May 2006
Volume 8, Issue 5

Newsletter for the
Indiana Chapter of
Meeting Professionals International

In This Issue:

• From the President
• Golf Outing
• IMPI Fun Event!
• Upcoming Meetings
• IMPI Members Enjoy the MAC Conference
• Top 10 Reasons You Should Complete Your Skills Assessment Now!
• Indiana Chapter Leaders Attend Chapter Leaders Conference
• Group Project
• The Scoop
• Sponsor Spotlight
• Supplier Spotlight
• Congratulations to our 2006-2007 Board
• Welcome New Members
  
  
  

Upcoming Meetings

IMPI Golf Outing
June 21
Ironwood Golf Course

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
IMPI President

IMPI wins season opener!
If the IMPI Might Meet-iors were a baseball team we’d be on a winning streak! On April 7th we hosted our first Backpacks to Briefcases program. This innovative program was planned for soon-to-graduate college seniors.

As expected, the Mighty Meet-iors delivered an action packed day. Our sponsors and their contributions included:

• IUPUI - grant
• MPI Foundation – grant
• Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome – meeting space and special luncheon
• Transformations Salon and Spa – makeovers
• Danesport Group – financial donation

The stands were filled with 75 college seniors all wanting information. For $10 they got the best seats in the stadium. Game highlights included:

• Mock interviews conducted by IMPI business professionals
• Resume writing clinics
• Image consulting by Transformations Spa and Salon
• How to iron a shirt in two minutes presented by Caroline “Missy” Engler
• Joy Leppert’s presentation on the Joy of Etiquette
• Karl Ahlrich’s 7th inning stretch (lunch) program on “Lies, Luck and Theatrics in Interviewing”
• The presentation of three students who’d had a complete makeover prior to the game.

Final score – IMPI gained 22 new members.

Mighty Meet-iors win on the road!
IMPI’s first away-games of the season were April 19-21 in Nashville, TN. Playing in the MAC (MidAmerica Education Conference) tournaments. IMPI once again proved their skills aren’t limited by travel. Indiana had a fan turnout equal to that of the home team in Tennessee. IMPI showed their commitment to providing the best in chapter education and personal development. The MAC league, made up of the Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana Chapters is no match for other MPI groups.

Two days of amazing speakers enthralled the fans. Please ask any one of the attendees to tell you about Jeanne Robertson’s speech on April 20th. I’d give you the highlights, but I’d be laughing too hard to write this message. What a hoot!

Scott Kerr, our new Director of Monthly Programs, and I got to preview some great speakers. We’re looking to bring them to IMPI meetings in the 2006/2007 season.

Final score – IMPI will host the MAC series in March 2007 at the French Lick Springs Resort.

Mighty Meet-iors continue to win on the road!

On April 28th IMPI amazed the crowd in Ft. Wayne at our satellite meeting. The Ft. Wayne team members provided many home runs with lovely décor, great food and a terrific speaker.

Many thanks to the fans in Ft. Wayne for the great turn out. Special thanks to our Ft. Wayne sponsors:

• Ft. Wayne Convention and Visitors Bureau
• The Grand Wayne Center
• The Ft. Wayne Hilton

The attendees enjoyed Scott Ginsberg, our speaker. Scott is an accomplished speaker and author of three books. His topic is the “Power of Approachability”. Prior to the big game on the 28th, Deborah Badger, Jim Yarnelle and I had the pleasure of hosting Scott at dinner. We wore our nametags, in keeping with Scott’s record of having worn a nametag for over 2000 days. You can see our picture on Scott’s blog at www.hellomynameisscott.com

Final Score – IMPI will host speaker Scott Ginsberg at the October 2006 meeting in Indianapolis.

Thanks for being part of the team and for making our Indiana Chapter a winner. IMPI’s been veddy, veddy good to me.

Donna

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Date: Thursday June 1st, 2006

Time: 4pm-10pm

Food Reception: 4pm-6pm

Where: Holiday Inn Select North Caribbean Cove Indoor Waterpark

IMPI Members $5
Non-Member $10

Join us June 1 for a great IMPI networking event at Caribbean Cove. Bring your spouse, bring a guest and bring your family. Members pay only $5 and non-members and family members pay $10 each.

There will be a food reception from 4-6 pm and water park access from 4-10 pm.

Register Now!

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June Meeting: Thursday, June 22 (note change)
"Surviving the New Economy"
Barb Taylor Carpenter, CMM
Morton's Steakhouse

IMPI Awards Banquet
Thursday, July 20
Mavris Art & Event Center

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“Thanks for letting us come to your dance.” Carol Norfleet of Destination Nashville said this during her closing address at the MPI Mid America Conference…and what a dance it was.

