July/August 2015
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In this issue What’s New At MPI-NJ? Page 4
MPI-NJ 18th Annual Golf Tournament Page 68
Best Practices When Meeting in Canada Page 9
MPI-NJ Spring Meetup Page 10
Join a Committee Page 11
April 24 Educational Meeting Page 1213
Insider Tips on Meeting and Catering Revenue Management Page 1415
Struggles and Solutions for WiFi and Bandwidth Page 1920
MPINJ Executive Board Page 21
MPINJ Board of Directors Page 21 Cover Photo Courtesy of: Amber LaFrance Photography Back Cover Photos Courtesy of: Amber LaFrance Photography Jerry Troianello - Corsair Productions, LLC Video produced by Sweet Dreams Studio Contact JB Yong - Telephone: 862-204-9172 Video sponsored by Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Contact Kaaren Hamilton Telephone: 201-460-0753 (ext. 101)
2015 MPI-NJ Events Tue., July 21, 2015 Summer Meetup Galloping Hill Golf Course Kenilwoth, NJ Click Here To Register
Wed., September 30, 2015 Educational Program Click Here To Register
Thu., October 15, 2015 Educational Program Click Here To Register
PRESIDENT’S CORNER PRESIDENT’S UPDATE We are busy at MPINJ planning a really exciting remainder of the year for you. WEC 2015 is right around the corner and we are excited to participate in the Chapter Leaders’ Summit taking place the day before WEC begins. I am looking forward to best practice sharing and benchmarking with the leadership from other MPI chapters. I encourage all of our members to consider volunteering for leadership positions. It is a great way to bolster your resume, build professional skills, and increase your credibility in the industry! Take a look at the committees on our website, www.mpinewjersey.org for more information. GO DIGITAL! – We will be bringing more ways to engage with our members through different digital mediums including video, webinars, and social media! We are looking for feedback, input, and a few volunteers who are tech savvy and willing to engage in ways to help us increase our social media presence. As a chapter, we need to reflect the needs of our members who are doing
OTHER INDUSTRY EVENTS PAMPI Wed., July 15, 2015 After 5 Networking Click Here For Details
MPI GNY Thu., July 16, 2015 Annual Golf Outing Click Here For Details
MPI GNY Wed., July 22, 2015 After 6 Mix Click Here For Details
business in an ever-growing digital world. We need to provide ways for them to build their skills and find ways to communicate and network in these new mediums. You can begin by liking our Facebook Page (MPI New Jersey Chapter) and following us on Twitter @MPINewJersey.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ENGAGE – INSPIRE – CREATE Three little words I have been thinking a lot about lately. In today’s digital world, we are moving faster than we ever have before. And, I think we have less time to create and engage with one another than ever before. As the world gets faster, our attention span gets shorter and our clients and management want more results, more value, and more return on investment. It can be EXHAUSTING!! In order to be our best selves we NEED to take time to re-energize, quiet time to think, reflect and get more white space in our lives so we can create new ideas and be inspired! I know how challeng-
(Continued on page 9)
MPI WEC 2015 August 1 4, 2015 San Francisco, CA Click Here For Details
CMP Conclave 2015 September 2628, 2015 Reno, NV Click Here For Details
MPI WEC 2016 June 11 14, 2016 Atlantic City, NJ Click Here For Details
4 july/august 2015
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What’s New At MPI-NJ?
S
ummer at MPI-NJ marks the beginning of another fiscal year…which means new, energized and engaged Board members, updated goals and objectives, and fresh ideas from our talented committee chairs and committee members! This “team” of committed volunteers is amazing…but we still need YOU! Remember the saying “you get out what you put in” and that is so true! We welcome your voice, your enthusiasm, your perspective and your help. There is a committee for everyone!
December marks the 30th Anniversary of MPI-NJ Chapter! Be on the lookout for a SAVE THE DATE to our special celebration dinner as we honor our past presidents and celebrate 30 years. Last but not least, MPI-NJ is putting together ALL NEW SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES to suit every size company and budget. These opportunities will be available to everyone in August!
