MPISCC Intercom Vol. 116 | July/August 2015

INTERCOM Designed and Edited by Alvalyn Lundgren | Alvalyn Creative

Passion in the Workplace

Take the Lead‌

Synergy

Make the Investment In Your Own Development and Satisfaction

Do What You Love PAGE 6

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VOLUME 116 | July/August 2015

Notes From the Board Retreat PAGE 10

Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter DESIGN & EDITORIAL Managing Editor/Designer Alvalyn Lundgren | Alvalyn Creative alvalyn@alvalyn.com 805-857-7981 Contributing Editor Amy Zelinsky, CMP Contributors Laura Bergersen, CMP; Christine Hartman, Rosa Navas; Nicole Newman; Thomas Smith, CMP. Patricia Stuhff, CMP, proofreader.

Photo Credits pp. 9, 18-19: Alvalyn Lundgren pp. 10-11: various

INTERCOM116 IN THIS ISSUE

President’s Message

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Leadership Organization Chart

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Professional Development Passion in the Workplace

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Volunteers Shining Stars

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Program Highlights EdCon

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Leadership 10 Synergy: Notes from the Board Retreat

www.mpiscc.org 275 East Hillcrest Drive, Suite 215 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 Phone: 805-449-9111 Fax: 805-557-1133

Places 5 Unique Historic Venues for Events

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Community Needed: Enthusiastic Members

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Leadership Take the Lead…Your Way

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Coming Attraction Summer Networking Event

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Program Highlights MPISCC Connect

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Save the Date May Monthly Program: Peer to Peer

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Strategic Sponsors

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MPISCC MISSION STATEMENT MPISCC will be recognized as the leading local membership community that is committed to shaping and defining the meetings and event industry in Southern California.

INTERCOM is published six times a year by Meeting Professionals International–Southern California Chapter, a nonprofit professional association of meeting planners and suppliers. ©2015.

Article contributions are welcome.

Article submissions and editorial guidelines requests should be sent to Alvalyn Lundgren, Managing Editor, at alvalyn@alvalyn.com.

Advertising Information www.mpiscc.org/marketplace/ advertising-kit/ 2

MPISCC

Officers & Directors 2015-2016 President Mariles Krok, CMP Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board 424-731-7781 President-Elect Nicole Newman SearchWide 951-640-3745 Immediate Past President David Anderson, CMP Eventive Group 562-438-4834 Vice President of Communications Amy Zelinsky, CMP A to Z Meetings & Events 818-646-3445 Vice President of Education Shelley Grey, CMP TCW 213-244-0579 Vice President of Finance MPI Foundation Liaison Joe Marcy, CMP Westin Long Beach 562-499-2005 Vice President of Leadership Development Christine Hartman Ice Hat Creative 310-601-0695 Vice President of Membership Laura Bergersen, CMP Laura B Events 562-234-8819 DIRECTORS Member Care Michelle Conant LuxBus America 949-400-4583 Member Recruitment Carlos Murillo Caesars Entertainment National Meetings & Events 760-899-2708 Monthly Programs Anna Kim Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board 562-865-0179 Professional Development Joe Martin. CMP BDI Events 323-692-0802 Public Relations and Media Amani Roberts The Amani Experience 424-244-1443 Special Events Mai Johnson, CGMP MGM Resorts International 702.262.4824 Strategic Sponsorship Bryan Quinan, CMP Milken Institute 310-570-4638

INTERCOM | Volume 116 | July/August 2015

PRESIDENT’S PAGE

Lasting Legacy

creating a Hello MPISCC!

I am humbled, honored and privileged to be your President this year, and am excited for

meetings industry advocacy. Some examples already in the planning stages are:

this opportunity to share the Board of Directors’ plans, to benefit you, our members, and our chapter in the year ahead.

A new educational program slated for February which will be a hybrid of our Weekend Educational Summit and EdCon;

For the past 18 months, our facilitator, Tara Liashenko, would kick off our board retreats with the question, “What is our legacy as chapter leaders?” Her answer was always, “To leave the chapter stronger and better than when we started.” This resonated in me and was a question that I would often ask myself as I prepared for this role.

