• Letter from the President
• Anniversary Feature: Thoughts from Two Founding Members
• CSEP Discussion Group Meeting
• October Program Highlights
• Minnesota Star Awards - Informational Meeting
• ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Online
• ISES Sound Off
• Meet A Board Member
• New Member Profiles

I am going to take a different approach with my letter this month. There are three things that I would like to highlight in the space.

1. I want to thank all of those that attended our recent joint meeting with the Minnesota chapter of Meeting Professionals International. The meeting was a great success and I thought the collaboration between the two groups worked very well. I would like to especially thank all the ISES and MPI committee members who worked so diligently to make this meeting happen. I look forward to the opportunity to have another joint meeting in the future.
   
   
2. This month's program is another example of the "power of ISES". We have the privilege of inviting back to our Chapter, fellow ISES member, David Merrell. The Minneapolis-St. Paul Board realizes that not everyone has the resources to attend national conferences. And as a result, each year we strive to bring some of the biggest and the best speakers at these conferences back to the local chapter. David has been a highlight at several of these conferences over the years. I encourage you all to attend this month's program to get a taste of the level of education offered at the national conferences.
   
   
3. And finally, the ball is rolling for the 2008 ISES Minnesota Star Awards. Watch your email in the coming weeks for a link to the Call for Entries. I encourage each and every one of you to enter the events you have worked so hard on this past year. A nomination and win for a Star Award is a great way to garner credibility for your organization with clients and the media. I know it is cliché but it is also very true, you can't win if you don't enter. Good luck to you in the entry process!

I look forward to seeing you at the November program.

For this month's anniversary feature, we asked local ISES members Judy and Allen Elias (judye@caterrent.com and allane@caterrent.com) to share their story. They were part of the formation of our international society and remain local members today affiliated with the Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter. Looking back, here is an excerpt from their memories of the start of the organization:

As founding members of the International Caterers Association, we saw how working with professionals from various disciplines contributed to our personal and company development. We were on the advisory board of Special Events Magazine and met many people from around the country who had the same thoughts about sharing ideas and broadening their horizons...

In 1985 we challenged Special Events Magazine to produce a real special event. So we were given the opportunity to create an off-premise event, something that had never really been done before. On January 7, 1986 we produced such an event. With "no" budget, totally off premise, 2200 miles from our home we amassed an army of event professionals from around the country. Caterers from Massachusetts, Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma, California, Louisiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota were each charged with creating their own theme buffet station. We worked as a team. Equipment and supplies came in from all over the country. We arranged for an internationally known venue, assembled tent companies, equipment and food suppliers, linen companies, meat and liquor purveyors, lighting companies, buses and helicopters, chairs and tables, theme décor for five different stations, entertainment, an orchestra, floral, costumes, photographers, videographer, service staff, accommodations and kitchens. The event was an enormous hit. As a matter of fact, people still talk about it to this day. This event showed people in the industry that we could work together to create spectacular events.

With the interest generated by the members of the advisory board, we went to the next step and created ISES. At the Special Event in Dallas, Texas, Joe Goldblatt asked a number of people if they were interested in coming to a meeting to discuss the formation of an umbrella society to recognize the make up of our industry. We never expected so many people to turn out. We discussed at great lengths that we wanted an organization and that we would move forward. When Joe asked for money to seed the organization, 18 people wrote checks... and it's now 20 years later.

Those first meetings were hectic, vibrant, verbal, fun, stressful, productive, expensive, frequent and long. Understanding that we were dealing with super egos and entrepreneurs, of course each felt their way was the only way. But we learned to set personalities aside and deal with the tasks at hand. Creating ISES.  Read the full story.

The first meeting of the Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP) Discussion Group will meet on Monday, October 29, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at ASI Communications, 510 First Avenue North, Suite 650, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

The discussion group will begin meetings to learn the process, encourage each other and prepare to sit for the CSEP examination.

The CSEP designation is the hallmark of professional achievement in the special events industry. It is earned through education, performance, experience, and service to the industry, and reflects a commitment to professional conduct and ethics.

