September 2005
Volume 7, Issue 9

Newsletter for the
Indiana Chapter of
Meeting Professionals International

In This Issue:

From the President
August Meeting
Awards Banquet Recap
IMPI Board Profile
Multicultural Meetings
New Members
Supplier Spotlight
Planner Spotlight

Upcoming Meetings

August 18, Planning the Ultimate Convention – What it took to Coordinate the Democratic National Convention, FORUM Conference Center

September 15, How Regional Airlines are Affecting the Meetings Industry, Childrens Museum

October 20, Extreme Meetings – Putting the Show Back Into Your Meeting, Conference or Event, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown

November 17, Gendersmart-Influencing Up for Results and Career Advancement (WLI Program), Oak Hill Mansion

December 21, Indianapolis Museum of Art

IMPI Contact Information

IMPI Chapter Services
MP Records Communications
9840 Westpoint Drive,
Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46256
Phone:(317) 841-8205
Fax: (317) 841-8206
mailto:info@mpi-indiana.org

Chapter Vision Statement
MPI-Indiana shall be the leading voice committed to shaping and defining the future of the meeting and event industry in the State of Indiana.

by Donna Jacobsen
Accent on Indianapolis

I had an article written and ready to send, when I changed my mind. So many things are happening in our Indiana Chapter, and I can’t wait to share my excitement with you. When you get to know me, you’ll realize that I am always excited about something.

Let’s start with the really big news. Our Indiana Chapter was awarded the first ever, grant from the Meeting Professionals International Foundation. At the World Education Conference (WEC), Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Foundation, made the announcement to 3,417 MPI members at the opening general session. Talk about exciting! We received this grant based on the strength and professionalism of our grant request, written by Amanda Cecil, our VP Education. So many MPI members wanted to know how we got the grant and how we are going to use it.

Once again, I’m really excited because we will use this funding to offset the cost of our August 18th speaker. Alice Huffman was the 2004 Chair of the Democratic National Convention. Her topic is “planning the ultimate convention.” Can you imagine how many committees and subcommittees she needed to make this event operate smoothly?

Ms. Huffman is also the President of the California Chapter of the NAACP. It is an honor to have a speaker of this caliber.

Our August 18th event is at the brand new FORUM Conference Center in Fishers. Susan Broderick, Sales Manager, has told us that they can hold a huge crowd for this luncheon. Do you have friends or associates who would enjoy this program? Feel free to invite them. The non-member rate is $35.00, and reservations can be made at (317) 841-8205.

For those of you who attended the Annual Awards Gala on July 21st at the Eiteljorg Museum, you experienced a truly exciting event. The new space at the Eiteljorg is fabulous and the food and entertainment were spectacular. It was so exciting to see so many deserving individuals win awards. The Gala committee put a lot of creativity and work into this evening. It was great!

Finally, I am excited about you…all 246 of you. We are on our way to becoming one of the most exciting chapters within Meeting Professionals International.

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Planning a Mega Ultimate Event

Speaker: Alice A. Huffman Co-Chair for the Democratic National Committee Site-Selection Commitee for the 2004 Democratic Convention

Note special pricing for non-members for this special event! Register early. We expect a large crowd for this event!

