S p ring 11 - Meeting Professionals International Chicago Area ...

Spring 11 

volume 32 . issue 2 

Giving Back 

News&Views is 

Look inside for more details 

Giving Back. Our Corporate 

Responsibility...Page 12 

Local Charities with 

Lasting Impressions...Page 14 

MPI Foundation. 

Funding the Future...Page 16 

volume 32 . issue 2 

Building a Rich Global Meeting Industry Community www.mpicac.org

CONTENTS 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

A Message from 

the President 

Alisa Peters, 

CMP, CMM 

Committee Chair & 

Vice Chair Letters 

Kathleen Sullivan 

Nelson & Sally 

Magallanes, CMP 

Clicks of the Trade 

Giving Back 

Book Review 

Corner 

Chicago Chatter 

Sally Magallanes, CMP 

keeps you up to date 

on what’s happening 

with your colleagues 

11 Resumes 

That Work 

12 

Giving Back: 

Our Corporate 

Responsibility 

Educational Technology Conference committee 

members at the 2011 TechCon 

Photo courtesy of Edward Fox Photography 

Get a Regular Dose of News&Views in 

News Bytes at www.mpicac.org 

MPI-CAC members on stage with The Second City cast 

at the February Networking Event 

Photo courtesy of All Events Photography 

14 

16 

18 

Local Charities with 

Lasting Impacts 

MPI Foundation 

Funding the Future 

The ABCs of 

the CMP 

20 FreeSource: 

Your Resource for 

Free Education 

24 

26 

Sponsorship Heroes 

Highlights the people 

and organizations that 

support the MPI 

Chicago Area Chapter 

Industry Calendar 

of important 

upcoming events 

www.mpicac.org news & views | spring 2011 3

Alisa Peters, CMP, CMM 

Experient, Inc. 

From the President 

I 

“I feel the capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest significance” - Pablo Casals 

Spring is in the air, and as I write this, I feel as if I cannot wait another day for it. With spring 

comes renewal, refocus, re-energizing and re-arranging everything. Projects that seemed too 

insurmountable to tackle suddenly become a bit more possible with the extra energy that the sun 

and its companion, optimism, bring. As green begins to reappear in our day-to-day existence, 

and the hours of sunlight grow longer, we begin to re-experience gratitude and abundance. 

It seems that the winter holidays are when we tend to focus most heavily on giving our time and 

resources, annually. Organizations reach out at a time that should be filled with generosity, asking 

for a small piece from people to create the very big “pie” they need to support their organizations. 

With the renewal that the spring season brings, I challenge each of us to commit to giving one 

to two hours each month to an organization that you feel passionately about. Each member of 

this chapter brings a tremendous amount of professional skills, talents and resources. We give 

those resources to our employers, clients and colleagues, and in exchange (at times), receive 

compensation that helps sustain us. Donating just one-hour per month to a local charitable 

organization can offer unmatched benefits to both you and your community. 

Imagine if we could each commit two hours per month to give our professional services to a 

group in need. Here is the math: 

1,141 

Members 

The organizations and associations that are near and dear to your hearts need your skills and 

expertise, but many times cannot afford to pay for it. Consider your talent and the initiatives 

your organization has underway that could leverage them. Silent auctions and other charitable 

fundraisers need planners and experienced suppliers to make them successful. Experience 

in food and beverage and serving large groups can come in handy for big soup kitchens and 

shelters that serve meals. Feel like escaping your 8am to 6pm job? Consider planting and 

grounds’ upkeep at local parks and schools. Volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters or learn 

a new skill within an organization—one that can help you beyond your volunteer experience. 

Until I see you next, take care of yourselves and each other…and think about the one-hourper-month 

commitment to you and your community. 

All my best! 

Alisa Peters, CMP, CMM 

President MPI-CAC 

2 Volunteer 

Hours 

per Month 

2,282 Hours 

per Month 

in Volunteer 

Resources 

VISION - Build a rich global meeting industry community. 

MISSION - Make our members successful by building human connections to: 

Knowledge/Ideas • Relationships • Marketplaces 

4 news & views | spring 2011 www.mpicac.org

From the Committee Chair and Vice Chair 

Giving Back 

S 

Since joining Meeting Professionals International Chicago Area Chapter three years 

ago, I have been impressed by the close sense of community among members. Longtime 

members eagerly donate their time to mentor newer members, both existing and novice 

members dedicate their energy and talents to various committees to help elevate MPI-CAC’s 

programming—never settling for the standard. MPI-CAC is a large contingent within the 

Chicago community; consider ways that you, as MPI-CAC members, can collaborate with 

local charitable organizations to give back to the community! Continue to volunteer within the 

chapter and strive to enhance our community spirit, both within the chapter and beyond. 

After two years of acting as your chair of News&Views, it is my pleasure to announce that 

the very talented and dedicated Lauren Banks, PRA Destination Management, will be taking 

over my role as chair of News&Views. Lauren has been an outstanding, active member of the 

News&Views Committee since she joined, and she will carry on the spirit of volunteerism 

and giving back to the chapter, as she continues to raise News&Views to new heights. 

Congratulations, Lauren! 

As a writer, I rarely have a hard time putting words on a page, or editing those that are there. 

My dear, late father, Walt, had the gift of writing—letters, poetry, op-ed, articles, newsletters, 

press releases, his four daughters’ birth announcements—the list goes on. March 31 marked 

the 10th anniversary of his passing from this life, yet he remains close in many ways. I 

inherited his trusty Smith Corona MANUAL typewriter, where many pieces were born and 

honed until they were “just right.” There is no doubt that my writing and editing abilities 

came through the genes. Take a little time to reflect on how you can use your talents to give 

back—no matter how “small” it might seem. With the right choices, you will continue to grow 

and make a difference! 

2010-2011 Board of Directors 

President 

Alisa Peters, CMP, CMM • Experient, Inc. 

President-Elect 

Char Shada, CMP • Experient, Inc 

Vice President - Finance 

Mary Friel 

Vice President - Communications 

Dahlia El Gazzar, CMP • onPeak 

Vice President - Membership 

Cherai Lewis, CTS • Projection Presentation Technology 

Vice President - Education 

Katherine Horky, CMP • Blue Cross Blue Shield Association 

Vice President – Strategic Alliances & Events 

Bill Kubiak, CSEP • Freeman 

Immediate Past President 

Chrissy Ward, CAE • Society of Gynecologic Oncologists 

Directors 

Director of Marketing & Public Relations 

Jiwon McCartney • ALLURE Event & Meeting Production 

Director of Education Programs & CMP Study Group 

Lisa Meredith, CMP • San Diego Convention 

and Visitors Bureau 

Director of Educational Conference 

Cathy Bordelon • Mayer Brown LLP 

Director of Leadership Conference & Awards Recognition 

Pamela Patsavas, CSEP • Freeman 

Director of Sponsorship 

Joe Hirsch • PSAV Presentation Services 

Director of Leadership Development & Awards Selection 

Karen Gravlin • BCD Meetings & Incentives 

Director of Membership Retention & Diversity 

Laura Stoll • The Riot Act 

Director of Membership Recruitment & Student Affairs 

Will Renken, CMP 

Director of Special Events 

Frances Maxwell • Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces 

Director of Holiday Party & Golf Classic 

Margie McCartney • PRA Destination Management, Inc. 

Kathleen Sullivan Nelson 

District Experience 


Independent Meeting 

& Marketing Manager 

News & Views is the official publication of Meeting Professionals International, 

Chicago Area Chapter, a professional association of meeting planners and 

suppliers to the meetings industry. To reach MPI-CAC headquarters or for 

advertising rates, call (888) 721-8908 or e-mail info@mpicac.org. 

MPI-CAC Headquarters 

Beth Chitnis • Executive Director 

Nikki Augsburger • Association Manager 

2010-2011 News & Views Committee 

Chair: 

Kathleen Sullivan Nelson • District Experience 

Vice Chair: 


Independent Meeting & Marketing Manager 

Board Liaison: 

Jiwon McCartney • ALLURE Event & Meeting Production 

Managing Editor: 

Beth Chitnis • MPI Chicago Area Chapter 

Portrait Photography: 

Edward Fox Photography 

All Events Photography 

Layout and Design: 

Dimitri Papadimitriou • Meeting Expectations, Inc. 


Giving Back 

By Alisa 

Peters, CMP, CMM 


With spring… sprouts hope and renewal. The holidays aren’t the only time for giving. Be generous in spirit and action, 

my friends. Here are a few electronic ways to give back. 

