november 2011
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President’s Message
 by SUE DALY, CMP, Aon Service Corporation, sue.daly@aon.com
I recently heard Seth Mattison speak at an event. Seth has spoken at WEC and was one of our speakers at the Joint All Day Education Conference with the Wisconsin Chapter last November. He is an expert in understanding the generations, what has influenced them and how they interact in the workplace. Regardless of the generation, whether you are a Baby Boomer, a Gen X, Millennial or Traditionalist we are striving for the same things in the organizations we work for and the associations we are involved, like MPI. How we view those opportunities presented to us may differ largely based on the overall experiences our generation had while we were young, one of those experiences being technology. I would venture that we all want to gain knowledge to enhance our job performance, we want valuable connections at work and when we volunteer: we want to make a difference. The differences between the generations are also our opportunity to learn from each other. Whether at work or MPI, there is a diverse population based on age with a wealth of information and knowledge that is just waiting to be shared. At the event where Seth spoke, we sat in groups of eight. He organized a game for us where he played the first few bars of music and as a table we had to write down the name of the songs. He played music from the 1940’s through 2011. Guess which table did the best? You got it, the table with someone from each generation.
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What comes easy to a Millennial may not come easy to a Baby Boomer as I recently realized when I attended a chapter communication's committee meeting. As Shawn Augustine who heads up Social Media for our chapter shared what she was doing on LinkedIN, Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, YouTube and video, I realized I need to get more involved in social media. I encourage those of you, who like me, are not communicating regularly through social media to start this month. Start with commenting on the articles in this newsletter or check out MPI MN's Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIN pages which are linked from this newsletter. We should be leading the use of social meetings at our company meetings and MPI is a great place to start.
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Editor’s Note
 by SUSAN BORMANN, CMP, International Dairy Queen, Inc., susan.bormann@idq.com
October is a month of change. We see changes in our landscape as the trees become barren and the colors segue to shades of brown. Our evenings become shorter as the sun sets by dinner time. The temperature is cooler and we must look for a jacket as we head out the door. So many changes! But I believe change is positive, that anyone can change (you're never too old or too young), and there are always ways to make change easier. It's time to learn one of life's most important skills: how to navigate change. Change may lead you to new people, help you develop a stronger faith and belief in yourself, give you new opportunities, or inspire you to live a healthier life. So many of us never change unless we are challenged. Do you know why that is? We stay in our comfort zones because fear of the unknown keeps us from embracing change. One of the quickest ways to embrace change and move through it is to surround yourself with a team of supportive people. That group of people can be found in our MPI MN Chapter.
Each month we are challenged to expand our current way of thinking about our jobs and implement changes to doing things the same old way. In October we learned more about CSR and Green Meeting Metrics. We’ve had basic education in what we should be doing to green our meetings, but the challenge was, where do we go from here? I hope you came away with some ideas you can implement in your meetings going forward. In November we will join hospitality industry attorneys Jonathan Howe (who represents meeting groups) and Steve Rudner (who represents hotels) as they debate today’s hot contract issues. Embracing change can bring so many new, positive things into our lives and into our careers.
Think about one thing you can change personally, and one thing you can change professionally during the next 30 days. You cannot change anything until you make the decision to try. I plan get started right away. Good luck!
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Paint-Me-Up! for Tubman, Community Outreach project
9:00AM - 12:00PM
Harriet Tubman
1725 Monastery Way
Maplewood, MN 55109
The Community Outreach Committee, along with our 2011 charity, Tubman, would like to announce our first volunteer opportunity of the year: Paint-Me-Up! This three-hour session is scheduled for Saturday, November 5, 2011, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Harriet Tubman Center East.
Tubman
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We need individuals and groups to assist with interior painting. Some previous painting experience is necessary. If you weren’t born with the painting gene, don’t fret; we need drop cloth support, taping specialists, ladder technicians, and electric cover taker-offers.