Thursday, August 18, 2005
Register
Topic:	Planning a Mega Ultimate Event
Where:	FORUM Conference Center
Cost: note special non-member pricing!	Member in Advance - $30 Member after August 12- $37 Non-member in advance - $35 Non-member after August 12- $42
Time:	11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Program Overview:	Alice A. Huffman served as the co-chair for the Democratic National Committee Site-Selection Committee for the 2004 Democratic Convention. She is also a member of the Rules Committee for the California Democratic Party and the DNC. Her past experience includes serving as an appointee in Governor Jerry Brown’s administration where she was Chief Deputy Director of the State Parks and Recreation Department and was promoted to his Cabinet as the Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity, a cabinet level position. She also served as the Associate Executive Director for Politics for the California Teachers Association and State President of the Black American Political Association of California. Alice is Founder and President/CEO of A.C. Public Affairs, Inc., a public affairs firm that specializes in public and grass roots advocacy. She also serves as the President for the California State Conference of the NAACP, Sacramento Branch NAACP and NAACP National Board of Directors. Currently, Huffman serves on the board for Capitol Focus, as well as serving on T-CAP, which is a consumer advisory panel to SBC/Pacific Bell. In addition, Ms. Huffman serves as a commissioner on the “Commission for One California,” that was designed to serve as a forum for diversity and understanding headed by Lieutenant Governor Bustamante of California. She has recently been appointed to Speaker Wesson’s Commission Police Conduct. Huffman, a graduate of the University of California Berkeley with honors in Social/Cultural Anthropology, with advance studies at University of Pennsylvania, University of California Davis, and University of Southern California, believes learning is a life long process. Alice has received the August 2002 Visionary Award from the California Black Chamber. She was inducted into the Los Angeles African American Women Political Action Committee’s (LAAAWPAC) Political Hall of Fame in April 2002 for her outstanding achievements as a social activist in the minority community. Ms. Huffman is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sororities. She has been listed in Who’s Who International, Who’s Who Professional, and Who’s Who of Politics for the past 20 years. The Los Angeles Times called her one of the most powerful people in California. The California Journal listed her as one of the top 50 individuals who had the greatest impact on California over the last 25 years and her local African American Newspaper, The Sacramento Observer, annually includes her in its 100 most influential citizens.
Click here to register online.
Sponsored by

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by Susan Xioufarido
Purdue Conferences

As the temperature soared outside the Eiteljorg Museum, the 8th annual IMPI Awards Banquet sizzled inside in a fabulous affair crafted by the Awards Committee comprised of Linda Adams, Deborah Badger, Paula Hardesty, Holly Lovell, Deann Patena, Brandie Pfeiffer and hosts Kelly McBride (committee chair) and Sunny Moon.

Welcomed by the island sounds of a three piece band, members anticipated the dedicated professionals to be recognized for their generous contributions to the Indiana Chapter and the field of meeting professions.

Click here for more banquet photos.

Congratulations to these 2004/2005 Award Winners!

IMPI Student Scholarships
Winner, Mwila Kapaya, IUPUI
Winner, Afton Justice, Indiana University

Independent Planner Scholarship Winner
Nila S. Kogan
CMP Scholarship
Sherris Johnson, Ivy Tech State College

Best Monthly Chapter Venue Award
Mansion at Oak Hill

Honorary Organization Award
Horizon Convention Center

CMP Designation
Stephanie Agan, CMP
Linda B. Beckwith, CMP
Susie Benko, CMP
Scott DeBerg, CMP
Lynn C. Erdmann, CMP
Heather N. Easterling, CMP
David Lueck, CMP
Kimberly Giles-Migut, CMP
Erin N. Manuel, CMP
Carol A. Paddock, CMP

5 Year Membership Recognition
Christina Bennett, Indiana Bankers Association
Glenn Brooks, General Hotels Corporation
Jody Clevenger, Horizon Convention Center
Kelly Favory, CMP, Associated General Contractors
Carol Gulley, CMM, Eli Lilly & Company
Donna Jacobsen, Accent on Indianapolis
Mary Kittrell, Kosciusko County CVB
Tracie Kowalczyk, Indianapolis Museum of Art
Dawna Money, Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association
Kimberly Nees, Holiday Inn Select North
Carolyn Noone, Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Deann Patena, Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza
Mark Records, MP Records Communication
Tammy Stitt, USA Funds
Leslie Swathwood, Elegant Events/Perfect Wedding Guide
Carolyne Wallace, South Bend/Mishawaka CVB
Tammy Wiley, CMP, Professional Conventions & Meetings

10 Year Member Recognition
Nancy Cobb, CMM, Eli Lilly & Company
Laura Newton, FCDME, Bloomington CVB
Laurie Rees, Community Bankers Association
James Yarnelle, CMP, Grand Wayne Convention Center

15 Year Membership Recognition
Betsy Dukes, Omni Severin Hotel

Rookie of the Year Award
Linda Beckwith, CMP

Planner of the Year Award
Brian Hosier

Supplier of the Year Award
Jenny Russell

Chapter Manager of the Year Award
Linda Adams

Pinnacle Award
Brenda Reed

Hall of Fame Award
Glenn Brooks

President’s Award
The Education Committee
Carol McCormack, Amanda Cecil, CMP, Brian Hosier, Linda Beckwith, CMP, Susie Benko, CMP, David Brumbaugh, Heather Easterling, CMP, Cyndee Howell, Sherris Johnson, Scott Kerr, Chelsie Roberts, Jenny Russell, and Lisa Trebel

Thank you to our dedicated committee and to the fabulous sponsors who made it a memorable event: The Eiteljorg Museum, Kahn’s Katering, Presentation Services Audio-Visual, Fort Wayne CVB, The Engledow Group, and Chair Covers & Linens.

