| Meeting
IN-Sites Newsletter and archives are also available
on the MPI website at www.mpi-indiana.org
Future
Meeting Dates
November
20
Town Hall Forum
Location: Crowne Plaza at Union Station
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
December
10
Joint Meeting with ISES
Location: Scottish Rite Cathedral
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
January
15, 2004
Platinum: Security of Meeting & Events
Location: Holiday Inn Select Airport
Time:
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
February
19, 2004
Networking/Ice Breakers
Location: Omni North
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
March
1-2, 2004
Midwest Education Conference
Location: Hilton Netherland Plaza and Cincinnati Convention Center,
Cincinnati, Ohio
click here to visit the midwest conference
website
April
15, 2004
Crisis Management
Location: Indianapolis Artsgarden
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
2003-2004
Board Members
President
Kimberly C. Wilkeson, CMP, CMM
president@mpi-indiana.org
President-elect
Glenn Brooks
presidentelect@mpi-indiana.org
Immediate
Past President
Beth McGuire
pastpresident@mpi-indiana.org
V.P.,
Administration
Monica M. Woods, CMP
vpadministration@mpi-indiana.org
V.P.,
Communications
Dawna Money
vpcommunications@mpi-indiana.org
V.P.,
Education
Kerri Begley, CMP
vpeducation@mpi-indiana.org
V.P.,
Finance
Brenda Reed, CMP
vpfinance@mpi-indiana.org
V.P.,
Membership
Donna Jacobsen
vpmembership@mpi-indiana.org
Director
of Fundraising
Carolyne Wallace
fundraising@mpi-indiana.org
Director
of Member Care
Deann Patena
membercare@mpi-indiana.org
Director
of Monthly Programs
Carol McCormack
monthlyprograms@mpi-indiana.org
Director
of Special Education Projects
Michelle Smith, CMP, CHSP
educationprograms@mpi-indiana.org
Chapter
Administrator
Mark Records
administrator@mpi-indiana.org
2003-2004
Committee Chairs
Fundraising
Kim Nees &
Mirhan Kalaydjian
Communications
Laura Kenney
Education
CathyThuerbach, CMP
Volunteer!
We
need volunteers for 2003-2004.
Committees
include Membership, Communications, Education, Conference,
etc.
Click
Here to sign up for a committee
|
|
Find
out how to place your banner on our newsletter. Click
Here. |
| From
the President |
|  Kim
Wilkeson, CMP, CMM
Account Manager
VMS, Inc.
Greetings!
How
familiar are you with the MPI Principles of Professionalism?
Did you know that your Indiana Chapter Board of Directors
signed oaths to adhere to the MPI Principles of Professionalism?
Today, ethics are becoming increasingly more of an issue
when considering entering into any business relationship.
As members of this organization, we are provided the following
recommended principles of professionalism.
Maintain
Professional Integrity by honestly representing and acting
within one's areas of professional
competency and authority without exaggeration, misrepresentation
or
concealment. Avoid actions that are or could be perceived
as a conflict of interest or for individual gain and offer
or accept only appropriate incentives and/or goods and services
in business transactions.
Utilize
Professional Business Practices by honoring written
and oral contracts, striving for clarity and mutual understanding
through complete, accurate and timely communications, while
respecting legal and contractual rights of others. Ensure
rights to privacy and protect confidentiality of privileged
information received verbally, in writing or electronically.
Refrain from misusing solicited information, proposals or
concepts. Commit to the protection of the environment by
responsible use of resources for the production of meetings
and actively pursue educational growth through training,
sharing of knowledge, expertise and skills to advance the
meetings industry.
Respect
Diversity by embracing and fostering an inclusive
business climate of respect for all peoples regardless of
national origin, race, religion, gender, marital status,
age, sexual orientation, physical or mental impairment.
"Adherence
to these Principles of Professionalism signifies professionalism,
competence, fair dealing and high
integrity. Failure to abide by these principles may subject
a member to disciplinary action, as set forth in the Bylaws
of Meeting Professionals International."