If you can donate your time for this cause, there will be a signup sheet at the monthly meetings at the Community Outreach table. Alternatively, you can e-mail Julie Giorgio or Jean Makowski.
Learn more
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Membership Orientation
11:30AM - 1:15PM
Pinstripes
3849 Gallagher Dr.
Edina, MN 55435
Learn about the benefits membership affords you, meet MPI leaders and members galore, and enjoy lunch compliments of Pinstripes. Watch for your invitation and put this membership orientation on your calendar- you won’t want to miss it.
Learn more
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MPI MN November Monthly Meeting
11:00AM - 1:30PM
Chanhassen Dinner Theater
501 W 78th St
Chanhassen, MN 55317
952-934-1500
Point/Counter-Point: The Lawyers Debate Today’s Hottest Contract Issues
Ever been curious about the conversations that take place between lawyers who represent groups in connection with meeting contracts and lawyers who represent hotels? What are the key issues and the respective positions? And how do planners and suppliers overcome contentious issues like rate protection, attrition, and cancellation? Join hospitality industry attorneys Jonathan Howe (who represents meeting groups) and Steve Rudner (who represents hotels) as they debate today’s hot contract issues. Don’t miss this lively and informative session!
Learn more
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MPI MN Holiday Celebration
11:00AM - 2:00PM
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington - Minneapolis South
You are invited to join your MPI colleagues on Wednesday, December 14 to kick off the Holiday season at the annual MPI MN Holiday Celebration featuring our Silent and Live Auctions! EXCITING NEWS – this year we are continuing an ONLINE AUCTION available prior to the event in addition to the Live and Silent Auctions held December 14th! Donating to the auction will give you a chance to showcase your organization, product, services or even personal talents to our members and beyond. We will promote the auctions through a variety of social media campaigns. Some of the top donated items will be offered in the LIVE AUCTION on the day of the party. Click here to download the donation form.
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It's membership renewal time for me
 by BRENDA ERICKSON, CMP, berickson10@comcast.net
It’s membership renewal time for me.
As an independent planner, my hands are in many varied projects with clients in companies and not-for-profit organizations, large and small. Also as an independent, I pay for my own membership and meeting fees. And you know, I find it easier every year to punch in the credit card numbers. Last night I did it again.
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On the renewal form, we’re asked to list in order of importance our reasons for joining MPI. The three choices are connected, smarter, successful. I don’t know about the grammar, but I agree completely that’s what I get with membership: people, skills and a better life.
To learn more about what your membership means and how you benefit from joining, come to the Membership Orientation Luncheon on Wednesday, November 9 at Pinstripes in Edina. Click here to register pronto. Space is limited.
Our international organization added another enticement to re-up. Every week a drawing is held from renewals submitted the previous week. The winner can choose from a complimentary registration for EMEC (European Meetings & Events Conference), January 29-31 in Budapest, or WEC (World Education Conference), July 28-31, 2012 in St. Louis, or a year’s membership extension.
I’m now in the renewed pot and due for a win.
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Membership Notes
Re-certification Anxiety?
Get relief from the nagging feeling you’re pressed for points to recertify your professional credentials. Check out MPI’s Professional Development on Demand and feel better fast.
International’s November Incentive
Renew in November and be entered in the drawing of the week. The valuable prize is winner’s choice of EMEC or WEC registration or a one-year membership extension. That’s one a week and four a month. Not bad odds!
Click here to renew your membership.
Guests: Half Price for November and January Monthly Meetings
Bring your boss, your colleagues, and your curious nephew to MPI MN meetings for half the regular price, only $22.50, students $7.50. Click here for more details and to register.
Scholarships for Planners AND Suppliers
Really! There’s a wealth of information here at MPI International. Read on and learn about how you might benefit.
Another Winner!
Heidi Hanson of Grandview Lodge won the October referral drawing of a $50 certificate to Cooks on Crocus Hill. Membership’s prizes are always part of our “Buy MPI” initiative.
