mountain views...a newsletter produced by and for sgmp rocky mountain chapter members inside...
TRANSCRIPT
A Newsletter Produced by and for SGMP Rocky Mountain Chapter Members
www.sgmprockymtn.com
Mountain ViewsInsideThe President’s 5280 Views 2
Chapter Committees 4
Meeting Recaps 12
Chapter Events 14
National News 16
Industry Events 21
Holiday socialPage 13
Superheroes CirclePage 16
Fall Ed ConferencePage 8
October/November/ December 2018
Volume 14, Issue 4
By Holly Miller, CGMP
2
The President’s 5280 Views
My beloved SGMP Family,
It is with a deep sadness that I write to inform you I’ve left my job in the
government meeting industry effective December 31, 2018. I’ve made the very big decision to end my career for now and focus on raising my young family. This will include moving out of state to be with my husband (who works away from Colorado 3+ weeks a month). I am no longer eligible to be your chapter president and am very sorry that I need to end my term early for my family. I hate leaving you and our wonderful chapter, but really feel called to do what’s best for my children and husband. I cherish the relationships that we’ve
formed during my tenure in our chapter and hope to stay in touch with each of you. Thank you for letting me be your president!
Now that I’m no longer eligible, the chapter board has started the search for the next president. (Is it YOU?!) While they complete their search and election, Lynette Schick, CMP, Immediate Past President, will step in to the role of Chapter Trustee. She’ll have the reigns from here. I’m sure she’ll lead you into a successful new year. I wish you all the very best. Please reach out to me if you need anything. My personal email is [email protected].
All My Best,
Holly
3
2018–2020Chapter Board
of DirectorsPresident Holly Miller, CGMPColorado Department of Law720.508.6225 [email protected]
First Vice President Pamela Temple, CGMPColorado Department of Human ServicesDivision of Youth [email protected]
Second Vice President Brittany Tebben, CGMPVisit Denver303.571.9422 [email protected]
Treasurer Julian HuertaEmbassy Suites Denver Downtown720.587.6933 Julian.Huerta@embassysuites denverdowntown.com
Secretary MaryLou Wallace, CGMPUniversity of ColoradoAnschutz Medical [email protected]
Supplier DirectorCheryl Braucht, CGMPKeystone Resort & Conference Center970.496.4291 [email protected]
Supplier DirectorStephanie ScharfenbergEmbassy Suites Loveland970.612.2389Stephanie.scharfenberg@ atriumhospitality.com
Planner DirectorNancy Gregory, CGMPU.S. Geological [email protected]
Immediate Past PresidentLynette I. Schick, CMPMeeting Objectives [email protected]
4
ChapterCommittees
DID YOU KNOW— That RMC Supplier Members fully comp our monthly Chapter meetings?By MaryLou Wallace, CGMP
As a member of the Rocky Mountain Chapter (RMC), you may not be aware that our host
supplier properties fully fund our monthly chapter meetings. This means that the chapter is not billed for any expense related to the monthly meeting—food, beverages, meeting room rental/setup or audio visual.
The RMC is very fortunate to have supplier members who fund and support our monthly meetings. Their goal is to provide a pleasant and professional culinary experience. They treat all SGMP meetings with the same value and importance they do with each government meeting or event that is held at their property. Suppliers submit an RFP volunteering to host our monthly meetings and see this as an opportunity to showcase their property. The meals provided are at government per diem rates. The sales manager works closely with their chef and catering staff to be sure that we receive everything described in our program outline. We receive excellent customer service all the way through the planning stages, pre-con meeting, up to the day of the program. Each year our host properties are in the running for the “Culinary Award of Excellence” that is presented at the annual Honors & Awards Gala held in June.
You may be asking “so what happens to the registration fee I send in for the monthly chapter meetings?” Registration fees collected support the various educational components of our chapter. This education is provided for and available to all chapter members. All registration fees help fund speakers for monthly programs, as well as our annual Fall Education Conference. These funds may also be used toward scholarships for members to attend our annual Fall Education Conference and the SGMP National Education Conferences.
