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 East 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.

MONTREAL
Representing the province of Quebec; 161 members

Magda Sabella
The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal; Sales Manager
www.mpimontreal.com

What are your goals during your tenure?

Increase MPI's visibility and leadership; increase membership; and ensure strong leadership at the board level for the years to come.

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

Montreal has marketed the destination to the U.S. market, both corporate/incentive and association, very successfully for a number of years. Since 9/11, the challenge has been that American organizations are, understandably, concerned with economic and security issues for their delegates and have opted to plan a number of their meetings within the U.S. Montreal works very hard at bringing the following message to American clients: The city is safe and easily accessible from all major hubs in the States, and we have a great number of things in common with the Americans, including the way we conduct business. As a bonus, clients not only have access to an American-class infrastructure, they also enjoy a unique European cachet when selecting Montreal for a future meeting.

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

Montreal offers planners and their attendees easy access; great value for their money (the exchange rate on the Canadian dollar and tax rebate); large renovated hotels (every American and international chain has properties here) as well as high-end boutique hotels; the best restaurants of North America; and most of all, an environment where Americans feel welcomed and completely at ease knowing English is widely spoken, all the while enjoying neighborhoods that truly make them feel as though they have just made a trip to Europe.

How have the CVBs in your region helped support the meeting planning industry during the past 12 months?

Tourisme Montreal, the city's CVB, and its partner members have developed a program simply called "This City Really Gets It" to encourage multi-hotel conventions and meetings to book Montreal from now on to 2008. Financial incentives range from reduced rentals at the Montreal Convention Center to frozen hotel room rates. More generally, Montreal partners pride themselves on listening to planners' requests and making themselves available at all times to meet even the tightest deadlines. The goal of this approach is to make it easy for planners and to go the extra mile.

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

Montreal offers planners an incredible range of activities within city limits: cycling and in-line skating paths, golfing, climbing, and even rafting. Along with all the historical off-site venues available, and of course top hotels and meeting space, putting together an original program in Montreal is made easy.

Are there any emerging meetings destinations in your area?

The Laurentians and mainly the new development in Mont Tremblant.

NEW JERSEY
Representing New Jersey; 484 members

Pamela A. James, CMP
Tropicana Casino and Resort; National Sales Manager
www.mpinewjersey.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

To guide ourchapter through Pathways toExcellence and assure the best educational programs for our members.

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

Since our chapter covers the entire state, it is often difficult tohave a meeting where the "north meets the south." Also, our best attendance is when we have a meeting in the northern part of the state. This year, we plan to "take a chance" and see if a few of the meetings can be held in the southern part of the state, yet still maintain at least 100 people in attendance.

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?

Wefind that we aremore of a drive-in market after the events of 9/11,and we are easily accessible by car, train or air. Also, more regional meetings are being held in a very competitive market.

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

Getting more people nationwide to understand, "What isMPI and what can it do for me." I think, with Pathways to Excellence, that we are well on our way to achieving this goal. Wejust need to keep doing what we are doing.

NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK (Chapter in Formation)
Representing Northeastern New York, centering on the Albany area; 36 members

Julie Ann Price
New York State United Teachers; Manager, Travel & Conference Services

What are your goals during your tenure?

To create chapter operations, recruit 30 new members, create a strategic plan for the chapter that mirrors MPI's strategic plan of elevating the meetings industry, and provide excellent meeting-specific education to the area.

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

Our destination lacks an adequate convention center facility. I have participated in a focus group that is studying the feasibility of a new facility that would accommodate a wide range of conventions and events.

How have CVBs in your region helped support the meeting planning industry during the past 12 months?

The CVBs in the area work hard to market our region. I know of several large groups that are being drawn into the area through the work of the Albany CVB. There is also a large push for the semiconductor business in our area. With many new tech companies moving in, the CVBs are very busy educating these groups on what Albany has to offer.

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?

Our room rates are holding steady. Business levels have returned to pre-9/11 amounts. It is still somewhat of a buyer's market.

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

There are no secrets here—we advertise everything. Again, the CVB is the place to start. The newest attraction is the Albany Aqua Ducks, which is an amphibious vehicle that tours the historic areas of Albany and then slides into the Hudson River to view the skyline and historic sites from the water.

