eVision Newsletter |
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| 8:00am | Registration, Breakfast & Tradeshow |
| 9:00am | Platinum Series Keynote Speaker: Presentation Skills - Sue Hershkowitz-Coore |
| 10:30am | Break and Tradeshow |
| 12:00 Noon | Lunch and Tradeshow |
| 1:00pm | Session A |
| 2:30pm | Break and Tradeshow |
| 3:00pm | Session B |
There’s a New Course in Event & Meeting Planning at Salt Lake Community College
By Jennifer Pollock, Adjunct Faculty, SLCC
At the start of every semester, we wait with great anticipation to see whether or not a new course will run for the first time. It’s a gamble, but one that Continuing Education is willing to take. This was the case when we offered Introduction to Event & Meeting Planning in Fall 2006. As it turns out, we’re happy we took the gamble! It was marvelous to watch the enrollment numbers rise and see the students fill the classroom with their high energy and enthusiasm.
This is what we do at the Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) department of Continuing Education. We explore industry needs and then offer quality education and training to match those needs. SLCC prides itself in being an accredited, multi-campus college serving the diverse needs of its community. Our vision is to “be the premier comprehensive community college in the nation” and our mission is “to provide quality higher education and lifelong learning to people of diverse cultures, abilities, and ages, and to serve the needs of community and government agencies, business, industry and other employers.” One way the College fulfills its mission is by preparing “individuals for career opportunities and an enriched lifetime of learning and growing.”
We work with professionals in the industry to give us guidance to help us fulfill this mission. As long as there is student demand and industry support, new course development will continue to move forward. It is the enrollment numbers that drive future course offerings which lead to certificate or degree programs.
MPI Utah’s own Robbi Hogan, senior sales manager for the Sheraton City Centre, is one example of how community support interfaces with the classroom curriculum.
“What a delightful experience to help teach the SLCC Meeting Planning class. We focused on client relationships, the Request For Proposal (RFP) process and of course MPI – all from a hotel perspective! For an ice breaker, I handed out a questionnaire asking each student what inspired them to want to become a Meeting Planner. Although each student had a unique reason, each was similar in that they loved people and liked to see their talents and creativity come to life. One student even said she "liked the 'rush' of putting events together!” The second question was what they thought would be the key component for a successful relationship between the Meeting Planner and Hotel Sales Person. Students unanimously said communication! I was very impressed with their questions; this class is so bright and motivated about their futures that I was inspired to remember how very fortunate I am to be in our industry!! We really do have wonderful lives....we are The Meeting Professionals!!” - Robbi Hogan, Senior Sales Manager, Sheraton City Centre
SLCC will offer additional Event & Meeting Planning courses in January 2007 including: Food & Beverage Management, Site Selection, Negotiation & Law and Professionalism in Business. Course information and class schedules can be found at our website. We have started an excellent pool of adjunct faculty committed to providing quality education to our students and we welcome anyone with the same commitment and qualifications to contact us. It is our hope the interest level will continue to peak so we can offer a certificate program preparing students for entry-level positions in this profession.
For program information or to assist us in our effort, please contact MiYon Hodges, Program Coordinator, at miyon.hodges@slcc.edu or Jennie Pollock, Adjunct Faculty, at Jennifer.Pollock@slcc.edu or visit our website at www.slcc.edu/pcd. We welcome your feedback!
Student Spotlight
While Jacqueline Crowther is a sophomore at SLCC, and a student in the Event and Meeting Planning class, she already has hands-on experience in many areas of event planning.
Following her graduation next Fall from SLCC, Jacqueline will continue on to a BA in Hospitality Management from University at Central Florida while completing a professional internship with Disney. Her career aspirations include working for Disney and planning events such as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas, Epcot's Food and Wine Show, and the Flower and Garden Show.
While studying at SLCC, Jacqueline has kept her outside class focus on gaining more on-the-job experience in the events industry.