The Charity Navigator 

This site evaluates the financial health of America’s 5,500 largest charities and provides a full “background 

check” on any prospective organization readers are considering giving time or financial resources. It 

offers ratings, full financials, historical data, news, contact details and leadership information. People 

can donate directly from the Charity Navigator site or link to it from this website. 

www.CharityNavigator.org 

Causeworld – The App! 

Finding yourself strangely addicted to FourSquare or Gowalla? Try CauseWorld, a free app for iPhones 

and Android devices allowing users to “check in for charity.” Earn “karma points” for checking into 

various locations. Points are stored up until the user has enough to donate to a charity of one’s choosing; 

after the donation has been made, the user receives a badge. The Red Cross, Humane Association, 

Feeding America, Heroes at Home, LiveStrong, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Prevent Child 

Abuse America and Room to Read are just a few of the chairities that benefit from this app. 

www.itunes.com 

Taproot Foundation – Do It Pro Bono 

Taproot created a pool of individuals that sign up to volunteer their professional expertise in marketing, 

human resources, technology, strategy or design to strengthen their communities. People with these 

skills can apply online allowing charitable organizations to connect and use their services. Create a 

win-win outcome! 

www.taprootfoundation.org 

idealist.org 

This site allows users to search for volunteer opportunities and events to get involved, provides 

options and resource centers and allows them to connect with organizations they support to keep 

up with current activities. It has a social-networking connection that allows users to interact with 

likeminded people around the world, providing a platform to start one’s own organization for giving. 

Already involved with a group? Post your events and resources to connect with other members. There 

is an extensive job and internship board for those interested in entering the nonprofit world. These 

connections allow people to get their names out to organizations they want to get paid to support! 

www.idealist.org 

KIVA 

KIVA empowers an individual to lend to an entrepreneur globally. This platform, a fabulous mix of 

microfinance and the power of the World Wide Web, has allowed KIVA to create a global community 

of people connected through lending. It was built on the concept that people are by nature generous, 

and will help others if given the opportunity in a transparent and accountable manner. It also shows 

that those with fewer resources are highly motivated and can be very successful when given the 

opportunity. KIVA believes that by connecting people, relationships can be created that are beyond 

financial transactions, building a global community that expresses support and encouragement of one 

another. Sound familiar? 

www.kiva.org 


Book Review Corner 

Delivering Happiness 

Author: Tony Hseih 

Reviewed by: Dahlia El Gazzar, CMP, onPeak 

Zappos.com is all about shoes and more shoes, and some 

wonderful other apparel. What made this company so 

successful that it became Amazon’s largest acquisition 

ever? According to their charismatic leader, Tony Hseih, 

author of Delivering Happiness, a Path to Profits, Passion 

and Purpose, it’s about concentrating on the happiness of 

those around you. He worked with employees to help build 

a unique lifestyle and culture—one that gives everyone that 

“higher purpose” to get up each morning and come to work. 

Tony made his company culture 

the number one priority, with 

customer service being the 

responsibility of every employee. 

He describes that by creating 

a very different culture, it 

translates into outstanding 

customer service, a successful 

business, and ultimately 

happiness. By taking care of 

his staff’s needs, they became 

even more inspired to take care 

of their customers and began 

feeling happy about themselves, 

their jobs, workplace and coworkers. 

Tony shares not only his journey on how he became 

one of the youngest entrepreneurs in business, but the inner 

workings of creating the best culture and core values. He 

believes they can be applied to any workplace with a true 

transformation. Giving happiness only breeds more. 

Delivering Happiness hit the New York Times Bestseller List 

and remained there for over 20 weeks! A must read, with 

excellent takeaways, and in the end, inspires readers to go 

shopping for more shoes. 

www.deliveringhappinessbook.com 

Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration 

Changes Everything 

Authors: Don Tapscott, Anthony D. Williams 

Reviewed by: Maura Dominguez, EPIC, A Kimpton Hotel in 

Miami, FL 

The online social network has 

revolutionized the world. Facebook, 

MySpace, YouTube, Google, Twitter 

and other online communities are 

a major part of people’s personal 

lives and provide a means for the 

masses to be involved in giving their 

input. They have also completely 

influenced business models by 

allowing people and communities to 

help design, invent and share ideas 

for many causes and companies. 

Due to significant changes in the 

economy, technology and business in general, a mass 

collaboration and participation has surfaced in the way 

companies create, produce and sell their products and 

services. Businesses are now forming online communities to 

ask questions and find solutions. It is like a massive think 

tank and brainstorming session—not only with co-workers, 

but the entire world! Companies are finding that by creating 

these communities of volunteer experts and consumers, 

they essentially have an extended R&D (research and 

development) team, with results being mutually beneficial to 

them and their customers. Consumers become “prosumers,” 

with active involvement in many aspects of the merchandise 

and services they use. The good news is both large and small 

firms can benefit from the mass collaboration process that 

results in growth and success! 

The basics of Wikinomics are Openness, Peering, Sharing 

and Acting Globally. This book is a great guide on how to get 

started and maximize the concepts and customize them to 

one’s business. By using examples of well-known companies, 

such as Eli Lilly and Procter &Gamble, Wikinomics comes to 

life and illustrates its relativity across all industries. 

www.wikinomics.com/book 


Here’s the latest changes and updates on people 

we know, or should get to know, in the meeting industry 

I 

It’s spring! Well, not yet, but now the 

snow is melting and sun is out, so I’ll 

believe it’s on its way! This Chatter 

begins with a farewell to a long-time 

MPI member and industry colleague. 

Several of our own board members 

have recently made changes, so be 

sure to see where they have landed! It’s 

another season of life… 

Important Newsletter 

Changes… 

Did you “opt-in” to receive the hard 

copy of News&Views? If not, please 

note that as of this issue, you will 

automatically receive the newsletter 

only in its electronic format. If you want 

to receive a hard copy, you must visit 

www.mpicac.org/opt-in and indicate 

the “opt-in” choice. 

In Memoriam… 

Charmagne A. Loveless lived a full life. 

She was a member of MPI for almost 30 

years (1981-2010), as well as numerous 

other industry 

organizations. Many 

in the entertainment 

business perhaps 

knew her best. 

Charmagne battled 

cancer and finally 

left this earthly life 

on February 10, 

2011. She will be dearly missed by her 

husband, Robert, other close family, 

friends and many colleagues. While 

many grieve her death, her family is 

at peace that she is not suffering any 

more. Charmagne was known as a true 

professional, continuing to be involved 

in committees, such as MPI-CAC’s 

Annual Awards Recognition Gala for 

a number of years. Memorial services 

were held in Wisconsin (where she 

lived) and Florida, where most of her 

family resided. So much more should 

be said about someone that lived her 

life to the fullest. Let us treasure each 

other, especially close family and 

friends, and not forget each unique 

individual. 

People on the Move… 

Wendy Berg is pleased to announce her 

position as national account director 

with the newly-formed On The Scene 

America! In this role she will focus 

on mid-to-large 

size corporate 

conventions and 

events across 

the country. 

Wendy brings 

over ten years of 

transportation 

management 

experience to the company, formerly 

working with The BusBank as national 

account manager. On The Scene 

America is the newest venture of the 

well-known destination management 

company On The Scene Chicago. 

Please contact Wendy to send 

congratulations and find out how she 

can help you! 

(312) 661-1440 ext 201 

(312) 656-5427 (cell) 

wendy@onthesceneamerica.com 

www.onthesceneamerica.com 

Karen Dee Gravlin is happy to 

call BCD M&I her new home, 

where she is dedicated to the 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, or PwC, 

account. She notes that the correct 

way to publish her role is “Planning 

Manager for PwC Meeting & Event 

Services at BCD Meetings & Incentives, 

LLC.” Prior to joining BCD M&I, Karen 

By Sally 

Magallanes, CMP 

Independent Meeting 

& Marketing Manager 

was the director of 

industry partner 

sales at the former 

hinton+grusich for 

two years. She has a 

strong background 

in account 

management, so we 

are confident she will be a success in 

her new position. Karen founded the 

MPI-CAC Student Affairs Committee 

in 2007, a group that continues to grow 

in numbers and enthusiasm! Kudos to 

you, Karen! 

(312) 369-2026, (312) 662-2540 (cell) 

karen.d.gravlin@us.pwc.com 

www.us.pwc.com 

One of Chicago Travel Consultants 

(CTC) has been on the move… with 

her promotion in early January. 

Barb Harris became senior account 

executive after just three years with 

the destination 

management 

company. Barb’s 

hard work, 

creativity and 

leadership paid 

off! During her 

relatively short 

time at CTC, she acquired and retained 

numerous key accounts. Barb is a new 

member of MPI-CAC and looks forward 

to getting more involved! Say hello to 

her at a future chapter event. 