So the next time you are filling out your meeting evaluation, please be mindful that our host properties and their sales and catering staff make it their primary goal to ensure that each meeting is a success and that all attendees are provided with a positive quality experience. As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions. Let us know what went well, what could be improved, as well as any ideas you might have for monthly program topics. We value each and every member of our chapter and encourage everyone to get involved, serve on a committee (or even the board), and let your voice be heard! ❧
SGMP Rocky Mountain Chapter Committees 2018–19Nominations & Elections CommitteeBoard Liaison: Lynette Schick, CMP, Immediate Past President
Communications CommitteeBoard Liaison: VacantNewsletter Sub-Committee Chair: Julian Huerta, TreasurerWebsite Sub-Committee Chair: VacantHistory Sub-Committee Chair: VacantLynette Schick, CMP, Immediate Past PresidentTammy Ottmer Angelia Meaux, CGMP (Website) Chele Clark, CGMP (Website, Newsletter)Claudette Ferris, CAP-OM, CGMP (Newsletter)Linda Schmitt (Newsletter)Jillian SarmosKsenia Porteraj (Social Media)Gary KujawskiPete Goetz (Newsletter)
Programs CommitteeBoard Liaison: Pam Temple, CGMP, 1st Vice President Honors & Awards Sub-Committee Chair: MaryLou Wallace, CGMP, Secretary (& Fall Ed)Fall Education Sub-Committee Chair: Vacant for 2019 ConferenceMonthly Programming Sub-Committee Chair: VacantElizabeth Fulk (Monthly)Brian Jackson, CGMP (Monthly)Michelle Williams, CGMP (Fall Education)Cynthia Ross (Fall Education)Linda Schmitt (Fall Education)Chele Clark, CGMP (Monthly, Fall Education; Honors and Awards)Karen Davis, CGMP (Honors and Awards)Lina Pfoh (Fall Education)Judy James (Fall Education)
Kim Hawks (Fall Education)Tiffany Maestas (Fall Education, Honors and Awards)
Membership CommitteeBoard Liaison: Brittany Tebben, CGMP, 2nd Vice PresidentHospitality Sub-Committee Chair: Jean Kim Ambassador Sub-Committee Chair: Cheryl Braucht, Board Director Mentorship Sub-Committee Chair: Nancy Gregory, CGMP, Board DirectorLina Pfoh (Hospitality)Cynthia Ross (Hospitality)Michelle Williams, CGMP (Hospitality)
Financial CommitteeBoard Liaison: Julian Huerta, TreasurerScholarships Sub-Committee Chair: Stephanie Scharfenberg, Board DirectorAdvertising Sub-Committee Chair: VacantFundraising Sub-Committee Chair: VacantMark Richardson, CGMPJudy James, CGMPChele Clark, CGMPLynette Schick, CMPBrittany Tebben, CGMPCynthia RossAngelia Meaux, CGMPTiffany Maestas
Community Service CommitteeBoard Liaison: Stephanie Scharfenberg, Board DirectorChair: Sheila Zuschek, CGMPTheresa PattenPamela Temple, CGMP Cynthia RossTutti TischlerPam PergandeJean KimBrian Jackson, CGMP
Save the
DATES!
June 13, 2019Rocky Mountain Chapter Honors & Awards GalaThe Curtis - A DoubleTree by Hilton
5:00- 7:00 Silent Auction7:00- 10:00 Dinner and Award
Ceremony
October 2–4, 2019Fall Education
ConferenceBeaver Run
Breckenridge, CO
A
Got something to say? Interested in having
it in print? The quarterly SGMP Rocky Mountain Chapter
newsletter is always looking for great industry-related
articles. Whether you have a great idea on how to make
that meeting dollar stretch, innovative ways to decorate a
banquet room, or even how to increase attendance at your
event, we want to know! Submit all articles to Julian Huerta,
The next issue is published mid-April, and we want to hear
from you!
A
Benefits to advertising on the Chapter website and in the newsletter
During these economic times, advertising budgets tend to get cut, but here is a cost-effective way to advertise your property for pennies on
the dollar!People are visiting the chapter website! Currently, the website is getting
more than 400 hits a month. Your property will be seen nearly 5,000 times in one year! The cost is $300 for 6 months. The banners continually rotate to each ad, so it is constantly being seen. Here is one place you will receive the maximum payback for your dollars. Just send us a JPEG image—265 x 265 pixels and the URL to link to.
Please contact Chele Clark, CGMP at [email protected] to advertise on the Chapter website.
•Advertising in the quarterly Mountain Views Chapter newsletter is a
bargain! All of our Chapter members receive a copy of our newsletter, as do the presidents of all SGMP chapters, to share with their members, the SGMP National Board, and SGMP Headquarters staff. Additionally, all issues are posted on our website at: www.sgmprockymtn.com. It is a great marketing opportunity with more than 4,000 possible viewers!
Cost: 12 months Full Page Ad $450.00 1 month Full Page Ad $150.00 1 month Half Page Ad $100.00 1 month Quarter Page Ad $075.00 If you’re interested in placing an ad, please contact Julian Huerta at
SGMPRocks!
