IN THE JUNE 2007 ISSUE
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| Letter from the President |
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Today I was asked to serve on my college reunion committee. I said no, since I'm trying to schedule a little break in my volunteer life. But it got me thinking...
First of all - isn't it nice to be asked?? Unfortunately, the "asks" aren't always made. We on the ISES Board are not shy about encouraging ISES members to get involved, volunteer, do something…but it's easy to ignore such a request in an e-mail, or a newsletter, or from a stage. If I could, I would love to talk with each of you personally, find out where your passion lies, and ask if you could bring that passion alive in some ISES project. Until I get that chance, perhaps some of you will take it upon yourself to get that ball rolling by joining a committee, making a suggestion or attending the next monthly program.
Secondly I've been reflecting on the richness that has come into my life because of volunteering - for ISES in particular. Some of my best memories, some of my closest friends, and some of my most creative event ideas have come from ISES.
Speaking of excellent events, the Esprit Awards recognize the best events from all over the world - and our chapter has been asked to help judge these awards during the week of May 27. ISES members, if you'd like to get in on this judging - and take away a few tips for putting together your own future entry! - contact Jodi Collen, CSEP, at jodi@ises-msp.org.
So, I guess what I'm suggesting with this letter is to "get involved." If you already are, you know what I mean about the rewards. If you're not, there's no time like the present. Whether it's with ISES or another organization, I guarantee you'll get more out of it than you put into it!
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 Kate Touhey, CSEP
President
ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul
kate@ises-msp.org
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| May Program Highlights |
8 Breakthrough Concepts Changing Business in 2007
Speaker Richard Aaron, CMP, CSEP, and President of BiZBash NYC, filled us in on the latest thought leadership trends influencing meeting and event business strategies for 2007. Richard spiced up the evening with discussion of the latest marketing and branding ideas at events. We all now know why Richard is called "The King of Edu-tainment"!
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Member-sponsors AARCEE Party and Tent Rental provided the decor at Trocaderos Nightclub & Restaurant
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Speaker Richard Aaron, CMP, CSEP with BiZBash on 8 Break through Concepts Changing Business in 2007.
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| (L to R) ISES members Alice-Lynne Olson with The Late Bloomer, Robyn Hellekson with Trocaderos Nightclub & Restaurant, and Abby Weinandt with metroConnections. |
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John Markovich Photography sponsored digital photography during the social hour. (L to R) Martha Kvanbeck, Craig Oliver and Allison Munsell of AARCEE.
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Would you like to see more photos of the May Program or of other past Programs? Click here.
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| CSEP Fun Fact |
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Why Should I Be Certified?
The
special events industry has experienced phenomenal growth over the past
several years and is changing at an even faster pace. Today, special
events are more challenging and require a high level of
professionalism. Become a recipient of the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation and set yourself apart from the competition.
How long do candidates have to take their CSEP exam after they receive approval of their application?
A. 5 weeks
B. 6 months
C. 1 year
D. 2 years
(See bottom of newsletter for the answer.)
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| May Membership Drive - There's Still Time! |
It's May which means membership drive month for ISES. And it has been a fantastic membership month so far for our Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter. On behalf of the chapter Board of Directors and our entire membership, please join Craig and me in welcoming the newest members of our chapter:
For those of you still considering joining, you have until the end of the month for special savings. Join ONLINE in the month of May and ISES will waive your $50 application fee and give you 14 months (through June 2008) for the price of 12. What are you waiting for? Visit ISES today and sign-up!
Ryan & Craig
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| International Special Events Education Foundation Grants and Scholarships Open to ISES Members |
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The International Special Events Education Foundation (ISEF) provides grants and scholarships and is open to all ISES members. Through funding, ISEF will be the preeminent change agent to direct the growth and development of the special events industry.
Grants are awarded for programs and products that advance the special events industry, benefit ISES members, are educational in scope and perspective, and are non-proprietary.
Scholarships provide educational assistance to deserving individuals pursuing certificates and degrees in the special events profession. Scholarship evaluations are all based on candidate education, grade point average, career goals, work history, community involvement, special events industry activities, and recommendations from professors, advisors and current ISES members.
