VOLUME 4, NUMBER 132 • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011 THE NEWSLETTER FOR THE SACRAMENTO CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF GOVERNMENT MEETING PROFESSIONALS Sacramento Chapter SGMP inside this issue Joint Education Conference & Tradeshow February 15 Page 4 2012 Spring Charity: Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS) Page 10 www.sgmpsac.org www.sgmp.org What better way to kick off 2012 than getting back to the basics of networking. Facebook, LinkedIn, texting, instant messaging, e-mail, chat boxes; there are so many ways to connect electroni- cally these days that it’s easy to lose sight of good old-fashioned hand shakes. Robert Rice, of Robert Rice Consulting, brought the message home that there’s nothing more powerful than human connection. Look around and it’s amazing how many people are completely oblivious to the world, so engrossed in the latest iPhone app or their cellular device. 2012 Resolution #1: look up, make contact, say hello to a stranger, smile in the grocery story line, compliment a co-worker, smell the roses...you get the idea. Rice points out that networking is not about getting something, it’s about giving— cultivating people as friends, allies and invaluable human resources. As SGMP members, we are a network of professionals who work together and give in many ways to keep our chapter strong and relevant. Rice suggests several steps to building a powerful network. First, find common ground, a reason for the person to be a part of your network. Whether a personal or profes- sional network, there has to be a reason that you invite them to be a part of your world. Second, interact regularly and if you say you’re going to call on the 12th, call on the 12th. If it’s their birthday, help them celebrate or send a card. Being predictable helps build trust, the third step to building a powerful network. By Nina Lemke, Marriott International Top: Guest speaker Robert Rice with Susan Buntjer, CMP, CGMP, Rural Community Assistance Corporation and Rich Heitke, CMP, California Redevelopment Association. Above: Rice encourages the audience to connect with others through networking. “Networking has changed drastically with technology, but there is no device, app or android that can take the place of a warm smile, a caring question and a firm handshake.” January 2012 Chapter Meeting Recap: “Face to Face Networking” continued on page 12
Transcript
V O L U M E 4 , N U M B E R 1 3 2 • O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R Q 4 2 0 1 1
THE NEWSLETTER FOR THE SACRAMENTO CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF GOVERNMENT MEETING PROFESSIONALS
Sacramento ChapterSGMP
inside this issueJoint Education Conference & Tradeshow February 15
Page 4
2012 Spring Charity: Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS)
Page 10
www.sgmpsac.orgwww.sgmp.org
What better way to kick off 2012 than getting back to the basics of networking. Facebook, LinkedIn,
texting, instant messaging, e-mail, chat boxes; there are so many ways to connect electroni-cally these days that it’s easy to lose sight of good old-fashioned hand shakes. Robert Rice, of Robert Rice Consulting, brought the message home that there’s nothing more powerful than human connection.
Look around and it’s amazing how many people are completely oblivious to the world, so engrossed in the latest iPhone app or their cellular device. 2012 Resolution #1: look up, make contact, say hello to a stranger, smile in the grocery story line, compliment a co-worker, smell the roses...you get the idea.
Rice points out that networking is not about getting something, it’s about giving—cultivating people as friends, allies and invaluable human resources. As SGMP members, we are a network of professionals who work together and give in many ways to keep our chapter strong and relevant.
Rice suggests several steps to building a powerful network. First, find common ground, a reason for the person to be a part of your network. Whether a personal or profes-sional network, there has to be a reason that you invite them to be a part of your world.
Second, interact regularly and if you say you’re going to call on the 12th, call on the 12th. If it’s their birthday, help them celebrate or send a card. Being predictable helps build trust, the third step to building a powerful network.
By Nina Lemke, Marriott International
Top: Guest speaker Robert Rice with Susan Buntjer, CMP, CGMP, Rural Community Assistance Corporation and Rich Heitke, CMP, California Redevelopment Association.
Above: Rice encourages the audience to connect with others through networking.
“ Networking has changed drastically with technology, but there is no device, app or android that can take the place of a warm smile, a caring question and a firm handshake.”
January 2012 Chapter Meeting Recap:
“Face to Face Networking”
continued on page 12
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011
PRESIDENT’S XPRESSIONSBy Rich Heitke, CMP, California Redevelopment Association
Baby, it’s cold outside. Before I sat down to write, I took a walk down by the American River near my house to feel December and gather my thoughts. It’s 29 degrees in Carmichael tonight. The word “brrr!!!” comes to mind. Yet my lawn is so dry, I need to turn on the sprinklers tomorrow! That’s a first for December. No one in California wants to relapse into a drought. Not being allowed to water your yard, plus the negative agricultural and humanitarian effects of drought would only compound our recovery from the Great Recession. Wouldn’t we all like to have some of the white stuff to add to the winter cheer, water reserves, and recreational opportunities? California can be SO much fun in the winter. So as your President I set my mind to the solution. Cloud seeding? That will never be feasible on a large enough scale, and isn’t really effective. Increased surface storage? The political will for that is far too weak and the environmental opposition is far too strong. Either
something’s gotta give, or my friends, we’ve got to get creative. So, my friend Lu-Lu and I hatched the idea to choreo-graph a rain dance. Donning the appropriate tribal garb and makeup while channeling Tlaloc, the Aztec god of rain, and rehearsing the chants and dance moves might just do the trick. We’ll let you know how that all comes out.
Welcome to winter 2011-12 in California. We love where we live and plan our meetings despite meteorological and economic challenges. The New Year is upon us so it’s time for resolution, change and effort to sow the seeds that will spring forth results a bit down the road. At SGMP we believe in continual learning as a key to success, which is why eight to ten of our monthly programs have educational components. In January, we began with training in networking at our chapter meeting from a master of the practice. Networking is more than chatting with our colleagues and supplier and planner partners, so we are going to focus and practice. This is the traditional face-to-face networking crucial to colleague and partner interactions. We’ll take up the social networking style later on.
You’ve heard me and our national SGMP leaders promoting “education, networking and resources” as the core values of SGMP. As it’s time for renewal and improvement, look soon for the launch of a revitalized resource, your new chapter website at www.sgmpsac.org. It will feature a modern look and structure, and over time will be populated with familiar imagery and color schemes that will make it recognizable as your online SGMP home. It will be ADA compliant and based on current technology. We are also going to work on a new resource after our new website rolls out, a kind of skills and needs center where all members can post job openings and resumes for informational and networking purposes. Can you imagine how proud we’ll all be when an SGMP member is able to hire another SGMP member or refer one to their next gig?
