- Coming Up Next, Educational Program, September 26, 2017
- CMP Corner, Games at Meetings - Why Not? by Carolyn Browning, CMP, CMM
- Ask the Experts, Interactive Learning in Your Events
- Chapter Updates & Calendar of Events
- Instant Replay, August Educational Program at AVFX
- Curiosity Corner, Know Before You Buy - Insulated Drinkware by Robert Rebholz, MBA
- Sponsor Spotlight, The Connors Center, Dover, MA
- Member Spotlight, Michele Yebba, Global Event Manager, Bose Corporation
- Remembering Laura West, a tribute written by Janet Lincoln
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Coming Up Next
Educational Program on September 26, 2017
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Maybe you thought you knew it all? Maybe you still have more to learn? Well this exciting event will put it to the test in a fun, exciting and EDUCATIONAL format by testing attendees’ knowledge on all things event management.
It’s an MPI Game Show Night with the experts at
TeamBonding
!
This is just like the classic TV show, and includes a centerpiece "Face Off" player position, as well as the "family" stations. Survey questions are displayed on a video projection screen using a professional survey software application. Our game show host will present this just as you've see on TV!
TeamBonding works very closely with corporate event planners by helping them plan and coordinate an interactive game show experience for their clients. MPI New England is combining business with pleasure with Survey Says (Family Feud Style) as we incorporate industry questions for the CEP exam mixed with pop culture, music and fun.
We’ll have 10 teams going head to head with your “family” backing you up every step of the way. TeamBonding’s professional hosts bring a dynamic energy and will make sure your whole team is involved in the experience. With multi-media production effects & staging, we’ll be bringing the TV-Style experience right to Howl at the Moon!
You don’t want to miss this fun filled, hands on experience!
Location
Howl at the Moon
184 High Street
Boston, MA 02110
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CMP Corner
Games at Meetings - Why Not?
By Carolyn Browning, CMP, CMM
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For those of you that know Carolyn Browning, you know that she loves games! While reading through her recent blog posts, I found one that is worthy of republishing.
This time of year I love to snuggle on the couch with my family (yes, teenagers still do that!) and watch holiday movies. The other evening I was watching
The Santa Clause 2
(one of my modern favorites!). One of my favorite scenes in the movie is during the staff Christmas party when Scott Calvin (Santa) hands out classic games and as people start to play, the mood changes from “Why do we have to be here?” to “Wow, this is so much fun!” The introduction of the games turned the event from something typical (punch & a buffet dinner in the gymnasium) to something extraordinary.
Why not introduce games into a meeting? You can add fun for not a lot of money. Here are some ideas:
- Ask people to bring their favorite board game to the meeting and set up an afternoon break or evening gathering with cookies & milk (or adult beverages) and play board games. Watch the inner child (or fierce competitors!) come out.
- Have some Rubix Cubes on the table and see which group can solve first
- Create customized crosswords to reinforce concepts or use as a networking tool to help the group learn about others
- Set up some “Minute to Win It” style games during a break or networking session – most of the props for these games can be easily and inexpensively sourced
-
Sitting in meetings all day can be draining mentally and physically. Add the unexpected element to get your group moving around and interacting with others. Make sure to offer options that appeal to the introverts (activities for one or smaller groups) and extroverts (larger and often more competitive activities) in the group. Adding an element of the unexpected yet familiar (board games at a meeting) can change the energy levels in the room dramatically and can do wonders for your satisfaction scores. What games have you used in your meetings?
Carolyn is the Founder & Chief Solution Strategist of MEETing Needs, LLC, based in Stamford, CT. Passionate about both meetings and education, she seeks to share her knowledge and experience with others by leading CMP prep classes, speaking to groups, facilitating meetings and retreats, and helping clients design and execute impactful meetings.