BHarris@ctcdmc.com 

www.ctcdmc.com 

Kathy Horky, CMP recently made a 

move to become the managing director, 

conference services, 

in the Education 

and Administrative 

Services area of 

Blue Cross and Blue 

Shield Association. 

Her responsibilities 


are managing the conference services 

department, which handles the 

Association’s education program and 

major annual conference. Kathy works 

with many staff and volunteer leaders 

to help implement these important 

educational offerings. Prior to joining 

Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kathy was 

senior manager of global event 

marketing at Accenture. We know she 

will be successful in her new role! 

(312) 297-6094, (312) 953-1990 (cell) 

kathy.horky@bcbsa.com 

www.bcbsa.com 

Kate Nelson has news to share! She 

is proud to announce that she is the 

new District Director of District 

Experience, Washington’s boutique 

Destination Management Company 

(DMC). District Experience offers 

premier customized services for 

special events, tour programs, 

transportation and meeting support 

for corporate and 

association groups 

in Washington, 

DC, Virginia and 

Maryland. Their 

talented and 

creative team 

boasts over 20 

years of experience 

planning events and meetings in the 

DC area. Prior to her move back to her 

hometown of Washington, DC, Kate 

was an account manager with Chicago 

Is… She looks forward to seeing you in 

The District! 

(202) 624-1772, (202) 679-3875 (cell) 

katen@districtexperience.com 

www.districtexperience.com 

Members may have noticed that our 

Chapter President, Alisa Peters, 

CMP, CMM, is now a national account 

manager at 


In this role, Alisa 

specializes in hotel 

research, site 

selection, contract 

negotiations and 

improving the 

buying power of 

her client’s existing Strategic Meetings 

Management Programs (SMMP). 

Alisa assists clients with all aspects 

of meeting management services, 

including housing and registration, to 

cutting-edge lead retrieval products. 

Prior to Experient, Alisa was managing 

partner and vice president of Chicago 

Indoor Racing. Congratulations and 

best wishes to you! 

(847) 829-4630, (847) 878-7043 (cell) 

alisa.peters@experientnetwork.com 

www.Experient-Inc.com 

Companies in Change… 

At the beginning of this year, owners 

of Chicago-based hinton+grusich, a 

national hotel management company, 

sold it to Associated Luxury Hotels 

International, or ALHI. While ALHI 

is headquartered in Washington, DC, 

it has had a local presence here for 

a number of years. Both companies 

began in 1986, serving as the national 

sales office for many high-end, 

independent resorts and hotels. Four 

well-known industry leaders from 

hinton+grusich have joined the ALHI 

team. Hinton+grusich was founded by 

Bill Grusich, CMP and the late 

David Hinton. 

Rather than compete for business, the 

merged group will work together to 

represent its properties and valuable 

clients. We’re happy to share the new 

contact information for Bill Grusich, 

CMP, Kevin Hinton, Kathy Kozminske 

and André Valk, CMP. The entire ALHI 

team has moved into new offices at 

233 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2345, 

Chicago, IL 60601 (3 Illinois Center). 

Main phone number for this office is 

(312) 670-2203; titles and emails are 

listed below. We wish this ALHI team 

much success! 

Bill Grusich, CMP 

Senior Vice President 

bgrusich@alhi.com 

Kevin M. Hinton 

Executive Vice 

President 

khinton@alhi.com 

Kathy Kozminske 

Vice President 

of Sales 

kkozminske@alhi.com 

André Valk, CMP 

Director of Sales 

avalk@alhi.com 

Joined Together… 

Congratulations 

to Michelle 

Kapusta, CMP, 

who celebrated 

her marriage to 

Marcus Williams 

on January 15, 

2011 in Chicago. 

Michelle is a 

meeting planner for the Blue Cross 

and Blue Shield Association and 

Marcus serves as the assistant vice 

president of systems for JP Morgan 

Chase. We wish the new couple 

much happiness! 

Keep the 

Chatter Coming! 

Send your news to 

Sally Magallanes, CMP at 

semagallanes@hotmail.com. 

Photos are welcome in jpg 

format; The higher the 

resolution, the better! 

Please note that content 

for this column is limited to 

members of 

MPI-CAC. Thank you! 


10 

Volunteers Make a Difference! 

MPI-CAC’s Board of Directors would like to acknowledge and thank the following 

volunteers for their outstanding work: 

December 2010 

Kristy Mendenhall 

Hard Rock Cafe Chicago 

Marketing & 

Communications 

Committee Member 

January 2011 

Roz Suttley 

Field Museum 

Educational 

Technology Conference 


February 2011 

Tina Reedy 

TRAVIS Inc. 

Educational 



Volunteer Testimonials 


I am beyond honored to be recognized by MPI-CAC this month. Working with the entire MARCOMM team has been 

the greatest learning experience. I must give a BIG thanks to Jiwon, Dahlia, Nicole and Ryan with the Marketing 

Committee, who have given me the opportunity to really hit the ground running and become really involved with two 

(and now three!) awesome committees. Both the Awards & TechCon Committees have given me a chance to build 

and grow both new and old relationships, which I am extremely grateful for! Needless to say, MPI-CAC rocks! 

Lindsay Kotas 

It’s an honor to receive this award; but truly I would not be here if it weren’t for the TechCon Committee and 

the guidance of Jim Grillo, CMP and Kelly Williams. Committee work continues to be the reason why I am a 

member of MPI; the relationships and friendships that have bloomed over the years are priceless. 

Roz Stuttley 

It is an honor to receive this recognition. The education committee is a vibrant, dynamic force when it comes to 

planning and execution. I appreciate and value the opportunity to develop new skills through this MPI committee. 

Jill Brown Smith 

I originally joined the new TechCon Committee because of my interest in event technology, especially online 

registration, and planned to hang back and give input where I could. I got so much more back from being on 

this committee than originally expected. I walked away benefiting from great committee networking, new 

technology ideas to benefit my business and potential partners and clients. And now I am the co-chair for next 

year, so I guess I’ve enjoyed it! 

Tina Reedy 

I am thrilled to have been acknowledged for my participation on the TechCon 2011 Committee. As co-chair of the TechCon 2012 Committee, my 

aspiration is to bridge the gap of AV and technical knowledge for the MPI-CAC attendees. My 10 years as a meeting planner, and approaching 15 years 

as a principal of an audio visual company, helped contribute to the overall success of the TechCon programming. 

Katherine Hull 

The most valuable aspect of my experience in volunteering is knowing I have tried my hardest to help MPI-CAC meet, and hopefully exceed, members’ 

expectations, and that I have reached the goals set for the event by taking on a leadership role. 

news & views | spring 2011 

December 2010 

Lindsay Kotas 

Associated Luxury Hotels 

Educational 





JBS Registration 

Management 

Educational 





Eved Services 

Special Events & 

Sponsorship 


On behalf of the MPI-CAC 

Board of Directors, our 

heartfelt thanks go to all 

volunteers who implement 

the Chapter’s initiatives. 

Special congratulations to 

the following individuals 

who were nominated as 

Volunteers of the Month! 

December 2010 

Lauren Banks 

Beth Becker 

Mary Chomas 

Meghan Keelean, CMP 

Martha Keyes, CMP 

Lindsay Kotas 


Mike Tarr, CMP 

Jill VanderVeen 

Brooke Weidman 


Lauren Banks 

Valerie Braun 


Bethany Johnson 

Meghan Keelean, CMP 


Sean Lynch 

Roz Stuttley 



Lauren Banks 

Mary Chomas 

Darcea Gamble 



Tina Reedy 

Travis Reedy 


This Program Sponsored by: 

www.mpicac.org

Resumes That Work 

“Backpacks to Briefcases” 

W 

We are excited to bring back the MPI-CAC Student Advisory 

Committee’s “Backpacks to Briefcases” (B2B), an exclusive 

program for all hospitality students on Wednesday, April 

27 at Kendall College. It features continuing education and 

countless opportunities to network. 

The committee’s commitment 

has always been to focus on the 

learners—those who expect to enter 

the meeting planning industry. 

The round table discussions with 

various industry professionals 

will address many topics that are 

on the cusp of meeting-planning 

trends. Students will once again 

have an opportunity to learn about 

meeting-planning tools, services 

and networking strategies in an 

enjoyable environment. 

So, what’s the hot buzz in 2011? 