2012 will continue our progress into greater prosperity and make the Great Recession a more distant memory. Your continued support of and participation in your Society will help you in your careers and partnerships with the suppliers and planners with whom you work while making the
Sacramento Chapter stronger. SGMP will be a part of your continual learning and relation-ship building that lifts the agency or property for which you work and through you, your clients.
¡Feliz Año Nuevo! Happy New Year!
Our new chapter president, Rich Heitke, enjoys the sunset on the Norfolk waterfront.
Please be advised that submitted articles are subject to approval and content may be edited by the Newsletter Team.
Q42011
Milestones9 SGMP New Members & Statistics10 SGMP 2012 Spring Charity
Mail Bag3 Board Talk5 Super Heroes6 CGMP Course Added7 The Emergency Lodging Program7 Content is Significant! Input is Crucial!8 December Meeting: Green Holiday11 Novemer Meeting: 30 Years of
Government Meetings12 September Meeting: Hotel Safety15 Kit Box15 SGMP Sacramento Chapter Advertising Rates16 Committee Mailbox
Relay Stations13 Supplier Profile14 Planner Profile17 Board of Directors
The Trail Ahead3 March Meeting Preview4 Joint Conference & Tradeshow17 Chapter Calendar
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011
THE TRAIL AHEAD
NEW BOARD MEMBER INSTALLEDBy Dina Fong, California Department of Education
Erin van Ark, sales manager, Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau, was installed as Supplier Director on the Sacramento Board of Directors at our November 3, 2011, chapter meeting at the Sheraton Grand.
Sworn-in by our chapter’s first President, Johnna Meyer, CMP, Erin filled a vacant position on the board.
Erin’s responsibilities on the board include being co-board liaison of the upcoming Joint Education Tradeshow and co-board liaison for Scholarships.
Congratulations, Erin!
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MARCH MEETING SNEAK PEEK:
Regional Economic Outlook UpdateBy Dina Fong, California Department of Education
Join us for our March 1, 2012, chapter meeting where we will hear from Dr. Sanjay Varshney, Dean of the School of Business Administration at CSUS who will give us an update on the region’s economic situation.
The meeting will be at the CSUS Alumni Center and will begin at 4:15 p.m. and end at 6:30 p.m.
Look for registration information at our website at www.sgmpsac.org soon!
1MARCH
Board Talk By Brenda Difuntorum, CGMP, 2011-13 Board Secretary, SGMP Sacramento Chapter
The Board of Directors of the Sacramento Chapter held our regular meeting at the Crowne Plaza in Sacramento on Thursday, January 5, 2012.
Items of discussion included:
• Acceptance of the minutes from the December 2011 board meeting.
• December 2011 Monthly Chapter Report.
• Filing of the treasury report from December 2011.
• Review of the 2012 Program Calendar.
• February 15, 2012 Joint Education Conference in Concord at the Crowne Plaza, including registration, exhibitors, sponsorships, and charity.
• Deadline for local scholarships to the National Education Conference in New Orleans from May 16-18, 2012.
• Planning for the upcoming winter board retreat.
Board minutes are available upon request.
Johnna Meyer, CMP, first President of the SGMP Sacramento Chapter; Rich Heitke, current Board President; and Erin van Ark, Supplier Director and newest member of the Sacramento Chapter Board of Directors.
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011
THE TRAIL AHEAD
Wherever you have an efficient government you have a dictatorship. —Harry S. Truman“
“ SGMP SAN FRANCISCO AND SACRAMENTO CHAPTERS’
Joint Education Conference & TradeshowBy Robin Pollock, CMP, California State University, Sacramento and Sandi Hartsock, CGMP, Department of General Services
“The Four Seasons,” “The Four Tops,” “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” and “The Fantastic Four” are all great vocal groups and movies containing the word FOUR.
Now we can add to the list another great four…..the Fourth Annual Society of Government Meeting Professionals San Francisco/Sacramento Chapters’ Joint Education Conference.
Our 2012 conference will be held at the beautiful and conveniently located Crowne Plaza Concord/Walnut Creek on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. The hotel is centrally located near both I-680 and Highways 4 and 242 and is convenient to the Concord BART Station. The hotel will provide complimen-tary morning and afternoon shuttle service to BART for the JEC attendees.
Learn what you’ll need to expand your horizons with educational sessions and speakers that will give you all the tools you need to plan and execute a successful government meeting!
The Joint Education Conference Committee is in the process of scheduling industry experts. Don’t miss these sessions: Contracting - Win-Win or War-War, How to Make Your Conference Service Manager Work for You, The Green Advantage, and Leadership 101: Check Your Ego at the Door. It promises to be very exciting and a great learning environment! The day begins at 8:00 a.m. with the tradeshow from 1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. and a reception to wrap-up the day’s activities.
Attention, planners! We are pleased to inform you that your registration for this worthy event is FREE!
For our suppliers, exhibit fees (includes registration for one attendee) are as follows:
• Member Supplier Early Bird Fees: $475
(Register by February 1, 2012)
• Member Supplier Fees: $600 (after February 1, 2012)
• Non-Member Supplier Fees: $775 (limited spots are available)
If you plan to exhibit, DO NOT REGISTER ONLINE. Please download the “Exhibit Registration Form” and follow the directions. If you have any questions regarding the exhibitor tradeshow, please contact Myra Howay at [email protected] or Michael Trillo at [email protected].
DON’T HESITATE: The Tradeshow is filling up fast! The fee includes one tabletop exhibit space with signage, 1 ticket to lunch and registration for one attendee for the educational conference and tradeshow. There is an additional charge of $150 for each additional representative in the booth (maximum two people per booth).
Sponsorship Information: Your sponsorship provides you with a great marketing opportunity, as well as enabling the Sacramento and San Francisco Bay Area SGMP Chapters to provide a top-notch seminar. Attendees will consist of professional meeting, conference and events managers from throughout the California that plan state and nationwide events. There are many levels of sponsorship available! For information, please contact: Aaryn Val, [email protected] or Erin van Ark at [email protected].
Room Reservations: The Crowne Plaza is offering both suppliers and planners an astonishing rate of $84. The rate will be offered the night before the conference and into the weekend so that you can make this a “mini” getaway! Overnight parking is free. These amazing rates are special to our conference attendees.
Crowne Plaza Concord/Walnut Creek 45 John Glenn Drive Concord, CA 94520
To reserve your room at the Crowne Plaza, please call the hotel at 925-825-7700 and request the SGMP JEC room block.
Register now on our website at www.sgmpsac.org
Please contact Robin Pollock, CMP, [email protected] if you have any questions.
