IN THE APRIL 2008 ISSUE
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| Letter from the President |
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As I look out the window and see the snow melting (finally) it reminds me that warm spring weather is just around the corner. I love spring when all the things that have been dormant all winter start to wake up. This got me to thinking that unlike the animals and flowers that sleep all winter, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter has never been more active.
I am so honored to have been the President during these times of great activity. This activity has taken many different forms over the last few months. I would like to highlight a few of the latest chapter achievements.
- The Star Awards featured a record breaking number of entries as well as number of attendees.
- We currently have the highest number of members in the history of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter, the largest membership of any chapter in the Midwest region and the 7th largest chapter overall in ISES!
- The chapter is in a very solid financial state and we are excited to announce two scholarship opportunities in this month's newsletter.
So as you can see it is clear that the winter months have been very busy for all of us involved in ISES. And although I am definitely looking forward to warmer weather, I am equally excited to see the continued activity of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter.
Best regards,
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 Jim Leighton
President
ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul
jim@ises-msp.org
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| Anniversary Feature: Of Teamwork and Tricot |
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by Tiffany Gaudette, (tiffany@umn.edu)
For this month's Anniversary feature, Tiffany interviewed our longest consistent member. Nancy joined ISES October 29, 1997.
Nancy Jacobs (Nancy@edgproductions.com) was in the midst of a career change - leaving Butterfields Florist to start Design Group - when yet another new venture arose.
"I met Judy and Alan Elias (judye@caterrent.com, allane@caterrent.com), and they introduced me to ISES International," Nancy said. "We became friends and went to my first Special Events Convention together over 20 years ago."
Of the first local gatherings, Nancy said, "Everyone was so open to sharing their designs and talents. We worked very hard at getting others interested in the organization and what they could get out of it."
As we all know, their hard work definitely paid off! Nancy cites hosting the ISES Conference for Professional Development (now Eventworld) in 2003 as one of the highlights of her ISES involvement.
"We received an RFP to bid on hosting the conference, and I said to Mark Grassini (then Chapter President) that I wanted to submit our chapter. He said, 'well, let's rally the team,' and we got everyone behind it and went for it! The Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter worked hand in hand, and we invited many local and national members to pull off that fantastic international conference," Nancy recalls. "This was truly the first time that all of the competitors in our local ISES community came together as a team. It allowed everyone to shine in their own way to our international friends."
Nancy also credits that international conference with curing her stage fright. She said, "When we were hosting the ISES international conference I met my stage fright head on and had a great time with the team presenting throughout the conference. That increased confidence was just one of the tools I gained from being a part of the ISES chapter." Traveling to Australia to promote the 2003 conference to the international group is also among Nancy's favorite memories, as is "hearing from Jodi Collen, CSEP, (collen@augsburg.edu) that she looked up to me and watching her grow along with others in our industry."
In recognizing those who have inspired her, Nancy shared this anecdote, "For many years I traveled with ARA and taught design classes along with other key ISES members including John Daly and Tim Lundy. I can remember when John introduced me to tricot fabric and now it is such a great tool for decorating! John and Tim are true mentors - always sharing their knowledge with others to help them grow."
She also extends thanks to Judy and Alan Elias for introducing her to ISES, and to "Mark Grassini and the entire board when I was VP - we had such a great friendship and a lot of fun working together. It takes many inspiring team members and lots of tireless efforts to achieve what our chapter has. Everyone should be so proud of what we've been a part of," Nancy said, regarding our phenomenal growth. "Hats off to all the previous and current board members who contribute so much time developing our chapter, and also to all the members and new friends in our industry for getting involved and growing their talents."
And hats off to you, Nancy, for your ongoing support of our chapter and your many contributions. I, for one, will never again underestimate the power of tricot.
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| ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Announces CSEP Scholarship |
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In recognition of the ever-increasing importance of education in our industry and the newly revamped CSEP program, the Board of Directors of the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter is pleased to launch its CSEP Scholarship program this spring. All ISES members who are in pursuit of their CSEP certification are eligible for the scholarship. Applicants must have already applied for and been accepted to take the CSEP exam. The scholarship will provide the full $400 exam registration fee.
