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Meeting and Events

If you missed a MPI/NE Educational Meeting or Event…
you can now download it to a podcast .
Click here for a list of available podcasts.

B-Zone Holiday Networking
Monday, December 7th. 2009
Boston Back Bay Hotel

Co-Chairs:
Elizabeth Young, Manager, VIP Services and Events, Tillinger’s,
and
Brenda Houlihan, CMP, Senior Meeting and Event Manager, Experient Inc.

Thank you to all the planners and suppliers that attended the December “ B-Zone” Networking Event taking place at on December 7th at the Boston Back Bay Hotel. Over 200 planners and suppliers took a break from the busy holiday season to catch up with peers.  Hopefully, the event was a jumpstart to the New Year and offered a setting to reconnect with old friends or establishing new contacts.

The Boston Back Bay Hotel was the stage for the “B-Zone;” an atmosphere to exchange ideas and find out about new opportunities for 2010.  The Boston Back Bay Hotel was a fabulous host to an evening of delectable food and cheer from the holiday carolers.

The Membership Committee started the evening welcoming new members in the Back Bay Hotel Lounge, “350.”  Guests passed by the “Living Statue” provided by Ten-31 Productions.  The living statue was  a winter tree crowned with branches and crystal ice.  A unique décor idea for a party or an interesting addition to a conference registration area.

We toast the end of 2009 and look optimistically towards 2010 with friends, coworkers, and industry partners.  We thank our sponsors for their support and hope that members will consider them for future projects.

Sponsors:
Boston Back Bay Hotel
Ten-31 Productions


MPI New England 18th Annual Golf Outing and Educational Event
David Sweeney CMP

MPI’s annual Golf Outing held in memory of Kathy Keegan-Cummings was a perfect event to end the summer season and ease everyone into the fall.  The annual tournament was hosted by Ocean’s Edge Golf Resort for the second year in a row.  The golf course and grounds were in top shape and can only be matched by a small number of top ranked courses in the North East.  The Resort pulled out all the stops to support the planning committee ensuring that all attendees would have a fantastic time. Non Golfers were able to participate in an educational seminar conducted by Steve Krone from Wine Entertainment Resources.  Steve led attendees through the tasting process by identifying the characteristic of wines.  Attendees were then divided into teams and had to identify wines by the characteristics learned in the seminar. Attendees walked away after a spirited tasting competition more knowledgeable of wine’s traits.

The weather could not have been more perfect for the event.  The sun was strong the air crisp and clear.  The course benefited from rains earlier in the season and the recent dry weather.  Golfers were able to enjoy themselves in a competitive and friendly competition of skill on all 18 holes.  In the end the winning team with the lowest score was:
Greg Clark
Keith Norton
Derek Manners
Gary Cowans

Longest Drive for Men was won by Michael Lynch
Longest Drive for women was won by Kristen Packet

Closest to the Pin for men was won by Greg Clark
Closest to the Pin for women was won by Kathleen Tormey

The event would not have been the success it was without the support of our loyal and generous sponsors.  Special thanks needs to be given to

  • Ocean Edge Resort
  • David Fox Photography
  • Carey Transportation
  • Blazing Signworks
  • Wine Entertainment Resources
  • Destination Worcester
  • Starwood Hotels of Boston
  • Wynne Las Vegas
  • Salem Waterfront Hotel
  • Hilton of Boston

All attendees, both golfer and seminar participants meet on the newly added terrace at the main lodge of the resort for a reception sponsored by the resort.  Attendees were able to enjoy some of the finest food presentation on the Cape while watching the ships pass on the horizon.

Additional thanks must be given to Stephanie Grey who took up the reigns as the Chapter manager at the last minute to administer and guide the dedicated and hard working Special Event Committee in finalizing the details of this event. 


MPI/NE Annual Meeting – The Night Show with MPI New England

By – Deborah Costa
Watch the video here

On June 18, 2009 MPI New England celebrated its Annual Meeting at the historic Taj Boston.  This year’s Annual Meeting was a wonderful evening that once again brought together our chapter for an important celebration where we recognized the achievements of fellow members and their contributions and dedication to the chapter. 

The Taj Boston welcomed over 150 meeting professionals to network, socialize and support both the outgoing and incoming board members. Highlights of the evening included a count down of the top ten memorable moments for this year’s Board of Directors done by our outgoing president, Michael Carson, as well as a tribute to Sam Dame eloquently presented by Past President, David Rich. Our annual awards presentation and the induction of the 2009-2010 board members that will serve our chapter for the year were also part of the evening’s festivities.

Michael Carson with his unique style and genuine sense of humor said farewell to our members as the chapter president.  The chapter has made great strides this year under Michael’s leadership and we applaud him for all of his accomplishments.  As our new President, Michael Lynch, told us that it was “good to have a seat at the table” and urged each one of us as individuals to Evolve, Reimagine, Elevate and Build on what we have and take it to the next level.  He promised to maintain a standard of excellence for our chapter as he takes the reins as President and leads us into 2010.  In these challenging economic times, Michael, along with our new board members will focus more than ever on what is important  – making the MPI New England chapter a strong and successful association.

We thank our Annual Meeting sponsors for their generosity and their contributions:
Taj Boston
Ovation Events
David Fox Photography
Craig Sutton Entertainment Services 

2009 MPI/NE Award Winners:

Sam Dame Memorial Professional Development Scholarship Award
Maggie Mohrfeld
Senior Sales Manager
Hyatt Regency Newport

Kathy Keegan-Cummings Professional Development Scholarship
Kimberly Andrew
Independent Meetings Professional

Tomorrow’s Leader Award
Amy Doucette, CMP
Meeting Manager
PRRI, Inc.

Chapter Leader of the Year Award
Jill Forchielli
Senior Sales Manager
InterContinental Boston

Meeting Professional of the Year Award
Julie Nack Locke, CMP
Manager, Global Accounts
HelmsBriscoe

President’s Award
Julie Nack Locke, CMP
Manager, Global Accounts
HelmsBriscoe

We also thank our outgoing board members.  We truly appreciate your service and commitment to the MPI New England Chapter.

