ISES Communications Update

This years Communications Round Table was held at Eventworld in San Francisco. I attended the round table and from that I would like to communicate some things to our chapter regarding the Our Plan of work, Strategic plan and the MARCOM (Marketing and Communications) COMMITTEE’s goals for 2009 -2010.

MARCOM was created To develop and deliver information to the special events industry and the general public concerning ISES programs, products, services, and industry involvement. Our chapter’s communications committee serves the same purpose. The following are some of the combined committee’s objectives.

2009-10 Committee Work Objectives:
~Obtain and / or write articles for inclusion in Industry related magazines.
~Update the ISES website with content geared toward potential customers (external)
~Create additional electronic or print marketing materials and advertising opportunities geared toward potential customers for our members (external)
~Monitor and post useful information to the ISES Community, the Chapter Website and newsletter.
~Distribute Promotional Materials for Chapter Programs in a timely fashion.
~Ensure consistent ISES branding and professional membership communication throughout the year.
~ Implement new marketing plan for CSEP program
~Participate in industry tradeshows geared toward potential customers (external)
~Explore partnership options with CVBs or event industry Associations
~Insure proper use of the ISES Member Logo – See Links Below

2009-10 Committee Members:
Chair: Matthew G. Trettel (Minneapolis-St. Paul)
ISES Pages Editor: Alexis Gorriaran, CSEP (Rhode Island)
Courtney Albrecht, CSEP (Columbus)
Michelle Bergstein-Fontanez (Orlando)
Will Broome (London-UK)
Caroline Sewell (Greater Triangle, NC)
Natalie Wi (Northern California)

Dallas Chapter VP of Communications:
Ashley Blumberg

ISES Logo Usage Policy
http://www.ises.com/pdf/ISES_logouse.pdf

ISES MEMBER LOGO JPEG
ISES MEMBER LOGO BLACK JPEG
ISES MEMBER LOGO TIF
ISES MEMBER LOGO BLACK TIF
ISES MEMBER LOGO EPS
ISES MEMBER LOGO BLACK EPS

http://www.ises.com/MemberCenter/ISESMemberLogos/tabid/93/Default.aspx

Brooks Kendall
ISES Dallas Immediate Past President

Top 10 Take-A-Ways from EventWorld 2009

By Courtney Jordan

This past August, I attended my very first ISES EventWorld in San Francisco. This being my first trip to the national special event conference, I didn’t know much about what to expect. To my great surprise, I found that it was both very educational and provided networking opportunities above and beyond what I could have expected. For those who couldn’t attend this year, I felt it my duty to share the top 10 takeaways I took home from this year’s conference. This certainly does not cover it all, but I certainly encourage everyone to attend next year and hope you enjoy my favorite takeaways!

1. “Vuja De.” This is a phrase that we learned from Simon T. Bailey at the opening general session. The idea behind this mantra is to take a fresh set of eyes to look at something in a new way and understand it differently. In the event industry this certainly applies as we are always looking for new ways to be creative and these days stretch our dollar to new lengths.

2. When creating a production schedule, print the final copy on a bright colored paper so you can at a glance see that everyone is reading from the same version.

3. Social networking – we have all heard it. It’s big, and there is no denying it. From Facebook to Myspace, YouTube, to Twitter. Although to some it may seem a daunting world far-removed from reality, the reality is that it is a powerful force that can launch your business to new heights with the simple click of a button. The trick here is not to let yourself get overwhelmed. Come up with the right plan for you and your business and stick to it. Before you know it you will find yourself going to virtual lengths you never imagined and your business will thank you for it.

4. Photography at events - this is nothing new. When possible, try to have a professional photographer shoot your work. If that is not a feasible option, take some photos yourself from your cell phone. You can then upload them to Facebook or other online networking site. See Tip #3 for more info on that.

5. There is a lot to be said about ISES. Consider sharing with customers that you “only do business with other ISES members.” This not only enhances your credibility, but also the credibility of the organization and the caliber of vendors that you work with.

6. Don’t forget to call and ask for the business! In these economic times, we can’t just sit around and wait for the phone to ring. You have to earn your business by asking for it!

7. On the note of the economy, interesting factoid….50% of Fortune 500 companies started in times of economic uncertainty.

8. For most people, it takes at least 6 months to really see the return on your marketing efforts.

9. Esprit Awards – although it requires a great deal of work on the front end, submitting your work for one of the highest honors in the industry is well worth it in the end. Just ask some of the Dallas chapter winners from this past year!

10. At the very least, for those who attended this year’s conference you will know what I am referring to when I say that we all got to walk away with a very cool messenger bag to haul all our new-found ideas and notes back to Dallas in!

