yule blog

Post by TMM guest blogger
Lauren Stout, DMCP, CTA, Director of Sales

I have been teased relentlessly at the office for the name of this blog, but in traditional quirky Lauren spirit, I think it’s hilarious and I’m posting it anyway. (For those of you who don’t get it, it’s a play on Yule Log.) Moving on…

It would be appropriate to write a holiday themed blog this month, and I was thinking of topics while I was hand decorating dozens of miniature Christmas trees to give to our valued industry partners this time of year. Then, with hands full of glitter, pine tree fragments and twine, it occurred to me – TRADITION.

Tradition is perhaps one of the most valuable parts of my life personally, and now,  (referring to the miniature trees above), professionally as well. I was raised in a household that valued tradition almost above anything else – we joke that my dad is “Mr. Christmas,” and to this day, I still consider him the patron saint of all holidays. As I have grown older and now have my own household to run, I have carried many of those traditions forward. Some are silly and small: “always eat Junior Mints in threes”, and some are more meaningful: give your child a new ornament every year for the Christmas tree that represents the past year. 

The tradition bug has carried over to work as well…. For the past several years, we have given our annual holiday gift of a miniature live Christmas tree. As each year passes, we revisit our friends – some have collected half a dozen trees over the years and don’t throw them out… some take it home and plant it. And some, go to the trouble of decorating it with mini ornaments. What they choose to do with the gift is less important than the fact that they anticipate it every year, and we are greeted with smiles when we walk in the door of their office carrying a mini tree farm.

It is well worth the glittery pine tree mess to be greeted with the anticipation of our valued partners and to participate in yet another holiday tradition every year.

the question is...Y give?

As I get older, I am reminded on a daily basis of how blessed our family and business has been.  Our good fortune has been dimensional – starting with strong, long-lasting personal and professional relationships and loving support.  When you have always had something – it is easy to take it for granted.

What does it feel like to not have your most basic needs – physical or emotional met?

What does it feel like to be alone?

Most of us take for granted the blessings and good fortune we have.  I have been involved with the Mission Valley Y for 22 years.  My first introduction to the Y was in 1988 when we were asked to partner with GE Plastics on “SHARE TO GAIN” - one of the most ambitious corporate/community service projects ever.   It was decided that between January and April of 1989, GE Plastics employees would renovate five nonprofit facilities--one by each of the four main divisions that would meet in San Diego, and one by another sales group that would be attending. Building renovations would be a particularly apt team-building project because participants could use many of the company's own products.

After considering twenty different possibilities, the planning committee chose five: the Copley Family YMCA near downtown San Diego; the Armed Forces YMCA, an antiquated facility catering to young enlisted personnel; the YMCA Surf Camp, an overnight beach site for YMCA's youth groups; the St. Vincent de Paul/Joan Kroc Homeless Shelter, a facility providing shelter for over 400 homeless people; and, finally, the William J. Oakes Boys' & Girls' Club, a safe haven for children of a dangerous San Diego neighborhood.

During the course of their five meetings in San Diego – with counts ranging from 100 to 700 people, our job was to identify and help coordinate local projects that would remain long after GE left.  Ultimately, this incredible company sponsored more than $1 million in supplies and the combined efforts of a work force of 1500 +.  It was the first example of “Extreme Makeover” – what a difference a day made.

Their teamwork – their common focus provided them an inarguable platform for shared goals.  It was good for the community – it was good for the company and its employees.

Since that project, I have always enjoyed finding ways to tie destination management to giving.  First, we designed our Bike Building event that has become an industry standard.  Then, over the years, we worked with the military to identify projects that we could promote and support.  This included MOM (Military Outreach Ministry), Wounded Warriors and other initiatives (With San Diego housing the largest Marine base in the country – there was always great need and appreciation.  Our many private corporate  events hosted at MCAS (Marine Corps Air Station Miramar)  benefitted MCCS (Marine Corps Community Services) who help the families of the military personnel.


