ISES Minneapolis - St. Paul - About ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul

In the early 1990s when events in the Twin Cities meant white quick skirting and colored poly tablecloths, major events such as the Special Olympics, the US Open, the Final Four and Superbowl raised the bar and gave impetus to a thirst for more knowledge, products and talent. Each year a few of us headed off to The Special Event national conference searching for connections and new ideas to bring back locally. Eventually, inspired by our experiences and searching for more, we raised the question, “How do we start an ISES Chapter in Minnesota?”

In the winter of 1998, armed with initial instructions from ISES headquarters, Diana Brasch, Becky Harris, Jolene Ihle, Michelle Kramer, Jayna Larrea, and Cheryl Kranz met at Perkins on 394 for the first of many breakfast meetings. The process seemed daunting, but these ‘competitors’ committed to work together on this worthy mission and our journey towards becoming a “Chapter in Formation” was underway.

As the idea gained momentum, we held the first membership rally at Avatar Scenic on April 2, 1998. Over 100 people attended to learn more about ISES from the President of the National Board of Governors, Tim Lundy. That first meeting yielded membership applications from 20 people, and we were on our way! An additional first that night was the introduction of the “Mashed Martini Bar” by Apples Catering…another idea with great staying-power-as witnessed by its popularity at the 2007 Star Awards almost ten years later!

Our ranks of committed event professionals grew as we moved into planning the second membership rally at Ace High Casino on June 11. At that the end of that evening, we had the additional fifteen memberships needed to become a chapter. On Saturday, August 8, 1998 the National Board of Governors officially voted us in as the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter of ISES, and on September 10 we held our first official meeting at Goodfellows restaurant. International Immediate Past President Tim Lundy returned to swear in Becky Harris as President of the inaugural Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter Board of Directors. The Twenty-fifth chapter of International Special Event Society was a reality!

Over the next ten years, ISES helped grow the sophistication of the event industry in the Twin Cities and as a result, our membership grew as well. In 2005, we introduced the Star Awards to recognize all Minnesota event professionals for their creative efforts. We learned the more we collaborated to harness our creativity, the more credibility followed. Of the 41 chapters in the International organization we were singled out with Spirit of Excellence awards for Excellence in Member Retention 1999-2000, Excellence in Communications 2003-2004 and 2004-2005, Region of the Year - Midwest 2004-2005, and finally International Chapter of the Year 2005-2006 and again in 2006-2007. Our membership explosion in 2006-2007 from 77 to 176 members, the enriching networking and continuing education of our monthly programming, and the depth and innovation of our communications leaves our dynamic chapter poised on the precipice of the next decade.

Stay tuned!

2009-2010 Board Members


President Cara Schulz cara@ises-msp.org		Years in event industry: 5 Other positions held in ISES: * International Spirit of Excellence Committee Member 2008-2009 * President-Elect 2008-2009 * Director of Communications, Website 2006-2008

I am deeply honored to serve on the board as President of the Minneapolis-St Paul Chapter of ISES. This opportunity is a great privilege, as it allows me to work closely with some of the most respected professionals in the event industry. Who am I talking about? All of you. You are the ones who come up with fresh new design concepts, more effective methods, and amazing products. More and more this area is gaining a reputation for being innovative yet reliable with a "clean" aesthetic. So I ask all of you to bring those talents and ideas that you have in spades to our association. Join a committee. Make a suggestion. Help with a project. Get involved. Make this Chapter YOUR Chapter. After all... it is.

President-Elect Ryan Hanson 612.360.3180 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!