5
6
Call for volunteers… Do you have 1-3 hours a month that you can spare? Join a committee!
Being on a chapter committee does not require an enormous amount of time.
In conjunction with furthering the mission and goals of the chapter, members can gain valuable insight into the wonderful world of SGMP!
In addition, being on a committee or two can foster professional and personal development and can help members develop long lasting, meaningful relationships.
For more information, please go to www.sgmprockymtn.com.
Welcome, new members!Below is a list of planners and suppliers who have joined the Rocky Mountain Chapter of SGMP in the last few months. Please take the time to welcome them at the next chapter gathering.
New Members Q4 2018Stephanie Colby Denver Marriott Tech Center
Beth JusticeColorado Statewide Internet Portal Authority
Ksenia PoterajHilton Garden Inn Denver Downtown (Stonebridge Companies)
Naomi SchneeWorldDenver
Lara SmedleySmedley Events
Sara KahatCO Dept Human Services, Div of Youth Services
Gary KujawskiDivision of Real Estate—Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
Keri MillsHomewood Suites Denver West/Federal Center Lakewood
Brooke ConnerFEMA Region VIII
Attention MembersYour renewal date is coming up. Your renewal notice should have been sent to you via email with a subject line of Renew Your SGMP Membership Today.
January Renewal DatesBeverly CisnerosDeseri MartinezAngelia Meaux, CGMP
February Renewal DatesKimberly Forte, CGMPBetsy HarrahDiandra HawkinsByron McIntoshKerstin MiddletonJillian SarmoAshley Schoneman
March Renewal DatesNancy Hussey Marci Kurronen Ashley Moretti Wendy Petersen Stephanie Scharfenberg Brian-Douglas Stanwood Keri Thompson Tutti Tischler, CMP
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]. ❧
7
Join us on our LinkedIn and Facebook groups! Click below
to get connected:
Mission and Vision Statement of SGMP’s Rocky Mountain Chapter
Our Mission is:
To bring together government
planners and meeting supply
service professionals to improve
the quality and promote
the cost-effectiveness of
government meetings.
Our Vision Statement is:
We are committed to providing
members with quality educa-
tional programs and partner-
ing opportunities, empowering
members to be successful in
their fields.
7
A
SGMP RMC websiteStay on top of current chapter information, meeting dates and agendas,
national news, and so much more by visiting the SGMP RMC website often!
Please take a moment to explore the site and bookmark as a favorite!
http://www.sgmprockymtn.com/
8
Fall Education—Grand JunctionBy Julian Huerta
I was extremely lucky to be able to attend the Fall Education Conference for the first time ever as a
scholarship recipient. Walking into the hotel, I was extremely excited and nervous for the new experience!
We were welcomed to the hotel by Mariah Martin, Sales Manager at the Courtyard Marriott Grand Junction and were treated to a kick off from Visit Grand Junction with prizes and trivia about the city and the Colorado National Monument. Our fearless leader, Holly Miller, CGMP, welcomed us to Grand Junction and handed the emcee duties over to Pam Temple, CGMP, to lead us through the education sessions.
Phil Rappoport of Agenda Pop, one of our generous sponsors, kicked off the education with a deep dive on mobile applications and how they can improve and help maintain our conferences. With a scalable cost, the app (which we used for this conference) is a tool to reinforce content, allow speakers to connect with attendees directly and help with wayfinding. His ideas were fantastic and really showed his passion and commitment to his product.
Up next, Dr. Dale Henry presented his keynote address and waxed poetic on the topic of ethics. Dr. Henry presents like no other speaker I’ve ever heard and is both engaging and riotously funny. While bouncing from talking about speaking to traveling to family life, the one thing I’m sure of is that he’s always having a “GREAT” day! After finishing up with Dr. Henry, President Miller finally was able to welcome us properly to Grand Junction, and the hotel hosted a reception where we got to sit outside, enjoy a cold beverage and learn a bit more about everyone.
Day 2 opened with a presentation from Bob Wendover presenting on making “Smart Decisions in a Dumbed Down World.” Without a doubt, this was my favorite presentation, as I have definitely taken on his mantra of “I love an adventure.” Mr. Wendover presented us with great stories about traveling and the unexpected trials that come out of the blue. With a focus on common sense, he gave us several tools to help us decipher the curveballs that life can throw and how to overcome the challenges of the day.
Up next we welcomed Sarah Krivel, who walked us through “Time Mastery” and how to simplify our business and our lives. Ms. Krivel’s push was to reorganize our way of moving through life and to focus on the logistics of getting things done! Immediately following this presentation, we took a trip to one of Colorado’s natural wonders, the Colorado National Monument. With gorgeous views and canyons, this was truly a unique experience, and something I will never forget.