On a worldwide level, I have had the honor of working with Project Concern International – an amazing organization based here in San Diego .  This year, we supported the celebration of their 50th Anniversary.  Using our company American Express points, we sponsored the airfare for a young man named Tobias Tembo to travel to San Diego from Zambia.  He is one of the lucky ones – an orphan child who was saved and who is now working to save others. He was asked to present the Humanitarian Award to Dr. James Turpin – the man who founded this heroic organization 50 years ago when he first opened an orphanage in Tijuana.

And, just last week, while the Board of Managers for the DMC Network was in San Diego  for our annual Strategic Planning Retreat, we prepared meals at our local Dream Dinners and delivered meals to Ronald McDonald House families to enjoy.

This is what I know to be true – we can make a difference. As an individual, a family, a company – there are things we can do to make a difference.  Look around and consider the possibilities – what is it that you can do?

i need it yesterday…

Post by TMM guest blogger
Lauren Stout, DMCP, CTA, Director of Sales

One of the most prominent changes in the hospitality industry is the reduction in pre-planning time for a program.  Historically, DMC involvement in program planning would be requested 3-6 months in advance, or longer. Now, it is not uncommon for us to get requests for program site, planning and operation only 30-90 days out.  The shortened planning window may sound stressful, but it has given us the opportunity to adapt our systems.  Here are a few things that are allowing us to remain continually flexible:

• Proactive receipt of information: we don’t wait for vendors to advise us of their changing rates – our sales team is aggressive in requesting all pricing from vendors, venues and suppliers to have it on hand for a quick turn-around. 
• Modern Software: Adaptation of new modern software helps us prepare our proposals more quickly and efficiently to meet deadlines… time is a luxury these days!
• High Impact Electronic Media: The advances in our software development have expanded our proposal capabilities immensely. We are able to produce proposals that are sensory and include not only still shots, but video and sound clips embedded in them. This paints the picture for any event that is right around the corner, and perhaps there will not be time in the planning cycle to produce a table set. 
• Early Operational Involvement: When the planning window is so close to the operational window, we are required to involve operations immediately from the beginning of the sales process. This allows for the most thorough transfer of knowledge and comfort level between our clients and our operations team.
• Educating our Partners: We have an obligation to advise our partners in the hospitality industry of the shortened planning cycles that we are experiencing, and also let them know what type of information is most beneficial to us and what formats are most accessible for a quick turn-around.

rentals, anyone…

Post by TMM guest blogger
Lauren Stout, DMCP, CTA, Director of Sales

TMM’s parent company is the majority owner in a local event rental company. The rental company has a diverse clientele and services weddings, local golf courses and social events within Southern California.  The added seamlessness of our in-house rental division is perhaps one of our greatest assets and what sets us apart in a highly competitive business environment (and.. selfishly…. It makes my job easier!)  Our offices are adjacent to 16,000 square feet of warehouse space, housing linens, centerpieces, lighting, tenting, chairs, heaters and a myriad of other special event rentals.  We are lucky enough to physically have seamstresses onsite that can create custom linens when the request comes in –or fill a last minute order.

The business advantages of the rental company are easy to see – flexibility, quality control and superb value:

• Supreme flexibility – Rarely does an event NOT have a last minute change or addition… when another dining round is added 2 hours before a dinner, we can provide a coordinating linen, chairs and napkins for it.
• Quality control – by managing event rentals we are aware of all products that leave the warehouse, and know their quality and accuracy of the order. If a client needs 300 fruitwood chivari chairs, they will all be fruitwood… not mahogany, red, and espresso (unless of course that’s what they ordered).
• Value Add– We are able to remain more flexible with the cost of rentals for our clients and industry partners. This is perhaps the top concern on everyone’s mind in a sensitive environment. It also allows us to make the most of the budgets we are given and ensure a quality, cohesive event within a wide variety of  financial parameters

While it is extremely valuable from a professional standpoint, the personal advantage is not to be overlooked. It is a luxury to have décor at my fingertips for creative inspiration. When I’m tasked with designing a new event, I walk 50 feet behind me to the warehouse and am presented with a veritable maze of linens, fabrics and chairs. It is an event planners version of heaven…

the power of personal hospitality

Our San Diego TMM Team recently produced an exclusive corporate event at the private, fifty acre ranch of Duane Pillsbury and Joan Embery. Nationally known for her television appearances with animals, Joan has appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, Good Morning America, PM Magazine, The Home Show, Donahue, Hour Magazine, Entertainment Tonight, and many others. She has hosted two series, Animal Express and Animals of Africa, which have aired both in the United States and abroad, and the Baby Panda and Challenge to Wildlife specials for Public Broadcasting.