Most recently, Jacqueline worked with Utah’s Hogle Zoo and was responsible for planning and executing special and ticketed events. “I planned events such as Breakfast with Santa along with many others,” she said, “my role was to calendar and promote the events while coordinating with other departments for staffing needs. I helped implement the birthday party program and wrote the guidelines for the 75th photo contest (one of my proudest accomplishments).”
Jacquelline said that she became interested in the meeting and planning field through Emmit Steed at Southern Utah University. “He opened my vision to my god given talent to organize and plan! Also, being a participant in DECA (a high school marketing club) gave me my passion for marketing/business. I also love to brag about how I was a business and marketing sterling scholar!”
Jacqueline is currently employed by the Walt Disney Company as the Disney College Program Campus Representative. She works to increase awareness of the Disney College Program to students and faculty at SLCC via newspaper articles, posters, fliers, word of mouth, E-mail and other mediums. Jacqueline has assembled a comprehensive marketing plan and implemented its tactics, while acting as a mentor to Disney College Program participants from Salt Lake Community College.
Good luck, Jacqueline in your continued endeavors!
Fall Member Showcase – An "Out of This World" Experience at the Planetarium
Our third annual Member Showcase was a great success!
With more than 100 attendees and many new faces, our MPI Utah members proved first-hand how beneficial an MPI Utah membership can be. The Planetarium, one of Salt Lake City’s moes unique venues, was a perfect backdrop for the evening’s theme, “See What’s Out There.”. The event came to life through the extreme generosity of our events sponsors. Culinary Crafts & SceneMakers, Cuisine Unlimited, Panache, Diamond Rental, Modern Display, Cornerstone Technology and Richard Johnson did a fantastic job of showcasing their products.
Robbi Hogan provided information to both members and potential members on the new MPI categories and the benefits of membership. Kudos to the committee on a job well done: Robbi Hogan, Laura Cappel, CMP, Kara Swenson, CMP, Sarah Timms, Melody Paul, Ken Lee, Lynda Forbush, Teresa Wray and Chris Peterson.
Welcome to Our Newest Utah Chapter Members
New members are from July 1 – September 30, 2006.
| Andrew Christensen | Sun Valley Resort |
| Bill Wilson | Resorts West |
| Brian Boulden | Previously with the Orange County MPI Chapter |
| Cheryl Davis-West | Washington Group International |
| Courney Morrison | Summit Events, DMC |
| Jamey Folland | BD Medical |
| Lawrence Crandall | Destination VIP |
| Maria Day | Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort |
| Sarah Price | DestinationVIP |
| Stacy Whitman | DestinationVIP |
| Steven Sheffield | Event Coordinator |
| Terri Ridge | Hotfire Ratings |
| Vickie Kolias | Ameristar Casinos, Inc. |
| Victoria Bacon | Training/Event Coordinator |
"Life and Leadership Lessons from the Crocodile Hunter"
by Amanda Gore
1. PASSION, PURPOSE AND PERSISTENCE
2. LOVE AND FUN
3. AWE, WONDER AND REVERENCE
4. COURAGE AND COMMITMENT
5. ENTHUSIASM, ENERGY AND EXCITEMENT
What made Steve Irwin, Australia's beloved Crocodile Hunter, so popular? In fact, as I write "popular" I realize it is the wrong word - beloved is a better word. People didn't just like him - they loved him! And when he died, for many (like me) the news of his death was as if we had been struck by a stingray. It was hard to believe that someone so alive to us was no longer here physically. I wondered what it was about him that created a special place for him in the hearts of millions of adults and children, and came up with a way to remember just some of his amazing zest for life - that jumped across the screen into our hearts.
P.L.A.C.E.
Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, held a special place in our hearts and taught us some great lessons for life and leadership - and we are ALL leaders in some way, whether at work, home or in our community. Just by living we create examples of how others can live. So if you think you are not a leader - think again!
The P stands for passion, purpose and persistence. If anyone was asked what was it about Steve Irwin that made him endearing, it would be his passion for what he was doing. Teaching us to love animals - even the ugly poisonous ones! And he taught us the importance of respecting and honoring our earth and all its creatures, not just ourselves. His passion for his purpose shined through everything he did and he inspired us in the process. Every cell in his body exuded that passion - you could not help but think that deadly poisonous snake was kinda cute in some way by the time he was finished!
