages, Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, MN Monthly, SW Journal, Sun Sailor, Food Service News Panel, Cordon Bleu Advisor panel, & 5x Coffee Festival Dessert 1st place.

"...these are just as cheesecakes should be" - Dara M., City Pages
"...Amazing Array of Amazing Cheesecakes" - Al Roker, Today Show



Do you have news you would like to share? Do you have an exciting announcement you want to brag about? Email communications@ises-msp.org.

"Creative Collaboration"
A Panel Discussion with the Artistic Directors of Theatre de la Jeune Lune.

WHEN:
Thursday, February 21, 2008
4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
 4:00 Registration
 4:30 - 5:30 Panel Discussion
 5:30 - 7:00 Social

As event professionals we know the fine art of collaboration. Staging any event requires the skills of more than one professional. But how do we best utilize our resources to creatively cooperate and create the best events for our clients. Get ready to think outside of the box with masters of creative collaboration: the artistic directors of Theatre de la Jeune Lune - the Tony award-winning local theatre known for the innovation of their productions. This is a joint program for members of the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter and Twin City Bridal Association (TCBA)

Following the program, guests are invited to attend the 8:00 pm performance of Jeune Lune's newest work, Fishtank. Discounted tickets are available for program attendees. More information and a link to purchase tickets is posted here.

VENUE:
Theatre de la Jeune Lune
105 North First Street
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612.333.6200
directions


COST:
ISES & TCBA Members: $20.00*
ISES Associates: $25.00**
Guests: $50.00
Student Members:$15.00***

* TCBA Members must enter the TCBA discount code when registering.
**Associates are co-workers of an also attending ISES Member.
***Students who are NOT ISES Members must pay the Guest rate.


Please RSVP by Monday, February 18, 2008.

There will be a $10.00 surcharge for anyone who registers after this deadline. Cancellations after Monday, February 18, 2008 and no-shows will be billed.

Emily Youngman
Sales Representative

BBJ Linen
eyoungman@bbjlinen.com

What does your company do? We are a Fine Linen Rental Company

What is an average day in your life like? My days are mostly filled with client meetings. We have a showroom in our office that contains all our table linens, chair cover, chair ties & napkins. This allows clients to come in, put the linens on the table or chair & have their vision come to life.

How did you enter the events industry? I have a love of food so I started working in the restaurant industry which gave me exposure to catering & special events.

Why did you join ISES? I joined ISES to start networking and building relationships with other vendors.

What do you want to know about the events industry? I always love to her new and different twists on the ordinary or new trends in food, décor & colors.

Jean Cowles
Owner

Violets Flowers and Events
violets@mchsi.com

How many years have you been in the event industry? 18

What does your company do? We design floral arrangements for weddings, special events, and corporate accounts.

Why did you join ISES? I joined ISES to network with other professionals in the events industry, to learn more about the industry, and I think that being a part of an organization with the reputation of ISES will help my business. Besides, Ryan made me join!!!

What do you want to know about the events industry? I want to learn about the other parts of events that I am not normally involved with. I hope that this knowledge will help me to expand my business.

Do you have a career or industry tip that you would like to share? Always be nice to everyone you meet. The person that you help today may hire you tomorrow!.

Char Mason
Proprietor
(ok, owner!)

Char Mason & Associates
char@charmason.com

How many years have you been in the event industry? 17

What does your company do? Event Production and Communications

What is an average day in your life like? Dream all night about new idea and details of current projects... wake up and try to fulfill them all day!

How did you enter the events industry? I managed events and marketing for the management company at International Market Square - produced home furnishings and design trade shows, galas, educational conferences - etc. After 8 years there, I became executive director of the Grand Avenue Business Association and Grand Old Day for four years. Then in 1999, I started my own business! Love it!

Why did you join ISES? The programs and people involved all seem top notch, and FUN!

What do you want to know about the events industry? How did we all get in this zany business?

Summer Harsh
Sr. Wedding and Event Designer
Stems and Vines
summerharsh@yahoo.com

How many years have you been in the event industry? 8 lovely years.

What does your company do?We are the Twin Cities Premier Florist. My department handles floral decor for weddings and special events.

What is an average day in your life like? Coffee, answering messages and emails, more coffee, finalizing details with up coming clients, meeting with potential clients, basically lots of creating on paper, and then my favorite... Work shop days- coffee, and playing with fresh flowers all day making that creativity come to life!

How did you enter the events industry? When I started with Stems and Vines, the woman doing my job now was a fabulous fun designer, and I asked to work with her. The rest is, as they say, history.

Why did you join ISES? I had heard great things about our chapter and thought is was a good idea to be a part of that. I appreciate the exposure to all aspects of event design, not just floral. It's been great for networking as well. I really appreciate that every one in our industry has such a great time working with one another.

Is there a book, person, or story that comes to mind which has had a strong impact on your career? The little engine that could.  :)

Matthew Trettel

Director of
Education &
Programs
matthew@ises-msp.org
763-529-1900 office

General Manager & Creative Director,
Twin City Bridal Association

Years in event industry: 10

I work with Pete Nelson in planning and implementing monthly programs. This includes the logistical details of coordinating speakers and developing content as well as working to create the overall look of each month's program. Please contact us if you would like to contribute as a sponsor to any of the programs. Each month we will be looking for venues, catering, décor, etc. We are excited to showcase the talents of fellow ISES members as part of our monthly programs.

I think that continued education benefits not only myself personally by heightening my knowledge, but it also allows me to disseminate the information I learn and the ideas that it generates to a wider audience, both the suppliers and the consumers in the wedding market.

The biggest benefit that I have received through ISES has been further education in the event industry and exposure to innovative ideas. This has had a dramatic impact on how I approach my industry and helps to reenergize the excitement I have for what I do. With the content and experiences that I gain, I see ISES as one of the strong tools that I use to help elevate the level of weddings in this market.