 We will be offering one scholarship this year, and the deadline for application is Monday, May 12. Applications will be judged anonymously by another ISES chapter. See the CSEP Scholarship Application Form for complete details. Good luck!
The Certified Special Event Professional Discussion Group will meet again Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Location TBD.
To join the CSEP Discussion group or if you are interested in hosting a future meeting, contact Ruth Wikoff-Jones at ruthsbluemarble@hotmail.com.
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| Eventworld 2008 Scholarship Announcement |
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Free tickets to Eventworld 2008!
That's right - you can win your way to Eventworld in St. Petersburg, FL, by applying for and being accepted as an ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Leadership and Education Merit Award scholar. Two recipients will be selected this year to receive the Full Education Package, admission to the ISES Annual General Meeting, as well as a travel stipend - an award worth $1,200.
The deadline for application is Monday, May 12, and full details can be found on the Merit Award Application Form. Applications will be judged anonymously by another ISES chapter, and the winners will be announced at our June program.
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| Call for Entries for the 2008 Esprit Awards |
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A nomination for an ISES Esprit Award has become one of the highest honors given within the special events industry. The increasing number, quality and worldwide representation of the entries received each year is a testament to the growth and continued success of ISES and the Esprit Awards program. 
The ISES Esprit Awards Committee invites ISES members to enter one or more of your events in the 2008 ISES Esprit Awards. Award nominees will be announced no later than June 16th and winners will be awarded at ISES Eventworld on August 23, 2008 at the Esprit Awards Gala at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Last year, 14 local professionals were nominated in 10 categories for their events! The ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter would like to make a strong showing with nominees in 2008 as we continue to showcase to the world the caliber of events created through collaborations of local professionals. Entries are Due: May 1, 2008.
View 2008 Esprit Awards Call for Entries
For additional 2008 ISES Esprit Information, click here.
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| May is Membership Drive Month! |
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We know you have thought about it - now is the time to make a commitment to your personal and professional development. What are you waiting for?
Starting May 1, go to www.ises.com and sign up to be a member. When you sign up online, we waive the $50 application fee and you get 14 months for the price of 12, as your membership would run through June 30, 2009.
Need another incentive to sign up? The first 5 NEW members and the first 5 RENEWING members in May will receive admission to the June "Restaurant Tour" Program for free. How does that tickle your fancy? Do you have questions about membership? Please don't hesitate to call or email. We would love to answer any questions you may have. Happy Spring!
Meghan & Craig
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Congratulations to the 2008
Minnesota Star Award Recipients |
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The ISES Minnesota Star Awards, now in its fourth year, provides event professionals in Minnesota with an opportunity to gain recognition for the excellent events they create, plan, manage, and execute each year.
In a decadently designed celebration, the Great Hall in St. Paul hosted over 200 event attendees for an amazing award celebration and allusive after party. With another record-breaking year of entries, the award celebration recognized the most diverse group of events and event professionals to date.
A special Thank You! goes out to all of the sponsors who made an evening of drinks, dining, dancing and desserts amidst best event Star Awards yet!
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Director of the 2008 ISES Minnesota Star Awards Jodi Colleen, CSEP, starts the show.
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Let's Dance!
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Decadent Delights and Deviled Eggs!
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Great Hall Plays Host to our Allusive Affair.
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Click here to see the 2008 Star Awards photo gallery.
Congratulations 2008 ISES Minnesota Star Awards Recipients:
Best Catered Event
D'Amico Catering
"15th Wedding Anniversary Celebration"
Celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary, this couple wanted an opulent and decadent event for themselves but also to share with their family and friends. Beginning with a caviar station and butler passed Dom Perignon, no detail was spared, from the culinary offerings, to the wine and spirits, to the décor, to the floral arrangements to the entertainment.