More than ever, students are asking 

questions about how to land an 

interview, launch their internships 

or make their resume stand out 

from the others. Here is a short 

preview of some key points on writing a 

resume that works: 

1) Intrigue the Reader. Listing your 

responsibilities will no longer suffice. 

Instead, expand this area by citing 

particular examples of how you 

helped the company with cost savings 

or profitability. Convey how your 

particular skills can contribute to the 

company. Create multiple versions 

that will appeal to different employers, 

emphasizing the particular skills that 

meet their needs. 

2) Keep It Real. It is important to 

be truthful on your resume and 

not publish information that can be 

misrepresented. Background checks 

are more thorough these days, and can 

include reviews of social networks. 

3) Be a Stickler and Proof Read! It is 

crucial to make sure spelling and 

grammar are correct. Use only one to 

two fonts, such as Times New Roman 

or Verdana, to make it easy to read. If 

you are mailing or personally presenting your resume, print 

it on high-quality paper; make sure the envelopes and thank 

you cards are also the same high grade. When submitting 

your resume online, create a simple format, use key words 

and save a text version. Many resumes are 

scanned by computers—fancy fonts and 

formatting will be lost in this process. 

4) Keep It Organized. Most recent and relevant 

information is presented first. Knowing what 

information to cut out or combine will help keep 

the resume organized and fit on one page. 

5) Key Words. Research similar job postings 

and use the frequent phrases or words to aid in 

getting your resume to the interviewer’s desk. 

For more details please visit www.mpicac.org. 

Make plans to attend “B2B” on Wednesday, 

April 27 and learn more about the latest trends 

in the meeting planning industry. We look 

forward to seeing you at this year’s event! 

www.mpicac.org news & views | spring 2011 11 

By 

Svetlana Kramarova 

Battaglin 

American Bar Association 

& 

By Nicole 

Nikodem 

American Bar Association

Giving Back 

Giving Back 

Our Corporate Responsibility 

A 

As companies recover from hard economic times, they 

begin to rebuild, rehire and reestablish themselves. During 

this recovery, we should be reminded of those that are less 

fortunate than us and look for ways to give back. Whether 

through volunteerism, monetary donations or procurement 

of clothing and food, now more than ever, companies are 

realizing the importance of implementing corporate 

responsibility programs. The hospitality industry appears 

to be on the cutting edge of these programs, combining 

outreach with innovative meeting planning. 

Anne Dignan has been a meeting planner at The Million 

Dollar Round Table (MDRT) for the past eight years. Long 

known as a company with a social conscience, Anne describes 

MDRT’s philosophy on giving back: “MDRT embraces the 

Whole Person concept, which encourages seven life parts 

– health, family, spiritual, education, financial, community 

service and career.” This Whole Person idea was created in 

1927 by the organization’s founders as a way to keep balance 

12 news & views | spring 2011 

in one’s life. MDRT strives to provide its members with the 

opportunity to participate in community service. 

The MDRT Foundation—an arm of the organization—is 

extremely active in community outreach. They have been 

executing playground builds around the world for several 

years. Recently, a team (comprised of members and staff) 

traveled to Chile to build a playground at the House of Hope 

Girls Orphanage. 

This year, the MDRT Foundation is coordinating a “Clean 

the World” soap collection, which will take place at the 

organization’s annual meeting. Members will be asked to 

leave their unused hotel soap and shampoo behind, and 

in cooperation with the hotel, the items will be donated to 

those in need. Studies have shown that this soap makes 

a significant impact in the lives of impoverished people 

around the world. Although it may seem like a small 

donation, simple hand washing reduces the spread of 

www.mpicac.org

espiratory infection and diarrheal disease – illnesses that 

take the lives of more than five million people each year. 

In 2010, the MDRT Foundation worked with the annual 

meeting to coordinate the “Million Meal Challenge.” 

Members attending the conference were asked to give two 

hours of their time to assemble food bags. Approximately 

2,300 members participated in shipping over one million 

meals around the country, exceeding the goal by 14%. 

10pin Bowling Lounge, an upscale venue in Chicago’s River 

North neighborhood, also does its fair share of outreach 

in the local community. Randy Hajduk, director of sales 

and marketing, believes that this is one of the best ways 

for a company to contribute, or give back. In October 

2011 10pin will host the fourth annual “Brent Seabrook’s 

Celebrity ICE Bowl.” Heralded by Chicago Blackhawks’ 

player, Brent Seabrook, ICE, or the Inner City Education 

program, is a non-profit organization that provides 

academic scholarships to low-income Chicago-area youth 

who participate in organized hockey. To make the event 

a success, Randy secures donations from local food and 

beverage companies. He also provides the venue rental at 

a deeply discounted rate, helping the organization to offset 

costs. All proceeds go to ICE, helping to further its mission 

of impacting the lives of Chicago’s youth. 

Tara Hippensteel, regional sales manager of the Western 

division for Hard Rock Cafe, asserts that philanthropy is 

critical to the company’s mission. “It is key to be able to 

give back beyond personal reward,” Tara says. “Employees 

garner so much reward from social responsibility 

programs. Companies need to have a philanthropic soul.” 

Since 1971, Hard Rock has been committed to a wide range 

of philanthropic causes and activities around the world. 

“Pinktober,” a Hard Rock initiative launched each 

October, helps raise awareness and funding for breast 

cancer. Grammy-award winning artist Melissa Etheridge 

executed a global media launch in Los Angeles to help 

kick it off. In addition, proceeds from the sale of special 

limited-edition “Pinktober” merchandise is sold in all 

Hard Rock Cafes, including T-shirts, bracelets and pins 

that benefit breast cancer research. Donations from a 

special “Pink for a Cure” cocktail were also donated to 

this cause. Hard Rock Hotels participated by donating a 

percentage of room revenue for “Pink Rooms” (complete 

with pink sheets and bed coverings), which went to the 

Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

Giving Back 

By Lauren 

Banks 

PRA Destination 

Management Chicago 

Hard Rock also developed “Imagine There’s No Hunger,” a 

global program to help fight hunger and poverty through 

support of sustainable agriculture education and feeding 

programs for children in need. Hard Rock guests are 

invited to purchase bracelets, pins and T-shirts, with a 

portion of the proceeds going to the program. Employees 

are also encouraged to sell the bracelets – with the incentive 

of winning a mission trip accompanied by Hard Rock’s 

CEO. “A server in our Chicago café won the mission trip 

for 2011 and will be traveling with our CEO in August.” Tara 

mentions. “Employees are so empowered by this program 

because its reward is still philanthropic, allowing them to 

actually see the faces of those their efforts benefit.” 

If you can verbalize how your outreach 

initiatives will not only impact the 

community, but also your organization, 

employers will be much more likely to 

adopt these practices. 

For those of us who work for companies that do not have 

established corporate social responsibility programs, 

Randy Hajduk (10pin Bowling), offers this advice: “Sit down 

with your owners or supervisors, making sure you have a 

clear vision of how these programs will get exposure in the 

community and advance business opportunities. If you can 

verbalize how your outreach initiatives will not only impact 

the community but also your organization, employers will 

be much more likely to adopt these practices.” Anne Dignan 

(MDRT) leaves us with these thoughts: “Many individuals 

are now making greater efforts to support a company that 

is socially conscious and affects its bottom line. Whether 

a company decides to act top down in a more globallyresponsible 

manner for purely altruistic reasons, or bottom 

up, motivated by sales, the result is positive.” 

These three companies have created unique initiatives to 

give back to those in need. They involve members and staff, 

providing many opportunities for people to be involved. Let 

it challenge individuals and companies to reach out and 

make a difference. Give back. 


Giving Back 

Local Charities 

with Lasting Impacts 

Y 

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” 

– Mahatma Gandhi 

When planning a meeting or event in the Chicago area, 

consider collaborating with a local charity to give back to 

the community. Chicago is home to numerous wonderful 

organizations that strive to help others. Working with a local 

charity can add depth and meaning to a meeting or event, 

making a lasting impression on attendees. 

Highlighted below are two prominent local charities that 

help individuals and groups in need. They offer many 

opportunities in which the meeting and events community 

can participate. Although these organizations are based in 

the Chicagoland area, their scope goes far beyond. Reach out 

to them, do your part and contribute to your local charities! 

Imerman Angels 

Interview with Jonny Imerman, 

Founder 

Interview by Polly Pancoe, CMP, Hotel Reservation 

Management, Inc. 

News&Views: What is the primary mission of your 

organization? 