Karen Bellavance, CMP
Stephanie Grey, CMP
Chelsie Horne, CMP
Patrick Lynch, CMP, CHSP
Deborah Matteson
Royce Tyree, CMP
Martha Sheridan, CMP


“NEM!CE 2009”

NEM!CE 2009 offered some of the best educational sessions to date at an MPI New England event. In over 7 hours of concurrent sessions, speakers presented on some of the hottest and most important topics in our industry!

While all of the sessions had excellent attendance, there was no way for you to possibly take in all of this education in person...until now!

Thanks to Fleetwood Onsite, every session at NEM!CE 2009 was recorded and is now available as a podcast through the MPI New England website!

Click the link below to download sessions individually or to order a CD version of the entire program:

http://www.fleetwoodonsite.com/index.php?cPath=186_205

Thanks to everyone who attended NEM!CE 2009 and remember, "Let's stop putting out fires, and let's get back to business!!"


Sell the Sizzle Not the Steak: How to Take Your Brand to the Next Level
March 18 , 2009
Fairmont Battery Wharf, Boston
Co-chairs: Kelley Bazydlo, CMP - American Schools of Oriental Research (ASOR)
Amy Doucette, CMP – PRRI, Inc.

During these uncertain economic times, marketing and branding is paramount. Now more than ever, is the time to promote a meeting, service, product and destination. At the March 2009 program, this important topic was discussed in great detail by a dynamic panel of marketing and branding executives who agreed that these days it is more important to “sell the steak” than to “sell the sizzle”. 

Moderated by Karen King, CMP, CMM and Principal of Meeting Strategists, LLC, the panel was comprised of leading experts including: John Darman, the former Global Chief Marketing Officer of Proctor & Gamble (formerly Gillette Global), Nancy Harhut, a Creative Director recognized internationally for best-in-class strategy most recently as Managing Director of Relationship Marketing of Hill Holliday, Brian Kenny, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Harvard Business School and Evan Smith, President & CEO of Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Many planners and suppliers are responsible for marketing themselves and their companies, marketing a specific meeting, marketing a destination or bringing a client’s brand alive in a meeting setting, thus a solid understanding of the branding process is essential. John Darman offered a structured framework to approach branding consisting of five key components: Who; What; How; Where; When. These elements should work together to reinforce what a brand stands for and deliver a message to the right audience at the time and place where they are most receptive. Darman concluded that, “It is a really simple concept though executing it superbly is the challenge. It is applicable to whether you are selling a product, brand, destination or yourself.”

Nancy Harhut offered three tips on how to increase read and response rate. She suggested the first step is to determine the main message and not stray from it. Do not make the mistake of adding extraneous information as it only serves to dilute it. Lead with the main point as there are only seconds to capture a prospect’s attention. Support the message in the subject line, headlines, subheads, email preview pane and through other visuals. Harhut’s second recommendation is to market the benefits of an event, product or service. It is not enough to make an announcement; rather the audience must understand the benefits. Finally, the marketing message must overcome objections. She suggested thinking about the biggest objection someone will have and building the argument to overcome it into the marketing materials. The bottom line is that marketers must communicate a focused message that is benefits-oriented and includes arguments to overcome the most likely objections encountered.

Brian Kenny addressed the importance of delivering events and meetings of substance. In these new economic times, attendees seek greater value from their participation. It must extend beyond pure enjoyment and entertainment. Kenny believes that events and meetings provide unparalleled opportunity to build friends and relationships that will yield profit in the future. They continue to play a critical role in business. 

Marketing a destination was another topic addressed by Evan Smith. He shared the core elements that the Newport CVB practices to promote the area. Destinations must know their product and be familiar with all the lodging, dining, transportation, planning and related suppliers in a community to gain a sense of what the locale offers. Secondly, it is critical to know the client and remember that the client is king. It is also important to have a sense of the business drivers and understand where the business is originating whether it is in the corporate, association or SMERF markets. 

To hear more practical marketing and branding tips download the podcast, a new feature of MPI New England’s monthly programs, sponsored by Fleetwood Conference Recording.

The Fairmont Battery Wharf hotel was the generous host for the March program. Adjacent to the historic North End and new waterfront developments, the Fairmont Battery Wharf hotel embraces the rich history of its neighborhood, while providing its guests with a contemporary and sophisticated retreat in the city’s most vibrant location. The hotel features 150 elegantly appointed guestrooms, including Fairmont Gold, the brand’s exclusive lifestyle offering for the most discerning guests. The hotel offers a variety of dining experiences from cocktails and light dining in the lobby living room to its elegant restaurant and lounge featuring an open kitchen and chef’s table, Harbor views and seasonal outdoor dining. This exceptional Boston resort features 6,000 square feet of meeting space, and is ideal for intimate social gatherings and small corporate groups.

At the program, Matthew Sterne, the hotel’s General Manager, spoke about the exciting opening of the hotel and the historic location of the property. Following the program, attendees enjoyed a delicious assortment of chef selections including Korean short ribs, ahi tuna skewers and noodle bowls.

MPI New England would like to thank the entire staff of the Fairmont Battery Wharf hotel, particularly Bea Flammia, Senior Group Sales Manager, and Lizbeth Tate Brown, Director of Catering, for all of their work on making this program a success. Additionally, the co-chairs wish to thank all who attended and the expert panel and moderator for sharing their knowledge. 

Kelly Bazydlo, CMP & Amy Doucette, CMP


“Painless Networking”
February 25, 2009
Millennium Bostonian Hotel

Co-chairs: Denise Banach, Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center and Mark Gionet, SWANK Audio Visual.

In late February, MPI hosted a networking event with an education component. As with all recent MPI meetings of late, this one was well attended at 168 registrants, in spite of being on Ash Wednesday.