Hosting our annual State of the Industry in conjunction with North American Meetings Industry Day (NAMID) in April; An educational program in October specifically for our Senior Planner members;

Tara’s motivating mantra, tied in with the thoughts of my cumulative experience with MPI, all of the lessons learned from Past Presidents with whom I had the pleasure to serve, and the foundation that those leaders built, became the basis of our leadership theme­­ — simply put­­­— our Legacy.

In honor of our Past President, Beverly Laing, CMP, we are establishing the Beverly Laing Student Scholarship Fund where the qualified recipient will receive a one-year membership in MPISCC, and complimentary registration to monthly programs and events for the entire year; Collaboration with our industry partners on the Meetings Mean Business and Meetings Move Us Forward campaigns and initiatives is imperative for our industry, and we want to make sure we continue to actively strive to do our part.

In building the Legacy of the 2015/2016 Board of Directors, our first goal is to create and better communicate our value in order to recruit, retain and engage members:

And our final goal is to add to our Chapter’s current financial reserve, further strengthening our ability to weather the storms that may come in the future. The Board has budgeted to put money back into our reserve account this year to ensure that the legacy of MPISCC endures.

Our focus will be on personalizing the member experience by creating additional value and benefits.

We’re hoping that these initiatives leave the chapter stronger and better than when we started and hope that you will join us as we create a lasting legacy for MPISCC.

Thanks to member feedback requests, we are planning more networking opportunities for the coming year.

A Community Outreach program is to be developed that will address the needs of our diverse membership.

Thank you,

Our communications, sponsorships, and advertising opportunities will be enhanced to include social media packages.

We have revamped our board structure and nominations process to include more opportunities in which volunteers can serve.

Mariles Krok, CMP Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board 2015/2016 MPISCC President

Our second goal in securing our Legacy is to provide relevant, quality education and professional development opportunities to advance the meetings industry, as well as to promote 3

Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter LEADERSHIP

MPISCC

Leadership Organization Chart

2015­–2016 CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP

PRESIDENT MARILES KROK

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PARAGON

IMMEDIATE PAST

PRESIDENT DAVID ANDERSON

VICE PRESIDENT

MEMBERSHIP LAURA BERGERSEN

PRESIDENT ELECT NICOLE NEWMAN

DIRECTOR

MEMBER RECRUITMENT CARLOS MURILLO

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

EDUCATION SHELLEY GRAY

FINANCE JOE MARCY

LEADERSHIP CHRISTINE HARTMAN

COMMUNICATIONS

AMY ZELINSKY

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

STRATEGIC SPONSORSHIP BRYAN QUINAN

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT JOE MARTIN

DIRECTOR

SOCIAL MEDIA AMANI ROBERTS DIRECTOR

MEMBER CARE MICHELLE CONANT

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

SPECIAL EVENTS MAI JOHNSON

MONTHLY PROGRAMS ANNA KIM

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INTERCOM | Volume 116 | July/August 2015

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Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PASSION in the

WORKPLACE

by Thomas Smith, CMP

I

think it’s safe to say that we all have one constant thing in common. We are collectively a “work in progress.” We have the opportunity to make everything better in our own private worlds – each and every day. Some might ask, “What can we improve or enhance?”

Well, a few possibilities include our health, our knowledge, our life perspectives, patience with our family and friends… and our enthusiasm for life.

Keeping all of this in mind, I ask each of you to reflect on the following word: PASSION. It’s a wonderful word.

And, depending on the type of day we are having we are quite simply passionate or we are not. It’s rarely an in-between state of mind.

As I prepared for this writing, something interesting happened. I teach a course on Events Management at a local university. Several of my guest speakers used PASSION as the framework and foundation for their presentations. The timing for these words I share with each of you today could not have been more timely.

“What does PASSION mean to you?”

I received the following responses:

Do what you love.

Do the job that your heart and soul speak to you about.

This industry is all about people and service. We help others. We make MAGIC happen.

PASSION means the intrinsic motivation to pursue your goal, which transcends the superficial (e.g., monetary) realm. If someone is PASSIONATE about what they are doing, it is clearly evident in both the care with which they communicate on the topic and the quality of their resultant work product.