And don’t forget “Buy MPI” when you cast your ballot
Voting is open for Minnesota Meetings + Events’ 10th Annual Best Of Readers’ Choice Awards! Cast your vote for your favorite MPI MN catering company, florist, hotel, historic venue, resort, entertainment agency/performer, event décor provider, golf venue and more today. Every single winner in the annual Readers' Choice award campaign is hand-picked by the meeting and event planners and the suppliers who read Minnesota Meetings + Events magazine—in other words, YOU! The Best Of awards are designed to honor the cream of the crop in the regional meetings and events industry. Every vote in each category is influential and important, so please take a moment to support your favorite MPI supplier by voting here!
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Leaders of the Month
  One of the efforts of the Leadership Development Committee is to recognize everyday leaders within the chapter. These leaders among us are people who go above and beyond to make sure our chapter goals and objectives are met or exceeded. This month we recognize the Co-Chairs of Emerging Leaders Melissa Deming, Director of Events & Marketing at Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce and Clinton Greenebaum, Local Hotel Sales & Marketing Trainer at AmericInn Lodge and Suite. They were nominated by Gretchen Harrington, Business Development Director at MotivAction and MPI MN Director of Leadership Development, who had this to say about their leadership abilities:
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Melissa and Clinton have done an outstanding job kicking off the Emerging Leaders program. They successfully secured speakers for all four Emerging Leaders by August 1. Additionally, they secured a videographer for each Emerging Leaders program and worked with MPI International to have the videos posted on the international website for learning opportunities. We are grateful to have such strong leaders on the Leadership Development team. For more information about the Emerging Leaders program click here.
Each receive at $50 Target Gift card sponsored by Catherine McKenna of Peabody Hotels.
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Board Profile: Stephanie Ripley
by TAMMY OLSON, Event Planner DJO Global, Inc, Tammy.Olson@djoglobal.com
Welcome to a new membership year. Hopefully you were able to attend a meeting in August, September or October to reconnect with your colleagues and meet some new contacts. As you will see in the Board Member Profile below, the new Education Director has a thing or two to say about making the effort to meet new people in our industry.
Stephanie Ripley will be stepping into the role of Director of Education this year. Stephanie, who has been a member for about eight years, joined MPI MN because she likes being active in the industry. About two years after joining MPI MN, Stephanie became involved with the Education committee and has remained active ever since, including two years as the KnowledgeQuest chairman.
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In addition to her work with the Education Committee, Stephanie has participated in other chapter activities. As one of the first pairings in the award-winning Power of 2 program, Stephanie was mentored by Sue Daly, a relationship that continues to influence Stephanie’s development. Also, when she was preparing to take the CMP exam, Stephanie participated in the CMP Boot Camp. After she passed the test, she returned the next year as one of the instructors. Obviously, there is a strong sense of “giving back” that drives Stephanie’s involvement in the chapter.
Not only has this involvement offered Stephanie the chance to lend her time and talent in several volunteer capacities, but it has also led to her most recent employment opportunity. Not long after being laid off from her previous employer, Stephanie was approached by an industry contact who had gained visibility to Stephanie’s capabilities through MPI. This contact needed to fill a position within her organization and from witnessing the outcomes of Stephanie’s efforts on volunteer projects she knew that Stephanie had the right skill set to be considered for the job.
As for the new challenge of joining the Board of Directors, Stephanie says she is most looking forward to gaining a better understanding of the mechanics of our chapter. Despite her long and varied involvement, she is eager to understand what goes on “behind the scenes” and developing new leadership skills.
When asked for words of encouragement to new members, Stephanie actually has some advice for veteran members, “When attending a Chapter event, set a goal to introduce yourself to somebody you’ve never met before.” And to anybody still on the fence about the value of committee involvement she says, “Jump in and do it. It might be hard at first, but you’ll never meet anybody if you don’t make the effort.”