ISES Dallas is producing the 5 Factor!

To purchase tickets for this event go to:

https://www.regonline.com/5factor

Congratulations to Onstage Systems

Onstage Systems has been nominated in the Southwest Region for Local Sound Company of the Year… This is part of the Parnelli Awards, which is a big deal for the live Sound companies of North America!

 

the Please take the time to go to  www.fohonline.com/hometown

–vote for our company in the Southwest Region!!

 

Thanks again for your continued support of Onstage Systems. Since 1978 we have dedicated ourselves to continued growth within our industry and take pride in the high end equipment we supply our clients with combined with the level of expertise our personnel brings to each event!

Congratulations to Ultimate Ventures

Ultimate Ventures, a Dallas/Fort Worth based destination management company, recently earned the distinction of being one of the 2009 Best Places to Work in Dallas-Fort Worth by the Dallas Business Journal. This is Ultimate Ventures’ second time to receive this sought-after designation, and the company is proud to be in such great company. Ultimate Ventures was also recently selected as a 2009 North Dallas Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year finalist. 

2009 ISES EventWorld Winners

ISES Dallas Wins Spirit of Excellence Award for Special Projects!!!

SouthEast Region Wins Region of the Year!!!!

Congratulations to our ISES Dallas Esprit Winners! 


Best Industry Innovation - 
"Texas Star Awards Website"
Marla Watson Werst, CSEP
Jeff Musick


Best Entertainment Production - Budget $25,000 - $75,000 - 
"Rethinking the Boundaries Launch"
Debbie Meyers, CSEP


Best Wedding - Budget $75,000 - $200,000 - 
"Old Hollywood Glamour"
Tara Wilson

ISES Award Recipients

The two most prestigious awards for the ISES Dallas Chapter were awarded at the 2009 ISES Awards Banquet.  These awards recognize two members who go above and beyond for the good of the ISES Dallas Chapter as well as the event industry as a whole. 

Spirit Award - Nominees have been members for two years or less and are selected because of their significant contributions to the ISES Dallas Chapter over the course of the past year. The award recognizes talent and commitment to our chapter.  The nominees were Vince Corona of Creative Cuisine, Courtney Jordan of Magic Moments Parties and Events and Nick Mallouff of Mallouff Photography.  

This year’s recipient is Vince Corona.  Vince has been an active member in ISES Dallas for the past two years.  He is active on the Education Committee.  This year alone he catered the January Bi-Monthly Educational Program at Marc Events and also was the co-chair for the largest Bi-Monthly Educational Program ISES Dallas puts on, the Special Event Industry Olympics, in May.  ISES Dallas would like to thank Vince for his hard work for the organization.  

The Pinnacle Award recognizes an individual based on his or her contributions to the Chapter and Special Events Industry in the past year. This award is what we all reach for in our industry; this is the highest honor our ISES Dallas Chapter can award to a member. Eligible nominees have been members of the Chapter for more than 2 years.  The nominees were Kristen Dickson of Kristen Dickson Weddings and Events, Debbie Meyers CSEP of Bravo! Entertainment, Leigh Stem CSEP of Ducky-Bob's Event Specialists, and Marla Watson-Werst CSEP of PeaPod Productions. 

This year’s recipient is Leigh Stem CSEP.  Leigh has been an active member of ISES for 6 years.  She has served multiple positions on the ISES Dallas Board,  including President 2007-2008 during which she set the course for allowing ISES Dallas to win the ISES Chapter of the Year.  This past year she worked with the Dallas Resource Center on the Toast of Life fundraiser.  Thank you Leigh for being an amazing leader for our chapter and role model for new and upcoming event professionals.  

July BMEP Re-Cap

The ISES Dallas July Bi-Monthly Educational Program brought together the crème de la crème of the Dallas Event Industry.  The end of the 2008-2009 ISES year came to an end at the Orion Ballroom.  Guests mixed and mingled in the beautiful lounge created by R Fox Designs which sipping drinks.  

Guests were escorted into the presentation room where champagne and smoked salmon, caviar and egg Panini bites were passed.  With Marshall Leak of Diversified Media Group providing the A/V, we were treated to a presentation by Heather Henderson Thomas from Cisco Communications.  She talked about the trend of companies and tradeshows going virtual and how she has created a hybrid model that actually helped Cisco increase their attendance at their tradeshow this year despite the economy.  Brooks Kendall gave a wonderful farewell address which covered our countless achievements over the past year, including ISES Dallas being the reining Best in Communication and the Number 1 ISES Chapter in the world!  We also increased our member participation this year to 93%!  Obviously Dallas ISES members are proud of our chapter!  The 2008-2009 board member were given thank you gifts by Brooks as well.  Then the 2009-2010 board members were sworn in.  Raye Dawn Acheson gave everyone a taste of what’s to come in the new year with growing the ISES for ISES movement and increasing ISES Dallas’s impact within the event industry locally, nationally and even internationally. 