What in life do you have that kind of passion for? One that fuels a giant purpose that gives your life meaning and you a reason for being here? Something that makes a difference to others and the world? Discuss this with your children to introduce them to the concept of purpose and passion early on. And if you can't find one in your life, then become passionate about being the best parent, employee, partner, child, sibling, friend, earth conscious conservationist, whatever it is you can be. But be passionate about SOMETHING! If you are not, then you live life at half mast and Steve Irwin never did that. Every cell in his body lived life vibrating at the highest level! And that made us do the same - and you can have that effect on others, too!
Persistence is another quality that fueled Steve's success. When he started, his little zoo was just a tiny spot near Queensland. It couldn't have been easy to become an international star inspiring millions of others and making that little part of Australia an international destination. But he and his wife Terry persisted and I'm sure without her partnership, the road would have been much harder or impossible for Steve. Keep in mind that success doesn't always come right away and sometimes just persisting is the lesson. Never give up! So many people give up just days or inches before they reach their goal - they don't know it, but it's right around the corner. Think of the last time you or someone you know did that - just one more step, one more struggle and they would have been there, achieved their life long dream, but they gave up.
The love and awe and wonder and reverence that Steve had for all animals was so strong it was tangible. It changed our "err yuck" into "oh wow!" And you can do that too! All you need to do is reignite that childlike awe and wonder and reverence for all the new things we see in life! Children live in a world of exploration. Things are new and exciting all the time. Then we "mature" and instead of really maturing and seeing the majestic and amazing quality of everything in life, we focus in on our little judgements and petty selfish wants. (And end up becoming more childish than children!) What do you love and whom? What do you love to do? Can you find something you love to do in your job even if you don't like your job?
I don't understand how anyone could ever be bored! The world is so full of amazing things to learn, do, see and experience that it takes many lifetimes to even begin! If you are feeling bored, slap yourself and go out and help others; or take a class; or set a personal growth task for yourself at work; challenge yourself to do something new. I don't have enough room to write all the ideas that are bubbling forth about how to stop any sense of boredom!
What in life do you have reverence for? Do you treat people, children, animals and even things with reverence? Seeing in them the precious nature of life? Feeling their special part in your life? Do you just toss or throw things down on the floor or table? Or place them with care and reverence? Do you treat your friendships and relationships with the same care and attention? Or do you toss them aside or flick them away? Our hand gestures tell us a lot about how much reverence we are feeling at any time. Consider that and remember how gently Steve treated the animals and with such love.
Become aware of reverence in your life. Be reverent to your partner and children and remember they are precious! Even your job and boss and co workers - everything and everyone is precious! Perhaps "CRIKEY" can become your word to trigger reverence! It was Steve's way of saying WOW…but I like CRIKEY better!! Use Steve as your model. Be filled with awe and wonder and reverence and love. And watch your life transform - not just change but TRANSFORM!
And then to make the transformation enjoyable - have fun! Steve definitely liked to have fun. One of the most touching moments of the interview Terry Irwin had with Barbara Walters was when she asked Terry "what will you miss the most?" Now I had already been in tears several times by this point, but when Terry tearfully answered "the fun…Steve was such fun" I completely lost it! Terry herself was so courageous and full of love and passion and commitment to carry on what they both started - I can't imagine their children will be anything other than spectacular influences on the world as well. So on top of everything else, our Crocodile Hunter was great fun - which you could see anyway! It was obvious that he not only loved what he was doing but had great fun doing it. Fun and laughter will get you through life so much better than any drugs ever could!
Do you look for fun things to do? Do you look for the fun-ny things in life? Or at the fun-ny side of things? If not, then do it - on purpose! FIND the fun-ny side of a difficult situation and if you can't at this time - then say "I am going to see the funny side of this one day!" Life is not meant to be intense, serious and focused all the time. Joy, fun and laughter are critical parts of living. Joy and fun exuded out of Steve right into us from the screens.