Best Use of Floral
Patty Fleming (patty@festivitiesmn.com)
Festivities, Inc.
"Springtime Soiree"
The purpose of this black-tie event was to thank corporate sponsors for participating in a tradeshow and was hosted by the tradeshow producers and staff. This event took place in a small ballroom of a hotel. The event décor featured a large baron's table for 40 guests with extravagant florals, exquisitely textured lime green linens and creative use of "organic" styled design. Elements used in this event included grasses, willow branches, silver urns, mirrored ornate trays and 5' tall candelabras. Over 150 glowing votive candles were used on the large table creating a stunning and captivating environment for all guests.
Best Event Design and Decor: Budget Under $25,000
Pete Nelson pnelson@eventlab.net)
"Hilton Fall Festival"
To create a unique and ever-changing themed environment for this client appreciation event the hotel ballroom was divided into four quadrants that were individually decorated and themed. Four unrelated themes were purposely chosen including 'Evening on the Nile,' 'Lady Sings the Blues,' 'Canals of Venice,' & 'Sunset Tiki Lounge' offering guests several places to visit and explore. Each themed quadrant included full décor enhancements, seating options, unique food stations and specialty lighting. Combining all four individual looks into one ballroom was a design challenge that resulted in an unbelievable experience for all the guests who attended this truly special event.
Best Event Design and Decor: Budget $25,001+
Susan Milteer (smilteer@eventlab.net)
Scott DeLage (sdelage@eventlab.net)
Event Lab
"Be Amazing"
Creating an elegant, contemporary atmosphere, one of aesthetic beauty, spectacular energy and inspiration for guests was the charge by the chairs of a non-profit for the annual fundraiser. Understanding the goals - to bring center stage the message of need and call to action, the design team worked seamlessly with the event committees to infuse an energy never before seen at this event. Through sophisticated, whimsical yet impactful décor, inspired messages and nationally recognized entertainment, guests were truly engaged, allowing the gala to reach its lofty financial goals while bringing both new and renewed awareness to this signature charity.
Best Use of Marketing/Graphic Design
Twin City Bridal Association
"Trend Wedding 2007"
Looking to redefine by design the state of weddings in the upper Midwest, a local bridal association set forth on an ambitious task: to create, design, and produce one of the largest wedding give-aways in the country. Partnering with local wedding service providers, the association created Trend Wedding 2007 - a vineyard wedding experience package worth $150,000. In developing the style of our annual wedding give-away, we were challenged to create a dynamic look to the stationery components that we would use to brand the overall wedding event.
Best Event Photography/Videography
Matthew Coppersmith (coppersmithphotography@charter.net)
Coppersmith Photography
"Wedding Trade Show"
We were asked to document a wedding tradeshow. The event was designed to showcase the latest trends and connect local wedding professionals to perspective couples. Featuring a theme entrance, lounge and reception, special sections targeted at brides and grooms and two fashion runways, the client needed to document both the scale of the event and all the design details to help sell to potential exhibitors and attract couples to future shows. We provided event photography allowing them to demonstrate the details of the event and showcase why this wedding tradeshow is the best in the country.
Best Rental Support
John Swanson (johns@skywayevents.com)
Skyway Event Services
"U.S. Pond Hockey Championships"
The event took place in the dead of winter, where wind chill advisories set the backdrop and men and women alike could walk on water. The occasion to honor Minnesota's hockey tradition was centered around a four division tournament that took place on one of Minnesota's great lakes. Participants from 34 states and some parts of Canada traveled to Minneapolis, and as many as 350 teams of four people took turns taking center ice. Friends, family, community members and out-of-towners gathered beneath a 25×50 meter temporary warming house structure to support loved ones and celebrate the glory that is hockey.
Best Event Logistics (Rental or Production)
Becky Harris, CSEP (bharris@eventlab.net)
Event Lab
"Building Toward the Future"
For a company in the forefront of the memory celebration industry quite a memory was created for their guests. This convention held over six days had attendees come in two waves. A coffee shop set the entire span of the convention also housed their market place. A leadership "garden party" for approximately 1100 guests was held outside on the front lawn of the convention center. This event was held both the first night of the convention and repeated for the second group three days later. The final banquet, an elegant affair, also occurred two separate nights for two separate groups.
