Hail to the New Chiefs

A whole new crop of MPI chapter leaders have taken the reigns of their local organizations, facing perhaps one of the busiest year-long periods of their lives as they juggle member needs with their professional and personal lives.

Organizing educational programs, corralling sponsorships, playing king or queen networker—the responsibilities seem as endless as the hours demanded.

And while the fortunes of the hospitality industry continue to turn, each new president will have to deal judiciously with the competing concerns of planners and suppliers, flitting about like a social butterfly while keeping a firm hand on the gavel and a steady grip on the steering wheel of the chapter.

For the second year, Meetings West tapped into these industry aspirants to get the skinny on what initiatives they will spearhead during the next year, as well as to get a flavor of the hospitality industry in their regions.

We also touched base with Hugh K. Lee, the new chairman of MPI, to see what he has in mind at headquarters, and to get his opinion on some of the most important trends that are affecting the industry.

Remember, if you see these poor, harried souls sprinting from meeting to meeting during the next year, with a binder full of loose notes and a glazed look in their eyes, offer them a cup of coffee—maybe even a Danish—and give them a pat on the back, because believe us, they've earned it.

ARIZONA SUNBELT
Representing Arizona; 370 members

Jamie A. Cook, CMP
Strategic Meetings; President/Owner
www.azmpi.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

To integrate MPI's strategic plan, Pathways to Excellence, at the local level. On a personal note, I'd like to see each of our members give a bit of their time, talents and hearts to the organization because together we can move one step closer to the goal of elevating the meeting profession.

What attributes of your region should planners from outside of the region know about when considering booking a meeting there?

The attributes of Arizona are many: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Flagstaff, Tucson, Sedona, Lake Havasu, Prescott, and every place in between have incredible natural beauty that creates memorable experiences. Predictable weather is one less variable for planners to worry about. We are the Grand Canyon State; we have wonderful urban areas with the finest golf courses, spas, restaurants, and first-class amenities, but in very close proximity we have the great outdoors. The number of activities available here is limitless: wonderful shopping, jeep tours, horseback riding, and art and cultural tours. You can find hotels/resorts in any price point and the off-site venues are many.

What are some of the best-kept secrets, in terms of attractions, restaurants or meeting venues, in your region?

The natural beauty of the Sonoran desert is incredible and I would recommend spending one night out under the stars, be it a casual Western-themed event or an elegant dinner in the desert. The area has a multitude of beautiful and unique venues that allow a planner to provide a wide variety of entertainment and memorable experiences, everything from sporting outings to Western, Mexican fiestas or Native American events, as well as the great outdoors. In Tempe, the Tempe Town Lake area and pedestrian-friendly downtown area known as Mill Avenue offer places to incorporate unique events. Tempe Center for the Arts opens in 2006, and will be a lakefront location combined with the work of local artists to make a stunning meeting venue. In downtown Phoenix, The Paseo (opening in early December), with more than $1 million in audio and video technology, will serve as an outdoor venue and a second performance and entertainment site designed for corporate events and nighttime fun. In early 2005, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will open. In north Scottsdale, the new Penske racing museum offers a unique venue for events. Scottsdale also offers an impressive fine arts area.

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Representing British Columbia; 152 members

Melanie Cook
Coast Hotels & Resorts; Director of Corporate Sales
www.mpibcchapter.com

What are your goals during your tenure?

To strengthen our education programs and to heighten the awareness of the ROI that meetings and conventions have on our business and our communities. We are also working on ways to increase the profile of MPI to our members, which will ensure our members see the continued value in their membership. If we accomplish this, we will see an increase in the size of our chapter.

In talking with your members, what kind of feedback are you getting in terms of procurement departments taking control of meeting budgets?

In talking with our vendors, they are noticing the heightened awareness of the planners and the procurement departments getting more involved in the meetings and the budgets of the meetings. Price is still the main factor for buying, yet the emphasis is starting to shift as the corporations/organizations are getting more educated on the need for a successful outcome to the meeting (ROI) and not just a great deal.

What are some of the best-kept secrets, in terms of attractions, restaurants or meeting venues, in your region?

There are hotels in Vancouver that boast full garden terraces, and starting June 1, you can relive British Columbia's past on an 80-minute, enchanting "virtual" journey of live performances and storytelling in the underground of Storyeum. In the Okanagan region, Quails Gate Wineries has harvested ice wine for the first time since 2000, as the conditions were ideal. The smaller ski resorts in the B.C. interior compete closely with international ski resorts, and Vancouver Island and the surrounding areas are home to some of the world's most enchanting resorts.