After leaving the monument, we were treated to the coup de grace, a panel on ADA compliance presented by actual members of the Rocky Mountain Chapter. Mark Richardson, CGMP, once again donned the wig as the honorable judge deciding a case between an employee who was separated from their organization under questionable circumstances. Panels like these are always a treat as they allow us to experience a new topic while also enjoying the world-class acting.
For our final session, Melanie Smithson presented us with a unique presentation focusing on the body and the mind which gives way to better learning. By making it both a fun and useful presentation, Ms. Smithson was able to drive home that we should have more fun in our lives and programming!
For the closing, Holly and Pam thanked us for coming out and helped us finish with the silent auction where we raised almost $1,700! We moved out into the city afterward with a reception hosted by the Two Rivers Convention Center and the downtown hotels. As an extra special treat, we were able to go to a local business and make a custom candle based on the scents we selected. I still have mine in my office to remind me of such a great educational conference.
My biggest takeaway from the session is that we all have different ways of presenting content and managing meetings in our professions, but there are so many different views and ways of engaging our guests. This was a fantastic refresher in thinking outside the box, and I know I will be back for next year’s conference! ❧
L–R Bob Wendover, speaker; lunchtime session; silent auction table
9
A. Dr. Dale Henry, Speaker
B. Lisa Maney and Nancy Gregory, CGMP
C. Mark Richardson, CGMP and Stephanie Scharfenberg
D. Common Sense & Decision Making exercise
E. Sarah Krivel, Speaker
F. Judge Mark Richardson, CGMP, with Nancy Gregory, CGMP and Tutti Tischler, CGMP
G. Chele Clark, CGMP and Debbie Richardson
H. Session with speaker Dr. Dale Henry
I. Mariah Martin of the Courtyard Marriott Grand Junction and Pam Temple, CGMP
J. Julian Huerta and Lynette Schick, CMP
C
D
G
F
I
BA
J
Fall Education Conference, October 5–7, 2018, Courtyard Marriott, Grand Junction
H
E
10
K. Bob Wendover, Speaker
L. Judy James, CGMP
M. Evening Reception at the Springhill Suites Grand Junction
N. Group dinner at Courtyard Marriott Grand Junction
O. Melanie Smithson, Speaker
P. Ray Gregory and Nancy Gregory, CGMP
Q. Brittany Tebben, CGMP and Holly Miller, CGMP
R. Debbie Richardson and MaryLou Wallace, CGMP
S. Group dinner at Courtyard Marriott Grand Junction
T. Tiffany Maestas
N P
T
L MK
O
R SQ
Fall Education Conference, October 5–7, 2018, Courtyard Marriott, Grand Junction
12
Our chapter would like to send an immense amount of gratitude to Perizae (Peri) Oliver and the Hilton
Garden Inn Denver/Cherry Creek for hosting the November 13, 2018 SGMP Rocky Mountain Chapter monthly education meeting. Attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch and even changed seating several times! Area Group Sales Manager, Peri Oliver spoke briefly about the Hilton Garden Inn Denver/Cherry Creek and their new renovation project before being presented with a plaque from our chapter as a token of our appreciation for hosting our event.
Sheila Zuschek, CGMP, was presented with a GEM Award by Immediate Past President Lynette Schick, CMP. Lynette touted Sheila’s hard work on selecting the 2018–20 chosen charity, Sacred Heart House of Denver, and her efforts on our chapter’s Community Service committee.
Janet Morris and Garret Singer represented Sacred Heart House of Denver at our meeting. Janet spoke about their mission of offering a continuum of services to homeless mothers with children and single women, enabling them to move to stable housing and become self-sufficient. They are honored to partner with us as the 2018–20 Rocky Mountain Chapter chosen charity.
Dr. Paul Radde was our featured speaker on Seating Matters! His presentation started long before he got up to speak by asking our attendees to switch their seating positions into different setups that he had orchestrated. Some of our attendees enjoyed their delicious beer cheese soup at rectangular tables while others stayed in traditional rounds. After members had finished their delicious entrees, they were asked to relocate to theater style seating, where we listened to Dr. Radde explain why seating is so important and how to make attendees more comfortable. He described seating as a “game of inches and angles,” demonstrating to us how little changes make a huge impact.
Key Takeaways: ▶ Our job is to lower the Misery Index
– People typically do not change their chair position, instead they will crane their necks and contort their bodies to see the presentation.