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Sponsor Profile: What’s New at Ramada Mall of America
by TAMMY OLSON, Event Planner DJO Global, Inc, Tammy.Olson@djoglobal.com
 Ask people what they know about the Ramada Mall of America and you may get a blank stare. Ask them what they know about the Thunderbird Hotel and they’ll probably break into a big smile and tell you their own personal Thunderbird story. Well, it’s about time for a new story and this time it’s about the conversion and improvements that have been made at the former Thunderbird, which was re-branded a Ramada in 2006. Director of Sales at the Ramada Mall of America, Joan Hane, is eager to talk about what’s new, such as the very popular “Backyard” and what has stayed the same, like the experienced and attentive staff.
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There is a high degree of loyalty to this property from both guests and staff. Host to a wide variety of meeting types from family reunions and weddings to corporate meetings, the Ramada MOA enjoys a remarkable volume of repeat business. Even so, Joan is quick to point out that there have been significant upgrades to make this property attractive to the most demanding of planners. Enhancements to technology include on-site AV support who are prepared to offer solutions and work with planners to ensure meetings aren’t derailed by tech glitches. Décor has been brightened with a de-emphasis on artifacts and taxidermy. The totem pole still stands in the “Backyard”; however, once you step past this icon, it becomes clear why this courtyard space is so popular. Fire pits with casual seating, decorative outdoor lighting, and a full bar alongside the pool invite guests to sit back and enjoy the outdoors. All of this in a setting that belies the proximity of the largest mall in the nation and a major international airport.
This accessibility is one of the characteristics that Joan appreciates most about the Ramada Mall of America. “I love the fast pace of working in an airport property and meeting people from all over the world. The Mall of America is a vacation destination that still draws millions of travelers to Minnesota every year.” In spite of all the hustle and bustle, the Ramada Mall of America maintains a familiar, friendly feel that is valued by both repeat and brand new guests alike.
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Up Close Profiles
EMPI Winner: Meeting/Event of the Year
 Michael Bergman, Managing Director, HelmsBriscoe
What does winning an EMPI mean to you?
When HelmsBriscoe was awarded Meeting/Event of the Year it was perhaps most exciting to me because it bestowed an honor on me personally, and to all of the individuals and organizations that played a role in the event. The reality is, without the support of key partners – Integrity Incentives, Minneapolis Convention Center, Kelber Catering, metroConnections, and Brede Expositions – this event would not have been possible.
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Where do you display your award?
Since last week the trophy has a nice new home! I home-office and this past weekend had my office redesigned and remodeled. I have a great bookshelf that goes nearly to the ceiling and have the award prominently displayed atop. It evokes questions from friends outside the industry and family. They want to hear what it’s all about.
What are you most proud of in your life?
This is a pretty deep off-topic question, but not one I had to think about for long. My family and my friends mean the world to me and I’m most proud of the relationships I have built and share with those I love. My parents, brother and sister, and I live in Minneapolis and are quite close – I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world. As more of an introverted person (which might come as a shock to some) I have a small but close group of friends, I treasure each one and the relationships we share. I’m also proud of my accomplishments personally and professionally.
A few highlights of the event...
This event was born with the vision of giving back to the community while celebrating partnerships. For HelmsBriscoe, that includes our team of associates, the clients we represent, and the supplier partners we work with. Each year we hold a couple events for our clients. I wanted this to be different so each individual could feel like they walked away and made a difference in someone’s life.
We raised funds from partner organizations - Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels, Canadian Tourism Commission, Fairmont|Raffles|Swissôtel, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Caesar’s Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau, Travel Alberta Canada, The Ritz Carlton Company, The Venetian|The Palazzo, and Minneapolis Marriott.
