IN THE JULY 2010 ISSUE
|
|
|
|
June Program Highlights
|
|
By Ami Cervin, cervina@unitedwaytwincities.org, Greater Twin Cities United Way and ISES MSP Director of Communications, Newsletter and Web
Ready, set, go! That was the feeling as we set out to experience three distinct restaurants in downtown Minneapolis during the 6th Annual Restaurant Tour. Beginning the evening, we gathered at The Forum Restaurant and Bar, a new and revitalized restaurant taking the place of Goodfellows in the heart of it all on 7th Street. From the retro interior in seafoam green and dark brown wood you wouldn't think you were amongst the hustle and bustle of a metropolis. After enjoying a delectable array of hors d'oeuvres including spicy shrimp, a tasty Forum version of bruschetta and wine from Vinocopia, Chef Christian Ticarro, and owner, Jim Ringo, shared their insights into the food, feel and history of what makes The Forum a great destination for your next small event including multiple event spaces of all different sizes from 10-100 people!
From there the group of us headed around the corner to Kieran's Irish Pub's new location within Block E. Situated in the previous Bellanotte space, Kieran's boasts a large private dining and event space called the Titanic Room for groups of 90-200 people, complete with its own built in and historic bar filled with every jubilation one could imagine. And being an Irish pub you can be sure there was plenty of Guinness flowing along with their signature drink, The Big Ginger (Jameson Irish Whiskey, ginger ale and a wedge of lemon and lime)! Their menu for our group featured their own take on seared ahi tuna, stuffed artichoke hearts and curried wings. A perfect place, with plenty of parking at Block E, for a more casual corporate or social affair.
The last stop took us down the road to Om, a fabulous contemporary Indian cuisine restaurant complete with colorful drinks and decor. The striking chandelier caught everyone's eye as it dangled two stories within the staircase leading to a private event space that can be configured into numerous layouts and accommodate up to 300 people. And the evening wouldn't have been complete without the amazing Indian sweet, Cardamom "Doughnuts" or Gulab Jamun. A cultural twist in the heart of downtown, close to the light rail and with a definition of "absolute, ultimate state of peace" they're sure to be able to help you create a calm and inviting event for your clients and/or guests.
Overall, another tour that kept the group engaged and networking. I myself met two new members and another who is hoping to join! It was wonderful to see folks sharing stories and ideas of what types of events our planner members could see happening in each space while our supplier members were right alongside offering their creative decor, entertainment, audio visual and photography insight to create the perfect event! Thank you to all of our hosts: The Forum Restaurant and Bar, Kieran's Irish Pub and Om for a great experience. And thank you to Noah Wolf Photography for capturing it in pictures to last for years to come.
 |
Our fearless leader and the evening's events coordinator, Elly Carlson Lendway, wouldn't let a few rain drops spoil the tour!
|
 |
Members were engaged with each space and each other as is evident with a little "magic" our member, Kevin Hall.
|
 |
A wonderful way to finish the tour with a classic and delectable Indian sweet, Cardamom "Doughnuts".
|
Photos provided by Noah Wolf Photography. Visit the Photo Gallery to see more photos of the June Program.
Would you like to do a Program Re-cap for the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Newsletter? Contact communications@ises-msp.org.
|
|
ISES Esprit Awards
|
|
Congratulations to all of the ISES MSP members who have been nominated for an ISES Esprit Award! The winners will be announced at Eventworld in August.
- Best Public Event
The Wedding Guys
- Best Event Design/Decor Budget Under $25,000
Eve Events, LLC, Eve Deikel Wendel
- Best Event Design/Decor Budget $25,000 - $75,000
BeEvents and Children's Cancer Research Fund
- Best Event for a Non-Profit Organization
Budget $75,000 - $200,000
WOW! Events by Kraus-Anderson, MaryAnne London, CMD
Check out all of the nominees!
|
|
| Are you going to Eventworld? |
|
Eventworld 2010, the international ISES conference for professional development, will convene August 5-7 in Baltimore, MD. Every year, ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul members, associates, friends and family in attendance plan activities together and we want to know if you are going to be there.
If you are planning to attend any part or portion of the conference, please email info@ises-msp.org to let us know.
|
|
ISES MSP Announces 2010-2011 Board of Directors
|
|
Please welcome the ISES MSP Board of Directors for the 2010-2011 year. Offices took effect July 1.
The ISES international leadership teams are responsible for providing the vision and plans across all chapters. The Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter has been honored by having some of our local leaders asked to serve at this higher level.
For 2010-2011 Jodi Collen, CSEP will continue to serve on the Board of Governors, Lisa Marie Borchert will serve as a Spirit of Excellence Committee Member and Kate Stahl, CSEP will serve as a Certification Committee Member.
|
|
Vision Awards Call for Entries
|
|
When: Entries due July 16, 2010. Winners announced this fall–watch for information about the awards event coming soon!
Meetings: Minnesota's Hospitality Journal welcomes your submissions for the second annual Vision Awards, a celebration of the industry's best practices performed over the past year. Did you produce an event that exceeded all of your expectations? Do you have co-worker who has inspired your team's performance? Do you have a favorite vendor who made your event run smoother? Now is the chance to give them and yourself the deserved recognition in Minnesota's hospitality industry.
