december 2011
back to top »
President’s Message
 by SUE DALY, CMP, Aon Service Corporation, sue.daly@aon.com
Chapter education is the primary reason that planners join MPI. For suppliers, the key reason is networking. We would all agree that education is an important component to our monthly programs and to our continual growth on industry related topics. Our Chapter Education Committee looks for speaker ideas from our membership, Speakers Bureaus and MPI International’s Speaker Database.
Read more »
In October, our topic was Corporate Social Responsibility and our speaker (who was selected from the MPI International Content Database) came highly recommended from another chapter. According to the surveys you completed after the meeting, we missed the mark on our speaker that month.
Each month, your chapter board reviews the surveys you complete and takes into consideration your comments and suggestions. In addition, your evaluations are compiled and, each month, our chapter receives a “Satisfaction of Educational Programming” score. In August, our score was 4.25; in September, 4.68; in October, 3.19; and in November, our score was 4.78. Our goal is to finish the year with an overall score of 4.18 or above, so overall we are on pace. Our scores are monitored monthly and year to year by International to make sure we are bringing our chapter excellent programming. We do want to hear your suggestions on topics and individual speakers you’d like to see at future meetings. I encourage you to comment below on your suggestions.
A new initiative has been developed by International to create new programs on content that will be available only through MPI. The program is called the MPI Propriety Content Database. This program launches in January and we will be allowed to use two speakers from this database during the following 18 months. Twenty speakers were selected from more than 200 applications. Speakers were required to submit a five-minute video. MPI’s Educational VPs worldwide watched the videos on YouTube and rated them on content and delivery. We’re looking forward to seeing what speakers and topics will be available to us in 2012 and 2013.
If you still have holiday shopping to do and you want to bring some joy to your family and friends, I suggest you bid often at the upcoming Holiday Party and Silent Auction on December 14. All the monies collected go to support our chapter scholarship fund. This fund allows our chapter members to participate in educational opportunities (such as CMP, CMM, WEC, and IMEX) that they otherwise would not be able to attend.
I wish you and your families a joy-filled holiday season.
back to top »
Editor’s Note
by SUSAN BORMANN, CMP, International Dairy Queen, Inc., susan.bormann@idq.com
 Last year, I lost my faithful companion of 16 years, our family dog Ginger, during Christmas week. My mother passed away on New Year’s Day, leaving me without parents for the first Christmas ever. During this time of holiday celebrations, I find myself at a loss about how to go on without people who have always been a part of my life. We explored a new Thanksgiving tradition this year to create a celebration that will start the beginning of new traditions. We were successful in our desire to honor our family as it exists now and move forward in hope and love.
Read more »
This makes me think about all of the kinds of family we have in our lives. We have our nuclear families that provide support and protection from the outside world when we need instantaneous acceptance and a safe place to retreat after a day of work, school, and life in general. We have our neighborhoods, where we can find friendships and the bond of having surrounding blocks of familiar houses and faces that welcome us. We have our cities that provide us places to shop, buy services, and run into a friend or acquaintance from time to time. We have our jobs, where we spend so much of our days interacting with coworkers and business associates. We can find a kind of extended family in these people that share so much of our lives on a daily basis. We also have our MPI MN family we can turn to for support and encouragement as we navigate our careers and expand our knowledge base. We are blessed to have so many places to turn to enhance our lives.
This month, our MPI MN family will gather at the Doubletree Hotel in Bloomington to celebrate our organization and the wonderful year we have had together. Last January, we kicked off 2011 by defining Authentic Leadership. We followed that in February with our traditional morning Roundtables with a variety of topics, and then, in March, we learned to Cool Down by Going Slower. Each month, we’re offered enriching meetings that expand our knowledge and provide professional networking opportunities.
Next year, we’ll offer a new variety of professional education meetings. Take advantage of all that your MPI MN chapter has to offer. Enjoy the holidays with all of the many families you have in your life!
back to top »
Community Outreach Volunteer Opportunity
9:00AM – 12:00PM
Harriet Tubman
1725 Monastery Way
Maplewood, MN 55109
Read more »
Our next volunteer opportunity for Tubman is Saturday, December 10, 2011. You can volunteer at two different locations: Woodbury Peaceful Grove United Methodist Church or Lake Harriet United Methodist Church. You would be assisting with gift bags for there Holiday Gift Program. Please contact Jen Makowski at jmakowski@chrco.com by December 1 if you are interested.
