• Letter from the President
• Anniversary Feature: Reflections from the first Chapter President
• CSEP Discussion Group Meeting
• November Program Highlights
• Minnesota Star Awards - Call for Entries
• December Membership Drive
• Student Scholarships Awarded
• New Member Profiles
• Meet Your Board Members
• ISES Sound Off

December is a very exciting time for the International Special Events Society. It is the month that we are able to offer new members the opportunity to join with the application fee waived and the full membership rate cut in half. This is a great opportunity for members to come together and tell all our industry associates what ISES means to each of us.

In this period after Thanksgiving, I would like to share the "top 5" reasons that I am thankful that I am a member of ISES. I would encourage each and everyone to come up with your own list and share it with all those potential members. It is through our collective efforts that we will continue to expand our Chapter and the impact that it can have on the Twin Cities events industry.

Top 5 reasons I am thankful to be a member of ISES:

1. I have the opportunity to receive top notch continuing events education 8-9 months of the year, right here in the Twin Cities.
   
   
2. I have established a great network of event professionals that I can rely on for advice, products and services, not only on a local level, but all over the world.
   
   
3. Being part of committees and the Board of Directors has helped me to further develop my leadership skills that can be used in my job on a daily basis.
   
   
4. I get a 30% discount at Kinko's! (My boss is thankful for that as well.)
   
   
5. It is always reassuring to be surrounded by a group of professionals that subscribe to the same high standards of ethics that I hold myself to in my career and personal life.
   
   

Thank you and may you all have a very safe and fruitful holiday season.

Hail to the Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
by Tiffany Gaudette, (tiffany@umn.edu)

Just three years after starting her own company (the award-winning Event Lab), and thirsty for more knowledge about the industry, Becky Harris (bharris@eventlab.net) attended "The Special Event Show," and had her first encounter with ISES members. After several years of exposure to ISES on a national level, she was convinced that we needed a Minnesota chapter and began meeting with colleagues who shared her vision. Becky remembers being elected President of that first group humbly, revealing that "while it was a huge honor to be elected president, it was also very hard to stand in front of a group of peers who had more industry experience than I did."

The first official board was formed and Becky recalls that the board members "were each like chief cook and bottle washer for everything that needed to be done." And who knows more about being chief cook and bottle washer than a group of event pros?! She also gives special mention to Craig Oliver. "Craig came to every meeting and supported the chapter's formation even though he had never been to a national meeting. He basically signed on trusting that there really, truly was this organization called ISES and we were going to start a chapter here."

During that first year, with no budget and relying heavily on donations, the chapter (about thirteen members strong!) held their first fundraiser at "The Local." Designers were asked to choose a famous painting and create an event environment around it. "It was amazing then and still is today what talent there is in this city and this industry," shares Becky. "That's what I love about this business. There is always something new and fresh and always more I can learn from others."

When asked about most gratifying part of her ISES involvement, Becky replied, "seeing the growth of the organization. It has grown from a very competitive environment to one of support and enthusiasm for each member's accomplishments. I am so impressed with the kind, supportive people who are now leading this group."

Becky added, "We started out as a tiny chapter with very little notice nationally. It seemed that ISES international almost scoffed at us because we were small and from the Midwest and what did we know about events? The chapter has experienced unprecedented growth and I am amazed and flattered that just a few of us started this whole thing."

Unprecedented growth, indeed! That "tiny chapter" has now won Chapter of the Year twice and over 150 members strong. And we're amazed, too. Amazed at the vision, dedication, commitment, and, yes, bottle washing, that set the stage for a decade of success.

The next meeting of the Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP) Discussion Group will be on Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at ASI Communications, 510 First Avenue North, Suite 650, Minneapolis, MN 55403. The discussion group will continue meetings to learn the process, support and 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 or host a CSEP Discussion Group meeting, contact Ruth Wikoff-Jones at ruthsbluemarble@hotmail.com.

By Erika LaDousa, (erika.ladousa@hilton.com)

Secrets No More!