With this support, and the vision of Lucy Eisele of Integrity Incentives, we created give-back projects for a number of local charities, enlisting our clients and partners to make a difference. The charitable organizations impacted were The Family Partnership, Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery, Twin Cities Boys and Girls Club, Second Harvest Food Shelf, Habitat for Humanity, Operation MN Nice, and Earl Brown Elementary School.
Watch for an update on the 2011 version of the event. Last year’s success fuels excitement for a similar event this November.
Planner
 Debbie Friedman-Hueller, M.A., CMP, University Event Buyer/Planner, Walden University
How long have you been a member of MPI?
Just over two years.
Why did you join MPI?
After learning that there was a whole community of meeting professionals that could help me learn and grow in this industry, I had to join MPI. Each month I’m afforded the opportunity to learn new ideas, strategies, and trends that I take back to my own organization. And, of course, the networking with like-minded professionals can’t be beat. I’ve established great relationships, both personally and professionally, through my time with MPI.
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What are your favorite pass-time activities?
I love dancing, riding my bike around the lakes, playing with my dog, a beagle named Schnapps, and watching Law and Order: SVU marathons with my husband.
How long have you been in the meetings industry?
I’ve been in the industry just over six years.
How did you get involved in the meetings industry?
I got into meetings and events by pure happenstance! I was quite involved with event planning on my college campus (Hamline University, St. Paul) and didn’t know that I could make my passion for creating fun social events for peers into a career. It wasn’t until my advisor recommended I do a job shadow with an event management company in the cities that I realized my hobby would become my lifelong career. Shortly after I graduated I found Walden University, an online university that offers face-to-face learning and networking events for students with many wonderful opportunities to hone my meeting and event planning, management, and production skills.
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Member Anniversaries
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.
- Margot Dell Zweber, Visit Saint Paul - 5 years
- Rosealee Lee, CAE CM, The Institute of Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship - 5 years
- Belinda Muehlbauer, Carlson Wagonlit Travel - 5 years
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New and Renewing Members
New Members
Please welcome these new members of MPI MN, who have joined since the last newsletter. Check the MPI online directory for full contact information. |
Jolene Browning
Sales Director
Transcabo MI.
Mary Engle
Manager, Program and Events
Columbia Management
Heather Johnson
Sales Coordinator
Alice Olson
Corporate Sales Representative
Midway Party Rental
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Alicia Olson
Sales Manager
Hilton Minneapolis
Jennifer Seidl
Meeting Logistics Coordinator
Data Sciences International
Brett Tompkins
Professional Services Account Managerc
Ann Wellmuth
President
Group Ventures |
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REnEWING Members
Please welcome these returning members of MPI MN, who have renewed since the last newsletter. Check the MPI online directory for full contact information. |
Marilyn Benson
Project Coordinator III
Medtronic, Inc.
Maggie Bloom
Margot Dell Zweber
National Account Executive
Visit Saint Paul
Melissa Deming
Director, Events & Marketing
Twin Cities North Chamber of Com.
Brenda Erickson, CMP
Meeting and Event Planner
Erickson Works
Kathleen Haase, CMP
Group Manager
Boston Scientific
Gretchen Harrington
Business Development Director
MotivAction
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Michele McFeters
Group Sales Manager
Breezy Point Resort
Jean Riegelman
Account Executive
Treasure Island Resort & Casino
Ann Ruehling
Event Consultant
Ann M. Ruehling, LLC
Tim Samuelson
President
Promotion Select
Brittany Scott
Marketing Associate
Sarah Smith-Larkin
Sales and Marketing
Brackett's Crossing Country Club
Stephen Sorenson
Director, Business Devlopment
Landry & Kling Cruise Event Services |
Jane Stacy
Meeting and Event Planner
Lory Taylor
Meeting Planner
Travel Leaders Franchise Group
Jan Tolle MacDonald, CMP, CMM, CTC
Business Development Director, Midwest USA
Travel Alberta
Mary Jo Vandendriessche
Executive Administrative Assistance
The Schwan Food Company
Lizabeth Vardaman, CMP CMM
Manager, Events & Conventions
Jostens
Jim Zimmerman
President
Zimmerman Group
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October Meeting Recap
by ANNETTE BELDING, Corporate and Conference Sales Manager, Minneapolis Northwest, Annette@mplsnw.com
 Even though there was a chill in the air, our October meeting started with a warming networking session that was filled with friendship and camaraderie. Then Myrtle Beach Convention and Visitor Bureau, Hotels and Convention Center left us yearning to be on the beach with a wonderful presentation of their area. This was certainly not fair on a chilly fall day in Minneapolis.