In
these tough economic times when expectations are high,
time and resources are null, and the pressure
to perform
overwhelming … it is imperative that we strive to maintain
these principles of professionalism. Your commitment to these
principles is "implicit to membership and is essential
to instilling public confidence, engaging in fair and equitable
practices and building professional relationships with meeting
industry colleagues."
Thank you for all that you do to ensure the success of our
chapter locally and for all you do to ensure that the meetings
industry is held in the highest public regard globally.
<return to top>
|
| November Meeting
Information |
Thursday,
November 20, 2003
Town
Hall Forum: A Harvest Of Information
 The
Harvest Season has arrived…
and bounteous provisions await you at Crowne Plaza at historic Union
Station.
Register
now to attend November’s meeting, where top
executives from the six major Convention and Visitors
Bureaus will participate in a panel discussion on
the state of economic conditions in each of their
areas. Our own Glenn Brooks, who personifies sales
and marketing success, will moderate the forum.
You
will learn current market strategies and changing
paradigms that challenge the meeting industry in
Indiana. The panelists will share with you their
projections for the future, and they’ll come
prepared to answer your questions.
Expect
the extraordinary when you come to this meeting!
Come with an appetite for fine food, significant
information, and a plethora of good things.
|
| Where |
Crowne
Plaza
at historic Union Station
Illinois Street Ballroom
123 West Louisiana Street
Indianapolis, IN 46225 |
| Cost |
$25
each for Members or
$35 for Non-Members |
| Time |
11:30 a.m. – noon Registration, Networking, Information Gathering
Noon (sharp) Lunch
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Program |
| Panelists |
Greg
Ayers
Executive Director, South Bend/Mishawaka CVB
A. Douglas Bennett
Vice President, Sales, Indianapolis CVA
Dan O’Connell
President/CEO, Fort Wayne CVB
Valerie Pena
Executive Director, Bloomington CVB
James Tsismanakis
President/CEO, Lake County CVB
Bob Whitehouse
Director of Sales, Evansville CVB |
| Click
here to register online. |
<return to top> |
| October
Meeting Recap |
Christine
Duffy's
presentation at the October IMPI luncheon and meeting was
well received! Conseco Conference Center provided a great
setting for the event. "Food was excellent!" "Terrific
Presentation" and "Service was very good" were
a few of the comments received. Christine, an MPI Platinum
speaker, discussed "How Mega Trends Affect Planners
and Suppliers."
<return to top> |
| Holiday
Showcase 2003 |
Tuesday, December 16
Hyatt Regency Chicago Chicago, Illinois
 Holiday
Showcase, in its 16th year, is an experience you do not
want to miss! Showcase is a Midwest tradition, yet it
is always evolving. Holiday Showcase is a powerful tool for
you and your staff to utilize, right here in Chicago. One
day, one place! We know you are faced with new challenges
everyday and your time is limited. Let Holiday Showcase help
you find the solutions, plus save you valuable time.
Join
us on Tuesday, December 16 - it promises to be the best
Showcase ever!
Educational
Sessions:
-
Strategies and Options for Mentoring
- Open Forum - Talk Back - Live! 100 Years of meeting Planning
Expertise
- Enabling Components and Volunteers to Share the Value of
Membership
- The Changing Job Market
- Dealing With International Visitors
- Center Stage featuring Dr. Janet Lapp and Scott McKain
Click
here to learn more ...
<return to top> |
| Welcome
New Members |
| Be
sure to welcome IMPI's newest members!