Immediate Past President Lisa Marie Borchert 763-765-6986 office lisa@ises-msp.org		Company: Meeting Planner, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America Years in event industry: 14 Other positions held in ISES: * International Nominating Committee Member, 2009-2010 * President, 2008-2009 * President-Elect, 2007-2008 * Vice President of Communications, 2006-2007 * Director of Education & Programs, 2004-2006 * Nominating Committee, 2003-2004

As Immediate Past President of our chapter my role is to act as an advisor to the Board of Directors. I am also responsible for the chapter's scholarship programs and Partner of the Year awards. For the Internationally organization I will serve as a member of the Nominating Committee which assists in filling any open positions for the Board of Governors and the Regional Vice Presidents. ISES has an amazingly vibrant membership who truly embodies collaboration, creativity and credibility in special events and I am honored to serve them again this year. I originally became involved with ISES after attendance-sampling a few programs and became an official member in 2002. I have found that since I got actively involved in ISES the 'ROI' of my membership has gone up exponentially. My participation in the organization has allowed me to strengthen relationships/networking and stay on top of trends. This in turn has allowed me to continue to be a valuable resource to my internal clients and colleagues. One of my favorite events was in Hawaii where a hot plated meal was served for 4,000, OUTSIDE, and then guests were moved in less than 30 minutes using a fleet of 60+ buses pulled inside the Convention Center. That's what I love best about events, sitting back and watching all your planning magically unfold to the guests' delight. I have also worked with such clients as Sprint PCS where, during the Final Four, where they took the CEOs and a group of 40 top customers formation flying in a B25 bomber and then let them take the reigns of dual contract aircraft. A couple other highlights include managing a cross country AIDS bike ride that went from Los Angeles to Atlanta and up the Eastern Seaboard to Boston in '94, being one of four national nominees for Support Professional of the Year by Event Solutions magazine in '01, working as a Staff Coordinator for the Olympic Family Hotel for a month during the Salt Lake City games in '02, being a winner of Team of the Month at Allianz for our incentive program to the Bahamas in Feb '04 and most recently, being a member of the team to win Allianz's Partnership and Innovation Award for 2005-2006 and again in 2006-2007.

Vice President of Communications Paula J.S. Wright 952-851-7238 office paula@ises-msp.org		Company: Director of Events Marketing, Tunheim Partners Years in event industry: 17+ Other positions held in ISES: * Vice President of Communications, 2008-2009

This is my third year in ISES, but I have been amazed by this talented group. Even though I have been planning events for over 17 years, until I joined ISES I had no idea there was such a strong local (and national/international) network. I had the opportunity to join a panel of speakers from our local chapter at the ISES conference last summer, and it was a great way to be introduced to the world of ISES. Since I was new to the organization, I greatly appreciated the warm welcomes I received from everyone I met. At the conference my eyes were opened by our chapter as well as others around the world. There were lots of ideas, stories, and opportunities to learn. As we know in this business, you learn something from every event, and hearing experiences from others can be very beneficial. As Vice President of Communications for the chapter, I will be responsible for working with Director of Communications – Media & Marketing and the Director or Communications – Newsletter and Website to oversee our many communication vehicles – the chapter website, monthly newsletter, chapter notices and announcements, press releases and other communications.

Vice President of Education & Programs Leah Wong leah @ises-msp.org		Company: Minneapolis Downtown Council Years in event industry: 10

As the Vice President of Education & Programs I am responsible for planning our monthly ISES programs. I look forward to learning with you this year as we strive to better ourselves, each other, and the industry. I hope to push the limits this year and challenge our chapter. I will be dedicated to providing relevant, timely, and applicable information to our members through our topics. Please let me know if you have any ideas or thoughts as it pertains to education and programs for our Chapter. Also, if you would like to help shape the look and design of our meetings by offering your products and services please contact me. I look forward to getting to know each of you and working together. ISES has given me the opportunity to promote and recommend amazing event professionals. I have been privileged to work with many incredible vendors and professionals over the years and I appreciate the opportunity to pass along industry experts. I am grateful for the connections and opportunities I have received from being involved with ISES.