PASSION is being constantly engaged in the activity – a sort of “mothering” of the task. If you are PASSIONATE, you are clearly excited about it and if you are not; how can you expect others to share in your PASSION. Always look for the opportunity of change in your passion. After all, we change as humans each and every day; so it’s only right that our PASSIONS can change as well. And finally, always be willing to share your PASSIONS with others. Remember, this is your life love and pride, be proud to put it on “display”.

PASSION is something that you love to do and you have a strong desire and drive to do it. We are PASSIONATE when we are totally focused on what we are doing. We spend time talking about it and doing it. If we are PASSIONATE, we figure out a way to make it happen.

PASSION… Passion is defined as a strong or powerful emotion. A powerful emotion such as anger or joy. I reached out to some of my respected colleagues and posed the question to each of them.

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INTERCOM | Volume 116 | July/August 2015

Keeping all of this in mind, allow me to share some tips and thoughts on PASSION in the workplace. We’re so fortunate to work in the meetings and hospitality industry. Bring your PASSION for this world that we work in to your office and team.

Share your knowledge. Mentor the new and young workers on your team.

Give advice and tips throughout your day. Leave the baggage of life at home. Give of yourself to your coworkers and clients. They and you will be better for all of this.

With heart-felt PASSION in mind, I share these top-six thoughts for PASSION in the workplace: Attend team and planning meetings.

Actively participate. Choose your words carefully, and contribute to the conversation. Praise others. Celebrate others’ ideas and successes. Be that team-member who others love to work with because of the PASSION that you bring to the office.

Be recognized as a talented speaker.

Speak at meetings. Volunteer to serve on panels. Serve as a moderator. Publicly be visible and refine your speaking and moderating skills. Your PASSION and respect for this industry will shine and you will be respected and admired for your abilities.

Share your PASSION and thoughts on the industry within your social media brand. Share your thoughts and knowledge. Post articles, pictures and thoughts that celebrate your PASSION and respect for others and the industry that you represent. Your brand is everything. Be strategic and smart with your comments, posts and tweets!!

Volunteer within the industry. Serve on committees and task forces. Be a beacon for good and spread the PASSIONATE industry values that we all share. We are surrounded by the young and newly employed within our

industry. Like our children, they watch and listen to our every move. Volunteer, coach, mentor and lead with the PASSIONATE values of integrity that the meetings industry represents.

Pace yourself. Rest. Eat healthy.

Nurture your mind so that you are completely focused in the workplace.

When it’s “show time” we need to be at our best. Our eyes either sparkle or they do not. We enter a room with PASSION or we do not. Others know if we are true and PASSIONATE within 5 seconds of that initial encounter.

Slow down and be kind to yourself.

No one knows better than we do what our needs are. People who are PASSIONATE understand the reality of first and foremost taking care of themselves. If we are not good to ourselves, then we cannot have PASSION and we cannot be good for anyone else…

Finally, my top thought on PASSION. Do what you love. Do the job that your heart and soul speak to you about.

This industry is all about people and service. We help others. We make MAGIC happen. The industry is coming back. There are amazing people and contacts out there. Opportunities are all around us. We need to look for them. That person with PASSION will stand out and good things will come.

They will!!

There is a gentleman who I know in this meetings and events industry.

He exudes PASSION. He absolutely positively LOVES what he does. Every day he wakes and knows that there are opportunities and relationships to be won-over and conquered. Each of us has PASSION in our professional spirit. Awaken it. Breathe life into it.

Approach your life, career and dailyschedule with a brilliant sparkler of energy and celebration. You will be noticed. I guarantee it!

Have a PASSION-filled day!

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Thomas “Tom” Smith, CMP leads Global Medical Events for the Baxter Healthcare Corporation. Tom is an Adjunct Professor on Event Planning and Management at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA.

Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter VOLUNTEERS

S R A T S G N I N I H S MPISCC’s

Each quarter, MPISCC recognizes its outstanding volunteers, nominated by their peers for their contributions to their teams, to the organization and to the meetings industry.