Crowne Plaza Concord/Walnut Creek Wednesday, February 15, 2012
“ Learn what you’ll need to expand your horizons with educational sessions and speakers that will give you all the tools you need to plan and execute a successful government meeting!”
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011
You get the call. One of your travelers is unhappy with his hotel room. Or your CEO needs a suite — tonight. It’s 5 p.m. and you have to fix it.
Your first thought probably is “I need to talk to the manager.” But when confronted with a problem or last minute request at a hotel, the key is to know just which person can get the job done — and don’t be fooled by fancy titles.
Whether you’re addressing an issue over the phone or at the hotel person-ally, start at the bottom and work your way up.
Hotel sales managers are paid to find new clients and retain existing ones. Ultimately responsible for keeping the revenue flowing to the hotel’s bottom line, sales managers are squarely in their customer’s corner and are an essential to ensuring your needs are met.
Establishing a good working relationship with a hotel salesperson should be a priority but if you don’t have an on-site sales manager or if your sales-person is unavailable, there are other human resources on a hotel property that can go to bat for you ... if you know who to ask.
Bottom Line Tactics
Don’t waste valuable time going right to the top; put the general manager in your back pocket for later, in the event of a real emergency. Instead, start with the person who answers your call or, if you’re on site, a person with a hotel nametag.
RX Via The PBX
If you need assistance from a distance, the hotel operator can be your best friend. “Ideally, the call should stop with the first person who takes it,” explains a seasoned PBX operator at a busy corporate hotel. “Whoever answers the phone should take ownership of the call and get the problem or request handled.” PBX is literally the nerve center of the hotel, dispatching housekeepers, engineers, bellmen and other critical staff to where they are needed. Armed with 2-way radios, pagers and cell phone numbers, a good PBX
Super HeroesBy Nina Lemke, Marriott International
[Previously published in Business Travel Executive Online. Used by permission of the author.]
“ Establishing a good working relationship with a hotel salesperson should be a priority but if you don’t have an on-site sales manager or if your salesperson is unavailable, there are other human resources on a hotel property that can go to bat for you ... if you know who to ask. ”
“ From a proactive standpoint, when establishing a relationship with the sales managers in your preferred hotels, keep in mind that there are three other property level positions that are can be critical to problem resolution, service delivery and overall traveler satisfaction. ”
Quick and effective problem resolution is best achieved at the front line level; but unfortunately their expertise is often overlooked. “My job is to hire the best people, give them the best training and let them do their job,” says Howard Harris, general manager of the Hilton Sacramento Arden West. “Don’t assume that the front desk agent or the housekeeper in the hallway can’t help you. Explain your situation; ask for their help and, most of the time, the problem can be solved quickly and efficiently.”
In any customer service situation, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Harris’s recommendation: “Ask for help, don’t demand it. Don’t throw your weight around. Hotel employees are very motivated to help their guests but they are also human beings, so a collaborative approach brings better resolution.”
Harris, who worked his way up to his current post, recalls many instances where guests wasted valuable time and energy demanding to see “the manager” when he, as a front line associate, had the tools and authority to resolve the issue himself.
operator and her team should be considered an asset to your problem-solving effort. Let them work their magic on your behalf.
If the hotel operator is actually an automated telephone answering system, don’t let that get in the way. There is a human behind the machine so dial “0” and put them to work for you. Small hotels may not have a formal PBX depart-ment, so consider the first person you encounter as your primary advocate and go from there.
In the absence of your sales manager, available line level staff or a helpful PBX operator, ask to speak with the manager on duty (the MOD). The MOD is essentially the acting general manager and is responsible for the entire opera-tion. The MOD might really be the housekeeping manager, the sales director or the restaurant manager during the day. Most upper level management staff are required to fill in after hours and over weekends as the acting general manager and are very accessible to the hotel’s guests.
continued on page 6
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011
MAIL BAG
We are excited to offer the Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) course to those who have been SGMP members for six months or more. This is your opportunity to spend three days mastering material about how government funds can be used, how travel regulations must be followed, and how to work with special government officials. The CGMP designation is recognized by the Convention Industry Council as the highest designation in government meeting planning. A California component will be added to this session. This is a first for Sacramento and for SGMP.
For members in good standing, SGMP can reimburse planner and supplier members for up to $250 for the CGMP exam fees, which are $595. (please check www.sgmp.org for details). Additionally, our chapter is offering a $100 rebate bringing the tuition down to $245.
This session will be offered on the following dates if we reach our minimum number of registrants:
Sacramento, California (Site TBD)
Tuesday, March 20 to Friday, March 23, 2012
Registration closes when the class is full and no later than Wednesday, February 1, 2012.
To register for the class, please visit www.sgmp.org, log into your member account, and select the class from the online store. For technical questions about registration, please contact Mike Downard, Membership Services and IT Director at [email protected]. For general questions about the course, please contact Lisa Silverman, Education and Training Manager at [email protected]. Or contact your 1st Vice President, Marie Ziegler, CMP at [email protected].
CGMP Class with California Component Added
Commitments must be made by February 1, 2012
Act now! Reimbursement available!
More MVPs
From a proactive standpoint, when establishing a relationship with the sales managers in your preferred hotels, keep in mind that there are three other property level positions that are can be critical to problem resolution, service delivery and overall traveler satisfaction.
One of the most influential and best-connected people on a hotel property is the front office manager. Typically over-worked and underpaid, these tireless gluttons for punishment can make almost anything happen for the customer. The best part: their schedule is rarely nine to five. Front office managers generally have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the hotel manager and their sphere of influence is not limited to just room related requests or problems. Most of the time, the front office manager can facilitate problem resolution property-wide.
Front office managers know the value of your business from a revenue standpoint. If you represent a large hotel account, the front office staff is highly motivated to resolve on-site problems or fulfill special requests. The front office manager should be considered part of your team, along with your sales manager. Ask to meet them in person if you are conducting site inspections or at least have their business card handy, just in case.
If your travel program includes high volume destinations, last minute travel requests or heavily discounted rates, another person who should be added to your team is the sometimes elusive hotel revenue manager. The revenue manager is responsible for maximizing revenue on every room in the hotel. To do this, they must weigh today’s revenue with potential future revenue from your account. If you need to squeeze your CEO in on a sold out night, call your hotel sales contact and they, in turn, will call the revenue manager for permission.
Hotel inventory changes minute to minute with no-shows, cancel-lations and early departures. If your sales manager is unavailable, go directly to the revenue manager for up to the minute avail-ability and consideration.
