• Letter from the President
• ISES MSP Named International Chapter of the Year
• Happy Anniversary ISES!
• ISES MSP Announces 2007-2008 Educational Programming
• Scholarship Winners' Eventworld Experiences
• MeetingsQuest Partnership Announced
• Now Accepting Student Scholarship Applications
• ISES MSP Members Win 2007 ISES Esprit Awards
• Member News
• New Member Profiles
• Meet A Board Member

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of you to what promises to be another very exciting year for the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter. I hope you all have enjoyed your summer. Although our communication may have slowed down, our planning for the year ahead has kicked into high gear over the last couple of months. We had our annual Board retreat at the end of July and agreed upon our Chapter goals for the 2007-2008. This year, the Board has set the following goals for the Chapter

• Have at least 70% of members "active", including participation in at least 3 activities (attend programs, award judging, committee work, etc.)
• Create one student member produced program
• Revise Strategic Partnership program to be more comprehensive including Star Awards
• Have Star Awards provide $3000 in scholarship funds
• Establish a CSEP scholarship program and award by June 30, 2008

I am very confident with the support of all of our members we will not only achieve but once again exceed our goals. Having such specific goals keeps us on track throughout the year and allows the Chapter as well as members to shine not only on the local level but the International level as well.

A great example of this is the opportunity for me to announce to you all that the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter has been awarded the Spirit of Excellence award as the 2006-2007 Chapter of the Year. We also were awarded the Spirit of Excellence for membership growth. In addition, Minneapolis-St. Paul members were awarded several Esprit Awards (see below for complete list).

Last year was a phenomenal year for our Chapter. And I look forward to the opportunity to work with all of you towards even greater success in 2007-2008.

2007-2008 is a big year for ISES. This year the International Organization turns 20! Closer to home, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its foundation this year, marking its official 10th birthday on September 8, 2008. To commemorate this anniversary, each month throughout the coming year, we will dedicate space in our monthly newsletter to looking back to the beginning.

This month, we hope you will take a moment to read up on how the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter began. Chapter member Cheryl Kranz researched and created a Chapter History which is posted on our chapter website.

On August 16-18, 2007, the International Special Events Society hosted its annual conference, Eventworld: an Institute for Professional Development at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal Canada. Chapter members Sheree Bochenek Craig Oliver, and Matthew Trettel, who were this year's Merit Award scholarship recipients took a few moments to share their experience on attending the conference.

The Education:
Each year, ISES strives to bring together great education from a variety of international sources for the Eventworld conference. Educational Seminars range from strategies for running your business to creative trends, from corporate and non-profit event management to stress management and relaxation.

Of the education, Matthew Trettel commented, "I walked away from ISES Eventworld 2007 with not only a wide body of knowledge and fresh ideas that will help me in planning education and programs for the local chapter but also inspiration for the work I do at Twin City Bridal Association. The education portion of the conference covered a much wider umbrella of topics than I expected. What I most valued about the series of courses offered is that they were so relevant to the many 'hats' I wear."

Matthew Trettel and Kate Touhey, CSEP, relax after dinner at the ISES Esprit Awards Gala.

Sheree Bochenek of Apres Party and Tent Rental shared a bright learning experience from one of the classes she attended on creative event strategy: "Think within the box when designing creative for an event. The SMALLER the box, the better! Boxes give you clear definition of what is required."

Sheree Bochenek is ready for an evening of fun at the ISES Espirit Awards Gala.

Craig Oliver of AARCEE Party and Tent Rental noted, "After two full days I can now better negotiate my next raise, get my life balance in check, know what's in and what's not, educate corporate event planners (from a vendor point of view) and create a kick-butt web site. For the most part, the seminars were spot on. Good stuff, great reinforcement."

Craig Oliver and Jean Peine admire the decore at the Eventworld Welcome Reception.

The Events:
Eventworld wouldn't be a conference for event professionals if events were not part of the equation! Attendees were wowed this year with the opening general session where Olympic Gold-Medalist Mark Tewksbury gave a rousing key note address which had everyone cheering by the end. Thursday evening, guests attended the Welcome Reception Event at the Montreal Science Center. While enjoying hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, the décor stuck out for Matthew, "The modern space featured a "white lounge" atmosphere. I was inspired by the creative use of floral in combination with acrylic, but found the most dramatic piece was a fountain contained in a pair of acrylic cubes."

After the Annual General Meeting on Saturday where the Spirit of Excellence Awards were handed out, the conference ended with the Esprit Awards Gala. From cocktail lounge to dinner and ending with an evening of dancing, this year's Esprit Awards Gala was a formal affair. Esprit nominee Sheree noted, "This was truly the highlight for me... The Parade of Nominees was really a fun and special moment. I was so proud to be a part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter, with our members winning in four categories! I didn't even mind when airport security had to search my bag for a "large glass object" (Esprit Award).