Please be sure to read the bios on our 2015/2016 Board in The 18TH Annual MPI-NJ Golf Invitational, held on June this issue of OnSite or online at 25, was a huge success! The weather was perfect, the food http://mpinewjersey.org/communities/executiveboard. Wishing everyone a safe, fun and relaxing summer! And delicious and drinks flowing! Both sponsors and golfers don’t forget the sunscreen! all had a great time. Thank you to the entire golf committee and volunteers for a job well done! We even . had a videographer and a drone at the golf course who Best Regards, produced an exciting video of the event; see the link on the back page of this issue. And also, please see the golf recap Rut h Marion, CMP with pictures included in this issue. MPI-NJ Chapter WEC 2015 in San Francisco is right around the corner and you can still attend! It is a great place to meet new people, find out more about MPI, learn and have fun! We want to stay connected with you over the summer and hope you can attend our summer Meet Up in July. This event is no charge and open to members and nonmembers! More information will be sent out to everyone shortly.
Administrator 201-875-2476 rmarion@mpinewjersey.org
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions For more than a decade, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions has provided unparalleled hospitality in a vacation-style setting. With a sales and catering team that totals more than 400 years of experience, we’ve hosted for the best event planners in America and have a proven ability to consistently increase meeting attendance by more than 20 percent, with an average block pickup of 108 percent. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions offers a unique all-under-one-roof experience so guests can maximize their time on-site. With top-notch meeting space, delicious dining options, award-winning indoor/outdoor attractions, retail shopping, Spa Kalahari and more, it’s the perfect destination for the entire family. The appeal of mixing work and play is only increasing. We’ve found that when a meeting is held at Kala-
hari Resorts and Conventions, it transforms from an obligation one family member has to attend to one the entire family gets to attend. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions’ unique differentiator is that the resorts are inspired by the culture, the art and the natural beauty of Africa; this is evident the moment you step foot into our resort and convention center. In November of 2014, the Nelson family and team returned to Africa to once again be inspired. Traveling 24,752 miles, in six countries over 23 days, their journey and inspiration of art, culture and beauty is shared with you and your guests now and every time you visit Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. For more information or to inquire about holding an event at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, please call 855-411-4605 or visit KalahariMeetings.com.
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A quick escape to the other side of the world. Our authentic African resort makes your convention guests feel like they’re on an exotic, world-apart escape. They can relax in the spa, unwind at the swim-up bar and enjoy our gourmet dining options. Guests can even grab a tee time and hit the golf course. It’s all part of going above and beyond to make your convention exceed expectations. Visit KalahariMeetings.com/NJ or call 855.411.4605 to learn more.
POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA SANDUSKY, OH | WISCONSIN DELLS, WI
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MPI-NJ 18TH ANNUAL
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he 18th Annual MPI-NJ Golf Outing was held on June 25th at Royce Brook Country Club in Hillsborough, New Jersey.
Golfers, sponsors, board members and spectators enjoyed a beautiful summer day and a great opportunity to support the Chapter. Over 138 golfers made up 36 foursomes to compete in the Scramble tournament raising funds for the MPINJ Chapter. In addition, over 200 golfers and supporters turned out later in the afternoon for the spectacular dinner, awards ceremony and amazing raffle prizes.