Kim Giles-Migut, CMP

Board Member profile….hmmm what to say, what to say?
Lets start with the basics I am married to a wonderful man named Lance and have the most precious Pug in the entire world, Ellis. No really, Ellis is the cutest thing ever! I have been in the hospitality/meetings industry for 13 years. I like to golf and work with the Kentuckiana Pug Rescue in my spare time.

Speaking of spare time, I have been an active member of MPI for 8 years and have served on several committees. Have you considered joining a committee? I can assure you that the rewards will far exceed your expectations. One of the benefits to joining a committee is the opportunity to work side by side with your industry peers. If you are a planner, you have the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with your vendors. This can come in handy during those tense contract negotiations! If you are a supplier, committee work can be an extension of your networking time. You never know where the next big client might be hiding!

I recently joined the IMPI Board of Directors as Director of Monthly Programs. I am very lucky to be working with such an outstanding committee of dedicated professionals. The Education Committee is responsible for determining the educational topic, securing the speaker, selecting the venue and working with the venue on menus, meeting set-ups and audio visual needs. We are always seeking new committee members. If you would like to take a committee “test drive” please feel free to contact me. *

*No obligation to join or purchase required, not valid in Alaska or Hawaii. Member must agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Education Committee in the event that they enjoy their time and choose to return for more committee meetings. Contact Kim Giles-Migut, CMP at kmigut@engledow.com for complete details.

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by Carol A. Paddock
As part of The Multicultural Initiative focus on multiculturalism within the meetings industry, MPI conducted a research study which will be a basis for a future four-part series on recognizing multiculturalism in all aspects of business. The purpose of this research project is to:

• Explore leading issues which can enhance the success of the multicultural meetings
• Collect and communicate demographic information which enhances the industry’s understanding of multicultural characteristics
• Prioritize key issues to improve the success of multicultural meetings
• Gain direction regarding the Initiative’s role in addressing multicultural meeting market needs.

The most significant finding of the baseline study was the difference between the perceptions of the term “multicultural” when used to describe a meeting to residents of the U.S. compared to the perceptions of “multicultural” when used to describe meetings to respondents living in other countries. From respondents living the U.S., “multicultural” meetings are often described as meetings of people from various ethnic backgrounds, including religions and races. Respondents living outside the U.S. more often described “multicultural” meetings as meetings of people from various nations.

Other key findings of the study include:

• Respondents projected a 20% annual growth rate in the number of multicultural meetings. There was a unified perception that meetings are not as homogenous as they were in the past. Therefore, the importance to meet the growing needs of diverse delegates is imperative for a successful multicultural meeting.
• Respondents ranked a number of services and practices according to the greatest importance for success of multicultural meetings. Six items were indicated as the aspects requiring the greatest attention and will require the greatest amount of resources from the meeting industry in order to improve the success of multicultural meetings.The six items are:
• Speaker/presentation screening
• Awareness and recognition of social cultures (customs, traditions, etc.)
• Awareness of dietary requirements
• Cultural education and awareness training for organizations
• Understanding regional cultural differences
• International cultural differences
• The other services and practices of importance for successful multicultural meetings are:
  • Universal communication and signage
  • Social functions as part of business
  • Awareness of religious preferences
  • Understanding racial preferences
  • Appropriateness of venue
  • Meeting protocol/the order of business
  • Selection of entertainment
  • Multilingual staff
  • Alternatives for various budgets
  • Staff members who identify with attendees
  • Décor, color and lighting.

The four-part series following this report will specifically address services and practices organizations can use to recognize multiculturalism in all aspects of their businesses. The next four parts in the series will include:

• Why it is Important for Organizations to Embrace Multicultural Needs
• Are you Prepared for Today and the Future? Planning and Implementing Successful Multicultural Meetings
• The Importance of Cultural Sensitivity & Multicultural Business Protocol
• International, Domestic, Regional Meetings…Key Success Criteria.