Lastly, Harris points out, another important point of contact for on-site problem resolution is the sales assistant - “a great contact if your sales manager is unavailable.” What can they do? Look at it this way: “They probably typed the contract or group resume,” says Harris. “They are very familiar with their manager’s accounts, can act on their manager’s behalf and more than likely, they will be at their desk to take your call.”
The hospitality industry is predicated on relationships, both internal and external. Hotel associates at every level want to see happy, satisfied guests who will return again and again. As Harris points out, hotel associates are hired and trained to exceed every guest’s expectation but sometimes expectation doesn’t meet reality.
Whether you are the traveler or the person responsible for plan-ning travel, when you encounter a problem, start at the bottom and work your way up. If you run into an associate that isn’t willing to help you, that’s the time to bring in “the manager”.
Super Heroes continued from page 5
URGENT MESSAGE–CGMP COURSE
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011
The Emergency Lodging ProgramBy Bahia Perkins, Department of General Services
The Department of General Services, Statewide Travel Program (STP) has partnered with the Federal General Services Administration to establish an Emergency Lodging Program (ELP) for the State of California. In a state prone to fires, earthquakes, and various other disasters, the STP is developing systems to help our first responders to not only get where they need to go but also to ensure they have a place to stay when they get there.
The ELP is a system created by Corporate Lodging Consultants (CLC) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. It is designed to assist departments in quickly securing lodging accommodations and services for first responders, government employees, support personnel, and evacuees in the aftermath of an emergency or disaster.
CLC inventory includes hotels, motels, long-term housing, apartments and the option to expand further to include college dorms and, if needed, cruise ships. CLC also extends their services to cover general meeting rooms, food service, and supplies, with planning and support as needed. The reservation system is available online or through a centralized reservation center available on a 24/7, 365 day basis.
If you are a supplier and your property could provide services to state entities during a disaster, please send your information to be added to CLC database to Bahia Perkins, Government & Emergency Travel Specialist. Bahia can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 916-376-3990 if you have any questions or simply wish to be added to the CLC database.
“ It is designed to assist departments in quickly securing lodging accommoda-tions and services for first responders, government employees, support personnel, and evacuees in the after-math of an emergency or disaster.”
By Kit Gonzales, California Department of Conservation
Delivering the education topics chapter members need and want is
paramount to a successful meeting and to SGMP’s mission and goals.
The SGMP Gilmer Institute of Learning has defined core competencies*
that serve both planners and suppliers. The Gilmer Institute offers both
suggested program topics and proven ‘in the can’ programs to all chapters
within those core competencies and all chapters are required to present
at least eight programs a year that target those core competencies. That
is why members will sometimes see an education program slotted into a
standard social event. If you attended it, you can understand how we had
a bit of difficulty fitting our very fun Supplier Appreciation Awards program
into a core competency mold!
The Program Committee has identified the topics scheduled for our 2012
schedule, and the finishing touches are being put on securing the locations
and developing the programs for monthly meetings following the Joint
Education Conference in February. We hope members find these topics
intriguing, educational, and enjoyable:
• The Psychology of Meeting Room Space
• Meetings vs. Travel Policies-How they Can Affect You
• National Education Conference Review-What We Have Learned
• Ethics and the State Government
• Annual Members Retreat - Teambuilding
• ADA Requirements/Web ADA Compliance
• Empowerment and Mentorship
• Holiday/Charity Celebration
Content Is Significant! Input Is Crucial!
The Program Committee seeks evaluations from members attending each
program to help measure our success in that endeavor. We love getting those
high marks and comments to ‘repeat yearly,’ but we also love the personal
notes and comments that are often shared when we DON’T hit the bull’s-eye
on the program target. In the recent months, some comments were offered
that a program was ‘a repeat’ and ‘needed updating.’ Some ask for more ques-
tion and answer time. Some suggest topics and/or speakers that are totally
worth pursuing.
But, no matter WHAT you say, please do keep saying it—either at the meet-
ings on the evaluation form or in a one-on-one email to me as your board
As I sign off, if YOU see a topic on the 2012 schedule that interests you,
and you would like to help put it together, please contact a member of the
Program Committee:
Thomas Matlock, Pam Porteous-Hunt, Kelly May, Susan Buntjer, Leah Meadows, Pamala Corona, Susan Platt, Yvonne Shifflette, or me. * CORE COMPETENCIES Education and Programming, Facilities and Services, Logistics, Finance/Contract Management, Technology, Leadership, Ethics
MAIL BAG
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011
MAIL BAG
“A Green Holiday Event”By Karl Baur, CMP
Our final chapter meeting of 2011 was held in the John Q Ballroom at the Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza. The topic? Green Meetings. Specifically, “How Green Can You Be?” Kelly May of the Department of General Services, Statewide Travel Program offered us a comprehensive overview of what it means to be “green” in the meet-ings industry.
We started by hearing the definition of some of the key concepts of green meet-ings, such as carbon footprint, biodegradable, and greenwashing. We then moved on to look at the incredible impact that meetings and events have on the environment and she showed how even simple changes in the way events are produced can have a huge benefit environmentally. Check out the Convention Liaison Council’s APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange) for current best practices.
Kris Keesling, CMP, CHME, CTP of the Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe and Kris Hillard of the Inn Marin joined Kelly by sharing how and why their properties have moved toward green practices. Aside from the environmental benefits, both have also earned business as a result of their green practices as potential clients begin to focus on how hotels can partner with them to reduce the overall impact of their events.
Interested in how you can do your part? Visit the Chapter’s website to download a copy of the presentation (the link is below the RSVP button in the center of the screen) or you can click here. Kelly’s “10 Easy Tips” slide will give you some great suggestions for getting started. Whether you are a hotelier or a planner, there is something there you can use. So…get out there and see how green you can be!
Above: Dina Fong, CA Department of Education; Karalee Adams, San Mateo CVB; Karen Nichols, retired; Michelle Turgeon, Helms Briscoe; Donna Seley, Woodlake Hotel; and Betsy Longmire, Sacramento CVB
Top Left: Susan Platt, Marriott Rancho Cordova and Karl Baur, CMP (formerly of RDL enterprises)
Left: Jennifer Lewis, Hilton Stockton
Our speakers for the chapter program: Kelly May, DGS Green Lodging Program; Kris Hillard, Inn at Marin; Kris Kessling, CMP, CHME, CTP, Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe
DECEMBER MEETING RECAP
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011
1) National Capital Chapter-828 members
2) Sacramento Chapter-187 members
3) Georgia Peach Chapter-142 members
4) Texas Lone Star Chapter-139 members
WE ARE THE 2ND LARGEST CHAPTER!