GREATER CALGARY CHAPTER
Representing Southern Alberta; 66 members

Marla Seymour
The Alberta New Home Warranty Program; Co-Manager Marketing Communications Services
www.mpi-gcc.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

To increase the recognition of our very hard-working board; to ensure that our chapter strategic plan is implemented successfully; and to develop a clear succession plan for our board.

What are the major challenges facing your organization, and what are your plans to tackle them?

Our chapter's challenges are in the areas of fund raising and member retention. We plan to increase our retention by getting our members more involved so they can really see the benefits they are receiving from their membership. We also have some new ideas for fund raising and will try to tap into resources outside the industry to assist in our fund-raising plans.

If you could ask MPI to place a heavy emphasis on one issue affecting the meetings industry, what would it be?

MPI is doing all of the right things now with its strategic plan, "Pathways to Excellence." I think that the most important part of the plan and the one that is the most difficult to implement at the local level is the second objective: to "increase influence about the value of meetings with senior decision-making executives at corporations, associations and organizations." I would like to see a very heavy emphasis on this part of the strategic plan.

GREATER EDMONTON
Representing the Greater Edmonton area; 43 members

Amber Copeland
Event Express; President
www.mpigec.ca

What are your goals during your tenure?

To raise and maintain our membership above 50 and to raise our retention rate and maintain it at or above the minimum standard.

What are the major challenges facing your organization, and what are your plans to tackle them?

Recovering from a poor year with a large loss of membership and unmotivated leadership.

What are the major challenges facing your destination, and what are your plans to tackle them?

Edmonton is a second-tier destination. As a chapter, we have been focusing on professional development for our members more so than the marketing of our local industry.This is an area that we would like to develop but have not yet had the opportunity to address it.

What are some of the best-kept secrets, in terms of attractions, restaurants or meeting venues, in your region?

Edmonton has a fully functional Riverboat that serves as a special event/meeting/ conference venue from May through October. We also have a 1920s-style hotel that was reconstructed within the gates of Fort Edmonton Park.

If you could ask MPI to place a heavy emphasis on one issue affecting the meetings industry, what would it be?

How to find insurance for event coverage, specifically in Canada.

NEW MEXICO
Representing New Mexico; 59 members

Dianna Case
Albuquerque CVB; Director of Sales

What are your goals during your tenure?

I am dedicated to increasing our membership by at least 40 percent and to implementing a successful leadership succession program.

What are the major challenges facing your organization, and what are your plans to tackle them?

The New Mexico chapter is small, young and geographically challenged, with members based throughout the state. It was formed only seven years ago. A large percentage of members have 10 to 15 years of industry experience. We are challenged to grow the chapter and mentor a new generation of professionals who will ensure the chapter's momentum. Also, it is critical that members are able to substantiate their return on investment with MPI. I am confident that this is now happening with the outstanding educational programs and recent growth in attendance at our monthly meetings.

What tips would you give to a meeting planner from another region who is interested in planning in your area?

Take the time to compare the value of meeting in second-tier, non-union cities. Organizations have realized that by rotating to these types of destinations at least every few years, they can provide their attendees good quality at affordable prices. Organizations can also realize more profitable events and trade shows.

What are some of the best-kept secrets, in terms of attractions, restaurants or meeting venues, in your region?

This is one of the few places in the country where you can ski in the morning and play golf that same afternoon. There is practically every type of cuisine on the planet represented in New Mexico. Most major hotel chains are represented throughout the state.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Representing Northern California and Northern Nevada; 950-1,000 members

Jim Skiba, CMP
World Incentive Nexus; Director
www.nccmpi.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

To fostermore options for education and multiculturalism and to have a team spirit where all members can contribute to the chapter.

What tips would you give to a meeting planner from another region that is interested in planning in your area?

Start early to be sure that you have the full range of options, being careful of dates when there are citywideconventions.

What are some of the best-kept secrets, in terms of attractions, restaurants or meeting venues, in your region?

Walking is a great way to see much of Northern California, especially in the cities or the parks.

Are there any emerging meetings destinations in your area?

Sonoma County andthe Gold Country.

If you could ask MPI to place a heavy emphasis on one issue affecting the meetings industry, what would it be?

Continue tostandardize meeting RFPs.