To learn more about ISEF grants and scholarships, go to www.ises.com/isef/index.cfm.
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| Minnesota Star Awards in the Press! |
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Be sure to pick up your copy of Twin Cities Business this month (June 2007) and read about the nominees and winners of the 2007 ISES Minnesota Star Awards. The issue hits newsstands this week!
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| Corporate EVENT Magazine Named as 2006-2007 ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Partner of the Year |
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Running a local volunteer organization takes the efforts of hundreds of people each year to be successful. The ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter is no different. Each year we are blessed with the generosity of our members who are willing to donate their time as well as their company's time/product to ensure that our chapter is successful. We thank each and every company or person that has taken the time to get involved this year and to donate or sponsor items for our monthly programs and/or the annual ISES Minnesota Star Awards.
In order to honor those members that are going above and beyond, each year the Board of Directors of the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter recognizes one chapter member or company that has made significant contributions to the local chapter of ISES. The "Partner of the Year" must be a member in good standing, should actively participate in monthly programs and contribute to the overall mission of the chapter. Click here to see Past Recipients.
Additionally, the board looks at those organizations or individuals that have consistently given of themselves and/or their company throughout the year. Usually this is done through donations of goods and/or services to our monthly programs or to the day-to-day operations of the chapter. In short... we could not have done it without them!
For all of those reasons, and many more, the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Board of Directors is proud to announce that the 2006-2007 recipient of the Partner of the Year award is Corporate EVENT Magazine, represented by member Cara Schulz (cschulz@corporateeventmag.com), Director of Sales.
Lisa Marie Borchert, the chapter's Vice President of Communications had this to say about Corporate EVENT Magazine's contribution, "As the criteria simply states, we could not have done this year without them. Cara has been very active month to month, heightened by making the long drive to the Twin Cities from Rochester to attend programs and meetings. Her team of Matt Ronnei and Mark Anderson have also been active, working day to day with the web content and the monthly newsletter. Because of the tools they have given our chapter access to, we have been able to significantly amp up our website with many new sections and always-current content."
Corporate EVENT Magazine, which received five nominations for this honor and a unanimous board vote, will be honored at the June 12 ISES program and will receive a plaque in honor of their commitment to our organization. Please come and thank them for helping to keep ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul's communications consistent and professional!
Member News
Dianna Fuller, CMP, Director of Marketing for Hoffman Communications, has announced they received the coveted Silver Telly Award for its work on, "Pre-surgery Video Tour," produced for Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. The Telly Awards honors the very best regional video and film productions.
Hoffman Communications, Inc is a video production and live staging event company providing creative communications solutions to clients throughout North America.
For more information about Hoffman, visit www.hoffmancommunications.com.
CSEP Fun Fact Answer:
How long do candidates have to take their CSEP exam after they receive approval of their application?
Answer: C. 1 year
Here's what your fellow members have to say about the importance of the CSEP designation:
"The CSEP designation definitely solidifies the interview and proposal process with a prospective client."
- Tiffany Danley, CSEP, Success Unlimited, Laguna Hills, CA
"It is important to be recognized as one of the highly qualified people in my field. With many newcomers to the special events industry, I want my clients to know that I am dedicated to the profession."
- Robert Sivek, CSEP, The Meetinghouse Companies, Chicago, IL
To discover how you can become a Certified Special Events Professional, please visit http://www.ises.com/CSEP.
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June 2007 ISES Program
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3rd Annual "Tour for Your Tastebuds" program is back by popular demand!
Education Focus: Art of Networking
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
WHERE:
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Temple Restaurant and Bar
1201 Harmon Place
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-332-8811
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Cafe Lurcat
1624 Harmon Place
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-486-5500
COST:
Members $30.00
Member Associates $40.00
Non-Members $45.00
Student $15.00
Limited to 100 attendees Please RSVP early so you don't miss out!
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{[E-BRIDGE LINK:7RNM794JW3J]} to RSVP Now
* There will be a $10 surcharge for anyone who registers
after Thursday, June 7.
