ISES-MSP



IN THE JULY 2007 ISSUE



Letter from the President

This is my final letter to you all as the ISES MSP president. I give these responsibilities to the capable hands of Jim Leighton, who will continue the terrific work that this chapter has been doing for its members.

Jim makes fun of me, saying I don't like to hug. That's not true! But it can be hard for me to show appreciation. I'm shy! That won't do today! I have to talk about this year's Board. What an incredible group of people!

Starting with the membership area, Ryan Hanson and Craig Oliver shattered every membership record we ever had. We more than doubled our membership this year, which is CRAZY!!!

No doubt that a fair share of that credit can also go to Leslie Larson and Julie Slipka, for putting on eight amazing monthly programs this year. We also doubled our average program attendance from last year! They did an excellent job in bringing in top-notch speakers and seeking out unique and up-and-coming venues.

You would never know about any of this stuff, however, if it weren't for the Communications area. Lisa Marie Borchert, Cara Schulz and Marcia McKinney were responsible for anything that was e-mailed to you, seen on the website, or appeared in the media. If you think that's a lot of work - you're not even close. It's a HUGE amount of work (I did it for two years!), and they did such a terrific job.

And then there are Nancy Jacobs, Alice-Lynne Olson and Ruth Wikoff-Jones. Nancy oversaw our most successful MN Star Awards event EVER, with a phenomenal amount of sponsored products and a ridiculously great event. Alice-Lynne is our unsung hero, taking care of her administrative duties (minutes, etc.) with enthusiasm! And Ruth has developed our Strategic Partnership program into something that is going to allow us to do even more great things with our chapter.

And, of course, Jodi Collen (immediate past president) and Jim Leighton (president-elect) have been the best friends and support system that I could ever ask for. They are dedicated professionals who also contribute a huge amount of their "free" time and effort to ISES. I am blessed.

Thanks to the 2006-2007 Board of Directors for making my job easy. It's not good-bye. I'll be around on the Board for another year. But it won't be able to top this year. I love you guys!

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KateKate Touhey, CSEP
President
ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul
kate@ises-msp.org


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A Thank You Poem for Kate
We elected Kate as our leader for the year
Dedicated and organized she led with no fear
She oversaw our phenomenal growth
We asked her, programs or membership, she said "heck, let's do both"
Oh what a year it was for Minneapolis-St. Paul
Kate led the charge and was an inspiration to all
Although her term as President has come to an end
It is clear that not only was she our leader, but also our friend.

- by Jim Leighton (and the entire 2006-2007 Board of Directors)
"Thank you" and "Congratulations" Kate for your June 16th wedding to Jeremy Stahl!


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June Program Highlights
Always a popular networking program, the 3rd Annual "Tour for Your Tastebuds" sold out this year, breaking all previous records for member participation at this showcase of group dining venues. 100 chapter members and guests sampled delicious cuisine and refreshing drinks from two of hottest restaurants in the metro.


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The tour started at Tom Pham's new restaurant and bar, Temple, featuring French-Asian cuisine.
 		 The program wasn't only about food. There was also plenty of networking. Dan Zunker, Heroic Productions, and Alice-Lynne Olson, Late Bloomer Floral Design Studio, Inc., are catching up.
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(L to R) Matt Ronnei, Mark Anderson and Cara Schulz with Corporate EVENT Magazine were recognized by ISES President Kate Touhey, CSEP, as the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul 2007 Partner of the Year.
 		 To end the night, guests walked down the street to Café Lurcat where they sampled uncomplicated American dishes that focused on quality ingredients in the urban and historical Fawkes building overlooking Loring Park. (L to R) Meghan Greeley and Rachel Brooks, SMDC Health Systems, sipping drinks.

To see more pictures of the June Program, click here.


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CSEP Fun Fact

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 many current Minneapolis - St Paul Chapter members have the CSEP designation?

(See bottom for the answer.)



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May Membership Drive Results
May was an outstanding membership drive month for the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter of the International Special Events Society.

In fact, with 37 new members and 2 new student members, ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul had THE BEST May membership drive of all 41 ISES chapters! In addition to the new members highlighted in the June newsletter, and on behalf of our chapter Board of Directors and our entire membership, please join us in welcoming the following members to our chapter:

Here is to a fantastic 2007-2008! Have a super summer!

