by ANN MARGARET YOUNG, Hilton Minneapolis

So, I just returned from the CMP/CMM Celebration Breakfast. As I said to them, I felt intimidated by all of the “smarty pants” in the audience.

I joke, but as I sat there and listened to everyone talking about how long ago they received their CMP or CMM and how long they have been with their companies it really struck me—our chapter has an amazing amount of experienced, talented, inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable women and men. How lucky we all are to be part of something so fabulous.

My wish for everyone is that you get to experience the same type of thing, whether is be at a monthly meeting, volunteering on a committee, participating in a CMP Boot Camp or joining us at the May 8th Awards and 30th Anniversary Celebration.

We will look forward to seeing you soon and adding another piece to our fortunate pie.

by JOHN COSGROVE, Cosgrove Trivia Challenge

Welcome to the May edition of our local MPI Chapter newsletter, Meeting of the Minds.

There is no doubt that these are challenging times in our industry. In addition to the day-to-day economic pressures, our industry is facing growing scrutiny that is starting to rival the automotive and banking industries! The strength of our resolve will be determined by how we react to the daily realities we face. Thankfully, being part of an organization such as MPI on a global level and more locally with our own chapter, we have at our disposal numerous resources, ideas and strategies to help keep us focused and battle ready.

In this month’s issue we have a wonderful article from Karen Peña that outlines specific ideas and strategies that will assist us moving ahead. It is written with an upbeat and optimistic tone that will surely give you that necessary bolt to drive forward. From our chapter, Diane Pearson has details on our new Career Transition series which again provides real tools to help you on your next step in your journey.

May, of course, is the month that we also celebrate our chapter’s achievements and efforts over the past year with our EMPI awards. We have much to celebrate and honor within our chapter and look forward with renewed vigor to the year ahead.

Slán go mort.

The Recycling Association of Minnesota promotes resource conservation through multiple practices. No wonder this nonprofit selected the McNamara Alumni Center at the University of Minnesota to hold its two-day conference last year—and has rebooked the space again for this fall.

“We have to practice what we preach,” says Ellen Telander, executive director, RAM, emphasizing how challenging it is to find a centrally located, environmentally friendly venue and how delighted she was to find that McNamara features a naturally lit, large meeting space. “The McNamara team was happy to work with us to make our event green and carbon-free.”

Focusing on the environment is nothing new for McNamara, a premier meeting-and-event space known for its award-winning customer service. “Our clients are pleased to learn about our environmental efforts, as well as our willingness to make extra eco-friendly accommodations,” says Kim Hamlin, senior event coordinator and on-staff green guru.

A high-performance chiller saves 175,000-kilowatt hours of energy per year. Automatic sinks, soap dispensers and toilets go a long way toward saving resources and water—especially with annual building visitors numbering 400,000. Ninety-five percent of the building’s cleaning products are green-seal certified. New vending machines, installed last year, automatically conserve energy. And the on-site caterer, D’Amico Catering at McNamara, is an enthusiastic composter.

For RAM, the McNamara event and catering teams took additional steps: offering cream, butter, salt and pepper in bulk dispensers rather than individual packets to lessen garbage; introducing the use of new collection methods so that paper towels could be composted—a practice McNamara has permanently adopted; recycling all cans, bottles and paper; selecting organic ingredients for meals; and using reusable glassware, flatware, plates and linens.

In addition, McNamara engineers worked with RAM to calculate not only how many kilowatts of energy would be used across its five meeting rooms but the carbon footprint of attendees’ travel to the conference itself. RAM then planted 30 25-foot trees in Minnesota to offset all carbon effects.

“Our engineers do a great job of saving energy,” says Hamlin, “but this was the first time we determined kilowatt usage for a client. Now it’s a service we offer to interested customers.”

Going forward, Hamlin says, the McNamara event team is exploring additional environmentally friendly services for clients. The goal is to make every day feel like Earth Day!

by KAREN PEÑA, ConferenceDirect and Karen Peña Professionally Speaking

My husband and I recently went to visit our financial counselor. We took two boxes of tissue with us: one for us and one for him.

I think I felt sorrier for him than us. His office is on the first floor of a building with a huge window facing the parking lot. I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but he was having the window replaced with bullet proof glass.

I used to tell my audiences that we act like we are the most stressed out society on earth and asked how many wish they had invested years ago in Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft. Now I’m afraid to bring it up for fear some might be selling it!

Some people think it’s the Republicans fault, some think it’s the Democrats. Some think it’s the media, religion, global warming and I would venture that some even think it’s the Tooth Fairy’s fault. She’s gotten really greedy over the last few years. I know this because I have a six-year-old granddaughter!

Regardless of what you think caused it, the fact is, it is here and it is going to be around a while. We just have to deal with it.