Mike Carson spoke briefly to encourage involvement in the upcoming All Team Retreat, held on March 7, 2009 and introduced Jill Forchielli, who spoke about NEMICE and the exciting changes in its format this year.  In addition, Mike recognized this event’s sponsor – the Millennium Bostonian Hotel. 

Many long lasting business relationships have started with a simple introduction at networking events.  Since many of us are focused on maintaining relationships and connecting with new prospects in today’s business environment, the February program was conceived to give both planners and suppliers some take-aways on networking more effectively.

Chosen as our honored speaker for the evening was Jodi Smith, President of her own company, Mannersmith.  Jodi recently celebrated 13 years in business and has been seen on the NBC Today Show, ABC Good Morning America, as well as others.  In fact, she’d just been the featured expert on a Fox 25 news segment about the importance of professional behavior as a key element to keeping your job in today’s marketplace.

Jodi considers herself an “etiquette advocate” on dining manners, office conduct, and professional protocol.  She spoke about each of these areas but focused on her “Top Ten Tips” list for networking situations. 

Jodi encouraged the audience to ask etiquette questions and typically provided entertaining and informative answers as she kept everyone engaged through several activities.  We started by practicing proper handshake technique with our neighbors.  After, we learned proper handshake grasp and length, many of us were shocked to learn that our nametags were on the wrong side!  This spurred more activity from the crowd before we listened intently to Jodi's unique concept of "snippet starters".

Snippet starters are Jodi’s refreshing alternative to the 1 minute commercial or 30-second elevator speech we’ve all been told are must-haves.  The snippet starter, per Jodi, is something unique you can say to others in a networking situation that will: a) give you something you like to talk about and b) help them remember YOU.  Jodi also had great thoughts about how to prepare for each networking event in order to meet your goals.  We also learned how to read body language and maintain comfortable eye contact as well as to master the way to graceful exits that allow you to meet the maximum number of people at a networking event.  The reception that followed was a spirited one as everyone laughed about the “3 B’s” and shared stories and sympathies about the current economic climate.

Those of you who missed the meeting but are looking for a short guide on modern day etiquette, may want to go to the Mannersmith website, www.mannersmith.com for a synopsis on “From Clueless to Class Act: Manners for the Modern Man” and the same-titled “Manners for the Modern Woman” version. These can both be ordered from Barnes & Noble as well.  Jodi Smith agreed to speak to MPI’s membership at a fraction of her usual fees – thank you, Jodi.

The site for this program was the Millennium Bostonian Hotel, located near the well know Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall Marketplace in downtown Boston. The hotel’s General Manager, Dominique Marty, welcomed our group to his property and introduced us to his staff. The original hotel on this site included 152 rooms and its construction included some original walls from a store on North St. built in 1680.  Today, the hotel has 201 guestrooms and suites and recently expanded its function space by converting the former Seasons Restaurant to the Seasons Ballroom in which his MPI event was held.  The Seasons Ballroom is now a unique space which, in its heyday as Seasons Restaurant produced notable Chef’s such as Lydia Shire, Jasper White, Gordon Hammersley, amongst others.  The Millennium Bostonian began extensive renovations in 2007 and was looking forward to opening its new restaurant, North|26 Restaurant and Bar, the following week after MPI’s meeting.  The restaurant opened on Saturday, March 14, 2009 signifying the completion of the hotel’s $25 million total hotel renovation.

We all immensely enjoyed the hors d’oeuvres presented and trust that North|26 Restaurant and Bar will be a great success!

The co-chairs would like to thank everyone who attended.  In addition, Rena Migdel and Pippa Nava of the Millennium Bostonian who were our Sales and Catering contacts, whose help was critical to the success of the evening.

Denise Banach, CMP

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What Meeting Planners Need to Know for 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Intercontinental Boston

Record Set!

Wendy Desabaye, CMP
Program Manager, Lentra Meetings & Events.

On January 21 Meeting Professionals International New England Chapter (MPINE) had a new record set for its January meeting of 248 attendees! Co-Chairs Shelley Griffin and Wendy Desabaye put together a compelling panel of industry leaders to speak on the topic of “What Meeting Planners Need to Know for 2009?” Tim Kirwan, General Manager of the Intercontinental Boston gave a warm welcome and offered some interesting facts about the hotels design.

Moderated by Martha Bunker Senior Vice President of Fidelity Investments; the panel included Jeff Brown, Executive Vice President Colpitts World Travel; Lisa Kaplan, Key Account Director, Groups & Meetings Inter-Continental Hotel Group; Amrita Nichols, CMP, Manager, Meeting Services, Fresenius Medical Care NA; Scott Spector Manager, Associations and Government American Airlines Regional Office; Beth Stehley, VP Convention Sales and Convention Services Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The panel began by stating the three challenges they’re facing in these tough economic times and expounded on what steps they’re taking to overcome them. There was a lively discussion around the new Massachusetts law regarding the low incentives pharmaceutical company can pay out and its impact on the meetings industry. There was also discussion on the “perception” issue facing luxury properties or any property with the word spa or resort in it’s name.

Attendees lingered long after the meeting was over discussing all that they had learned at the session and questioning panel members further. They also enjoyed a wonderful sampling from the hotel restaurants. A sushi chef prepared amazing specialty rolls offered at Sushi-Teq. Miel a French brasserie, offered a tasting of its famous sliders and rosemary French fries.

MPINE has had a long history of providing strong topics for both suppliers and planners. With a landscape that’s constantly changing both parties need all the information they can get to take them forward in their careers as well as within the chapter.

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The 'UN-Holiday' Event
Monday, December 8th 2008
Westin Copley Place - Boston

Co-Chairs: Cezanne Macary, Sheraton Boston Hotel and Brenda Houlihan, Experient.  

Thank you to all the planners and suppliers that attended the December “UnHoliday” Networking Event taking place at on December 8th, 2008..  Over 200 planners and suppliers took a break from the busy holiday season to catch up with peers.  Hopefully, the event was a jump start to the New Year and offered a setting to reconnect with old friends or establishing new contacts.

