• Letter from the President
• Anniversary Feature: An 'Aha!' Moment
• Congratulations to our Scholarship Recipients
• May Program Highlights
• 2008-2009 Programming Policy Change
• May is Membership Month
• Minnesota Star Awards in Twin City Business
• Next CSEP Discussion Group Meeting
• Congratulations to our Award-winning Members!
• Industry Golf Outing Opportunity
• ISES Sound Off
• New Member Profiles
• Meet your Board Members

As I enter the last month of my Presidency, I am reflecting back on how far this chapter has come in the 5 years since I have been a member. The growth we have experienced is phenomenal. When I started as Director of Membership we barely had 60 members. Now we have over 200. In 2003, we had an average attendance of 40 at our monthly programs. In 2008, we have over 100 attend per month.

But our growth is more than just numbers. It is in reputation as well. As President I have had the opportunity to attend many regional and international leadership meetings. It is very humbling for me when the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter is held up as an example of how a chapter should operate. And locally I meet people all the time who when I tell them I am the President of the ISES Chapter, say "...I have heard of ISES, that is a pretty impressive association." I have been very fortunate to be a part of this incredible journey of growth. But I am only one small part of the big picture.

The big picture is that it took many people and much work over several years to get to this point. It took people that were not afraid to get involved. It took people that were not afraid to volunteer their time to an association they believed would help the industry as a whole. And it will take many more people to carry the torch in the future. So as I get ready finish my term and move into my role as Immediate Past President, I would encourage you once again to get involved on a committee, judging awards, helping out at a program or simply encouraging new members to join.

Although we have come a long way in my 5 years I feel that this is only the beginning and I can't wait to see where we all can take this chapter in the next 5 years.

Best regards,

by Tiffany Gaudette, (tiffany@umn.edu)

Jean Peine (jean@studio6specialtylinen.com) was working for AARCEE Party Rental when she attended an informational meeting about ISES. "I was very new to the industry and thought everyone knew more than I did (they did!). The first few organized meetings were small but everyone was eager to be an active part of this potential chapter."

Initially, Jean viewed ISES as a way to learn more about the businesses that used AARCEE's services. "I remember thinking, 'if I know more about what everyone else does, I will be better at my job.'" Then she attended The Special Event Conference for the first time. "I did not get the value of being part of an international organization until I attended TSE and met more people that shared what worked for them. AHA! The more we all know about what we all do, the better we all will be at our jobs!"

When asked who she would like to recognize as motivators or contributors, Jean said, "Everyone I have ever met in our industry! I continue to get excited about what is happening in events and meet new people at every ISES meeting. There are many friends I have made over the years that continue to be a source of support."

Further emphasizing this, Jean shared, "I would not have considered starting my own business if not for the connections with ISES. People I met and got to know in ISES have become clients. ISES is fundamentally based on supportive relationships and I am especially proud of the friendships I have with my competitors."

When asked to choose her top three most memorable ISES moments, Jean said, "All three would be my involvement each year in the Star Awards. What started with a meeting of two the first year has grown to be an annual event that I feel very passionate about. It was also a highlight to be present when we were named Chapter of the Year both years," she added. "The talent and dedication that I have seen go into building this chapter has been awesome."

Eventworld Merit Scholarships:
Five years ago our chapter established the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Leadership & Education Merit Award to encourage Minneapolis-St. Paul members to actively participate in chapter activities and reward a member or members with the educational opportunity to attend this international conference. Funds for the scholarship(s) come from money that is made at the chapter's annual ISES Minnesota Star Awards, as well as at the chapter's monthly education programs.

For 2008, ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul awarded Eventworld Merit Scholarships ($1200 each) to the following local members:

Ami Cervin (cervina@unitedwaytwincities.org)
Greater Twin Cities United Way

Pete Nelson (pnelson@eventlab.net)
Event Lab


CSEP Scholarship:
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 created a CSEP Scholarship program in the spring of 2008. 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.

The 2008 CSEP Scholarship Recipient is:

Ruth Wikoff-Jones (ruthsbluemarble@hotmail.com)

Congratulations Ami, Pete & Ruth!

By Sheree Bochenek, (sbochenek@apresparty.com)
Apres Party & Tent Rental

The May ISES program at Mall of America-Nickelodeon Universe was awesome in all senses of the word.

The topic was brand and our exploration of it led from atmosphere to speaker as we engaged in a myriad of experiences. CORT Furniture displayed their new line of ultra cool lounge furniture, while EDP Textiles complemented the look with pillow branding featuring ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul's new operating statement: Collaborative. Creative. Credible.

Jon Young from Heroic Productions showcased their new LED wall, and demonstrated many ways it can be utilized to brand an event with logos and animation. Levy Catering delighted our taste buds with some great comfort food, with tasty Rosemary Chicken and some pretty fierce Lemon Bars.