Government Planners 92Suppliers 89Other (student/retiree/honorary) 6Total Chapter Membership 187 Government Planners 49.2%Suppliers 47.6%Other (student/retiree/honoree) 3.2%
Other 6
Government Planners 92
Suppliers 89
MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS (AS OF DECEMBER 2011)
MILESTONES
WELCOME TO SGMP SACRAMENTO CHAPTER NEW MEMBERS!Members who joined between October-December 2011.
Includes new members due to membership transfers.
Dottie Bella, Carmel Mission Inn
Kathleen Brower, Tsakopoulos Library Galleria
Charlotte Chorneau, Sacramento State University, Center for Collaborative Policy
Karla Cruz, Hilton Pleasanton at the Club
Cecelia Perez Dunn, Department of General Services
Molly Ellis, California Housing Finance Authority
Alissa Henderson, Le Rivage Hotel
Audrey Hornberger-Muth, Lions Gate Hotel
Anna Hughes, Radisson Hotel Fresno
Suzy Kay, San Diego Convention Visitors Bureau
Michael Lee, Riviera Hotel & Casino
Laura Mendoza, Holiday Inn Torrance
Debra Northrup, Red Lion Hotel
Sandra Oberle, Visit Lodi!
James Ozsvath, RIM Hospitality Management Company
Tarise Prieto, Hilton Costa Mesa
Heather M. Smith, CalPERS
Brian Stiger, Department of General Services
Cori Wong, CalPERS
The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) enjoys interaction of government meeting planners (local, state and federal), suppliers who support the government market and contract planners who work with government planners. SGMP is a national organization with chapters throughout the United States.
The SGMP Sacramento Chapter chartered in June 1988 with 37 members. The Chapter has grown to almost 200 supportive members and is the second largest chapter in the U.S. Our website is www.sgmpsac.org.
The National website can be viewed at www.sgmp.org.
Remember to log in on the “Members Only” section by using the first four letters of your last name and your membership number.
VISIONThe Sacramento SGMP Chapter is recognized within the industry as the premier resource for the government meeting profession.
MISSIONExpand the knowledge and expertise of government meeting professionals through education, training, advocacy, and industry relations to ensure cost-effective meetings and provide added value to each organization.
SACRAMENTO CHAPTER SGMP
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011
MILESTONES
2012 SPRING CHARITY:
The SGMP Sacramento Chapter Community Support Committee has chosen the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) as its second charity of the year. Our chapter will support SFBFS during our January, March, April, and June meetings. For the month of February, we will be supporting the SGMP Joint Conference charity and, for the month of May, we will be supporting the SGMP National charity. Both of which will be announced in the near future.
The SFBFS is dedicated to assisting those in need by alleviating their immediate pain and problems and moving them toward self sufficiency and financial independence. The SFBFS is a local non-profit agency that was founded by Father Daniel Madigan in the basement of his Oak Park Church in 1976 and currently consists of 40 employees and over 4,000 volunteers that are committed to serving nearly 15,000 men, women, and children each month. The SFBFS currently operates two large facilities located in Oak Park and North Sacramento. The SFBFS serves neighborhoods with families expe-riencing some of the highest rates of poverty, unemployment, child abuse and overall hardships in the Sacramento area. Over the last three decades the number of programs and services has grown from food and clothing to currently include adult education, child development, and technology.
Monetary donations for the SFBFS will be accepted during the monthly chapter meetings. You are also welcome to bring non-perishable food items or items from their wish list shown below. You can find additional wish lists specific to mother-baby needs, food items and volunteer needs on their website, located at https://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/support/host-a-donation-drive.html.
• Clothing Racks/Bins • Laundry Detergent
• Gardening Tools • USB Flash Drives
• Hard Cover Sketch Books • Gift Certificates for Kids
• Diapers, Formula & Wipes • Toiletries/Hygiene items
• Art Supplies • Clip Boards, Rulers & Binders
• School/Office Supplies • New or Gently Used Business Clothes
Besides collecting donations, we will be looking at outside volunteer participation from SGMP members and will provide more information on those activities at a later date. For more information about SFBFS, please visit their website at www.sacramentofoodbank.org.
Let’s all come together to help serve the families in our community. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS) By Kelly May, Department of General Services
“ The SFBFS is a local non-profit agency that was founded by Father Daniel Madigan in the basement of his Oak Park Church in 1976 and currently consists of 40 employees and over 4,000 volunteers that are committed to serving nearly 15,000 men, women, and children each month. ”
No government ought to be without censors; and where the press is free, no one ever will.
—Thomas Jefferson
“ “ “
PonyXpress 11
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011
NOVEMBER MEETING RECAP
SGMP Celebrates 30 Years of Government MeetingsBy Dina Fong, California Department of Education
In 1981, the first ever SGMP meeting was held in Washington, D.C. Presided by founder Sam Gilmer, and attended by 70 planners and 20 suppliers. Then named the Society of Government Meeting Planners, SGMP’s vision was to create an organization whose primary goal was to provide government meeting planners with training to do a better job in the industry.
Fast forward 30 years. Now called the Society of Government Meeting Professionals, SGMP has grown to 33 chapters all over the U.S. and close to 3,600 members..
During our November monthly chapter meeting at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento, our program featured a look back as to how government meetings have changed over the past 30 years and was led by an esteemed group of panel-ists: Karl Baur, CMP; Donna Carey, CGMP, National President; Pamala Corona, CMP, CGMP, Department of General Services; Johnna Meyer, CMP; and moderated by Kit Gonzales, our board liaison for programs.
The meeting planning industry was a hugely different landscape thirty years ago. It was primarily a man’s world where they were the ones who attended meetings and younger women planned them. There were very few hospitality organizations and no professional designations at this time. Economic and world events such as Black Monday, the recession, terrorism, SARS and 9/11 have influenced the meetings industry over the years.
Our partners in the hotel industry have also evolved over the years. In 1984, Quality Inns became the first hotel chain to introduce a mandatory program of nonsmoking rooms worldwide. Today, most hotels are nonsmoking. The 1990s brought the consolidation of brands under several umbrellas such as Starwood, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG (Holiday Inns). In 2000, the emergence of limited service properties gave meeting planners an inexpensive option, offered guests a cheaper, yet clean alternative place to stay, and allowed hotels to have lower overhead costs.
What was once at higher end properties has become the standard: ironing boards, hair dryers, coffee makers, branded mattresses, and daily laundered comforters vs. old-fashioned bedspreads. Card keys have replaced metal keys and smaller desks for registrations are becoming more the norm vs. long counters.