Our November program was a sell out! Hosted by Wolfgang Puck Catering at the Walker Arts Center Skyline room, the event showcased all of the best elements of event planning. The décor of the Skyline room was stunning! Each one of our thirteen sponsors decorated a table to the hilt. Guests were presented with everything from the very sleek and contemporary, to the classic and romantic. Each vendor brought out some new elements of décor to keep everyone up-to-date on the latest trends, while Wolfgang Puck put on their own display with our outstanding lunch!

Member-sponsor Wolfgang Puck Catering provided a delicious and innovative lunch.		Just one of the many different table decores Program attendees were able to enjoy.

The highlight to the afternoon was our guest speaker, David Merrell, founder of An Original Occasion from Hollywood, CA. An event planner for over 20 years, David has designed and produced events worldwide and is a five-time Gala Awards winner. David traveled to Minnesota to present "Secret Schmecret" and "Things I've Learned." He shared some of his Management, Marketing, Décor, and Personal secrets to make event planning successful. David emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with "only the best" and being able to think on your feet. He also encouraged us all to stay on top of trends and constantly be looking outside the box in both our professional and personal time.

Speaker David Merrill.		Members and Guests gather at the registration table for this sell-out program.

I had a chance to sit next to David during lunch and ask him a few personal questions as well!

• Favorite part of your job: "Everything! I can't wait to get to work every day."
  
  
• How did you start in the industry: "Catering"
  
  
• First event you produced: "Christmas Party for a couple in their home. I still work with them after 20 years!"
  
  
• Favorite client(s): "Barbara Streisand & Pam Anderson (she's much smarter and more down to earth than she appears)"
  
  
• Biggest pet peeve: "SKIRTING. I hate it!"
  
  
• Favorite event you have produced: "Renewal of vows for Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne"
  
  

You can visit David Merrell's website at www.aooevents.com and view pictures of past events he has produced.

Thanks again to our sponsors for their amazing table décor:
AARCEE Party and Tent Rental, Apres Party and Tent Rental, BeEvents, Bungalow 6, Chrom Creative Events, Event Lab, Festivities!, The Late Bloomer Floral Design Studio, Inc., Midway Party Rental, Oeu'Vre Creative Services, Stems and Vines, Studio 6 Specialty Linen & Décor, and Violets.

Click here to see more photos of the November Program.

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

Planning for the Fourth Annual ISES Minnesota Star Awards is underway and it is looking to be another amazing event for event professionals in our area. Be sure and save the date on your calendars now - you don't want to miss this event!

The Call for Entries is now available, so start collecting your submission materials now!

Event Date: Friday, March 14, 2008
Entry Deadline: Thursday, January 24, 2008

Interested in getting involved?
There are a number of ways in which members of ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter can get involved in the event.

Committees for the event are being formed now and include opportunities such as Design/Décor, Food & Beverage, Sponsorship, Marketing & Public Relations, Awards & Entries and Finance.

If you're interested in sponsoring products or services, please let us know right away so that we can get you included in upcoming meetings and planning sessions. A copy of the sponsorship package is also available at www.ises-msp.org/pages/starwards.html.

If you'd like further information about getting involved, please contact:

So how long can you put off becoming a member of the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter? If you want to check us out first, there has never been a better month. For December only we are offering a flat rate of $35.00 to attend a program. And with the December Membership Drive, there has never been a better time to join. For only $199.00 you get a seven-month membership and if you sign up on-line with a credit card, the $50.00 application fee is waived!

Did we mention that if you join before December 13 and attend the December program, you are eligible for some great member only door prizes that will be given away at the luxurious Grand Hotel? So why not join and then register for the December "Jingle Mingle" event.

Benefits of ISES membership include continuing education at the member rate both locally at monthly programs and nationally at the Eventworld conference, access to chapter members and services, including an international network of over 5000 members, a national listing on ISES.com, discounted business services, a subscription to Special Events Magazine and the recognition of belonging to The special event industry association.

Why not join over 150 of the best Event Professionals in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter that have already found the value in joining ISES? Go ahead, your career deserves it!