Vice President of Membership Leslie Larson 612-330-1019 office leslie@ises-msp.org		Company: Event and Conference Coordinator, Augsburg College Years in event industry: 17 Other Positions Held in ISES: Star Awards Committee: Food and Beverage Co-Chair 2007-2008 Vice President of Education & Programs 2006-2007 Star Awards Committee: 2005-2006

As the Vice President of Membership, I am responsible for helping you join or renew your membership as well as field any general membership questions. I am here to make sure your involvement with ISES is not only worthwhile, but indispensable. We want you to be so excited to be a member that you urge all of your associates to become members also. If you have any questions, concerns, ideas or suggestions for the chapter, I want to hear them. If you would like to explore how you can further your involvement with the chapter, please let me know. We want all members active and involved---because we know that it is the best way for you to have a great experience. Joining ISES and getting involved in committees and on the board has given me the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the most amazing event professionals in the Twin Cities. We are so lucky to have such creative and energetic members who love to share the most recent trends and ideas. I am constantly getting inspiration for my own events and when I run into road blocks, I contact fellow ISES member for ideas, suggestions, and vendor names. Recently, when needing palm readers and fortune tellers for an event, I reached out and received at least 10 contacts. After working in hotels, catering and event rentals for several years, I recently utilized my ISES connections and became an Event & Conference Coordinator at Augsburg College. I’m excited to be able to use all of my skills and knowledge to plan events at the college and look forward to learning even more in the upcoming ISES year.

Director of Administration Erika LaDousa 952-960-5111 office erika@ises-msp.org		Company: Director of Catering, Embassy Suites Hotels, Bloomington Years in event industry: 7 Other Positions Held in ISES: * Director of Administration, 2007-2009

I am responsible for the recording and monthly distribution of the board minutes, maintaining chapter history, handling all correspondence for ISES members, meetings and programs. People should come to me with personal updates such as birth of a new child, loss of a family member or professional and personal milestones. Becoming a member of ISES was the best move I could have made as someone in the special events industry. It allows me to keep abreast of all of the latest trends and interests of groups, as well as networking with some of the best of the best in the industry. I have built some great relationships, both business related and personal, through ISES, which is something I would never have gotten anywhere else. Through the monthly meetings, I am able to increase my knowledge of so many different aspects of the industry and it allows me to bring this back to my company and help educate the rest of my peers.

Director of Communications - Newsletter & Website Ami Cervin 612-340-7488 office ami@ises-msp.org		Company: Greater Twin Cities United Way Years in event industry: 5 ½ Other Positions Held in ISES: Director of Communications – Newsletter & Website, 2008-2009 Star Awards Committee: 2007-2008

I have had the pleasure of being a part of ISES for a few years and I can honestly say that my career would not be where it is without this amazing association. ISES has certainly served as an outlet for both career and personal development from joining a MN Star Awards committee to now being a board member. There is a wealth of knowledge to be shared amongst our members and I’m happy to be a part of it. As the Director of Communications – Newsletter & Website, I am responsible for creating and sending out the email Newsletter and making sure that our Website is up-to-date. I am always open to new ideas as to what to include in the Newsletter and for people to submit articles, write the monthly program recap and share news about themselves or their company as events industry professionals. In my full-time position as the Events Planner with Greater Twin Cities United Way, I manage internal and external meetings and events for the organization including retreats, promotions, donor recognition and volunteer events and United Way’s participation in community events. My experience includes sales, marketing and project management with for-profit and nonprofit organizations. And I encourage everyone to use our membership as a resource tool when looking for vendors and suppliers for your events as I do—it’s an easy way to build relationships with other members!

Director of Communications - Media & Marketing Stephanie Chan 952-358-6307 direct stephanie@ises-msp.org		Company: AARCEE Classic Events Years in event industry: 3

Although this is my first year as an official ISES member, I have been involved in the organization through attendance of some of the programs as a guest in previous years. It was through these experiences that I was able to see what a well-rounded group ISES is and all that it has to offer. From networking opportunities with gifted event professionals to the educational experiences and social activities, ISES offers inspiration, professional development and a friendly sense of community within the vast world of special events. ISES is a great way for planners, vendors and entertainers to get their company name out there and build lasting relationships. I am thrilled to be a part of the board of directors and am fortunate to have such a supportive company backing my participation. As Director of Communications - Media & Marketing, I am responsible for promoting and marketing our monthly programs and member benefits. My role is to work as a liaison to the media, write press releases for all chapter programs, and cover chapter notices, announcements and special events.