– If a speaker asks attendees to change their chair positions to get more comfortable, attendees are more likely to take notice and readjust
▶ Logistics are important
– Consider alternatives to the regular “middle aisle” set up
– Curve the seating
– Cut single chair access lanes into your design to improve flow and safety
▶ Think about lighting
– Pay special attention to lighting your speaker appropriately
– Turn off sconces behind the presenter if possible
Dr. Radde ended by explaining to us that, “A chair is not a seat until someone sits in it.” The presentation was eye-opening to say the least! I’m very excited to try some of the configurations out in my own meetings. This program was approved for one contact hour of credit for the Logistics core competency. ❧
Seating matters! And why three’s a crowdA recap of the November 13, 2018 Chapter Meeting
By Holly M. Miller, MBA, CGMP
Speaker Paul Radde, PhD and Pam Temple, CGMP
Sheila Zuschek, CGMP and Lynette Schick, CMP
13
Holiday social A recap of the December 11, 2018 chapter meeting
By Julian Huerta
What a beautiful day to spend at the Hyatt Regency Aurora with 25 of my closest friends
celebrating yet another wonderful year in the Rocky Mountains! Today’s event continued our holiday trend of hosting a less formal event to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. As we close the year out, we focus on making connections with one another and looking for new volunteers to take the reins and develop our chapter. Our meeting was primarily focused on our Committee Fair and looking for the next generation of planners and suppliers who are ready, willing and able to help us deliver great value to our members. As a committee chair, I’m always on the lookout for great help! Secondly, we focus on discussing our mentorship program with a thrilling presentation from Cheryl Braucht, CGMP about our outreach efforts and successes with growing our membership. In the past year, we have been able to grow the chapter by 10% through our continued commitment to outreach and education.
The other side of today’s meeting was enjoying the company of our fellow members over a fantastic meal provided by the Hyatt Regency. Today’s meal consisted of a classic Caesar salad to start, followed by an entrée of wild mushroom ravioli served with a turnip potato puree and toasted pine nuts. For dessert we were treated to a scrumptious New York cheesecake topped with a wild huckleberry coulis. Lastly the Regency staff made sure we topped off with a hot cocoa and cider! Truly a holiday treat!
As we close the year, we remember that the connections we make here help us grow, not only professionally but personally. While we meet as colleagues, we continue to grow together as friends and work to make our industry better overall. ❧
Bottom left: Leslie Navarro & Kim Hawks
Bottom Center: Holly Miller, CGMP and Ksenia Porteraj
Bottom right: Kelsey Hitch and Nicole Isenberg
Upper left: Kelly Hodges
Upper Center: Pete Goetz
Right: Brooke Conner
L–R Linda Schmitt, Patricia Williams and Mark Richardson, CGMP
14
Chapter Events
Upcoming SGMP Rocky Mountain Chapter Programs
February 26, 2019Work Place Violence, Preparedness & Response
Presenter: Steve Gasowski, MS, CMPSheraton Denver Tech Center
March 26, 2019Re-energize Your Volunteers!
Presenter: Lynn WellishDoubleTree by Hilton Stapleton North
April 23, 2019Ethics in Government & Public Service
Presenter: Dino IoannidesRenaissance Denver Hotel
May 21, 2019Change Management
Westin Westminster
A planner guest can attend the first meeting complimentary, but will be required to pay for attendance at a second meeting. Supplier guests pay $45 for their first two meetings. Guests, whether a planner or supplier, must join the chapter before attending their third meeting. You can view standing rules at www.sgmprockymtn.com under the meetings tab.
Monthly Luncheon MeetingsRegistration: 11:15 a.m.
Networking: 11:15–11:50 a.m.
Announcements: 11:50 a.m.–12:05 p.m.
Lunch: 11:50 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Program: 12:20–1:20 p.m.
Wrap up: 1:20–1:30 p.m.
CostsEarly Bird: Register by Thursday
COB before the meeting
Planners/Retirees: $15
Suppliers: $30
After Early Bird:Planners/Retirees: $30
Suppliers: $45
NOTE: The Chapter cannot accept cash on site at monthly meetings. Checks and credit cards will
be accepted; however, to expedite the registration process, please use PayPal or mail a check in advance of the monthly meeting. Thank you!
Processing Fees: Due to the rising costs of credit card processing, a 3% processing fee has been added to the credit card purchase when you register on the website or pay by credit card at the monthly meeting. We appreciate your understanding.
AttEntIon suppLIERs: you can help your employees and the
chapter by purchasing King Soopers gift cards!
Give employees cards on special holidays or when they
need some help during slow seasons!
A percentage of the purchase will benefit the SGMP Rocky
Mountain Chapter.