Of course, technology has tremendously changed since the 1980s as well. Huge gadgets, overhead projectors, and brick-sized cell phones have been replaced by smaller, sleeker objects and most transactions are done electroni-cally now instead of on paper. We’ve gone from save-the-date postcards,
registration brochures, and paper surveys to email announcements, social network marketing, online registration, twitter updates, and online surveys.
Technology and the Internet have influenced all aspects of meetings from site inspections, registrations, marketing, communication, RFPs, lodging, and contracting.
What does the future of govern-ment meetings hold? Greener meetings are definitely getting popular—using flash drives for handouts vs. making hundreds
of paper copies; water conservation efforts such as not changing towels or sheets daily; having
recycling bins available, and using local and organic produce for food. Social media will continue to play a key role in planning meetings and interactive sessions via smart phones may be around the corner.
The Sacramento Chapter has contributed greatly to SGMP’s 30 years of government meetings. Five of our chapter members have gone on to become a part of the National Board of Directors throughout the years: Johnna Meyer, CMP, National President; Teri Anticevich, CMP, National Treasurer; Donna Carey, CGMP, National President; Sal Bonnello, CMP, National Director; and the current National Treasurer, James Lynton, CHSP. In addition, members have sat on the Gilmer Institute of Learning including Donna Carey, CGMP, VP Fundraising; Johnna Meyer, CMP, Chair; and Pamala Corona, CMP, Director, as well as on National Committees such as Kit Gonzales, Member Retention Committee and chair of the Newsletter of the Year competition and Karl Baur, CMP, Program of the Year competition.
Members have chaired two National Education Conferences in California—Long Beach in 1997 and Sacramento in 2005. We had several members who were the first to attain their CGMP certification among the various chapters: Donna Carey, Pamala Corona, Dana Ohmann, and Trish Owen. Plus we have had members who received recognition for their accomplishments. Sam Gilmer Award recipients include Johnna Meyer, CMP (Planner); Jan Decker, (Supplier); Donna Carey, CGMP (Planner), and Pamala Corona, CMP, CGMP (Planner), and President Award of Merit recipients include Donna Carey, CGMP; Wendi Williamson, CMP, and Kit Gonzales.
Happy Anniversary to SGMP! We look forward to the next 30 years!
Above: Panel discusses 30 years of government meetings.
Below: Our experienced panelists: Karl Baur, CMP; Donna Carey, CGMP; Department of General Services; Johnna Meyer, CMP (retired), and Pamala Corona, CMP, CGMP, Department of General Services.
MAIL BAG
PonyXpress 12
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011
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AUGUST MEETING RECAP
Crime Stop USABy Brenda Difuntorum, CGMP, Department of General Services
At the SGMP Sacramento August Chapter Meeting/Members Retreat, our membership learned about personal safety from our guest speaker Bob Byrnes, Vice President of Crime Stop USA.
Throughout his program, Byrnes talked about a couple different types of crimes and the first type he mentioned were street crimes. Street crimes happen in parking lots, in and around cars and in structures. It’s anywhere the element of surprise can happen. He advises us to always walk with intent, meaning with your shoulders back and eyes looking forward. Always pay attention to what’s going on around you and if a person or a group of people are watching you, for you to watch them back.
An example of a common street crime is having a purse or briefcase taken. In most cases a criminal will come from behind at full speed to knock down their victim, possibly beating the person for their purse or briefcase. To prevent this from happening, Byrnes suggests to only carry what you need and to hide what you are carrying. By hiding the purse or briefcase in front of you, this will help you become less of a target. He also recommends to never rummage through your purse or briefcase while you are walking and to always have your keys in your hands, ready to unlock your door. He states that people are 50 percent less of a target when keys are in their hands.
If someone were to approach you, he recommends asking lots of questions, such as “what do you want?” Just remember, though, it’s purely stuff so give them what they want. However, if the criminal has a gun pointing at you and they direct you to go with them…never do! You have a higher rate of survival by not going to the secondary crime scene.
Crime Stop USA has a lot of safety items they sell. One of the items is a “Call Police Sign.” It’s a sign you can place in your back car window, when your car breaks down. This prevents a criminal from harming you because he will assume someone who has already passed by has called the police and the police are on there way. Byrnes also recommends that if you are alone to sit in the passenger seat. This will let passing drivers think that there is someone with you.
Sexual assault crimes are all about power. He advises never to be mute, silent, or meek during a sexual assault. The rapist does not see their victims as human beings so he recommends talking about your family, friends, job, and social activities to the assailant. This may help the assailant see you as a three dimensional person.
The FBI teaches two moves for preventing an assault from happening. This will also give you time to run away and get help.
1. Eyeball Push Away – gouge the person in the eyes. Use your thumbs and place as much pressure as you can toward their eyes.
2. Grab, Yank, Twist, and Pull – do this to a man’s genital area.
There are four categories of weapons:
1. Guns
2. Knives
3. Chemical
4. Stun Guns
There are two things we want to do if someone has a weapon:
1. Stop the person
2. Stop the person at a distance
And finally, to shoot someone is not an easy thing to do. Many times the person will hesitate and have the gun taken away from them and in turn, be shot. Byrnes recommends a military grade chemical defense spray. Because it’s not going to kill someone, the person using it will be less likely to hesitate when spraying it. It can spray up to 12 feet. The military grade has a UV dye that penetrates into the skin for 48 hours and is a mixture of tear gas and pepper. It’s a lot stronger than just pepper spray so unlike pepper spray, this mixture can take down a drug induced criminal and even an aggressive dog.
It is disturbing to know, but most crimes committed are by people we know or we are related to.
For more information about the safety items Crime Stop USA sells, you can visit their website at www.CrimestopUSA.net.
Finally, help the other person. When you add a person to your network, you’ve just been given the chance to share your resources and share in their resources.
Networking has changed drastically with technology, but there is no device, app or android that can take the place of a warm smile, a caring question and a firm handshake. As SGMP members, we have the opportunity to do just that the first Thursday of every month. Rice helped define 2012 Resolution #2, attend the monthly meetings, network with your fellow members and find new potential new members to join in our SGMP network!
January meeting continued from the cover
“ “A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
—George Bernard Shaw
PonyXpress 13
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011
Shootin’ The Breeze with Our Suppliers…By Dina Fong, California Department of Education
Interview with Leah Meadows
RELAY STATIONS
Leah Meadows, CMP is a sales manager at the Crowne Plaza Concord/Walnut Creek where she has worked for the past nine months.
