by JAIMIE MATTES, HelmsBriscoe, jmattes@helmsbriscoe.com

Greetings fellow Chapter Members. Here it is, my final President’s Message to you for the 2009-2010 Fiscal Year. It is a bittersweet time for me and it is because of each of you that I feel this way. I want to thank each and every one of you for your support this year in your involvement in the MN Chapter of MPI. We truly have a very special group of people in our chapter. I want to take this time to recognize our big winners from the past year that were recently recognized at our EMPI Awards.

2010 EMPI Winners:

• Meeting / Event of the Year: Honeywell Nobel Initiative - University of Minnesota
  
• Meeting Planner of the Year: Ellie Madsen, RBC Wealth
  
• Supplier of the Year: San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, Kelly Cavers
  
• Best Supporting Company of the Year: Jean Riegelman, Treasure Island Resort & Casino
  
• Outstanding Chapter Member of the Year: Barb Oswell, Odyssey Resorts
  
• Rising Star of the Year: Abigail Weber, Metropolitan Airport Commission
  
• Mentor of the Year: Devie Hagen, Elan Speakers Agency

Scholarship Winners:

• John Cosgrove, WEC Attendance
  
• Nicole French, WEC Attendance
  
• Dianna Fuller, CMP Re-certification
  
• Devie Hagen, WEC Attendance
  
• Nikki Huckstadt, CMP Certification
  
• Daphne Meyers, Monthly Meeting Card Renewal
  
• Julie Ann Schmidt, CMM Scholarship
  
• Tracey Smith, WEC Attendance

And a HUGE Congratulations to the Leadership Development and anyone involved in the Power of Two Initiative for the recent announcement of the MPI RISE Award. This is an incredible honor for our chapter and all involved in the development of the program over the past few years and we are being recognized on a Global Level at the WEC in Vancouver July 24th.

Here is what the Press Release stated:
The RISE Award for Community Achievement in Knowledge and Ideas will be presented to the MPI Minnesota Chapter for its creation and implementation of the ‘Mentoring: Power of 2’ program. The ‘Mentoring: Power of 2’ program, initiated in 2008, allowed mentors and mentees to learn from each other. The program created a two-way conversation between a range of planners and suppliers. It has been highly praised in industry publications and utilizes social media to promote awareness of the program.

Congratulations to Donna Patrick as she begins her reign as the next MPI MN Chapter President. I am proud and honored to support her in the next year. And congratulations to the rest of the new board that was sworn in at the Gala.

Thank you to my Board. You were an amazing group of volunteers to work with. I will value and cherish our friendships we developed over the past year.

And, thank you again Chapter Members. I am proud and honored to have served you. I hope I was able to instill a piece of my industry passion in you going forward.

BE BOLD! BE BRAVE! BE BRILLIANT!

by LISA MARIE BORCHERT, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, lisa.borchert@allianzlife.com

This last June/July edition before our summer break already marks my sixth issue as volunteer editor. My involvement has really helped me meet more people in the organization and in turn, get more out of my membership.

And now that I’ve got my feet under me with this process, I will be continuing on in 2010-2011 as the committee chair for internal communications. As such, I was recently invited to attend the final day of the board retreat. I appreciated this opportunity as I always feel more connected when I know what’s going on. I’m sure that’s true with most of you as well, so hopefully this newsletter is a useful tool in helping you feel connected to the MPI MN chapter.

My email is listed above, as is the email address of each of our contributors above their articles; from the president to membership, a scholarship winner and our sponsorship chair. Each of us would appreciate hearing your thoughts and invite you to contact us if you have feedback.

My questions to you are: What would you like to see us doing differently in the newsletter? What sections do you think we do well and most enjoy reading?

When: Wednesday, June 16, 12:30 PM-6:30 PM
Where: Saint Paul RiverCentre
175 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102
651-265-4875
Map & Directions

Registration and race kick off will be at the St. Paul River Centre and the reception will be at 317 on Rice Park.

Want to make your summer memorable? Join us for The Great MPI MN Race on June 16 in Saint Paul. The afternoon is guaranteed—literally, we have a weather sponsor—to be a lot of fun with your peers.