Jonny Imerman: It’s all about awareness. Imerman Angels 

matches cancer survivors with cancer patients to provide 

one-on-one support. We match those who battle the same 

disease and are in the same age group. We offer a program 

for caregivers, as well. I started the organization when I 

was diagnosed at a young age with testicular cancer. At 

the time, I did not have the guidance that Imerman Angels 

provides patients today. 

N&V: How can the meeting and events community get 

involved? 

JI: Monetary donations and time are always welcome. One 

hundred percent of anything donated goes directly back to 

Imerman Angels to help advance our goals. Participate in 

a run or walk that will benefit Imerman Angels. Purchase 

a t-shirt and wear it everywhere! Tell your story—it is all 

about awareness. 


I am also happy to speak at any engagement to tell my 

story and that of Imerman Angels on a pro bono basis. 

For more information, contact: 

Imerman Angels 

400 W. Erie St. Suite 405 

Chicago, IL 60654 

312-274-5529 or 877-274-5529 

www.imermanangels.org 

Kids Fight Cancer 

Interview with Jim Pesoli, 

Founder 

Interview by Kate Nelson, 


News&Views: What is the primary mission of your 

organization? 

Jim Pesoli: We create entertaining and educational 

environments to improve the spirits of pediatric cancer 

patients while they are undergoing treatment. We work 

to create a friendlier in-hospital environment by offering 

child-friendly educational programs for the patients, family 

and friends, so that we can help them better understand 

the illnesses and side effects of treatments. Essentially, we 

take a “non-medicine” approach to treatment, using art 

therapy, music and social interaction to help the patients 

and their families cope with how cancer and the regimen 

affects them. 

N&V: How can the meeting and events community get 

involved? 

JP: On a local level, it is amazing how many people have 

already been touched by Kids Fight Cancer. Chances are 

that within a large meeting group, many individuals may 

already be familiar with the organization. By aligning 

your company with our organization, it would improve its 

visibility. 

If a planner would like to engage guests in active 

involvement with Kids Fight Cancer, we would welcome 

small groups to donate time for in-hospital visits, 

storytelling, toy give-aways, art projects, etc. We are 

always looking for additional funding and manpower to do 

the work to accomplish our goals. 

www.mpicac.org

Kids Fight Cancer also hosts a local annual event to help 

raise funding and awareness for its cause. This year, it will be 

held on October 15, 2011 at the Rosemont Convention Center. 

Please consider the positive impact that this organization 

has on the community and participate to give back! 

For more information, contact: 

Jim Pesoli 

Kids Fight Cancer 

1508 East Algonquin Road 

Arlington Hts, IL 60005-4718 

(847) 640-8515 

info@kidsfightcancer.org 

www.kidsfightcancer.org 

If your company is planning a meeting outside the 

Chicagoland area and wants to give back to a charity, 

look into DonorsChoose.org. This organization helps 

Introduction 

Giving Back 

By Kate 

Nelson 


classrooms in need all over the U.S. How does it work? 

DonorsChoose.org receives requests for classroom 

project supplies from teachers in every corner of America. 

A donor can browse the requests and select the one 

that inspires him/her, then contribute a selected dollar 

amount. The organization then purchases the supplies, 

delivers them to the classrooms and provides reports to 

donors on how every dollar was spent. 

For a meeting or event, a group could contribute to the cost 

of a class trip, or another large project, making a lasting 

impact on a group of students on behalf of your organization. 

Raise awareness for these organizations and additional 

charities by posting information on your social media 

profiles on different ways to contribute, and spread the 

spirit of giving! 


Giving Back 


Funding the Future 

FThe mission continues. 

For more than 25 years, the MPI Foundation has invested in 

the programs and in the people who’ve helped shape the $263* 

billion of U.S. spending in the meeting and event industry. 

We are dedicated to developing results-oriented initiatives 

that provide solutions and drive success. We raise more 

funds than any other industry foundation. Those funds are 

immediately reinvested back in support of our community. 

Individual chapters like MPI Chicago benefit in numerous 

ways. The MPI Foundation funds research studies and 

surveys for the advancement of our members and their 

businesses. Through our grant program, we provide financial 

support for those chapters seeking to fund educational 

content related to projects such as webinars, books and 

white papers.In fact, each year the MPI Foundation allocates 

up to $5,000 to each chapter in support of its individual 

goals. MPI Foundation provides various scholarships for 

college, leadership education, executive development, as 

well as industry management courses and scholarships for 

programs developed by MPI itself. These scholarships are 

designed to enhance the standing of currentmembers and 

develop the industry’s talent for the future. 

Giving back also speaks to the commitment of the MPI 

Foundation Global Board of Trustees who is here to support 

your chapter in all ways possible. In doing so, we are 

ensuring the vibrancy of our entire global community. Our 

future is at hand. Tomorrow starts here. 

*2011 US Economic Impact Study 


By Didier 

Scaillet 


MPI Foundation awards its chapters grants of 

$5,000 annually for educational programs that 

help members advance their careers. 

“The MPI Foundation is one of my 

single most important contributions 

of the year. The Foundation supports 

the dreams of so many with individual 

grants that help our members find, 

build and transition their careers. I 

view my check as an investment in the 

future of our industry and in my future 

as a global meeting professional.” 

—Alisa D. Peters, CMP, CMM 

President, MPI Chicago Area Chapter 

National Account Manager, Experient 

www.mpicac.org

Giving Back to the Environment 

and its Creatures 

W 

When most people go to work, they end up unintentionally 

hurting the environment and its creatures. It is probably not 

on purpose, but it just happens. Although, on the weekend 

they may participate in a breast cancer walk and buy some 

art to give back… 

The truth is more people can enjoy what they do: make 

money, have happy customers, and at the same time, help 

regenerate the environment and heal or support their 

communities. These areas can take many forms, depending 

on one’s profession. 

If you are a planner putting together a menu for an 

upcoming event, why not serve a vegetarian meal? Teach 

your guests how much water is used to ‘raise’ beef, chicken 

or pork; let them know how many chemicals they saved 

from being poured into the crops, which ends up in the 

water that is consumed by neighbors who are downstream 

from the animals and corn farms. (Most animals are raised 

in confined pens and eat corn all day.) If your group learns 

how they helped the environment and community at this 

meeting, they will all go home and share with family how 

“through my meal I helped the world a little bit.” 

Giving Back 

By Greg 

Christian 

Greg Christian Consulting 

What people may not see is a lot of ‘little bits’ bring people 

everywhere towards the ‘tipping point’ of healing our world. 

As you make small changes and measure the results, others 

will be inspired through your work. 

Another example of giving back to the earth is to refrain from 

using cut flowers in your events. Over 65% of cut flowers 

travel from Central America and are sprayed with harmful 

chemicals. The flowers then travel a 

few thousand miles to arrive at your 

destination. Try using foraged flowers 

and twigs from a local area for floral 

centerpieces. Then add up the miles 

and chemicals you saved on not having 

the flowers brought in from far away. 

Tell your attendees and others involved 

what really goes on—wherever 

pesticides are sprayed the chemicals 

end up in the drinking water—and 

thus the bodies— of those in the area. 

Years later, people could become ill. 

Children are more prone to illness, so 

you really are helping the community 

(far away) by not using these flowers. 

Some areas will be harder to figure 

out than others, so work on the easy 

ones first. Seek to push ‘down’ your 

supply chain to help solve these 

critical, but resolvable, issues. In all 

you do, give back! 


The ABCs of the CMP: 

What’s in it for Me? 

Y 

You are a five-year+ meeting professional, have planned 

more meetings, coordinated more site inspections, and 

reviewed more request for proposals than one can shake 

a stick at! Now what? According to industry research 

conducted by Meeting Professionals International, Certified 

Meeting Professionals (CMPs) average four percent 

higher compensation than someone with similar skills and 

experience. In addition to receiving industry and peer 

recognition, the CMP designation shows a sense of goaldriven 

commitment to the profession. By becoming a CMP 

you join over 14,000 professionals worldwide, comprised of 

65% planners and 35% suppliers. 

Is the process too laborious? Interested candidates can 

download a current application from the Convention Industry 

Council (CIC) website to review the requirements, deadlines 

and costs. The CMP exam is offered twice a year: summer 

(July/August) and winter (January/February). If one’s current 

demands make it difficult to sit for the exam shortly after 

applying, the CIC allows up to two years to do so once the 

application is approved. Are you ready to find out more? 

The Meeting Professionals International Chicago Area 

Chapter (MPI-CAC) CMP Program Committee, along 

with the Convention Industry Council, has created a prerecorded 

webinar [link to come] explaining the application 

process and key study tips to help you pass the exam. 

Congratulations to the new CMPs in our chapter and in Illinois! 