The Westin Copley Place, in the heart of Boston’s trendy Back Bay neighborhood was a beautiful setting overlooking Copley Plaza.  The hotel has recently renovated its products and amenities. From the moment you enter the lobby, the scents, surroundings, even music are all specially designed for your total serenity and complete relaxation. The Westin Copley Place was a fabulous host to an evening of delectable food, fine wines and a stage for a few laughs. 

Talking about laughs, attendees were entertained by Boston’s own Steve Sweeney, a hometown favorite. Entertainment Specialists sponsored the comedian Steve Sweeney as well as kept the evening upbeat with custom music play by a DJ.

Thanks to our friends at Yacht Starship, a lucky MPI Member won a cruise during the Sail Boston.  Yacht Starship is the official dining cruise operator for Sail Boston 2009.

We thank our sponsors for their support and hope that members will consider them for future projects.

Sponsors:
Westin Copley Place
Entertainment Specialist
Yacht Starshi

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MPI New England Educational Institute
November 17 - 18, 2008
Hotel Viking

Click here to download the complete agenda

Missed the Educational Institute?  Below is a recap of the educational sessions and links to download the presentations and associated handouts.  Each session offered three educational levels, B = beginner level, I = intermediate level and A = advance level.

Opening Challenge: Innovate or Perish – Regina Clark, Left Brain Leverage
The simple truth is this: the economy is brutal and you must learn how to be fresh, innovate and cutting edge!  Are you stuck in your comfort zone or are you challenging the system. Do you ask  why on a daily basis? This thought provoking session will inspire you to challenge the way you think about business and your daily practices. 

Regina Clark is an international speaker, author, executive coach, founder of Left Brain Leverage, a NY based management development consulting business, and mother of three. For the past twenty years, she has been energizing audiences with her content rich, fast paced, interactive programs. Regina’s style is smart, witty, informative and fresh. She brings current information into every program and delivers the information with energy and enthusiasm. Regina’s clients include Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Cummins, and many others. Regina has spoken at the MPI PEC and other MPI Chapter.

Educational Session I

B: Intro to Emerging Technology – Bryan Lavin, Providence/Warwick CVB
Do you use LinkedIn? Have you ever blogged?  Are you unfamiliar with Facebook? This educational session is your introduction to all of these things, and more! As technology advances, Social Networking Media is quickly becoming an important communication tool for not only you, but for your attendees, employees and peers. It is a common misconception that Social Networking Media is a “time waster” or for the younger generation. However, they are power means of communication, valuable tools for making connections and spreading information, and not that hard to master once you have used them! In this interactive and fun educational program we will explore the different types of Social Networking Media and introduce you to ways to incorporate them into your next event.

Bryan Lavin is a National Sales Manager for the Providence/Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau, in Providence, RI. Bryan is responsible for promoting, selling, and marketing Providence and the surrounding communities of Warwick and Newport as a premier meetings and events destination in New England. Currently, Bryan manages the New England and Trade Show markets and is responsible for client development as well as retention. Prior to joining the staff at the PWCVB, Bryan was a member of the convention sales team at the Worcester County Conventions and Visitors Bureau in Worcester, MA. Most recently, Bryan was the Marketing & Special Events Coordinator for Wachusett Mountain Ski Area. While at the mountain, Bryan managed all public events and radio advertisement as well as maintenance of the Wachusett Mountain website and social media pages. Bryan has five years in the meetings and conventions industry.

I: Creative Problem Solving – Regina Clark, Left Brain Leverage
Every person has the potential to be creative. Creative solutions are often much better than rational solutions but creative solutions take time. During this session you will learn some creative problem solving techniques that really work. We will identify a few MPI problems and apply the techniques to solve the problems. You will walk away with great ideas! 

Regina Clark is an international speaker, author, executive coach, founder of Left Brain Leverage, a NY based management development consulting business, and mother of three. For the past twenty years, she has been energizing audiences with her content rich, fast paced, interactive programs. Regina’s style is smart, witty, informative and fresh. She brings current information into every program and delivers the information with energy and enthusiasm. Regina’s clients include Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Cummins, and many others. Regina has spoken at the MPI PEC and other MPI Chapter.

A: Best Practices/CSR – Moderator, Jonathan Cardoni, Liberty Mutual
    Panelists, Florine Edwards, FM Global
    Panelists, Jennifer C. Squeglia, CMP, RLC Events
The greatest resource available to meeting professionals is each other. This program starts a conversation among planners and suppliers identifying and addressing the most important issues to each of us. Negotiation, technology, green policies and economics are affecting everyone. Through open discussion, we will provide an opportunity to learn the many ways that different people address the same concerns. We will look at these issues from various points of view to provide each attendee additional tools to best address these concerns which face all meeting professionals.  After years of working jobs closely and not so closely related to meeting planning, including entertainment production, graphic design, advertising, and hotel food and beverage, Jonathan Cardoni joined Liberty Mutual Conference & Meeting Management in 1996. He has planned meetings throughout the US and international destinations from small department meetings to large international management meetings. Jonathan is part of the team that plans Liberty Mutual’s events and activities around the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf, PGA Champions Tour Tournaments. In 2001 Jonathan earned his CMP designation.

Florine Edwards is FM Global’s Vice President, Manager, Corporate Programs and Exhibit Management. Based in the company’s corporate offices in Johnston, R.I., Florine is responsible for ensuring the program, event and exhibition needs of FM Global are met through consistent global coordination and implementation. Florine has more than 25 years experience in meeting and event management. Prior to her current appointment in 1999, she served as Vice President and Manager of advertising and corporate relations. She also previously served as Assistant Vice President. Florine joined the company in 1974 as an Assistant Editor. Florine holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Rhode Island College, Providence, R.I, and is a member of the Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc., exhibits advisory board. She recently received her Certification in Meeting Management (CMM) designation.