The CSEP designation is awarded by the International Special Events Society (ISES) and its Certification Committee. ISES is the only international umbrella organization representing professionals in all disciplines of the special events industry. Education and a commitment to professionalism are cornerstones of ISES.

To learn more about CSEP, visit www.ises.com/CSEP.

To participate in the discussion group, contact Ruth Wikoff-Jones at ruthsbluemarble@hotmail.com.

By Diane Pearson, (diane@eventbizniz.com)

October 17th was a GEM! Not only did we learn from experts in the field of sustainable practices but the combined ISES & MPI meeting at the Minneapolis Marriott West had many green components. From using fair trade Peace Coffee, LED lighting, to serving water in pitchers the meeting integrated our theme. The afternoon event was arranged to introduce the green topic in three ways: Simran Sethi, our keynote speaker; our mini-tradeshow offered an opportunity to meet local green vendors; and a panel discussion with local experts available to offer advice and answer questions.

MPI Minnesota Chapter President Jan M. Tolle MacDonald, CMP, CMM; and ISES Minneapolis-St Paul Chapter President Jim Leighton.		Low energy LED lighting by ISES member Heroic Productions.

Green Panelists were (L to R) Laura Salyards Fryberger of Flings Event Design; Alex Danovitch of Eureka Recycling; and Ingrid E. Schneider, Ph.D. and Ami Voeltz of Do It Green! Minnesota.		(L to R) ISES members Diane Pearson, Event BizNiz and Erika LaDouse of Embassy Suites Hotel Bloomington hosted a panel discussion.

The meeting began with Simran Sethi, an award-winning journalist who reports on issues of economic sustainability, environmental stewardship and social justice. From Oprah's set, to the pages of Vanity Fair, to speaking at our meeting, Simran did a wonderful job relating specific hospitality industry examples when she shared her expertise. Her opening message was "the first step to going green is to build baseline knowledge". That concept was in line with the planning committee's goals for the event.

Most of us understand the concept of recycling waste, however understanding the social and economic impact of our buying power gets more complicated. There were so many new concepts to learn but my favorite was when Simran used the phrase "farm to fork". It's an easy concept to visualize. For example, look at the impact and difference of consuming food grown in two areas; the country of Chile and Rosemount, Minnesota. What are the differences of getting the food from a farm in Chile to a farm in Rosemount Minnesota? Where are the workers are employed, how much fuel is used to transport the food, and length of time required to get it from the farm to your fork. In the Minnesota example the workers are in Minnesota, likely living here and spending dollars for goods and services in our state. Rosemount to the farmers market is a short drive and the food can easily be picked in the morning and on your plate the same day.

The farm to fork concept was just one idea. With so many vendors and great ideas I'd like to encourage you connect with our partners for the meeting. The lecture notes and presentation from Sethi are on the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul website. Also included are the green meeting and event planning checklist, sample green meeting contract, CIC Green Industry report, and link to the Green Meeting Industry Council.

Click here to see more photos of the October Program.


Interested in seeing your name published? Willing to do a Program Re-cap for the ISES Monthly Newsletter? Contact communications@ises-msp.org.

I hope that you're all excited about the upcoming Fourth Annual ISES Minnesota Star Awards! This year's program is scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2008, and promises to be another amazing event for event professionals in our state.

What are the ISES Minnesota Star Awards?
The ISES Minnesota Star Awards began in 2004 as a way to provide an opportunity for event professionals to gain recognition for all of the events they create, plan, manage, and execute each year. The ISES Minnesota Star Awards are a true testament to what ISES is all about — a large team effort to put on the best event for the industry each year. We strive to ensure that this event features as many of our local members as possible and that we are constantly showcasing what is new and trendy in the events market. This is our opportunity to show the local community what the Twin Cities event planning field can do! As you're hopefully aware, for three consecutive years, the ISES Minnesota Star Awards have had amazing attendance, with nearly 200 event professionals from the local market attending the 2007 program which was held at the Minneapolis Central Library. And, while is seems like March is a long ways away, I am hoping to get as many interested people together to begin the planning process right away... March 14th will be here before we know it.