Ryan & Craig

Ryan   Craig
Ryan Hanson
VP of Membership
ryan@ises-msp.org
   Craig Oliver
Director of Membership
craig@ises-msp.org



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Renewing Members

The ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter Board of Directors would like to acknowledge and welcome back all our members who have renewed their commitment to our chapter for 2007-2008.

Remember, all ISES memberships for members who joined prior to the May 2007 membership drive expire on June 30th...so if you haven't already, renew today!! (Please note the above list is current as of our press deadline, June 26.)

Cheers!

Ryan & Craig


Ryan   Craig
Ryan Hanson
VP of Membership
ryan@ises-msp.org
   Craig Oliver
Director of Membership
craig@ises-msp.org
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ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul 2007-2008
Board of Directors Sworn In

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2006-2007 President Kate Touhey, CSEP, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, swears in incoming President Jim Leighton, Children's Cancer Research Fund
 		 Jim Leighton, President, swears in (L to R) Dan Zunker, Dir. of Sponsorships; Jennifer Schak, Dir. of Administration; Jodi Collen, CSEP, Dir. of the Minnesota Star Awards; Matthew Trettel, Dir. of Programs & Education; Craig Oliver, Dir. of Membership; Pete Nelson, VP of Programs & Education; Meghan Greeley, VP of Membership; Chrissy Mages, Dir. of Communications - PR & Marketing; Cara Schulz, Dir. of Communications - Newsletter & Website; Ryan Hanson, VP of Communications; Lisa Marie Borchert, President-Elect; and Kate Touhey, CSEP, Immediate Past President.
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2007 ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Eventworld
Merit Award Winners Announced
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Eventworld Merit Award scholarship winners Craig Oliver, AARCEE Party and Tent Rental, and Matthew Trettel, Twin City Bridal Association (Not pictured is Marcia McKinney, D'Amico)

Each summer, ISES convenes at Eventworld - An Institute for Professional Development, the association's annual education conference. This conference brings together event industry professionals from all over the world for a three-day conference focused on quality education and networking opportunities.

Four 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 2007, ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul awarded three awards ($1200 each) to local members.

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Member News
Ruth Wikoff-Jones Joins ASI Communications
Ruth brings her many years of experience to ASI Communications, a full-service agency offering services in marketing, interactive, media and meetings & events. Ruth says, "I am very excited to be assisting with the official launch of their meeting and event practice, joining an experienced team that produced the "Red Bull Art of the Can" contest in 2006."


Jodi Collen Returns to Augsburg College as new Director of Events and Conferences
In her new role Jodi will be working closely with the Vice President of Marketing to further the college's new branding initiatives through marketing and events. Jodi says she loved working at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, but she "realized that my true calling is to work in [a higher education] environment."


14 Minneapolis-St. Paul ISES Chapter Members Nominated for 10 Esprit Awards

Best Event Design/Decor $25,000-$75,000
Sheree Bochenek and Matthew Trettel

Best Event Design/Decor Over $75,000
Sheree Bochenek and Ryan Hanson

Best Social Event Planning $50,000-$200,000
Matthew Trettel

Technical Production
Dianna Fuller, CMP

Best ISES Team Effort Under $50,000
Ryan Hanson, Leslie Larson, Alice Lynne Olson, and Dan Zunker

Best ISES Team Effort $50,000 - $100,000
Sheree Bochenek, Jodi Collen, CSEP, Ryan Hanson, Becky Harris, Marcia McKinney, Craig Oliver, Alice-Lynne Olson, Jean Peine, Julie Slipka, Chris Tahti, and Dan Zunker

Ryan Hanson has 4 individual nominations:
* Marketing Design $10,000-$25,000
* Best Non-Profit Event Planning Under $75,000
* Corporate Event Planning $50,000-$200,000
* Event Design/Decor Under $25,000


If you'd like to view the actual posting of nominees, click here. (pdf)

Congratulations to everyone!