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GOLF TOURNAMENT Tournament Stats And the winners were...finishing in First Place was the foursome of John Magnifico, Arnold Marrero, Julio Pereira and Sal Pignio. In Second Place…Gene Rurka, Joe Cascio, Bobby Lee and Nick Borzone. And in Third Place…Pascal Brennan, Paul Gillard, Doug Nicol and Innes Meldrum. Closest to the Pin Hole 15 : Bill Wulff – 19.1 ft. Closest to the Line Hole 6: Edd Karlan Long Drive Hole 14 : Chris Nyikos Long Drive Hole 16: Pam Wynne Golf Committee Congratulations and thank you to Golf Committee Chair, Melissa Ullmann, Wyndham Hotel Group, Todd Steinberg, Sonesta Hotels, Co-Chair, Patrice Vanace, Loews Hotels, Golf
Donations and Missy Madden, East West Connection, Golf Foursomes. Todd Steinberg said, “Another successful event! I want to thank Melissa for her hard work and dedication to this event, Missy and Patrice for their assistance again this year, the sponsors who are the key to the success of this event, the golfers for taking time from their work/home life to be (Continued on page 8)
Thank you to our 18th Annual Golf Outing Sponsors: Bellagio Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa Caesars Entertainment Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Chateau Elan Winery and Resort Chauncey Hotel and Conference Center Commune Hotels & Resorts Destination Hotels & Resort Discover Lehigh Valley Discover The Palm Beaches Discover Newport Rhode Island Fontainebleau Miami Beach Foxwoods Resort Casino Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico Grande Lakes Orlando/ Ritz Carton/JW Marriott Hilton Anaheim Hilton Atlanta Hilton Luxury Brands Hilton Orlando Hiltons of Chicago Hunt Valley Inn, A Wyndham Hotel
Hyatt Hotel Sales Hyatt Regency Orlando Hyatt Regency Princeton Inn at Pocono Manor Kalahari Resorts Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Loews Hotels Loews Philadelphia Hotel Marriott Tampa Waterside Maui Jim Melia Hotels International MGM Grand MGM Resort International Mohonk Mountain House Monte Carlo Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp New York Hilton NYC & Company Ocean Place Resort and Spa Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel, Philadelphia Rosewood Hotels Rosewood Tucker’s Point.
Sands Bethlehem Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa The Diplomat Resort Tommie Hudson Square TradeWinds Island Resort on St. Pete Beach Universal Orlando Visit Orlando Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Visit Tampa Bay Waldorf Astoria Orlando/ Hilton Bonnet Creek Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek Wyndham Hamilton Park Hotel and Conference Wyndham Orlando Resort Wynn/Encore
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MPI-NJ 2015 GOLF TOURNAMENT
(CONT. FROM PAGE 7)
Melissa Ullmann added, “Thank you everyone for another successful year!� On Site Volunteers Chet Jasinski Bruce Boillotat Beth Bauer Kellie Cahill Susan Croggon Greg Butler
with us, the volunteers for their assistance throughout the day, Ruth for her on-going assistance throughout the year, Royce Brook Country Club especially Lynn for her years of dedication to this event and Pam for her guidance and leadership throughout the planning process. I look forward to seeing everyone again in 2016!�
Robin Orrell Allen Kantorowitz Daniel Miller Paula Dellaluna Julianne Maines
Here’s to the Sponsors The Chapter extends great appreciation to Title Sponsor, Kalahari Resorts , also to Jim O’Donnell, Destination Hotels, for donating the Grand Prize and to all our sponsors to make this the largest fundraising event of the year! Our sincere thanks to all who participated, sponsored and helped make this a favorite MPI-NJ event! Photos Courtesy of: Amber LaFrance Photography and Jerry Troianello - Corsair Productions, LLC
SUCCESS. SUCCE SS. BUILT EVERY BUIL LT IINTO RY NTO E VER MEETING. Get down to business in style. With every imaginable e’ve the best and the brightest innovation. W e assembled a We’ve to expertly map out the kind of meeting pr rofessionals ofession o professionals details that take your meeting or trade show all the way to extraor rdinary d y. W e’rre at the top of our game, so s you extraordinary. We’re can be at the top of yours. Contact: Alyssa Lippincott P s E !LYSSA ,IPPINCOTT SANDS COM P s E !LYSSA ,IPPINCOTT S ANDS COM
PaSands.com
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BEST PRACTICES WHEN MEETING IN CANADA
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lthough I represent just one province within Canada, I’m often asked what the best practices when planning meetings in Canada are. There are a number of terrific programs Canada offers that groups should take advantage of: Canada’s International Events and Convention Services Program (IECSP) – This program managed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) facilitates movement of goods and attendees to Canada. Work through your CVB to connect you with that region’s dedicated IECSP regional coordinator. The coordinator will require basic details about your meeting (where it will be, when, how many people, etc.) to determine if your meeting qualifies for foreign convention status (75% of attendees must be non-Canadian). You will be issued a letter of recognition that attendees should provide to Canadian border agents upon entry. The letter of recognition will also accompany goods shipped and provided to your customs broker. The IECSP is also the starting point to determine if freight can be cleared on-site at the hotel or convention centre, if it needs to be cleared outside standard hours, and more. Apply for the IECSP 1-2 months before your meeting.