Eventworld 2007 was a complete success and attendees walked away with great learnings and many found memories. Craig Oliver summed up his experience, "Perhaps some of the most valuable lessons learned were learned by chance. I found out my teenage daughter has great taste in clothes (thanks Krist), that I belong to the most dedicated, hard working ISES chapter in the free world (OK I knew that), that harp seal is the "other red meat" and that attending conferences such as these are an important part of any professionals journey. I encourage all Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter members to apply for future scholarships."

ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul is excited to partner and provide this year's education content for MeetingsQuest Minnesota, a day long educational tradeshow.

We are proud to welcome the founding president of the International Special Events Society and pioneer for the CSEP certification, Dr. Joe Jeff Goldblatt, CSEP who will present a seminar, "Special Events: The Root and Wings of Celebration." Dr. Goldblatt will be available for a meet and greet with guests and autograph copies of his book, Special Events, the educational resource for the special events industry and CSEP certification.

MeetingsQuest will take place all day, October 3, 2007 at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. Attendance is free to all planners. For details and to RSVP, please visit the MeetingsQuest Website.

The ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter is inviting interested students to apply for our student scholarships. This opportunity provides students with a year-long, student membership to ISES. The student membership benefits include: educational and career building opportunities in the special events field, outstanding career networking with experts in the events industry and hands on experience in helping execute monthly chapter programs. Up to three students will be recipients of scholarships and will be notified by Oct. 1st.

To apply: Nominees are asked to complete the Student Scholarship Application. Please submit the application and essay on or before Friday, September 21, 2007 to: Meghan Jager SMDC Health System Public Relations 407 East Third Street Duluth, MN 55811.

If you have questions, please contact meghan@ises-msp.org.

Eleven chapter members received ISES Esprit Awards in four categories at the 2007 International Esprit Awards Gala in Montreal on August 18th.

Winning the Esprit Award for Best ISES Team Effort, Budget $50,000 - $100,000 USD, for the creation and production of the annual "ISES Minnesota Star Awards" (2006):
Jodi M. Collen, CSEP, collen@augsburg.edu Augsburg College
Sheree Bochenek, sbochenek@apresparty.com, après party & tent rental
Ryan Hanson, ryan-hanson@menttium.com, MENTTIUM Corporation
Becky S. Harris, bharris@eventlab.net, Event Lab
Marcia McKinney, mmckinney@damico.com, D'Amico Catering
Craig Oliver, craigoliver@aarcee.com, AARCEE Party & Tent Rental
Alice Lynne-Olson, latebloomr@yahoo.com, The Late Bloomer Floral Design Studio, Inc
Jean A. Peine, jean@studio6specialtylinen.com, Studio 6 Specialty Linen & Décor, LLC
Julie A. Slipka, julieslipka@promcatering.com, Prom Catering
Chris Tahti, chris.tahti@freestyle-productions.com, Freestyle Productions
Daniel R. Zunker, dan@heroic-productions.com, Heroic Productions

Ryan Hanson, ryan-hanson@menttium.com, MENTTIUM Corporation; also received Esprit Awards in the categories: Best Non-Profit Event, Budget under $75,000 USD for "a WICKED affair" Best Marketing Design, Budget $10,000-$25,000 USD for "launch2006" Best Corporate Event Planning, Budget $50,000-$200,000 USD for "launch2006"

Ryan Hansen - too many awards to carry!

14 ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Members Named Esprit
Nominees in 10 Categories!
To be named as a nominee for an Esprit is an honor all on its own. Entries are first screened for any infractions of the entry submission guidelines. They are then coded to ensure anonymity and are sent to a panel of judges for review. The top three entries in each category are then chosen as nominees. In addition to the four winning entries, the following local ISES members received nominations:

Best Event Design/Decor $0-$25,000 USD
Ryan Hanson, ryan-hanson@menttium.com, Independent

Best Event Design/Decor $25,000-$75,000 USD
Sheree Bochenek, sbochenek@apresparty.com, après party & tent rental
Matthew Trettel, matthew@twincitybridal.com, Twin City Bridal Association

Best Event Design/Decor Over $75,000
Sheree Bochenek, sbochenek@apresparty.com, après party & tent rental
Ryan Hanson, ryan-hanson@menttium.com, MENTTIUM Corporation

Best Social Event Planning $50,000-$200,000
Matthew Trettel, matthew@twincitybridal.com, Twin City Bridal Association

Technical Production
Dianna Fuller, CMP, diannaf@hoffmancommunications.com, Hoffman Communications

Best ISES Team Effort Under $50,000
Ryan Hanson ryan-hanson@menttium.com, Independent
Leslie Larson ljl3303@yahoo.com, Independent
Alice Lynne-Olson latebloomr@yahoo.com, The Late Bloomer Floral Design Studio, Inc.
Daniel R. Zunker dan@heroic-productions.com, Heroic Productions.