Pre-Pay for your King Soopers Gift Card for full value.
Once you have ordered your first card, you may reload it at
any Kroger/King Soopers store.
When reloading at a Kroger/ King Soopers store, SGMP will automatically get credit!
Have your H/R department contact JULIAN HUERTA to
purchase the cards today.
720.587.6933Julian.Huerta@embassysuites
denverdowntown.com
Once you place your order and Julian receives payment,
you will receive your gift card within two weeks.
Go online, call, or email for more information.970-453-8780
With over 40,000 square feet of � exible meeting space, ample onsite amenities, a slope-side location nestled between Mountain and Main street and an exemplary team, a Beaver Run conference stands out from the rest. We’ve got the meeting planner testimonials to prove it.
“On-site amenities like The Spa make for an
extraordinary experience”
“The Beaver Run staff is what sets them apart”
“The location to downtown is ideal”
“Outstanding facilities, lodging and service”
“Group outings at the Jack Nicklaus golf course
are world-class”
16
National News
Beginning on September 17, 2018, and running through April 30, 2019, SGMP invites our members to join the Superheroes
Circle! This initiative recognizes the individual efforts of members who are recruiting new members to join our Society and allows us to recognize and express our gratitude for their efforts. It’s easy to be a superhero! Simply invite one or more friends and colleagues to join SGMP. New members who join our Society and list the SGMP member (aka Superhero!) who referred them on the online membership form are part of the Superheroes Circle. SGMP Superheroes will receive a commemorative Superheroes Circle pin to wear to SGMP events.
In addition to recognition and thanks, the top referring planner and top referring supplier as of April 30, 2019, will receive a complimentary registration to the Society’s National Education Conference and Expo (NEC) to be held June 25–27, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan. Recognition of all of SGMP’s valued Superheroes Circle Members will culminate at the annual NEC.
Congratulations to our top two 2017–2018 Superheroes! ▶ Michelle Fink—Planner Superhero of the Year
▶ Chris McLaughlin—Supplier Superhero of the Year! ❧
Superheroes Circle Registration is now open for the 2019 NEC June 25–27 in Detroit, MI
The Society of Government Meeting Professionals’
National Education Conference (NEC) is the largest annual event in the government meetings industry. Hundreds of government professionals from across the United States join together for non-stop education, resources, and networking.
By being an active participant at the 2019 SGMP NEC, you will develop additional skills to position yourself as a strategic asset to your organization, tap into SGMP’s vast network of contacts and established partners, learn new planning tools that will help you increase your quality of service and identify ways to stay ahead of a challenging and fluctuating environment.
With more than 25 sessions available, you’ll be driving momentum with SGMP NEC. ❧
17
8 ways the government shutdown hurts meetingsBy Sue Hatch, MeetingsNet.com
The views expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of SGMP, the Rocky Mountain Chapter Board or its members.
Back in 2013, two weeks into a federal government shutdown that would eventually last 16 days,
MeetingsNet published “5 Ways the Government Shutdown Hurts Meetings.” Today, the article is as true as it was then, but now, three and a half weeks into the longest government shutdown in history, there’s more to the story.
1. Federal workers stay homeMeeting professionals who plan events with a
large contingent of government workers are seeing a major drop in attendance. For example, the American Astronomical Society held its 233rd meeting January 6–10 in Seattle and had to make accommodations for hundreds of furloughed workers who couldn’t attend. Similarly, earlier this month, 500 attendees missed the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics’ SciTech Forum and Exposition in San Diego, and 700 couldn’t attend the American Meteorological Society conference in Phoenix.
2. Speakers pull outSimilarly, government speakers
have been forced to cancel their appearances during the shutdown. For example, according to reports, at least 11 speakers canceled on last week’s CES tech expo, including Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.
3. Outright cancellationsThe Department of Homeland Security canceled its
2019 Cybersecurity and Innovation Showcase expecting about 1,000 participants at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park January 8–10. At the University of Montana, a three-day conference for fire researchers at the end of January has been canceled because participants from Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management cannot attend because of the shutdown.
4. Lost progressConsider the progress that has been slowed and
the critical ideas that have not been shared around cybersecurity, fire safety, astronomy, and many more topics as federal workers miss critical events.
5. Attendee travel woesTSA staff shortages as a result of unpaid worker
“call outs” have resulted in airport delays and terminal closures at some airports around the country. At Houston Bush Intercontinental, for example, the ticketing counter and security checkpoints at Terminal B, home to United Airlines, were closed over the weekend of January 12–13 and remained closed Monday. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport advised passengers on Monday to leave three hours to clear security.
