MPISCC Intercom March/April 2014

INTERCOM Designed and Edited by Alvalyn Lundgren | Alvalyn Creative

VOLUME 108 | March/April 2014

EdCon: GATEWAY TO HIGHER EDUCATION

by Bryan Quinan, CMP

T

he three Southern California chapters of MPI have joined forces to bring you the SoCal ECon & Expo (S.E.E.) on April 11, 2014, We have designed the S.E.E. to maximize your ROI by creating a straightforward and concise program culling the industry’s most dynamic speakers and suppliers under one roof. With hot topic educational sessions, networking mixers, and a full exhibitor tradeshow, you will walk away ready to forge ahead!

Volunteer Appreciation

This is an exciting time to be in the industry. As the economy continues to recover, we can anticipate 2014 to be a bit friendlier for the meeting and event planning world while still providing a healthy dose of challenges. How would we thrive otherwise?

Expect to make new connections and brainstorm with likeminded professionals, giving you the tools to impact your career and build your business. Continues on page 5.

Meeting Planning Basics and Beyond is Back!

A Photo Album PAGE 8

PAGE 13 1

Fantastically Cool James Spellos presents the latest and coolest Hot Technologies PAGE 10

Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter

Managing Editor/Design Director Alvalyn Lundgren | Alvalyn Creative alvalyn@alvalyn.com 805-857-7981 Contributing Editor Paulette E. Fontanez, CMP Contributors Heather Mason; Jillian Corbetts, CMP; Geraldine Gatehouse; Audra Narikawa, CMP; Matthew Donegan-Ryan, Patti Wood, Gary Rosenberg, CMP; Bryan Quinan, CMP Photo Credit pp. 8-14: Alvalyn Lundgren INTERCOM is published six times a year by Meeting Professionals International–Southern California Chapter, a nonprofit professional association of meeting planners and suppliers. ©2014.

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/

INTERCOM

108

DESIGN & EDITORIAL

MPISCC

Officers & Directors 2013-2014

IN THIS ISSUE

SoCal EdCon & Expo Gateway to Higher Education

1

President’s Message Passion and Inspiration

3

Insider Tips 4 MONTHxMONTH

4

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

Immediate Past President Larissa Schultz, CMP, MHA LJS Meeting Strategies 310-519-0795 Vice President of Communications Paulette E. Fontanez, CMP PIHRA 310-416-1210 x811 Vice President of Education/Programs Amy Zelinsky, CMP A to Z Special Events 818-646-3445

What Has MPI Done For You? 6 Member Testimonials

Vice President of Finance Mariles Krok, CMP Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board 424-731-7781

Volunteer Appreciation Honor Roll & Photo Album

8

Fantastically Cool 10 January Program Review & Photo Album Meeting Planning Basics & Beyond Three-part seminar series

13

Five Ways to Engage with Mobile Tips for incorporating mobile devices into the event experience

14

Beginning My Journey with IBOD Former MPISCC Board Member goes international with MPI

15

Vice President of Leadership Development Nicole Newman SearchWide 951-640-3745 Vice President of Membership Joe Marcy, CMP Westin Long Beach 310-748-3075 Directors Member Advocacy Jane Mato, CMP Hilton Waikoloa Village 310-523-3896 Strategic Sponsorship Geraldine Gatehouse IMEX America 760-519-3227 Professional Development Shelley Grey, CMP Trust Company of the West 213-244-0579 Monthly Programs Russell Harris, CMP Russell Harris Event Group 818-760-6779 Public Relations and Media Shannon Keany, CMP Keany Events, Inc. 714-655-2366

Mac-n-Cheese & Chili Contest

18

New Member Spotloght

19

New Member Roster

20

An Invitation to Sponsor Members Increase value by volunteering

21

Special Events Bryan Quinan, CMP Milken Institute 310-570-4638

MPISCC’s Sponsor Roster

22

Member Recruitment Akemi Shapiro Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach 805-652-5118

To Advertise

Please direct advertising inquiries to: Jason Soporito | Plan-It Interactive 310-642-0929 jason@interactivegame.com 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.

President Elect Beverly Laing, CMP, CTC The Promotional Edge 310-837-1201

Industry Trends 6 TED: Yep, it’s THAT Good!

The Secret of the Perfect Handshake 16 Establishing rapport

www.mpiscc.org

President David Anderson, CMP Eventive Group 562-438-4834

To Become an MPI Strategic Partner

Please direct sponsorship inquiries to: Geraldine Gatehouse | IMEX 760-519-3227 geraldine-g@cox.net 2

Special Education Joe Martin BDI Events 323-692-0802

Fundraising and Strategic Sponsorship Jason Soporito Plan-it Interactive 310-642-0929 Marketing, Publications and Advertising Emily Swan House of Blues Sunset Strip 323-848-5151 Awards and Recognition DeShawn Wynn, CMP, CMM Wynning Touch Event Design 323-691-2005 Executive Director Debbie Hawkins, CAE, CMP 805-449-9111

INTERCOM | Volume 108 | March/April 2014 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

I

n late January your chapter board of directors gathered in North Hollywood to regroup and recharge for you, our members. It was a fast 24hour meeting, but the duration had little to do with the impactful outcomes and decisions made.

Your board of directors loves our industry, our association and our chapter. The word that comes to mind is “passion,” but it is so much more. Our skin is in the game for so many of the reasons listed above and many others that could fill a phonebook. For me, this industry is not only my career path, but it also defines me (in a good way, of course). What I do fulfills me in countless ways, and hence my desire to help lead our Our board of directors is not some industry to newer, better and higher pastures. nebulous or unapproachable assem- I share these things with you because it is paramount to the blage that makes insulated and uninformed decisions about work that we are doing as the board of directors that you, our your chapter, your association and your membership. On the members, know, care and participate in the final product. It contrary, your board of directors is extremely dedicated, open would be all-for-not if you were dissatisfied or displeased with to suggestion and determined to make your membership in what we are doing, nevertheless, how we would feel finding MPI the best it can be. out our efforts were not fruitful or effective.