Best Use of Entertainment
Kevin Hall (kevin@hallsofmagic.com)
Halls of Entertainment
"Speakeasy Spectacular!"
This event was for an architectural firm that loves unique event spaces. The objective was to find a place that would be architecturally interesting and then develop a theme that would really enhance the event. It came together better than we ever imagined! We discovered a former police station with an art deco interior. So we proposed the "Speakeasy Spectacular" complete with flappers, gangsters, secret passwords, gambling and more.
Best Technical Production
Becky Harris, CSEP (bharris@eventlab.net), Event Lab
Tim McVean (tm@goavex.com), AVEX
"Passion for the River"
The association's founder had a passion for the Mississippi and this annual gala's theme served as a tribute to his love for the river. To carry out this riverboat theme a civic center ballroom was transformed into an elegant night of nostalgia. Eight screens above the stage in a mosaic pattern entranced the audience as they were transported back to the grandeur of the 19th century steamboats. This gala was a dining and entertainment experience like one would enjoy by the honoree and his wife in the early 1920's.
Best Social Event Planning: Budget Under $25,000
Kate Touhey Stahl, CSEP (kate.stahl@thrivent.com)
"Touhey/Stahl Wedding Celebration"
This event-planner bride created a memorable experience for her guests through vibrant colors and attention to detail. Using the key words of "simple elegance," the bride used specialty linens and amazing floral designs to set the tone of a high-end wedding on a limited budget. The selection of unique venues - that were also handicapped accessible - gave guests an opportunity to get out of the typical hotel ballroom. Specific guidelines for all wedding participants helped everything to run smoothly. And the entire event was planned within a six-month time frame!
Best Social Event Planning: Budget $25,001+
Missy Francisco Carlson (mcarlson1@smdc.org)
SMDC Health System
"Get in the Mood"
A health system hosts 2,000 guests at their New Year's Eve Extravaganza. The theme was "Get in the Mood" and was a play on words that related to the décor element of color. Each room at the party had a different feel or mood, so each room was designated a color that related. A hot 1970/80's band was featured in the spicy Red Room, an Orchestra was showcased in the calm Blue Room playing big band music, a stand-up comic and dueling pianos shared the stage in the jovial Green Room, and a passionate Purple Room hosted dance lessons.
Best Corporate or Non-Profit Event Planning: Budget Under $75,000
Ryan Hanson (Ryan@beeventsdesign.com)
This corporate, half-day launch event experience was created for participants entering into a year-long professional mentoring program in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The launch event served as an introduction for participants to one another and the program they were about to begin. The client wished for an event which was effective in both purpose and production, on brand message and also on budget. Being financially intelligent yet innovative in our planning and use of décor, lighting and linen, we effectively created bold statements to illuminate the client's message and ignite the meaning of the meeting for their guests.
Best Corporate or Non-Profit Event Planning: Budget $75,001+
Becky Harris, CSEP (bharris@eventlab.net)
Event Lab
"A Jet Set Evening"
The notion of "Hanger Party" took on an elegant new meaning when an airport hangar was transformed into a stylish affair for this foundation's 25th anniversary. "An Evening with the Jet Set" was divided into three "flights" representing the past, present and future. Flight #1982, the cocktail hour, reflected the nostalgia of the 1980's, when the foundation was formed. Guests were then escorted through a parked VIP airplane and landed into the dinner Flight #2007, a silver anniversary setting. After dinner, the Flight #2032 Sky Lounge was revealed highlighting the next 25 years of the foundation's bright future.