The Paint-Me-Up! Harrient Tubman Center Community Outreach event in November was a success! We needed individuals and groups to assist with interior painting and MPI MN members donated their time for this cause.
Click here to see the photo gallery of last month's activity.
back to top »
MPI MN Holiday Celebration
Read more »
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.
Learn more
back to top »
MPI MN January Monthly Meeting
Read more »
Earn the Right to Lead: How to Expand Your Influence by Increasing Your Credibility
Conventional thinking is wrong. True leadership—the type that inspires people and organizations to achieve more than they could imagine—has very little to do with your position and everything to do with your ability to influence. While you can mandate compliance with your position, the commitment required to achieve amazing results must be volunteered to those who have earned the right to lead.
Isn’t it time to become the leader you’ve always wanted to be? This interactive, high-energy session will provide you with ideas and strategies to become a more effective leader regardless of your position. Come prepared to re-think what it takes to enhance your credibility and influence others.
January is half-price guest month. Bring your boss and use Randy’s presentation to initiate a conversation about growing your own leadership potential. Let your employer know you’re serious about your professional development. Don’t miss this unique opportunity!
Learn more
back to top »
iConnect
Read more »
Don’t forget to save the date for iConnect: Tomorrow’s Solutions for Today’s Meeting Professionals.
Join us for a full day of education, networking, visiting with suppliers and much more! If you’re interested in exhibiting or sponsoring, please contact Steph Pfeilsticker at stephanie.pfeilsticker@thrivent.com.
back to top »
Member Orientation Lunch – Big Success!
This first-time event was attended by more than 70 new members and renewing members on November 9th at Pinstripes to learn more about the benefits MPI MN has to offer. Members spent time networking while enjoying a breathtaking view of Centennial Lakes.
Read more »
The MPI MN board of directors presented information on the history and structure of our chapter, benefits available from the International level, benefits from our chapter directly, and how we interact with our management company. All members were given the tools they need to grow both personally and professionally.
Pinstripes provided a tasty lunch, a great meeting space and generously gave us all a wrist band for a free glass of wine—whenever we stop in!
The next Member Orientation will be held in February, and you won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn more about the benefits your membership provides for you.
Click here to see the full photo gallery of the Orientation.
back to top »
Membership Notes
Recruit and WIN!
Recruit someone who joins MPI MN and you will be entered into our monthly drawing. Prizes are always part of our Buy MPI initiative. You can join the list of the lucky winners:
- November: Nicole Mathes, Ecolab, received a $50 gift card from Parasole.
- October: Heidi Hanson, Grandview Lodge, won a $50 Cooks of Crocus Hill.
- September: Stephanie Pfeilsticker, Thrivent Financial, received a $50 gift card from Parasole.
- August: Ann Margaret Young, Hilton Minneapolis, won a $50 Delta Sky Club gift card.
Read more »
Renew in December for a chance to WIN!
At the end of the month, International will have a drawing out of those who have renewed during December. One person will be selected, globally, to receive a registration for either EMEC or WEC (the member’s choice). Click here to renew your membership.
I am MPI
Visit “I am MPI and I Love What We Do” for another opportunity to continue your networking.
 Scholarships and meeting cards
by BRENDA ERICKSON, CMP, berickson10@comcast.net
MPI MN does recognition well. The scholarship program is one of the ways the chapter rewards members. In May, I received a scholarship for a monthly meeting card—an honor indeed to have my MPI accomplishments recognized by my peers and be able to brag to my old dad.
I picked the meeting card over the awards with higher cash value. Not that I don’t relish a giant conference, and I am tempted by the CMM, a fabulous offering by the chapter. But I fixed somehow on the meeting card and its value.
There is the savings: You get every monthly meeting, including the spendier ones (Holiday Party, All-Day Education Conference, and May Gala) for $119 less than the pay as-you-go price.
Convenience: No scheduling, no being annoyed if you miss the Friday-before deadline. I even get a reminder to cancel if I’m not able to go, and to make more accurate guarantees and save MPI dollars.
Reduces excuses: You know you can get education, stimulation, project connections, see friends, get the inside story, eat well by just showing up.