Here I intend to illustrate how a small group of 19 people out of 653 members can make a huge difference in your MPI experience. First, we board members are here for our members, because we are members. We joined MPI with expectations and goals, just like you. We pay membership dues annually to support our personal and professional development.

MPI is the vehicle to achieving many of these aspirations. We believe in the organization’s power to affect change in our careers, our industry and our community, and our time, talent and financial investment prove that. We hope our actions and You always have the opportunity to share your thoughts, queswords exemplify these sentiments. tions or concerns with me personally, or any of our board of Secondly, we remember what it was like to attend our first MPI directors. We hope you let your voice be heard in the Chapter event, and we know what it is like to be highly involved. The Satisfaction Survey administered by MPI headquarters, or, the board is made up of relatively new, to decade-plus members. Chapter Needs Assessment administered by MPISCC. Weigh in We represent a broad swath of members, experiences and and speak your mind. It is the only way we can know if the connections. I remember very well my first MPISCC event. I was work we are doing is worthwhile.

We believe in the organization’s power to affect change in our careers, our industry and our community, and our time, talent and financial investment prove that.

pretty terrified. And I continued to struggle meeting people because of my shyness. It wasn’t till I was receptive to new people and experiences that I actually started connecting to the chapter. Your board shares these same stories. They care about you. And we talk about you a lot, because we are just like you.

Personally, I am inspired by our board of directors. They plan and execute all the programs, events, publications, and initiatives that affect your membership every day. Let us know how we are doing, and please know, we do it all for you.

At your service, For the most part, getting on the board of directors is no small coincident or accident. We’ve volunteered on committees and sometimes chaired them. We’ve read the Intercom very closely, and many of us contribute regularly to its content and design.

We’ve sat on infinite conference calls and typed up meeting minutes, action items and infinite emails. All this activity may David Anderson, CMP go generally unnoticed, but trust me, these people give and 2013-2014 MPISCC President do all this above and beyond their day jobs and personal and social lives.

3

Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter

2014MONTHxMONTH

FOR MPISCC MEMBERS

Insider T ps

MARCH EDUCATION

CMP Study Group March 5, 12, 19 | 6:00–9:00 pm | The LA Hotel Downtown

Advocacy Committee Ramped Up Advocacy is one of this year’s board objectives, with the express goal of informing and empowering members about the value of the work we do, as well as communicating the industry’s contribution to the greater business community and economy overall. The Advocacy Committee has been formed and is fast at work finding compelling stories to share with and inspire you. Here’s how you can stay up-todate on the latest from the Advocacy Committee:

OUTREACH

Mac-n-Cheese & Chili Competition March 17 | 6:00 pm | Ronald McDonald House

PAGE 18

MONTHLY PROGRAM & NETWORKING

Risk Management in Uncertain Times March 18 | 11:00 am–2:00 pm Hotel Palomar, West Los Angeles

http://mpiscc.org/resources/industry-advocacy/

NETWORKING

http:/facebook.com/groups search: MPISCC (open to chapter members only)

After 5 with MPI March 19 | 5:15 pm | Various locations throughout SoCal

@MPISCC #meetingsadvocacy

APRIL

Story ideas welcome! Please submit to Advocacy Committee Chair: Stephanie Starr, CMM, CMP: StephanieStarrCMP@gmail.com.

EDUCATION

Hyatt Meeting Planning Basics and Beyond I April 2 | 9:30 am–4:00 pm PAGE 5 Hyatt Regency Westlake Village EDUCATION

MPI Foundation Scholarships

CMP Study Group April 9, 30 | 6:00–9:00 pm | The LA Hotel Downtown

The MPI Foundation fuels the growth and advancement of MPI members by providing them professional development and career opportunities through grants and scholarships.

In recent months, the Foundation has made a strategic shift that will directly benefit MPI members and their professional goals. In the past few years, the Foundation has focused on raising funds primarily for research initiatives. Now, it’s focusing on scholarships and grants for individuals to pursue professional growth such as college degrees, certification, attendance at industry events and more. Please visit the Foundation’s new website at: www.mpiweb.org/foundation.

EDUCATION

SoCal EdCon & Expo April 11 | All Day Sheraton Gateway Hotel Los Angeles

PAGE 1

EDUCATION

Hyatt Meeting Planning Basics and Beyond II April 30 | 9:30 am–4:00 pm PAGE 5 The LA Hotel Downtown MAY EDUCATION

CMP Study Group May 7, 14, 21 | 6:00–9:00 pm | The LA Hotel Downtown

What has MPISCC Done for YOU? Got an MPI story? Share it with us, and you will be be entered into our monthly member drawing. Our goal is to emphasize the value of our organization and reward those who buy within the MPISCC community. All planners, suppliers and students are eligible to win.

MONTHLY PROGRAM & NETWORKING

Ethics: Shades of Gray May 13 | 11:00 am–2:00 pm Location to be announced

Drawings are held at every monthly meeting. Enter before noon the day prior to qualify.

JUNE

Visit the home page at www.mpiscc.org and click on the entry form link.

Hyatt Meeting Planning Basics and Beyond III June 4 | 9:30 am–4:00 pm PAGE 5 Hyatt Regency Century Plaza

EDUCATION

4

INTERCOM | Volume 108 | March/April 2014 COMING ATTRACTIONS

EdCon

GATEWAY TO HIGHER EDUCATION APRIL 11, 2014 SHERATON GATEWAY HOTEL, LOS ANGELES

by Bryan Quinan, CMP Lunch and Expo You evaluated, and we listened. This is a free format for you to mingle and visit suppliers that can help you create your next fabulous event.

Roam the exhibit floor to peruse new products and consider new services.

Rush Hour Reception Instead of sitting in traffic, join in the final mixer of the S.E.E. after the closing keynote session.

Enjoy a glass of a robust red, swap war stories, and make plans to connect with your newly formed event partners. You may even walk away with a prize!

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Continued from page 1.

EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS Technology, Meetings Advocacy, Social Media, and Efficiency We’re honored to present insights from industry professionals featuring key takeaways for your next event: Roger Rickard Your Meetings Mean Business Dean Savoca Technology Lee Silber Quick Thinking Bob Mellinger Disaster Experience Valerie Sparks LinkedIn and Social Selling Kathleen Ronald Clutternomics Lisa Meller Developing an SMM Program Janet Lapp Creating the Mindset for Productive Change Sessions focusing on technology will keep you ahead of the curve, embracing innovations that will help you adapt to the needs of your client and to excel.

Hone your leadership skills by learning to challenge norms, effectively communicate, manage and motivate your team, and successfully collaborate.

Navigate the ins and outs of LinkedIn and social selling. Don’t be left in the dark — find out what successful use of social selling can do for you.

How often have we wished we could be more organized? Take in the Clutternomics breakout session for tips and best practices.

The award-wining Sheraton Gateway Hotel is conveniently located at Los Angeles International Airport, just off the 405 Freeway, and a few short blocks from the Green Line metro station.

With over 55,000 square feet of event space and views of the surrounding city, the Sheraton Gateway Hotel offers the variety of options for a successful and enjoyable event.

For additional information and special accommodations, visit our website at www.mpiscc.org S.E.E. what’s around the corner and register now!

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES Embrace the opportunity to make the most of this confluence of event professionals. Your commitment to success is as easy as attending!

Coffee Chat Registered planners and sponsors will have an opportunity to jolt their systems awake with caffeine and more biz card swapping. Start your morning right with a venti, non-fat, no foam, 6-pump, extra hot, chai tea latte from Starbucks, on-site, and meet your future event collaborators.

5

SoCal EdCon & Expo

Friday, April 11, 2014 All Day Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles 6101 West Century Boulevard Los Angeles International Airport Los Angeles,CA 90045 RSVP: www.mpiscc.org Schedule and registration information to be announced. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for details.

Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter INDUSTRY TRENDS

TED: Yep, it’s THAT good!

AN EVENT STYLE THAT HAS RAISED THE BAR

by Heather Mason | President, A Caspian Production

I

had the very good fortune of attending the TEDWomen conference in San Francisco this past December. It was great for many reasons, inspiration being a big one, but also because I was able to see the magic of TED up close and personal. If you’re like me, you’ve heard many times, from many clients or executives, “We want to be like TED.” At this point, it’s getting old, so a part of me didn’t want it to be that good, that amazing. Well, it was.

looked liked they were allowed to only contain pictures or at most a phrase or two. There were none of the text-packed Powerpoints some of us are used to seeing.

The shortness of the talks (all under 18 mins) meant that every speech was powerful and brief. We’ve probably all seen TED talks online but to see them in person is something even more inspiring. I kept thinking “My kingdom if I could have speakers who would come this prepared!” These are memorized speeches that don’t sound memorized.

Let’s start with the check-in experience. I attach great importance and significance to this part. Mainly because I’m a believer in the doorman theory – that the way a guest is welcomed sets the tone for the rest of their stay. So I pay special attention. The TED welcome was spot on. There were numerous ‘welcomers’ on the way in, who were able to check in my name using an iPad, and as I got to the registration table they welcomed me by name and had my badge in their hands. Nice touch. Of course then being handed an incredible gift bag, and a free pair of TOMS shoes in my size was also quite nice.

My personal favorite was Rupal Patel who spoke about giving people who had lost their ability to speak, like Stephen Hawking, a way to have a unique voice. Apparently there are at most only a couple choices for prosthetic voices, so a seven year-old girl sounds the same as Mr. Hawking, and so do a lot of other people with this condition. Rupal was able to combine a ‘donor voice’ which is someone reading a specific series of sentences over the course of four hours, with the person’s voice box source, generating a unique voice just for them. It’s a touching feat of engineering, creativity and compassion. (And if you’d like to be a donor voice you can go to www.VocaliD.org)

The first night kicked off with a series of In-Conversation style interviews with the last year’s speakers, starting with a video montage of their speech, and then with an interview by a master (one of my personal heroes – Pat Mitchell, CEO of the Paley Media Center). It served to both catch the audience up who had never attended a TEDWomen, and gave the ones who had a reminder and update on where the speakers were now. It set a good tone to put everyone on the same page.

There is something… powerful in letting the most professional among us enjoy ourselves and giggle a little.

The next day was TED perfection, and the reason why we all hear the common refrain to copy them. The set is simply branded, a single large lit TED sign, with a circular red rug in the middle of the stage. The rules are clearly evident. When a speaker is introduced, they take center stage and start in immediately. The opening sentences of the talks are vivid and pull you in. It’s clear that some coaching must have gone into this. There is only one prop allowed and absolutely no notes. The Powerpoints (if that’s what they are – though they played more like .mov files, which is my guess)

One of the things you don’t get to see online are the ‘visual palate cleansers’ that are programmed between speakers–— clever little videos that are often just visual feasts. Some of them had a message, but one was just a series of bouncing balls that for some reason seemed to get funnier as it went. It’s hard to describe, but as an atmosphere-creator, it was brilliant. continues on next page 6

MEET INTERCOM | Volume 108 March/April 2014

But the thing I think l appreciated most was the way the day ended. A speaker by the name Maysoon Zayid, an ArabAmerican comedian, took the stage with a talk entitled, I Have 99 Problems… Palsy Is Just One of Them. As she talked about her journey through life trying to become first an actress, and then a comedian, not only as someone of Arab descent but also one with cerebral palsy, she infused every part of her story with authenticity and humor. She brought down the house with a standing ovation and an audience full of smiles.

SMART Smart is meeting in VenturaCountyWest. We have meeting rooms large and small, hundreds of guest rooms for every budget, and dozens of hotels staffed with meeting experts to help.

Which leads me to why I thought that was an excellent way to end. TED is known for powerful inspiration, innovative ideas and incredible orators. But, the organizers also realize we’re human, and we like to laugh. There is something just as powerful in letting the most professional among us enjoy ourselves and giggle a little.

And when the meetings are over, there are trails to hike and golf to play, wines to taste and stores to shop.

We have 22 miles of inspiring choices, nearly perfect weather, and three uniquely different cities ready to make any meeting extraordinary.