The Multicultural Initiative is about doing business in a changing world where multicultural markets are economically viable and make a difference. This Initiative addresses the needs of, and provides leadership opportunities for, untapped markets (currently African-American, Asian and Hispanic) in the meeting industry.

For more information regarding this study or The Multicultural Initiative, visit www.multicultural.mpiweb.org.

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By Jodi Massey
For the month of August, the supplier spotlight focuses on Jody Clevenger, Sales & Marketing Director for the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie. Jody oversees the sales department at the convention center, her emphasis being national, regional and state business. She also handles all aspects of marketing for the facility.

The Horizon Convention Center offers over 50,000 square feet meeting and pre-event space and also houses the states second largest children’s museum. Located in downtown Muncie, the Center has really come into its own in the last few years. With the assistance of a revitalized downtown and a historic hotel across the street, clients are extremely pleased to find the meeting options in Muncie are comparable to many of the larger cities in the state. Jody notes, "In this industry, as everyone knows, we work with all types of people. From professional associations to religious organizations to hobby groups, they are all very impressed with Muncie’s revitalization and surprised to find it so affordable." The recent MPI Board Retreat was a great example of what Jody and the Horizon Convention Center can do for clients.

Coming from a background of retail sales management, Jody decided it was time for a career change when she had her son in March of 2000. When asked what she liked most about her position, she commented, "Everyday is different and everyone in our organization is hands on. In this business where everybody has meeting space to sell, we can’t let things fall through the cracks. We’ve got to be on top of every detail, every desire and every need of our clients. So while my position is Sales & Marketing, depending on the day, it could be operations or catering, whatever the client needs me to be. I enjoy the mix of people; clients and co-workers, as well as the variety of events. It’s never boring."

Jody is the Fundraising Chair for the 2005-2006 year and feels this will be the best year yet. She credits Fundraising Director, Carolyne Wallace for the continued success of the IMPI’s fundraising. "It’s one of the most important board functions. Carolyne has vision. She’s a great mentor and I think along with the committee, we’ll continue to make a difference for IMPI."

Along with juggling all of her responsibilities at the Horizon Convention Center and IMPI, she also has an active home life. She is married to husband John and has two sons, August, 13 and Cameron, 5. Her favorite quote is from Alice Abrams. “In life, as in the dance…grace glides on blistered feet,” something that everyone in the meeting planning industry knows to be true.

Be sure to welcome IMPI's newest members!

By Jennifer Gillis
Indiana Chamber of Commerce

This month in our planner spotlight, IMPI welcomes new member Carrie Steffen. Carrie has been in the meetings industry to some degree since 1999. She first worked in Marketing/Promotions for Anheuser-Busch in Cleveland, and then moved on to convention management for nearly two years in Chicago, before coming home to Indianapolis with her then-fiancé in 2002. Upon arrival in Indianapolis, Carrie became a catering manager at IUPUI and helped organize the 2004 Mini-Marathon before becoming a program manager at VMS in January.

Carrie is most proud of the fact that in June 2002, she obtained her own client, a group of doctors who have their weeklong annual meeting every year at a different ski resort. She has obviously proven her worth to them, as they signed on for a three-year contract after working with her on a month-to-month basis. Carrie says of this project, “I am responsible for everything from sourcing to negotiating to budgeting to planning. If something goes wrong, I have no one to turn to…I have to fix it myself.” While it is high-pressure, she says, “It has been a great learning experience. It is also a fun meeting to plan.”

Like many meeting planners, Carrie thinks that the most difficult aspect of the job is maintaining grace under pressure. “No matter how well you plan, something usually goes wrong on-site. Things happen and you have to fix things immediately without ever letting your client or the attendees see you sweat.” But the good far outweighs the bad. Carrie likes managing all the details “to pull off a seamless event.” She also says that one part of the job she likes is, “getting to use the creative side of my mind in addition to the thinking analytical side.”

Carrie has been married since 2003. She and her husband just bought their first house in the Broad Ripple area, and are about to extend their family with the addition of their first dog, a boxer. She has a sociology degree from Indiana University, with a business minor. Carrie enjoys painting pottery, reading, shopping, and hosting parties at her new house.

When assembling press kits for the media concerning your meeting or convention, which of the following is LEAST important to be included?

A. Copies of speeches
B. Background data on the organization
C. Copies of the program of events and speaker biographies
D. Newsworthy features on the convention

Key: A