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

Demonstrating a return on investment; meeting planners and suppliers need to prove to executive leaders the impact of meetings on the business goals. We need the best tools possible to provide this data.

OHIO
Representing Ohio; 256 members

Don Miller, CMP
HelmsBriscoe; Regional Director
www.ohmpi.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

Expand member benefits on a chapter level; bring the Women's Leadership Initiative to our chapter level; and increase our committee structure.

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

One frequent complaint by our members is that we have a great topic in one city, but it is too far for them to travel to take advantage of the education. We rotate our meetings so the northern, central and southern parts of the state each get approximately three monthly meetings each year. We have supplemented these meetings with "Breakfast of Champions" meetings in the cities that are not hosting the monthly meeting, and these have helped, but we still need to find other ways to provide education to our members. We just launched a new website that has an education section that is under development. We hope that this will also provide additional educational opportunities and value to our members. I would also like to explore options for video or Web-based broadcasts of our monthly meetings.

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

Ohio cities have always been great options for corporations, organizations or associations that look for better pricing in regard to hotel rates, ease of travel into the area and overall value. The area still represents these options; however, since 9/11, many of the first-tier destinations have realized that in a depressed meetings market they now have to go after these price-sensitive meetings. This starts a ripple effect from first tier to second tier and beyond. Planners are finding that San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, and New York are now within their budgets due to additional availability. This put additional pressure on our markets to increase value to try to maintain market share and to go after events and meetings that typically went to lower-tier destinations. As the meetings industry continues to rebound, the tide will turn, but right now every destination of every level is still struggling to forecast what the future will bring.

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

All Ohio cities are incredibly easy to reach by air or ground transportation. Columbus, being the most centrally located city, is within 550 miles of more than half of the population of the U.S. This makes Ohio an ideal choice for corporations or associations looking for a central location at a great value. Ohio is metropolitan and rural; it has something for everyone. Attendees can explore great cities and within a short drive discover farm country, a great state park system and great sightseeing and shopping in quaint Amish communities.

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

Ohio is the rollercoaster capital of the U.S. Cedar Point in the north and Kings Island in the south offer great amusement park options for individuals, families and meeting planners. Unique meeting venues are located throughout the state. The Ohio state park system is fantastic. Ohio also has a huge number of university venues available to planners.

OTTAWA
Representing Ottawa, Ontario; and Gatineau, Quebec; 252 members

Ann Dow
Venues, the entertainment company; Director of Sales & Marketing
www.mpiottawa.ca

What are your goals during your tenure?

To make the Pathways to Excellence and our strategic plan viable for the chapter member.

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

The lack of tourism dollars to effectively promote the destination and lack of convention space for larger conventions.

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

Clean, safe and excellent hotel and convention facilities and tourist attractions.

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?

Room rates are soft at this time, which makes Ottawa a buyer's market.

How have the CVBs in your region helped support the meeting planning industry during the past 12 months?

By taking a proactive stance in supporting the building of more convention space in Ottawa.

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

Think citywide and outside of the box for those small to medium-size meeting requirements.

PITTSBURGH
Representing Greater Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, and the Panhandle of West Virginia and southeastern Ohio; 204 members

Robin L. Wagner, CMP
Concepts in Meetings & Events; President
www.mpipittsburgh.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

To make MPI Pittsburgh a locally recognizable organization that everyone involved in the meetings and events industry must belong to; to provide high-quality educational opportunities for members; and to partner with the area's business leaders, universities and associations to make the meetings industry recognized as one of the area's economic powers.

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

Everyone is working harder with fewer resources, and it negatively influences volunteerism. MPI Pittsburgh's goal is to strengthen our organization and engage people through educational opportunities, member service and partnering with Pittsburgh's business leaders.

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

We have a beautiful city and region that is easily accessible from a great airport. We have renowned attractions (Andy Warhol Museum) and wonderful neighborhoods full of great restaurants, all of which are a short cab ride from downtown. Most importantly, we have the world's friendliest people, people who will go the extra mile for your meeting or event.

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?

Our occupancy rates are doing well. We do, however, have growth opportunities. We provide tremendous value in terms of room rates. Overall, Pittsburgh still remains a buyer's market.