Meet smart - meet in VenturaCountyWest.

(800) 648-2124 venturacountywest.com/meetings

I went into TED knowing I’d be impressed, and I was. Not every conference or event is meant to be TED or even be ‘like TED’ which is the part I was fighting after hearing it so much from clients. But TED is best in class at what they do, an event style that has set a bar and changed the way I think of format and presentations. Hats off to them for that. And I love them even more for leaving me laughing…

What has

MPI Done for YOU?

in et e M

Through networking at the recent MPISCC Fundraiser, I obtained 4 names of possible candidates for an open sales position we have at Visit Huntington Beach. The names were the strongest

Share your story, and you’ll be entered into a monthly drawing for cool stuff.

candidates for the position, even with

Go to our homepage at: www.mpiscc.org, click on the form link, complete the form and send it in.

hospitality industry. Thank you MPISCC

advertising on job posting sites in the for these most valuable connections!

John Ehlenfeldt, CMP | Visit Huntington Beach

7

Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

MPISCC

VOLUNTEER

In December, MPISCC recognized and celebrated its volunteers at a gathering hosted by Loews Hollywood. Great food, great views of the city, friendly conversation, piano stylings and holiday cheer made it a very a special evening.

8

INTERCOM | Volume 108 March/April 2014

APPRECIATION The 2013 Honor Roll of MPISCC Volunteers: Strategic Sponsorship Committee Karen Reis Brigitte Lundrigan Simon Christian Monthly Programs Committee Sondra Wagner Margaret Garcia Mai Hogan Colleen Cavan Natalie Wong Professional Development Committee Tammy Dickerson Chris Clark Haley Powers Libby Zarrahy Installation Committee Larissa Schultz Russell Harris Retreat Committee Lynne Binder Local Area Coordinators Committee Elizabeth Brazil Mai Hogan Nahchey Storer Alyce Bosacki Alicia Williams Eliza Cadavona Travis Pham Menzelle Jacobs Tanya Adams Valerie Moses Advocacy Committee Jennifer Bowen Fundraiser & Advertising Committee Mai Hogan Glenda Damian Morgen Hoffman Kristen Pagdilao Monique Rife Travis Pham Katrina Rodriguez Steven Nguyen Tamera Love Chris Clark

Review Committee David Anderson Elizabeth Brazil Paulette Fontanez Judi Froehlich Debbie Hawkins Mariles Krok Joe Marcy Katie Rodgers Larissa Schultz Patty Stuhff Amy Zelinsky Nicole Newman Geraldine Cox Emily Swan Shannon Keany Awards & Recognition Committee Marisa Di Domenico Hot Leads Committee Ken Tippie Mike Nelson Marisa Di Domenico Danielle Jones Erin Kauffmann Member Care Committee Marisa Di Domenico Tracy Barr Ken Schwenker Volunteer Recruitment Committee Tara Gadsby Ron Havens Student Outreach Committee Amanda Ayres Sacha Tani Win Back Committee Tony DiRaimondo Community Outreach Committee Shang Hur Jin Kim Natalie Wong Warren Press Sylvia Wildfire Winnie Tayzon

To join a committees, start here: www.mpiscc.org/files/2013-2014-VolunteerForm.pdf 9

Social Media Committee Mai Hogan Glenda Damian Selin Demren Carolyn McKenna Ron Owens Marie Jones Kelly Williams Eliza Cadavona Whitney Wilson Nominating Committee Lynn Bynder Laurel Coote Carlos Murillo Ron Havens Steve McLeave Special Events Committee Elaine Bartolome Pat Moore Holly Smith Mary Ellen Eichler Tammy Dickerson Michelle Thornton Christine Hartman Education Committee Christine Hartman Karen Millar Jeff Bergmann David Anderson Ken Tippie Mia McMahon Rachel Clarke Marisa Di Domenico Special Education Committee Serena Villamor Ed Kirby Mike Nelson Tiffany Arnold Danielle Jones Whitney Wilson Thomas Sentell Christina Gibbons Sacha Tani Meredith Churniack Amanda Ayres Gary Rosenberg

Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter TECH TRENDS

MPISCC Monthly Meeting: January 2014

Hot Technologies

by Jillian Corbets, CMP | Hilton Worldwide

COOL!

y l l a c i t s a t Fan

T

echnology pretty much rules the world these days‌ everywhere we go there are more and more devices and gadgets. We use our iPads to read the news and watch YouTube clips; our cars tell us how to parallel park in a tight spot in Santa Monica, and our phones are pretty much our lifeblood. In a world that is so driven by technology, there is obviously going to be tremendous implementation of technology in an innovative industry like the meetings industry. This technology has the ability to greatly enhance our efficiency and effectiveness.

to be taken when a device enters or leaves the geo-fenced area. There are many ways to use this technology within our industry. For example, a geo-fence created around a specific convention center, hotel or ballroom can instantly register users when their devices enter the geo-fence. It can also be used to track attendance at events, including overall attendance at an event, when people exit and enter the geo-fence, and tracking which content areas had the largest audience. It also allows sponsors and exhibitors to send targeted and relevant marketing to people within geo-fences, thus increasing their exposure and return on investment. Geo-fencing is also being used to connect people within the geo-fence even if they are not standing near one another; this increased networking opportunity is great for enhancing event attendance.

At our first MPISCC meeting of 2014, we met in the stylish and elegant ballroom of the SLS Beverly Hills, where Jim Spellos, President of Meeting U., discussed the newest and “fantastically cool� technology tools that are being utilized in the meetings industry.

The second technology tool, native advertising, matches advertising to the form and function of a specific user experience. Some common examples include tailored ads we see on Facebook, Twitter and Google. This kind of advertising is not disruptive, and still gets messaging out there. You can reach

Three tools that are trending and becoming strategically incorporated into our industry are the use of geo-fencing, native advertising and curation. A geo-fence is a virtual perimeter for a real geographic space. This technology allows an action 10

INTERCOM | Volume 108 March/April 2014

your target audience by incorporating your messaging into tools they are already using.

