Programs/Education

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» Program Resources
» Photo Gallery of Past Programs
» Monthly Program Sponsorship Benefits.pdf
» Educational Role of ISES
» Scholarships/Awards
- Student Member Scholarship
- Merit Award for Eventworld
- Partner of the Year
- CSEP Scholarship
» CSEP Certification and Requirements
» CSEP Certified Members


June 2008 Program

Annual Restaurant Tour

Join us for the annual restaurant tour for your chance to take a ride around town sampling from some of Minneapolis' hottest restaurants. This year's tour includes deluxe transportation so it is important that you arrive no latter than 4:30 when the groups will depart! This year we have an added bonus - experience Cuban piano virtuoso Nachito Herrera after the Tour. The Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant invites you to be their guest as Nachito Herrera performs from 8:00PM -11:00PM Herrera grew up in Cuba, studied piano with Ruben Gonzalez from the Buena Vista Social Club, and became musical director of the powerful Cubanismo! band that toured the U.S. in the '90s.

When:
Thursday, June 12, 2008
4:00-4:30 pm - Registration
4:30-8:00 pm - Restaurant Tour
8:00-11:00 pm - Nachito Herrera performance at the Dakota (optional)

Departure/Return Point:
Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant
1010 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612.332.1010

Cost:
ISES Members: $35.00
ISES Associates: $40.00*
Guests: $50.00
Student Members: $15.00**

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

Please RSVP by Monday, June 9, 2008.
There will be a $10.00 surcharge for anyone who registers after this deadline.
Cancellations after Monday, June 9, 2008 and no-shows will be billed.

Register

Thank you to our Program Sponsors!

   
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» Future Programs

Topics may include: Trends, Decor, Food, Etiquette, Managing Chaos, Maintaining Life Balance, Innovation, Entertainment, Legal Issues, Security and Logistics, Event Production, and much more.

Future Programs
Date Time Location and Topic
June 12, 2008
(Thursday)
4:00 pm Restaurant Tour
Restaurants TBA
August 2008 - No Program Attend EventWorld: An Institute for Professional Development
August 21-23 in St. Petersberg, Florida
September 16, 2008
(Tuesday)
4:00 pm Edinburgh USA
10 Year Anniversary Celebration for Chapter
October 16, 2008
(Thursday)
4:00 pm Location TBA
Joint Program with NACE
Sylvia Weinstock, the Leonardo de Vinci of Cakes
Dates, times and locations subject to change.


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» Past Programs

Past Programs
- For full details on past events Click Here
Date Topic Description
Thursday
April 10 2008
(Lunch Program)
“ROS: Build It Forward” Student-led Series Speaker: Rosealee Lee, CAE

The ISES Board members provided student members the opportunity to plan the April Program. Co-chairs in planning the afternoon were Jamie Plantenberg and Erica Thiel, along with team members Rose Yep and Sarah Shindley. Attendees were greeted with members from the U of M Marching band playing school anthems. Members then had an opportunity to socialize and network, followed by lunch and speaker Rosealee Lee. The topic for the afternoon was "ROS, Build it forward". Rosealee emphasized the importance of education and mentoring the next generation of event professionals. With more than three decades of planning meetings, events and trade shows domestically and internationally, Rosealee Lee developed the Meeting and Event Management Program of the Institute of Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Dakota County Technical College.
Thursday
February 21, 2008
(Evening Program)
“Creative Collaboration”
Panel Discussion with the creative team for Theatre de la Jeune Lune (Minneapolis)

Our February program reflected the message of "Creative Collaboration." The program featured an expert panel composed of the creative team from Theatre de la Jeune Lune - the Tony award-winning local theatre known for its innovative productions. While brainstorming and teamwork are their cornerstones for the creative process, great ideas and creative solutions are made when the pencils lay down, and the team gets on their feet. Following the program, Twin City Bridal association's Wedding Guys creatively collaborated with nearly 20 local vendors to showcase the latest trends in social and wedding events.
Thursday
December 13 2007
(Evening Social)
“Jingle Mingle”
Social Event & Membership Drive