With TSA workers expected on the job without pay, one Florida airport is taking steps to alleviate some of
the hardship. On January 14, Tampa International Airport teamed up with Feeding Tampa Bay and United Way Suncoast to set up a food bank to provide food and toiletries to the security professionals in an effort to make their life easier during the shutdown.
6. Off-site venues closedGroups with special events planned
at federally owned venues have had to make alternative plans since the institutions closed their doors in early
January. From the Smithsonian’s elegant banquet rooms in the National Portrait Gallery to the 20,000 square feet of event space at the U.S. Institute for Peace, government venues are a no-go until the government reopens.
7. Communicating with attendees Meeting organizers can’t communicate with
attendees who are furloughed if their primary way to keep in touch is their work e-mail. That hurts an organization’s ability to publicize upcoming meetings, and to be a resource for them in their profession. In this situation, communicating through social media is critical, but not as direct.
8. Food concernsDuring the government shutdown, the Food and
Drug Administration is inspecting about a third of the products they normally would. While there have been no ill effects seen from the drop off in monitoring, high-profile food safety alerts, like the January 2019 E. coli infections linked to romaine lettuce in northern and central California, remind meeting professionals what can go wrong. ❧
18
It may be a new year, but event organizers are still dealing with the same issues they grappled with in 2018.Eventbrite polled 1,200 event creators on its platform
on industry trends and their experiences managing events in 2018. The respondents were primarily from small organizations that run six or more events annually aimed at education or community building.
While half of those polled said they expect their budget for 2019 to remain the same as the previous year, 49 percent also said they are expecting to be responsible for holding more events than in 2018. Meanwhile, 41 percent said they expect spending on marketing and promotion to increase for their events.
“The biggest driver of budget growth is marketing and promotion,” the report found. “Forty-one percent say they will be increasing spending in this area—notable given that marketing and promotion is already tied for the top spend category (alongside food and beverage).”
Four out of 10 polled said that dealing with stretching their budgets is an issue even if their overall budgets for the year are expected to increase. Despite budgetary limitations, the sign of a successful event is considered strong attendance and positive feedback rather than a strong return on investment.
Top three metrics for event success
Overall Attendance Rate 84%
Verbal Feedback 48%
Profitability 41%
Source: Eventbrite
There remains a gap between performance and the data that is actually captured by organizations, though.
“While these metrics are important, you might be surprised by how little else event creators measure to track success,” reads the report. “Only 23 percent collect post-event surveys. Just 36 percent do any type of social media monitoring during or after their event. These are big opportunities to develop and improve.”
The report also delves into which marketing techniques are proving most effective for Eventbrite customers. Word of mouth is the most valuable marketing according to event professionals, followed by social media marketing and email marketing.
Some of the more complex techniques used to publicize an event, though, are seen as less effective.
Least effective marketing tactics in 2018
Search Engine Optimization 21%
Search Engine Marketing 27%
Webinars 25%
Source: Eventbrite
Sustainability, too, seems to remain as a fringe issue for those polled, with just 5 percent saying sustainability will have a big impact in 2019. Similarly, just 7 percent said data security will have a big impact. ❧
Event organizers plan for stretched budgets in 2019By Andrew Sheivachman, Skift
19
7 essential meetings negotiation considerations by Tyler Davidson , MeetingsToday.com
Getting the best value for your dollar is job No. 1 for most meeting and event planners, and arming
yourself with some basic knowledge about hotel and facility profit centers is key to striking a favorable deal for your organization or client.
Following are some factors that influence hotel pricing and availability, as presented by Robyn Mietkiewicz, Senior Director of Global Meeting Management for Meeting Sites Resource, a global strategic meeting management solutions organization, as presented during her March 2018 “Successful Negotiations in a Seller’s Market” webinar for Meetings Today.
We’ve highlighted some of her key points from the presentation and also gave Robyn a chance to further elaborate on them.
“Today, value-based negotiations require a highly collaborative process and a careful evaluation of your total meeting value,” Mietkiewicz said. “Having a strategic plan is a must!”
Factors that influence hotel pricing and availability
1. Sleeping room block/revenue ▶ This is the biggest profit center for hotels at 77%
gross profit, according to Mietkiewicz.
Robyn Mietkiewicz: Understand how hotels value your meeting/RFP. Hotels analyze everything from arrival/departure pattern, rooms to space ratio, F&B contribution, lead time, history, seasonality, incremental revenue and other groups contracted over your meeting dates.
2. Peak night pattern/flexibility ▶ All hotels focus on pattern selling, by market
segment.