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

I am not sure anyone is happy with the prospect. There are subtle nuances that are seen during the site visit or in dealing with the property that a meeting professional will catch but a purchasing department might overlook. Economics isn't always just dollars and cents.

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

Pittsburgh is a best-kept secret! PNC Park (voted the No. 1 ballpark in America by ESPN.com and USAToday), Heinz Field and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center are all wonderful meeting venues. I also love to plan small social events and small meetings at Lidia's Restaurant, as they do the best job in the city for "casual elegance." Rock Bottom/Sing-Sing and Dave and Buster's at the new Waterfront Complex are also fun newer venues.

Are there any emerging meetings destinations in your area?

The Laurel Highlands is a short drive east from Pittsburgh and has several outstanding facilities in an absolutely spectacular area. They have several full-service resort hotels and many other fine hotels and activities to keep attendees busy and happy.

PHILADELPHIA AREA
Representing Greater Philadelphia and portions of Western Pennsylvania; 612 members

Dana R. Giovinetti, CMP, CMM
PricewaterhouseCoopers; Special Events Coordinator
www.pampi.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

The board of directors and I are committed to expanding the resources available to our members, in both planner education and supplier opportunities. Our focus this year is "Passion for the Profession," and we hope to inspire an atmosphere of connectivity across the various committees and encourage a new excitement for industry involvement.

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

Philadelphia is a beautiful and diverse city. It has the advantage of being able to accommodate large citywide conventions as well as distinct boutique meetings. The ease of transportation and navigation from the convention center through the city's historic, cultural and modern offerings makes it an ideal site for meetings.

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

Fear of the unknown is always the first impression when the topic is procurement. Seasoned meeting professionals could feel threatened by the possibility of losing their jobs to centralized meeting coordination. However, there is much to gain on both sides of the issue. Procurement professionals could teach us about better leveraging strategies in negotiation and we could teach them the finer nuances of meeting planning. There are so many things for both groups to bring to each other.

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

We are so lucky to be such a culturally rich city, along with the amount of attractions providing both historic and modern ambience. Meeting venues such as the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of Arts have a long-standing history, and new venues such as the National Constitution Center are fantastic. Our restaurant scene is magnificent, with all cultures of food represented; just don't miss the Philly cheesesteak when you come to town.

POTOMAC
Representing Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Delaware; 917 members

Everett T. Shupe II, CMP
Goodwill Industries International; Learning Events Specialist
www.pmpi.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

To implement a leadership program for our chapter leaders; engage more members in chapter activities; and partner with other regional organizations (such as the Society for Human Resource Managers and the American Society of Training and Design) to expand the circle of influence of meeting professionals.

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

The Washington metropolitan area is close to everything: three hours from the beach, one hour from the mountains, and there is plenty to do in the suburbs. This region offers a plethora of venues, including IACC-approved conference centers, downtown hotels, unique venues, and much more.

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?

Seasonality is definitely strong in the Washington metropolitan area, especially with the federal government in our backyard. September through November and March through May are strong months with high occupancies. Great deals can be had from December to February and June through August. The Washington metropolitan area is very accessible through our metro rail and bus system, so even during winter months business can be conducted with ease.

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

Learn more about where your venues are located when you do a search. Alexandria, Va., and Bethesda, Md., are two examples of cities planners might not include in their search processes because they are not in D.C., but both are a 15-minute metro ride away from the city's attractions and usually offer competitive rates.

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

There are so many new venues, attractions and restaurants opening daily. The MCI Center has brought a lot of development in that district, including the new convention center and restaurants with meeting space. The Mandarin Hotel just opened on the southwest waterfront area of the city and there are plans for more development in that area. There is a new conference center just about to open in Montgomery County, Md., and talks of new venues in the Northern Virginia area.

TORONTO
Representing Greater Toronto; 561members

Susan Prophet
Destination Québec/Tourisme Québec; MC & IT Manager
www.mpitoronto.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

To be bold in our commitment toward Pathways to Excellence. We also will provide our membership with dynamic new educational content; increase opportunities for exchange during our networking and special events programming to build effective business relationships and promote business opportunities amongst our MPI members; and strive to be in the forefront of the business community to develop strategic alliances and increase MPI's influence with senior decision-makers.