Our annual December social and membership drive was held at the beautiful Grand Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. Contemporary décor was provided by Midway Party & Tent Rental who draped the entire room in white with specialty lighting and gorgeous table designs. Floral centerpieces were provided by Stems & Vines. Several food stations along with passed hors d’voures and a hosted bar of beer, wine and specialty cocktails were provided by the Grand Hotel. The focus of this meeting was to network and have a chance to talk with current members and prospective members. A raffle was held for the members only and for members that joined that night. A GPS Navigation System, A Flip Video Camcorder, and a Spa Package from Hotel Ivy were given away. Vic Volare was the swingin’ entertainment for the evening.
Tuesday
November 12 2007
(Lunch Meeting)
“Secret Scmecret”
Speaker: David Merrell

As guests arrived at the beautiful Walker Arts Center in downtown Minneapolis, they were greeted by thirteen exquisitely decorated round tables. ISES members were asked to donate their talents and sponsor a table to decorate in any fashion that they wished. This was an attempt to let the designers really show off their talents and showcase in front of the entire ISES community. Wolfgang Puck catering provided a gorgeous sit down lunch. The speaker was David Merrell from An Original Occasion in Los Angeles. He spoke on trends, décor, design and how there are no secrets in our industry. That we should all learn from another and share designs as that will help the overall industry and bring events to the next level.
Wednesday
October 17 2007
(Half-Day Session)
Is Your Program a GEM? (Green Event or Meeting)
(Joint Meeting with Minnesota Chapter of MPI)
Speaker: Simran Sethi

The October 17th program 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.
The program began with Simran Sethi, an awardwinning journalist who reports on issues of economic sustainability, environmental stewardship and social justice. 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".
Tuesday
September 13 2007
(Lunch Meeting)
Methodologies for Making Profound Emotional Connection through Creation of Experience