At the ranch, Joan raises Quarter horses, Miniature horses, Lippizans, Warmbloods, Clydesdales and Percherons, and her California State Grand Champion Brahman Bull, Bruiser. She also maintains an assortment of animals which travel with her on appearances.

Guests arrived at her home – recognizing the unique opportunity . . .but having no idea of the extraordinary hospitality awaiting them.  As they walked up to the front gates, Joan rode out on one of her prize horses  to greet them personally.  She then worked with her team of handlers to provide a very personal and up-close introduction to her menagerie. 

With pride and affection, Joan continued to educate and delight guests with a showcase of her animals – helping everyone appreciate the amazing traits of varied species.  From the tiniest armadillo to the elegant cheetah... Joan ensured an evening of magic.
As the sunset waned and the stars came out, Joan then accompanied guests to one of the barns where an elegant and sumptuous dinner was served. 

What impressed me most this evening was the genuine hospitality of our hosts, the effort they made to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of their guests and the beauty of their ranch.  This evening reminded me of the “power of personal hospitality” – welcoming guests with genuine warmth and pride. It was an evening to remember!

“mama always said”

Post by TMM guest blogger
Lauren Stout, DMCP, CTA, Director of Sales

One of our most recent “water cooler chats” at the office was a bit deeper than the normal “post-weekend-recap-what-celebrity-is-dating-who-did-you-see-my-cute-new-purse” chat. We began reminiscing about the things that our parents or spouses and family have repeated to us (sometimes like a broken record,) throughout our lives. For some of us, these are proverbs to live by; for others, they are just now becoming pertinent during the complex state we are all living in.

Here is the “Hall of Fame” of one-liners from our staff that you have our permission to use for your own personal gain, motivation or simple laughter.





If you don’t find at least one that resonates with you, then you may be dead inside…

• Measure twice, cut once
• Your attitude determines your altitude
• God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason
• Do unto others as you would have them to unto you
• Tough times don’t last, but tough people do
• Always try to learn from your mistakes otherwise life will throw the same lesson at you until you do
• Never present a problem until you have figured out at least one possible solution
• The truth will set you free.
• The worst never happens

Is it the case that when life is more challenging you are more open to advice from other people? It is interesting to me that we tend to only have these conversations when feel the need for guidance and direction ---- we tend to forget the wisdom of others when we are on cruise control. How would our actions be different if we solicited wisdom of others even when we were the most sure of ourselves?

a colorful challenge

Post by TMM guest blogger
Lauren Stout, DMCP, CTA, Director of Sales


I recently had a very specific request for a client: to create an elegant awards dinner --- seems standard enough, right? However, the most important specification of the evening was that there had to be five different linen colors – all in very close proximity to each other. The five colors sounded like a lot, but the purpose of having five colors was to identify different teams for an interactive exercise that would take place later in the evening. 

Initially, I was determining how TMM could create the appropriate atmosphere in accordance with the inherent venue design. It was also important not to lose the focus of our pattern by bringing in so many colors that they competed with each other.

As we conducted a walk-through onsite, we discussed several different themes. My first inclination was that the color selection should be monochromatic to avoid visual cacophony; the downside of a monochromatic look was that it wasn’t bold enough.

Our design team decided on a color selection that encompassed the principal hues in the elaborate carpeting at the venue– a natural fit. In the end, we discovered that the most essential element in keeping a cohesive atmosphere was the simplicity and uniformity of the centerpieces.  Each dining table was centered with a trio of beautiful curved glass vases featuring an oversized ivory pillar candle. The glow from the candle light and the pin spotting caused an ethereal glow on the taffeta table linen and our colorful “challenge” had successfully been surmounted.

start the day with B.A.G.E.L.S

Post by TMM guest blogger
Lauren Stout, DMCP, CTA, Director of Sales


Perhaps my favorite part of my work day is when get settled with a cup of coffee and BAGELS – not what you might think. I’m referring to B.A.G.E.L.S. the acronym – my daily journal. TMM recently attended a sales training seminar and this was perhaps the most unique lesson I took away.  I find it personally and professionally enriching and I recommend it to anyone in any industry to give focus and poise to their day. Everyone knows that our work life and our personal life blend together, especially in an unpredictable, chaotic industry such as hospitality, and this is an ideal way to manage your growth in both arenas.