Paul
Deinline
Sales & Event Manager
PTR
1212 S. Rangeline Rd.
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: (317) 844-5178
Send a welcome
message
|
Jane
Eisele
Sales Representative
Cummings Meeting Consultants
155 E. Market St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Send a welcome message |
Tammy
Johnson-Cazares
Manager
Lake County CVB
7770 Corrine Dr.
Hammond, IN 46323
Phone: (219) 989-7770
Send a welcome message |
Tifney
McGrath
Marketing Coordinator
St. Elmo Steak House & Catering
127 S. Illinois St.
Indianapolis, IN 46225
Phone: (317) 635-0636 ext. 104 |
Rebecca
Moreland
President
The Moreland Group
PO Box 1122
Indianapolis, IN 46206
Phone: (317) 228-9790
Send a welcome message |
Genevieve
Novak
Manager of Facility & Events
Indiana State Museum
650 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 234-1022
Send a welcome message |
Kathy
Wampler
Meetings & Event Services Coordinator
American United Life Insurance C0.
One American Square
Indianapolis, IN 46282
Phone: (317) 285-1457
Send
a welcome message
|
|
|
| Planner
Spotlight |
| Brian
Ferber, CAE
Vice President/General Manager
Tau
Kappa Epsilon Fraternity
Let’s
shine our light and welcome a fairly new member to
our chapter. Allow me to introduce Mr. Brian Ferber, our
spotlight
planner of the month. Brian is currently the Vice President
and General Manager of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. Tau
Kappa Epsilon Fraternity is a social fraternity of 230,000
members (about 1,000 students and the remainder are alumni)
with chapters on 270 college campuses across North America.
Brian manages the daily operations of the fraternity. His
responsibilities include, information technology, support,
personnel, finances, and last, but certainly not least,
serving as the meeting planner.
Brian
went to school at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Prior to joining the Tau Kappa
Epsilon Fraternity staff,
he worked for the Boy Scouts of America in Seminole, Florida
where he was a District Director. The major difference between
the association management work that he did for the Boy Scouts
of America and the work he does for Tau Kappa Epsilon, is
meeting planning. It was not part of his responsibilities
at the Boy Scouts of America. (I am certain he is enjoying
his newfound responsibility – he gets to meet all of
us.)
In
Brian’s spare time, he enjoys brewing beer. (Thank
you Brian for sharing your comments. In my spare time, I
enjoy drinking beer. It’s nice to know we have something
in common.)
Submitted
by Vicki Lee, Indianapolis Marriott East
<return to top> |
| Supplier
Spotlight |
Brian
Hosier
Indianapolis Artsgarden Director
Our
supplier spotlight, Brian Hosier, works as the Indianapolis
Artsgarden Director. He is responsible for all areas of
the facility including, Marketing, Programming, Events
and day-to-day operations. The Indianapolis Artsgarden
is owned and operated by the Arts Council of Indianapolis.
The Artsgarden mission is to promote and showcase the Arts
in Indianapolis. Suspended above two major downtown intersections,
the structure is a work of art in its own right. The Artsgarden
is available for rental to non-profit and corporate organizations
only.
Brian’s
professional career includes corporate sales, hotel sales,
development work, and meeting
and event planning.
What Brian likes most about this profession is the opportunity
to work with a variety of people and organizations. He especially
likes working with groups that allow him the opportunity
to be creative and are not afraid to try new things.
Brian’s family includes his partner Romeo and two
great and lovable dogs – Boston and Mary. His favorite
activities include the Arts, travel, and great restaurants.
Just knowing Brian personally, I can tell you has traveled
to many places.
His
advice is "be true to yourself and always remember
nothing is perfect and mistakes are an opportunity."
This fits with his favorite quote of "amateurs compete
to win over others, professionals compete to win over themselves."
(Wow! We obviously all know where Brian was in the '60s – just
kidding).
Brian would like other IMPI members to know that he is a
lot of fun to work with!
Submitted
by Vicki Lee, Indianapolis Marriott East
|
| Board
Member Profile |
| Brenda
Reed,
CMP
V.P., Finance
 I
was first introduced to the meeting profession in 1983
after our return to Indianapolis. I worked at the Meridian
Mark Conference Center. After my son was born I decided
that the many long hours was not what I wanted and I began
job searching.