Although she originally majored in information & computer science in college, she has been in the hotel industry for 13 years, starting as a front desk agent and then moving on to sales at several different properties, sizes and brands, including Hilton, Starwood, Marriott, independent properties, and now Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG).
She is married to her soulmate of 14 years, Oliver, a professional photographer whom she met in an AOL chat room when they both lived on opposite coasts. Together, they manage careers, a photography business (Oliver Meadows Photographer) and a five-year-old son and a two-year old daughter which keeps them very busy.
She first became an SGMP member in 2007 as a member of the San Francisco Chapter and recently rejoined and became a member of the Sacramento Chapter in August 2011.
Why you joined SGMP: I re-joined SGMP because the connections & education I have gotten from this organization have been invaluable both professionally and personally. I took my CMP Prep course at the SGMP NEC in Dallas in 2008. The instructor taught the class so well and getting the planners’ perspective (enhanced by the fact that they are GOVERNMENT Meeting Planners) in the class helped me pass the exam on the first try.
What committees or activities have you helped with at SGMP, if any? Was Newsletter Editor for SF Chapter in 2008 & 2009. Currently serving as Program Committee member with Sacramento Chapter.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a new hotel sales manager? Do not make promises you cannot keep!
What’s your biggest selling point for your hotel? ME! Yes, the hotel’s location is perfect, the property has awesome rooms and space and food, our team delivers great service…BUT having ME as your Sales Manager is something no other property out there can offer!
Best thing about your job: The people I get to meet and work with…and the places I get to see and experience. It’s never a routine…always something new!
Worst thing about your job: Budget Restrictions! With the slow economy, we’re forced to use our “creativity” to stretch our allocated funds to do things.
Describe yourself in three words: Driven, adventurous and resourceful
Best trait: I am willing to try anything once.
Worst trait: Competitive! Sometimes, too competitive!
Hidden Talent: I cannot say “no” to karaoke if “Dancing Queen” is on the song list!
Pet Peeves: People that are obviously ABLE, but are not WILLING.
Favorite movies: Father of the Bride, The Pursuit of Happyness, Eat Pray Love
Must-See TV Shows: Amazing Race, The Voice and Friends (I know it’s old, but I LOVE it!!!)
What do you like to do in your free time: Travel, eat, experience new things…especially with the family.
Famous person you would like to date: Brad Pitt – he was Sexiest Man Alive twice...I wanna know what the deal is!
Favorite musicians: Jon Bon Jovi
Name 3 things you would want with you on a deserted island: My iPhone, sunblock and my body pillow
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Believe it or not, I wanted to be a nun! Obviously, that was an epic fail!
If you could be an animal, what kind would you be and why? A Koi Fish, because it symbolizes perseverance in adversity.
Below: Leah and her husband Oliver and kids Skylerr (5) and Maia (2).
PonyXpress 14
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011
Shootin’ The Breeze with Our Planners…By Dina Fong, California Department of Education
Interview with Susan Buntjer, CMP, CGMP
Susan Buntjer, CMP, CGMP is a conference meeting specialist with the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) where she has worked for five and a half years. She is a veteran meeting planner and has 25 years experi-ence in the field. At RCAC, she currently plans over 80 trainings, multi-day conferences, and board of directors meetings.
Born in North Dakota, Susan currently resides in Sacramento with her husband, Robert Rice, and their two little dogs. She has five siblings scattered over the U.S. from Santa Rosa to Maine. Her husband Robert is a professional speaker and spoke on networking at our January Chapter meeting (see cover article).
How long have you been a meeting planner & how did you get started in the business? I got started in meeting planning when I took a temporary job at Scripps Clinic & Research Foundation in La Jolla, California in the continuing medical education (CME) department. After Scripps hired me as a permanent employee, I eventually moved into the CME manager position where my team handled all aspects of 12 to 14 large CME conferences annually held in the Western USA and Hawaii. My next position was in Michigan where I became Director of Meetings for the American Society of Agricultural Engineers where my department managed a 1,500 person annual conference and numerous technical conferences throughout North America.
I returned to Sacramento in 1997 to help care for my elderly parents. I was the meeting manager for several membership associations in Sacramento before joining RCAC in 2006.
SGMP member since: 2006
Why you joined SGMP: RCAC is a nonprofit that receives federal and state funding so knowing more about planning and managing government meetings is why I joined SGMP
What committees or activities have you helped with at SGMP, if any? I am currently on the chapter monthly program committee.
Have you been to a National Conference? If so, how many and where? Which one has been your favorite and why? My first SGMP NEC was in 2011 in Norfolk, Virginia so it is my favorite so far!
You received a National Scholarship—what was that like? Why should others apply? I was thrilled to be a recipient of a national scholarship from SGMP to attend the 2011 NEC. It was easy to apply and the tasks I needed to do as a scholarship recipient were fun and easy and allowed me to be more involved and meet many new people at the NEC. I was the moderator for two educational sessions and I was also required to attend all NEC activities and then write an article – about any topic – after the conference. I would highly encourage other members to apply for a NEC scholarship, especially since first time attendees and those who have not received a scholarship, have a better chance of being selected.
RELAY STATIONS
Do you belong to any other professional meeting organizations? I belong to Meeting Professionals International and am a past president of the Sacramento Sierra Nevada Chapter. I also belong to the Green Meeting Industry Council.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a new meeting planner? Get actively involved with SGMP and MPI and learn all you can from other members and from the educational offerings each group sponsors. If you do this you will be amazed at where your career can take you.
Best thing about your job: Working with the wonderful staff at RCAC and feeling like we are making a positive difference for rural communities in the western USA and Hawaii.
Describe yourself in three words: Friendly, helpful, perfectionist.
Hidden Talent: I can sew my own clothes.
Pet Peeves: People who do not plan ahead, which can cause lots of last minute stress for meeting planners.
Thing you like best about Sacramento: It feels like a small town even though it is not.
Favorite restaurants: Rio City Café
Favorite pastimes: Spending time with my husband and my family
Famous person you would like to meet: President Obama
Favorite musicians: The Rolling Stones
If you weren’t a meeting planner, what would you do: I think meeting planners have the best jobs so there is nothing else I would want to do.
Favorite movies: Star Wars
What do you want to do when you retire? Travel with my husband
Right: Susan and her husband, Bob with their two dogs.
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011
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THE KIT BOX: By Kit Gonzales, California Department of Conservation
"
According to James Manktelow at MindTools.com, to what do these terms apply?