Hope to see you at the December Program,

Meghan & Craig

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

The Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter recently awarded three college students scholarships for student membership in ISES.

Scholarship recipients Jamie Lowinski, Sarah Shindley, and Jamie Plantenberg were honored at the November program, and along with their fellow student members will be present at chapter programs and events throughout the year.

(from left to right): Jamie Lowinski, Sarah Shindley, Jamie Plantenberg

Name: Jamie Plantenberg
School: College of Saint Catherine
Major/Program: Business Administration, Marketing / Management

What interests you about the Special Events Industry? I love the idea of being a key player in organizing a successful event. I love meeting and interacting with new people.

Why did you apply for the ISES scholarship? I applied for this scholarship as I saw it as a great opportunity to get my foot in the door of the Special Events industry. I saw this scholarship as an opportunity to learn different aspects of event execution.

What are you looking forward or hoping to gain as a chapter member? I am hoping to gain hands-on experience and to explore what aspect of the industry interests me the most. I want to learn about everything that goes into an event. As a new chapter member I am looking to seasoned professionals for career advice.

What would your ultimate event dream job be? My dream job would be to organize successful events and be looked to as an expert!!


Name: Sarah Shindley
School: College of Saint Catherine
Major/Program: Business Administration - Marketing / Management

What interests you about the Special Events Industry? The variety of opportunities and the excitement of working on a different event that brings unique experiences to everyday life.

Why did you apply for the ISES scholarship? I applied for the ISES scholarship because I knew this would be a huge stepping stone into the world of event planning. I am thrilled to be given this chance to learn from dedicated professionals and gain valuable knowledge of this incredible industry.

What are you looking forward or hoping to gain as a chapter member? I hope to meet people who share similar professional interests and values who will enlighten my career path. Embarking on a new professional journey can be intimidating, and I look forward to exploring this profession with great anticipation and enthusiasm! Being able to see the world of event planning through the professionals' eyes will no doubt be a wonderful benefit.

What would your ultimate event dream job be? Planning elaborate galas for charitable foundations; working with the Make-A-Wish foundation and children's cancer research foundations. (And, of course, the Academy Awards or the Emmys!)


Name: Jamie Lowinske
School: College of Saint Catherine
Major/Program: Business Administration - Marketing / Management

What interests you about the special events industry? I love that it is a growing industry. I love all the work that is put into an event from so many different people. All the small details that come together to make an event successful, amazes me.

Why did you apply for the ISES Scholarship? I applied for this scholarship because I had previously been to an ISES meeting last June, and I learned ALOT. I met so many different people from so many different places that I didn't even know existed! I enjoy being around people with the same interests I have, and I have wanted to be a part of ISES ever since my first program.

What are you looking forward or hoping to gain as a chapter member? I look forward to learning more about the industry. I am very young (a freshman in college) and have had little experience with special events. I hope that I will gain a solid understanding about the process of special events. This is all about learning for me.

What would your ultimate event dream job be? I like to be behind the scenes of events. Sometimes I think I would like to be in charge of what happens, such as; ordering everything, double checking with services, making sure everything is there and ready to go on-time, and sometimes I think I would like to be more on the Decoration side. Ultimately I'd like to work on what got me interested in event planning, weddings.

Hear what fellow event professionals are saying about ISES, our monthly programs and events, and learn the great things local ISES members are doing.

ISES member Dianna Fuller, CMP (diannaf@hoffmancommunications
.com) is excited to announce that Hoffman Communications, Inc. received the prestigious Silver International Davey Award for its work on, "Mission: Pretty Darn Difficult", produced for Woodbury Financial Services. The Davey Awards honors the finest creative work from the best small firms, agencies, and companies worldwide by the International Academy of the Visual Arts.

ISES member Cara Schulz (cschulz@corporateeventmag.com) of Corporate EVENT Magazine announced EXHIBITOR Magazine Group, publishers of EXHIBITOR Magazine and Corporate EVENT Magazine, won a total of 18 awards for both design and editorial content at the Minnesota Magazine & Publication Association's 11th Annual Excellence Awards Gala in Minneapolis, MN, on November 1. Click here for more information.