That’s
when I began my many experiences with the Indiana State
Teachers Association where I job
shared and was able
to work every other day. It was a great experience. My son
has grown up among my many friends at ISTA and they have
allowed me to adjust my schedule to accommodate my needs.
I have been in several different positions with ISTA; however,
I have always worked to some degree in meeting planning.
My current position is the one I have enjoyed the most. As
Conference Coordinator my responsibilities include the ISTA
Board of Directors meetings, standing committee meetings,
staff meetings, bi-annual Representative Assemblies, and
the annual convention.
I
joined IMPI in 1999. I have my very good friend from Fort
Wayne to thank for introducing me to the
wonderful family
of IMPI, Mr. Jim Yarnelle. I have met so many new friends
at the monthly meetings and at the Mid America Conference.
I experienced my first PEC this past January and I’ve
already made my reservations for this year – what a
great experience and training! I am currently the VP of Finance
on the IMPI Board of Directors.
I
think the most challenging thing this year has been how
to juggle my IMPI duties as your treasurer
and my “real
work”. But, I have enjoyed the past 2 years on the
Board and look forward to remaining active for many years
more.
Apart
from my ISTA and IMPI families, I have another wonderful
family. My husband, John, and son, Jason
are very important
parts of my life also. We’re all very active in our
church and The Interfaith Hospitality Network where churches
within the Indianapolis area, house the homeless for a week
(rotating among churches in the network) and with the Lawrence
Township Schools. We enjoy golfing and traveling together
and I enjoy following Jason around the golf course for his
tournaments. Some days I feel like I’ve played with
him!
I feel I have grown as an individual and as a meeting planner
due to my involvement in IMPI and I would encourage anyone
in the profession to become an active member of this great
Association.
<return to top> |
| APEX
To The Rescue! |
| Whether
you’re
a meeting planner or a supplier, you have probably often
wished for continuity
whether in the pre-planning stages of an RFP process, the contract
stage or just with the everyday industry lingo. APEX, the acronym for Accepted Practices Exchange, is an
industry wide initiative to establish uniform practices that
will improve efficiencies throughout the meetings and convention
industry and is spearheaded by the Convention Industry Council.
Volunteer based, APEX, is comprised of professionals in
the meeting planning and convention/exhibition arena, educational
institutions, associations, and convention and visitor bureaus
as well as hoteliers. The strength of APEX lies in the vast
diversity of volunteers which allows input from every aspect
of the industry.
One local
hotelier sees well the benefits that the APEX objectives
will bring to his job.
"It will
definitely help with standardization. I'll know what’s expected
of me from the planner and the planner will know what to
expect from the property (hotel) they’re dealing with,"
says Cecil Guess, CMP, Crowne Meetings Director at Crowne
Plaza – Union
Station.
Guess,
a former city liaison for Indianapolis and APEX, further
recognizes the positive outcome of this industry
wide initiative, "With regards to even terminology,
all the way around, everyone will benefit whether from
France or New York. Basically, there will be no surprises."
Quantitatively,
Guess adds that standardization will in turn be time saving
and thus cost saving for both planners and suppliers.
Guess also goes onto add that one way in which Indianapolis
could participate is to start a City Discussion Group where
professionals across the industry gather regularly to review
and comment upon recommendations of the seven industry panels.
The CDGs (city discussion groups) offer opportunity for suppliers
and planners on a local level to get involved and provide
feedback to the panels.
The seven
panels are sub-groups that target one of the seven different
priority areas for accepted practice development.
These seven areas are: terminology, history/post event reports,
requests for proposals (RFPs), resumes and work orders, meeting
and site profiles, housing and registration, and contracts.
The panels
are making progress. Already, the CIC Board of Directors
and Council of Delegates, will vote to accept
recommended
practices from both the Terminology Panel and the History/Post
Event Reports Panel at their October meetings. A step closer
to rescuing meeting planners and suppliers, these practices,
providing the votes are positive, could very well be "official"
as early as November 2003!