Meetings, period: The core of my MPI experience is the monthly meetings. Almost every month, I get to see how to do the much-used luncheon meeting in a different or interesting way in places tried and true or brand new.
Try the meeting card. And, by all means, sample a scholarship. They are right next to the job board. Reduced excuse. Thank you, MPI MN, the membership that keeps on giving.
Guests are half price for the January Monthly Meeting
Bring your boss, your colleagues, and your curious nephew to MPI MN meetings for half the regular price—only $22.50. Click here for additional detials.
back to top »
Leaders of the Month: Shawn Augustine & Brynn Schulz
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 Shawn Augustine from the Holiday Inn St Paul and Brynn Schulz from Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. They were nominated by Lisa Marie Borchert from Allianz Life Insurance Company, Jennifer Ruthig from Mosaic Company, and Nicole French from Premier Transportation, who had this to say about Shawn’s and Brynn’s leadership abilities:
Read more »
Shawn Augustine
Holiday Inn St. Paul
 Nominated by Lisa Marie Borchert of Allianz Life Insurance Company, Shawn just joined the Communications committee at the August kick-off meeting and has already made a significant contribution. She has a passion for and understanding of social media that greatly affects our membership and community outreach. When our current committee chair’s real job limited her engagement, Shawn jumped in and set up a Hootsuite account for MPI MN to schedule and manage all three social media accounts from one dashboard. Along with that, she has been searching for the businesses and speakers we are using for these upcoming events on both Facebook and Twitter to be sure we have “liked” and “followed” them. Lastly, she created a YouTube channel for MPI MN so we can post videos of events, etc. And all this in just her first month!
Brynn Schulz
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
 Nominated by Jennifer Ruthig of Mosaic Company and Nicole French of Premier Transportation, Brynn has fearlessly taken on the chair position one of the biggest fundraisers for our chapter: the Holiday Silent Auction. She is dedicated and passionate about the success of this event, with a clear focus on both budget goals and overall logistics. Brynn has an amazing attitude and has put together a committee of volunteers to help with soliciting items, marketing, day-of setup, IML technology, and the online aspect of the auction.
Shawn and Brynn each received a $50 Target gift card sponsored by Catherine McKenna of Peabody Hotels.
back to top »
Board Profile: Jen Ruthig
Spend some time speaking to Jen Ruthig, Director of Strategic Alliances, and it becomes crystal clear that Jen has landed in an ideal place. From her early days learning the hospitality industry working in her family’s fine dining restaurant to her current role as a marketing analyst at Mosaic, Jen’s commitment to connecting with people and creating memorable experiences is a common theme.
An MPI member since 2006, Jen joined when she found herself becoming more and more involved in meeting planning. “I knew I had a lot to learn,” Jen says, “and the contacts I’ve made at MPI have been very important to me. This may be a big industry, but it feels like a small world and success depends on building relationships.”
Read more »
Jen became involved with the Strategic Alliances committee soon after joining the chapter. She especially enjoys the opportunities to connect with so many different people. “This committee, in particular, feels like the ‘glue’ connecting all the pieces together,” she says. Because the committee is responsible for building relationships with other organizations, Jen enjoys the opportunity to working with people outside of the chapter.
An early success within Strategic Alliances this year has been the Community Outreach committee benefitting the Tubman Foundation. The committee has made unprecedented progress towards meeting its financial goals and has received positive feedback about the recent “Paint-Me-Up” volunteer activity, at which volunteers participated in interior painting at the Harriet Tubman Center. The Community Outreach subcommittee is obviously close to Jen’s heart. “This is the one area of our chapter that reaches beyond our membership with the goal of benefitting our local community.”
Jen’s talent for reaching out to an ever-widening network of contacts will serve her well in her role as Vice President of Strategic Alliances next year. “We’ve had great past leadership within this committee and my goal is to continue to build upon their successes.”
by TAMMY OLSON
Event Planner, DJO Global, Inc
tammy.olson@djoglobal.com
back to top »
Sponsor Profile: How Pinstripes Hopes to Gain Business Success through MPI Involvement
 Recently, Diane Dukes, CMP, Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) (dukes@plusweb.org) interviewed Sandie Montgomery, event director for Pinstripes, Inc. in Edina, MN, and inquired about why Pinstripes chooses to sponsor MPI events.