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Ask the Experts
Interactive Learning in Your Events
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This month’s Educational Program will test attendees’ knowledge on all things Event Management, “Game Show Night” style. With interactive and experiential learning being leading trends in our industry, what is your favorite and most impactful way to incorporate these kind of experiences in your Meetings & Events?
"Once I find out the event goals then I design the right experience. I consider the attendees and evaluate the most impactful way for that particular group to achieve their goals. I would say the most popular and successful experiences I use are the ones that include an element of FUN and competition. People learn and respond better when they are interacting and not just sitting there being lectured to. In fact the program we will experience at the next MPINE meeting I use very often." -
AC Anders, CMP, VP of Corporate Events, FUN Enterprises, Inc.
"People love talking to a Chef, Sommelier or Mixologist to learn more about the foods and beverages they are enjoying during an event. A fun way to add education to a reception or dinner is to ask your venue to select locally sourced items as a portion of the foods or beverages to be served during the reception. For example, source the cheese for your cheese display from a local farm. Have the Cheesemonger stand by the station and explain the different cheeses to the attendees as they make their selection. The local fish purveyor can stand by the Oyster shucking station and talk about where his fishermen caught the oysters that very day! A local brewery can walk your guests through the brewing process of the specialty beer you are serving that night. You can do this with a variety of food and/or beverages and your networking reception will soon turn into an interactive culinary journey for your guests." -
Ashley Cakounes, CMP, Senior Meeting Planner, Meeting Management & Event Strategy, Liberty Mutual Insurance
"At the Harvard Club our members are always interested in creating unique experiences that have a bit of education mixed in. Earlier this summer we hosted an excursion to the Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge. Some members met at the Back Bay Clubhouse and traveled over in our Harvard Club Shuttle and others met us at the Museum. While anyone can visit the museum we had our members led on a guided tour of the newly refurbished Glass Flowers Exhibit by Harvard Professor Donald Pfister." -
Kristy H. Burns, CMP
Member Events Manager, Harvard Club of Boston
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Chapter Updates & Calendar of Events
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Fall Educational Institute - Monday, November 20-Tuesday, November 21, 2017
News from our Membership Committee
Do you wish you had a "Networking Buddy"?
Why not
"Refer a Friend"
and
Encourage a friend to join the Chapter with you. When a new member joins and uses code
MyFriendMPI
they will receive $50 off their membership. The referring member (i.e. YOU) noted on their application will also receive a $25 referral credit that you may apply towards your next renewal.
There is also a
September Membership Incentive.
Make crucial connections to people, ideas and marketplaces which can take your career to the next level through our online community and engaging with your local chapter. Join MPI at
www.mpiweb.org/join
and use code
MPISMSEPT17
before September 30 to receive 10% off.
MPINE would like to welcome the following
New Members
that joined in August!
- Patrick Calder, Managing Partner, Cawdor & Associates
- Stephanie Cunningham, CMP, Manager, KPMG LLP
- Kristen Esper, Catering Sales Manager, Providence Marriott Downtown
- Cortney Fullerton, CMP, Event Manager, AE Events
- Fariha Faren Laheeb, Sales Manager, Nine Zero
- Alison Lamkin, Senior Catering Sales Manager, Levy Restaurants
- Michaella Lynch, Marketing and Event Coordinator, Maine Energy Marketers Association
- Maura Mooney, Senior Meeting Planner, Liberty Mutual Insurance
- Marisa Nebosky, Corporate Events Manager, Bose Corporation
- Lisa Santoro, Account Executive, Northeast Region, SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals
- Amneris Villanueva, Student, Ashworth College
- Carolina Villela-Ferreira, Director of Group Sales, Meyer Jabara Hotels
2018 Chapter Directory Coming Soon
Our 2018 MPINE Member Directory will be available next January. It may seem like a long time away but it's really not! Take a minute to update your Member Profile to ensure all of your contact details are current. Log in to your MPI Account
here.
Upcoming Educational Programs & Chapter Events
Mark your calendars for the following dates and stay tuned for more details!