Interested in being involved?
Plan to attend the first information session and find out all of the details. This meeting is where committee involvement will be assigned/selected and where you'll have the first opportunity to find out how you and/or your company can be involved in this great event. There are hundreds of opportunities for sponsorship and promotion, so don't miss this opportunity to find out how you can get in involved.

Informational Meeting
Date: Thursday, November 1, 2007
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Fairway Room, Interlachen Country Club
Directions

If you can't attend the meeting but are still interested in being involved, please email starawards@ises-msp.org, and you will be added to the mailing list for future meetings and information. Thanks, and I look forward to working with all of you!

When was the last time you took a moment to visit the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter website? We strive to have a website with valuable tools and resources for you as event professionals. Check out a few things you may have missed:

Did you miss the October Program?
Download the presentation, contact our green panel of experts and utilize the Green Resources for your next meeting and event.

Want to gain exposure for your company?
Think about a Strategic Partnership with ISES.

Looking to take that next step in your career journey?
Check out the Job Board

Thinking about joining?
The December Member Drive is coming soon!
Learn the benefits which come with Membership.

Want to take a break?
Check out our fabulous Photo Gallery from past ISES programs. Who knows - you might even spot yourself in pictures!

Do you have thoughts or suggestions for how we can make the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter website of greater value to you?
Contact us at communications@ises-msp.org.

Several local ISES members have recently graced the glossy pages of print publications. Read up on your colleagues in the news:

The Wedding Guys, Bruce Vassar and ISES Member Matthew Trettel (matthew@twincitybridal.com) were featured in the August ISES pages of Special Event Magazine. The guys shared their tips and tricks for turning tradeshows into special events. Read the Article.

Alice-Lynne Olson's (latebloomr@yahoo.com) tabletop floral creation for the 2007 ISES Minnesota Star Awards made the cover of In Tents.

Sheree Bochenek (sbochenek@apresparty.com) of Apres Party and Tent Rental was also featured in the cover story on top trends in tent decor. Read the Article.

Jodi Collen, CSEP, (collen@augsburg.edu) was profiled for the cover story of the fall 2007 edition of Meetings Minnesota's Hospitality Journal.

Lisa Marie Borchert (lisa_borchert@allianzlife.com) was quoted in Meetings Midamerica September/October 2007. She talked about the planning process for the joint Green meeting with MPI.


Do you have news you would like to share? Do you have an exciting announcement you want to brag about? Email your news and thoughts to communications@ises-msp.org.

Dan Zunker
Director of Sponsorships
952-564-3272
dan@ises-msp.org

Senior Production Manager
Heroic Productions

Years in event industry: 20

Other positions held in ISES:
Star Awards Committee
Audio/Visual Chair, 2005, 2006 and 2007

I am taking the reigns on the new Sponsorship Program this year with the help of a foundation laid by Ruth Wikoff-Jones. Anyone wanting to put their talents and/or services in the spotlight of our expanding membership is encouraged to contact me. With our membership shooting way past any imaginable goal, there are plenty of new members who may not know about what you offer to the special event industry. By providing your services or product/venue for an ISES program or event you are able to show off the best you have to offer to top professional in the industry.

I have benefited personally and professionally from my active involvement in ISES by meeting event professionals that have fresh ideas and are committed to event excellence. Having been in this industry for over 20 years it is easy to do events as you have always done them. ISES events, local and national, give me the opportunity to go out and see what others are doing and to see the new and innovative ideas that others come up with. This allows me to incorporate them into existing events that have been done the same way before and breathe new life into them. Our company likes to stay on the cutting edge of technology and attending ISES events makes it easy to stay on top.

I have attained and kept my best clients because of connections with ISES and I am looking forward to giving back to ISES by serving on the Board and meeting more professionals worldwide that share my commitment to ISES and special event perfection.

"Secret Schmecret"


National Speaker:
David Merrell
An Original Occasion
Los Angeles, CA

WHEN:
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
12:00-2:30 p.m.