Jennifer Squeglia, CMP is principle of her event planning company, RLC Events.  Jennifer’s career started in the hospitality industry working at luxury resorts in Grand Teton National Park, St. John, Savannah, and Martha’s Vineyard. Her extensive hotel experience includes food and beverage and front office management, as well as directing catering and conference services departments. In 1999, Jennifer came to Boston to pursue a career in corporate events and worked at John Hancock as an Event Manager and worked on a team to execute John Hancock’s hospitality programs for most distinct executives and producers at three Olympic Games – Sydney, Salt Lake, and Athens. In addition to the Olympics, Jennifer also worked on the Boston Marathon for several years. After many years at John Hancock, Jennifer brought her experience to Fidelity Investments, where she served as Director of Meetings & Client Events for the Fidelity Brokerage Company. Supporting the Fidelity Registered Investment Advisor Group and Fidelity Family Office Services, Jennifer broadened her experience with agenda development, production experience, trade show strategy, and high-end client educational events. Jennifer has been a long standing and active member of FICP (Financial & Insurance Conference Planners).  For two years, Jennifer has been the Chairperson for the Northeast Region, planning two meetings per year for planners and hospitality partners. Jennifer was also a member of the Design Team for the 2007 FICP Annual Meeting and served as Education committee chairperson.

Educational Session II

B: Contract Negotiations – Maureen A. Dermody, CMP, Northeastern University
Click here to download the most critical checklist.  The purpose of this session is to teach the basic steps to negotiate a hotel contract that will result in cost savings to your meetings bottom line, reduce your risk and liabilities and develop a positive relationship that will help to support future business.  Once you have completed this session you will be able to: establish a negotiations process based on the latest industry “best practices”; learn how to set your priorities based on your meeting goals & objectives; understand the various types of negotiating styles and when to use them; develop a strategy where your negotiations will result in the best cost savings and mitigate your risk and liabilities. 

Maureen Dermody, CMP is the Corporate Meeting Planner and Corporate Procurement Manager for travel and technology industries. She has been a meeting industry professional for twenty years and a Past Board of Directors member for MPI/NE. Maureen is currently teaching as part of the Meeting Industry Certificate Program at Northeastern University.

I: Demystifying the CMP Process – Julie Nack-Locke, CMP, HelmsBriscoe
Attendees will gain an understanding of who should take the CMP; recognize the benefits of the CMP; identify the requirements to get your CMP; review the time needed to get your CMP-how long does it take from start to finish; understand what books you need to study; figure out how to navigate the application and review the policies and procedures; review the fee structure; and identify application deadlines and exams.

Julie Nack-Locke is a consultant in the meeting and event industry. She is a Regional Manager for HelmsBriscoe, the world’s leading site selection firm with offices in 36 countries, providing services to organizations which conduct conferences, meetings, conventions and incentive travel. Julie specializes in facility research, site selection and contract negotiations for organizations ranging in size from small privately owned corporations to multi-national Fortune 500 companies. Julie is also an adjunct professor at Northeaster University in their Meeting Management Certification Program. The meeting and Event Management program is for experienced meeting and event professionals looking to expand their skills and remain competitive, as well as those interested in starting a career in this field. She enjoys teaching, and sharing her experience with students, as well as, creating an environment which fosters an exchange of ideas.

A: Across the Generations: Closing the Gap – Arlene J. Nicholas, Ph.D. Salve Regina University
With four generations in the current workplace, identifying the different values, lifestyles, and motivation for each is important to our future success together. Learning how to sell to, market to, and interact with other generations can help your individual career productivity. Dr. Nicholas reveals a closer analysis of the different generations and how to best interact and motivate one another. In this session you will learn to understand the principles and beliefs of each generation; how to communicate with and motivate each generation for maximum productivity; utilize effective hiring and incentive programs across the generations.

Dr. A.J. Nicholas is an Assistant Professor in the Business Studies and Economics Department of Salve Regina University teaching undergraduate courses in Management including Organizational Behavior, Business Communications, Human Resources and Business Research. Community involvement includes a Service Learning extension of Human Resources and Business Communications courses in cooperation with Child and Family that has Salve students working with underserved community high school students on job and college preparations. Dr. Nicholas also teaches graduate classes of Human Resources on campus and online. She received her B.S. in Biology cum laude at Salve Regina University as well as a MA in Human Resource Management and an MS in Information Systems Science. At Touro University International, she received her Ph. D in Business Administration.

MPI and You – Chris Gasbarro, C3
Chris will challenge you to take every opportunity that becomes available to you to participate as a Member of MPINE. Whether you make the choice to attend each Monthly Meeting, be it an Educational or a Networking Event, it holds the potential to provide you with tools to advance your own career, or enhance the career of a colleague. Chris will speak to the many opportunities that exist within the local Volunteer component of MPINE.

As a Past President of MPI New England, no one exemplifies better what it means to be an active committed participating member of MPI, than Chris Gasbarro. As the proverbial “Full Glass of Water”, Chris provides for all of those privileged to work along side of him an example of quiet, subtle mentoring. Chris would be the first to admit that he receives by far more value and growth from his involvement in MPI than what he contributes.

Educational Session III

B: Think Strategic: Partner for Success – Chris Reagan, Get Ahead Pro Speakers Bureau
In our competitive and challenging industry it often feels like our business is a poker game. You never know what cards the other player is holding. Combine that situation with worldwide economic turmoil and it is easy to see why many planners and suppliers feel on edge and challenged.  This presentation is designed to address current market realities and to help planners and suppliers work better as strategic partners. Attendees will:
• Learn key ways to partner more closely with their internal and external customers;
• Discuss the “Three Agendas” and why they are so important for sales and event success;
• Be provided with the opportunity to help create the program prior to the event;
• Interact and share best practices with each other; and,
• Develop a clear outline of how they can work better with each other.