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On the subject of being GREEN (not referring to Kermit the Frog) our speaker Amanda Gourgue from Meeting Revolution gave a presentation on ways we could save, become more responsible and provide ROI backup to making more of our events GREEN. Amanda Gourgue is a revolutionist! She has a passion to reduce the shocking amount of waste that the meetings industry continually pumps into our landfills at an alarming rate. Her ongoing mission is to educate meeting planners and suppliers, who in turn can educate their companies, on how to be as GREEN as possible. Amanda guided us through accountability & authenticity, sustainability policies, and ROI. She challenged each member, as a commitment to this cause, to make sure our companies have a GREEN Team. Does yours?
After the presentation, our members were able to experience an example of a CSR project where we assembled care bags for families in crisis who are seeking help from Tubman. Each bag was filled with shampoo, conditioners, chap stick, toothbrush and tooth paste, floss, deodorant, body lotion and soap. Our donations came from area hotels, dentist offices and communities businesses. We would like to thank all those that helped with this project.
Check out photos from the October Meeting on our Flickr page!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
Laura Webb
Papilio Photography, LLC
Office: 612.501.2878
Fax: 612.821.9013
Email: laura@papiliophotography.com
Official Website: www.papiliophotography.com
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New CMP Certifications
Advertisement
Congratulations to our chapter members who recently passed the CMP exam:
- Jennifer Dorholt, CMP - Carlson Companies
- Nikki Huckstadt McLain, CMP - Carlson Wagonlit Travel
- Linda Kilcher, CMP - Independent
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CMP Boot Camp
8:00AM - 5:30PM
Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West
3131 Campus Dr
Plymouth, MN 55441
MPI Minnesota will again offer its successful CMP Boot Camp. This program will be held Friday, November 4 – Saturday, November 5, 2011, at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West in Plymouth. This course is an intensive two-day review of the CMP materials, designed to equip participants with tools and skills to study for and pass the CMP test.
Learn more
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CMP Questons: Exhibits
by DENISE WOODS, CMP, AGC of Minnesota & MPI MN CMP Chair, Education Committee, dwoods@agcmn.org
- You are asked to design the exhibit floor for your association. The exhibit hall is 570,000 gross square feet (gsf), column free. The association requires 15,000 gsf for a job placement service, 30,000 gsf for an exhibitor lounge, 100,000 gsf for poster sessions. What is the maximum number of 10'x10' exhibit booths that can be accommodated?
- 1000
- 1125
- 2000
- 2125
- Total gross square footage for booth and aisles is:
- total gross square footage divided by 2
- net square footage divided by 2
- net square footage of booths x 2
- total square footage plus square footage for services
Answers
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International Standards Now Available
The Convention Industry Council (CIC), which oversees the CMP designation, has released the CMP International Standards (CMP-IS). The Standards replace the current Blueprint and are the new foundation for determining continuing education clock hours. The Standards must be referenced on applications submitted beginning with the July 2012 exam as well as recertification applications completed in 2012 and beyond. The Standards can be downloaded at http://www.conventionindustry.org/CMP/CMPIS/CMPISDOC.aspx.