Teams of eight to ten people will solve clues and find their way around the city, similarly to the television show “The Amazing Race.” Think you know all the trivia about our capital city? Just ask those who participated last year and tried to find a cemetery in the heart of Minneapolis!

Get your good friends (they don’t have to be MPI members) to be on your team. Everyone on a team must register under one person’s name, so make sure they pay you first. <grin> Single registrants will be randomly assigned to incomplete teams. Registration is already open on www.mpimn.org, so get your engines started.

Suppliers: this is a great way to entertain your best clients like you did at the golf tournament. Sponsor a team (or other element of the event) by contacting Nicole French at nfrench@cormarq.com. It’s well worth your marketing dollars to get in front of 100+ racers.

Returning this year as the overall sponsor is the San Diego Convention & Visitors Authority. Expect lots of competition from their hoteliers. Hosting the reception is 317 on Rice. Alright, that’s the only clue you’re going to get. You’ll have to register to get the rest!

See you there!

Click here for more details and to register.

For additional Gala photos and other MPI MN photos, check out our Flickr account!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the 2009 – 2010 sponsors for providing wonderful space for our Monthly Meetings, All Team Meeting, New Member Lunches, Speakers, Board Retreats and other services. Our annual budget relies heavily on their generous support, if you now any of them please take the time to thank them. Click here for a complete list by level.

We look forward to working with all the 2010 – 2011 Sponsors. If you would like to host a MPI event please contact the MPI office at office@mpimn.org.

Thank you
Lisa Anne Venne, MPI MN Sponsorship Chair, lVenne@carlsonwagonlit.com

by DAPHNE MEYERS, CMM, Red Barn Group, dmeyers@redbarngroup.com

L: Leadership
Membership has given me the formal leadership skills by being on the board. I have also been able to increase my leadership skills by mentoring a mentee through Mentoring: The Power of 2. Working on the Student Road Show this year made gave me another chance to be introduced to students as a leader they can turn to and how to become leaders themselves.

O: Opportunities
Almost all of my speaking opportunities have come through MPI referrals. I have received a number of consulting business leads from MPI colleagues. When speaking with potentials clients, they are always interested in MPI and its value, and I think it has opened many doors for me.

V: Volunteering
I like that MPI gives me the option of volunteering my time and efforts to support our chapter, be a resource to others and give back to the industry. It is rewarding to feel like I am fueling this vital profession.

E: Education
The educational value that MPI gives is huge! I have earned my CMM, became a Certified Global Trainer, and learned new concepts about how to be a better meeting professional. Through monthly meetings,annual conferences and other offerings from MPI, I always feel like I am gaining new skills and perspectives on issues.

Thanks MPI for all the LOVE you give me!

by DAPHNE MEYERS, CMM, Red Barn Group, dmeyers@redbarngroup.com

Mentoring: Power of 2 is available to all current members of the Minnesota Chapter of MPI. This program matches volunteer mentors from the local chapter with mentees for a three-month commitment. Mentoring is available to members at any stage in their career who are seeking to develop new skills or make progress toward professional goals. The program is intended for career development, and strictly prohibits participants from marketing or soliciting for business reasons. Following are quotes from a current mentor/mentee pairing:

“The program provided a valuable way to connect with another event planner in a friendly atmosphere. I enjoyed exchanging experiences and sharing ideas of ways to accomplish similar tasks. It really is a win-win for both parties.” – Joette Zembal

“Participating in the Power of 2 program gave me a broader perspective on the meetings industry, created a valuable friendship and illustrated the importance of a mentor/mentee relationship.” – Mary Thao

Click here for more details on the Mentoring: Power of 2 program.

by DENISE WOODS, CMP, AGC of Minnesota & MPI MN CMP Chair, Education Committee, dwoods@agcmn.org

1. In order to determine how many people you can comfortably place in a meeting room of 3,000 square feet, set theater style with a head table, you should divide the entire square footage by:

1. 4.25
2. 7.0
3. 8.5
4. 10.0

2. You are planning a meeting for 100 people seated schoolroom style at 18" x 6' tables. In order for all attendees to be seated comfortably, how many tables are needed?