ISES member Pete Nelson (PNelson@eventlab.net) announced that he has joined Event Lab as Creative Director.


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.

"Jingle Mingle"
Networking Event &
Membership Drive

Join the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter of ISES for a festive evening celebrating the season. Gather with friends in a joyous holiday atmosphere. Eat, drink and be merry! Then dance the night away to the vocal stylings of Vic Volare.
Read More

Heavy hors d 'oeuvres, beer & wine provided.
Suggested Attire: Semi-Formal

WHEN:
Thursday, December 13, 2007
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

VENUE:
Grand Hotel Minneapolis
615 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55402
612-288-8888

COST:
$35.00 Flat rate for members, associates, and guests
$15.00 for student members*
*Students who are NOT ISES Members must pay the Non-Member rate.

Members, attend the December program and be entered into a drawing for your chance to win:
  - A Day of Indulgence at Ivy Hotel & Spa
  - A Harman Kardon-GPS310, GPS Navigation System
  - A Pure Digital-Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder

Any guests or associates who become members by December 13, or join ISES at the program will also be entered into the drawing. ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter Board members are ineligible. Student Members are ineligible. You must be present to win.

Please RSVP by Monday, December 10, 2007.

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

Editor's Note: This month we are excited to feature new members who have become involved with the chapter as committee members and sponsors. Tiffany Gaudette will author our Anniversary Series of articles for the monthly newsletter and Matthew Coppersmith is our ISES photographer, photographing ISES events and monthly programs. Be on the lookout for their articles and photos throughout the year. New Member Andrea Jost will be our host for the December Program. We thank each of these members for their dedication to the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter.

If you would like to be involved as a committee member and/or sponsor, please contact info@ises-msp.org.


Tiffany Gaudette
Director of Events

University of Minnesota Foundation
tiffany@umn.edu

How many years have you been in the event industry?
15 years (but really, my whole life... didn't we all produce "events" in our backyards as kids?!)

What does your organization do? We engage the resources of the private sector to build and sustain excellence at the University of Minnesota, supporting its quest to be one of the top three public research universities in the world.

What is an average day in your life like? I'm sure if our days were just average, none of us would be in this business! I thrive on the variety, the organized chaos, the fantastic range of work being done at the U, bringing people together just to say "thank you," overcoming obstacles, finding the perfect entertainment, and, yes, the occasional food and wine tasting.

How did you enter the events industry? Armed with a terribly useful BA in Theatre Performance, I was fortunate enough to be hired as Entertainment Coordinator at Knott's Camp Snoopy shortly after moving to Minneapolis in 1992, booking entertainment and managing events from indoor parades to Santa visits. I then did a 7-year stint with the Muppets, heading up sales efforts for VEE Corporation, the producers of Sesame Street Live. After working for Snoopy and Big Bird, I decided Goldy Gopher was a great next step and landed in events at the U of M. Clearly, I have a thing for costumed characters.

Why did you join ISES? Many, many reasons, including the sense of community. I think in this business, no matter how vast your network, it's sometimes easy to feel like you're the only one facing certain challenges. The more interaction we have with our peers, the more we can share ideas. If we surround ourselves with brilliantly creative people, we can't help but soak some of that in!

Do you have a career or industry tip that you would like to share? Draw inspiration from everything around you - your favorite chair, an advertisement, beautiful landscaping, a compelling story, old family photos - great ideas are everywhere! Oh, and never underestimate the power of a $1.29 light-up ice cube.

Matthew Coppersmith
Photographer -
Studio Owner
Coppersmith Photography
coppersmithphotography@charter.net

How many years have you been in the event industry? 5

What does your company do? All styles of photography, from editorial, commercial, event, wedding, portrait, fashion and stock photography.