Chris Reagan is an entrepreneur, civic leader, husband and father of two daughters.  Chris established Get Ahead Pro Speakers Bureau in 1995. Get Ahead Pro has been secured by Corporations, associations and organizations to produce successful and strategic, meetings, events and training programs worldwide for the past decade.  Chris is a contributing writer to New England Corporate Events, Banker and Tradesman, Meetings and many other newsletters and publications. He is one of the Past Presidents of Meeting Professionals International’s New England Chapter and he has served on the Board of Directors for the New Hampshire Brain Injury Association. Chris Co-Chaired the Wings of Hope Air Show 2000 and is assisting the NH Brain Injury Association and the NH National Guard once again to prepare for the 2007 show. This one-day event attracted over 140,000 attendees. Chris has climbed Baxter Peak, Mt Katahdin and the Knife’s Edge five times and walked on fire twice. Chris has presented to many organizations including: The National Speakers Association, NSA Pennsylvania, NSA New England, The Greater Portland Convention & Visitors Bureau, Meeting Professionals International, MPI New England and various other civic and regional groups throughout New England, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.

I: Keeping all the Balls in the Air: How to cope with constant change…And Still Stay Sane! – Rob Peck, Get Ahead Pro Speakers Bureau
C.E.O.’s are increasingly challenged to juggle multiple responsibilities.  But "all work and no play"… NO WAY! People don't glaze over, call in sick, or jump ship, when they are in a cooperative learning environment that supports fun-spirited, fresh thinking and respects a healthy life balance. Good health is vital for good morale and both bring out people’s best in tough times. Leaders who know how to respond creatively to unforeseen challenges model a resiliency that rubs off. Nothing helps us bounce back quicker than a good laugh. Keeping a sense of humor helps us keep problems in perspective and recognize that difficulties can either obstruct or instruct. It’s our choice. We can constantly complain, or we can constructively reframe…. and have less stress, and more zest!  Attendees will get a delightful object lesson in how learning a new skill expands left and right brain thinking, and come away with a heightened appreciation for the link between leadership and laughter (and why humor is a great hearing aid when it comes to enhancing listener’s attention). They will also derive deeper insights into what frustrates- and what facilitates, cooperative learning and group chemistry. Each person will leave with a handy reference guide: Tips For Getting A Grip On Overload & Overwhelm, which includes several fun and creative 20-30 second R & R techniques to recharge their energy and rejuvenate their outlook, as well as a crisp, and easy to apply protocol to ensure problems are viewed in proper perspective. 

Rob Peck is the C.E.A. (Creative Education Advocate) of ZESTWORKS a speaking, training and consulting firm whose core philosophy is to make content come alive by linking lessons with laughter. Rob graduated the University of Pennsylvania (Phi Beta Kappa) and Ringling Brothers Clown College ("Magna Cum Looney"!) He received The International Juggler's Association's Excellence in Education Award and was a featured guest on Donahue. Zestwork's guiding principle is that high spirits mean low attrition. Rob's novel use of juggling (both as a medium and a metaphor) immediately strikes a universal chord that cuts across all age and gender barriers. In Peck's nimble hands juggling becomes both a memorable illustration of how to deal with lots of "balls" in the air- and still stay focused... and a hands-on training tool that helps participants hone their concentration and heighten their sense of humor at the same time. As a speaker, trainer and consultant, Peck has helped thousands of multitasking professionals re-discover a life-balance which links learning with laughter and frees them to have less stress and more zest at work....and at home.

A: Measure or Perish: Why Knowing Your Meeting History is Essential – Amy Sherwood, IAPP
Attendees of this session will learn why collecting historical data is necessary when planning meetings. Particularly in a down turned economy meeting planners need to be at the top of their game. To do so they must rely on a bevy of information that can guide their strategy, budgeting, and purchasing decisions. More than ever planners must justify their spending, do it better than their competitors and deliver more with less. This session will make the case that you must arm yourself with the data. Using examples and tools, attendees will work through sample worksheets and share their experiences with colleagues. Attendees will learn how to predict their attendance while building a budget, not after; they will understand how much alcohol should be ordered and accurately print the correct number of marketing materials and much more.

Amy Sherwood is Operations Director at the international Association of Privacy Professionals. She joined the IAPP as the organization was beginning to take shape and was instrumental in moving event operations from and association management company in house. In her first role as Events Director, Sherwood built a program from one staff member to a team of eight. She developed procedures, developed strategies and managed daily operations. Today, she has oversight of all operational and business functions as they relate to events, membership, certification processing and general office flow. Prior to joining the IAPP, Sherwood worked at Strawbery Banke, and outdoor history museum, as an events manager, where she helped build a facility rentals program, and produced fundraisers, and educational events. She has worked in New York for philanthropy the Markle Foundation; Fanlight Production in Boston, an educational film distributor and has degrees from the Culinary Institute of America and Ithaca College’s Park School of Communications. She holds certifications in meeting planning (CMP) and information privacy (CIPP).  In her free time she volunteers regularly for many organizations. She has been a Big Sister through the Big Brother Big Sister program for 6 years, organized a major fundraiser that is now in its thirteenth year for the Avis Goodwin Health Clinic; and was Chair for the Amesbury Cultural Council.

Educational Session IV

B: Work Your Tradeshow
Olivia Frawley, Jurys Boston Hotel;
Robert Berkowitz, Puerto Rico Convention Bureau
Click here to download the checklist and objectives and results.
From how to find the best show for your market, to registration, to follow-up, there are steps which one can take to make their Trade Show experience flow smoothly and efficiently. Attendees will learn what makes a show work well and what does not. How to prepare prior to the show, how to pre-set appointments, and how to work a successful booth. Most importantly, discussing how follow-up after returning to the office is paramount.

Olivia Frawley is originally from Co. Claire, Ireland and is currently living and working in Boston, MA. She has worked for the Jurys Doyle Hotel Group for seven years and has been involved in Sales & Marketing for 11 years. Her role at Jurys Boston Hotel is as Group Sales Manager, and manages diverse markets. Olivia attends a number of Trade Shows annually within the US and Europe, to include Pow Wow, DNE, NEMICE, Springtime in the Park, World Travel Market (London), and the Consumer Holiday Show (Ireland). Olivia holds a BA Degree from the University of Limerick, Ireland and a post-graduate Diploma in Tourism Management & Marketing from the Dublin Business School, Ireland.