The 2006 MPI Mid America Conference was held at The Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. While a little sprawling, the hotel offered everything from lush greenery to shops and restaurants right on property.
On opening night, the reception was a great time to start to meet people from other chapters. Deann Patena of the Radisson Star Plaza in Merrillville said her most valuable time was spent networking at functions like this during the course of the week.

The next morning, the educational sessions began. Jeanne Robertson, who spoke at the luncheon, seemed to be the favorite of the conference. Donna Jacobson, President of IMPI, said “I cannot remember laughing so hard or so much.”

On the last night, after a reception at the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Tennessee Chapter of MPI took members of the conference to downtown Nashville to experience an actual Honkey Tonk, which was another great time for members to get to know each other. This provided a chance for the members to let their hair down and be a little more off their guard.

The MPI Mid America Conference not only provided the Tennessee Chapter of MPI the chance to show off their facilities and their city for the first time to many of those in attendance, but also allowed the members opportunities to get to know one another. Indiana will host next year’s meeting at French Lick Springs Resort. Though we have a lot to live up to after the dance that Tennessee hosted, Mid America members had better be prepared to have an experience like no other in 2007.

10. You can be a part of history by helping to define meeting planning as a recognized, respected profession.
9. If you have ever wondered how to articulate what you do, now you can access standardized planner job descriptions.
8. You will receive recommended educational resources tailored to your specific skill needs.
7. Our chapter will provide educational and program offerings based upon the needs identified in our members’ completed assessments.
6. Suppliers can complete the assessment and better understand and address planner issues and needs.
5. If you complete your skills assessment by 5/12/06, you will be eligible to win an overnight stay for 2 at the Fourwinds Resort and Marina including a complimentary boat rental!
4. No time for a 45 minute assessment? You can complete your assessment in stages by saving your work as you go.
3. You can compare your skills to those required for your ideal job and better position yourself for career growth.
2. You can take the assessment as often as desired to track your progress and re-evaluate your needs over time.

And the number one reason you should complete your Skills Assessment Now is:

It’s a small investment for a big professional return. Know Thyself!

To participate in the skills assessment, visit http://www.mpiweb.org/cms/mpiweb/default.aspx. Be sure to have your MPI membership number readily available as you will need it to create your account.

by: Carol McCormack

Planning and preparation for the 2006-2007 IMPI year started early when six incoming Indiana Chapter Board Members attended the MPI Chapter Leaders Conference in Dallas. Dawna Money, Amanda Cecil, Kerri Begley, Deann Patena, Carol McCormack and Scott Kerr attended the 2 ½ day session to share best practices with other chapter leaders and to learn what’s in store for MPI in the coming year. Highlights of the weekend included a keynote address from incoming Chairman Mark Andrew and an update on the recently rolled out MPI Member Solutions: A Suite of Products. By far the most exciting portion of the event was the sharing of ideas between chapter leaders. Stay tuned for some of these new ideas to be rolled out next year!

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by Jeanne Robertson

Among the passengers on one of her flights, an airline flight attendant told me, was a lady with a small boy and girl in tow. Shortly before lunch was to be served, the lady and her charges visited the lavatories in the rear of the cabin. The lady sent the little boy into one of the rest rooms and accompanied the little girl into the other one.

The little boy finished his work, left the lavatory, and headed back to his seat. An elderly man, who had been waiting, went into the cubicle the little boy had vacated.

In a moment or so, the woman and the little girl came out of the other lavatory. The woman, thinking the little boy was still engaged, rapped sharply on the door across the aisle and said, "When you're finished, don't forget to zip your pants."

In a few moments, the elderly man emerged, stopped by the flight attendant and said, "Thanks, Miss. When you get old, you forget sometimes, and it's nice of the airline to have you remind us."

Jeanne Robertson was the Opening Keynote Speaker at the 2006 MPI MidAmerica Conference in Nashville in April 2006. She reached her 6’2” stature at age thirteen. Perhaps it was an indication of a future speaking career that would soar to great heights. While she enjoys making people laugh, Jeanne views the role of a humorist as more than eliciting laughter. As audiences are holding their sides and wiping tears from their faces, she makes her point clear. Perhaps that is why thousands of meeting planners make their point clear when they say… “THE MEETIN' AIN’T OVER 'TIL THE TALL LADY SPEAKS!”

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Sponsor Spotlight

Sponsor Spotlight
South Bend/Mishawaka Convention and Visitors Bureau
South Bend, Indiana

Tell us a little about the history of the your company.
Since 1974, the South Bend/Mishawaka Convention and Visitors Bureau has served as the destination marketing organization for St. Joseph County. Visitor spending generates in excess of $300 million annually for St. Joseph County. With the mission of attracting business, meeting and leisure visitors, stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in St. Joseph County, the South Bend/Mishawaka Convention and Visitors Bureau actively pursues the convention, group and leisure markets and has a full-time staff of six.