OREGON
Representing Oregon and Southwest Washington; 224 members

Lisa Chan, CMP
Oregon Convention Center; Sales Manager
www.mpioc.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

My focus will be on education, membership and business opportunities. We will continue offering exceptional education programs by searching for the highest-quality speakers and bringing them to our members. We will also be a more prominent force in our community so that we may offer more business opportunities to our members.

What are the major challenges facing your organization, and what are your plans to tackle them?

One of the challenges facing the Oregon chapter is trying to meet the widening gap of education needs of our membership. Currently, our membership profile is nearly split between new and seasoned members. Our retention rate is consistently increasing, even outpacing MPI for the last three months. However, we have not seen growth in the number of new members over the last year. Oregon will be focusing on what members are asking for, and that's more education. We have budgeted more dollars to get higher-quality speakers for our monthly program as well as our annual regional conference. We are offering more scholarships for our members to attend our regional Cascadia Educational Conference and MPI's WEC and PEC. In addition, we are offering a scholarship for the CMP certificate. We will also be looking into separate education tracks based on experience. We will be going out to our business community to develop new partnerships.

What attributes of your region should planners from outside of the region know about when considering booking a meeting there?

Affordability is one of Oregon's best strengths. We have always been a good value. In Portland, we have reasonable hotel and convention center rates and free transportation in the downtown core on local buses and MAX, the award-winning light-rail train system. Plus, we do not have a sales tax or food and beverage tax, which makes the planning dollar stretch farther than in other destinations. Tax-free shopping is always a crowd favorite! Oregon's natural beauty is probably what strikes new visitors first. From the coast to the desert or the mountains to the valley, it's all easily reached within hours of each destination. Then there's the great coffee houses, microbreweries, wineries, art galleries, hiking, biking, ocean fishing, and year-round snowboarding and skiing.

In talking with your members, what kind of feedback are you getting in terms of procurement departments taking control of meeting budgets?

We see it more often with larger companies that have multiple offices nationwide. Many are requiring a "master" contract with a venue before allowing events to be placed at that venue.

If you could ask MPI to place a heavy emphasis on one issue affecting the meetings industry, what would it be?

Multiculturalism. Meetings today have a far greater reach. Technology has helped make it a smaller, better connected world, which only leads to more diverse opportunities in meetings and travel.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Representing Colorado and Wyoming; 356 members

Donna D. Watford CMM, CMP
MPEG LA; Consultant
www.mpirmc.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

1.) Organizational development; 2.) Development of a good working budget to match our vision and mission statement and five-year strategic plan; 3.) Development of abusiness plan to support the new structure and strategic plan; 4.) Development of abranding/marketing/PR plan.

How are occupancy rates and room rates holding up in your region, and does any fluctuation in them make your destination, in general terms, a buyer's market or a seller's market?

We are seeing some turnaround as far as economy, but it is slow. There are deals to be had for good negotiators.

What are some of the best-kept secrets, in terms of attractions, restaurants or meeting venues, in your region?

Magnolia Hotel; Red Rocks Hospitality Center; the Fort Restaurant.

What major new facilities have either come on-line in your region during the past 12 months or have been announced?

Denver: new convention center expansion; new Hyatt downtown.

If you could ask MPI to place a heavy emphasis on one issue affecting the meetings industry, what would it be?

Standardization of forms, processes and procedures, which APEX is addressing.

SACRAMENTORepresenting Northern California and Western Nevada; 242 members

Susan J. Buntjer, CMP
Meeting & Event Consulting; Owner
www.mpisacramento.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

To develop a strong chapter by focusing on our members, especially by encouraging new members to get involved in the chapter. I plan to call all new members each month to welcome them and encourage them to get involved on a committee. Also, I would like to develop a strong leadership team with our board of directors and committee chairs, which will ensure positive succession planning for our chapter.

What are the major challenges facing your destination, and what are your plans to tackle them?

The lengthy legislative season, which typically occurs January to the end of June but can run through July when the budget is not finalized by June 30. This season (typically Monday-Wednesday evenings for guest rooms) plays a major role in filling downtown hotel rooms, making it difficult to remain competitive on guest room rates for associations and organizations that require a weekday pattern. The CVB has worked very hard to target groups that use the end-of-week pattern and those that historically meet over weekends and during need-time periods.

What attributes of your region should planners from outside of the area know about when considering booking a meeting there?

Great convention hotels; an affordable, flexible convention center; air service with more than 160 flights daily on all major carriers; and the airport is conveniently located just 10 minutes from the downtown area. The downtown area is exploding with dining, nightlife, shopping, residential projects, and additional hotel rooms all within walking distance of the central downtown core, which is safe and clean, allowing delegates to feel secure about evening and free-time activities.