Program Details:
Join David as he shares the "tricks of the trade" for how to design the perfect event for your client. Utilizing marketing and sales techniques, proposal tips, and all kinds of décor ideas, David will demonstrate that there are no secret formulas for a successful career within the special events industry and no big secret that gives your competitors an advantage over you. Secret schmecret!
Read More

VENUE:
Walker Art Center
(Skyline Room)
1750 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-375-7600
Directions & Parking

COST:
Members: $35.00
Associates: $40.00*
Guests: $50.00
Students: $15.00**

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

Please RSVP by Friday, November 9, 2007.

There will be a $10.00 surcharge for anyone who registers after this deadline. Cancellations after Friday, November 9, 2007 and no-shows will be billed.

Register early! Capacity is limited.

Katie Blake
Conference
and Event
Coordinator

TRIAD Conferences
katie.blake@triadconferences
.com

How many years have you been in the event industry?
1 year in meeting planning, 3 years in hospitality

What does your company do? TRIAD Conferences is a company that specializes in many different aspects of the event industry. Our four departments are: event planning, production/creative services, marketing department and trade shows.

What is an average day in your life like? There is not an "average" day in the life of a meeting planner which is great. There is always something new and exciting, but of course you also love the days of getting caught up! If I were to put into words what an average day is like, I would have to say it is fun and interesting – never know what will need to be done next.

How did you enter the events industry? I moved to Aspen, Colorado after college and fell into a job at a resort and ended up in Conference Services only to love the position and meeting planning. I grew up in MN and moved home a few years ago and decided to make a career change from the hotel side to the meeting planner side and that's how I ended up where I am today.

Why did you join ISES? TRIAD Conferences gives each employee a stipend to join an association and when I was researching my options, I found the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul website and thought it would be a perfect fit for me to learn more about not only meeting planning but other aspects of meetings. I love the idea of being able to network with professionals other than just meeting planners.

What do you want to know about the events industry? What I love about this industry is the ever-changing aspects of it. I want to learn the latest and greatest that our industry has to offer from every different aspect the members can share. I am excited to learn more from other professionals in the event industry and what new ideas are brought to the table.

Janna O'Meara
Director of Event Sales & Marketing

Stellas Fish Cafe and
Prestite Oyster Bar
stellasevents@hotmail.com

How many years have you been in the event industry? 6

What does your company do? Purchases, Manages & Operates Restaurant Properties

What is an average day in your life like? Not average! That is why we do this, right?! Voicemail and the days initial phone calls are crossed off the list first. Any proposals or requests for Event information are sent out. I usually mix in a lunch meeting or two (good thing our menu is amazingly diverse!) and then I set up the Event spaces with my Events team and execute any on-site and/or off-site Events.

How did you enter the events industry? I entered through restaurants—outside sales & general customer service. I've dabbled in Hotels & Travel, but I always end up back ‘in the kitchen'!

Why are you a member of ISES? Stella's decided to join ISES because of the sheer volume of sales and events we have been fortunate to host over the last 2 years. ISES is a leader in continuing education, and as our restaurant company continues to grow, so will our need for amazing contacts and connections.

What do you want to know about the events industry?
As in everything we do, we like to stay balanced with quality and trends in the industry.

Do you have a career or industry tip that you would like to share? ‘Fake It until you Make It!' I have overcome any shyness or hesitation with boldness & diligence—and my ability to become a ‘sponge' in the presence of those who have ‘planned' before me!

Barb Christensen
Account Manager

Chocolat Céleste
concierge@chocolatceleste.com

How many years have you been in the Event Industry? 2

What does your company do? We create elegant, high-end chocolates for events and gifts. Our chocolates can be stenciled with colorful designs to express personality or include a coporate logo or coporate branding design.

How did you enter the events industry? Through a natural corporate assignment of event planning. Once I started with chocolate it was a gimme.

Is there a person that comes to mind who has had a astrong impact on your career? My first "real job" boss. She encouraged me to grow and achieve without fear.

Do you have a career or industry tip to share? As much as people love to give trinkets with logos to customers and favors - spend the money for something better. People love chocolate after all!