Follow these individuals and use these hashtags to engage in industry dialogue and stay abreast of the latest trends. The website, hashtagify.me, helps you find the best hashtags to reach your desired audience. In short, Twitter is an excellent resource and tool for our industry.

Another new technology trend is content curation. With so much information coming at us, we easily experience information overload. In order to help manage this info assault, many social media applications and websites have implemented curation tools that can help filter and organize your content.

Twitter, for example, allows you to create lists for various categories and follow existing lists. Paper.li is a news curation site where you can find, publish and promote articles, videos and photos across the web based on filters you apply.

Scoop.it is a similar site where you can promote stories you care about and add your own perspective before sharing it with your social media world. These sites are very useful for easily sharing your industry knowledge and expertise with customers and colleagues. The incorporation of geo-fencing, native advertising and curation into your professional life will help you operate more strategically and innovatively.

Another area of technology that we need to be focusing on, says Spellos, is optimizing our websites for mobile devices.

Traditional websites built for viewing on computers are becoming more and more obsolete as more portable devices like tablets and smartphones are introduced into the marketplace.

Responsive web design allows your site to auto-format for all devices. In today’s mobile environment, this is crucial. Make sure your website consistently portrays the experience you want your site visitors to have from all their devices.

Continuing the discussion of marketing, another arena of web technology that has become really valuable is visual marketing. There are many free visual marketing resources online. Pinterest, Instagram and Vine are all outlets to post pictures or short video clips that carry your marketing messages. YouTube is another great resource to enhance marketing. Spellos believes that every company should have a YouTube channel to communicate its marketing messages.

These technology tools are all free and waiting to be used to enhance your company’s visual marketing.

Twitter is really a vortex of content. When something happens, Twitter is the first place that it is discussed. Live Twitter streams are updated faster than news can be reported. The incorporation of hashtags allows these streams to be threaded, connecting us to the most relevant commentary on a subject. Twitter and hashtags are often utilized to engage attendees at conferences and to connect us with current industry happenings.

Technology is continuously evolving and providing us with more options to be creative in achieving results. Staying in step with the latest technology trends and tools allows us to enhance our performance within our industry. From marketing to content development and networking, there are tools to enrich all areas of the meetings industry.

According to Mr. Spellos, there are four people and four hashtags pertaining to our industry that are “must-follows” on Twitter: @jeffhurt, @jenisefryatt, @asegar, @meetingsnet #eventprofs, #eventtech, #mpi, #hybridmeetings

Tech Notes Social Networks Twitter Facebook Google+ Hangouts YouTube

Filtering TwitterLists Hastagify.me IFTTT Rebel Mouse Google Hangouts

Curation Paper.li Scoop.it Pinterest Zite Flipboard

Wallet Replacements Square iBeacon

Meetings SlideKloud Event Pad Nice Meeting

New & Noteworthy Jelly Prijector MeetingPool.net Conferize

11

James Spellos jspellos@meeting-u.com www.meeting-u.com Facebook: meetingu Twitter: @jspellos YouTube: jspellos scoop.it/way-cool-tools

Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter

PHOTO ALBUM

Hot Technologies New Member Orientation, Networking, Luncheon and Program were hosted by the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills

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INTERCOM | Volume 108 March/April 2014 EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

MEETING PLANNING

BASICS AND BEYOND

IS BACK!

by Gary J. Rosenberg, CMP | GJR & Associates

Meeting Planning Basics and Beyond, a three-part educational program sponsored by Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Meeting Professionals International, Southern California Chapter, is back in 2014.

budgeting, strategic management, green meetings, social media, food and beverage, sponsorships and more.

Hyatt Hotels is a Strategic Partner of MPISCC and, for the past 20+ years, has sponsored more than 50 seminars that have reached more than 1,000 planners.

This unique program provides an in-depth overview of not only our industry, but also includes learning objectives beyond meeting planning basics. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from leading industry professionals, consultants, and educators in each of the three-part series.

Topics covered will include site selection, negotiations,

April 2, 2014

Each session requests a $50 donation, $45 for students.

Funds go to support the Gary J. Rosenberg, CMP Scholarship program. A certificate of completion will be given after each session.

Hyatt Regency Westlake Village, 9:30am–4pm Meeting Planning Basics and Beyond I What every meeting professional should know: Goals & Objectives; Working with Stakeholders. Logistics and Ethics. Breakfast, lunch and a behind the scenes tour of the hotel will also be provided.

April 30, 2014

Hyatt Regency Downtown, 9:30am–4pm Meeting Planning Basics and Beyond II Putting your skills to work: Site Selection; Negotiations; Budgets; and Food & Beverage.

Breakfast, lunch and a site inspection of the hotel will be provided.

June 4, 2014

Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, 9:30am-4pm Meeting Planning Basics and Beyond III A look beyond program operations: Strategic Meeting Management; Green Meetings, Social Media; Certification and Scholarships; and Higher Education/Meetings Standards.

Breakfast, lunch and a site inspection of the hotel will be provided.

Go to www.mpiscc.org for more information, including registration, detailed agenda, and speaker biographies.

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Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter TECHNOLOGY TIPS

Five Ways to Engage With Mobile

by Matthew Donegan-Ryan Director of Mobile Strategy Crowd Compass

Y

ou have heard it before—mobile is huge. And it is not just because there will be more mobile devices than there are people by the end of 2013. Or that smartphones and mobile apps are more popular than the Internet.

with your clients. Currently, clients in all parts of the world are increasingly mobile. And, they are using mobile apps to satisfy their needs, accomplish their tasks, and enhance their experiences.

Mobile is huge because it impacts how we search for information and make decisions. It influences where we go and what we do. We are so engrossed in our smartphones because we have come to rely on them beyond their basic functions.

The event planners who succeed with mobile are the ones who know how to leverage it. Sure, they drive growth and increase revenue for the company and its partners. But most importantly, they focus on how to create a great mobile experience and meet the goals of their attendees.