* Cancellations after Thursday, June 7 and
no-shows will be billed.
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Thank you to our
Program Sponsors:
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| New Member Profiles |
Casey Romano
CEO/Publisher
Mighty Dog Media
casey@mightydogmedia.com
What does your company do?
In addition to representing, managing and
publishing custom projects, Mighty Dog Media publishes and represents
meetingpages.com, a complete online solution that offers robust search
capabilities and meeting planning software designed and developed for
those planning meetings and events in the state of Minnesota. Our
registration-free site features nearly 1,000 suppliers in more than 70
planning areas - free of charge.
What is an average day in your life like?
There is no such thing as an "average" day in my line of business. One minute we could be developing tools or enhancements for the site, and the next directing promotional strategies or developing strategic alliances with meetingpages suppliers. Every day is different -- that's what creates the adventure and keeps it interesting.
How did you enter the events industry?
I entered the industry representing regional consumer and trade publications to a significant portfolio of respected businesses, including hospitality providers to the meeting, travel and tourism industries.
Why did you join ISES?
I have been attending ISES programs for five years and know that the organization provides an excellent medium for fostering and growing new professional relationships as well as advancing existing ones.
Do you have a career or industry tip that you would like to share?
When planning your next event, consider centering your theme around a fun activity or attraction at an off-beat location to provide variety that your guests will appreciate.
Char Mason
Proprietor
Char Mason & Associates, LLC
char@charmason.com
Years 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 eight 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!
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Meet a Board Member |
 Lisa Marie Borchert
VP of Communications
lisa@ises-msp.org
Meeting Planner
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Years in event industry: 12
Other positions held in ISES: Director of Education & Programs, 2004-2006
Nominating Committee, 2003-2004.
I joined ISES after attendance-sampling a few programs and became an official member in 2002. I have found that since I got actively involved in ISES the 'ROI' of my membership has gone up exponentially. My participation in the organization has allowed me to strengthen relationships/networking and stay on top of trends. This in turn has allowed me to continue to be a valuable resource to my internal clients and colleagues.
As VP of Communications I partner with Cara, Marcia and the Communications Committee to oversee the Chapter's MARCOM though our website, meeting invites, newsletters and press releases. Goals for this year include changing our registration system, baseline measurement for the effectiveness of our marketing efforts and continuing the re-branding of ISES led by headquarters.
Like many of us that entered the Events Industry over a decade ago, I didn't know this was a professional career when I was going to college. So, I hold a B.A. in Fashion Design that I received while living in London and Los Angeles and I consider design, design and accomplishment, accomplishment.
I began my career on the supplier side in events and have enjoyed using that perspective to now hopefully serve as a 'good' client on the corporate side.
I am currently a Meeting Planner for Allianz Life, an insurance company headquartered in Golden Valley that is part of Allianz SE, the 16th largest corporation in the world. That is a fun new perspective from previously working for a small, family-run DMC. I am currently part of a nine-member in-house team of planner/producers and have been with the company for about four years.
One of my favorite events was in Hawaii where a hot-plated meal was served for 4,000, OUTSIDE, and then guests were moved in less than 30 minutes using a fleet of 60+ buses pulled inside the Convention Center. That's what I love best about events, sitting back and watching all your planning magically unfold to the guests' delight.
I have also worked with such clients as Sprint PCS where, during the Final Four, they took the CEOs and a group of 40 top customers formation-flying in a B25 bomber and then let them take the reins of dual-contract aircraft.
A couple other highlights include managing a cross-country AIDS bike ride that went from Los Angeles to Atlanta and up the Eastern Seaboard to Boston in '94, being one of four national nominees for Support Professional of the Year by Event Solutions magazine in '01, working as a Staff Coordinator for the Olympic Family Hotel for a month during the Salt Lake City games in '02, being a winner of Team of the Month at Allianz for our incentive program to the Bahamas in Feb '04 and most recently, being a member of the Corporate Marketing and Communications team to win Allianz's Partnership and Innovation Award for 2005-2006.
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