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!

SURVIVOR SOCAL. . .

Where is my “heavenly bed”?

Twice a year we bring our Leadership Team together with our business consultant Steve Wilders. At our summer retreat, we review our progress against our plan, make any adjustments necessary for the remainder of the year, assess the market, and re-focus our team effort to deliver a successful year.

As we started to make plans for this year’s summer outing – the theme SURVIVOR kept playing in my head. This year – our goal is to survive, to get through this economic meltdown and to keep our service and reputation in tact. The worst part of the year has been the down-sizing of offices and the corresponding personnel adjustments. These are good people, and we want to do the best we can for our staff.

So - what to do mid-year…how to motivate and inspire staff in a dismal business environment. . . how to have fun . . .how to get the work done that needs to get accomplished. . . and how to do it on a dime? Hmm - sounds just like the challenges facing our clients and the daily solutions we our selves are being asked to provide.

Early one morning while hiking Mt. Helix, I decided that our Leadership Retreat would be an adventure. Focusing on the message OUTWIT – OUTPLAY – OUTLAST, Steve and I planned our program. No hotel rooms, no restaurant or catered meals, no comforts. Our job was to challenge our team - to do everything for themselves and to do it with limited funds and time. Their only instructions r eceived in advance - they could bring a sleeping bag and backpack.

On day one, the team met at a designated location and was given their instructions, which included specified stops, photo documentation, buying all the food for the group and finding our ultimate destination in 3 hours, GET GOING. Once we re-convened mid-day in a campsite outside of San Diego, they had to make lunch, set their tents, compete in challenges and prepare dinner on an open fire.

Last event of the day – we watched the movie, Apollo 13 under the stars with a fire to warm u s and the lessons of survival, teamwork and determination to be re-learned.

Day two started with an early morning hike, a review of the lessons from the movie, more challenges, breaking camp and reflection. What have we done well this year? What are our greatest accomplishments? What can each of us do to be part of the solution?

The feedback on our retreat. . . – “one of the best ever”, “inspiring”, “fun”, “money well spent”, “the right message for these times” – GREAT TEAMBUILDING!

So, I always ask the question – what did we learn?

• We learned that $$ doesn’t equal fun
• That lessons in teamwork are some of the best lessons in life
• That we can get by with a lot less than we are used to
• We learned (again) to focus on our future – not our past
• We were reminded to focus our energy on what we can control
• Limit exposure to negativity – the world is full of beauty and opportunity
• Do the work – no matter how challenging, keep moving forward

That heavenly bed – oh yeah, that was another lesson. There is no place like home – and that night when we returned to our homes, we appreciated our family and our comforts more than ever. We are surviving and more than that, we are doing it as a team!

THE LEMONADE STAND IS OPEN

We had a visit today from one of our favorite business partners, Ray Gosselin, from Epic Entertainment. We have worked together for more than 20 years and truly value our partnership. As we sat and discussed “the state of the industry”, he shared with us a most inspiring story. He told us of a cancelled program that was to take place last weekend with name entertainer Terry Fator -the ventriloquist/impersonator from “America’s Got Talent”- who now headlines his own show in Las Vegas. As in so many cases, the corporate host paid for the entertainer, including the cancellation expenses. The predictable course of action would have been to cancel the performance. However, Ray talked with Terry’s agent and then with the commander of MCRD (Marine Corp Recruit Depot) here in San Diego, and together, they brought Terry Fater to town to entertain 1,400 military personnel, wounded warriors, and their families.

Now why isn’t that in the news? Cancellations are happening all around us at alarming rates. In many cases, there are resources that have been paid for and abandoned. If we can’t stop the cancellations, can’t we look for ways to “turn lemons into lemonade”? Can hoteliers make cancelled rooms available at significantly discounted rates to military families, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and other organizations that could use the assistance more than ever as donations and philanthropies have been impacted by reduced giving?

Consider the possibilities if you are in a position to make a difference. Focus your energy on the things you can control. Take the time to identify what you can do, how you can help, and be the kind of partner you would like to have. We have always valued Ray as a partner – and his efforts to turn this business disappointment into something really good and really special is proof once again of why he is such a respected and important partner to TMM.