Minnesota Bride Magazine Best of 2007
The winners of the fifth annual Best of Bride survey - selected by readers online and by mail - are providers who go the extra mile and exceed the exceptionally high expectations of today's brides. They are consummate professionals with extensive training, experience and expertise in their crafts. What's more, they understand that the wedding day is one of the most important days in a bride's life, and they lace their services with passion, commitment, artistry and love. Congratulations to the following ISES member companies:

Best Rental and Décor Vendor:
Linen Effects, 6900 Oxford St., St. Louis Park, 952.848.1055

A bride turns to Linen Effects for "stylish décor, impeccable service, consistency, and a fun, very experienced sales team," says Russ Mohr, sales representative for the company. The frequently updated Web site shows most of the company's tabletop décor, table linens and chair covers available to brides. With such a large selection, the greatest feat may be making up your mind about how to decorate.


Best Outdoor Wedding and/or Reception Site:
Nicollet Island Pavilion, Minneapolis, 612.253.0255

Built in 1886, the Nicollet Island Pavilion offers sweeping views of downtown Minneapolis, the Stone Arch Bridge and the Mississippi River's first dam. From April to October, tent-covered outdoor ceremonies can accommodate 350 guests. Around 475 people can be housed for an indoor dinner and dance year round.


Best Small & Large Caterer:
D'Amico Catering, 275 Market St., Suite C25, Minneapolis, 612.238.4444

For 15 years, D'Amico Catering has satisfied the most diverse of wedding reception palates. Be it Indian, Egyptian, Spanish, or even a ballpark-themed menu for your autumn wedding, D'Amico wants your guests to think "delicious, marvelous, best I ever had," says Linda Adam, director of catering sales. With pan-seared scallops over garnet yam puree, garnished with frizzled beets, served on a silver spoon as one example of D'Amico's meticulous dedication to presentation, your guests just may end up two-handing the finger foods.

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


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 $35.00
Member Associates $40.00
Non-Members $50.00
Student Members $15.00


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.

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


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.
more details

Platinum-Level Sponsor
ISES Member

Damron Production Services Corp.
Platinum-Level Sponsor


Gold-Level Sponsor
ISES Member

Bronze-Level Sponsor
ISES Member



Bronze-level Sponsor
ISES Member
 


Friend of ISES-Level Sponsor
ISES Member
 

Nathan Boutang

Rental and Events Manager
Minnesota Orchestral Association - Orchestra Hall
nboutang@mnorch.org

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

What does your company do? The Minnesota Orchestra owns its own auditorium - Orchestra Hall which I rent out for concerts, events, receptions, etc. when the Orchestra is not using the space.

What is an average day in your life like? The best thing about working in the event industry is that there isn't an average day. Every day is different, which makes it exciting to go to work each day! You never know what the day will bring. That is the way I like it.

How did you enter the events industry? I started by working events for KDWB FM in the promotions department and really enjoyed the fast pace and diversity of types of daily work involved in making an event happen. This led to me to my next job in the event world in which I traveled/executed events nationwide for an event marketing company - GMR Marketing. Now I get to plan and execute events at Orchestra Hall, which are often involved with music - my true passion.

Why did you join ISES? I joined ISES as a way to meet people in the event industry and build strong relationships with them.

What do you want to know about the events industry? I want to know all of the latest info regarding caterers, décor companies, rental companies etc. so that I can provide good suggestions to my future rental clients.

Michele Aldape

Director of Business Development
Showcore
michelea@showcore.com

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

What does your company do? Creative and innovative Audio-Visual solutions for corporate meetings and special events.

What is an average day in your life like? Constant communication with strategic partners, clients, potential clients and my internal technical directors. Reading, learning, networking, planning and executing extraordinary events that engage and inspire the clients' audiences, in ways that are relevant to their desired outcomes. Strategic alignment with the Showcore leadership team and always, being a Mom to two extraordinary girls (20 and 14), who are the life of my party.

How did you enter the events industry? I was drawn to the visionary, innovative and entrepreneurial culture of the Showcore team. Amazing creativity and solutions come from that context and I wanted to be part of a group of people that brings that to work. The events industry was an added bonus!

Why did you join ISES? I was brought into ISES through Showcore. We see the value in continuing to learn from others and sharing our successes with the industry. In exchange, we have developed strong strategic partnerships that have been based on mutual growth and commitment to making a difference in the experience of every audience we touch.

Is there a book, person, or story that comes to mind which has had a strong impact on your career? I am a personal development junkie, BUT the MOST significant impact has been my executive coach, Janet Beasley (NLP Master Practicioner). I have a commitment to live a fulfilled life and to contribute to the fulfillment and success of those I collaborate with. Working with a team of people who have a similar commitment and responsibility to the client, the community and the world is a dream come true. My career has become a fuller, richer experience because of my work with her.