Huge Success-Ed Con 2011!!

Thank you to all the members and non-members

who attended this year’s Education Conference

at the Indiana Landmarks Center.

 

We would like to thank the many sponsors for their support; Venue Sponsor: Indiana Landmarks, Catering Sponsor: MBP Distinctive Catering, Linen Sponsor: Chair Covers & Linens, Accommodations Sponsor: Crown Plaza at Historic Union Station, AV Sponsor: Markey’s Rental & Staging, Photography Sponsor: Megelaine Images, Speaker Sponsors: Snappening, Thomas Caterers of Distinction, Detail + Design, Party Time Rental and Accent on Indianapolis.  We are extremely grateful for your contributions!

Here is a brief recap and highlights of the day courtesy of Laura Lim (of Eventfull Planning), your communications committee team member.

It was a beautiful fall morning as attendees gathered. After registration (and a cup of coffee), we enjoyed the opening remarks and the Keynote Presentation from Lisa Hurley, Editor of Special Events Magazine. As it is important to know where you have been to know where you are going, Lisa shared with us a recap of the past years’ facts and figures.  In 2011, ‘No Décor’ décor was favored. Neon, metallic and monochromatic color pallets were in style.  Current trends that are continuing into 2012 are ‘small bite’ food presentations and creating new culinary twists on classic menu items. Cocktails using herbs and fruit will also continue to be used.  Another lasting trend (with budgets still being closely watched) is to use a large-scale piece as opposed to many smaller décor items. Lisa suggested the use of lighting to help you get the most ‘bang for your buck’. Looking forward to 2012, we can expect more ‘Eco-Chic’ events.  Use local foods, local talent, LED lights and battery-powered lighting units to reduce your carbon footprint. Next year, we can expect to see both masculine color pallets of grey, black and burgundy as well as bright color combinations inspired Indian culture.  Last but not least, we can expect continued integration of technology and social media into our events. 

In one of two early breakout sessions, Kevin White (CSEP) talked about the human experience. Kevin shared the value in leaving guests with an emotional connection to the event. It is essential to know not only your objective for the event, but your audience as well.  It is not enough just to transport someone to another time or place though décor.  A great event leaves a lasting impression on the attendees. We discussed how to create that experience with smell, taste, sight and sound.  We also – with laughter - explored the importance of meeting a guest’s wants vs. their needs.  You may want a martini, but you need an accessible restroom.

In one of two later morning sessions, Ryan Hanson (CSEP) said that it was time to stop decorating and start designing.  We discussed the notion of what “event design’ really means. For those of us in the industry, event design means much more than just linen or lighting.  It is a strategic approach to planning an event as a whole. To be successful, one must consider all aspects.  In today’s society, if you are not grabbing someone’s attention immediately, you have lost your opportunity.  Events must get people talking – NOW! Facebook, Twitter, Blogs. You want your attendees talking about your event before, during and after. Ryan suggested that you use your event to tell a story or incorporate interactive elements throughout the space. In today’s event industry, the audience is the most important asset of the event. Your goal when designing events should be that each individual is able to find value in attending.

Lunch was broken out into a variety of roundtable discussion topics. Attendees were able to choose their table based on interest. The discussion topics included: Super Bowl, New Food Trends, PACE Awards and much more. Attendees had the opportunity to sit with a speaker whom they might not have heard or one where they wanted to foster further communication.  After a creative hors d’oeuvres-style first course and entrée, guests had the option to change tables and topics for dessert.

After lunch, we gathered for an informational session about all things Super Bowl.  Guest speaker Tony Fay, VP of Communications on the 2011 Dallas Host Committee, shared his experience as part of a first-time host city.  Missy Berg, Manager of Special Events, and Susie Townsend, VP of ICVA and VP of Guest Welcome and Super Service for the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee answered Q & A from the industry audience.  Knowledge is power as we prepare for this amazing opportunity!

Thank you again to all who sponsored and attended. The images provided were by Megelaine Images & we can't thank them enough for capturing this day so we can share with all of you. Please check our facebook page 'Ed Con 2011' Album for more.

We are already looking forward to next year’s Education Conference!