Spending with Purpose

I keep thinking about this topic – and have finally decided to put my thoughts out there to share. Like all of us in the event and meetings industry, I am so tired of having people “shoot us between the eyes” when information about a corporate meeting or incentive program makes its way to the news. Is there one of us who has not experienced significant cancellation of business in 2009 as a response to “perception?" We are seeing dangerous shifts in public opinion and regulatory requirements that are driving change in the ways company conduct business.

An article published by the U.S. Travel Association clearly outlines the risks before us:
• Incentive travel perceived as a symbol of excess
• New regulatory restrictions
• Temporary changes in travel policy that may become permanent

What Can be Done?
What is our realm of influence?
What is prudent cost management and how can we best support appropriate disciplines?
How do we safeguard the reputation of our industry and products?

We must work together to define the issue and distinguish responsible meetings and events from perceived boondoggles. We have to define and educate the absolute importance of our industry’s survival because of the economic impact we have in communities and not to mention,the millions of jobs and families we support. We are an economic and professional force, and we have to work together to make sure our voice is heard...

We have to think smart; think responsibly; think with purpose. How do we maximize the positive benefits of our meetings and events? How do we make sure that every dollar spent has a purpose – and a re-purpose? Let me invite writers from our local paper to see what it is we are doing to ensure the shared benefit of dollars spent in our area of service. It isn’t business as usual – but it is business with intention and purpose. Educate; train; inspire; reward – and do it with conscientious and purposeful planning.

Make Small Changes Everyday

Post by TMM guest blogger
Trevor Hanks, CMP, DMCP, Vice President of Sales

Boulder, Colorado 1994 - I remember it like yesterday… sitting with a beer in my right hand and the Rocky Mountains over my left shoulder, on a sunny Fall Friday. I had a conversation with a young man (maybe 20 years old) and he explained that if we, as the next generation, don’t change our environmental practices that we will have to live with catastrophic change around us and our environment within the next 20 years.

As I looked at this dread-locked, slender built, interesting smelling and less than perfectly manicured young man telling me tall tales about far fetched issues that “will” arise, I said to myself, “this guy is one crunchy dude with a crazy imagination.”

Fast forward 14 years and he might have been the smartest “crunchy dude” I have ever met in my life!

Nowadays with terms like global warming, green house effects and conservation efforts, we have entered a new phase of life. All over the world people are changing and being challenged to live their lives with a new way of thinking – “Think Green”. From our day to day living and into corporate America, it is all about doing things better today for the health of ourselves, the earth and most importantly our children.

TMM, in conjunction with our vendors, suppliers and clients have made tremendous strides and efforts over the past 2 years to spearhead new industry standards and responsibilities in response to the growing concerns for our environment. Through new business principles, policies and practices we are together trying to improve the quality of life for customers, employees and global community.

Some steps TMM currently has adopted are:

All new collateral material is printed on FSC (www.fsc.org) regulated paper and soy based inks
Company recycling programs for paper, cans and bottles
Use recycled copy paper in printers
Offer an array of TMM Event “Green” options to include organic food options, “green” décor, transportation, entertainment and more.

One goes green by educating oneself and making small changes every day. Sounds simple, but in actuality it is an enormous task to perform for the rest of our lives. I am ready to take the challenge.

What I Know for Sure

On October 25^th, I returned from a 16 day trip to India and Bali, organized by Project Concern International as a Vision Trip. The purpose was to showcase the culture, challenges and successes of PCI’s efforts in these Southeast Asian countries. I was told by many friends that my time in India would be emotional, exhausting and exhilarating – all at the same time. And looking back, that is the first thing I knew for sure!

After flying 26 hours, my sister and I arrived in New Delhi at 5:30 AM and were greeted by Peter, one of the managers of the local PCI office. With flowers in hand, we stepped out into the pollution-laden landscape of Delhi at sunrise and began our Indian odyssey. Just 3 hours later, after a shower and breakfast, we set off on a 3-hour ride to Agra to see the Taj Mahal – one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. The wonder of the day was not the Taj – though it was magnificent and inspiring – the wonder was the journey there. For three hours, my face pressed to the window, we navigated roads overflowing with trucks, wagons drawn by water buffalo, auto rickshaws, bikes, and carts – anything with wheels and always loaded beyond imaginable capacity. The luxury of our transportation was stunning in contrast to what surrounded us. What looked like it should carry four people – carried twenty. This was my second lesson of the day – the ingenuity of these people to work with what they had was unbelievable.