Director of Education & Programs Elly Carlson 651-726-8809 office elly@ises-msp.org		Company: Wildside Caterers Years in event industry: 9 Other positions held in ISES: * Star Awards Committee, 2007

As Director of Programs & Education, I will be working with Leah Wong on planning the monthly educational and social events. With all the new members we have added these past few years, I am sure there are a lot of new ideas that people would like to bring to the table in the upcoming year. Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions on topics you would like to learn more about, speakers you have heard or would like to hear, locations, vendors, etc. Being an ISES member has many benefits. I have heard so many times that “You only get out of your membership what you put into it.” It is very true. I have found the educational meetings to be so helpful in my career. Working for a catering company, we don’t get to see the whole picture of an event. Therefore, attending the monthly meetings is critical to learning about the whole scope of an event and where we fit into the scheme of things, from design to marketing to learning how to quantify ROE. When I started attending ISES meetings and events, I was pretty green to the event world, but now I feel that through ISES I have grown into a well established event professional.

Director of Membership Amy Rabe 612-548-3194 office amy@ises-msp.org		Company: Account Executive, Minnesota meetings and events Years in event industry: 6 Other Positions Held in ISES: * Director of Membership, 2008-2009

People should know that they can come to me with questions, concerns or membership need; benefits to being a part of the organization and what being a member will help you do. One benefit that I have received is being able to connect new or existing clients of mine to other people that can help them with their business.

Director of the Minnesota Star Awards Pete Nelson 952-244-8558 office pete@ises-msp.org		Company: Event Lab, LLC Years in event industry: 14 Other positions held in ISES: * Vice President of Education & Programs, 2007-2009 * Star Awards, Décor Chair 2007 * Director at Large, Las Vegas Chapter 2002-2005

I am responsible for leading the chapter's 'Special Event', the Minnesota Star Awards into it's 6th year. This event is produced each March and recognizes event professionals in Minnesota for the inspiring events they create, plan, manage and execute each year. I encourage you to contact me if you'd like to get involved by sponsoring/showcasing your product (venue, A/V, food and beverage, decor, etc.), would like to volunteer for a committee and help plan this special night, or are interested in learning more about the entry process. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if it wasn’t for joining ISES. Working for a national company that designs events across the globe has given me the opportunity to really use ISES as a tool in my daily work life. Every major city has an ISES chapter which allows me to find vendors and services wherever I am in the country. Being that they are ISES members also gives me the reassurance that they are a reputable vendor who has a true passion and dedication to the event industry. ISES has also helped me get to know the event community, especially when I made the move to Las Vegas. Not knowing a soul down there, I quickly met the elite in the event world after joining ISES and becoming a board member. They not only became great allies for work but also became some of my closest friends. The same goes for the Minneapolis chapter. Because of ISES I have been involved in many incredible events such as the Special Event in Las Vegas, American Heart Association, the MN Star Awards and countless other programs.

Director of Strategic Partnerships Matthew Trettel 763-529-1900 office matthew@ises-msp.org		Company: Wedding Guy®, Years in event industry: 13 Other positions held in ISES: * International MARCOM Committee Chair, 2009-2010 * Director of the Minnesota Star Awards, 2008-2009 * International MARCOM Committee Member, 2008-2009 * Director of Education & Programs, 2007-2008

This year, my responsibilities include refining and implementing a strategic partnership program for the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter to recognize the great relationships within our local ISES industry as well and to benefit the sponsors without whom our monthly programs and activities wouldn’t be the same. Membership and active participation in ISES has been a great asset to my career. I think that continued education benefits not only myself personally by heightening my knowledge, but it also allows me to disseminate the information I learn and the ideas that it generates to a wider audience, both the suppliers and the consumers in the wedding market. The biggest benefit that I have received through ISES has been further education in the event industry and exposure to innovative ideas. This has had a dramatic impact on how I approach my industry and helps to reenergize the excitement I have for what I do. With the content and experiences that I gain, I see ISES as one of the strong tools that I use to help elevate the level of weddings in this market.