August Free Member Event :: Indianapolis Indians!

August 27th, 2012 was the first of four ISES Indiana Free Member Events! This event was a fun mingling and networking event at Victory Field! Everyone seemed to have a great time and thank you to everyone who came and got to enjoy this fun (and free) event!  

A little background information on the Free Member Events . . . 
ISES Indiana just won and received $2,500 at the ISES Eventworld General Session in Dallas, TX earlier this month for increasing our membership by 25%. As a part of the ISES 25th Anniversary Eventworld Celebration, there was an award opportunity for all ISES chapters to earn $2,500 for a 25% increase in membership over the ISES 2011-2012 calendar year.  We are thrilled to say that ISES Indiana was one of two ISES chapters in the world to receive this award for this excellent accomplishment with an approximately 28% increase in membership last year!  Great job to the ISES Membership Committee and a very special thank you to all of our members for your continued support toward our ISES Indiana Chapter!  

The ISES Indiana board members wanted to use this money as a "Thank You" to our AMAZING MEMBERS!  We have chosen to use this money to give back to our members in the form of (FOUR) free member events during the July 2012 - June 2013 ISES year!!  We had the first earlier this week at Victory Field and are planning three more awesome events with one each quarter that will be free to our members that are dedicated strictly to saying thank you.  We are planning the second free event in November as a Holiday Cocktail Mixer at Crown Liquors downtown.  We are planning the third free event as a February "Food-Challenge" event and the fourth event as an April "Pub-Crawl" event.  More information for these last three events will be shared as the dates get closer.  Thank you again to those who were able to come out and enjoy a night out with fellow ISES members!  You won't want to miss these wonderfully exciting events and we hope to see you at the free events.  Thank you again to all of our amazing members!  

Sincerely, your ISES Indiana Board of Directors

Upcoming Event :: Progressive Dinner on Mass Ave!

You won't want to miss this event.  We hope to see you there! 

REGISTER NOW

Thank You to our Event Sponsors!

Hoaglin Catering

Member Spotlight :: Clare Welage

Clare Welage

Owner | The Whimsical Whisk, Inc.

9130 B Otis Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46216  (open for pick-ups and appointments)

www.whimsicalwhisk.com

(317) 730-6802

 

Please "Like" on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Whimsical-Whisk-Inc/268706417491

What is your title and position at your current company? 

Clare Welage, Owner & Pastry Chef at The Whimsical Whisk, Inc.

What is your title and position at your current company? 

Owner & Pastry Chef for the Whimsical Whisk, Inc., a Dessert Revolution!

What does your company do?   

We make kids go “WOW” and feel special on their birthday; Hosts shine at their own party and weddings so special that guests, including the men, have been known to fight over the desserts.  We make custom cakes, cookies and pastries for retail, wholesale, local and national clients.

How is it different than others like it? 

We specialize in the Dessert Experience.  Every dessert I create and design has a focus- the customer. I live and breathe my work.  I am very passionate about creating and delivering a high quality dessert experience.  I started The Whimsical Whisk because I firmly believe that people deserve a much better product than what is commonly available. People aren’t average, so why should a dessert be average? Customers deserve products made from only high quality ingredients such as butter, whole eggs, sugar, and flour.  No part of an order comes from a mix, a box or the freezer, and never do I add or substitute margarine, Crisco or lard in any of my desserts.  We also don’t tack on miscellaneous set-up charges.  The customer pays for the product and delivery, if there is one and I don’t charge for weekend deliveries.  At The Whimsical Whisk, it is about YOU, so if you need me to deliver on weekends, I am there.

How many years have you been in the industry? 

Over 20 yrs.

What was your very first job?   

Model for Helen Wells Agency

 

 

What lead you in into the event industry? 

It is very rewarding to be a part of a special event celebrating a child’s birthday, a new baby, a dad, a graduation, new mom, wedding, anniversary etc. I feel honored that my desserts can be part of such events, and crafting a product that matches the specialness of these moments is the hallmark of what I do.   

Why did you decide to join ISES? 

I joined ISES because I wanted to reach more clients who were looking for that Dessert “WOW.” I joined because I wanted to be a part of more of life’s most memorable moments.

What is your most memorable event? Why?