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CSEP Fun Fact Answer:
How many current Minneapolis - St Paul Chapter members have the CSEP designation?   Two (2)

Congratulations to these members of the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter, who have |earned and maintained their CSEP certification:
* Jodi Collen, CSEP
* Kate Touhey, CSEP

Candidates who earn the CSEP designation are required to recertify every five (5) years to maintain the designation. Recertification occurs via the CSEP Points Itemization List determined by the ISES Certification Committee.

September 2007 ISES Program

Non-Profit Series
Methodologies for Making Profound Emotional Connection through Creation of Experience

sponsor
Kile Ozier
Creative Director / Communications Strategist
www.kileozier.com

WHEN:
Thursday, September 13, 2007
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM


WHERE:
Orchestra Hall
1111 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-371-5693
Directions

COST:
Members $30.00
Member Associates $40.00*
Non-Members $45.00
Student Members $15.00**


* Associates are a co-worker of an also attending ISES Member.
** Students who are NOT an ISES Member must pay the Non-Member rate.

Please RSVP by Monday, September 10, 2007. There will be a $10.00 surcharge for anyone who registers after this deadline. Cancellations after Monday, September 10, 2007 and no-shows will be billed.



Program Details:
An exploration of the best ways to create experience to deliver message or simply entertain your audience in the most compelling, resonant ways; connecting directly and effectively to the emotions, and giving each audience member a personal experience, together. There will be films, music, laughter, much information download and plenty of time for discussion and Q & A. No dancing, however.

Ozier has built a solid reputation across a spectrum of industries wherein effective, experiential storytelling is a key component. Especially skilled at developing and delivering intimate experience for mass audience; he has evolved a set of unique methodologies; often delivering specific message within that experience, allowing the opportunity for the audience to depart, touched and moved - and, in the context of marketing, branding and development - compelled to action. His unique combination of left and right brain strengths has served him well in the application of his creative ethos to strategic communications and immersive experience... and kept him, for the most part, one step ahead of the law.

Following a career in national campaign politics and work for the U.S. Department of State, Ozier moved into the corporate world. Finding a dearth of creativity, there, and discovering that his entrepreneurial nature was erroneously viewed as "short attention span" rather than "astonishing multi-tasker," Ozier found a home in the world of production, initially leaping into that milieu with San Francisco's 1984 Mayoral Inaugural, followed by years of a career including scores of ceremonial successes; from exemplary and award-winning Fleet Week (cited as "best event of 1989" by U.S. Navy) celebrations to Democratic Convention ceremonies. The move into themed entertainment, show production and branding experience was a natural, from there. He has created re-branding & development campaigns for a litany of iconic institutions of legacy and non-profit agencies; campaigns that have yielded over $5 billion in revenue and measurably deepened the connection between target audience and client.

Significant work includes the 1992 Candle Light Vigil for the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt in DC (audience of 250,000) and the landmark fundraising campaigns for Stanford University; creating the message experience that raised $1 billion for the institution in 1987- 1990, and another campaign for $1 billion in 2001-2002. His work in fundraising and development has included work, as well, for Harvard Law School ($500,000,000.00 campaign launch), Johns Hopkins University, Loyola University Chicago, Babson College and Hamilton College. The man can tell a story that sticks.

Ceremonial work, in addition to myriad product launches and awards ceremonies, includes the 1994 Opening and Closing Ceremonies for Gay Games IV (Yankee Stadium - 12,000 athletes/audience of 40,000), as well as Ceremonies for GGVII in Chicago in 2006; where he set an "Olympic" record by bringing 11,000 athletes onto the field, in procession, in 46 minutes (film at eleven!). With work in Europe, Australia and the United States, numerous live shows and resonant experiences in varying formats populate his professional history.

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Thank you to our
Program Sponsors:


sponsor
Platinum-Level Sponsor
ISES Member



Damron Production Services Corp.
Platinum-Level Sponsor



sponsor
Gold-Level Sponsor
ISES Member



sponsor
Friend of ISES-Level Sponsor
ISES Member




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New Member Profiles

Ami Cervin

Events & Promotions Coordinator

Greater Twin Cities United Way
cervina@unitedwaytwincities.org

How many years have you been in the event industry? 3

What is an average day in your life like? There is no average day - it varies from event research, planning, logistics, creative design, writing, volunteer recruitment and management, intern recruitment and management, and finding time to eat lunch.