Keep a journal – may even be your office “ to-do” list or notebook – and as you begin your work day, take five minutes to fill out the following items:

Behavior: Your daily behaviors (number of calls, to do list)
Attitude: Something good about yourself that makes you successful
Grateful / Goals: What you are grateful for/ restate your long & short term goals
Evaluation: Evaluate yesterday, what went well and what did not
Lesson: 1 lesson you learned from yesterday
Success: 1 successful thing you did yesterday

This daily practice gives me a compass for my work and my personal enrichment, and it helps me continually improve my role at TMM. I can’t recommend it enough….

let's break the ice!

Post by TMM guest blogger
Darin Roper, Account Executive



TMM recently came up with unique teambuilding event that was really "cool".  The attendees just loved it, and as a teambuilding, it really "chipped away" at any inhibitions. 

We started the event with a master ice carver doing a demonstration on how these works of art are actually made.  Then our guests were required to create their own masterpieces in ice.  We supplied them with all the necessary tools and precut ice pieces.  Their task was to form a sculpture with the supplied geometric forms, and to use the chiseling tools to embellish it.  Creativity was a must, and no two sculptures turned out the same. 

Illuminated by the light boxes, the sculptures were truly amazing!  The guests were so enthusiastic about the competition, and our client was so pleased.  She wants us to replicate this event for her in....Budapest!!  Now that is one great teambuilder.

The master ice carver begins the demonstration

The team works together to build their sculpture

A finished ice sculpture

sitting on the other side of the table

Fabienne and Patty

I recently had the opportunity to work as a Trip Director for a high level corporate program in Barcelona, Spain.  I only go on the road in this capacity once every year or so.  Part of my motivation was the caliber of this program; the chance to see Spain (which I had not yet visited) and to work with my dear friend, Patty Blank who was responsible for much of the planning.

I was responsible for the evening events which included private dinners for various business units at some of the city’s most famous and popular restaurants; a dine around for 350 guests and two venues (including the famous Casa Battlo and Can Travi Nou) for offsite dinners.  The DMC services were being provided by Anne Karine Vogt and her company, “another konzept”.  I was looking forward to this assignment as I felt well prepared based on my 32 years in the DMC business.

Casa Battlo

Can Travi Nou

What became so interesting to me over the course of the program was to recognize the “markers” – the indicators – that our partner was really, really good.  As each day and event passed, I became less concerned and more appreciative of their skills and commitment to this program.  It caused me to evaluate our own company from the outside in.

The primary markers for my appreciation were:

• Key staff were aligned with key functions – i.e. transportation; daytime activities and evening events. . . we were set up to mirror that structure
• another-konzept was on-site at the hotel with us – working side by side to confirm, change and add services as needed
• The DMC staff was knowledgeable, well-known to their vendor partners and highly respected
• They were as flexible as they could be
• We worked as PARTNERS – addressing needs and challenges together
• Their paperwork was simple – allowing us to match up services and charges line-by-line
• I knew within days that I could trust them and believe what they told me
• We had FUN working together

So – what can I say about this experience, sitting on the other side of the table?  It reminds me to mirror our structure to match our clients’ needs; to stay close and available during demanding and ever-changing programs; to work as Partners; to keep our paperwork simple; to be trustworthy and yes, to remember to have FUN TOGETHER!

what do you learn when you are hanging on for dear life?

Last year – “Survivor SoCal” was our theme for the year. We trimmed our business and our expenses in every possible way. Projects were put on hold and our “In To Lunch” campaign was our marketing initiative for the year. 2010 has brought with it a cautious recovery, but we continue to take one step at a time as we rebuild our business platform.