Kris Lugo

Marcelle Moje

Cynthia Bryant

Amani Roberts

Communications Committee

Membership Committee

The Beverly Laing 5k, Golf & Wellness Day Committee

Monthly Programs Committee

United Grocers

Site Services

Le Reve Reine

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The Amani Experience

INTERCOM | Volume 116 | July/August 2015 EDUCATION

EdCon

On April 23-24, MPISCC joined with with the San Diego and Orange County chapters for the SoCal EdCON & EXPO, consisting of keynotes, breakouts and a trade show.

Speakers included Chris Heeter, founder of The Wild Institute; Baseball Hall of Famer and World Series Champion, Matt Jones; Corbin Ball, consultant for the meetings, hospitality and travel industries; author and speaker, Kaplan Mobray; and Richard Aaron, CMP, CSEP, President of BizBash Media. A Rush Hour Reception capped the event.

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Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter LEADERSHIP

SYNERGY

NOTES FROM THE 2015-2016 BOARD RETREAT

By Laura Bergersen, CMP | Laura B Events 2015-2016 Vice President of Membership

T

wice each year the MPISCC Board of Directors gets together for an overnight retreat to review the past year, current year and the future of the chapter. The first retreat of the year happens just prior to the new board installation. At times, the focus may be on interacting and getting to know one another better, and other times it’s about where we are, what we are and where are we going. Once you get into that room you may never know what direction you will end up.

The first stop on our retreat was the Pavilion Hotel on Catalina Island. Beautifully situated on the Boardwalk, the hotel offered the perfect opportunity to meet and mingle in the mornings and afternoons! But the first important task of the arrival day was our CSR adventure. Working with the Catalina Island Conservancy, nine board members bundled up (it was a bit chilly) and headed to the other side of the island for a beach cleanup. Along the way, we stopped at the airport for lunch and to view a beautiful handmade tile mural depicting the island’s history. Most of us had never been to the other side of the island, and it’s completely different from Avalon. We learned that many interesting things wash up on shore, and our guide asked us to look for anything with foreign writing that could have come from one of the many storms in the Pacific. The most common thing we found were balloons with ribbons and styrofoam pieces.

One of the interesting aspects of the Board Retreat is our Retreat Facilitator who, for two years, has been Tara Liaschenko, owner, The Link Event Professionals, Inc. in Tampa, Florida. Tara is a Past President of her local chapter, and became involved in MPI International. As a facilitator to chapters around the country, her role is to go through the objectives, keep the board on track, mediate discussions and “parking lot” issues that may need more time to sit until we can get to them.

At last year’s retreat we discussed decreasing the amount of director positions and increasing volunteer opportunities through additional chair positions. We are happy to announce that we added 27 chair positions. This years’ board is comprised of mostly past board members but we did add two newbies: Anna Kim and Amani Roberts, Director of Social Media. When asked what he thought of his first retreat, Amani said, “(It) was very informative. The process was interesting to observe, and it was enlightening to see the different parts of MPISCC that each board member is passionate about. I decided to be a part of the board because I wanted to continue to share my knowledge with the organization as well as learn from each board member, while getting an inside look at the impact MPISCC has on the meetings industry in Southern California.”

The retreat consists of two full days, with an agenda for both. After Tara laid out the two days, the Vice Presidents present 3–4 accomplishments and challenges from the current year, discuss what worked and what didn’t, and set goals for the 10

INTERCOM | Volume 116 | July/August 2015

next year. MPI International requires a matrix, and for each goal we set for the year, awards financial “points”.

The second big agenda item is the budget. We reviewed how to read the budget, what we need in the budget to run as a non-profit, and how we can increase funding through advertising and sponsorships.