Our smartphones keep us perpetually connected, so it’s no surprise that, on average, a majority of us cannot go a single hour without checking them. More businesses are beginning to realize how these mobile trends are shaping consumer behavior. Employees and clients are using their smartphones for everything—as a tool for productivity, entertainment, communication, and more.

It is time to go beyond Mobile 101. Here are five ways you can drive overall engagement with a mobile app for your event.

1. Brand Building 80% of our smartphone time is spent using apps. 64% of app users view brands with mobile apps more favorably. A mobile app can make or break your reputation. Your app should be a constant source of value to your attendees. If their experience is valuable and memorable, they will feel more connected to your brand and overall mission.

Mobile is being sold hard as a new marketing tool for event planners, for good reason. If you want the organization you work for and believe in to stay relevant, you need to connect

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INTERCOM | Volume 108 | March/April 2014

2. Company culture

the mobile app helps them see more and do more, they become inspired by what they experience and who they meet.

Your mobile app should incentivize people. Over 40% of people use apps to play games and network with people. You can meet these goals by offering an in-app game that also encourages networking between attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors.

5. Integration with other solutions Attendees like mobile apps because they’re simple and convenient. They don’t need to visit multiple places or search too long for what they need.

You want to make it as easy as possible for your attendees.

Offer them an all-in-one solution by picking a mobile app provider that integrates other services (like online registration and ticketing).

3. Push Notifications Your attendees want customized content. And while they’re familiar with receiving text messages from their friends and family, they’ll start to ignore you if your personalized messages to them aren’t timely and relevant. Think of what matters to them and where they might be when they read your notification. The key is to strengthen that one-on-one relationship and make sure they see the app as an ongoing resource.

©Matthew Donegan-Ryan (@MatthewDR), Director of Mobile Strategy for CrowdCompass (@CrowdCompass), the division of Cvent that develops mobile apps for corporate and business events. Matthew is an eight-year event technology veteran and has helped lead two startups to successful acquisitions in the event management space. Matthew is often sought out as a subject matter expert in the mobile apps and social media industries.

4. Inspiring one-on-one meetings It may seem like we’re so consumed with our smartphones, we’re less likely to look up from them, put them down, and network with others at the event. This isn’t the case with a mobile event app. While you want your mobile app to keep your attendees engaged, the goal is to connect your attendees to sessions, to speakers, to exhibitors, and more. Because

MPI International

mdoneganryan@crowdcompass.com

L

ike me, many of you probably do not have much knowledge as to what the MPI International Board of Directors — or IBOD for short — does, or even who they are. Until early in 2013, I didn’t have much of an idea myself.

I had known some of the Chairmen and Chairwomen, like Terri Breining and Michael Dominguez, but had little to no knowledge of the rest of the board.

There are 17 current IBOD members and that includes five on the Executive Committee. Most IBOD members serve either one or three year terms. The Executive Committee consists of the Chair, Chair-elect, Vice Chair of Finance and two other Vice Chairs. The role of the IBOD is to act as a governing body that guides MPI’s strategy while monitoring overall performance. The key is that the IBOD guides the strategy. It was

Beginning my journey with the MPI International Board of Directors

documented and reiterated that the IBOD’s role is to guide and help make decisions in the best interest of the MPI membership, and to stay out of the weeds for how things are accomplished and the details on how to get there.

The IBOD truly needs to remain at a strategic level and then step aside to allow the CEO, Paul Van Deventer, and his team of MPI staff members to take it from there.

It has already been an enlightening and rewarding experience for me. One goal over these next three years is to be a voice for our members and to make positive changes that you and your fellow members will be able to experience and grow from.

As an MPISCC member, I would really like to hear from you on what MPI is doing for you and what it could be doing better. Please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will definitely share your feedback with the IBOD. Thank you, Audra Narikawa, CMP atn@capgroup.com

by Audra Narikawa, CMP

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Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter NETWORKING

the secret of the

Perfect Handshake

by Patti Wood, MA, CSP | Body Language Expert

T

he ritual of the handshake is powerful and rich with symbolic significance. It’s something you do without even thinking about it, and it profoundly affects your relationships: you walk up to another person and shake hands. If you know the rules, you give a firm three-to-five pump handshake in greeting while standing approximately sixteen inches from the person.

In business you greet someone in this manner and then step back to a minimum of two-and-a-half feet distance, with no other touch in the critical first four minutes of the interaction. A handshake allows you to form a first impression of that person or, if you have met them before, to form an impression of them for that interaction.

In Western cultures, handshaking is used to greet another person and “seal” a contract or promise. The handshake is also the quickest, most effective way to establish rapport with another person.

Research in the United States shows it takes an average of three hours of continuous interaction to develop the same level of rapport that you get with a handshake.

Why do you think we shake hands? We shake hands to show that we hold no weapon. It is thought to have started with the Roman arm clasp. One man

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would reach out his right hand, his weapon hand, and clasp just below the elbow of the man he was greeting.

With this greeting neither person could wield a weapon easily. Medieval knights created the shaking part of the handshake because they knew that other knights hid daggers up in their sleeves and that the shaking would dislodge any hidden weapons. So basically handshakes are weapons checks: Are you packing any weapons? Let me check.

Nope. Okay, let’s talk.

This interpretation would also explain why, until quite recently, it was chiefly males who practiced handshaking.

For men a strong grip signifies male bonding through a silent display of competitive power.

But up until recently most men, especially in the South, were taught to wait for the woman to extend her hand because to extend his hand would be making the assumption she was carrying a weapon and that would be a great insult. It used to be that offering one’s hand to a woman would

INTERCOM | Volume 108 | March/April 2014

carry the outrageous implication that the “gentler sex” could also be dangerous.

Things are different now. With the exception of women in Kentucky and Tennessee, women across the country prefer men to extend their hand and give them a handshake. The majority say that when a man does not offer his hand, it makes her feel she is not respected or seen as an equal.

Although the handshake is rapidly becoming an internationally accepted business greeting, Americans shake hands more often than people of other cultures. The handshake can serve as an important verb in your body language vocabulary. Few things can create such an effective first impression as an easily given, gracious handshake. But unless your father took you aside and gave you tips as a teenager, most likely no one told you the ideal way to shake hands.