The Convention Industry Council announced that 441 meeting professionals passed the January 8, 2011 

examination. Congratulations to Illinois’ newest CMPs! 

Tonya Almond, CMP 

AAPD 

Deborah L. Brisson, CMP 

Erin M. Brown, CMP 

Power Transmission 

Distributors Association 

Patricia Coen, CMP 

Great Chicago Events 

Cortney L. Davis, CMP 

Hilton Chicago 

Kathryn S. Davis, CMP 

VWV USA 

Rita Christine Dionne, CMP 

American Society of 

Anesthesiologists 

Kelli A. Giglio, CMP 

The Drake Hotel 


Cynthia Gonzales-Galvan, CMP 

American Bar Association 

Natalie A. Guerrero, CMP 

DePaul University 

Aleta D. Harris, CMP 

AHIMA 

Allison Elizabeth Hill, CMP 

ISACA 

Martha N. Itulya-Omollo, CMP 

Hilton Chicago 

Carol A. Kotlarz, CMP 

Zurich Services Corp. 

Amy C. Lillibridge, CMP 

Western Golf Association 

Melissa C. Matarrese, CMP 

NCSEA 

Susan A. Medina, CMP 

Accenture 

Tracey Elizabeth Morrissey, CMP 

Freeman 

Keith A. Murphy, CMP 

McCormick Place 

Colleen Richter, CMP 

Urgent Care Association of 

America 

Elizabeth A. Robelet, CMP 

American Institute of Steel 

Construction 

Sylvia Frances Rollins, CMP 

Chicago Hotel Concierge 

Association 

Anne K. Rozek, CMP 

Kuoni Destination 

Management, Inc. 

By Lisa 

Meredith, CMP 

San Diego Convention and 

Visitors Bureau 

To fit the demands of your work schedule, MPI-CAC is 

offering two programs this year: 

• An 8-week study group that meets once a week on 

Wednesdays, May 11 – June 29, 2011. 

• An intensive weekend review on Saturday, July 9 – 

Sunday, July 10, 2011. 

• Register for both programs and SAVE! 

Our chapter’s comprehensive review programs cover all 

topic areas in the CMP Blueprint, providing future CMPs 

with invaluable content assessment, test-taking and study 

tips from peers. For current CMPs, it is never too late 

to start thinking about recertification. Volunteering to 

present at the upcoming study review program will help 

chapter colleagues achieve their CMP designations and 

earn points towards recertification. To become a CMP 

Program Leader, contact Julie Lehnis, CMP at 847-213-7810 

or jlehnis@forsythe.com. 

Becoming a Certified Meeting Professional is an investment 

in one’s career. Eligible MPI-CAC members can apply for a 

$225 chapter education grant that will be applied towards 

the exam’s registration fee. Visit www.mpicac.org and find 

complete details under the “Community” tab. Don’t miss 

out on these exciting opportunities! 

Sarah J. Shenaut, CMP 

Crowne Plaza Springfield 

Jill Tomalavage, CMP 

Katharine Lynn Unger, CMP 

Conrad Chicago 

Catherine Brown Vijeh, CMP 

ISACA 

Norah Webster, CMP 

Rotary International 

Amy Wicks Badalamenti, CMP 

Underground Contractors 

Association of Illinois 

Eva Wilczek, CMP 

American Association of 

Endodontists 

www.mpicac.org

Great News Regarding the Annual 

Awards Recognition Gala! 

T 

This year, the Leadership Education and Awards Program 

(L.E.A.P) and the Annual Awards Recognition Gala will 

be held as two distinct events. The Leadership Education 

Conference will take place in fall 2011, while the Awards 

Gala will be held this spring. 

At this exciting event, the chapter will recognize the winners of 

the annual Meeting Professionals International Chicago Area 

Chapter (MPI-CAC) awards, as well as highlight all of the work 

that our chapter’s volunteers contribute throughout the year. 

Annual Awards 

CELEBRATE 

OUR TREASURES: Recognition Gala 

MPI-CAC VOLUNTEERS 

Register today at www.mpicac.org! 

By Polly 

Pancoe, CMP 

Hotel Reservation Management, Inc. 

Annual Awards Recognition Gala 

Celebrate Our Treasures: MPI-CAC Volunteers 

Tuesday, May 3, 2011 

The Chicago History Museum 

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Registration and Networking 

6:30 pm - 7:45 pm Awards Ceremony 

7:45 pm - 9:30 pm Dinner and Networking 


Stay Informed: Revised Americans 

with Disabilities Act 

T 

The rules instituted by the Americans with Disabilities Act, 

which went into effect in 1990, are now being updated. In most 

instances, building owners and conference organizers have 

known their basic responsibilities and relied on each other to 

remain compliant. As these new refinements of the standards 

become effective in 2012, there is one important piece of advice 

you must always remember: “Know your group.” 

Registration materials for an event should always provide a 

space to identify specific needs for a prospective attendee. 

For instance, it could include a phrase that asks, “Do 

you require special accommodations?” If someone has 

a specific need, he or she will be required to advise the 

planner about the degree of accommodation required. 

Make a point to be proactive with such individuals; speak 

to them on the phone. Discuss the event, the venue where 

it will be held and how the individual plans to arrive there. 

Flag the registration information so that someone can 

personally escort the person to the designated seating area 

and make sure it meets the individual’s needs. This extra 

step can help eliminate accommodation issues. 

Many hospitality professionals may have taken for granted 

an issue that is now elevated in the revised regulations, that 

is, the accessible guest room. Previously, it was generally 

thought that hotels sold these rooms at the end of the 

booking period, since they were generally not “desirable” 

areas (for example, the bathrooms are configured 

differently). The revised requirements, however, instruct 

hotels to hold accessible rooms for guests who require this 

FreeSource: 

Your Source for Free Education 

G 

Going green is not just a trend. With companies using 

green policies to make environmentally responsible 

decisions, it’s become big business. Here are some ways 

to become educated on creating sustainable events. 

The City of Denver has published a Sustainable Event 

Planning Guide based on lessons learned from the 2008 

Democratic National Convention. From venue selection 

to energy consumption, this guide covers it all. 

www.greenprintdenver.org/wp-content/ 

uploads/2009/04/sustainability-guide.pdf 

Did you know the average conference participant 

produces greenhouse gasses equivalent to driving a car 


By 

Ted Miller, CHME, 

CHSP, CGTP, 

Starwood Hotels and Resorts 

type of accommodation. The planner and hotel partner 

must clearly understand and agree that when attendees 

who require special accommodations are identified, the 

meeting coordinator must direct the hotel to hold the 

accessible rooms for those guests. Both parties must be 

aware of the number of accessible rooms available and the 

number of potential attendees requiring them. 

On the other hand, the new rules grant relief for planners 

and hotels when a housing company or convention bureau is 

utilized to book attendees’ guest rooms. In this case, since 

a third party is involved, the hotel and planner are not held 

to quite the same standard. Nonetheless, one should be 

proactive in dealing with this potential need. Make sure to 

add accessible accommodations to the housing materials to 

show they are available. The planner and supplier partner 

should be aware of the number of available accessible 

rooms per hotel, and keep a running inventory of them until 

the arrival date. 

In certain instances, a planner may need to revise the 

transportation options so that individuals who require 

accommodation can fully participate in the event. This 

reflects a common point in our industry— planners must 

know their groups and members. 

If there are further questions concerning these new 

regulations, please contact the U.S. Department of Justice 

at www.justice.gov. 

for a month? This free webinar from Renewable Choice 

Energy, an environmental consulting firm, explains how 

to reduce the event’s environmental impact. 

www.renewablechoice.com/sustainability-webinarvideo-green-meetings-events.html 

Ready to plan a green event? MPI offers a free Sustainable 

Event Measurement Tool that allows one to measure 

and report on an event’s water and energy usage, waste 

creation and community impacts. The site also offers a 

basic option so beginners can get comfortable with the 

tool before switching over to the advanced-user level. 

mpi.sustainableeventtool.com 

By Megan 

Frohlich 

Peerless Industries, Inc. 

www.mpicac.org

–Jeremy Gutsche 


Tips for a Successful In-House 

Audio-Visual Experience 

W 

With the current economic challenges and recent budget 

cuts across the industry, many of us are being asked to do 

more with less. In some cases, this means making more use 

of in-house audio-visual resources for upcoming meetings 

and events. 

In-house A/V providers can serve as valuable resources for 

supporting the basic staging and labor needs of an event. It 

is important to ask the right questions of the A/V partner, 

however, to ensure that the most appropriate level of service 

is given. Obtaining the right information from the start is 

very important. There are some key questions to ask of the 

in-house partner to ensure success. 