- Wednesday, October 18, 2017, Monthly Educational Program, Edward M. Kennedy Institute, Columbia Point 210 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston
- Monday, November 20-Tuesday, November 21, 2017, MPINE Fall Institute, Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel
- Monday, December 11, 2017, Annual Holiday Social, Fenway Park
- Tuesday, January 16, 2018, Monthly Educational Program, Harvard Club of Boston
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Instant Replay
August Educational Program at AVFX
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Countdown to the Keynote
On Wednesday August 23
rd
, a large group of planners and suppliers gathered for a different kind of educational event at the AVFX Warehouse in Brighton. The premise of the event was that meeting planners and event producers invest months preparing for a major event and yet what they do in the final weeks can be crucial to the quality, cost and success of the event.
The experts spoke to their three audiences about the challenges they’ve faced in the last 30 days before large events. Think of it as concurrent TED Talks where the audience got to participate by contributing their own stories, questions and comments.
Participants got to share and learn from experienced event professionals and their peers. They focused on anticipating and reacting to last minute changes to create a successful event. All planners and suppliers left the event with valuable lessons and best practices to use with their next major event!
Thank You to all of our sponsors:
- AVFX
- BG Events and Catering
- Party Rental Limited
- David Fox Photography
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Curiosity Corner
Know Before You Buy - Insulated Drinkware
By Robert Rebholz, MBA
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As we round the corner from summer into fall and the colder weather beyond, marketers will start to look for branded "Thank You" gifts for their better clients and prospects.
A perennial favorite is insulated drinkware. Why? Well first, they're practical and useful. That's an advantage for marketers because they know their gift will be retained and used and that means more exposure for your brand.
Secondly, they offer lots of space for branding and most can be done in full color with many decorating options. This gives you flexibility in designing and presenting your marketing message.
So, now you know why these items are a good choice but how do you choose among the many options? Here's what you need to know before you buy. What distinguishes the products is the type of insulation used. Insulation serves to reduce heat or temperature transfer and is affected by the manufacturing process and the materials used.
There are four levels of insulation: air insulation, foam insulation, vacuum insulation, and copper vacuum insulation. Here's how they work, how effective they are in holding the temperature of the liquid inside, and their relative price.
- $ Air Insulation has air between the outer and inner walls. It will keep hot for 2 hours and cold for 4 hours.
- $$ Foam insulation has a layer of foam between the inner and outer walls. It will keep hot for 3 hours and cold for 8 hours.
- $$$ Vacuum Insulation has no air between the inner and outer walls. It will keep hot for 8 hours and cold for 16 hours.
- $$$$ Copper Vacuum Insulation has no air between the inner and outer walls and the inner wall is copper plated. It will keep hot for 12 hours and cold for 24 hours.
Any product featuring double wall construction will work better than a single wall type. It will eliminate condensation on the outer wall with cold liquids and will keep hot liquids hotter for longer.
Now you know how to buy insulated drinkware that will please your better clients and prospects.
Robert Rebholz is the co-owner of Next Level Promotions LLC in Woburn. Massachusetts. He is a member of the MPI New England Chapter and a former Board member.
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When You Buy MPI, So Do Our Members!
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To connect with our Advertising Sales Representative on marketing opportunities through MPI New England, click
Here
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Sponsor Spotlight
The Connors Center, Dover, MA
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Back in April, the MPI Board of Directors had the pleasure of experiencing The Connors Center for our Annual Board Retreat. For many of us, it was a visit to a place that we had never heard of before. But, for all of us, the stay exceeded all of our expectations. For any of our readers tasked with finding a unique location for a corporate retreat or social event, read what the team at the Connors Center has to say about their property.
Q - The Connors Center has undergone a number of renovations over its storied past to become conducive for business meetings. How have your renovations improved the conference center and still preserved this unique historic venue?