Based on my research, here is the best way to execute the ‘perfect handshake’

by American standards.

The Perfect Handshake Rise, if seated. That rule used to apply to men only; now women should rise as well. If you remain seated when someone is introduced to you, the communication of personal indifference is unmistakable, not to mention offensive.

The only approved exception to rising to shake hands is if you are eating. If that is the case, you can wait to shake hands until after you are done.

Walk up to the person with confidence.

Keep your head level and your hands at your side. Be sure to keep your hands out of your pockets. Research indicates that we don’t trust people with hands in their pockets. Make sure your right hand is free to shake hands. Always shift any purses, briefcases, papers, beverages or cell phones to your left hand before you begin the greeting.

Smile briefly. Don’t overdo it. If you smile too long or too much, you are perceived as submissive. An overextended smile can create negative impressions, such

as “overeager,” “easily manipulated” or “not intelligent.” Women need to take special care not to overextend the smile as it can reduce personal power and can even be misinterpreted as a sexual come on.

Make eye contact. There is a substantial amount of research showing that good eye contact increases feelings of trust.

Don’t stare, but don’t look at your shoes.

Making eye contact as you approach lets the person know you want to interact.

Men need to extend the eye contact for at least three seconds without blinking or looking away as they shake hands.

Women need to be careful of holding eye contact for more than three to five seconds at a time with men they have not met before. Men may perceive extended eye contact as a sexual advance.

Face the person heart-to-heart. When you stand at an angle and don’t face the person squarely, you are sending the symbolic message that you are not being straight and open. You may look as if you need to protect yourself, you do not like the other person, or you feel the need to reduce the intimacy or the duration of the interaction.

If you have a problem with clammy hands, don’t forget to wipe them on your handkerchief or tissue before you shake hands. And at social functions, carry any iced drinks in your left hand, so your right hand will not be cold and damp when a handshake is called for.

Reach out your right hand and arm across your body to your right. The forcefulness and confidence of the move lets the other person know you not only want to shake hands, you look forward to it.

Make sure the arm goes fully outward as an arm held closely to the body indicates timidity and lack of confidence.

Make sure your hand is straight up with the thumb on top. The thumb on top is symbolic; it indicates that you want equality in your interaction. No one person will dominate. You will respect the other person and expect him or her to respect you.

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Stretch out and open your hand between the thumb and the first finger so that you slide your hand easily into the web of the other person’s hand. Make sure the rest of your fingers are together with your palm flat rather than cupped so your palm can touch their palm.

Make palm-to-palm contact. Open palms symbolically show a desire to be open and honest in your interactions; not giving a person contact with your palm in a handshake is read subliminally as a lack of openness and honesty. It’s why we hate a wimpy or limp handshake. It makes the other person nervous and he or she may wonder what you are hiding.

Once full contact is made, wrap your fingers around the other person’s, put your thumb down gently, lock thumbs and squeeze the hand firmly. The pressure should be equal or at the most slightly more than the pressure you are given.

Never grip the other’s hand in a contest of macho handshaking to see who can hold the hardest or longest. You want to have a firm handshake but the rule is to match the pressure or add no more than two degrees of pressure.

Not surprisingly, recent academic research indicates that a firm handshake that shows strength and vigor with appropriate eye contact length and completeness of grip is related to a favorable first impression.

The handshake is a potent element in communicating your personality and intent. It speaks volumes about who you really are and what you actually think. So smile and reach out your hand for the perfect handshake.

Patti Wood, MA, CSP, is an international speaker and trainer. Since 1982 she has designed and conducted keynote speeches, workshops and seminars for hundreds of companies and national associations. www.PattiWood.net

Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter GIVING BACK

Calling All Chefs!

Mac-n-Cheese and Chili

CONTEST

MPISCC is holding a MAC-N-CHEESE AND CHILI CONTEST on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, 6:00 pm, at the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House next to Children’s Hospital.

We are looking for your best mac-n-cheese and/or chili dishes. The quantity should be enough to serve 15 to 20 people.

Chef-contestants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

As a contestant, you will be volunteering your time, culinary expertise, and food donation. (Hoteliers who would like to bring a large sampling of your chef’s mac-n-cheese or chili, or other donations, are also welcome to volunteer and participate!)

Your entries will be judged by the families at the Ronald McDonald House, who are guests at the house waiting for their children going through difficult medical treatments.

We are also asking for prize donations for the families as we will have special game activities during the event.

And, of course, grand prizes for the Best Mac-nCheese and Best Chili will be announced!

to benefit the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House

To participate as a chef or make other contributions related to this event, please contact Shang Hur at shur@helmsbriscoe.com.

March 17 | 6:00 pm

The Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House provides families with a safe and supportive place to stay while their child undergoes treatment for critical illness or injuries at local hospitals. To date, more than 25,000 families have stayed at the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House during their time of need.

The Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House understands that the needs of families go beyond simply finding a place to stay during their child’s illness. Programs have been designed to focus the attention of children and their parents away from hospital procedures through a wide array of services including weekly parent’s meetings that provide an opportunity to share experiences and fears associated with their child’s illness.

They also provide one-on-one counseling for families and children. This opportunity for families to offer one another emotional support is what makes the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House truly unique.

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INTERCOM | Volume 108 | March/April 2014 NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

KIM BARTLETT

MARICHELLE MALONEY

What was your main reason for joining MPI? Networking.

What prompted you to join MPI? Joining MPI was highly recommended by all of my instructors at the Meeting and Event Certificate Program at CSULB. Each instructor went on an on about how important it was to join MPI and how much it helped them.

What do you hope to gain from being a member of MPI? I hope to gain knowledge about event planning and meet other professionals in the industry. I love that everyone in the industry is so passionate about what they do and really enjoy and love their jobs.

Where do you work? I am a Senior Sales Executive for the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, AZ. I handle the West Coast market for groups with 201+ on peak nights.

What was your first job? My first job was as a receptionist in my father’s construction office. He was definitely the most intimidating boss I have ever had!

How did you get started in the Meetings Industry?