Education and Membership are always two of the main topics of the retreats. This year, two significant decisions were made: to redevelop the fall WES (Weekend Education Summit) and the spring EdCon in which we have partnered for the past 2 with the other two Southern California chapters. It was a tough decision to make, but discussions with various members of the MPISCC community led us to the decision to do what’s best for our members, and to give them quality programs, both educationally and socially.

sociation work and remain a member of MPISCC. Debbie has been with us for over 15 years as E.D., friend, confidente, and teacher to many of our members. When asked how she felt about this new adventure in her life: “I’m grateful for all of the years of involvement with MPISCC both as a board member and Executive Director. It will be exciting to see what the future holds for this dynamic chapter!”

you will join us as we create a lasting legacy for MPISCC.” Thank you to Judy Webster, our MPI Chapter Business Manager; Tara, for keeping us on track, Alisse Brown from Paragon, who worked with Debbie to learn everything about our

Our incoming president, Mariles Krok, is to be commended for all she has done since starting her term early

Our members are the key to MPISCC success. One of the major concerns has been the supplier-to planner ratio and how we can encourage more planners to join. We have seen an increase as the economy improved.

Salaried as well as independents are coming back after a drop the last few years. We plan to make enhancements to make it easier for our members to navigate the website, ensure that our calendar of activities is marketed as early as possible for planning, and to engage members in social media including Facebook and LinkedIn. We do have some fun at the retreat.

At El Galleon we saw that our board is not afraid to get up and sing. No names will be mentioned but it was fun for all. It was also a time to say good-bye to part of our MPI family who have guided us for many years, and really seen the chapter’s growth: Beverly Laing, our 2014-2015 President who passed unexpectedly in November, and our Executive Director, Debbie Hawkins, who is retiring with her husband, Don, to Las Vegas.

She will still be involved in small as-

due to Beverly’s passing. She has united this board in that many have never experienced, and has provided an open and comfortable environment for communication. I won’t steal Mariles’ thunder by sharing her theme of Legacy, but this is what she had to say, “I’m really excited about the synergy of the incoming board and the plans we have for our membership in the coming year.

We’re hoping that these initiatives leave the chapter stronger and better than when we started, and hope that

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chapter. And most importantly, our hosts and sponsors: Carla Dispalatro, CMP from the Island Company, Catalina Express, Catalina Island Conservancy, Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce, Catalina Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Bluewater Avalon, DC Gifts and Grills, and El Galeon.

Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter PLACES

5

REALLY

UNIQUE historic event sites in Southern California

Historic venues lend an air of intrigue and legend to your events. Southern California is prime territory for vintage locations that help make meetings unique and memorable. Five of the most popular are highlighted here.

Max Sennett Studios

www.macksennettstudios.net 1215 Bates Avenue, Los Angeles, California 323-660-8466 Built as a silent movie studio in 1916 by legendary film producer Mack Sennett, this historic space consists of two stages of 5,000 and 2,000 square feet, and a 12,000 square foot basement. It’s great for shoots, concerts, seminars and events.

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The Muckenthaler Cultural Center

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www.themuck.org 1201 West Malvern Avenue, Fullerton, California info@themuck.org Built in 1924 as a private residence, The Historic Muckenthaler Mansion is located on 9 acres of park-like grounds. It serves up to 120 attendees indoors and over 400 in the gardens. It is a picturesque location for smaller events.

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INTERCOM | Volume 116 | July/August 2015

The Langham Huntington

www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/ pasadena/ 1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena, California 626-568-3900

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Completed in 1907, the Langham Huntington enjoyed a renovation in the late 1980s, which incorporated the original theatre and grand ballroom. The hotel features more than 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including gardens. board rooms and ballrooms, all supported by state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and wireless.

Camarillo Ranch

www.camarilloranch.org 201 Camarillo Ranch Road, Camarillo, California 805-389-8182

The Maxwell House

The Camarillo Ranch is a unique location for indoor and outdoor events. It hosts over 150 private and public events throughout the year. It features 4.5 acres of event space, including the Front Lawn with its historic trees; the iconic and spacious Red Barn that is ideal for corporate meetings; the East Garden, with a picturesque gazebo; and the West Garden with a large Mission-style fountain.

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www.maxwellhousepasadena.com 626-584-7494 55 South Grand Ave, Pasadena, California

Designed by architects, Marston and Maybury, The Maxwell House is a 13,000 square foot Mediterranean Italianate “bungalow” with tile roofs, stucco walls, a Palladian entrance, and elaborate detailing. Originally built as a resort to attract visitors from the east coast, the Maxwell House is the current home of the Western Justice Center (WJC), as well as a popular meeting and event venue. The Living Room, Dining Room, Patio and Library are intimate settings for smaller meetings and corporate events.