1. Is the in-house A/V provider exclusive or preferred? 

If a planner is going to use an in-house provider, and the 

hotel has an exclusive arrangement with a company, then 

that is the required A/V source. If the in-house provider is 

“preferred,” the company is only a recommended resource. 

In the event that the A/V provider is preferred, it may be 

worthwhile to shop around 

and consider bringing in an 

outside vendor to best suit one’s 

program needs. 

2. Is the provider’s equipment 

stored on or off property? 

If a piece of equipment needs to 

be replaced or is added at the 

last minute, it is crucial to know 

if back-up equipment is coming 

from a warehouse 10 miles 

away or a storage closet nearby. 

Additionally, if all equipment is 

stored at an off-property facility, 

planners may be required 

to fund extra labor hours to 

transport the equipment to the 

event location. 

3. Who will be the main contact 

during the planning phase? 

Will it be the same person who 

manages the project during the 

program? 

The sales person addressing 

A/V needs and making 

promises up front should be the same individual who will 

deliver those promises on-site. It is important that this 

contact has the technical knowledge and expertise to best 

address one’s concerns and provide the top solution. 


By Gary 

Vlk 

One Smooth Stone 

4. Who will be setting up the A/V equipment and operating 

it? Will these be the same individuals? What are their 

experience levels? 

The experience level of an operator running equipment is 

typically higher than the set-up crew bringing it into the 

room. Make sure the show crew is ready for the task by 

qualifying their experience and skill level beforehand. 

5. Is the experience and skill level of the show crew at the 

level expected or necessitated by the complexity of the 

program? 

If an organization or its leaders are accustomed to a 

particular quality level for the event’s production, be sure 

that the technicians’ skills will meet the expectations. 

6. Is the show crew dedicated to this event? Has an 

appropriate number of floating techs been reserved to 

support the sessions? 

If one’s technical crew is simultaneously handling multiple 

programs at the property, they may get pulled away for 

emergencies. Be sure to 

ask and think critically 

about the number of 

floating technicians that 

are available and dedicated 

to address spontaneous 

concerns or challenges. 

7. What are the costs and 

regulations for standard, 

overtime and double-time 

labor hours? 

Understanding the costs 

and implications of labor 

hours for the set-up and 

operation of one’s event will 

help to manage costs and 

make the best scheduling 

and budgeting decisions. 

8. Is the gear and equipment 

ordered appropriate for the 

needs of the event? 

Review the proposed 

equipment in detail and 

ask about the quality and 

performance level of the 

gear being provided to ensure it will meet all needs. For 

example, is the projector’s brightness level (quantity of 

lumens) in line with how screen images will look? 

www.mpicac.org

9. Does the in-house A/V proposal include all possible 

costs? What is not included? 

Costs such as power requirements, rigging and security are 

often overlooked when budgeting for in-house A/V services. 

Be sure to ask what expenses may be incurred that are not 

included in the proposal and budget accordingly. 

10. What in-room A/V technology could be utilized to 

reduce costs? Will it be sufficient to meet the event’s needs? 

The use of pre-installed screens, projectors and in-house 

audio systems can reduce the final bill, while still meeting 

one’s needs. Be sure to ask if any of these items can be used 

and clarify the performance level of each. 

11. Is the in-house A/V provider willing to integrate a client’s 

equipment? 

If an organization wants to integrate its own laptops, 

projectors or other equipment into the in-house production, 

ask if the provider is able to set it up and if any additional 

fees will be incurred or insurance needed. 

12. What is the cost and availability of back-up gear, should 

a piece of equipment break down? 

If back-up gear will not be readily available, consider paying 

extra to have this piece of equipment in the room. Be sure 

to clarify the estimated time it would take to replace the 

equipment, so that expectations can be set with executives 

or presenters. 

13. How will gear and equipment be secured overnight and 

who is responsible for that cost? 

A planner may be required to secure and fund security 

personnel to ensure the safety of audio-visual equipment. 

14. What recourse is there if the gear and labor do not 

perform to the stated or expected quality level? 

If technicians don’t show up on show day or equipment 

severely underperforms, find out in advance if the contracts 

allow for post-event negotiations of rates and payment. 

15. Is a program at a level of complexity that warrants 

hiring an outside producer or experienced resource to 

manage the in-house A/V provider? 

If a planner senses the A/V and staging needs are fairly 

complex, and the budget allows for additional resources, 

it may be wise to bring in an outside producer to consult 

on the project or manage the provider. This expertise 

will help ensure the right equipment and technicians to 

manage the A/V on site, so the planner can focus on the 

rest of the program. 


SPONSORSHIP HEROES 

From hosting a chapter board meeting to discounting food and beverage or décor at events, the numerous ways that 

MPI-CAC’s sponsors provide their support is vast but the results are the same—being a vital component of our success. 

Success is a financially stable organization that provides timely, cost-effective professional development, educational and 

networking programs. 

Thank you to the following companies that supported chapter programs held during the 2010 program year. 

Remember – BUY MPI! Thank you to… 

Diamond Partner 

($25,000-$49,999) 

Second City 

Communications, Inc. 

Abby Mager . 312.799.2692 

amager@secondcity.com 

Swissôtel 

Claire Fitzpatrick . 312.268.8220 

claire.fitzpatrick@swissotel.com 

The Metropolitan Club 

Jillian Dodge . 312.876.3200 

jillian.dodge@ourclub.com 

TRAVIS, Inc. 

Tina Reedy . 847.843.1313 

tina@travisav.com 

Platinum Partner 

($15,000-$24,999) 

Flower Firm 

Kelly Wood . 312.455.2800 

kellykwood@sbcglobal.net 

Fulton’s on the River 

Devin Robnick . 312.527.1417 

drobnick@levyrestaurants.com 

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa 

Taryn Miracle . 231.534.6165 

tmiracle@gtresort.com 

Hilton Rosemont Chicago O’Hare 

Marian Fuller . 847.678.4488 

marian.fuller@hilton.com 

Trump International 

Hotel & Tower 

Beatrice Dowell . 312.588.8148 

bdowell@trump.com 

Gold Partner 

($10,000-$14,999) 

Brookfield Zoo 

Diane Wehrmeister 

708.688.8350 

diane.wehrmeister@czs.org 

Edward Fox Photography 

Charlene Martin . 773.794.5140 

cmartin@edwardfox.com 


Harrah’s Entertainment 

Patrick Espinoza, CMP 

504.533.6571 

pespinoza@harrahs.com 

MGM Resorts International 

Jacqueline Goldy . 312.787.4500 

jgoldy@mgmmirage.com 

The Drake Hotel 

Kevin Boland . 312.932.4306 

kevin.boland@hilton.com 

The Motivation Show 

Pete Erickson . 630.434.7779 

perickson@heiexpo.com 

Silver Partner 

($5,000-$9,999) 

All Events Photography 

Jeff Brown . 773.777.0011 

jeff@alleventsphotos.com 

Chicago History Museum 

Barbara Siska . 312.799.2250 

siska@chicagohistory.org 

Connect Communications, Inc. 

Lauren Russ, CMP . 773.972.7060 

lauren@connectcomsinc.com 

CORT Event Furnishings 

Laura Jolcover . 630.333.2952 

laura.jolcover@cort.com 

Hyatt Regency O’Hare 

Jessica Shelby . 847.663.4470 

jessica.shelby@hyatt.com 

Irish American Heritage Center 

Kevin O’Kennedy . 773.282.7035 

erinroon@irishahc.org 

Minding Your Business 

Carolyn Clark . 312.870.7100 

carolyn.clark@myb.net 

Palmer House Hilton 

Kelly Lohan . 312.917.3407 

kelly.lohan@hilton.com 

Puerto Rico Convention Bureau 

Rosa Luke . 773.654.1758 

rluke@prcb.org 

Sugarplum Catering 

Shannon Sherwood 

773.493.8659 

shannon@sugarplumcatering.com 

Top Golf 

Nanette Oganovich, CMP 

630.595.4653 x1043 

nanette.oganovich@topgolfusa.com 

Bronze Partner 

($2,500-$4,999) 