Over the course of the next several days, we visited remote villages where humanitarian projects included polio vaccination, micro-financing for women developed by Nobel Peace Prize 2006 recipient Muhammad Yunus, and shelters for abandoned and orphaned children. One of the most moving days of my life was the day I presented a check for a loan to one of the women in the village. This assistance had the power to change her life – and I was humbled by the privilege of representing this possibility. We met with Muslim religious leaders who were the first to be educated in the benefits of vaccination so that children in the villages could be protected from childhood disease.

Traveling on to Bali, we were the guests of John and Cynthia Hardy – famous throughout the world for their signature silver jewelry. Since selling their jewelry empire, they have re-directed their talent, passion and resources to the building of the Green School, a global academy with students and faculty from more than 20 countries – their purpose to develop renewable resources and education that will leave a gentler footprint on the world and future generations. Imagine studying in bamboo treehouses in the jungles of Bali . . . it was a stunning and inspiring day.

So – what do I know for sure after the privilege of this trip? I know – that no matter how depressed our economy is, no matter how worried we are about our personal fortunes, we have blessings beyond measure in this country. Ours is a world filled with billions of people who struggle to simply survive. The beauty of this trip was not the Taj; not the landscape, but the irrepressible beauty of the people we met and their unwavering faith in wanting to improve their lives. Though I live half a world away – I can and will make choices that will touch these lives and help save these children. I am just one woman – but I have been in their villages, their homes. I have touched their children, they have touched my heart and I will not forget that I can and must make a difference.

IT&ME

Post by TMM guest blogger
Lauren Stout, Director of Sales

Once again - That time of year has come and gone – the time when we “pack up our wares” and head to one of my favorite cities in the world for IT&ME's The Motivation Show held at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Every year I look forward to walking around the show, meeting new friends and old friends and being able to see what our industry has accomplished in a year. This was my third time attending and you think I would learn one important lesson as I was traipsing through the largest convention center in the United States, bring flats! Although I chose fashion over function and stepped out in my favorite leopard high heels, nothing could stop us as the heels hit the pavement hard and another successful IT&ME trip was under our belt.

Some highlights this year included changing the backdrop of our booth, which got great feedback. We shared our booth with our Northern California-based DMC partners Cappa & Graham and expanded our focus to represent California as a whole. The goal of our strategic marketing alliance with this company is to broaden the scope of our service to include the entire state of California. This allows for a greater depth of client service and knowledge for all of our customers.

Those who attended this year's show would have also noted that the overall attendance was down because of cost cutting measures on behalf of many clients and hotels. While there were not as many representatives from each client company, we were still able to speak with a number of key contacts from companies in our client base, which is the most rewarding for us. As our business becomes less personal and more digital, it is an invaluable rare opportunity to visit with our clients face – to – face. I spoke with a particular client of mine regarding her upcoming program, and in 10 minutes we had an entire day and evening itinerary planned for her group. This is after months of email correspondence and back and forth trying to decide what the ideal experience would be for these attendees.

As the economy shifts and business practices adjust to fit those changes, we have seen new relationships between DMCs and hotels forged, and together we keep moving forward to continue the momentum our industry. For TMM, we had some very good quality booth traffic and the 2008 ITME show was an overwhelming example of “quality vs. quantity."

So Grown Up...

Does it make sense when I say, “I’m not feeling old, as much as I am feeling so grown up”? Admittedly, this is my perspective and it serves me well. This 2008 is a year of celebration for TMM | The Meeting Manager. In 1978, Terry (my husband) and Tim Brown (our lifelong friend) started this business together. We had all finished our tenures at Sea World and were venturing out on our own. With a work ethic and professional standard reinforced by our mentor, George Millay (founder of Sea World), we had little to invest in the business and not much to lose, so our risk factor was fairly minimal – as was our income.