Courage is a no-brainer when considering what our Croc Hunter did for a living! He was brave and committed - to his purpose, the animals and teaching us. His courage stood as an example for all of us - not just to be brave with animals that look scary…but with everything in life. Grab it with both hands and embrace the challenge. After all, life is all about challenges. If you don't have challenges you won't grow and you will shrivel up and wither away frustrated, bitter and angry. But it is always YOUR choice. YOU choose to take on your challenges with courage and commitment or YOU choose to give up and become a victim.
I don't know about you, but I don't like to be around people who have chosen the victim path. If you didn't hear Terry interviewed, she said "if I had to do it all again, knowing how it would end, I would not change a thing." What a wise choice she has made. What would be the purpose of becoming a victim and saying "poor me, I am all alone and it's so unfair." She is the same as Steve - courageous and I have no doubt she has all the other qualities he had and more.
What have you chosen or told yourself about things that have happened to you? Be honest. If you are seeing yourself as a victim - STOP IMMEDIATELY? You will suck the life out of everyone around you. Steve and Terry GAVE life to everyone who met them or saw them. You can do it too. Just CHOOSE to do it. Choose to learn from things that happen to you instead of being a victim. Victims are never successful at anything other than being victims and alienating others. Then it validates their poor me argument! Become a courageous energy and life giving source today - all you have to do is change your mind! And keep reminding yourself.
Lastly, do all of the above with ENTHUSIASM! Steve's crowning feature was his enthusiasm - alive, infectious, exciting, shining enthusiasm. Nothing could withstand that force. Even cynical die-hards and determined-not-to-enjoy-life-pessimists could not help but be caught up in his excitement, energy and enthusiasm. Find that enthusiasm in yourself. Did you know the word comes from the Greek - "en" meaning "in" and "theos" meaning life? To be enthusiastic means to be IN LIFE.
So many people live in terror of what others think; or in judging themselves and others; or in being scared to look silly or "an idiot." Did Steve? NO! He got out there and grabbed life (and animals!) with both hands and his whole body a lot of the time. We all loved to be a part of that excitement and zest for life.
I don't care what you become enthusiastic about, but become enthusiastic about lots - today! Even if it's the washing up!! See how being enthusiastic about the smallest thing starts to bring life into it. Be enthusiastic about your work - whatever it is. Be enthusiastic about your family, partner, children and friends. Remember the enthusiasm you had in the early days of any relationship. How much energy you had and it gave you and you gave it? How did that enthusiasm fade? And why? To be IN LIFE, you have to stay there!!! You have to consciously create enthusiasm (even if you have to fake it to start with). You will find the life forces flow into you and suddenly you ARE enthusiastic! The opposite of enthusiasm in my mind is slow death. So it's your choice…enthusiasm or slow death? I know what I choose.
And I know what Steve Irwin taught us. These are just some of the precious lessons he shared from his full, loving, wildly enthusiastic, fun, passionate life of purpose and courage and commitment.
Crikey mate - Good on ya! Thank you from all of us who loved you!
Zoot-Zoot!
Happy Fall MPI Utah Members!
Elizabeth Payne
MPI Utah Chapter President
Vision Event Productions
“I think they should consider giving Oscars for meetings: Best Meeting of the Year, Best Supporting Meeting, Best Meeting Based on Material from Another Meeting. . .” - William Goldman (Adventures in the Screen Trade, 1983)
Happy Fall MPI Utah Members! For many of you, the next month brings the close of a very busy meeting and convention season when our work world seems take a brief hibernation until we begin to gear up for Spring Conventions. For others of you, Fall is just one step closer to the frenzy of Holiday parties followed by the madness of the Sundance Film Festival in January with no break in site and no rest for the weary. Whatever the case may be, I applaud you. If they did give Oscars for hard work and long hours, I know that by this time of the year, it would be an honor just to be nominated . . .