Robyn Mietkiewicz: Understand your leverage.Are your dates flexible, can you shift your pattern, do
you have a strong history of room pick up and spend by category, can you waive your meeting room rental by increasing your F&B commitment?
3. Group food & beverage/revenue ▶ This is the second-biggest profit center for hotels,
at 38% gross profit, according to Mietkiewicz.
Robyn Mietkiewicz: Finding cost savings in the area of food and beverage is a top-line concern. Work with the banquet chef to customize menus using seasonal items or sharing menus with other in-house groups (to capitalize on purchasing economies of scale).
Also consider shortening receptions, or skip breakfast and serve an a.m. break instead.
4. Room to space ratio ▶ Hotels use meeting
space to sell total group rooms inventory.
Robyn Mietkiewicz: Consider your rooms to space ratio, which factors greatly in what you will end up paying for meeting space, and even if you pay anything at all. Most hotels are now saying, “If you want 25% of my sleeping room inventory, you can have 25% of our meeting space.”
If you have a space-intensive group, determine ways you can get creative with space and ask your hotel partner for suggestions. Find out if the hotel has a sleeping rooms-only group that you can marry your group together with if you have extensive space needs.
continued on next page
20
5. Ancillary spending ▶ This is the projected revenue for business center,
AV, production, Internet, golf/spa, sponsored events/ICW revenue (ICW = In Conjunction With), etc., at a facility.
Robyn Mietkiewicz: Your group’s ancillary spending can add up. Although sleeping rooms and group F&B represent the largest portion of revenues and profitability, estimate your ancillary spend revenue contributions and make this part of your negotiation process. As an example, if you are doing a golf tournament or have spouses or guests with spa time or other activities, this certainly adds to potential revenues.
If you have a sponsor paying for something at the hotel, that is still revenue you are bringing to the hotel as a result of your meeting and should be captured and communicated with your overall meeting value.
6. Meeting history ▶ 3 to 4 years is the magic number for most hotels.
Robyn Mietkiewicz: In today’s market, hoteliers can be choosy and are turning down more meetings than
they accept. Hotels do reciprocate and provide each other with history and meeting performance, which often determines the pecking order of their meeting options.
7. Season/demand over your date(s): ▶ Do your homework on this before negotiations
begin.
Robyn Mietkiewicz: Knowing levels of demand—high, shoulder and off-season—over your set of dates is critical to getting the best deal. Learn what the sales seasons are at the facilities you’re researching and consider an off-season booking for the greatest discount, or a shoulder-season reservation if you want to balance, typically, a higher risk of bad weather counter-weighted against more-favorable rates.
“Regardless of shifts in the marketplace, when meeting planners carefully evaluate each meeting and understand their leverage, flexibility and have a negotiations plan, clearly they will add more value to their meetings and bottom line, with an emphasis on risk reduction,” Mietkiewicz said. ❧
7 essential meetings negotiation considerationscontinued from previous page
21
PO Box 461103Glendale, CO [email protected]
CSAE February Peak LuncheonFebruary 7, 2019Embassy Suites Denver Downtown 1420 Stout St, Denver CO 80202 10:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m.To Register: https://members.csae.org/site_event_detail.cfm? pk_association_event=18152
Visit Denver C.H.A.T.February 20, 2019Acorn, 3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 802164:00–5:30 p.m. To Register: https://www.denver.org/partners/partner-event-calendar/
PCMA Rocky Mountain Chapter (Professional Convention Management Association) April Education EventApril 11, 2019Gaylord of the Rockies, 6700 N Gaylord Blvd., Aurora CO 800193:00–6:30 p.m.To Register: https://rockymountain.pcma.org/events/
SGMP Rocky Mountain Chapter Membership Statistics
As of December 31, 2018
Planners: 40Suppliers: 44
Other Members: 5
Total Chapter Membership: 89
Planner to Supplier Ratio: 47.6%
The freeze has been lifted! Any Supplier or Associate Supplier who wants to join the Rocky Mountain Chapter ONLY needs to have one Planner join with them.
Upcoming Industry Meetings:
Mountain Views is published quarterly in January, April, July and October.
Chair and EditorJulian HuertaEmbassy Suites Denver Downtown 720.587.6933Julian.Huerta@embassysuites denverdowntown.com
Board LiaisonLynette Schick, CMPMeeting Objectives Consulting [email protected]
Graphic DesignKathy [email protected]
Committee MembersChele Clark, CGMPColorado Dept. of Law [email protected]
Linda [email protected]
Claudette Ferris, CAP-OM, CGMPCO Dept. of Public Health and Environment [email protected]