Read more »
Pinstripes is a new sponsor to MPI MN. This venue is a distinctive entertainment and dining venue. Pinstripes features Italian/American food and wine; 16 bowling lanes and indoor bocce courts; a beautiful outdoor patio and fireplace; banquet space that can accommodate corporate programs, weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, anniversaries and more!
Asked if they had received business from their MPI sponsorship yet, Sandie said that they have received a lot of inquiries on their space and there is generally more interest as more and more planners learn about all they have to offer. Sandi noted, “We are confident we will get business secured as a result of our efforts as an MPI MN sponsor.”
Sandie went on to say that, “We definitely see a correlation between being a sponsor and seeing referrals for potential business. Any time we can get planners in our venue is a win for us. We seized the opportunity to host a luncheon to get in front of MPI planners. This was essential to us as a young venue being only one year old. Our first step is getting potential clients in the door.
“From beginning to end, MPI was a pleasure to work with on the MPI luncheon hosted at Pinstripes. We appreciated that the benefits were clearly presented to us and we were able to coordinate with MPI MN on sending a thank-you email to all the attendees at our event. We look forward to getting pictures posted to our Facebook page and website courtesy of Papilio Photography, who captured the luncheon.
 “We see way more value and return in being able to host an event as an MPI MN sponsor than any print ad or any other form of advertising. The face-to-face connections are invaluable and we take pride in being able to show off our venue. Simply, it is the most ‘bang for our buck’ in every way.”
Pinstripes staff invite all of us to come celebrate “sophisticated fun” in their warm and inviting 40,000+ square feet facility. For meeting space or event inquiries, please reach out to Sandie Montgomery at sandiem77@gmail.com or call 630-400-3960 directly. For more information about becoming a sponsor of MPI MN, click here.
back to top »
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.
- John Cosgrove, Cosgrove Presents LLC – 5 years
- Laura Gieseking,CMP, CMM, RBC Wealth Management – 15 years
- Peggi Monico, Madison Hospitality – 5 years
- Kristin Nauman, Piper Jaffray – 5 years
- Teresa Schilling, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company – 5 years
- Sean Schuette, CMP, IntrinXec Management Inc. – 10 years
Leave a comment »
back to top »
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. |
Mo French
General Manager
Wildwood Lodge Hotel
Larry Howell
Vice President of Sales
Docherty Incentives & Meetings
Nick Molitor
Sales Manager
Amy Rosenberg
Student
|
Jason Sitte
Sales Manager
University Hotel Minneapolis
Robin Valenta
Sales Executive
Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority
Ann Wellmuth
Group Ventures |
Advertisement |
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. |
Diane Achterkirch
Senior Account Manager
Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West
John Cosgrove
Owner
Cosgrove Presents LLC
Sara Dehn
University Events Specialist
Walden University
Dana Erickson
University Events Manager
Walden University
Debbie Friedman-Hueller, CMP M.A.
University Events Buyer/Planner
Walden University
Cynthia Gordon
Melody Kath
Meeting Planner
Medtronic
Ani Laudon
University Events Coordinator
Walden University
|
Connie Lentz-Schulte
Director, Travel & Incentives
Regis Corporation
Barbara Madigan
Business Development Executive
ALTOUR Performance
Kathryn Malen
Professional Education & Event Specialist
Coloplast
Monica Nelson
University Events Specialist
Walden University
Teresa Schilling
Heartland Zone Event Planner
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
Melissa A Serres
Account Executive
The Harrington Company
Janene Slagle
Dir Meeting & Event Planning
Meritas |
Lorie Speltz, CMP
Corporate Director, Event Management
Lifetouch
Jenny Stephens
Sales Manager
Millennium Hotel Minneapolis
Kathryn Stotka
Director of Sales
Craguns Resort & The Legacy Golf Course
Chris Wagner, CHSP
Midwest Regional Sales Manager
Kahler Grand Hotel
Daniel Young, CMP
Direct of Event Planning and Field Recognition
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Victoria Zolp
Event Coordinator
Walden University
|
back to top »
November Meeting Recap
by JACQUIE STRZYZYKOWSKI, Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, jacquie.strzyzykowski@hyatt.com
 Thank you to all the members who turned out for our highly anticipated November meeting on November 16th at The Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. With a meeting topic of Point/Counter-Point: The Lawyers Debate Today’s Hottest Contract Issues, it was a breeze to fill the venue with planners and vendors eager to learn how to better partner with one another.