Best Public Event Planning
Twin City Bridal Association
"The Wedding Fair - October 2007"
Looking to redefine the traditional bridal show, a local design team turned 100,000 square feet of blank space into the ultimate shopping experience for 2,000 brides. These brides with entourage in tow don't want to walk a tradeshow floor. They dream of a boutique bridal experience, personalized to them. These savvy shoppers are seeking an experience, not a sales pitch. Understanding this mindset meant that to make magic for our guests we needed to design something more show than trade. From the entrance to the exit, visual stimulation needed to be the rule of the day.
Best ISES Team Effort
Cookie Coleman, Cookie Coleman Collaborative
Char Mason, Char Mason & Associates
Todd Pinzuti, Bungalow Six
Elly Carlson, Wildside Caterers
"Sciparty"
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Sciparty was created to commemorate a major metropolitan museum's centennial year with a gala event. The evening featured a custom menu and recipes using 100-year old Lakota Squash which was seeded and grown for the occasion. Science luminaries appeared on video and in-person, national entertainment and seldom-seen treasures from the museum's vaults brought the museum and its mission to life. Custom décor and an unusual seating arrangement accommodated a sold-out ballroom. A collaboration of ISES event-producers, ISES caterers and ISES décor and floral specialists created a winning formula which exceeded fundraising goals and continues to garner plaudits from attendees.
A special Thank You to Coppersmith Photography for providing photography for the 2008 ISES Minnesota Star Awards.
Click here to view photos of all the nominated and winning events.
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April 2008 Program
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 ROS: Build it Forward
Guest Speaker:
Rosealee M. Lee, CAE
When:
Thursday, April 10, 2008
11:00-11:30 am - Registration & Networking
11:30-12:30 pm - Lunch
12:30-1:30 pm - Presentation
Remember when you were new to the industry? When your ideas were fresh? When your future was a hopeful slate of possibilities? Rekindle that passion and innovation within yourself by taking advantage of the "new" workforce. With their heightened focus on ROI, ROE and ROO the New Workforce is their own ROS. Return on Students. Return on Success. Read More
Venue:
Ted Mann Concert Hall
University of Minnesota
2128 South 4th St
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 626-1892
Cost:
ISES Members: $35.00
ISES Associates: $40.00*
Guests: $50.00
Student Members: $15.00**
*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, April 7, 2008.
There will be a $10.00 surcharge for anyone who registers after the deadline. Cancellations after Monday, April 7, 2008 and no-shows will be billed.
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Thank you to our
Program Sponsors!
Platinum Sponsor -
ISES Member
Silver Sponsor
Ted Mann Concert Hall
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Minnesota Meetings + Events Magazine
Best Of Awards Winners
On February 28, 2008, Minnesota Meeting + Events Magazine hosted their annual Best Of awards at the new Bloomington Hilton.
Again this year, several ISES member companies received Best of 2007 awards:
And special congratulations go to Becky Harris, CSEP (bharris@eventlab.net) of Event Lab who was voted in to the Hall of Fame as Best Special Events Planner. As a dedicated member of our chapter and its first president, the honor is well deserved. Bravo, Becky!
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New Member Profiles
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Martha Gabler Lunde
Owner and Designer
Martha's Gardens
martha@marthasfloralstudio.com
How many years have you been in the event industry? 28 years
What does your company do? We are a custom floral design studio. We design floral for events and weddings.
What is an average day in your life like? Up at 5:30, coffee, kids to school, exercise, shop wholesaler, get to the studio, appointments, work and designing, pick up my son, check in with family, dinner and a glass of wine!!! I practice music or run to baseball games and hit the sack!
How did you enter the events industry? I began my work for a florist in California after going to school for Landscape Design. I was trained out there and came back to MN and never left the floral industry. I have worked for many people and trained a lot of designers here. I birthed Martha's Gardens when I birthed my 2nd son!! My son and business are 10 years old!
Why are you a member of ISES? I love the camaraderie and inspiration I find in this group! The connections and the energy help me continue to be on the cutting edge of design. I love the process of it all. My head is always full, my hands always flying!
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Dylan C. Andersen
Senior Sales Manager
Hotel Ivy -
The Luxury Collection
dylan.andersen@thehotlivy.com
How many years have you been in the event industry? 5
What does your company do? Luxury hotel in Downtown Minneapolis with a destination spa, Porter & Frye Restaurant, and refined banquet space.