What are the strengths?
Professional experience – our staff of six has a total of 61 years experience in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Superior Service – your sales manager is also your convention services representative. You’ll have one CVB rep to work with who will be responsive and eager to satisfy.
Convenience – as the external destination marketing organization representing the wide variety of outstanding meeting and convention facilities in St. Joseph County, we will help you find the venue, hotel and service providers that best fits your needs.

How long has your company had representation in IMPI?
I joined IMPI the same week I joined the South Bend/Mishawaka Convention and Visitors Bureau six years ago! CVB staff prior to my arrival had also been members of MPI.

How do you think you benefit from the membership?
The CVB and I personally have benefited from membership in so many ways! Through advertising, sponsorship, exhibit and other marketing opportunities South Bend/Mishawaka has been showcased to hundreds of meeting planners and organizations and we have been able to book many meetings and conventions with IMPI members. On a more personal note, by being actively involved in committees and on the board of directors I have made professional contacts and lasting friendships. The educational programming has elevated my expertise and professionalism, making me more valuable to my South Bend/Mishawaka hospitality partners, my community and the meetings industry in general.

What do you find most difficult about your job?
We are an ever-changing industry, with new opportunities and challenges at every turn. I think the most difficult part of my job is having to say “good-bye” to a co-worker, industry partner or friend in the business who is moving on to bigger and better things. But it does give me many places and people to visit!

What is your favorite thing about your organization?
It is truly a privilege to represent a wonderful community, outstanding facilities, unique national attractions and great entertainment.

What has been your favorite event/project with which your organization has been involved?
How could I choose just one? My favorites are those I have been intimately involved with, serving on their local organizing committees. The Studebaker Drivers Club International Meet, held in South Bend every four or five years, is very special, as is the National Baton Twirling Association’s America’s Youth on Parade, now in its 37th year at Notre Dame. And I take special pride in working with fellow IMPI members when organizations such as the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, the Association of Indiana Counties, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Credit Union League come to town.

What else would you like IMPI members to know about your organization?
We believe that seeing is believing…and we invite you to be our guest for a site visit to South Bend/Mishawaka the next time you are considering locations for your events. It’s the best way we can show you what a fantastic convention community we have. South Bend…Notre Dame and a Whole Lot More!

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Shannon Frank
Director of National Sales
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts

Short description of position: As the Director of National Sales, I represent all Hyatt Hotels & Resorts globally. I may check availability, rates and meeting space for all our properties as well as assist meeting planners with site selection, RFP distribution and contract negotiations.

What is your educational background? I have a Bachelors Degree from Ball State University & a “Duck”torate in Resort Studies from Disney University.

How long have you been involved in MPI and what roles have you played? I have been a member of IMPI for seven years. I am currently the Vice President of Administration for the chapter. I have served on the membership committee for many years prior to my current position.

Why did you join IMPI? I joined IMPI for two reasons. The first, I am a big believer of continued education and IMPI by far is the leader in our state providing outstanding speakers to take our industry knowledge to the next level. The second reason is networking. My goal is to meet as many people as possible and find out how I may assist them with their success.

Is there anything specific that you hope to achieve with your IMPI membership? My goal was to become involved with a forward thinking organization, continue intellectual growth and then “spread the gospel” of the many outstanding facets of the organization with others in our industry—I have been able to accomplish all these with IMPI.

How did you get into the industry? I was first introduced to our industry by the Walt Disney Company. I was selected for an internship that spanned eight months and three world acclaimed resorts. It was a “magical” experience that forever changed my life.

What is your favorite thing about your job? Representing so many outstanding hotels and resorts! If you are looking for a location for a small board meeting, a large convention, a breath-taking incentive trip or outstanding vacation, I have the perfect fit for you!

What is the most exciting thing about your company? It’s a very exciting time at Hyatt! With our new developments and renovations, a true, warm residential feel is the focus of our guest’s experience. Our technology is pure cutting edge! Wireless technology as well as automated check-in and check-out kiosks are a staple, however now Hyatt is excited to announce a web-based airline check-in. Guests will be able to check-in for their flights, print boarding passes and luggage tags prior to departing the hotel! And growth, we have acquired AmeriSuites, Hawthorn Suites, Summerfield Suites and are debuting an exciting new brand “Hyatt Place” which will add over 140 innovative select service hotels to our portfolio over the next 24 months.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? I truly enjoy selling Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. Probably the most difficult aspect would be keeping up with the many new and exciting opportunities we offer our guests. It seems the list continues to grow by the minute!

What do you do in your spare time? When not working I can usually be found taxiing my children to and from school activities, soccer, dance, basketball, Girl Scouts, etc. My family and I also enjoy traveling.

Would you like to share anything about family and/or pets? My husband and I will celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary this year. We have two wonderful children we are so proud of and a cocker spaniel named Shadow.

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