This year, we celebrate our 30th Anniversary for the company. During that time, we have provided more than $200,000,000.00 in destination management services; employed hundreds of people; celebrated a multitude of weddings and births and buried some of the people we loved the most. We have walked together in the 60 Mile Walk for Breast Cancer, built thousands of bikes, painted art work for hospitals and tried to be a good citizen every day. We have had more parties than you can count; more laughs than we can remember and more blessings than we ever imagined. This does not mean that we were without challenge and risk almost as often.

Throughout this maturing process, we raised two sons who are now charting their own lives and success stories. Trevor and Jason have now made their choices and are setting the stage for their “life story”.

I was born a “nurturer”. Early pictures of me with my younger brothers always showed me taking care of them, worrying about their safety, picking them up when they fell. I see our granddaughter Raegen showing many of the same characteristics. There were unlimited opportunities to nurture and guide the people who became a part of the TMM family. Maybe that is why this job always worked for me and why I loved what I did. As I sat down to write this today and looked through old pictures, I was amazed and emotional when reminded of all who have passed through our doors – all the fun we had – all the work we did together. I had to stop looking at the pictures. I have always been a cry-baby too. Waterproof mascara is my friend.

We are setting a new course here at TMM - and with that course - there will be new leaders to carry the company forward. Over the next few years, Terry’s and my roles will be modified to make way for the next generation. Van will also bring to conclusion his 20 years+ with the company to enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle. Our greatest pride and accomplishment is that Trevor will assume the primary responsibilities for the company, underscored by his recent acquisition of company stock and promotion to Vice President. It is his turn, his time. Jason will always support his brother and the company, but in a secondary capacity as he has chosen another path for his career success.

Trevor will need a strong team – his team - to carry this company forward. There will be new and expanded opportunities that he will pursue. It is the right time – a sequel of sorts - for the new TMM to launch its next chapter.

Some people long for the day they can retire, while others never consider the possibility. I simply look forward to having more time to learn new things; to seek out adventure and make sure I nurture the important priorities in our lives. We have four granddaughters we adore and we want to be there for them in every way we can. Terry and I look forward to our next chapter as well with the confidence that what we started so many years ago has matured and is worthy of preservation. We have learned to celebrate life – to do it in big ways - to do it with friends, associates and family and to create traditions. We are proud of what we have built together and the traditions we have founded. We are proud of the work environment we have created and the respect we asked of everyone – for everyone. To those who have moved on to other places, know that each of you played an integral part in our development and history.

If I had it to do over again, would I? …ABSOLUTELY! Am I ready to pass the baton and support the next generation of TMM? …ABSOLUTELY! TMM is all grown up!

We’re Really Working to be a Fine Wine

How many greeting cards and slogans say – “you’re not getting older, you’re getting better”? I know all of us would like to think that is true, but as Terry and I approach our 37^th Wedding Anniversary and our company's 30^th Anniversary, I pause to consider if this is true.

As we launch our 30^th Anniversary and re-branding of The Meeting Manager - now TMM - we spent a lot of time reminiscing. Looking back at pictures I wonder – why didn’t we realize how young we were – how thin we were – how brunette we were? How do we not notice the “days of our lives” as they unfold?

We have surrendered to the constant marketing efforts of AARP and joined the club. It is a strange feeling to be “Baby Boomers” – to be included in the target marketing for active adults – WE HATE IT! I celebrate our milestones while finding it hard to believe that we are actually looking back on our careers and launching the strategic transition of TMM to our son, Trevor and the next generation of our staff.

We are getting older – and yes, in many ways we are getting better because we realize we can’t take anything for granted. Not our health, not our clients and not our historical success. We realize that we have to reinvent ourselves and our company on a continual basis so that we don’t age, but mature like a fine wine.

During the last 30 years, we have had moments and milestones that measure our progress. For Trevor and Jason, the simple addition of an electric stapler when they were kids made their child labor work so much faster. Five years into the business, we bought our first computer – a Xerox typewriter with a ten page capacity. Fed Ex, followed by the fax, and then our first portable phone changed the complexion of our business forever. How far and how fast we have come in just the past 20 years! Now, as I watch our staff respond to communication demands 24/7 on a PDA no larger than a deck of cards, I wonder what the next ten years will hold.