In the midst of all of your professional obligations, I would like to thank those of you who have taken the time to contribute to the growth and health of our chapter during this first quarter. The Fall Outing and the Member Showcase were both outstanding and the PED looks to be stronger than ever. We have great momentum as a Chapter as we head into 2007. Please take note of the event sponsors and committee members for each of our events. These companies and individuals should be first on your mind as you are looking for meeting support services.
Recently, a colleague and I had a discussion on the value of true professionalism in our industry (which is perhaps why the Goldman quote caught my attention). Being an independent meeting manager gives me the unique perspective of being able to work with a wide variety of suppliers as well as corporate and association planners across the globe. If you will forgive the oversimplification, there are two basic groups within our industry; those who get it and those who don’t. I am proud to say that MPI members who take advantage of the educational opportunities available fall into the first group.
As I am looking for supplier partners, I see a marked difference between the individual who is “throwing a party” and the individual who is leveraging his or her services as an integral component to the overall success of the event. I have also seen first hand that the planners who are of the greatest value to their companies are those who exhibit true professionalism and are committed to continued education for themselves as well as their team members. “Oscars” should be given to those savvy individuals on both fronts who are the true driving force behind elevating the meeting and event industry within the greater business community.
I encourage you to take the initiative to leverage your MPI membership for your greatest personal and professional benefit. Please let me know if there is anything your chapter leadership can do to assist you in this endeavor. We can roll out the red carpet and notify the paparazzi, but the walk of fame is all yours.
New Member Spotlight - Welcome Courtney Morrison
Courtney Morrison is the most recent member of the Summit Events, DMC team.
Having been part of the Utah event community for more than three years, Courtney says she is “thrilled to officially jump into the hospitality & event planning world through her membership in MPI.”
Immediately after joining forces with Heidi Hughes, proprietor of Summit Events DMC and Executive Director of Utah Winter Games, Courtney jumped full swing into their first major project – VIP services and event logistics for the Tour of Utah cycling festivals. As a sub contractor for Turnkey Events, Inc., Courtney was tasked with location set for six consecutive events in six Utah cities.
As the Director of Account Services, Courtney is now focused on the Utah Winter Games' most recent addition to the non-profit world, WinterFit. WinterFit encourages people of all ages and abilities to increase their activity level, control weight and live a healthier lifestyle. With Sundance Film Festival on the horizon and other events in the forefront, Courtney is excited to expend her creative energy while developing new projects in the DMC industry.
Courtney has worked with the Sierra Club, Deer Valley and most recently, Rendezvous Ranch. She has a BA in Kinesiology and a minor in marketing from the University of Colorado. Courtney is newlywed and resides in Park City with her husband Scott and dog Lakota.
Courtney has already become an active member of the MPI Utah chapter as part of the Education Committee, including the PED Committee for the upcoming November 1 event.
Fall Outing at The Homestead
By Annette Swan, MPI Utah Fall Outing Chair
Global Sales Manager
Zermatt Resort and Spa
September’s Fall Outing at the Homestead was well attended and a fun time for all. With combined attendance of UBTA, MPI & USAE, there was a good mix of serious golf and recreational hacking. The prize winners were in good form with first and second place teams being tied. Once handicaps entered the picture, the prize went to the first place team of Kevin Thorstensen, Guy Morris, Blake McWillis & Ron Davis, second place was Kevin Croft, Chris Cooley, Jayson Asplund & Daniel (Last Name?), and third place was Bob Michaelis, Curtis Braugh, Brian Hales, & Erick Calder.
All who attended the lunch had the opportunity to participate in the raffle. The prizes this year were outstanding and included a trip to San Diego with airfare. In addition, numerous airfare, hotel stays, car rentals, fine dining, travel packs and gadgets were distributed to the raffle winners.
The Annual Fall Outing has become one of the premiere golf and networking events for our industry. Many thanks to our golf committee, our generous sponsors, and all those who came in support of the event.