Speaker:
Kile Ozier
Guests arrived to Orchestra Hall to harp music and a lunch of gourmet sandwiches and salads prepared by local restaurants and provided by Creative Corporate Catering. Lunch took place in the lobby which was set with contemporary lounge furniture by Design Group. A toast was given for the recognition the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter received as winner of 2 Spirit of Excellence Awards; Chapter of the Year and Membership Growth. ISES Minneapolis -St. Paul Eventworld scholarship recipients presented on their experience at the conference. Next guests were invited into Orchestra Hall to experience a dynamic presentation by guest speaker Kile Ozier. Kile presented “Profound Emotional Connection Through Creation of Experience” which was an exploration of his techniques to best create experience, to deliver message or simply entertain your audience in the most compelling ways.
Tuesday, June 12 2007
(Evening Meeting)
3rd Annual “Tour for Your Tastebuds” Guests gathered at Temple Restaurant and Bar which is a hot new restaurant featuring French-Asian cuisine and private meeting and banquet rooms. The 2007 ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Eventworld Merit Award winners were announced, our Partner of the Year, Corporate EVENT Magazine was recognized, and the 2007-2008 Board of Directors was installed.
Next guests walked down the street to Café Lurcat. Here they sampled uncomplicated American dishes that focus on quality ingredients in the urban and historical Fawkes building overlooking Loring Park.
Thursday, May 10 2007
(Evening Meeting)
8 Breakthrough Concepts Changing Business in 2007
Speaker: Richard Aaron, CMP, CSEP
(member)
Trocaderos Nightclub and Restaurant hosted guests up in their lounge with butler served hors d’oeuvres and wine. While networking, guests were treated to a green room photo opportunity with John Markovich Photography.
Guests were then invited downstairs to the main event space which was beautifully decorated with a variety of platinum colored linens and fabulous centerpieces by Aarcee Party and Tent Rental. Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner with current ISES news and then were treated Richard Aaron’s program on 8 Breakthrough Concepts changing Business in 2007. Richard Aaron, CMP, CSEP, delivered an engaging presentation including the latest marketing and branding ideas at events.
Thursday, April 12 2007
(Evening Meeting)
Incorporating Fabulous Design Elements into your Events for Visual Effects
Speaker:Tim Lundy, CSEP (member)
Après Party and Tent set up a new Navi-trac tent in their parking lot to host the program set up in a unique triple U-shape. Décor was modern and classy with a club theme. Midwest Sound and light provided the DJ and Sound system to play some great club favorites while guests mingled and enjoyed wonderful hors d’oeuvres by Prom Catering. Guests were treated to a tour of Après’ showroom and linen room where everything starts.
Tim Lundy, CSEP, Distinctive Design Events, Rosewood Market. Atlanta GA and Highlands, NC shared with us many new ideas on how to bring a design element into event and carry it throughout the invitations, food and décor. He showed us colorful photos of major weddings and social events he has designed throughout North America and the Caribbean.
Tuesday, February 13 2007
(Evening Meeting)
Bringing Innovation to your Work Culture
Speaker:Kevin White, CSEP (member)
The event started with drinks, networking and tours of the Mill City Museum. After guests had time to eat some fabulous hors d’oeuvres by D’Amico Catering, we began our program.
Kevin White, CSEP, Director of Production, Empire Force Events, Inc. - New York, NY shared with us many ideas on how to brainstorm new concepts and entertainment for events. Kevin is an ISES past president of both the Philadelphia and New York chapters and served on ISES’s Board of Governors.
Thursday, December 14 2006
(Evening Meeting)
Holiday Reception with Networking
Entertainment: David Farr (member)
We gathered in the Red, White and Fxxxxx Blue Lounge on the 4th floor of the new Chambers Hotel overlooking Hennepin Avenue. This modern, chic space was the perfect location for networking. Jean Georges provided delectable hors d’oeuvres. After the ISES news, we were treated to a great show by David Farr featuring a wide variety of magic and fun.
After the show, guests were given a guided tour of the boutique hotel. Other guests gathered outside around the large fire pit and drank martinis from the frozen ice bar. A fun time was had by all.
Thursday, November 9 2006
(Lunch Meeting)
2008 Republican National Convention
Speaker: Karolyn Kirchgesler
Karolyn Kirchgesler, the President & CEO of the Saint Paul RiverCentre Convention & Visitors Authority gave us some valuable insight into how her and her staff worked closely with City officials and were involved in the bid presentations and site inspections for both the RNC and DNC bids. She then discussed what she knew about the event planning timeline and gave us the RiverCentre contact information.
Twin Cities Catering provided lunch with a unique presentation. The desserts displayed beautifully as a 3 tier centerpiece. Aarcee Party and Tent Rental provided chocolate linens and fabulous décor.
Thursday, October 12 2006
(Lunch Meeting)
Hot Event and Entertainment Ideas
Speaker: Michael Cerbelli (member)
Michael Cerbelli, the operations & creative director for N.Y. / N.J.-based Total Entertainment, entertained us as he threw brand new event ideas at us from companies and entertainers from around the world. These included the Holo-Floor 2, Dave the Horn Guy, Pimp your Tux, Superheads, and more.
The Lafayette Club served a fabulous fall themed entree in their beautiful ballroom that was decorated with beautiful linens by Cloth Connections.
Thursday, September 14 2006
(Evening Meeting)
Managing the Chaos
Speaker: Mary Jo Paloranta
Mary Jo Paloranta; a nationally recognized motivational speaker and business consultant, gave us an inspiring presentation about thriving during times of constant chaos, as well as, success, happiness, and power to create what you want for your professional and personal life.
Guests arrived to a interesting buffet of hors d’oeuvres. While guests networked, a tague (7ft lizard) was on display with educational staff.
The evening wrapped up with desserts and coffee served outside of the new tropical encounters. Guests were treated to a tour of the Tropical Encounters (not yet open to the public) and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.
Wednesday, June 7 2006
(Lunch Meeting)
The Customization and Hospitality of Sports Marketing in Events
Speaker: Larry Mann (non member)
Part of our annual Distinguished Speaker Series
ISES hosted an exclusive non-game day meeting at the H.H.H. Metrodome. As guests arrived they were presented with their own custom credentials and escorted into the Terrace Suite for lunch.
After some networking time, our chapter presented two applicants with EventWorld scholarships. A second scholarship was added this year illustrating our chapter’s commitment not only to local programming, but also to International’s.
Next the attendees embarked on a behind the scenes tour of the stadium. The tour concluded on the field at home plate where the 2006-07 Board was installed.
After the installation, Larry Mann, Exec. VP of Chicago based rEvolution provided insight on how to integrate sports marketing into events; how to make sure your client's brand is well represented; the hospitality and customization of events and a discussion on how professional sporting events plays a large role in the local events scene. No regular AV setup would work at the Dome so we “wowed” guests by playing Larry’s videos examples of his company’s events on the Jumbotrons.