Read more »
Members entered a beautiful, multi-level venue called “The Club.” Formally known as The Courtyard Theater, The Club comfortably accommodates up to 250 guests. In the early ’90s, The Courtyard was remodeled and is now a popular location for wedding ceremonies, receptions and dances. The Chanhassen Dinner Theater did an excellent job showcasing their restaurant style menu. We started with a lovely Caesar salad followed by a sausage bolognaise pasta, and finished with a decadent cheesecake with a fruit reduction drizzled on top.
Our speakers for this session, Steve Ruder and Jonathan Howe, continued with this year’s theme by debating hot contract issues. Posted stage left behind his podium, Steve played hotel advocate. Steve has been recognized by Successful Meetings as one of the top legal minds in the hospitality industry. On stage right was Jonathan, who represented the planners’ perspective. The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International honored Jonathan as the recipient of its HSMAI Foundation Pacesetters Award for vision and cutting-edge accomplishments that have inspired countless others to think “outside the box.”
Steve and Jonathan kept the debate light and comfortable while delving into controversial issues. They deliberated attrition and cancelation clauses, force majeure, contract mutuality, liquidated damages, privacy and lowest rate clauses. Cheers were heard from various sections of the audience when “their” lawyer made a compelling argument. The outcome was strategically planned to create an atmosphere of mutual understanding, or at least to open the communication lines between planners and vendors to create contracts that are mutually protective, beneficial and legally enforceable. It was a great message for the members to take with them into the New Year and beyond.
If you missed the monthly meeting, click here to view the entire presentation.
Thank you to our gracious sponsors for making this event possible:
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres: www.chanhassentheatres.com
Premier Transportation: www.premiertrans.com
Maple Lane Media: www.maplelanemedia.com
Papilio Photography: www.papiliophotography.com
Check out photos from the November 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
back to top »
CMP Questons: Evaluations
by DENISE WOODS, CMP, AGC of Minnesota & MPI MN CMP Chair, Education Committee, dwoods@agcmn.org
- You are running a series of educational seminars during your three-day meeting. The most effective procedure to evaluate each seminar is to...
- Include evaluation forms in the registration packet
- Ask the attendees to complete and submit evaluation forms at the conclusion of each seminar
- Ask the attendees to complete and submit evaluation forms at the start of the final session
- Send evaluation forms to each attendee for completion and submission following the meeting
- You want to be able to quickly tabulate evaluations of a meeting. Which type of data should you collect?
- Qualitative data
- Quantitative data
- Random sampling
- Mail-in evaluation forms
Answers
Leave a comment »
back to top »
GROUP MENTORING: The Power of Experience
by TERA FOX, Sales Manager, The Saint Paul Hotel, tfox@saintpaulhotel.com
 Every so often, I am met with a situation with significance that reminds me of the great benefits that come with being part of a fabulous chapter like MPI MN. One of these moments of recognition occurred recently while I was on a webinar sharing information about our chapter’s Mentoring: Power of 2 program with others around the world.
Read more »
After fielding a few questions, the idea came to me to organize a group mentorship. I called upon a few peers in our chapter and we formed our group. Our common attribute was that we were all suppliers in the meeting and event industry, but we represented different services. Each of us wanted to be part of the group to explore the challenges we were facing and brainstorm ideas on how to succeed in today’s market.
Before we met as a group, we completed the mentee application form to help familiarize ourselves with each others’ backgrounds and what we wanted to take away from the mentorship. We followed the same guidelines outlined for the individual mentorship relationships in our Mentoring: Power of 2 program. During our first meeting, we established when and where we wanted to meet and made a list of topics we wanted to cover. Each member agreed to bring something to contribute regarding the topic. The power of a group setting is that everyone is there to learn something new and to share ideas. You have the ability to work off of each other’s thoughts and you leave with a full page of ideas to implement in your own job.
The mentorship relationship can be extremely rewarding and I encourage you to find a mentor, whether it is an individual or a group setting. The benefit of group mentoring versus individual mentoring is you have access to more people and their unique experiences, styles and thoughts. If you have been toying with the idea of seeking out a mentor but are nervous about the one-on-one correspondence of an individual mentorship program, the group setting allows you to participate in a networking mentor-focused situation that may be less intimidating. The “Golden Rule” of group mentoring is to give as much as you receive.
