Tidbits of a Fabulous Event!
2009 Educational Conference & Tradeshow
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
MPISCC’s special events committee has raised the bar yet again! This year’s 2009 Educational Conference & Tradeshow theme was “Back 2 Basics”; however, there was nothing backward or basic about this conference. The sensational, newly reconstructed and very “Green” Pasadena Convention Center was a wonderful setting for this one day event. Over 800 attendees were able to partake in educational presentations, networking opportunities, tradeshow and an evening reception. More than 15 educational presentations took place in the conference center. The 25,000 square foot exhibit hall was a tradeshow attendee’s dream: a hot lunch with well designed accompaniments, live entertainment, 150 vendor booths and a room full of like-minded professionals with similar objectives. This venue was a perfect setting for an outstanding event.
A big thank you to the host of professional volunteers whose hard work was evident through out the tradeshow. They started their work well before the 7:30am early bird educational sessions and continued past the post event networking reception.
The 7:30 am early bird guests were welcomed by Junior Tauvaa, Vice President Member Care and Chapter Business Management for Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Holly Duckworth-Horning, Chapter Business Manager for MPI. Among the educational presenters who shared their knowledge and expertise were Ms. Duckworth-Horning, MPI and Haley Powers, Insightful Meetings; Michael Dominguez, Loews Hotels; Gary Rosenberg, Rosenberg & Risinger; Margie Johnston, RevenueResources Management, LLC and Deborah Hall-Kaylor, Hall & Associates, Ltd.
Maureen Gehle, MPISCC Director of Special Events and the annual conference & tradeshow chair, expressed thanks on behalf of herself and all present for the passion, dedication and hard work exhibited by the entire Tradeshow Committee. Maureen also recognized the vast number of sponsors this year; letting us know that there were over forty-two vendors involved with sponsorship. Thomas Baldwin, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Morton’s Steakhouse made the opening session even more memorable with a timely, engaging and well executed keynote address. Mr. Baldwin shared the secrets of Morton’s success as an international, owner-operated restaurant chain: “It’s all about taking care of the guest and being sincere in our execution”. This positive and energizing talk included practical tips on succeeding in a challenging economic environment.
The focus of the day was enhancing the professional skill set of MPISCC members. Relevant topics included Greening Your Supply Chain, Webcasting and the Meeting Professional, Leveraging Your Skills for the Seasoned Professional and (in a separate presentation) for the new industry professional, Hotel Contract Trends and Insights, Time Management, Social Networking Optimization, Service Guidelines & “Where’s the Magic?” (a´ la Disney). One highlight of the late morning session was the Senior Planner Roundtable, moderated by Margie Johnston. This roundtable discussion, which included seasoned planners and suppliers, resulted in the sharing of
a wealth of knowledge and experience; there was enough information developed to support three day conference. The featured session of the afternoon, Design-A-SenSaTional-Event was inspirational thanks to the talents of Kevin Cottam, Aspire 4 Excellence & King Arthur Productions, Inc. Revenue through Relationships and the Planner-CSM/Event Manager Experience were also on the afternoon agenda.
The show floor was overflowing with the energy of professional planners and vendors networking. The live performances from Hey Mr. DJ, Aragorn & Olivia, The Eddie Show and the Stellar Band enhanced the setting. One could have designed an entire meeting program with the vendor/exhibitor group present; from room blocks, speaker arrangements, furniture rentals, audio-visual technology, team-building events, marketing pieces, event registration through invitations.
A sensational space does so much to create a memorable ending. The Plaza, framed by the exhibit and conference halls, with the backdrop of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium was an exceptional setting for the evening networking reception that followed the conclusion of the afternoon educational presentations. The food was wonderful as was the fellowship. The Surf City All Stars livened and enriched the experience proving, once again, that they really are the world’s greatest surf and beach party band.
Congratulations to the MPISCC tradeshow committee and all their hard work on the 2009 Educational Conference & Tradeshow. Next years event is already being planned, volunteers being recruited and creative juices flowing. The facilities and program will have to go a long way to beat this one!
By Damaris R. Johnson, PLANit Event Solutions
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