See you next month for our Healthy Holiday Entertaining luncheon on November 18, 2011 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Conrad.

-Your Communications Team

ISES Education Conference - Speaker Information!

We are getting ready for our exciting Education Conference on Oct. 25th, 2011!! We have so many fabulous sessions including the keynote speaker Lisa Hurley & Kevin White. 

Over the next few weeks in October we will be introducing you further to the speakers. We hope that you will join us for this years conference, you won't be disappointed!

9:00am – 9:45am:

Keynote Presentation Here Comes 2012: Event Trends to Watch Lisa Hurley, Editor, Special Events Magazine  Session Description: What will special events look like in the New Year? Take a tour with Special Events, as we review the types of events, menus, décor, and entertainment that will be in demand, as well as bid farewell to styles that are fading away. This presentation will provide direction on where to focus efforts in 2012 for maximum success.

Lisa Hurley, Editor, Special Events Magazine

Lisa Hurley has been editor of Special Events Magazine since 1999. She joined the magazine after stints with foodservice publications and as director of publications and communications for the California Restaurant Association. She is a member of ISES, MPI, the American Rental Association, and the International Foodservice Editorial Council.

10:00am – 10:45am:

Breakout Session 1 The Psychology of Events – Factoring the Human ElementKevin White, CSEP, Director of Production, Empire Force Events Session Description: Using a company's corporate colors. Hosting an event outdoors. Honoring a recipient using live testimonials. Adding surprises to an experience. Each of these has certain considerations to take into account - budget, logistics etc. But how often are the psychological effects of our event design choices taken into consideration? This presentation will explore the human mind, the various needs we as human beings have, and how through event design we can achieve the greatest impact on guests. Specific looks at scientific studies on communication as well as the senses will be highlighted.

Kevin White, CSEP, Chief Innovation Officer, XPL

For over fifteen years, Kevin has been designing and producing corporate experiences world-wide.  He began his career designing transformative experiences and meetings for corporate clients with Princeton-based Activities.  For the last decade, Kevin ran the production team for Empire Force Events in New York City, planning large scale marketing events, corporate initiatives and immersive New York city experiences for Fortune 100 companies.   Currently he is developing an experiential industry business model under the name XPL to delivery innovation to the industry and its products.

He is an ISES past president of both the Philadelphia and New York chapters, has served as the chair of its international Certification Committee, and has recently been elected to serve as an international officer of the association.

Kevin is an Adjunct Professor at New York University in the Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management school and has been a presenter at university campuses and event industry conferences throughout the world on various event topics.  Most recently he has been focusing on environmental research and solutions for the event industry, including his current work on the American technical advisory group developing the international standard for sustainable event management, which hopes to be launched in time for the 2012 Olympics.

Register online today to secure your spot!

https://www.formstack.com/forms/?1115840-gAcuByAHuT

Rave Reviews - ISES Progressive Dinner

“a refreshing change to the basic meal and allowed the group an opportunity to enjoy food samplings from restaurants that some of us normally would not go to…a highlight for me was going to St. Elmo’s new bar!”
- Amie Huffman, Children's Museum Indianapolis


"Not only was the Progressive Dinner delicious, but its was also an awesome opportunity to spend quality time getting to know new people. It was the perfect event to provide that space for relationships to happen."
- Tim King, Megelaine Images


On Sept. 15 a sold-out Progressive Dinner crew made their way through the downtown scene, stopping at Sensu, Harry & Izzys, a Surprise - Exclusive Preview stop at 1933 Lounge (St. Elmo's new hot spot) & last, but definitely not least 14 West Penthouse. Each location had their own uniqueness that added to the exclusive feel each member received. 


This dinner event allowed members & non-members the opportunity to network in a much more intimate setting while enjoying just a few of Indy's hot spots. The amazing surprise stop/exclusive showing of the new St. Elmo's 1933 (2nd floor) gave each of us the feeling of truly being on the 'in' of whats happening with the Indianapolis event/venue scene.  A huge thank you to Chris Ratay for the hospitality & house martini's!


Make sure to check out a few of our photos in the Progressive Dinner section of the photo album. Ask around at our next event to find out who attended the Progressive Dinner and hear first hand how fun it was!