About 4 years ago I received a request to make custom military medal cookies for a WWII veteran, who was finally going to receive his war medals in a special ceremony in Crown Point, IN. I recreated the 7 medals, one of which was Purple Heart, along with 300 military flags with the army insignia.  When Diane (it was her Uncle Dan, who was to be honored), came to pick up the order, she was full of emotions, it was as if I had handed her The American Flag.  Two days later, she called with a heart-felt “thank you,” sharing the sequence of the entire day and the heart clincher was that when her Uncle Dan received the war medals, he turned and gave them to his son and kept the cookie medals and flags because he wanted to take those to church to show everyone.  To this day, he still has the cookies in his top dresser drawer.   It was special because it was confirmation of the power a great dessert can have on someone and how it can connect and unite people.  That order was the beginning of a long lasting relationship with Diane and her family. 

 

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?   

Next to having a love for desserts, I love animals- all kinds of animals.  When I was 12 I had a tarantula named Clyde.  Every week I went to the bait shop for meal worms and crickets, and for exercise we let him climb up the family-room walls.  When he died I put him a jar with formaldehyde- I still have him to this day.

If you were not in the event industry, what would be your dream job? 

I am in my dream job. I love being a Pastry Chef and creating amazing desserts for people.  Great memories are built around great food and desserts, and I am thankful to be a part of it. 

Upcoming Events :: ISES Education Symposium!

ISES Education Symposium on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 

Location:
The Fountains Banquet & Conference Center
502 East Carmel Drive
Carmel, Indiana 46032

SYMPOSIUM 2012 WILL FEATURE:

• Dynamic and compelling presentations from:
-Vince Early - CSEP, Kim Romano, Deb Hermann - CSEP,
-Jodi Collin - CSEP, Jeremy Miner & many more!

• Some breakout sessions focused on Weddings,
Not-for-profits, Social Media, Marketing to Gen Y,
& Target Markets.

• Event 101 Speaker Panel

• Opportunities to network and exchange ideas with
special event professionals, just like you, from across
other Midwest Chapters.

• Back by popular demand from our June luncheon - the
bridal panel! Ask current brides what you might normally
NOT want to ask your client.

FURTHER INFORMATION TO FOLLOW.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

We have arranged $119.00 room rate for those out-of-town guests who would love to join us!

Please call and refer to the 'ISES Indiana Educational Symposium Room Rate'

Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel

11925 N. Meridian St. · Carmel, Indiana 46032 

PRICING:
(Includes Continental Breakfast, Snack & Lunch)

ISES MEMBERS
$90 Early bird
September 12th - price increases to $120

NON-MEMBER
$120 for full day, early bird
September 12th - price increases to $135

STUDENT MEMBER
$35 for full day, early bird
To receive this discounted pricing, students are required to
volunteer for the program. For volunteer information, please
contact Erica Wendling, ewendling@indianamuseum.org
September 12th - price increases to $50

*Registrations must be received by 5 p.m., Friday, October 5th.

REGISTER NOW!!

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
ISES Indiana is looking for any individual or company
interested in sponsoring a speaker for the Education
Symposium 2012. The cost of Sponsorship is $500.00
and includes the following:

• Recognition in all printed materials
• Website advertisement of the conference
• Admission for one (1) to the 2012 Education Symposium
• Booth space at the Education Symposium

Contact Chris LaMar, Chris.LaMar@LinenHero.com

A Very Special Thank you to our Education Symposium Event Sponsors!

 

 REGISTER NOW!!

 We are very excited and look forward to, hopefully, seeing you at this great symposium.  Sincerely, Your ISES Indiana Board of Directors

Member Spotlight :: Akimee & Cathy of Akimee Designs

Akimee Yoon & Cathy Simmons

Co-Owners & Designers | Akimee Designs, LLC

Please "Like" on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Akimee.Cathy

What is your title and position at your current company?
Co-owners/Designers Akimee Yoon and Cathy Simmons of Akimee Designs LLC

What does your company do? How is it different than others like it?
Akimee Designs is a custom floral design company specializing in weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, parties and special occasions only. Our passion is creating one-of-a-kind designs tailored to each specific event. What we offer at Akimee Designs is the extra attention clients will receive during the design and execution process. We love when clients bring us interesting pieces or containers to use in their events, it really inspires us even more because the arrangements become even more personal. 