• Reciprocity
• Commitment
• Social Proof
• Liking
• Authority
• Scarcity
These are known as Cialdini’s Six Principles of Influence that are used by people
skilled in the art of convincing and influencing others. Those people include
“compliance professionals” which may include meeting professionals! To increase
your influence quotient and learn more about these tools read:
When traveling, we sometimes mistake thirst for hunger, so remember to stay
hydrated.
Snacking, while traveling, also helps keep hunger and fatigue at bay and avoid
binging at dinners and receptions. Simply pack healthy snacks that you WILL eat.
From JWT’s Things to Watch: 5 Top Travel Trends for 2012 seen on Meetings and
Conventions e-zine at http://tinyurl.com/87udqwk :
1. Connected car services
2. Women-only hotels
3. Real-time translation
4. Smarter Check ins
5. Myanmar (the new “it” destination for you incentive planners)
SGMP SACRAMENTO CHAPTER ADVERTISEMENT RATES
Website Banner AdsBanner ads for the Sacramento Chapter website are available on a monthly, quarterly, or six month basis.
• Specifications for Banner Ads
– Dimensions: 520 pixel width by 90 pixels in height
– File Format: giff, jpeg or png
• Member Rates for Banner Ads
– Monthly - $150
– Three months - $350
– Six months - $650
• Non-Member Rates for Banner Ads
– Monthly - $275
– Three months - $650 ($175 savings)
– Six months - $1,250 ($400 savings)
Newsletter AdsAdvertise in the award-winning PonyXpress. Our newsletter is published four times a year. It is distributed to our members via electronic blast and is available for download from our website.”
Marketing Outreach (Membership)Co-Board Liaisons: Sandi Hartsock, CGMP (916) 376-3995 and Donna Seley (916) 920-7340
Chair: Renee Larsen (916) 653-3280
The goal of this committee is to recruit and retain members for the Sacramento Chapter. Committee Members reach out when a chapter membership has lapsed and remind member of the benefits of membership.
Spirit/National Education ConferenceBoard Liaison: Brenda Difuntorum, CGMP (916) 376-3993
Chair: Lauren Richardson (916) 376-3977
The Spirit Committee is responsible for building team spirit and coordinating activities for our Chapter at the National Education Conference.
Optional ActivitiesBoard Liaison: Robin Pollock, CMP (916) 278-6504
Chair: Open
The purpose of the Optional Activity Committee is to provide networking oppor-tunities for the general chapter membership outside of the monthly meetings.
This committee is responsible for planning and coordinating our chapter’s monthly program meetings. Specific duties include developing topics and program content, suggesting and recruiting speakers, and handling logistics for our meetings.
RegistrationBoard Liaison: Aaryn Val (530) 574-4883
Chair: Mary LeClaire (916) 716-1781
The Registration Committee is responsible for greeting members and guests when they attend a chapter meeting. Committee members prepare and collect name badges, staff the registration table, and sell raffle tickets during our monthly meetings.
ScholarshipsCo-Board Liaison: Kit Gonzales (916) 327-7602 and Erin Van Ark (916) 873-8096
Chair: Open
This committee is responsible for administrating the Johnna Meyer and Brad C. Charlesworth Scholarships which assist recipients to attend the National Education Conference.
Silent AuctionCo-Board Liaisons: Brenda Difuntorum, CGMP (916) 376-3993 and Aaryn Val (530) 574-4883
Chair: Open
The Silent Auction Committee is responsible for coordinating our chapter’s largest fundraising event for the year. The funds that are raised through this event go toward chapter scholarships and other chapter operations expenses, including our educational monthly chapter meetings.
This year’s event will be on Thursday, October 4th at the Lions Gate Hotel in McClellan Park.
Below is a list of the Sacramento Chapter’s committees for the upcoming year with our new board liaisons and chairpersons. If you are interested in getting more involved with the SGMP Sacramento Chapter, contact the board liaison or chairperson and let them know.
COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS & NEWS AWARDS
AwardsBoard Liaison: Robin Pollock, CMP (916) 278-6504
Chair: Pamala Corona, CMP, CGMP (916) 376-3994
This committee is responsible for facilitating the Planner of the Year and Supplier of the Year process.
CertificationsBoard Liaisons: Marie Ziegler, CMP (916) 657-5158
Chair: Open
This committee will assist members in achieving their professional designa-tions such as the CGMP and CMP certification by helping to establish study groups and exam preparation.
Communications Board Liaison: Marie Ziegler, CMP
Co-Chairs: Dina Fong (916) 445-0710 and Karl Baur (916) 601-5312
This committee is responsible for chapter communications and helps our members stay informed about chapter activities via e-mail, social networking, maintaining and developing our chapter website, publishing the PX newsflash, our mini-electronic publication, and our quarterly newsletter, the PonyXpress.
Newsletter Board Liaison: Marie Ziegler, CMP
Co-Chairs: Dina Fong (916) 445-0710 and Karl Baur (916) 601-5312
The Newsletter Committee is constantly working on gathering content and preparing articles for the next edition of the newsletter. We welcome ideas for articles that you think would be beneficial and interesting to our members and are always looking for authors and submissions.
Community Support (Fundraising)Co-Board Liaisons: Sandi Hartsock, CGMP (916) 376-3995 and Donna Seley (916) 920-7340
Co-Chairs: Kelly May (916) 376-3991 and Tasha Wilson (916) 376-3976
The Community Support Committee’s purpose is to give back to our community by helping organizations in need.
Joint Education Conference and TradeshowCo-Board Liaisons: Sandi Hartsock, CGMP (916) 376-3995 and Robin Pollock, CMP (916) 278-6504
Tradeshow Co-Chairs: Erin Van Ark (916) 873-8096 and Aaryn Val (530) 574-4883
The committee is responsible for partnering with the San Francisco Chapter to plan our annual Joint Education Conference and Tradeshow.
PonyXpress 17
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER Q4 2011
SGMP CHAPTER CALENDAR
March 1, 2012 Chapter Meeting
Location: CSUS Alumni Center
Registration: 4:15 p.m. Program: 4:45 - 6:30 p.m.
Topic: Regional Economic Outlook Update
April 5, 2012 Chapter Meeting
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento (Natomas)
Registration: 4:15 p.m. Program: 4:45 - 6:30 p.m.
Topic: The Psychology of Meeting Room Setup
May 3, 2012 Chapter Meeting
Location: Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham
Registration: 4:15 p.m. Program: 4:45 - 6:30 p.m.
Topic: TBD
May 16-18, 2012 SGMP National Education Conference