President’s Message (Continued from Page 3) ing this can be when we are always going and doing a lot for both home and work. I have heard from two really great speakers this past week the importance of SLEEP and WHITE SPACE. Arianna Huffington has advised me the best way to ensure I get the amount of sleep I need and be my best self at both work and home is to not sleep next to my phone – the temptation to check it in the middle of the night interrupts sleep and often causes stress and worry. I am on DAY 5 of MY PHONE CLEANSE and I feel great! I had a hard first few
Use a Customs Broker licensed by the Canada Border Services Agency – It is important to use a customs broker licensed by the CBSA. This will ensure your broker is an expert on Canadian laws and requirements. I recently had a group that did not use a Canadian broker which resulted in delays. There are numerous brokers with representatives on the ground in most major cities such as Mendelssohn Event Logistics, North American Logistics Services and Events on the Move. Ask your CVB partner for recommended brokers. Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program (FCTIP) – Some conventions may qualify for a tax rebate. This is a program managed by the Canada Revenue Agency. Talk with your CVB regarding the process. As always work in partnership with your CVB and Business Events Canada (BEC)! They are your partners with the knowledge and expertise on these programs and other tips to execute a successful meeting in Canada! Written by: Kyla Knudson, CASE, CIS Travel Alberta Director, East Coast USA Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Events kyla.knudson@travelalberta.com Meetings.travelalberta.com 703-969-4738
nights, but once I got used to not checking in the middle of the night if I wake up, or first thing in the morning, I find myself being more creative and reflecting on the day ahead rather than issues and problems. There will always be problems, but how I prepare for my day and put on a POSITIVE ATTITUDE before I get out of bed, has really helped me be my best self!! Follow @AriannaHuff for more advice and follow her on Facebook for more ideas. Juliet Funt recently shared with me the idea of creating more WHITE SPACE in my day. WHITE SPACE is the strategic pause between activities. (Continued on page 19)
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MPI-NJ SPRINGTIME “MEET-UP�
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ore than 60 MPINJ members and industry guests "met up" for our Spring Networking Event on Thursday, May
14, 2015.
Our gracious host, the Hotel Woodbridge, organized a wonderful experience for everyone who attended. The space was conducive for guests to network and it was terrific to learn about their two new private spaces, each with their own personality, that are now available in addition to their traditional meeting rooms. Along with a great spread of food to enjoy, we can't say enough about how friendly and accommodating the staff was. A huge THANK YOU to chapter member Naz Cuozzo for sponsoring the event and for her generosity of spirit to ensure everyone had a memorable time. Submitted by: Patty Stern,CMP VP of Communications MPINJ patty@groupdmm.com
We are pleased that our very own Mike Brill, VP Finance, was featured on the cover of Meeting Magazine! Congrats Mike a great article!