Thanks to program sponsors CORT Event Furnishings and Moss Inc. who made our lounge happen. LED lighting provided by Heroic Productions made the whole room pop!		Chapter President Jim Leighton welcomes guests to the program.

To teach us about brand we were fortunate to hear from an expert. Christopher Everett (ceverett@visi.com) of See Design, Inc., who has defined brands for the giants like Target to General Mills, shared his understanding of brands.

For Christopher, "A brand is not a logo. It is an experience and a promise." There are many components to a brand, including sounds, rituals, smells, and community. A brand should be Unique, Relevant, Believable and Aspire. It should be short and easy to remember: "Create magic". "People against dirty". "Fun Fast & Friendly".

Christopher articulated that our brand is who we are to the rest of the world. When creating your brand, ask yourself: What is my niche - because it can't be everyone! How does my brand return on the concept of High Cultural Capital? What is my mantra? This is the internal expression of your brand and something you must excite your internal staff about.

There is nothing worse than spending lots of money to promote your brand only to draw your customers to an internal resource or employee who doesn't believe in the brand themselves.

Christopher Everett presents on the power and purpose of brands.		Another packed event of over 100 ISES members and guests

Christopher also shared Seven Major Consumer Trends, each of which affect the events we as professionals create for our clients every day:

1. Personal Authenticity
2. Option Makers
3. Age of Participation - ask your customers their opinion!
4. Speed is Life
5. Made to Order
6. I'll Choose
7. "Me" worthy - if it's good, I'll share.

For me, the one which stood out the most was his point on authenticity. People are looking for authentic, personalized experiences. It is not about just another theme, but about creating unique and engaging opportunities.

The program was a complete hit offering many valuable lessons we could all take into our daily lives. Kaitlyn Benson (benso690@umn.edu) of Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, noted "Chris delivered a powerful presentation and his style captured my attention. His message inspired me to make immediate proposals in my work environment."

Thanks ISES for another great program!


Visit the Photo Gallery to see more photos of the May Program.

Would you like to do a Program Re-cap for the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Newsletter? Contact communications@ises-msp.org.

In an effort for the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter to continue to keep the price of our monthly programs reasonable, we are implementing a new registration policy.

Beginning July 1, 2008, all registrations must be guaranteed with a credit card. For questions please contact Lisa Marie Borchert (lisa@ises-msp.org), President-Elect/Treasurer, 763.765.6986.

It has been a fantastic membership drive month so far for our Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter.

On behalf of the chapter Board of Directors and our entire membership, please join us in welcoming the newest members of our chapter:

Russ Mohr (rmohr@lineneffects.com), Linens Effects, Inc.
Bruce Dachis (BDachis@aol.com), FIVE Event Center
Kalie Larson (kalie.larson@equinoxcreative.com), Equinox Creative
Mary L. Tronsdal (mary.tronsdal@marriott.com), Marriott International
Len Nelson (info@valleylimoandcoach.com), Valley Limo and Coach/Corporate Select Transportation
Jean M. Callister-Benson (calliste@stolaf.edu), St. Olaf College
Nathan Soland (solandn@stolaf.edu), St. Olaf College
Amanda K. Champion (cham0217@umn.edu), Student Member.


For those of you still considering joining, you have until the end of the month for special savings. Join Online before May 31st and ISES will waive your $50 application fee and give you 14 months (through June 2009) for the price of 12.

What are you waiting for? Visit ISES today and sign up!

Meghan & Craig

Meghan Jager VP of Membership meghan@ises-msp.org		Craig Oliver Director of Membership craig@ises-msp.org

Be sure to pick up your copy of Twin Cities Business this month (June 2008) and read about the nominees and winners of the 2008 ISES Minnesota Star Awards. The issue hits newsstands this week!

The Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP) Discussion Group was formed to assist those chapter members who are interested in attaining the CSEP certification.

The group meets every 4-6 weeks as members are available and they are planning the next meeting:Tuesday, June 24, 6:30 - 8:30 pm. at The Late Bloomer Floral Design Studio, Inc.

Discussion Group members meet to review the Content Outline for the written, essay portion of the exam. Members share their own, real-life experiences and help those with less confidence in a particular area as we support each other in our pursuit of this industry certification.