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MPI RISE Awards: Answer the Calling!
by MICHAEL E BERGMAN, Managing Director, HelmsBriscoe, mbergman@helmsbriscoe.com
Each year around this time, MPI International begins accepting nominations for the annual RISE awards. Some of you are quite familiar with this process as the Minnesota Chapter has been a recipient of these prestigious awards in the past. I’ve had the honor to serve on a panel of International judges for the RISE awards for the past 3 years. I’d like to take this opportunity to share award details with you, how the process works, and ultimately encourage you to nominate a peer for these prestigious accolades.
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The awards offered each year are broken down into 7 different categories:
Young Professional Achievement: Recognizing an individual 30 years of age or less with 5 or less years of experience that has made outstanding contributions to the industry.
Meeting Industry Leadership: Awarded to an individual who by visionary hard work and creative insight has positively changed the global meetings and events industry.
Member of the Year: Awarded to an exceptional MPI member who through their volunteer efforts has demonstrated unabated commitment to a chapter, community or region.
Community Achievement in Knowledge and Ideas: This award recognizes chapters and other communities for demonstrated achievement in making human connections through knowledge and ideas.
Community Achievement in Marketplace Excellence: This award recognizes chapters and other communities for demonstrated achievement in providing business opportunities for members.
Community – Emerging Excellence: Recognizing exceptional achievement of chapters and other communities within two years of inception including exemplary results in strategic direction, innovative initiatives, and member engagement.
Organizational Achievement: This award acknowledges the transformational impact an organization has envisioned and achieved. The organization will have exhibited leadership to advance organizational strategy, drive business results or create change; using meetings and events.
After nominations are submitted and the formal entries received, the judging panel meets to weigh qualified submissions based on an objective point system. Each submission is weighed on its own merits as opposed to being specifically compared to those submitted within the same category; this process ensures that each submission is fairly judged. The process is far less subjective than one might speculate. Before a candidate completes a submission, they are provided with a few key areas where they must demonstrate specific objectives and outcomes. If I could offer two strong pieces of advice, it would be to first, review the requirements thoroughly and ensure you are answering each of the questions being asked; and second, ask someone outside of the industry to read the requirements and your own submission. Then use that feedback to craft your final submission.
Winning a RISE award has highlighted the career of a select group of individuals and has given great pride to communities and organizations that have made a transformational impact on the meetings and events industry. I know that many of you deserve to be in this elite group, and I encourage you to apply!
Additional information can be found on the MPI Website at the beginning of November.
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Find your next great speaker at MSAE’s Speakers’ Showcase
Midwest Society of Association Executives (MSAE) is again proud to host the 7th Year of the Speakers Showcase for 2012. See 31 speakers all in one spot at all different price ranges and all different topics to support you in your future speaker needs!
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See what past attendees have to say about the value of your attendance at this special event. Note: All MPI members will receive the MSAE member price for this event taking place at the Crowne Plaza West on Friday, February 24, 2012.
advertisement
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
MPI International has added the YOUR COMMUNITY section to The PULSE (the MPI International newsletter) so that announcements of members can be highlighted. If you have member news about promotions, job changes, awards received, or chapter announcements, please send to us and we will forward to the editorial staff for consideration for this section. This is a great way to highlight you as a member and our chapter.
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MPI MN Website and MOTM Newsletter Opportunities
 by LISA ANNE VENNE, MPI MN Advertising Chair, lisavennempi@aol.com
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way of getting the word out on your venue or on services you offer, look no farther. The new advertising structures on the MPI MN website and Meeting of the Minds newsletter offer a great way to reach your meeting industry colleagues.
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Click here for additional details. There are multiple options to fit your budget.
Contact Lisa Anne Venne, MPI MN Advertising Chair, at lisavennempi@aol.com or 763-229-2181 with questions.
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About Meeting Professionals International
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.
International Headquarters
3030 LBJ Freeway, Ste 1700 | Dallas, TX 75234-2759
972-702-3000 | Fax: 972-702-3000 | 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
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About Meeting of the Minds
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.
Advertising opportunities are available!
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