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GET INSPIRED...GET INVOLVED...JOIN A COMMITTEE • OnSite (digital newsletter) • Website • Community Outreach
One Thing Leads to Another… get involved in any of the NJ Chapter Committees and make a difference! MPI NJ Chapter has over 300 members and if we all just did ONE THING, imagine the impact we can have on shaping our Chapter, Community, Profession and industry! Education Committee - integrate our life and profession with education and inspiration. • Monthly Education Programs - obtain speakers and content. Communications Committee - responsible for all publicity, including all social media production, marketing of website and Onsite content. • Social Media • PR/Marketing
Finance Committee – Oversee all of the Chapter’s financial obligations and fundraising • Golf Tournament • Special Events Membership Committee - is responsible for member services, recruitment and retention. • Ambassadors • Awards & Scholarships • Student Leadership • After 5 Meet Ups – Networking Nomination Committee – responsible for Board slate nominations and succession planning. Please contact Ruth Marion, CMP Chapter Administrator Tel: 1 201 875 2476 email rmarion@mpinewjersey.org On behalf of the NJ Chapter Executive Board, we thank you for your support and interest! www.mpinewjersey.org
Here are SOME suggestions to start…What will your ONE thing be? • Volunteer to spearhead a new project that you initiated • E-mail two or three topic or speaker ideas to the Education Committee • Invite a co-worker to a Chapter Education program and introduce them to our membership • Assist the Membership Committee to retain, recruit and reach out to new members • Speak at a local College offering meeting planning certificates/degrees • Counsel student members • Mentor new and in-transition members for 3 months • Create content or obtain an article contributor for our digital newsletter, OnSite • Assist the Ambassadors by escorting new members and introducing them to other MPINJ members
• Lend a hand to Register attendees during the Education programs • Showcase your meeting planning skills with the Special Events Committee • Help promote the NJ Chapter on Social Media: Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook • Assist in providing ideas to spruce-up the Chapter’s Website • Create and publish a blog • Join the Community Outreach Committee and “help others” in our community • Link with our Golf Committee for tournament day support • Contribute to the Nominations Team in growing an outstanding Board • Be part of the Awards and Scholarship team and see your colleagues recognized • Be part of the NJ Chapter Board and make a difference!
12 july/august 2015
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MPI-NJ APRIL 24TH E
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first impressions, professional handshake, body language, and facial expressions – this training delivers practical knowledge on etiquette essentials and effective communication.
Here are two articles from our presenters…
Lyudmila Bloch, founder of EtiquetteOutreach.com, has been teaching business etiquette since 2000. At the end of the presentation, Lyudmila shared her favorite business etiquette tips:
he MPI-NJ Chapter held an education meeting on April 24th at the Wyndham Hamilton Park Hotel & Conference Center in Florham Park, NJ. The topic was “Business Etiquette Essentials & 12 Secrets of Savvy Networkers for Meeting and Hospitality Professionals” and was presented by Lyudmila Bloch and Don Gabor. The members learned a lot and had a fun time!
Business Etiquette Essentials for Hospitality Professionals It's often said that “actions speak louder than words.” While the phrase is usually employed as an admonition against hypocrisy, it's also true when referring to nonverbal communication in business. A surprising amount of interpersonal communication actually takes place through gesture, expression, and body language, rather than through words. Business Etiquette Essentials seminar was created with hospitality professionals in mind. Focusing on
• Don’t tweet, eat, and shake hands at the same time • Don’t discuss anybody’s eating habits, body language, and dress • Don’t shake hands more that 2 or 3 times during a single introduction • Respect a 10-feet rule when using a cell phone in the lobby of the hotel • Don’t write emails in text or shorthand Contributed by: Lyudmila Bloch Founder milabloch@gmail.com EtiquetteOutreach.com (212) 977-6804 World-Class Business Etiquette programs, Cross-Cultural Etiquette training, and Business Etiquette Essentials seminars… http://www.etiquetteoutreach.com
12 Networking Secrets to Build Business Relationships “From the moment you were born and the doctor who brought you into this world slapped you on the bottom and you cried ‘WHAAA’ (loudly) if you were a born extravert; or ‘whaaaa’ (softly) if you were a born introvert; or ‘Wa-wa-wa –whaaa!’ (ala Beethoven’s 5th Symphony), if you were a born genius. From that moment on you’ve been networking and building relationships.” This is how Don Gabor, networking expert and best-selling author of How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends opened his networking program “12 Networking Secrets to Build Business Relationships” for the MPINJ Chapter meeting on April 24,
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EDUCATION MEETING 2015. Don then illustrated his overriding theme that networking is helping each other succeed with a short original song on his ukulele titled, “You Make the Difference.” Don explained and demonstrated how to increase the odds of connecting with colleagues, clients and prospects at company events, industry conferences, and other business meetings with the following 12 networking secrets: #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12
Position Yourself as a Resource Research the Conference Set Professional Networking Goals Prepare a Variety of Topics Use the Networking Cycle Listen for “Iceberg Statements” Transition to Business Topics Manage Your Networking Time (Illustrated with the song: “Annoying Networker Blues”) End Conversations with an Invitation to Meet Again Join Other Conversations Follow Up Within a Week Stay Connected
After recapping the main points, Don closed his session with a final song on his uke: “Networkin’ USA.” If everybody had a network — in this room today. Then you’d be doin’ business — from here to Californi-a! You’d be booking lots of rooms —and lots of catering, too, So catch the wave and network — and build your rev-e-nue!