How many years have you been in the industry?
We have been in the floral industry for about 3 years designing individually.  We have worked together on many past events and always had fun doing so.  It was not until the beginning of this year we decided to make our business official and started to pursue our own floral design company.  It has been an exciting start, and we are enjoying all kinds of new experiences as we build our business.

What lead you in into the event industry?
What lead us to the event industry was just the amount of fun we had designing weddings and event work. The most thrilling part is being able to see the finished product come together all in one night. It is such a satisfying feeling to see our work displayed as a floral designer, and to see our clients' vision become a reality. We feel that is one of the best joys of being a part of the event industry.

Why did you decide to join ISES?
The reason we joined ISES is we wanted to be a part of the event industry community and become involved as much as we could  After doing some research ISES just stood out so much to us as being the event industry leading organization. Our experience so far with ISES has been great. Everyone we have encountered has been so welcoming and supportive. We are truly thrilled to be a part of this organization.

What is your most memorable event? Why?
The most memorable event was one of our first weddings. The part that made it so memorable was actually after the wedding was over. We went to the venue to do the tear down of the event and there we saw the bride and groom. When they saw us they immediately gave us a huge hug and told us they were so happy about the flowers and that they will always remember how special the flowers looked at their wedding. When you encounter a moment like that, it is a constant reminder of why we are in this business.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
Akimee:  One thing most people do not know about me is I'm actually a big homebody. It's funny that the line of work I'm in, is so focused on going out and doing events at all hours of the night. I think my favorite part about going out is coming home and immediately getting into my pajamas and finding a really bad movie on TV.

Cathy:  I'm the opposite.  If I could go out to eat for every meal for the rest of my life I would be ecstatic! I enjoy trying new places.  And I love seeing movies at the theater on the big screen. 

If you were not in the event industry, what would be your dream job?
Akimee:  I think my dream job would be to do the floral decor for a big movie or a tv show once in my life. I think it would be so cool to have that experience and just the gratifying feeling of saying to yourself "wow I really made that. "

Cathy:  I feel so fortunate to have created my dream job with a great partner.  If I wasn't doing this, I would have to do something involving travel so I could see all sorts of exciting places on my travel list!

Upcoming Events :: Please Mark Your Calendars!

ISES Indiana has a bunch of super fun upcoming events planned!  Registration is now open for the TWO August Events, one of which is a FREE event for members!  So, you will need to please register for the August Events ASAP and Please make sure to mark your calendars for the other dates!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012:  Ready, Set, GO!  
Get ready to explore the brand new NCAA Hall of Champions and Conference Center in an Amazing Race! Teams will be created and given a passport of clues that leads them to a destination within the hall and conference center. At each stop, get ready to work together for some extra points… but remember, teamwork is key! It’s all about working together and encouraging each other.. and someone will always be watching you. Once the race is done, points will be calculated and one team will be given the title of Champion - earning major bragging rights and a fun ISES Indiana prize pack.

Registration will begin 11:15.

Amazing Race starts promptly at 11:45 am – don’t be late!

Top 3 reasons to come to this meeting:
1. FUN! We all deserve a good time, and what’s better than getting silly on a Wednesday with a bunch of industry friends.
2. NCAA Conference Center has just expanded! With over five new breakout spaces and a 5,300 square foot ballroom, there is so much more to love!
3. Networking + Teamwork = Success! Get to know your ISES Indiana colleagues. The more we know each other as an industry, the bigger and better we all become.

Cost:
$30 Members
$50 NonMembers 

REGISTER NOW
Registrations must be received by 5 pm, Monday, August 20.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

NCAA Hall of Champions and Conference Center
Centerplate
Accent on Indianapolis   

Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

Monday, August 27, 2012:  Networking at Victory Field - Members are FREE!

Time:  5:30 to 7:00 pm Picnic with complimentary food, beverage & game ticket
7:05 Game Time!

Where:
The Left Field Picnic Area (located in the Northwest corner of the stadium)
***There will be a table outside the gates to pick-up your ticket.  This is a FREE Member Event to thank our members for everything you have done for ISES Indiana.  The Chapter is picking up the tab for this event, so you will need to RSVP soon!

Cost:
Members are FREE
NonMembers - $27

Only 50 seats are available so register and reserve your ticket today!

REGISTER NOW

 

Wednesday, September 26, 2012:  Progressive Dinner on Mass Ave! 
You won't want to miss this event.  We hope to see you there! 

REGISTER NOW

Thank You to our Event Sponsors!