As a historic estate, many of the rooms at the Connors Center were not originally created for meeting spaces. Our renovations have created technologically modern meeting areas while maintaining the charm and ambiance of the Center. The Connors Center has a variety of room sizes, an integrated audiovisual system and a business center. Moreover, our overnight accommodations allow guests to stay on-site throughout multi-day conferences. Setting us apart from other historic mansions, we are located on 80 acres of landscaped gardens, fieldstone pathways, stone terraces, and a walking path to the Charles River. These recreational areas allow groups to make use of not just the amenities of the building, but the flexibility that the entire estate affords.
Q - Thinking back upon my recent experience staying there with our MPI Board Members, we all enjoyed many aspects of the property that are so unique. What feedback do you get from the Meeting Planners that you work with on what appeals to them most about The Connors Center?
For many of our guests, the building and grounds create a sense of awe that sets the tone for the conference. Beyond the atmosphere, our feedback emphasizes an appreciation for the care and attention guests receive at the Connors Center. Our staff is comprised of both caretakers and event coordinators that go above and beyond to work alongside the planners. The staff the Connors Center is available to guests 24/7, providing them a sense of comfort and relaxation. At the Connors Center, we pride ourselves on the high level of service that we provide to our guests during any meeting or event.
Q - What is your favorite spot on the property for groups and why?
While the Center has so many spaces that make it unique, my personal favorite spots are the Main and Dover Parlors. These parlors showcase the originality of the property, featuring intricate wood-carved mantles, large French doors, and bay windows. Both parlors open onto large terraces, allowing guests to utilize indoor-outdoor space. The combination of historic elegance and technologically advanced sound and visual systems allows the Parlors to accommodate a variety of events, including discussion panels, presentations, dinners, receptions, and holiday parties.
For more information on The Connors Center, visit them
Here
or contact:
Susan Burton, General Manager
(617) 552-9213
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Member Spotlight
Michele Yebba, Global Event Manager
Bose Corporation
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For those of you that know Michele, you know that she has a dynamic character and a great sense of humor. Did you also know that she is one of our Co-Chairs for the October 2017 Educational Program? I caught up with Michele recently and asked her to share some of her MPI memories.
Q - How did you first become involved with MPI?
I joined MPI back in 1993, and my first WEC was in 1994 …. I’m not even sure they called in WEC way back then! At the time, I worked in Washington DC, at a trade association. Working in an association environment, meant they encouraged you to belong, and be involved in an association yourself. I joined, and immediately got involved in the education committee off the Potomac Chapter of MPI. Through the years, I have now worked in association, 3
rd
party, and corporate positions. Some allowed me to be more involved in MPI than others. I have recently committed myself to being a bigger part of the New England chapter of MPI … whether they want me to be or not!
Q - Can you share one of your most memorable MPINE stories?
I guess my most memorable moment thus far, is my first speaking opportunity. It was back in August of 2015 at a monthly meeting. I’m in no way a public speaker, and try to avoid it as much as possible; but I will admit that when it was all said and done, I wanted to do it again! I look forward to more opportunities at MPINE.
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“She Lit Up Every Room She Entered”
I read these words in one of the many tributes to Lara West that poured in following the shocking news that Lara had passed away on August 29
th
, at the far too young age of 48. As we struggled to try to make sense of this unbelievable loss, the magnitude of Lara’s connection to and impact on so many people’s lives became very clear. As a veteran in the hospitality industry – including sales leadership positions with Starwood, Scout Hotels, and most recently, Delaware North – Lara’s genuine warmth, good nature, and fierce loyalty led to deep connections and many lasting friendships.
Lara was a longtime member and consistent proponent of MPI New England, and she embodied MPI’s mission of bringing together professional development and relationship building, for the betterment of ourselves, our companies, and our industry. We will miss Lara and the light she brought into every room – and to all of our lives. -
Janet Lincoln, National Sales Manager, Cliff House Maine
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