Contributed by: Don Gabor Speaker and Author don@dongabor.com www.dongabor.com 718-768-0824 A huge ‘Thank You’ to our Host Sponsor, Wyndham Hamilton Park Hotel & Conference Center and Education Series Sponsor, Caesars Entertainment. Hamilton Park Hotel & Conference Center
14 july/august 2015
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INSIDER TIPS FOR MEETING PLANNERS ON MEE
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he MPI-NJ Chapter’s education session was held on June 9th at The Kenilworth in Kenilworth, NJ. Speaker, Calvin Anderson, Director of Revenue Management, New York Hilton Midtown gave an exciting and engaging presentation on Revenue Management. Calvin shared some important tips… When it comes to meeting planning in today’s top markets, asking the right questions about dates, pricing and market conditions has never been more appropriate. Properties are beefing up their ability to maximize top line profits through the use of powerful revenue analytics in order to streamline business and optimize revenues. While the standard hotel guest is equipped with multiple tools to gauge market offerings and measure the success of their hotel booking (i.e. online travel agencies that instantly update market pricing across entire cities creating broad visibility), meeting planners are often forced to rely solely on their own detective work. It’s likely that Meeting Planners will eventually curate their own analytics in order
to ensure the playing field is flat, you’re not out of luck today if you truly channel your inner Scotland Yard. 1) The Dates and Pricing – hotels and event spaces make their money when everything is occupied. The key to a full house is lots of correct patterns. It’s like Tetris – the weirder the shapes, the quicker a property loses money. Often times a bid will be inflated or even turned away, not because hotels are mean, but because your pattern is going to cost the property empty rooms/space before or after your dates. That said – make sure you understand what your dates are costing you. Is my price weighted better or worse because of my pattern at one specific hotel? If you know your pricing is inflated due to hotel-specific patterns at property #1, then you have a much better understanding of the market value of your business when you approach prospect #2 who may not suffer from the same internal impositions. 2) Market Conditions – aside from the fore mentioned internal compressors, market conditions play a big factor in your price. Often times, sales managers are trained to sell from a minimum baseline and grow prices based on anticipated market compression. This means you are paying higher prices when demand is high but often, are less-likely incurring the benefit when demand is low - simply for lack of knowing better. You can solve this issue, in many cases, by inquiring as to whether the
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ETING AND CATERING REVENUE MANAGEMENT
space you are using was occupied same time last year. Are you forecasting it to be used this year? What elements (such as F&B or AV) were purchased same time last year? If the space wasn’t booked last year, what is the minimum revenue the property needs to garner in order to show profits vs. leaving the space unsold. A savvy sales person will understand where you are going and ultimately be able to show you maximum value. The key principal here is that events/catering revenue management lives strictly in a world of supply (limited and expiring) and demand. These laws are hindered only by fixed and variable costs. If you understand the field, you can better negotiate a deal that makes sense for both you and the property. So put your boots on Watson, the Queen is on the phone and she wants a plated dinner for 200 with a small room block for international guests!