Although we are all in for a long haul, there are certainly things that your organization can do to survive and even succeed during this downturn. We all know that the success of a business lies flatly on the shoulders of the employees. Now you are leading your team in a whole new world, which means that you have to have a whole new game plan. So here are a few tips for keeping your team engaged, focused and motivated:

1. Re-Define / Re-Direct / Re-Invent – Now more than ever organizations must take a step back and review organizational goals and “best practices.” This is a GREAT time to do another SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. Times may look drab, but believe me, there ARE opportunities and now is the time to focus on them. Those who take this opportunity to re-invent will be far ahead when the tide turns.

2. Don’t be an Ostrich – The worst thing you can do is bury your head in the sand. Your team needs to know that you understand the seriousness of the situation at hand. If you try to play it off, you will only alienate them.

3. Acknowledge Concerns – Everyone touts an “open door” policy, but during tumultuous times it is critical to allow your players to vent, acknowledge their concerns, and assure them that your organization is being pro-active.

4. Champion Your Organization – If your employees do not feel that you support the decisions of your organization, why should they?

5. Cut the Clutter – During lucrative times organizations tend to find time to add steps to systems, policies, procedures, etc. With team members taking on more and more, it is imperative that these steps are re-evaluated and simplified.

6. Streamline Communication - Be sure your team understands how to manage their email in-box, internet, Blackberry and cell phones. Technology is a great tool, but can become a big black hole that becomes too time-consuming.

7. Feed Them – Just because they cannot advance, does not mean they cannot grow. In times of cutbacks and wage freezes employees can find fulfillment through other enrichment opportunities such as education, industry association involvement, internal cross-training, etc. Evaluate the individual’s strengths and build on those talents.

8. Don’t Commit Assume-a-side – Never assume your team has what they need to succeed. Right now it is important to consistently re-assess your team and ask THEM what tools they might be lacking.

9. Build Your Team – Encourage mentoring, discussion groups and internal focus groups. Allow your team to support one another and to become part of the solution.

10. Synergy = Energy – Encourage your team to reach out across lines internally and externally for innovative ideas and solutions. If your organization is not up to snuff on “social networking,” i.e., LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, etc., you had better get with the program. I can assure you, it is not going away.

11. CELEBRATE! – Take every opportunity to celebrate success, be it company, team or individual.

Of all of the above, I think the last point is by far the most important. I have always been accused of being the ultimate optimist, but I truly believe that the bottom line to all of this comes down to each and every one of us focusing on the positive and not the negative. In spite of everything, we still live in an AWESOME country with AWESOME opportunities. Celebrate that every day!

The Mentor Next Door announces final two panelists for its June Linking program!
The Mentor Next Door Committee is announcing the final two speakers for its upcoming Linking event: Melvin Tennant, CAE of Meet Minneapolis® LLP and Marcia Appel of Green Lotus Partners. These two prominent Twin Cities business leaders have agreed to speak about the importance of leadership, networking and mentoring in today’s professional world.

Melvin Tennant, CAE
For more than 25 years Melvin Tennant, CAE, has served in leadership positions for several destination marketing organizations nationally, currently as CEO & president of Meet Minneapolis, where he manages a staff of more than 70 and a budget of $10 million. Prior to his moving to Minneapolis, he was executive director of the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau. Also, while in San Antonio, he founded Innovative Management Resources in order to utilize his vast organizational development and strategic marketing skills for the benefit of clients in the hospitality industry and other business sectors. He currently serves on the boards of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Council and HIRED, a leading Twin Cities area provider of job-skills training and employment training.

Tennant is a graduate of Rice University and has received additional professional development from numerous organizations. He is a published author and has served as a marketing consultant, speaker, facilitator and trainer for a variety of organizations. He recently received the APEX Award from Black Meetings and Tourism Magazine. He has been a volunteer leader in organizations such as Meeting Professionals International, the American Society of Association Executives/Center for Association Leadership, the Destination Marketing Association International, Travel Industry Association of America, the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners and the San Antonio Christian Business Chamber of Commerce to name a few.

Marcia Appel
Marcia Appel has been blessed to have had a long, varied and fun career. Trained as a journalist, she began as a reporter for the St. Paul Pioneer Press while finishing her undergraduate degree as the University of Minnesota. She helped launch several local magazines over the years, including Twin Cities Woman and Corporate Report, and was executive editor of Twin Cities Magazine before it merged with Mpls. St. Paul. Thanks to incredible mentors, she moved between the worlds of journalism and corporate management throughout her career. She has served as director of advertising and public relations for a division of Control Data, as SVP of The Musicland Group, SVP of Marketing for American Girl, and chief marketing officer of Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media. In 2007, Ms. Appel founded an integrated wellness and healing center that weaves together alternate healing modalities with yoga and tai chi offerings. She has been active in public and community life, having served on the boards of the Minnesota Women's Campaign Fund, the University of Minnesota Executive Alumni Board, the Animal Humane Society, and Planned Parenthood of Minnesota and South Dakota, among others. Ms. Appel is an award-winning journalist for both public affairs reporting and column writing.