Bob Berkowitz has been in the tradeshow and meetings industry for over 20 years and is a consummate marketing and sales professional who has strategically directed events and tradeshows in categories ranging from computer and information technology to wireless services, to a wide variety of associated products. He started his career at the Interface Group, creators of COMDEX and produced events for Apple Computer, Comverse Network Systems and Oracle. In his current role, Bob works with clients based in the northeast booking meetings in Puerto Rico.

I: Risk Management – Evan Smith, Newport County CVB
This session is designed to help planners and suppliers explore the different risks each side faces when negotiating business and planning an event.  The content will focus on risk identification, risk avoidance, risk reduction, and risk transference. The discussion will also explore innovative applications and resources that help minimize risk. Group interaction is encouraged. Attendees will learn to identify and understand risk from the other side’s perspective; what risk management is reasonable verse overkill; what are “every day risks” compared to “crisis risks”; identify low and high risk activities; will build a list of resources to help with their own risk management issues.

As President & CEO, Evan Smith leads the Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau in promoting Newport as a premiere destination for leisure and business travel. In Evan’s 19 years at the NCCVB, he has overseen all marketing initiatives to position Newport as an appealing destination. Looking forward, Evan is enthusiastic about uncovering new possibilities to promote the destination through innovative partnerships and creative packaging. During his 28-year career in travel and tourism, Smith has served in sales and marketing capacities for three hotels and an international tour operator. Additionally, Smith is an active member of numerous travel trade organizations including TIA and SATW. He is the founder of the New England Visitor Center Association.

A: Green Meetings: Beyond PC – Michelle Johnson and Chris Gasbarro, C3
Click here for notes from the Greennstorm.
The hottest topic in our industry, “Green Meetings” has become the new vernacular-but is it too much a marketing or advertising position? As a meeting professional, planner or supplier, this session will allow you to evaluate and take proactive steps to truly make your programs more “Green”. It’s not just a word, it’s an action-one that the meeting professional plays an important role in by influencing the green opportunities with your organizations, vendors, and attendees. Beyond PC refers not only to successfully navigating the “Politically Correct” world of sustainable meetings and events, but also a more “Mac” approach to creating green-through design and innovations. Deliverables you will take away are a broader understanding of “Greening” opportunities that exist in your meetings and events; contract and negotiation examples to leverage a better meeting footprint for your next meeting; how to design your meetings and events to allow for maximum sustainable practices; how to influence your partners and vendors for a smaller meeting footprint.

Chris Gasbarro represents the creative aspect of C3, a meeting and event experience agency based on the Seacoast of New Hampshire. His background combines expertise in event production, media creation & development, environmental design and brand messaging. In short, Chris collaborates with clients to deliver powerful ideas and storytelling in the meeting and event landscape Chris pushes organizations to try it differently. The results are astounding. By urging clients to take calculated risks, organizations open people up to new ways of listening, learning—and changing. Chris’s creative approach uses humor, energy and excitement to lead and develop gatherings. He developed it over the course of a colorful decade-long career during which he toured with bands across North America, sound-checked Fortune 500 CEOs, served as director of sales & marketing for a renowned staging company, reorganized 2 businesses, and even captained boats. His most valuable experience came from witnessing the thousands of ways organizations presented their message in meetings (both right and wrong) over the years.

Michelle Johnson is the Champion of Community Building at C3. Her background as Senior Manager of Global Meetings for The Timberland Company taught her that shared purpose makes a community—and a successful meeting. Michelle’s true expertise is getting clients to start with a vision and carry it through to the end—a task requiring collaboration on a wide scale and seamless execution. Michelle gained her formal experience in meetings and events during her 8 years at Timberland. There she managed her own team on an average put on 12 sales meetings, 6 trade shows, and 20-30 regional shows each year. The insights she gained proved to her the critical role meeting planners can plan in organizations’ futures. She knows first hand how by elevating the role of meeting planner you can create events with powerful stories that make the most of budgets and have real impact. She’s an indispensable teammate because, she urges companies to step outside their comfort zones and push their creativity and expectations.

Future Economic Trends in the Hospitality Industry - Professor Dennis Michaud, Babson College
With the Economy and business strategy being forefront of everyone’s mind, you will not want to miss this closing session!
Dr. Dennis Michaud has over 25 years experience in the private sector including investment banking, project finance, financial management and strategy planning. He was a founder or co-founder of five corporate start-ups, two which went public. Dr. Michaud has been a visiting assistant professor of economics for five years at Brown University where he taught courses in international finance and trade, corporate strategy, corporate governance, and international negotiations. He continues to lead the corporate governance research program at Brown. He also served as a senior policy advisor to the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation where he developed a new corporate mission statement, corporate by-laws, and board of director best practices for RIEDC’s industrial development subsidiary. His research interests and publication focus on corporate governance and strategy. Dr. Michaud has published in the Journal of Strategic Management Education, and Social Science Research Network and is currently writing a book on corporate board leadership. back to top

Co-Creation and Community
By Programming Committee Co-Chairs
Bryan Lavin – Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau
Craig Sutton – Craig Sutton Entertainment

The connection between the chosen topic for MPI New England’s October meeting, “Co-Creation and Community “ and the tightening economic climate was incredibly timely and demonstrated the importance, more than ever that we  work together and unite as one in the meeting industry.  From all indications, coming together is exactly what took place, as over 180 people networked together, communicated together, interacted and had fun on October 22, 2008 at the Long Wharf Marriott in Boston. 

For the first time ever, MPI/New England asked its members, “What do YOU want to learn?”  Topics for this meeting were based solely on suggestions from the MPI/New England membership and included eLearning, Social Networking Media, and the Generation Gap.   Attendees were asked to co-create their own round table discussions based on one of the above topics. 