Congratulations to 2015 MPI-NJ CMM/CMP Scholarship winner, Corinne Bibbo, CMP, HMCC of Phoenix Marketing Solutions who was presented with her scholarship at the education meeting. Our sincere thanks to Calvin Anderson for providing great tips and enlightening all of us on Revenue Management. Thank you also to Kaaren Hamilton, CMP, Vice President, Global Group Sales, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group; Maryellen Blette, Director, Events, Events, by Travel and Transport and Ultra-
mar Travel’ and Saira Banu Kaines, CMP, President, Banu Event Solutions & Training. A tremendous ‘Thank You’ to Allen Kantorowitz and the team at The Kenilworth for being the MPINJ Host Property for this event and to Caesars Entertainment for being our Education Series Sponsor. Contributed by Calvin Anderson, CRME Director of Revenue New York Hilton Midtown Calvin.Anderson@Hilton.com 212-261-5756
16 july/august 2015
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THE STRUGGLES AND SOLUTIO
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n the last five to six decades, most Americans have come to depend on a connected network of roadways to meet their basic life needs. To obtain shelter, clothing, food, companionship and more we must travel along some type of roadway to get where we need to be. Just like these roadways, Americans have now come to rely on an electronic network…with the Internet increasingly becoming as much of a conduit as the roads they travel on to meet their human needs. And nowhere has this impact been felt more than in the events industry. But with varying and unpredictable pricing structures and a technology that is not elementary in comprehension, taking on bandwidth and Internet connectivity has rapidly become one of the most frustrating and expensive tasks for a meeting planner. The first challenge I witness when it comes to this task is the misunderstanding of how bandwidth is assessed and measured. There is no simple and straightforward calculation for making such an estimate. The CIC released a calculator last year, but this doesn’t take into account some of the various techniques a network engineer will apply to spread bandwidth amongst users and use loadbearing techniques to keep the network humming
along (yes, just like the term used in mechanical engineering). Plus, there is no accounting for whether the bandwidth is dedicated or shared – with all of the other groups in the space, the hotel office operations or even the entire hotel. Additionally, if using wireless networking, there are many challenges with signal strength and distribution that can render a wireless network useless. Beyond the technology, there is the HUGE issue of budget and pricing. This is what I really see as the wild west…the variance in pricing structures is totally unpredictable from property to property and makes budgeting almost impossible. For example, I have price sheets from the same IT provider in two hotels across the street from each other that name a price on the device connection up to 1Mbps. One is $15/connection and the other is $30…for the exact same service. This isn’t about the quality of a chef or the creative skills of an AV team folks. This is the SAME exact Internet, whether you pay $15 or $30. And to me that means something is really broken. I would venture that this is largely because it’s seller’s market and most buyers haven’t negotiated rates and prices well before they anticipate buying their technology.
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ONS FOR WIFI AND BANDWIDTH So how does one navigate this unruly frontier? Well, that’s a whole book! But here are a few of my favorite AVGirl tips. 1. Obtain price sheets and have a discussion with the IT department while performing site selection. This should be provided in detail, and in writing. And don’t settle for talking to the AV pro. The simple fact is that AV technology and IT are two different skill sets. 2 VERY carefully assess your needs. Use the AVGirl worksheet, found at http://avgirlproductions.com/wifibandwidth and ask the IT representative to be as thorough as possible when answering their portion. Be forensic about the online habits of yourself, your attendees, your speakers, your sponsors, etc. Underbuying data and dealing with that headache is almost as painful as just not buying it at all and enduring the agony of no connectivity. 3. Request plat maps of Wireless Access Points and/or heat maps of signal coverage for wireless networks.