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Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter COMMUNITY

Needed: Enthusiastic

CARES

and helpful

members

Join our community outreach team: MPISCC Cares!

who want to

We are seeking volunteers who are looking to provide their skills (or find new ones!) as we work together on services projects and outreach events that benefit the community. Volunteer options are: committee member or volunteer team.

have fun while helping

MPISCC

the community!

MPISCC Community Projects for SUMMER 2015 Special Olympics: World Games July 25-August 2, 2015 The world is coming and it needs fans! We are recruiting for our fans-in-the-stands MPISCC days. Joins us as we come together to cheer on amazing athletes from all over the world who are coming together in the name of friendly competition! Sponsors are also needed to donate water and snacks to keep our MPISCC cheer squad hydrated and full of energy! Interested? Contact Rosa: rosa.navas@laopinion.com Dress For Success Clothing Drive August meeting We are partnering with Dress for Success, an organization that promotes economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire for job interviews, and the workplace. You are encouraged to bring gently-used women’s business apparel to the August meeting. Other clothing is also be welcome and will be donated to the L.A. Mission. Are you interested in assisting to sort the goods at the meeting? Contact Winnie: winnie.tayzon@westinbonaventure.com

MPISCC Community Projects for FALL 2015 Canned Food Drive November fundraising event Food items will be given to the Los Angeles Mission Thanksgiving at LA Mission November 2015 Help serve tasty, nutritious meals to Los Angeles’ homeless.

Stay tuned for details.

Our recent accomplishments: On Earth Day in April we partnered with LA Works for a Day of Service at Rubio Canyon in Altadena, California. We removed invasive plant species as part of a restoration project.

Join us good work and great fun! Get in touch with either: Rosa Navas: rosa.navas@laopinion.com Winnie Tayzon: winnie.tayzon@westinbonaventure.com

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INTERCOM | Volume 116 | July/August 2015

MPISCC MEMBERS ARE A

TARGETED AUDIENCE REACH THEM ON FOUR PLATFORMS DEDICATED EMAIL BLASTS with an average 20% open rate $750/BLAST

PRINT + DIGITAL ADS in Intercom 6x/year Starting at $395

MAILING LABELS

for your direct mail campaigns Only $125/set

BANNER ADS

in monthly STATS eblasts Starting at $630

Get started now!

Visit MPISCC.ORG to download your MPISCC advertising kit!

For more information, contact Director of Strategic Sponsorships, Bryan Quinan: bquinan@milkeninstitute.org

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Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter LEADERSHIP

Take the Lead…Your Way

by Christine Hartman | Ice Hat Creative Vice President of Leadership Development

Make the investment in your personal satisfaction and professional development.

E

very day we have opportunities to be a leader in our family units, our social circles and our professional lives. But what does being a leader look like? I believe it looks different to everyone. This is what the ideal looks like to me: using existing skills and nurturing new ones to help create meaningful change; being ready to talk and willing to listen (and having the sense to know when to do which); and inspiring others to become leaders in their own unique way.

media outlets. Please make sure you are following us on Twitter and Facebook so that you can be part of the conversation! We also plan on integrating leadership-focused speakers throughout the year.

Whether you decide to sit on a committee, contribute as a committee chair, or serve on the Board of Directors, you will find countless ways to teach and to learn. Tammy Dickerson with The Baker Group and Danny Farrell with NYC DJs will be chairing the volunteer recruitment and volunteer care efforts, respectively. We stand ready to work with you to find the volunteer opportunity that fits your time constraints, work schedule and, most importantly, your own leadership goals.

I stressed the word ideal because I do not profess to have achieved this, although it’s certainly what I strive for. My membership in MPI Southern California Chapter has helped me move closer to my ideal. Whatever YOUR vision of leadership may be, MPISCC is here to help you realize that vision by offering leadership development resources and a broad choice of volunteer opportunities.