Mike Carson, President of MPI New England looked over a sea of people in a room decorated in a patriotic theme of American flags and red, white and blue linens, and lighting.  Aided only by basic talking points, and “Conversation-Starters”, attendees shared their thoughts, opinions, and personal experiences through lively conversation.   In 15 minute segments, each topic was explored and then in an interactive switch, guests moved to a new table and topic, allowing the opportunity for attendees to experience a new conversation and connect with a new group of people.  At the conclusion of the meeting, Mike appeared as “Uncle Sam”, to once again re-affirm MPI’s new direction that “We Want You” to work together. 

Planning for this event began months in advance with the launch of the MPI/New England Group Space.  Group Space is on on-line forum which allows members of MPI to connect through a common topic.  On the MPI/New England Group Space members posted discussions and blogs with their ideas for an educational topic at a monthly meeting, these suggestions were then molded into the program on October 22. 

Bryan Lavin spoke first to the group about what it means to Co-Create, and then Craig Sutton facilitated the round table discussions.  Special thanks also to topic facilitators Jay Krupp and David Miller from Newmarket Media, Sarah Hamilton of Keystone Dental, Inc., and the sales teams from Marriott Long Wharf and Marriott International. 

The Marriott Long Wharf was an outstanding and generous host for the evening and went above and beyond to ensure the success of the program.  The top-notch event staff provided fantastic meeting space, decorations, audiovisual services, and amazing executive chef selections for the reception that followed.  Doug Soares, Area Director of Sales for Marriott spoke to the attendees about the recent renovations to the hotel and allowed the meeting to speak for itself.  Doug Soares and Joseph Souza, Director of Event Planning worked closely with Bryan Lavin and Craig Sutton to ensure that this event was a memorable experience for MPI/New England.  back to top

MPI/New England 2008 Annual Outing & Golf Tournament
By Kathleen Tormey

The MPI/New England Annual Outing and Golf Tournament, held in memory of Chapter Leader, Kathy Keegan-Cummings, were held on September 22, 2008 at the fantastic Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club on the Cape in Brewster, Massachusetts.  Golfers enjoyed the new Jack Nicklaus design golf course.  Non-golfers were treated to their own special outing which included a luncheon and tour at the Wequassett Inn Resort & Golf Club Hotel, followed by afternoon of shopping in Chatham, Massachusetts.

All attendees came back together for the wrap up session and awards.  Ocean Edge provided a wonderful early morning coffee break for golfers before tee time and a stupendous reception.  The staff at Ocean Edge out did themselves in service and helpfulness and it was noticeable in every small detail that was attended to.  Reviews from attendees were wonderful.  Everyone loved golfing at Ocean Edge.  Thanks to c3, who sponsored the weather, we had beautiful skies to play under. 

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors


EVENT SPONSORS

Carey Boston

Ocean Edge Golf Club and Resort

Wequassett Resort

 

HOLE SPONSORS

ARAMARK Harrison Lodging

Commonwealth Worldwide

Destination Worcester

Hilton Hotels Corporations - Boston Regional Sales Center

Long Beach Area CVB

Newport, RI CVB

Ocean Edge Golf Resort

Palm Springs Desert Resorts

Renaissance Providence Hotel

Rosewood Hotels

Starwood Hotels of Boston

The Liberty Hotel

The Lighthouse Inn

The Peabody Orlando


 

BEVERAGE CART SPONSORS

LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels

Palace Resorts

Puerto Rico Convention Bureau

 

GOLF FOURSOME SPONSORS

A&A Metro Transportation

Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Association

Boston Coach

Commonwealth Worldwide

Destination Worcester

Doubletree Hotels

Gaylord Hotels

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center

LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels

Marriott International

Meeting Strategists

Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club

Sebasco Harbor Resort

Sepracor

Starwood Hotels of Boston

The Liberty Hotel

The Sagamore

 
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MPI/NE Annual Meeting
Celebrating Excellence – Past, Present & Future

By: Deborah Costa

On June, 17, 2008 MPI New England celebrated its landmark 30th anniversary at the historic Omni Parker House Hotel.  The year’s Annual Meeting has once again brought together our chapter for an important celebration where we recognized the achievements of fellow members and their contributions and dedication to the chapter.  

The rooftop ballroom at the Omni was an outstanding venue for 140 meeting professional to network, socialize and support the outgoing 2007/2008 board members. Highlights of the evening included a tribute to MPI/NE past presidents, the awards presentations, and the induction of our new board members, who will serve out chapter for the 2008 – 2009 year.

Patrick Lynch bid farewell to the group as the chapter president.  The chapter has made great strides this year under Patrick’s leadership and we applaud him for his accomplishments.  Mike Carson talked about change and how it affects all of us.  He will continue to impart his energy and enthusiasm as President of the MPI New England Chapter for our 2008 -2009 year, and we look forward to another successful year for the New England Chapter of MPI under his leadership.

We thank our Annual Meeting sponsors for their generosity:
Omni Parker House
David Fox Photography
Entertainment Specialists
PSAV 

2008 MPI/NE Award Winners:

Meeting Professional of the Year Award
David Fox
David Fox Photography

Chris Gasbarro
Chief Creative Officer
C3, LLC

President’s Award
Grace Andrews
President and Founder
Training By Design

Beth Hamiroune
Vice President, Sales
Krisam Group/Global Events Partners

Chapter Leader of the Year Award
Bea Flammia
Senior Sales Manager
The Regent Boston at Battery Wharf

Tomorrow’s Leader Award
Steven Krohn
Owner
Wine Entertainment Resources

Sam Dame Professional Development Scholarship Award
Kelly Bishop
Senior Meeting Planner
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company

We also thank our two outgoing board members.  We truly appreciate your service and commitment to the MPI New England Chapter.

Mary M. Keough-Anderson, CMP, CMM
Manager Conference and Meeting Management
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company

Chris Gasbarro
Chief Creative Officer
C3, LLC

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