How are occupancy rates and room rates holding up in your region, and does any fluctuation in them make your destination, in general terms, a buyer's market or a seller's market?

Occupancy rates in Sacramento have been the highest in all of Northern California, including the San Francisco Bay Area, post 9/11. We're very fortunate that we are a destination that draws legislative and government business that has really not "skipped a beat" since the hospitality decline post 9/11. Overall, future bookings for single-property and citywide business have missed the annual goal for the past two years by approximately 10 percent each year, but the CVB is on target to make booking goals in fiscal year 2003/2004 for future business in the greater Sacramento area. Downtimes or need-time periods in the destination are Thursday through Sunday evenings, and the CVB targets many youth, religious and sporting events that can fill this need-period. Reduced rates are available for these time periods as well as during summer months and holiday periods.

SAN DIEGO
Representing San Diego County from Orange County to the Mexican border and east to Arizona; 400-plus members

Tom Anderson, CMP
Masterpiece Entertainment; Director of Business Development
www.sdmpi.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

Increase membership; expand the Buy MPI concept; and upgrade professionalism.

What attributes of your region should planners from outside of the area know about when considering booking a meeting there?

Book well in advance and don't expect too many deals. Try to find some valleys for reduced hotel room rates. Be prepared for extremely positive feedback from your delegates when it is over—they will want to go back!

What tips would you give to a meeting planner from another region that is interested in planning in your area?

Plan well in advance; be sure to offer something on the beach or water; have a good appetite.

Are there any emerging meetings destinations in your area?

Indian casino hotels with full-service meeting facilities; Temecula/Fallbrook and wine country; short cruises from the Port of San Diego.

What major new facilities have either come on-line in your region during the past 12 months or have been announced?

Petco Park; SS Midway; Omni Hotel Downtown; Estancia Hotel La Jolla. Coming soon: House of Blues; a Kimpton hotel; a Renaissance hotel; San Diego Wine & Culinary Center.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Representing Southern California, including Palm Springs and Las Vegas; 741 members

Margie Johnston
Long Beach CVB; Vice President of Sales
www.mpiscc.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

Our vision is the Power of One—every member makes a difference. We're trying to get back to the grassroots of what the membership wants from our chapter.

What attributes of your region should planners from outside of the region know about when considering booking a meeting there?

In Long Beach, we are an urban waterfront destination, very similar to a San Diego, at more affordable pricing and with a very small-town feel. Southern California and the rest of our region overall can offer anything from the glamour of Hollywood to the resort experience in Palm Springs to the excitement of Las Vegas.

Are there any emerging meetings destinations in your area?

Long Beach is definitely one, but there are many smaller destinations such as Ventura, Santa Barbara and Temecula that offer great value.

What major new facilities have either come on-line in your region during the past 12 months or have been announced?

In downtown Los Angeles, the new Walt Disney Concert Hall is a great venue, as is the whole development at Hollywood and Highland. The redevelopment in Long Beach really makes it an emerging destination.

WASHINGTON STATE
Representing Washington state; 268 members

Lisa E. Raders
Red Lion Hotels; Director of Sales
www.wscmpi.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

To kick it up. We want to be the place people go to to learn how to upgrade their events.

What are the major challenges facing your destination, and what are your plans to tackle them?

We have a large state with two sides, west (i.e. the Seattle/Tacoma/Bellevue area) and east (Yakima/Spokane/Wenatchee). It is difficult to involve members from the east and it would be difficult to expect the members from the west to go east. All of our meetings are held on the west side, simply because most of our members are on that side. We have discussed for many years a satellite chapter but no one has really taken it on. Perhaps this year.

What attributes of your region should planners from outside of the region know about when considering booking a meeting there?

Need I say more than the majestic mountains, the vast ocean and incredible food. We are an eclectic state where you can find wheat fields and the theater and fine dining. We cater to all ethnic requests, whether it is cuisine or activities.

What are some of the best-kept secrets, in terms of attractions, restaurants or meeting venues, in your region?

The Olympic Peninsula. Stay on or come early, because there is so much to see in Washington state beyond Seattle. The beaches and mountains are breathtaking. There are hidden resorts. The Okanagan area is projected to be the next Napa Valley with its excellent vineyards.

OTHER CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

Aloha: Rodahl Leong-Lyons

Orange County: Candi Lombard