Event Specifics:

Date and Time:
Thursday, June 4, 2009
5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  

Location:
Marriott Southwest
5801 Opus Parkway
Minnetonka, MN 55343
(952) 935-5500

Agenda:
Registration: 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Leadership Panel: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Networking Reception: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Drawings: 7:15 p.m. Must be present to win!

Registration:
Follow this link to register online!

Whether a learning experience for a high school or college student, or motivation for a friend or colleague, this is an opportunity to gain knowledge about the importance of leadership, mentoring, and networking. Click here for a flyer to distribute to your friends and colleagues.The cost is $15.00 for MPI members and non-members. There is not a cost for students, but they must register with an MPI member. Reserve your spots today!

The Mentor Next Door thanks its sponsors:

The Career Transition Series is just for our chapter members. Each meeting, Mondays May 4, 11 and 18, will focus on three elements: 1) Providing resources and information, 2) Networking and connection and finally 3) Mind, body and spirit. This is a collaborative effort and our goal is to provide you with great information and offer time for you to share your experiences and knowledge.

Whether you’re looking for a new position or want to take control of a future job transition you’ll benefit from the positive energy in the room. Our first session speaker is Linda Schirber-Gannon from the Sheraton Bloomington. As the director of human resources Linda is an industry expert in reviewing resumes. She’ll share tips on what you can do to get your resume noticed and how you can improve your chances of getting to the interview. We’ve moved from fancy paper to online submissions and Linda will provide ideas on the latest internet trends.

Our second session focuses on how to maintain your spirit and what you can do to be fully engaged. We’ll talk about how your image is not just about your appearance.

Finally Debbie Van Ravenhorst from Helms Briscoe is tackling the interview in our third session. When you’re prepared and engaged the interview goes from an inquisition to an energized discussion on what you both want from the position. We’ll take a little time to pair up and interview each other.

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. We hope to see you at the Park Place Hotel in Bloomington. Join us for this great opportunity and register today! Follow this link to register and learn more.

How did you get to your current position?
I was approached by friends in the industry that needed help and couldn’t get another head count added to their department budget. I jumped on the chance to start my own business and help my peers all at the same time.

What is your current job description?
I am currently a trade show and event consultant. My past 18 years of experience has been with Lawson Software, Nonin Medical Inc., Exhibitgroup Giltspur and Varitronic Systems. It is a bit unique to have the exhibit services industry and a corporate trade show and event background but it has been very helpful with new exhibit construction and design.

What has been your greatest professional challenge?
Struggling through these economic times. Companies are cutting back on budgets for trade shows, meetings and events. It is going to be challenging for all of us to do more with less in the months to follow.

In your past history, has anything happened that was unexpected?
I have always wanted to tell this story. I was attending a trade show in Long Beach. I had just finished setting up the exhibit and everything was ready for show open. I walked back to the adjacent hotel, and I heard someone crying sitting on a bench. I asked her what was wrong. She said her exhibit was stuck in a shipping facility and the truck broke down. Her CIO was attending as one of the speakers for the show, and she thought she would be fired. I took her cell and called the shipping facility to express the urgency. They agreed to find another trucking company to transport the booth to the show. We went back to the show contractor and received permission to set up after hours. I helped her set up the 10'x20’ exhibit (she didn’t hire labor) and I didn’t know until we put up the graphics she was a competitor. We both had a good laugh but more important, she was smiling again.

How long have you been in MPI and what have you learned since becoming a member?
I have been a member since 2004. I think the best part about MPI is the networking. Everyone is so willing to help if you have questions. I remember feeling like super woman leaving the key note speakers at the national conventions. Who needs to buy motivational books when they have speakers like that at MPI?

What is something you would like to share with us about your personal life?
We recently lost our rescue dog and I want to encourage everyone to do what they can for the local animal shelters and rescue groups.

I would also like to share another organizational resource for those meeting planners that struggle with a few shows a year. It is called the CTSM program, along with the Exhibitor Show and it’s held in March every year at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. You can learn everything you need to know to keep sane during those one or two shows. Who would have thought there would be a trade show for people who do trade shows!

One of the efforts of the Leadership Development Committee is to recognize everyday leaders within the chapter. These Leaders Among Us are people who go above and beyond to make sure our chapter goals and objectives are met or exceeded. This month we recognize the work of Julie Ann Schmidt of Lithium Logistics Group.

Julie Ann took on the task of coordinating all the communications coming out of Leadership Development. She organized the due dates for the committee’s programs and made it easy for the sub-committees to comply and have their marketing messages heard in a timely manner. Her execution of this role resulted in each chapter department having a similar liaison reporting into the web chair, making all of our messages more likely heard. For these efforts and more she is the April Leader of the Month.