So your take-away from today? Take out a pen and paper and, on the top of your to-do list, write: Contact Mentoring: Power of 2 for information on mentorship. You will not regret being a part of this great relationship.
Learn more about the Power of 2.
back to top »
SuperCharge Your Meeting with Social Media
by NIKKI McLAIN,CMP, Global Program Manager, nhuckstadt@carlsonwagonlit.com
Start Time: 11:00 AM CST/6:00 PM CET
Presenter: Krista Neher
Member Price: FREE
MPI Connect Price: $25 USD
Non-Member Price: $50 USD
Read more »
 Social media is an extremely powerful tool. If you are not yet harnessing the power of social media for your events, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity.
More people check Facebook each day than listen to the radio or read a newspaper. But social media isn’t just a place to play games or check out photos. Meeting planners and event organizers can harness social media to make their events bigger and better without spending a ton of time and money.
This session will cover how social media tools like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Online PR can be used before, during and after a meeting or conference to enhance participant experiences and generate more buzz for your event.
Learner Objectives:
- Biggest social media tools for meeting planners – We’ll cover the biggest and best opportunities for meeting planners to use social media to promote their events and engage participants.
- 360 degree view of social media – Understand how to leverage social media at all of the stages of event planning—from the beginning to the end—to maximize results.
- Tips and tricks for social media – You’ll learn the key tips and tricks that help make your social media more effective from a social media marketing veteran.
NOTE: Upon registering for a webinar, you will receive a confirmation for your order. A separate email will be sent to you 24 hours prior to the webinar start time providing you with the webinar log on information/link. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not to bulk or junk folders) and automatic loading of graphics, add webinars@mpiweb.org to your address book.
back to top »
Excellence Circles Senior Planners
by DIANE PEARSON,CMP, Event BizNiz, diane@eventbizniz.com
 I’m a card-carrying member of the Senior Planner Circle of Excellence (SPCOE). OK, there’s no actual card required; it’s a group open to any chapter member with seven or more years of planning experience. I’m enthusiastic about the SPCOE as it includes smart, experienced planners working together to share best practices, and our goal is to collaborate by discussing topics that are important to our work. My schedule doesn’t always allow time for our chapter’s monthly meeting; this group creates another opportunity to connect with my peers.
Read more »
The SPCOE has evolved over the years and we’ve really come up with a convenient and easy way to connect. This year, we are simply meeting through two webinars and a vendor tour. The first webinar was held last month. Our group chair, Kathleen Haase, organized the virtual meeting with MPI member Jennifer Brown, president of Meeting Sites Resource. Jennifer gave our group an informative presentation on Strategic Contract and Hotel Negotiations. Connecting online from our individual offices, we learned valuable, practical information about contract clauses, custom templates and strategies in negotiation. After just an hour, I was back to work, equipped with new facts and reference materials. Our second webinar, Managing Meeting Sponsorships, will be led by Laura Gieseking.
After a popular SPCOE trip to the ShowCore offices last year, we decided a vendor visit was a great use of our time for this year. You may be familiar with the Buy MPI campaign, which encourages buying relationships with other MPI members. What better way to build relationships and get the inside scoop than to meet at a supplier’s office? We are excited to have MPI members Sheila LeCorre and Kris Martin host our vendor visit at Martin Bastian. Now more than ever, I’m finding my vendors through those one-on-one connections. An onsite visit is a great way to check out a potential partner.
Today, planners are trying to solve complex problems and we are required to demonstrate a variety of core competencies to get our work done. Complex challenges require different types of thinkers to come together for a common goal. Joining SPCOE is an easy way to get together with other experienced planners. Click here to learn more about the upcoming SPCOE programming and how to join the group. We would love to have more senior planners join and we hope you’ll participate in one or both of our next events.
back to top »
IMEX America
by KIM O'KEEFE, CMP, Land O’Lakes, Inc., krokeefe@landolakes.com
 The foundation of our meeting industry is grounded on making connections, and what better way to share our meeting planning passion than by connecting with each other at “America’s newest tradeshow,” IMEX America?