IMPACT OF LIGHTING! August Luncheon Event

Thank you to all the members and non-members who attended this months event! It was an awesome luncheon at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. We want to thank them very much for their support and to our other sponsors; Molly Connor Photography, A Classic Party Rental, The Marriott Place Hotels. 


We also took the opportunity in light of the recent State Fair incident to raise funds during the meeting to go to the Event Professional's families that were affected. We asked for specific donations, while also giving all of our proceeds from our monthly 'Happy Bucks' to them as well. We are so proud to have raised over $600.00!!! Thank you so much to all who donated.


Justin Wadell was a fabulous speaker this month and shared many wonderful things to take home. We want to make sure you learned something even if you couldn't attend. Here is a brief recap & highlights to the luncheon courtesy of Tiffany Stoner (of Nathaniel Edmunds Photography), your communications committee team member.


Today lighting is just as important of a factor to include in event design as florals and linens.  Don't be overwhelmed...there are simple ways to incorporate lighting into events that make an enormous impact. 
As ISES Guest Speaker Justin Wadell noted in his speech, "Just look at your venue as a blank canvas."  Even if it seems hard to get past the 1970s retro carpet, remember you can camouflage anything.  

Justin encouraged the ISES members to use lighting to add texture for visual interest, and reflected patterns to redefine architecture.  In fact, he showed many examples of how his company was able not to just provide the lighting for events but tie in the overall theme to better define the space. 

One of the most compelling examples he demonstrated was the images that were reflected on front of the Field Museum in Chicago.  Throughout the entire event, key images and illustrations in history were reflected across the outdoor facade of the building.  This not only was visually interesting for the guests to enter into the event but anyone passing by the Field Museum could enjoy as well. 

'Going Green' was another important topic many event specialists are trying to get a handle on.  Justin spoke about the benefits of LED lights and battery-powered lighting units.  The cost of LED lights is more costly upfront, however, it is typically made up for in energy costs (less HVAC, maintenance, etc).  In addition, there are far greater color choices transitioning to LED lights.  We all could reduce our carbon footprint, and this is certainly one way to do so. 


Thank you again Molly Connor Photography for the photo highlights!


Thank you and see you again next month for our NEW PROGRAM - Progressive Dinner!


Your Communications Team!

July Football Tailgate Blowout!!

A BIG thank you to all who came out to start the year off with a splash! July’s family night kickoff event to our Super Year, Super ISES campaign was a huge hit - despite the 95º + weather. We had over 70 in attendance and it made for some good laughs when it came time for the dunk tank! A special thank you goes out to our sponsors for the event;


AMS ENTERTAINMENT - for the awesome music and airbrush tattoos!
HOAGLIN FINE CATERING - for the amazing menu that included, Miniature Burgers, stuffed with Fromage Blanc and topped with Caramelized Onions
JP PARKER FLORALS - for the amazing outdoor space and sunflower centerpieces
PARTY TIME RENTAL - for the tenting, games (including dunk tank & tricycles) & custom bar
IMPACT GROUP- for the food truck look-a-likes
MEGELAINE IMAGES - and last but not least, for all the amazing images we are able to share with you that captured all the fun!


The evening was complete with the official 'swearing-in' ceremony of this years Board of Directors, who couldn't be more excited to get the year started!


Can't wait to see you in August for our next luncheon event...Register today!

Welcome to ISES Indiana's new BLOG PAGE!!

We are so excited for this year - Super Year, Super ISES! Indianapolis is always full of excitement and this year is no different. We are all building with excitement for Super Bowl 2012!

ISES Indiana is no different this year either...we are ready for a few fresh new changes to our format and we know you will love them too. The first part that we want to introduce you to is our blog & social media platform for communication.

We have a great team of ISES members who have volunteered their time to keep you up-to-date and we want to introduce them to you...
VP of Communications - Kate B. Berglund, KB Design
Committee Members:
April Foster, April Foster Events

Dee Haddad, Thomas Caterers of Distinction

Laura Lim, Eventfull Planning
Tiffany Stoner, Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

Thank you for your commitment and dedication to ISES. Stay tuned as we will bring you meeting recaps, membership benefits, member spotlights and more!