The seven categories highlight best practices across the industry, from customer service to leadership and innovation. Choose the appropriate category and nominate your peers (or yourself) or your event.
- Customer Service
- Stewardship
- Event of the Year (Planners Only)
- Planner's Choice - My Favorite Vendor
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Inspiration
Read more about the awards and submit your nomination at www.mn-meetings.com/visionawards/index.php.
|
|
|
CSEP Fun Fact
In which of the following areas can you claim points toward your CSEP certification exam:
A. Writing an industry-related book
B. Attending a chapter program
C. Volunteering for an industry-related activity
D. Membership in MPI
See right for the answer!
Follow ISES-MSP on Social Networks
Become a fan of our chapter's Facebook page or sign up to follow us on Twitter. And be sure to check out the ISES Community Page!
|
|
2010-2011 Fall Programming
|
Save the Dates!
The Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter is hard at work creating an exciting variety of programming for 2010-2011. We hope you can join us for what is sure to be the best year yet!
September 16
Creating a Strategy for Social Media with Lara McCulloch-Carter
October 14
Joint Program with NACE
November 11
Experiential Design with Ken Kristopherson
December 9
Annual Holiday "Jingle Mingle"
Watch for more details in the coming months.
*Dates subject to change.
|
|
Member Profiles
|
Angela Bernhardt
Special Events and Community Coordinator
Park Nicollet Foundation
mary.bernhardt@parknicollet.com
How many years have you been in the event industry? 5 years
What does your company do?
Park Nicollet Foundation uses philanthropy and partnerships to help make the Twin Cities a better and healthier community.
What is an average day in your life like?
There is no average day, but a constant theme is committee meetings, phone calls and emails.
How did you enter the events industry? Luck. I was at the Guthrie Theater in the development office (starting as an assistant after staying at home with my kids for six years) and worked on all of the opening night dinners, gala and donor events (about 50 a year). I left after three years to work at the Park Nicollet Foundation on larger, but fewer, events.
Why did you join ISES? I joined to meet other event professionals and to learn about industry and local trends.
What do you want to know about the events industry? I would like to know what vendors others in the area are working with, any tricks of the trade, trends, cost saving ideas, etc.
|
Josh Franz
President
Twin Cities Bridal Association
josh@twincitybridal.com
How many years have you been in the event industry? 17 years
What does your company do? We produce the Wedding Fair™ in Minneapolis three times per year and publish The Wedding Directory™.
What is an average day in your life like? At TCBA we work with hundreds of wedding professionals so much of my time is talking with them about our services and giving them advice on how to maximize their marketing and event efforts.
How did you enter the events industry? I worked for the original owner of TCBA and enjoyed all the facets of the business and was fortunate enough to eventually purchase it in 1993.
Why did you join ISES? I joined ISES as I see it as one of the best ways to network with others in the events industry and also keep informed on the latest efforts and ideas of others.
Do you have a career or industry tip that you would like to share? Have a plan and surround yourself with talented people who can help execute that plan. Do what you are good at and what you enjoy!
|
|
| Meet a Board Member |
|
 Ryan Hanson
President-Elect
ryan@
ises-msp.org
Company: Creative Producer, BeEvents
Years in event industry: 6
Other Positions Held in ISES:
* International Esprit Committee Member 2009-2010
* Director of Strategic Partnerships, 2008-2009
* Editor, ISES Pages, 2008-2009
* International MARCOM Committee Member, 2007-2009
* Vice President of Communications, 2007-2008
* Vice President of Membership, 2006-2007
* Star Awards Committee, Marketing Chair, 2007, 2008 Star Awards
* Committee, 2005, 2006
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!
|
Member News
|
Give My Regards to… Get a New Name
Amy Zaroff (info@amyzaroff.com), owner of the Edina-based invitation, stationery and gift store, Give My Regards To…, has changed the company's name to Amy Zaroff Events + Design. This all-encompassing event-planning company will build on Amy's vast experiences in marketing, design, catering and event planning, combined with Give My Regards To's 32-year reputation. Full-scale events, from simple birthday parties to grand galas, coupled with exceptional customer service to surpass clients' expectations will be the hallmark of Amy Zaroff Events + Design.
Earn CSEP Points at Meetings Quest!
Earn CSEP credits, obtain valuable knowledge, meet face-to-face with exhibitors, and network with industry colleagues with this one day conference on October 26 at the Marriott City Center in downtown Minneapolis. All-inclusive registration includes Meet-and-Greet Breakfast, Educational Seminar, Networking Luncheon, and Tradeshow. Best of all the cost is complimentary to qualified meeting professionals! Click here for more information and to register.
Minnesota Meetings+Events Names a New Editor
Sheri O'Meara has been named editor of Minnesota Meetings + Events Magazine, returning to the publication she edited in 2007 and 2008. O'Meara returns to the magazine after a stint as editor of a national trade magazine for interior designers. O'Meara's extensive experience also includes serving as editor of Sun Country Airlines' in-flight magazine, editor of FORMAT magazine and author of four books in The Minnesota Series.
Do you have news to share? Tell us about it! Email communications@ises-msp.org. And when the reporters call, remember to mention that you are an ISES member.
CSEP Fun Fact Answer: All of the above!
|
|