While Ricky Derek, courtesy Bravo! Entertainment, serenaded everyone with old classics, the beautiful rose centerpieces by J Monroe Designs along with the linens by BBJ Linens made the tables a perfect backdrop for the amazing food provided by Chef Doug Brown.  The wall was adorned with a custom ISES Dallas gobo from In Light Custom Gobos.  As dessert was taken away guests mingled and danced and created flip books compliments of GladTower Live Productions. 

We would like to thank the Programs Committee as well as last night’s Events Chairs Jennifer Fowler and Stephanie Murray for making last night a successful and enjoyable evening.   

July BMEP Awards

Congratulations to all award winners!

Spirit Award Winner – Vince Corona, Creative Cuisine

Pinnacle Award Winner – Leigh Stem, Ducky Bob’s Event Specialist 

Program of the Year – Marketing Your Business for Growth – September 2008

Co-chairs:  Tara Wilson, Tara Wilson Events & 

Kristen Dickson CSEP, Kristen Dickson Weddings and Events

Facility of the Year - The Dome, Airstar Lighting of Texas - November 2008

Supplier:  Melissa Pruitt, Airstar Lighting of Texas

Caterer of the Year – Creative Cuisine – January 2009

Supplier:  Vince Corona, Creative Cuisine

Lifestyle Guru Heads New Advisory Board for Wedding Industry Trade Association

Notable event planner, media personality and “America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru,” Steve Kemble, was recently selected to be the inaugural Chairperson of the volunteer Leadership Advisory Board (LAB) for the Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA). Providing the unanimous vote of confidence for Kemble were other noteworthy LAB Members, Marcia Blum, Sean De Freitas, Cheryl Fish, Jonathan t. Howe, Esq., Tim Lundy, CSEP, Lena Malouf, CSEP, AIFD, and Darcy Miller-Nussbaum – all recognized masters and innovators with nationally & internationally acclaimed expertise in the wedding profession and/or non-profit association management.  

Well-suited to lead the LAB, Kemble, a past-president of the International Special Events Society (ISES), has received over twenty-five industry accolades, including Special Events magazine Gala Award for Lifetime Achievement, Event Solutions magazine induction to the Event Industry Hall of Fame, Event Solutions magazine Event Planner of the Year, the ISES International Volunteer of the Year award, and the Meeting Professionals International Planner of the Year Award. A centerpiece of WE TV’s marquee block of bridal programming, Wedding Central, Kemble has also appeared on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover Wedding Edition,” Style Network’s “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” and “Married Away.”  

Serving as WIPA emissaries around the industry, the LAB will provide guidance to the Member-elected WIPA Board of Directors to assure the steady, solvent growth of WIPA in accordance with its Vision and Mission Statement. As a body, the LAB Members represent different geographic areas, are exposed to U.S. and global affairs on a daily basis, and in touch with wedding industry trends, regulations and best business practices.

Achieving non-profit incorporation status in June, 2008, WIPA is the first national (501c6) trade association created specifically for providers of wedding products and services. Its purpose is to promote the wedding industry, educate the public in the value of employing qualified wedding specialists, set and monitor professional standards of performance of Members, and provide Members with opportunities to enhance their professional growth. Members champion four core values – knowledge, integrity, quality and education – thereby delivering the best business practices to their clients and each other.   

“The founding Board of Directors recognized the need for higher level education and professional growth opportunities for those employed in the burgeoning wedding industry,” states WIPA President, Joyce Scardina Becker, CMP.  “This is the cornerstone of the organization” 

Appealing to experienced wedding professionals, a requisite for WIPA membership is proof of legal business status and business insurance coverage. “This is something every bridal couple should request before ever contracting with vendors,” confirms Becker. “Because of this benefit, brides, grooms and their families will find the added value of working with a WIPA Member.” 

“The industry has risen to professional status only in the last 25 years,” Becker informs.  “Considered recession-proof, many unskilled planners and suppliers are starting new wedding careers at a rapid pace. There’s an overdue need for a strong code of ethics and WIPA has set the standards of performance for all,” she says. 

For more information, please contact Director of Membership, Neil Adams, neil@blueprintstudiocollection.com, or President, Joyce Scardina Becker, CMP, joyce@eventsofdistinction.com.   Additional information about WIPA can be found at www.wipausa.org.