Read more »
Attendee Connections
I attended this new, exciting, and internationally focused tradeshow held in Las Vegas on October 11-13, 2011. As a hosted buyer, I was able to participate along with 2,000 hosted buyers and 1,800 exhibitors from 147 countries. The incredible number of attendees enabled planners and suppliers to network not only on the tradeshow floor but also in the hotel retail outlets, restaurants and even inside the elevators. In fact, I am now booking an incentive meeting with a resort representative that I coincidentally sat next to at lunch one day!
Professional Development Connections
At the show, MPI sponsored “Smart Monday,” the MeetDifferent Day of Education and Innovation, which featured several of the top industry speakers and offered an additional professional development opportunity free of charge. In addition to the MPI “Smart Monday” events, IMEX America offered a variety of educational opportunities throughout the show—including several thought-provoking, fast-paced show floor exchanges. Make your own IMEX connection by clicking here to enjoy MPI’s “Smart Monday” speaker presentations from your desk.
Hosted Buyer & Tradeshow Connections
It was a thrill to participate in the IMEX America tradeshow as a hosted buyer, knowing that it was the largest-ever hosted buyer gathering at a U.S. tradeshow. The energy on the show floor was exhilarating, and the show incorporated exhibitor displays from around the world. With a packed hosted buyer appointment schedule on the IMEX America show floor, I was able to connect with 18 exhibitors in 30-minute, one-on-one appointments.
Create Your IMEX America Connections
Share our IMEX America experience and download seminar presentations, the show catalog, photos and clips from the show floor here. Mark your calendars for the next IMEX America: October 9-11, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV!
back to top »
Community Outreach Profile: Tubman
by SAM LEAL for 7th Grade Geography class (son of MPI member Melissa Leal, Sofitel Minneapolis)
I chose to help with this project because my mom is part of an organization, MPI that helps a different charity every year. This year they’re helping Harriet Tubman Organization. My whole family went there, along with some other volunteers to do the community service together. I have to do one community service activity every quarter for my Geography class. Before going my mom and I did a little research online to see what the place was about. Tubman helps women and children of domestic violence have
shelter, clothes and food while they look for a better life.
Read more »
 When we got there we took a tour and they told us everything, including how this place started. The place was named after Harriet Tubman, the person who helped many slaves escape form slavery. This location used to be a monastery for nuns that lived in Minnesota. The nuns sold it to Tubman and now they are getting it ready to use as a full shelter.
I helped sort clothes into piles and pack into boxes to send to people in need. Through volunteering, I learned how people who are in need of homes can benefit from what others give. The items we packed will be sent to two different shelters, one in Minneapolis and one in St. Paul.
I learned about team work that day. I don’t think I could have done it without the help of my family and the others that were there. I learned how to be a better person by helping out my community. That helps in the future because if we can get a lot of people to do that, we can help out the world. My impression was that anyone, if you put effort and your heart into it, can help out the community. Helping makes a difference.
Click here to see the full photo gallery of the Paint-Me-Up” volunteer activity.
back to top »
2011 Scohlarship Winner: Lisa Anne Venne
Lisa Anne Venne, Life Time Fitness, Athletic Events, lisavennempi@aol.com
Winning a Meeting Card Scholarship gives me the opportunity to maintain my status as an active member of MPI. It allows me to attend monthly meetings full of education that empowers me, with interesting people to network with and to help with my professional and personal growth. There are committees to serve on, awards to be given and received, relationships to be built, and business deals to be made.
Read more »
Receiving a meeting card has been so nice this year for numerous reasons, including signing up just one time and the entire year is taken care of. It has given me the opportunity to hear great speakers on the power of connecting, learning all the ways to use the Internet, being greener at work and home, and this month’s topic: the key issues of contracts. I look forward to experiencing the speakers the Education committee has planned for the second half of the year. Along with the holiday party, I am looking forward to bidding on the awesome items all of you have donated while giving back to the MPI Scholarship Fund. This will help someone receive a scholarship to reach their professional goals. For more information about the scholarship program and to apply, visit www.mpimn.org/CareerCenter/Scholarships.aspx.
back to top »
Find your next great speaker at MSAE’s Speakers Showcase
Midwest Society of Association Executives (MSAE) is proud to host the seventh 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! 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.
Leave a comment »
back to top »
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.
Read more »
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.
back to top »
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
back to top »
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!
|