Resources from Past Programs



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» Educational Role of ISES

ISES offers a variety of educational experiences for professionals in the special events industry. Our programs will introduce you to new ideas and will refresh your skills by establishing best practices to rejuvenate your skills and career. ISES strives to provide you with educational opportunities that are relevant to you both personally and professionally.

Continuing education helps build your career and/or your company and helps bring the industry to new heights of excellence. Just as importantly, it assures your clients of highly professional, cutting-edge service. To help you maintain your continuing education goals, ISES offers comprehensive, year-round, local and international educational opportunities. We encourage you to take advantage of the variety of educational opportunities available to you, including:

  • Monthly ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Educational Programs: We strive to provide you with timely, relevant and high-quality educational programs that help you to improve your skill set. Our monthly programs range from topics such as Catering and Design Trends to Event Safety and Security and are delivered by experts in each selected field of study.

  • ISES Certified Special Events Professional: 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. Moreover, the CSEP can make you more attractive to potential clients and employers. The CSEP designation is awarded by the International Special Events Society (ISES) and its Certification Committee. For more information visit ISES Certified Special Events Professional

  • International Educational Conferences: International educational conferences provide you with the opportunity to network with industry professionals from all over the world---AND learn from some of the leading professionals in the event industry. ISES Eventworld is the annual education conference sponsored by ISES which brings together ISES members from around the world. For more information visit: International Educational Conferences

 

If there are specific topics that you would like to see covered at local or international educational programs, please don't hesitate to contact us at any time.

Also, if you would like to become involved with developing the educational content for the Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter, please contact Programs

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» Student Membership Scholarship

The Minneapolis - St. Paul Chapter is underwriting student memberships in ISES for the best and brightest students who have a demonstrated desire to actively explore and participate in the special events industry. The benefits and criteria of student membership last through the current membership year.

Outstanding Career Networking: As a member of ISES, you will have opportunities to meet and work with area event professionals who are experts in various disciplines including: Event Planning and Coordination, Special Event Management and Production, Design Decor and Rental, Technical Services and Products, Food Service (Caterers), Venue Management, Public Relations and Marketing, Fundraising and Non-profit Event Planning.

Industry Affiliation & Education: You will be a member of an international network that comprises more than 4,000 members in more than a dozen countries. The organization promotes life-long education for event professionals through regional/national conferences and the Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP) exam - the hallmark of professional achievement in our industry.

Hands on Planning Experience: Scholarship winners will be invited to:

  • Attend a of our chapter's monthly Board of Directors Meetings.
  • Assisting with monthly chapter events including the prestigious Minnesota Star Awards.
  • Gain 10 Hours of actual hands on experience with Industry Professionals.

Nominees are asked to complete the Student Member Scholarship Application and submit a brief, typed essay (at minimum 300 words, at maximum no more than 2 typed pages) on the student's interest in the special events field and/or why the student would like a career in special events.

CONGRATULATIONS to the 2007-2008 Student member Scholarship Recipients:

Jamie Lowinske, College of St. Catherines
Jamie Plantenberg, College of St. Catherines
Sarah Shindley, College of St. Catherines

Scholarship Applications for 2008-2009 will be posted in early summer 2008. If you would like more information on joining ISES as a student, please contact our Membership team.


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» Merit Award for Eventworld

What is ISES Eventworld – A Conference for Professional Development?
The purpose of ISES and its chapters is to promote the art and science of special event production and to educate its members and the public in the advancement, improvement and uses of special events. Each year, ISES promotes the international “Eventworld – A Conference for Professional Development” to provide its members with industry-specific education and networking opportunities.