4. For past events, obtain reports of your data consumption over the course of the event (they may not be available if it was several months ago), and be sure to let your current vendor know you will require those for your event on a daily basis. With increased awareness and education, hopefully we can all begin to see some semblance of order begin to settle this wild and wooly frontier. In the meantime, follow a few of these tips, use the AVGirl worksheet and share your stories and questions with myself, your peers and other industry experts. Soon we should all be able to jump on and off that online superhighway with more ease and order. Written by: Midori Connolly, Principal AVGirl Productions Midori@avgirlproductions.com 619-517-5916
18 july/august 2015
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NEW, TRANSFER & AFFILIATE MEMBERS NEW MEMBERS NICK DIROMA Senior Agent - Corporate & Special Events Degy Entertainment nick@degy.com KARA GRIMES Director of Events Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce kara@princetonchamber.org MARIA LEWIS Sales Manager Carmine's Atlantic City mlewis@carminesnyc.com DAN MILLER Key Account Manger, Groups & Meetings Choice Hotels International daniel_miller@choicehotels.com
NEW AFFILIATE MEMBERS
STAN RADOMSKI President Bio-Wolf & Associates srad1163@netcarrier.com MICHELLE SENIA Student; Event Coordinator Rutgers University michelle.senia@gmail.com WENDY WENAL National Sales Manager Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort wendy.wenal@taj.trump.com JIM ZIEREIS Asst. Vice President of Hotel Sales Tropicana Casino and Resort jziereis@tropicana.net
President’s Message (Continued from Page 9) If we do not schedule or allow for time between projects, todo lists, or are constantly fighting fires, we will not be able to build our business, have the creativity needed to solve problems, or to be strategic in our thinking. It got me to really think of ways to find more time in my day. I began with cleaning out my calendar, eliminating unnecessary meetings, asking for agendas and my purpose of attendance. I often hear many people say EVERY meeting on my calendar is a must-attend – you then need to really reprioritize or consider if YOU are creating this monster with your over-controlling self ☺ ! I then began to set time aside each week for mailbox clean up, schedule at least 30-45 minutes in the AM and PM to brainstorm and come up with new ideas. Follow her on Twitter @WhiteSpaceatwrk to get tips and ideas. My hope for our members and those who are in our industry is to ENGAGE with one another, share ideas, and BE THE CHANGE AGENT so our industry as a whole can be more engaging, more creative, and inspire one another!! We have such an opportunity to influence our attendees and share ways they can
SUZANNE STIANCHE National Sales Manager Discover Lehigh Valley suzanne@discoverlehighvalley.com DOMINICK CAIAZZO Director of Events Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment dcaiazzo@playmeadowlands.com
This listing contains all New Members, Chapter Transfer Members and Affiliate Members from May 1 to June 30, 2015. If you should not be listed please contact: rmarion@mpinewjersey.org
bring these ideas back to their places of business and industries. Ask yourself what you can do at your next meeting or event to show attendees new ideas and better themselves! Enjoy your summer, take in all our state has to offer, and most of all – HAVE FUN!! Pam
PamWynne, CMM, CMP MPI NJ Chapter President - 2015-2016
BOARD RETREAT MPI-NJ Chapter would like to thank the Renaissance Woodbridge for hosting the Spring Board Retreat at their beautiful hotel. Their meeting space, food, audio visual and fabulous service was greatly appreciated!
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www.mpinewjersey.org
EXECUTIVE BOARD President Pam Wynne, HCCC, CMM, CMP 9084230526 pamelaawynne@gmail.com
President Elect Mary Lou Pollack 9738093967 maryloupollack1@gmail.com
Immediate Past President Julia Ramos, CMP JR Global Events Associates 2013338834 juliaramos@comcast.net
VP Finance Michael Brill MEDALS LLC (Medical Education Delivery, Advisory and Logistics Support) 7326591133 medalsllc@aol.com VP Education Kellie Ann Cahill, CMP New York Hilton Midtown 2122615966 kellie.cahill@hilton.com VP Membership Rebecca Wakefield, CMP KPMG, LLP 2013077259 rlwakefield@kpmg.com
VP Communications Patty Stern, CMP Chief Creative Officer Patty Stern Creative 9736692891 patty@groupdmm.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Director of Communications Amber LaFrance Ocean Place Resort & Spa 7325714000 alafrance@oceanplace.com
Director of Finance Kaaren Hamilton, CMP Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group 9084487804 khamilton@carlsonrezidor.com
Director of Education Michael Tidwell Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Course 6097487663 mike.tidwell@dolce.com
Director of Membership Alyssa Lippincott Sands Bethlehem 4847777497 Alyssa.Lippincott@sands.com
www.mpinewjersey.org
july/august 2015
MPI-NJ CHAPTER would like to acknowledge and thank our Strategic Partners for their Support of the Chapter
Diamond
Platinum
Hamilton Park Hotel & Conference Center
Gold
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2015 MPI-NJ Golf Tournament. . . A Great Success!
Click here to view the Feature Video that includes Live Interviews with our Sponsors and Players...proof that nobody does Annual Golf Tournaments quite like the MPI New Jersey Chapter!