During college (NMSU), I worked in the catering department of our University’s conference center.

What do you enjoy most about the Meetings Industry?

I enjoy the planning and the opportunity to create an event that brings people together – from the inception to the very end, the working out of every detail and then watching the moments where people are having a great time.

What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a veterinarian!

Do you have a favorite vacation spot? I don’t have one!

I love to experience new places and see things I haven’t seen before.

How did you get started in the Meetings Industry?

I started planning my own events, from my wedding to children’s birthday parties, parent’s anniversary parties, Super Bowl parties, School Graduations, Graduation Dinners, corporate events for my employers, I realized that planning events is really something that I enjoy and I am good at it.

Aside from your job/career, what are you most passionate about? I have two beautiful, crazy kids that I am nuts about…Avery (4yr) and Brycen (2yr)!

What advice would you give to a student desiring to get into this industry? Work in the industry! School is crucial, but nothing prepares you for this industry like WORKING in the industry! It gives you an opportunity to learn things they don’t teach you in school!

On a more personal level: Childhood Ambition: I always wanted to be rich and famous! First Job: My first official job was as a receptionist at a law firm. Happiest Moment: The birth of my son, Tommy. Favorite Music: I love Prince, R&B, dance music. Wildest Dream: To plan the Academy Awards and after parties! Happy Place: Home sweet home, my sanctuary. Someone who inspires you: I was very inspired by all of my instructors at Meeting and Event Certification program at CSULB. The instructor that inspired me most was Andrea Michaels of Extraordinary Events. She had so many helpful ideas and speakers at her class, and has had an incredible career as an event planner.

MPISCC

MEMKBOEURTS SPEA

w w.mpiscc eo on the w View the vid home page

.org

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Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

Maureen Akal CTC Destination & Meeting Management makal0361@yahoo.com

Alvalyn Lundgren Alvalyn Creative alvalyn@alvalyn.com

Jim Anderson Southern California Edison Company jim.anderson@sce.com

Lisa Matthew Marriott International lisa.matthews2@marriott.com

Raymond Apodaca Southern California Edison Company raymond.apodaca@sce.com

Jon Michaels Extraordinary Events jmichaels@extraordinaryevents.net

Michelle Baird Hilton Garden Inn Marina del Rey Michelle.renee.baird@gmail.com

Steve Nider SenovvA snider@senovva.com

Herminia Berrueco Hotel Shangri-La herminia@shangrila-hotel.com

Crystal Petersson Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa cpetersson@montereyplazahotel.com

Maria Briones Total Expo, Inc. mbriones@totalexpo.com

Valeria Salazar Discover Torrance Visitors Bureau Valeria@discovertorrance.com

Leah Brown Sofitel Luxury Hotel Los Angeles Leah.BROWN@sofitel.com

DaVida Sonnier Student davidasonnier@gmail.com

Kathryn Carlton Montage Beverly Hills Hotel kcarlton@montagehotels.com

Allen Tate Meeting Professional allen.tate@sodexo.com

Katherine Drewes Trane/Ingersoll Rand - California District kdrewes@trane.com

Yuri Thomas Cascadia Motivation yurit@cascadiamotivation.com

Maria F. Fernandez NALEO Educational Fund mfernandez@naleo.org

Katie Thompson California Science Center Foundation kthompson@cscmail.org

Azadeh Hawkins Pink Taco azadeh@pinktaco.com

Paola Vega Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort paola.vega@hilton.com

Lee Ann Hoshaw San Diego Tourism Authority lhoshaw@sandiego.org

Sandy Wirick Martin Resort sandyw@martinresorts.com

Donina Ifurung Student onhighheelz@gmail.com

Janet Zaldua Marina Del Rey Convention & Visitors Bureau jzaldua@visitmarinadelrey.com

Rachel Katz The Promotional Edge rkatz@tpeinc.com 20

INTERCOM | Volume 108 | March/April 2014 VOLUNTEERING

An Invitation to Our

SPONSOR MEMBERS INCREASING VALUE THROUGH VOLUNTEERING

by Geraldine Gatehouse | IMEX America

A

s the Director of Sponsorships for MPISCC, I would like acknowledge our sponsors who support us in so many ways. Whether your company provides an in-kind sponsorship that provides us with the necessary and cutting-edge components to take our events to the next level, or a cash sponsorship that allows us to increase the level of educational offerings, we could not achieve what we do without each and every one. So, thank you.

Sponsors who become actively involved in the chapter can increase the value of their sponsorship by getting to know more members and gaining visibility for their brand. It is also satisfying to know that your efforts are helping strengthen and grow the chapter, and setting it up for continuing success into the future.

As a member, past committee member, current Board member and sponsor, I have ample opportunities to meet and network with many members, both supplier and planner, that I might not otherwise connect with. My experience with sponsorships gives me knowledge as to how important it is to be aware of sponsor needs, and to meet and exceed those. My job on the board is not only to maintain and expand our sponsor base, but also to educate on the importance of sponsor awareness. The sponsorship team constantly strives to make sure we are doing all we can to maintain sponsor satisfaction and elevate our communications.

As we all know, time is something that is increasingly in short supply. Most of us juggle a myriad of responsibilities and

volunteering is often seen as just one more job to do. While yes, it does take some time, there are many volunteer options that are project-based, requiring just a few hours, and the reward typically exceeds the effort. MPISCC treats volunteering as a privilege ­— a unique opportunity for members to interact with peers, gain industry insights in advance and help inform and shape the goals and results of our chapter’s efforts.

Again, thank you for all your generous support. If you have any questions or want to become involved, please email me at geraldine.gatehouse@ imexexhibitions.com, and I will be more than happy to point you in the appropriate direction.

Join your MPISCC friends for friendly conversation at a location near you.

AFTER 5 WITH MPI Wednesday, March 19 | 5:15–7:00 pm Various locations.

Watch your email for details and RSVP instructions.

Want to host an After Five?

Contact Christine Hartman: christine@icehatcreative.com

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Meeting Professionals International | Southern California Chapter MPISCC SPONSORS

Thank You

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