ALLURE Event & 

Meeting Productions 

Jiwon McCartney . 224.544.5238 

jiwon@allureeandm.com 

Audio Visual One, Ltd 

Brian Kuntz . 847.928.9200 

bkuntz@audiovisualone.com 

Chicago Indoor Racing 

Misty Lichter . 630.433.3707 

misty@chicagoindoorracing.com 

Classic Party Rentals 

Sandra Sobczak . 708.514.2039 

ssobczak@classicpartyrentals.com 

Esprit Productions 

Ron Springer . 847.549.6200 

rons@espritproductions.com 

Fairmont Raffles 

Hotels International 

Joanne Trudeau . 773.935.1603 

joanee.trudeau@frhi.com 

Lettuce Entertain You 

Maureen Larson 

312.527.9222 x101 

mlarson@leye.com 

PSAV Presentation Services 

Adam Hud . 847.759.8337 

ahud@psav.com 

Skydeck Chicago 

Ryan Stancik . 312.875.0066 

rstancik@theskydeck.com 

Tablescapes 

Sheree Figler . 312.733.9700 

sheree@tablescapes.com 

Wynn Las Vegas 

Alexa Comstock . 702.770.4726 

alexa.comstock@wynnlasvegas.com 

Zhou B Art Center 

Donna Bliss . 847.853.0140 

blissevents@aol.com 

Friends of the Chapter 

($500-$2,499) 

Absolutely Chicago 

Segway Tours 

Timmie McGuire Cortina 

312.552.5100 

timmie@absolutelychicagosegway.com 

AlphaGraphics of Schaumburg 

Kathy Cifuentes . 847.490.3660 

kcifuentes@alphagraphics.com 

Aries Charter Transportation 

Antoinette Gonzalez 

773.826.2000 

antoinette@ariescharter.com 

Casino Party Planners 

Alan Brown . 630.628.8150 

alanb@casinopartyplanners.com 

Cattleya Bridal & Floral Design 

Juliet Tan . 773.712.1523 

juliettan@cattleyabridal.com 

Chicago Convention 

& Tourism Bureau 

Stacey Geyer . 312.567.8549 

sgeyer@choosechicago.com 

Coach USA / Chicago Trolley 

& Double Decker 

Lori O’Grady . 773.890.2036 

lori.ogrady@coachusa.com 

Destination Bloomington 

Julie Giorgio . 952.278.8510 

jgiorgio@bloomington.org 

Directions AV 

Doug Sanford . 847.278.5270 

dbsanford@directionsav.com 

DJ Harsh 

Harsh Singh . 312.953.0226 

djharshchicago@gmail.com 

www.mpicac.org

SPONSORSHIP HEROES 

Dominican Republic Tourism 

Office in Chicago 

Patricia Perez . 773.529.1336 

patricia.bencosme@gmail.com 

Expressive Structures 

Ben Palmer . 773.895.5985 

ben@expressivestructures.com 

Hilton Chicago Indian Lakes Resort 

Brooke Weidman . 630.671.5022 

brooke.weidman@hilton.com 

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis 

Brynn Schulz . 612.596.4661 

brynn.schulz@hyatt.com 

Jewell Events Catering 

Cindi Webber . 312.829.3663 

cwebber@jewelleventscatering.com 

Kimpton Hotels of Chicago 

Marc Foster . 312.325.7184 

marc.foster@kimptonhotels.com 

Lygase 

Christy Higgins . 248.722.8071 

christy@lygase.com 

Meet Minneapolis 

Katie Smith, CMP . 612.335.6333 

katie.smith@ci.minneapolis.mn.us 

Michael Fox Associates, Ltd. 

Michael Fox . 312.643.0334 

mrmwfox@cs.com 

Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort 

Trent Felver . 630.432.3890 

trent.felver@marriott.com 

Palm Springs Desert 

Resort Communities CVA 

Amber Brooksbank Brown . 760.969.1311 

abrown@palmspringsusa.com 

Phillip’s Flowers 

Steve Bauer . 630.719.5153 

sbauer@phillipsflowers.com 

Pulse Beat Music 

John Knecht . 773.580.9337 

johnbamusic@hotmail.com 

San Francisco Travel Association 

Rick Hud . 630.541.5388 

rhud@sanfrancisco.travel 

Scoozi! 

Aine O’Brien . 312.943.0281 

scooziparties@leye.com 

SmartSource Computer & AV Rentals 

John Cuthbertson . 630.588.0200 

jcuthbertson@smartsourcerentals.com 

Sol Melia Hotels 

Tina Chambers . 309.963.2015 

tinac@sol-group.com 

Starwood Hotels and Resorts 

Ted Miller, CHME, CHSP, CGTP 

312.970.2912 

ted.miller@starwoodhotels.com 

Swan Lake Resort 

Andrew Mears . 269.491.4653 

amears@swanlakeresort.com 

Swank Audio Visusals 

Adam Buzecky . 847.928.6916 

abuzecky@swankav.com 

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas 

Peter Schmidt . 702.755.2686 

Peter.Schmidt@cosmolv.com 

Tourism Quebec 

Annemarie Heidbuechel . 312.573.1849 

qcah@aol.com 

Travel Alberta 

Jan Tolle MacDonald, CMP, CMM 

612.708.3991 

jan.tollemacdonald@travelalberta.com 

Unforgettable Edibles Catering 

Mary O’Connor . 773.774.4001 

office@uecatering.com 

Visit St. Paul 

Margot Zweber . 651.265.4910 

Westin Chicago North Shore 

Ethan Hughes . 847.777.6545 

ethan.hughes@westin.com 

Windy City Linen 

Julie Ratowitz . 800.553.9948 

ratpita@hotmail.com 

Want to see your name on this 

list? Consider the Partnership 

Opportunities that the chapter 

offers to connect with professionals 

from the Chicago-area meetings 

and hospitality industry. To learn 

more, visit the Sponsorship section 

at www.mpicac.org or contact the 

headquarters office at 

info@mpicac.org or (888) 721-8908. 


Spring Calendar 

April 26, 2011 

Concierge Preferred Convention & Trade Show 

Location: Navy Pier; Chicago, IL 

Contact: Concierge Preferred; 

(312) 360-1770 

www.conciergepreferred.com 

May 3, 2011 

MPI-CAC Annual Awards Recognition Gala 

Location: Chicago History Museum; Chicago, IL 

Contact: MPI-CAC; 

(888) 721-8908 

www.mpicac.org 

May 16, 2011 

MPI-CAC Education Program & Networking Event 

Location: Fulton’s on the River; Chicago, IL 


(888) 721-8908 


June 6, 2011 

Destinations Showcase 

Location: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; 

Rosemont, IL 

Contact: Destination Marketing 

Association International; 

(202) 296-7888 

www.destinationsshowcase.com 

June 20-23, 2011 

HITEC 2011 

Location: Austin Convention Center; Austin, TX 

Contact: Hospitality Financial 

& Technology Professionals; 

(512) 249-5333 

www.hftp.org 


April 2011 

April 28, 2011 

ASAE 2011 Springtime Expo Location: 

Walter E. Washington 

Convention Center; Washington, DC 

Contact: The Center for Association Leadership; 

(888) 950-2723 

www.springtimeexpo.com 

May 2011 

May 9-11, 2011 

CIC 2011 CMP Conclave 

Location: Hilton Cancun; Cancun, Mexico 

Contact: Convention Industry Council; 

(571) 527-3116 

www.conventionindustry.org 

May 21-25, 2011 

Discover America International Pow Wow 

Location: Moscone Center; San Francisco, CA 

Contact: United States Travel Association; 

(202) 408-8422 

www.ustravel.org 

June 2011 

June 13, 2011 

MPI-CAC Golf Classic 

Location: Ruffled Feathers Golf Club; Lemont, IL 


(888) 721-8908 


April 28-May 1, 2011 

IASB 2011 Annual Convetion 

Location: The Westin San Diego; 

San Diego, CA 

Contact: International Association 

of Speakers Bureaus; 

(480) 839-1423 

www.iasbweb.org/events 

May 11-June 29, 2011 

MPI-CAC Weekly CMP Study Group 

Locations: Palmer House Hilton; Chicago, IL 

& Hyatt Regency O’Hare; Rosemont, IL 


(888) 721-8908 


May 24-26, 2011 

IMEX 2011 

Location: Hall 8, Messe Frankfurt; 

Frankfurt, Germany 

Contact: IMEX; 

+44 1273 224958 

www.imex-frankfurt.com 

June 20-23, 2011 

PCMA 2011 Annual Education Conference 

Location: Baltimore Convention Center; 

Baltimore, MD 

Contact: Professional Convention 

Management Association; 

(312) 423-7262 

www.pcma.org 

please visit 


for more 

upcoming events 

www.mpicac.org

www.mpicac.org news & views | winter 2011 27

One Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 300 

Westchester, Illinois 60154

S p ring 11 - Meeting Professionals International Chicago Area ...

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?