What is an average day in your life like? An average day consists of mostly chasing my 2 year old daughter around, while trying do get a bunch of post photo shoot work done on the computer. We need to edit through all past jobs, make sure all images that will be printed are color corrected, and framed properly for the client. We have many phone and in person meetings at random times of the day. Our hours are never consistent. We can work 9-5 one day, 2-midnight the next, or no hours at all on another day.

How did you enter the events Industry? We started in the events industry mainly through doing commercial, editorial and wedding photography. Normally we are at events for a minimum of 3 hours, and we have had the chance to meet a lot of the vendors who have also participated at them.

Why did you join ISES?
We joined because we wanted a great outlet to meet other companies and vendors in the event industry, who may be in need of photography services.

What do you want to know about the events industry? Mostly we want to know where we can take more photos, and who we can take photos for. There are so many photographers out there, it's hard for some clients to figure out who to go with or where to start looking. That is the same for us. There are so many different events out there going on, it's hard for us to know which ones are in need of a photographer, which ones do not need one, and what sort of budget and coverage they are hoping to have.

Andrea Jost
Catering Manager

The Grand Hotel Minneapolis

ajost@grandhotelminneapolis.com

How many years have you been in the Event Industry? 3

What does your company do? We are a Luxury Hotel with 140 guest rooms including 16 suites and a 3,500 square foot Presidential Suite.

How did you enter the events industry? My first job in the industry was as an events planner for Eq-Life. Eq-Life is a health and wellness retail store and salon/spa; it is formerly owned by Best Buy. I planned everything from store grand opening parties to yoga classes and informational health and wellness seminars.

Why did you join ISES? My co-worker, Katie Grace, invited me as a guest a few times and after attending a few programs I decided to join.

What do you want to know about the events industry? I would like to meet people from different aspects of the event industry and learn about their careers.

Do you have a career or industry tip that you would like to share? Dress for the job you want; not for the job you have.

Meghan Jager
Vice President of Membership
218-786-2340 office

meghan@ises-msp.org

Company: Event Coordinator, SMDC Health System
Years in event industry: 7

As the Vice President of Membership, I am here in a sense to act like your sister - the one you always wanted or never had, not like the annoying one that would hang out in your room when your friends were over or told mom you threw a wild party while she was out of town. No, my role in the organization is to look after all members' well-being and happiness. I want you to feel you can come to me with you comments, concerns, victories and new ideas. I am here for you and am willing to talk anytime. Be it questions about ISES, ideas about a meeting, willingness to be more involved or you just need a ride home from a late night party, (just kidding I live in Duluth), I welcome all conversations. As a board member of ISES, I want you to continue throwing those wild parties but just be sure that I am invited.

Being an event coordinator in Duluth, I come across some limitations being removed from the Metro area and at times feel as if I am the last to know about event's latest and greatest ideas. But since I have become a member of ISES, I feel inspired and refreshed and continue to "wow" my clients with new and fresh ideas. I have made unbelievable contacts that I utilize in my area and can call on whim for help or advise. Being a member of ISES has opened up so many opportunities and continues to broaden my creativity options for events. My experience with ISES has not only been eye opening and fun, but I have also met so many supportive people within this industry. It is always comforting to chat with others that can relate to all the hard work and heart you put into an event and how we really do make it look easier than it is. As your 'sister', I can relate to that nightmare event you had but learned so much from, those late nights you spent setting up just to make sure everything was perfect for your client and the bliss of pulling off a party that people are still talking about.

Craig Oliver
Director of Membership
952-922-7233 office

craig@ises-msp.org

Company: General Manager, AARCEE Party & Tent Rental
Years in event industry: 100 years (ok just feels like it)... really more like 24 years.

Other positions held in ISES:
  - Immediate Past President,
    2005-2006
  - President, 2004-2005
  - President, 2003-2004
  - President-Elect, 2002-2003
  - CPD 2003

I work with Membership. If you are interested in becoming a new member or are a current member with a membership related question please feel free to contact me anytime.

One of the most valuable benefits I have received from ISES is the ability to share skills, ideas and new technologies with event professionals from all over the USA.