To RSVP for the upcoming meeting or join the CSEP Discussion group or if you are interested in hosting a future meeting, contact Ruth Wikoff-Jones (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.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter of NACE recently held their local awards gala and several ISES members were recipients of awards:

NACE Awards Gala, May 7, 2008 Science Museum of Minnesota

2007 Best Off-Premise Catered Event:
The St. Paul Hotel

2007 Best On-Premise Catered Event:
Mintáhoe Hospitality Group

2007 Best Wedding Reception:
Bruce Vassar and Matthew Trettel (matthew@twincitybridal.com),
The Wedding Guys, Twin City Bridal Association
Sheree Bochenek (sbochenek@apresparty.com),
Apres Party and Tent Rental

2007 Best Event Production of the Year:
Bruce Vassar and Matthew Trettel (matthew@twincitybridal.com),
The Wedding Guys, Twin City Bridal Association
Sheree Bochenek (sbochenek@apresparty.com),
Apres Party and Tent Rental

2007 Best Guest Table of the Year:
Patty Fleming (patty@festivitiesmn.com), Festivities!


Congratulations to each of you!

The Minnesota Chapter of MPI invites ISES members and friends to join in on their annual golf tournament on Monday, June 9, 2008.

This year's event will be held on June 9, 2008, at the historic and centrally located Columbia Golf Club in Minneapolis. This popular event is again sponsored by the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau and benefits the MPI MN Foundation, which provides scholarships and educational opportunities for the chapter membership.

Schedule:
9:00 AM - Registration & Warm Up
10:00 AM - Shotgun
3:30 PM - Reception, Awards and Auction to follow Golf Tournament

Venue: Columbia Golf Club 3300 Central Ave. NE Minneapolis, MN 55418 612-789-2627 Map and Directions

Cost:
Supplier w/Planner - $245
Supplier w/out a Planner - $175
Planner - $135
Non-member - $185
Clinic - $80
Reception Only - $75
Foursome - $440

For more information or to register, please visit either the MPI MN website at www.mnmpi.org, or the tournament website directly at www.seeuthere.com/2008mpimngolf.

Twin City Bridal Association is proud to announce that the Wedding Guys, Bruce Vassar and ISES Member Matthew Trettel (matthew@twincitybridal.com) were recently awarded the BSPI Star Award for best fashion show awarded by Bridal Show Producers International.

Further, Matthew was awarded the Director's Cup, the highest honor awarded in the Bridal Show Industry. He was also elected to the position of Director for the International Association for 2010-2012.


The Westin Minneapolis received four 2007 Excellence Awards at the recent HEI Hotels & Resorts Leadership Conference in Austin, TX:
- Outstanding Food and Beverage Team, B.A.N.K.
- Outstanding Achievement Team for REVPar Index.
- Outstanding Achievement in Catering Sales, Tracy Vopatek (tvopatek@westinmpls.com)
- Outstanding Achievement in Revenue Management: Rachael Dahl


Linen Effects announces that effective JUNE 2, 2008, they are moving to a new larger location: "Our continued growth has forced us out of our current home. In two weeks we will be in our new 24,000 sq. ft. state of the art building that is more "Green" in terms of energy and water consumption as well as a bigger, more efficient laundry operation. It is located on the scenic Minneapolis riverfront just 2 miles north of our downtown customers and right off the interstate for easy access. We are excited to move as this will help us serve you better."

Effective JUNE 2, 2008 Linen Effects new address will be: 1801 W. River Road N. Minneapolis, MN 55411 Their new phone numbers will be: 612-355-2500 (main number); 612-355-2501 (fax).


Do you have news to share? Tell us about it! Email communications@ises-msp.org. And when the reporters call, don't forget to mention your an ISES member.

Annual Restaurant Tour

Join us for the annual restaurant tour for a sampling from some of Minneapolis' hottest restaurants. This year's tour includes deluxe transportation, plus Cuban piano virtuoso Nachito Herrera will entertain at the Dakota Club after the Tour. Details

When:
Thursday, June 12, 2008
4:00-4:30 pm - Registration
4:30-8:00 pm - Restaurant Tour
8:00-11:00 pm - Nachito Herrera performance at the Dakota (optional)

Departure/Return Point:
Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant
1010 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612.332.1010

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.

The Restaurant Tour is limited to the 100 attendees.

Please RSVP by Monday, June 9, 2008.

There will be a $10.00 surcharge for anyone who registers after the deadline. Cancellations after Monday, June 9, 2008 and no-shows will be billed.

Russ Mohr
Sales Representative
Linen Effects
RMohr@LinenEffects.com

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

What does your company do? Our company provides top notch tabletop decor. We have unique linens, chair covers, napkins, chargers, stemware and more! We have a great time as we help you plan a small dinner party for 10 or a corporate event for 3000 people.

What is an average day in your life like? An average day for me is the usual phone calls and emails but the most fun is meeting with clients and helping them plan their big event. Linen Effects is so fortunate to have wonderful clients that remind us each day, why we do what we do.

How did you enter the events industry? I started with Marriott Hotels when I was 18 and began planning events when I was with the Minneapolis Marriott City Center. Linen Effects was the hotels preferred linen vendor so I was fortunate enough to experience "The Best Of" every aspect of events, right from the beginning. Soon after, I was hooked. I couldn't get enough of weddings. It's cinched for me when I get to play a small part in one of the biggest days in a couples life.