Gathering in Idyllwild in May, our Leadership Team arrived to again review our progress against our Plan, make any adjustments necessary for the remainder of the year, assess the market as it is and to re-focus our team’s effort to deliver a successful year. I have always believed that experiencing personal and business lessons is far more effective than reading about them. So – into the trees we went.


Working closely with Paul Blanchard, owner of A New Team Adventure one of our favorite partners in Southern California, we identified our goals and what we could accomplish with the time we had. Though rock-climbing was #1 on our list – three people on our team had conditions that prevented them from participating at that level of activity( pregnancy + wrist surgery + bad hip) do not add up to rock climbing! So – we opted for another option - a dynamic, challenging and thought-provoking ropes course.



How to have fun – try something new – and learn about ourselves and our work habits. No matter our individual fitness levels – everyone participated in the wide range of activities. Whether on the ropes as part of a two-person team – on their own –coaching and cheering from the ground - or traversing trees blindfolded and directed by their peers – each person had the opportunity to explore the scope of their individual strength, fear , coaching skills and focus.


One of the most interesting lessons of the day. . . with each subsequent effort, we considered or recognized a better way to do it on the next turn. Each team’s efforts provided insights and tools to be more effective the next time – resulting in continually improving success. Now, how does that apply to our daily work? How do we learn from each other’s efforts?

Something else we learned . . . we make assumptions all the time. When given instruction – we add our own interpretation to the meaning of the task. We often make the assignment more complicated than it is.

Our work style. . . we take action before we plan. How familiar does that sound? For some reason, we feel compelled to move before we identify a strategy; gain consensus and fully communicate the role each of us is to play. How does that habit show up each day?

We learned a lot that day – we recognized our own self-imposed limitations and viewpoints – and we recognized that we influenced each other greatly. We had fun! Time to come down from the trees and get back to work – we’re keeping our balance.

how do you measure success . . .when the numbers aren't there?

Does anyone out there want to shout about the successes of 2009 – if so, please shout loud enough so I can hear you? It was a brutal year from a business perspective and one that forced us to make so many changes. But it was also a humbling year that required of us to do our best and learn some business and life long lessons.

The FIRST LESSON is – there are always new lessons to be learned.

The SECOND LESSON is that in the absence of “financial success, you have to dig deep to find your own measures of success - personally and professionally.

Let me start by saying that I know I am one of the luckiest women in the world. I enjoy abundance in my family, my marriage, my friends and my career. But darn it, 2009 WAS HARD. Terry and I thought the “tough years” were behind us - THIRD LESSON

In July, we talked about our Survivor SoCal Leadership Retreat, in which we didn’t even fully realize what we were going to have to face. Now, looking back, it is evident that we wanted to believe it would get better…sooner...and it didn’t. We have reached deep into the heart of TMM to re-design ourselves and to make every adjustment necessary to carry us through.

So as I whine about what isn’t . . . I think about what is. Here are a few of the measures of success we all share:

• Family and friends are long term, money is short term
• One good opportunity will change the entire direction of your circumstances
• Focus on what you are becoming – not on what you are or on what you were
• Treat each others well – your associates, your clients and most importantly, the people you love
• Pause to be grateful – to say THANK YOU – and mean it

As many of you know, travel is one of my greatest pleasures – and in 2009 I took advantage of the time I had (no business coming to SoCal) and checked off a few more of the places and people on my “bucket list”.

In May, it was a road trip for Patty Blank, Jennifer Brown and I to open up Patty’s Montana home to enjoy for the summer.



In July, again with Patty, my sister and nieces, and the women who were with me in India last year, we joined Project Concern on a Vision Trip to Zambia. There, we met so many wonderful people and women who are changing their world and their children’s lives, through self-empowerment groups.




Just a few months later, we were on the road again to San Miguel de Allende, where history, culture, art, cuisine and friendship blend in perfect balance.



So the final lesson we learned in 2009 - we did indeed survive! We remained healthy; we remained committed to our business and its future . . . and enjoyed a few special trips too.

It was a year filled with great memories of travel, friendship and fortitude. Our staff was wonderful, supportive and focused at a time we needed them the most.

I hope your year also was filled with successes – ones that may not be so clear at first glance, but equally rewarding and measurable when thoughtfully considered and acknowledged.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all – may this year be full of promise and performance!