1. 25
2. 34
3. 50
4. 60

Answers

Congratulations to Nicole French with CORMARQ! Her name was drawn from among the many MPI MN members who referred prospective members to our chapter during the 2009-2010 MPI MN year. Nicole has won a Weekend Concert and Entertainment Package from Treasure Island Resort and Casino. Thank you!

Barb Oswell, Odyssey Resorts MPI MN VP of Membership barbo@odysseydev.com

Juli Wagner, The Harrington Company MPI MN Director of Membership juliw@geaps.com

Marnie Fleming, marniefleming@yahoo.com
Corporate Meeting Professional

How have you gotten your past positions?
My network of peers within the meeting industry has had the greatest impact on the positions I’ve held. My first position in the Meeting Industry was at NVIDIA Corporation in Santa Clara, CA, where I was hired as a temporary receptionist. With interest in acquiring a full time position in the marketing department, I kept my eyes open, began building a working relationship with the director, and within two weeks, I was hired as a Tradeshow Coordinator. Little did I know that NVIDIA was about to go public within 1 year, and I was going on the ride of my career! My first tradeshow was in Las Vegas at Comdex with 250,000 attendees. I am grateful for that experience to this day.

What has been your greatest professional challenge?
My greatest professional challenge has been this past year transitioning into a new career in the meeting industry. I am a big advocate of networking or sociograming, as I refer to it, so keeping a positive, enthusiastic attitude, and maintaining my network of MPI connections have proved to be extremely beneficial. In addition, I try to volunteer at industry functions whenever possible.

How long have you been in MPI and what have you learned since becoming a member?
I have been an MPI member for 3 years and enjoy the opportunities immensely. Joining a committee and attending monthly meetings are the most important elements leading to a successful MPI membership. I have been a past co-chair of the PR External Committee and thoroughly enjoyed it.

In 2007, I assisted in creating our chapter’s Student Initiative Committee and served as one of its original members. This past year I took on the role as co-chair and am honored to have played a part in its success.

Though it is more difficult now that I am unemployed, I make it work through a strong network and positive outlook. In addition, MPI Headquarters has been a valuable resource offering assistance to all MPI members.

What is something you would like to share with us about your personal life?
I am a huge John Mayer fan. In early 2004 when I worked at Bound to Be Read bookstore, I won a trip to meet John Mayer on the Ryan Seacrest Show on LIVE TV. Little did I know that I would be introducing him for a live concert as well as being given a signed guitar. It was an amazing; a once in a lifetime experience.

Congratulations to the following members who have been recognized for their continued commitment to MPI MN and who celebrated their monumental anniversary. Thank you for your continued involvement and commitment within our chapter.

June
5 Years – Tera Fox, CHSP, The Saint Paul Hotel
5 Years – Diane Reardon, Oak Ridge, a Dolce Conference Center
20 Years – Tricia Johnson, Brede Exposition Services
20 Years – Patti Meyer, RBC Capital markets

July
5 Years – James Louis, Best Meetings, Inc
5 Years – Bobbi Ann Johnson CMP, Boston Scientific
15 Years – Hanna Werner, MN Continuing Legal Education
15 Years – LuAnn Whitney, Nestle Healthcare Nutrition

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Meeting Professionals International is the association for the global meetings industry and is committed to delivering success for its 21,000 worldwide members by providing innovative professional development, generating industry awareness and creating business development opportunities. Founded in 1972, the Dallas-based organization delivers success through its 68 chapters and clubs in 20 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.mpiweb.org.

Minnesota Chapter Office
1821 University Ave. W., Ste S256 | St. Paul, MN 55104-2897
651-917-6243 | Fax: 651-917-1835 | office@mpimn.org | www.mpimn.org

International Headquarters
3030 LBJ Freeway, Ste 1700 | Dallas, TX 75234-2759
972-702-3000 | Fax: 972-702-3000 | www.mpiweb.org

Meeting of the Minds is the official publication of the Meeting Professionals International Minnesota Chapter and is published 11 times yearly. Statements of fact and opinion within this newsletter are the responsibility of individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the officers or members of MPI. Articles submitted are subject to editorial revisions.

Articles for Meeting of the Minds are always due on the fourth Wednesday of the month prior to distribution, and articles for News Notes are always due on the first Thursday of the distribution month.

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