Why are you a member of ISES? I recently joined ISES after attending events as a non-member for the past year. It became clear that this was an organization I wanted to be a part of. The people, the educational opportunities and networking are incredible. The members I've met are true professionals and are passionate about what they do. What more could you ask for?!

Do you have a career or industry tip that you would like to share? Details, Details, Details!!! They're the core of a successful event. Oh yeah... and never let 'em see you sweat!

Christopher Westlund
Catering Manager

Park Plaza Hotel
Chris.Westlund@parkplaza.com

How many years have you been in the event industry? 4 years

What does your company do? Park Plaza is a full service Hotel accommodating guest room needs and meeting/event space.

How did you enter the events industry? After graduating from the University of St. Thomas, I took a Special Events Promotion and Communication internship with Minnesota AIDS Project, working on their Oscar Night (Hollywood) Event and Minnesota AIDS Walk. It provided a great sense of the countless items and individuals that are involved in coordinating events - not as simple and carefree as it once appeared.

Why are you a member of ISES? I wanted to join ISES as a way to become more involved in this field of work. I quickly came to realize that what I am doing is what I love and that my intentions were to make this my career. ISES offers many opportunities to learn and grow within this industry - which is what I would like to explore.

Kalie Larson
Production Manager


Equinox Creative
klarson@equinoxcreative.com

How many years have you been in the event industry?
1 yr in Aug.

What does your company do? Meeting Services, Creative and Production, Event Services, Incentive Travel, Trade Show Management

What is an average day in your life like? I don't have an average day - that's what I love about it!

How did you enter the events industry? Ryan Hanson, a fellow Gustavus Adolphus alum, paid a visit to the college in the Fall of my senior year promoting the ISES student scholarship. After a brief conversation with him, I knew this was an opportunity I could not pass up. I applied for the scholarship immediately and actually became one of the lucky few recipients. I became an ISES student member and the rest is history.

Why are you a member of ISES? Although being granted the scholarship got me a free pass into the organization, I've stuck with it because the networking and educational opportunities are indispensable.

Do you have a career or industry tip that you would like to share? Because I'm new to the industry, I don't have any lifelong experience tips to share; but as a word of advice to everyone just starting out like I was one year ago, remember that you can never make too many connections or take in too much information.

Cara Schulz
Director of Communications - Newsletter & Website
cara@ises-msp.org
507-289-6556 office

Company:
Corporate EVENT Magazine

Years in event industry: 3

Other position held in ISES:
  * Director of Communications, Newsletter & Website, 2006-2007

I am responsible for creating and sending out the email Newsletter. I am always open to new ideas as to what to include in the Newsletter and for people to submit stories.

Being involved with ISES has really opened my eyes to a new segment of the events industry. Through attending monthly meetings, talking with members, and going to the Eventworld conference I have gained valuable information and contacts that has saved our company time and money. Our publication's association with ISES provides us with story ideas, trending information, and new business.

Ryan Hanson
Vice President of Communications
ryan@ises-msp.org
612-436-4522 office

Company: BeEvents

Years in event industry: 4

Other positions held in ISES:
  * Member of the International MARCOM Committee, 2007-2008
  * Vice President of Membership, 2006-2007
  * Star Awards Committee, Marketing Chair, 2007
  * Star Awards Committee, 2005 and 2006
  * Committee Member in Strategic Partnerships

Working with Cara and Chrissy, my role on the board this year is to oversee the chapters Marketing and Communications. This includes membership updates and communications, the chapter's website and working on strengthening the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter's presence in the media/press. In addition, I will serve on the International ISES MARCOM committee in 2007-2008.

I discovered the event industry through a myriad of opportunities in college which lead me to event work in London and New York, before returning to Minneapolis. A theater kid at heart, and as one who revels in 'the experience,' for me, events are about utilizing the characters of our business - food, lighting, video, décor, flowers and more - to craft a client's story. That is the art and the joy of what he gets to do everyday; it is the theater of our business.

The most fantastic part of being a member of ISES is the community you are a part of. This is a great networking opportunity, not just locally, but globally. In 2005, I was able to connect at ISES's Eventworld conference with top planners from around the country. Together with one of these planners, I co-led a conference session at the 2006 ISES conference. These connections also lead to partnerships on my events that occur outside of the Minneapolis-St. Paul market. As a planner who has to produce events nationally, through the people I meet at these conferences, I am able to resource the services I need and find quality vendors in any city we travel to. All I have to do is mention my ISES membership and the connection works!

Simultaneously, as a planner who constantly wants to push myself - I love being part of this organization because you get to know and see what is happening elsewhere in the industry - learn the trends and then try to create and build upon them in my events. Without ISES I wouldn't know where to begin finding a network like this!