Support the MPI Foundation - "Donate Your Way"
By Pauline Gunn, MPI Utah Chapter Past President
Unishippers
This year, our MPI Foundation must raise 1 million dollars just to maintain the current level of programming provided to MPI to enhance member education and meetings industry research. Without support from individual MPI members, our chapter could sacrifice the opportunity to apply for Chapter grants, as well as forfeit support for our chapter leaders to attend the Chapter Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas. Certainly, the availability of continuing education scholarships is extremely valuable to our members. We do not want to imagine the possibility of not being able to apply for scholarships.
Some of you might be thinking that you’ve already supported the Foundation through your membership dues. However, dues only cover MPI membership, not the added value our MPI Foundation brings to all of us on a personal and professional level.
The foundation is currently at 20 percent of the million-dollar goal. Think about it…just a dime a day investment from every MPI member could raise $730,000, putting Foundation at 73% of its goal! So as you can see, donations of all sizes make a significant difference to the bottom line… and our Foundation is working hard to make every dime count!
In the next few months, the “Donate Your Way” campaign will be officially launched to MPI members. In November, you will be able to pick up a donor envelope at PED or click on our website to “Donor Form” and mark off where we want to allocate our support. Choices will include: Research Development; Culture Active Tool; Multicultural and Women-Centric Scholarships; Chapter Grants; MPI Foundation Europe; MPI Foundation Canada; and General Fund with a choice of “In Appreciation of” or “In Memory of.”
Donate to the MPI Foundation and every dollar is matched by PRA Destination Management up to $10,000 through December 30, 2006. Learn more about MPI Foundation’s Donate Your Way Campaign launching November 1st. Join the Foundation 2006 Corporate Donor team and receive valuable donor benefits in return.
For questions please contact Pauline Gunn.
2007 Professional Education Conference - North America
Coming Jan. 20 - 23, 2007 in New Orleans, LA.
MPI’s 2007 Professional Education Conference-North America (PEC-NA) will allow you to reach your personal and professional goals by delivering a unique combination of learning, industry access and special events – all set in the historical and cultural experience that is New Orleans.
There are many changes in store for this year’s conference – including new formats and times for events. Please note:
Saturday, Jan. 20 - PEC Expo Exhibitor Set-Up, Opening Night Reception
Sunday, Jan. 21 - Opening General Session (10:00 – 11:30), PEC Expo (from noon - 4:00 p.m.), Rendezvous
Monday, Jan. 22 - Professional Development, Chapter Awards Luncheon
Tuesday, Jan. 23 - Professional Development, Promotional Luncheon, Final Night Masquerade Ball
Suppliers: There are many great opportunities to showcase your products and services to PEC-NA attendees and get a real ROI for your marketing dollars! PEC Expo 2007 – The PEC Expo 2007 contract for exhibit space is now live on MPIWeb. Booths are sold first come, first served. Contact Krista Rogers at krogers@mpiweb.org with any questions.
For more information or to register, click here.
There's a New Law in Town and if Affects YOU!
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require all travelers to and from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda to present a passport or other accepted documentation that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. The goal is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate international travelers.
Important Dates:
Jan. 8, 2007 - You must have a valid passport if you are traveling by air or sea
Jan. 1, 2008 - You must have a valid passport if you are traveling by train, bus, ferry or car
What you need to do for both business and personal travel:
- Apply for a passport
- United States citizens can visit the State Department’s Web site at http://travel.state.gov, or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center: (877) 4USA-PPT.
- Please allow 6 weeks for processing of the passport application
- Educate your workplace and colleagues
- Educate your family members
- Check www.mpiweb.org for updates
- Ensure your chapter has WHIT information
For more information click here.
New MPI Membership Categories
On Sept. 15, the new membership categories were launched. All members received an email, directing them to login to MyMPI to allow them to view their new membership categories. If you have not done so already, please take a moment to review your new classification. Any questions may be directed to the Resource Center at 972-702-3032.
The new categories are: Corporate Meeting Professional; Association/Non-Profit Meeting Professional; Government Meeting Professional; Supplier Meeting Professional; and Meeting Management Professional. Members currently listed as Retired; Student; Faculty; Life; and Honorary members will remain in that category.