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

Toronto possesses the best features of the world in one clean, safe, friendly place. Consider a theater scene rivaled only by London and New York; more than 80 cultures from around the globe; attractions that range from high art to lively family fun; polished services for business travelers; a friendly, open and welcoming attitude; some of the best dining and shopping the world has to offer; year-round international festivals of film, culture, music, and more; miles of waterfront, beaches, boardwalks, and trails; and one of the safest cities in the world for residents and visitors alike. Toronto offers world-class dining, shopping, theater, and attractions, and more than 35,000 quality rooms in 120-plus hotels—all 90 minutes or less away by air from 60 percent of the U.S. population.

How have the CVBs in your region helped support the meeting planning industry during the past 12 months?

Toronto's CVB, Tourism Toronto, offers meeting planners a variety of time-saving services, from booking accommodations for thousands of delegates to arranging site inspections and liaising with Canada Customs. Their consultations and services for meeting planners are comprehensive, including liaison between key people and resources; customized RFPs and booking services; a state-of-the-art housing reservation service; itinerary planning and assistance; personalized site inspections; travel trade lead generation; promotional materials; and transportation assistance and other logistics.

WESTERN NEW YORK
Representing the Niagara region of Southern Ontario to just beyond the Syracuse area in New York state; 56 members

Jamie McDonough
Fusion Productions; Director of Meetings and Training Services
http://wnympi.mpiweb.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

Our chapter has just adopted a new strategic plan that mirrors the MPI Pathways to Excellence plan and goals. We are focusing on the actions needed to meet the goals of that plan. If each chapter does what it can along the lines of "Pathways," we'll see significant changes in the industry and how the industry is perceived around the world.

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

We have a geographically challenged chapter—few members across 250 miles. It is tough to bring everybody together for a chapter professional development program. We plan on increasing the level of programming this year and continue to alternate locations to address the travel needs of potential attendees.

In addition to the challenge of getting members to the meetings, our board of directors feels that MPI is a hidden gem in our communities. We plan to increase the chapter's profile through an increased public relations effort and an increased presence in our communities.

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

This area of the world has so much to offer—we have seasons! Enjoy the wine regions of the Finger Lakes and southwestern Ontario; Lake Ontario; skiing; convergence and convention facilities; nightlife; and wonderful suppliers such as hotels and audiovisual companies. This year we are launching the only "Fast Ferry" high-speed water shuttle from the port of Rochester to Toronto. Our chapters have already begun to discuss a joint program onboard the ferry.

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

Our conversations are a mirror of the industry. It's increasing and planners are quickly understanding the value of being able to calculate their ROI and articulate their value to their organization.

Additional comments?

FYI: Our chapter is the "home chapter" for this year's 2004/2005 International Chairman, Hugh Lee.

WESTFIELD
Representing Fairfield, Conn., and Westchester, N.Y.; 209 members

Meghan Wildstein, CMP
Independent Consultant
www.westfieldmpi.org

What are your goals during your tenure?

To ensure development and facilitation of the chapter structure; increase the attendance and perceived value of monthly educational programs to our membership; and successfully work with my board in the execution of the chapter's long-range strategic and annual tactics.

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

A major challenge we face on an ongoing basis is attendance at monthly meetings, due to travel schedules and congestion on I-95. I feel that we tackle these issues through our choice of programs and professional development that focuses on both topics for the membership. In regards to congestion on I-95, we just keep our fingers crossed that we are accident-free that day!

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

It's 30 miles of beautiful coastline. It's a stone's throw from New York City. It's rolling hills and picturesque New England countryside. It's all that and more. It's Coastal Fairfield County, a place where the shore, country and city come together to create a unique destination to discover.

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

Many of our members who are meeting planners have stated that [procurement] departments have taken control of their budgets, but things are starting to look much better.

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

Look at Westchester Airport, before JFK or LGA, for transportation, and schedule enough time for transportation if using I-95.

OTHER CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

Greater New York City: Blanca Diaz, CMP

New England: Kenneth Lehrhoff

Yankee: Kathy Parker