How did you enter the events industry? I entered the events industry as a Banquet Setup employee at the Holiday Inn of Fairmont, MN. I worked for the hotel throughout high school and pursued a career in the hotel industry after college. I worked for John Q. Hammons Hotels at various properties as a Catering Sales Manager for several years before moving to Minneapolis.
What do you want to know about the events industry? The events business is a ever-changing and dynamic industry, but I have a quest to learn how the experiences created in large-scale events will evolve into the small meetings industry. Event professionals, suppliers, and the customer are all looking for similar (dare I say, Life-changing) events on a smaller scale.
Is there a book, person, or story that comes to mind which has had a strong impact on your career? The Experience Economy by James Gilmore changed the way that I think about our industry. He speaks about our metamorphosis from a goods & services economy into an economy based on creating experiences.
Do you have a career or industry tip that you would like to share? Under Promise and Over Perform; Simple, but true.
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Meet the Board Members
Editor's Note: We are excited, yet saddened, to announce that Jennifer has departed our Chapter and the Board of Directors to pursue adventures as an online travel guide in Ecuador. We wish Jennifer all the best and hope she will write to all her ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter friends! To complete the board term, Jim Leighton has appointed Erika LaDousa to take Jennifer's place until June 30, 2008.
Jennifer Schak
Director of Administration
jennifer@ises-msp.org
952-858-8500 office
Company: Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Marketing and Events Coordinator
Years in event industry: 2.5
I am responsible for the recording and monthly distribution of the board minutes, maintaining chapter history, handling all correspondence for ISES members, meetings and programs. People should come to me with personal updates such as birth of a new child, loss of a family member or professional and personal milestones.
I have benefited from ISES in more ways than one. Not only have I enjoyed the educational aspect of our programs, I have experienced new venues and have met new businesses that I hope to work with in the near future. Without ISES I wouldn't have had the opportunity.
Erika LaDousa
Director of Administration
Erika.LaDousa@hilton.com
952-858-8500 office
Company: Embassy Suites Hotels, Bloomington, Director of Catering
Years in event industry: 6
I am responsible for the recording and monthly distribution of the board minutes, maintaining chapter history, handling all correspondence for ISES members, meetings and programs. People should come to me with personal updates such as birth of a new child, loss of a family member or professional and personal milestones.
Becoming a member of ISES was the best move I could have made as someone in the special events industry. It allows me to keep abreast of all of the latest trends and interests of groups, as well as networking with some of the best of the best in the industry. I have built some great relationships, both business related and personal, through ISES, which is something I would never have gotten anywhere else. Through the monthly meetings, I am able to increase my knowledge of so many different aspects of the industry and it allows me to bring this back to my company and help educate the rest of my peers.
ISES Sound Off
Hear what fellow event professionals are saying about ISES, our monthly programs and events, and learn the great things local ISES members are doing.
Betsy Pedersen (bpedersen@childrenscancer.org) is now the Events & Programs Coordinator for Children's Cancer Research Fund. Meet Minneapolis remains a member company as we welcome new member Sheila Nickelson (sheilan@meetminneapolis.com).
Leah Wong (leahw@downtownminneapolis
.com), formerly of Ridgeway International, is the new Vice President of Events and Marketing for the Minneapolis Downtown Council.
Ryan Hanson is leaving Menttium Corporation to pursue additional opportunities. Starting March 31, he can be contacted at 612.360.3180, or ryan@beeventsdesign.com.
Hot Hits Orchestra will be showcasing to the community at 4 pm on Sunday April 13, 2008, at Famous Dave's, Calhoun Square. Hot Hits Orchestra is a fresh, unique 11 piece pop/rock group with a string section, doing great hits by great artists. ISES members are invited to check the group out. For additional information, contact Bob Galombeck, 612 388 9825, Bob@hothitsmusicgroup.com.
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.
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