Encore Entertainment
Hoaglin Catering

Tuesday, October 9, 2012:  Masters Dinner!

Time:  6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

This is an invitation-only event that celebrates the "Masters" in our industry.  Masters Dinner celebrates:

• 10 yrs in the special events industry
• Business owner for 5+ years
• Espirit Award Winner/Nominee

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Thomas Caterers
Detail + Design

Wednesday, October 10, 2012: ISES Education Conference!

Location:
The Fountains Banquet & Conference Center
502 East Carmel Drive
Carmel, Indiana 46032

SYMPOSIUM 2012 WILL FEATURE:

• Dynamic and compelling presentations from:
-Vince Early - CSEP, Kim Romano, Deb Hermann - CSEP,
-Jodi Collin - CSEP, Jeremy Miner & many more!

• Some breakout sessions focused on Weddings,
Not-for-profits, Social Media, Marketing to Gen Y,
& Target Markets.

• Event 101 Speaker Panel

• Opportunities to network and exchange ideas with
special event professionals, just like you, from across
other Midwest Chapters.

• Back by popular demand from our June luncheon - the
bridal panel! Ask current brides what you might normally
NOT want to ask your client.

FURTHER INFORMATION TO FOLLOW.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Stay tuned for specific room block rates for our special
out-of-town guests!

PRICING:
(Includes Continental Breakfast, Snack & Lunch)

ISES MEMBERS
$90 Early bird
September 12th - price increases to $120

NON-MEMBER
$120 for full day, early bird
September 12th - price increases to $135

STUDENT MEMBER
$35 for full day, early bird
To receive this discounted pricing, students are required to
volunteer for the program. For volunteer information, please
contact Erica Wendling, ewendling@indianamuseum.org
September 12th - price increases to $50

*Registrations must be received by 5 p.m., Friday, October 5th.

REGISTER NOW!!

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
ISES Indiana is looking for any individual or company
interested in sponsoring a speaker for the Education
Symposium 2012. The cost of Sponsorship is $500.00
and includes the following:

• Recognition in all printed materials
• Website advertisment of the conference
• Admission for one (1) to the 2012 Education Symposium
• Booth space at the Education Symposium

Contact Chris LaMar, Chris.LaMar@LinenHero.com

 REGISTER NOW!!

Thank you to our Education Symposium Sponsors:
Crystal Catering
A Classic Party Rental
The Fountains

  

Wednesday, November 14, 2012: Luncheon!
Time:  11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Location:

Riverwalk Banquet Center

6729 Westfield Blvd.

Indianapolis, IN  46220

Luncheon Event with Speaker.  More details coming soon! 

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Riverwalk

Five Star Catering

We hope to see you at all of these upcoming super fun ISES Indiana events!  

Sincerely, Your ISES Indiana Board of Directors

$2,500 Membership Award Utilized to Thank Our Amazing Members!

ISES Indiana just won and received $2,500 at the ISES Eventworld General Session in Dallas, TX earlier this month for increasing our membership by 25%. As a part of the ISES 25th Anniversary Eventworld Celebration, there was an award opportunity for all ISES chapters to earn $2,500 for a 25% increase in membership over the ISES 2011-2012 calendar year.  We are thrilled to say that ISES Indiana was one of two ISES chapters in the world to receive this award for this excellent accomplishment with an approximately 28% increase in membership last year!  Great job to the ISES Membership Committee and a very special thank you to all of our members for your continued support toward our ISES Indiana Chapter! 

The ISES Indiana board members wanted to use this money as a "Thank You" to our AMAZING MEMBERS!  We have chosen to use this money to give back to our members in the form of (FOUR) free member events during the July 2012 - June 2013 ISES year!!  We are planning four awesome events with one each quarter that will be free to our members that are dedicated strictly to saying thank you.  The first of these free events is coming up at the end of this month on Monday, August 27th at Victory Field.  Registration is now open for that free event and you will need to RSVP soon!  We are planning the second free event in November as a Holiday Cocktail Mixer at Crown Liquors downtown.  We are planning the third free event as a February "Food-Challenge" event and the fourth event as an April "Pub-Crawl" event.  More information for these last three events will be shared as the dates get closer.  You won't want to miss these wonderfully exciting events and we hope to see you at the free events.  Thank you again to all of our amazing members! 

Sincerely, the ISES Indiana Board Members