To thank Julie Ann for her leadership and to promote this year’s theme of Educate and Celebrate, she will receive an Educate Barnes and Noble gift certificate for $50 sponsored by Mike Lane Productions and a Celebrate gift certificate worth $50 to any of D’Amico’s restaurants sponsored by D’Amico and Company. Please help us honor Julie Ann and her efforts.

Join the MPI Minnesota Membership Campaign and Win Prizes!

It’s easy...Pick up a supply of our new membership brochures to distribute to potential meeting industry peers. Refer interested prospects to the Membership Committee by filling out a new member referral form. For each form you fill out, you will be eligible to win monthly prizes and a Grand Prize drawing for a three-day North Shore Getaway sponsored by Odyssey Resorts. Forms are available online at www.mpimn.org.

Join Now…Help Celebrate and Educate in 2009!

Details and brochures are available at the membership table at our monthly luncheon meetings.

The second annual CMP/CMM Recognition Breakfast was relaxed but educational, with nonstop laughter thanks to guest speaker Scott Schwefel. Special thanks to Garrett Speakers International for sponsoring Scott’s appearance and to the DoubleTree Hotel Minneapolis – Park Place for hosting this very special event.

CMP/CMM breakfast attendees (ask one of them about the significance of the colored blocks)		Guest speaker Scott Schwefel

Congratulations to the following members who have been recognized for their continued commitment to MPI Minnesota and who celebrated their monumental anniversary in April. Thank you for your continued involvement and commitment within our chapter.

5 Years:
Terrie Maley, Maley Global Meetings
Kathryn Smith, Minneapolis Convention Center

10 Years:
Mary Loahr-Wright, The Sheraton Minneapolis West

Date:
Thursday, May 14

Location:
Park Plaza, Bloomington

Cost:
NCBTA Members $125.00 / Non NCBTA Members $150.00

Registration:
Register online at www.northcentralbta.org. The registration deadline is May 7.

Questions? Contact:
Keri Furlano
Regis Corporation
Phone: 952-947-7757
Email: Keri.furlano@regiscorp.com

Agenda:

7:00-8:00am
Registration and Breakfast

8:00-8:15am
NCBTA Welcome and Update

8:15-9:15am
Hope for Managed Travel in an Economic Malaise
Presenter: Kevin Mitchell, Chairman, Business Travel Coalition

9:15-10:00am
Positioning MSP for Future Growth
Presenter: Jeff Hamiel, Director, Metropolitan Airport Commission

10:00-10:15am
Morning Break

10:15-11:45am
Recession Economics
Presenter: Christopher Thornberg, Economist, Beacon Economics

11:45am
Networking Lunch - How We Lead Matters: Reflections on a Life of Leadership

1:45pm
Key Note Speaker: Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Chairman and former CEO of Carlson Companies

1:15-2:00pm
Turbulent Times
Presenter: Katharine Grayson, Staff Writer, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

2:00-2:30pm
Afternoon Break

2:30-4:00pm Tools from the Big Book of Small Business
Presenter: Tom Gegax, Chief Executive Officer, Gegax Management Systems

4:00-4:15pm
Closing Remarks

The Park Plaza Hotel is offering NCBTA attendees a special rate of $89 single king/non-smoking, plus tax for the night of Wednesday, May 13, 2009. To book, please call the hotel at (952) 831-3131 and refer to the NCBTA rate. This rate is valid until May 4, 2009, based on availability.

Have you visited the MPI MN Flickr account lately? Photos from our latest events are there now. Check them out!

Meeting Professionals International is the association for the global meetings industry and is committed to delivering success for its 21,000 worldwide members by providing innovative professional development, generating industry awareness and creating business development opportunities. Founded in 1972, the Dallas-based organization delivers success through its 68 chapters and clubs in 20 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.mpiweb.org.

Minnesota Chapter Office
1821 University Ave W, Ste S256 | St. Paul, MN 55104-2897
651-917-6243 | fax: 651-917-1835 | office@mpimn.org | www.mpimn.org

International Headquarters
3030 LBJ Freeway, Ste 1700 | Dallas, TX 75234-2759
1-972-702-3000 | fax: 1-972-702-3000 | www.mpiweb.org

Meeting of the Minds is the official publication of the Meeting Professionals International Minnesota chapter and is published 11 times yearly. Statements of fact and opinion within this newsletter are the responsibility of individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the officers or members of MPI. Articles submitted are subject to editorial revisions.

Articles for the May issue of Meeting of the Minds are due to the editor by 5:00PM on Wednesday, May 20. Apticles for Meeting of the Minds are always due on the third Wednesday of the month prior to distribution, and articles for News Notes are always due on the first Thursday of the distribution month.

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