How did you enter the events industry? College internship at Interlachen Country Club. I came in as a restaurant manager intern and found that I really wanted to do more with their events team.

Why did you join ISES/are you a member of ISES? The possibilities are endless - whether it be the networking, learning new trends, or giving me more leadership and career opportunities by strengthening my resume.

What do you want to know about the events industry? Figuring out where I can really leave my mark!

Is there a book, person, or story that comes to mind which has had a strong impact on your career? My mom - her outgoing personality and perseverance are definitely genes that carried over to me!


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Meet a Board Member
JimJim Leighton
President

president@ises-msp.org

Director of Events
Children's Cancer Research Fund

Years in event industry: 7.5

Other positions held in ISES: * President-Elect, 2006-2007
* Vice President of Education & Programs, 2005-2006
* Vice President of Membership, 2004-2005
* Director of Membership, 2003-2004

As President, I oversee the day-to-day governance of the Chapter. I act as a resource and advisor to the Board of Directors and our chapter members. I work closely with International headquarters and the Midwest Regional Vice President to ensure that the Chapter stays in compliance with our by-laws and that we take advantage of all the resources provided by International.

When I started in the nonprofit events industry I saw the opportunity to both plan events as well as make a difference in the World. After 7 1/2 years this has proven to be more than true. I consider myself fortunate that I can go to a job everyday that I love.

Four years ago I started to hear about this group called ISES and I thought I should get involved. I attended my first program in December of 2003 and by January I had signed on to be a member. I knew that this was an opportunity for me to grow both personally and professionally and by July of 2004 I had been elected to my first term on the Board of Directors.

Being involved on the Board of ISES has provided me valuable leadership training and has proved to be one of the best career decisions I have made. It has given me great connections in the local as well as national events industry. I have been able to develop a network of event professionals all over the globe that I know maintain the same level of ethics and dedication to the industry that I value.

A great example of this network in action occurred last year when I was put in a situation of re-negotiating a contract after the event had taken place. For a variety of reasons the F & B minimum was not met. This was going to result in a very sizeable financial penalty to the organization. I solicited the help of my ISES network and through their input was able to negotiate a significantly lower penalty owed. I feel very strongly that it was my involvement with ISES that allowed me access to this group of professionals.

I am looking forward to continuing my ISES journey as Chapter President this next year. It is my goal to convey the value of ISES to all our members as well as the Twin Cities events industry at large. Thank you for this great opportunity!



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2007-2008 Board of Directors
President
Jim Leighton
jim@ises-msp.org

President-Elect
Lisa Marie Borchert
lisa@ises-msp.org

Immediate Past President
Kate Touhey, CSEP
kate@ises-msp.org

Vice President
of Communications
Ryan Hanson
ryan@ises-msp.org

Vice President
of Programs & Education
Pete Nelson
pete@ises-msp.org

Vice President
of Membership
Meghan Greeley
meghan@ises-msp.org

Director of Communications - Newsletter & Website
Cara Schulz
cara@ises-msp.org

Director of Communications - Public Relations & Marketing
Chrissy Mages
cmages@ises-msp.org

Director of Education & Programs
Matthew Trettel
matthew@ises-msp.org

Director of Membership
Craig Oliver
craig@ises-msp.org

Director at Large -
Minnesota Star Awards
Jodi Collen, CSEP
jodi@ises-msp.org

Director at Large - Sponsorships
Dan Zunker
dan@ises-msp.org

Director at Large - Administration
Jennifer Schak
jennifer@ises-msp.org

Click here for more information about our Board members.


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Event Solutions Spotlight Award Finalists
Two of our Minneapolis-St. Paul members are up for Event Solutions Spotlight Awards. Jodi Collen, CSEP is nominated for Corporate Event Planner /Producer of the Year, and Ryan Hanson is nominated for Rising Star - Male.

In addition Michael Cerbelli, who was our speaker at the October 2006 program, is a finalist for Event Solutions Magazine spotlight award for Samaritan Service.

You can VOTE once from each email address you have. Place your votes at: www.event-solutions.com/spotlight/vote.

     spotlight

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ISES-MSP




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