You have wisely chosen to invest in yourself by being a member of MPI. I encourage you to go deeper with that investment and take the lead for your own personal satisfaction and professional development. You won’t regret it!

The Leadership Development Curriculum Team, chaired

by Jillian Corbets with Hilton Worldwide, will be sharing timely articles and resources primarily through our social

Every person has a longing to be significant; to make a contribution; to be a part of something noble and purposeful.

Connect with Christine: christine@icehatcreative.com

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JOHN MAXWELL

INTERCOM | Volume 116 | July/August 2015 COMING ATTRACTION

MPISCC July Networking Reception July 22, 2015 4:00–7:00 pm Malibu Family Wines watch your email for details

Effective Branding and Visual Design for Festivals, Trade Shows, Conferences, Seminars…and those who create them.

LOGOS & IDENTITY PRINT DESIGN WEB & EMAIL DESIGN SIGNS & BANNERS SOCIAL MEDIA GRAPHICS

Corporate and Event Branding @alvalyn

/AlvalynCreative

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/Alvalyn

/alvalyncreative

www.alvalyn.com alvalyn @ alvalyn.com 805.857.7981

Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

MPISCC CONNECT

Kudos to the Education Team for putting together this creative program! With three different and very diverse groups, we were able to adjust our discussion to each group’s needs. This program gave members an opportunity to share their questions and offer their peers some expert and hands-on options. We discussed event design and solutions to problems that planners (and suppliers) face on any given day. With our industry constantly changing, hearing others discuss integration of audio visual and technology, as well as space limitations and attendee engagement, was very helpful! Let’s use this format again, as everyone felt they had something to offer and many new connections were made. —Gail Emery, CMP

W

e changed up the itinerary as we boarded the Queen Mary in Long Beach for our May program.

Following the opening networking during which attendees were able to schedule one-on-one appointments to share business opportunities, lunch was served buffet style, and the ship’s captain shared about the history and service of the QM. Members and guests participated in round-robin style roundtable discussions on a variety of topics pertinent to the meetings industry: Career and Resume Building, led

by Nicole Newman; AudioVisual for the 21st Century, led

by Christine Hartman; Meeting and Event Tech, led by Bryan Quinan, Small Business Management, facilitated

by David Anderson; Social Media, led by Laura Bergerson; Hotel Sales, headed by Tony Di Raimondo; Staffing & Event Management, led by Steve Copeland; Transportation Services and DMCs, Led by Natalie Hagee, Destination Sales Resources, led by Mariles Krok, and Event Design & Rental Trends, facilitated by Gail Emery.

This program allowed for powerful resource sharing, including discussions about small business management software, podcasts and audio books. We also talked about making the leap from a corporate job to being an independent planner. The discussions were helpful in verbalizing our motivations, inspirations and challenges. It was great connecting with other business owners, which is something many small business owners rarely get a chance to do.

—David Anderson, CMP

The program was fully hosted by the Queen Mary, Long Beach, California.

At our table, “Audiovisual for the 21st Century”, we talked a lot about 3-D video mapping as a potential medium for delivering content, and swapped ideas about new and exciting AV features. We also had some interesting discussions about striking a balance between budget constraints and quality content. We talked about the importance of a team approach between planners, content providers and audiovisual companies in order to make face-to-face meetings an effective investment for companies.

—Christine Hartman

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INTERCOM | Volume 116 | July/August 2015

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Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter

Details Planned Budget Met Audience Engaged Expectations Exceeded

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MPI Intercom Monday, July 21, 2014 2:27:35 PM

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Our designers will create a truly custom show experience for your event. From renderings to reality, your event will be everything you expect and more.

Experienced Technical Specialists Your on-site Technical staff will consist of some of the industries most talented, and specialized Event Technology Professionals.

Relevant Equipment Inventory Luners is constantly updating our equipment inventory to keep up with the fast-paced evolution of Audio Visual technologies.

Budget Friendly Proposals Producing high impact events that stay within budget has been one of secrets to our success. We listen to your financial needs while providing creative solutions.

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Call Today For A No Obligation Proposal

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INTERCOM | Volume 116 | July/August 2015 MPISCC STRATEGIC PARTNERS

Thank You

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