What is this Merit Award about?
To support this international education conference, ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul has established the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Leadership & Education Merit Award to encourage Minneapolis-St. Paul members to actively participate in chapter activities and reward a member(s) with the educational opportunity to attend the Eventworld. This award is granted to benefit an outstanding member(s) as well as to foster active member participation and convey the benefits of industry-specific education and leadership among ISES membership within the Eventworld experience.

Who is eligible?
Any ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul full member is eligible (student members are not eligible). Board members of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter are also eligible. Leadership and education potential in addition to accomplishments must be demonstrated by all. The Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter President is not eligible. Finally, any recipient that received the scholarship in 2007 is not eligible to apply for the scholarship again until 2009.

Who selects the award recipient?
To ensure objectivity, applications for the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Leadership & Education Merit Award will be submitted and judged anonymously by another ISES chapter.

What will the recipient receive?
The Merit Award recipient will receive a Full Education Package (value of $550); ticket to the ISES Annual General Meeting and Luncheon (value of $70) and a $580 travel stipend to represent the Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter at Eventworld. Total value of scholarship = $1,200

What are the expectations of the recipient?
* Attend Eventworld held in St. Petersburg, Florida, including all “Full Education Package” class times offered, plus Opening Keynote Session and ISES Annual General Meeting and Luncheon. All take place from August 21-23, 2008.
* Write a 350-500 word article by September 5, 2008, regarding the experience at Eventworld, to be published in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter Newsletter.
* Give a five-minute oral report to guests at the September 2008 Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter program (subject to change).
Application Form

Congratulations to the 2008 Scholarship Recipients, Ami Cervin, Greater Twin Cities United Way, and Pete Nelson, Event Lab


Past EventWorld Scholarship Winners:
2007: Sheree Bochenek, Craig Oliver and Matthew Trettel
2006: Jim Leighton and Jean Peine
2005: Alice-Lynne Olson
2004: Katie Grace


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» Partner of the Year

Criteria

1. Must be a member in good standing. Membership is paid in full and there are no outstanding accounts payable to the chapter.

2. Active participation in monthly programs.

3. Contribution to the mission of the chapter. Their contribution to the chapter was in the scope of or further enhanced our mission.

4. Contribution of goods, services or money to a meeting or meetings. The company/organization contributed to the success of the programs. The contribution can be donated goods/items (i.e. centerpieces, linens, lighting, etc.), services (i.e. entertainment, set up/tear down, etc.) and/or a financial contribution.

5. Could not have done it without them. Simply put, the meeting would not have been the same if they had not contributed.

Nominations are due to Kate Stahl, CSEP fax: 612-677-3790 by Friday, May 2, 2008 at 3 p.m.

The recipient(s) will be announced at the Minnesota Star Awards and will receive a recognition trophy plaque.

The 2007-2008 Partner of the Year is Twin City Bridal Association


Past Recipients

2006-2007 - Corporate Event Magazine

2005-2006 - Late Bloomer Floral Design Studio, Inc., and Apres Party and Tent Rental

2004-2005 - Three Sons Signature Cuisine

2003-2004 - Studio 6 Specialty Linen & Decor

2002-2003 - CPD Committee

2001-2002 - Serigraphics

2000-2001 - AARCEE Party & Tent Rental

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» CSEP Scholarship

CSEP Scholarship In recognition of the ever-increasing importance of education in our industry and the newly revamped CSEP program, the Board of Directors of the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter is pleased to launch its CSEP Scholarship program in the spring of 2008. All ISES members who are in pursuit of their CSEP certification are eligible for the scholarship. Applicants must have already applied for and been accepted to take the CSEP exam. The scholarship will provide the full $400 exam registration fee.

We will be offering one scholarship this year, and the deadline for application is Monday, May 12, 2008. Applications will be judged anonymously by another ISES chapter. See the CSEP Scholarship Application Form for complete details.

Congratulations to the 2008 Scholarship Recipients, Ruth Wikoff-Jones, Blue Marble Events



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» CSEP Certified Members

Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)
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.

Congratulations to these ISES members of the Minneapolis-­St. Paul Chapter, who have earned their CSEP certification:
- Jodi Collen, CSEP
- Becky Harris, CSEP
- Kate Stahl, CSEP



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» CSEP Certification and Requirements

Click here

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