If you would like to learn more about APEX or the panels
and how you can participate, visit www.conventionindustry.org.
There is even a step-by-step guide on how to start a City
Discussion Group!
<return to top>
|
| Have
you met Megan Leek? |
|
It’s
a pleasure to introduce a young woman so goal-oriented,
that she is certain of the impact and importance of the field
of meeting planning. You can be certain that your path and
Megan's will cross sometime in your careers.
Megan is a student at Indiana University Purdue University
at Indianapolis. This is her senior year in the Tourism,
Convention and Event Management (TCEM) program at IUPUI.
After Megan receives her degree in Spring 2004, she plans
to attend graduate school, in her field, before heading into
the Meeting Planning workforce.
The Meeting
Planning industry needs to be prepared because Megan’s
accomplishments, to date, include:
Recipient
- Indiana Chapter of IMPI Scholarship 2003
Member - Golden Key Honor Society
Recipient – IUPUI Top 100 Students List
Recipient – Presidential Scholarship
Recipient – Humana Scholarship
Dean’s List – 2000-2003
Nominee – Outstanding Female Student Leadership Award
Student Member – Indiana Chapter of MPI
Member – IMPI Membership Committee
In addition to her many accomplishments, Megan is an active
volunteer within the Indianapolis community. She manages
all of this while, interning, working part-time, attending
school full-time and still maintaining a 3.85 GPA on a 4.0
scale. Whew!
Recently,
Megan completed a proposal for another competition. Her
plan is titled "Watch Us Grow – Preparing
for Our Future." The concept of her plan is to "prepare
student members, of our profession, for the transition from
student to professional." The objectives of the
plan, as outlined by Megan, are:
• Improve overall professional demeanor while at meal functions
• Gain a better understanding of generation gaps and learn
how to overcome these differences
• Learn new negotiation techniques that are applicable in an
array of situations ranging from job interviews to contract
negotiations
Megan's
proposal describes, in detail, all aspects of the meetings,
meals, speakers, physical space requirements
and equipment for this program. Even the signage for the
sessions is described. Speakers and their topics were selected,
and bios were included. One speaker's name is familiar
to all of us - Erick Burton, of MPI's Platinum Series.
Erick's presentations, on negotiations, have made an
impression on all of us, and Megan included him as being
of special importance to entry-level professionals. Megan's
proposal was submitted for judging, and it's no surprise
that it was the winning entry. What did she win? The annual
award for recognition of PCMA Student Planner of the Year!
Megan's
ultimate career goal is to organize and produce a Presidential
Inauguration and Gala. You might want to volunteer
to assist now, because it's sure to happen.
Congratulations, Megan!
Submitted
by Donna Jacobsen, Accent on Indianapolis, Inc.
|
| IMPI
- Julian Center November Food Drive |
|
IMPI
will hold a food drive November 20 for the Julian Center.
Please bring your items to share to the November luncheon
and give them to Kim Giles. You can find
her table near the registration area.
The Julian Center is a unique, nonprofit agency providing
counseling, safe shelter, and education for women and children
who are survivors of domestic violence and abuse. Through
outreach and consultation, they also seek to educate the
community about the issue of domestic violence and its impact
on all our lives.
The Julian Center operates a food pantry for women and children
exiting the shelter. The pantry was started to help women
continue to live violence-free lives. They also accept referrals
to the food pantry from other social service agencies in
Indianapolis.
Specific items needed are canned goods, boxed pastas, paper
products, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, liquid baby formula,
baby food, diapers, laundry detergent, bleach, toothpaste,
shampoo, and cream rinse.
A representative from the Julian Center will be at the IMPI
luncheon to accept the food donations and answer any questions
that you may have about the center. What a great way for
us to share the blessings that we have with others less fortunate
than ourselves.
|
| CMP
Question of the Month |
| The
following elements are essential for a valid contract, except:
a.
An acceptance
b. Legal consideration
c. Arbitration clause
d. An Offer
Answer:
C
<return to top> |
|