We have always been proud of our family and they have brought us the greatest joys in our lives. We have always been proud of our business because it has provided a platform for us to create a business culture we believe in and a means to support people and families so that they can live the life they want. As we come together to celebrate this significant milestone in the company, we are so very grateful – for every person who has touched our business and supported our success. To our family, our friends, our staff, our clients and our wonderful business partners throughout Southern California, we THANK YOU and celebrate with you this 30^th Anniversary.

Together We Make a Difference

I was looking back on this year to see what was on my mind last Christmas and was not surprised to see that my heart and head were much in the same place. There is no question that as I get older and our family and friends are blessed with such abundance, I seek out simpler ways of making a difference. I can’t deny that I am still a decorating maniac and that our house looks like a Christmas movie set, but underneath all the stuff, I search to make a difference.

The past few weeks have been busy with Thanksgiving celebrations and holiday preparations. This year, we focused our annual staff parties on the spirit of Thanksgiving rather than Christmas. With this priority in mind, we made arrangements to bring everyone from our four office locations for one giant community event. On Tuesday, November 28^th, more than 100 people gathered at a local military station to partner with an organization whose mission is to assist military families. We spent several hours organizing the warehouse, sorting donations we had collected, assembling care kits for wounded warriors, making wreaths and just doing everything we could to help support these young military families. It was a great day! Our message that day was “Together We Make a Difference” – and we did.

This is also the third year that as a family we have a new way of gift giving for Christmas. We draw names and choose a “giving gift” for each other that is important to the receiver. This year, Terry and I have funded many gifts through Project Concern’s Gift of Life program. This is the most wonderful program – and to see what a few dollars can achieve is amazing. I’m sure Santa will come visit our granddaughters – but he is also delivering “flocks of hens” from our girls to families in Nicaragua. The eggs that the hens produce can be sold or eaten, so the family can increase its income and consume a nutritious source of protein at the same time. Not only does the family benefit directly, but so does the entire village - once the family raises more offspring, another group of nine hens will be given to a neighboring family as part of a growing community fund.

I hope my sister doesn’t see this blog before Christmas because her surprise will be spoiled - but she is our inspiration and reason for helping to fund a safe water tank for an entire village in Central America. This tank will literally change the lives and the economy of the people living there. And Terry decided to buy a llama. Bolivia is the poorest country in South America where over 60% of the population lives in poverty. The addition of a single llama to one home can have a tremendous impact. A llama can help carry heavy crop loads to market which allows a family to earn more income because it can sell more goods. A llama can also have its wool sheared and sold to provide additional income for the family. Merry Christmas Terry!

So my holiday dream and my holiday wish is for each of you to consider the possibility of the difference you can make. I hope you find someone, some cause, some idea that inspires you . . . because this I know, together we make a difference.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

SCHOOL DAZE. . .

I’m curious . . . does anyone else find it odd that school now starts in early August and Labor Day no longer marks the end of summer? Remember when we were growing up and everyone started school the day after Labor Day? It seemed so simple. My nieces and nephews have been returning to grade school, middle school, high school and college for the last four weeks – so weird.

Our granddaughters Bryony and Raegen are starting kindergarten this year. This is such a big day for a five-year-old! Raegen has already started – and as you can see, she is “over the moon” about her first day of school. This excitement is probably reflective of her Mom’s love for education, as she was an elementary school teacher and has nurtured Raegen’s love for learning since she was a baby. The love of knowledge is an amazing gift.

As we all navigate the stages of our education, we anticipate a certain point in time when we finish school and immerse ourselves in our careers. Now, after almost 35 years in the hospitality industry, I realize that I have never stopped learning. This industry and all professions are constantly evolving and changing. The only way to keep pace – and hopefully to help define the standards - is to remain a student. We are fortunate there are so many opportunities for extended learning in the hospitality industry. Certainly, professional memberships like MPI, SITE, PCMA, FICP and others come to mind with highly regarded education as a primary resource of the membership. Two of my favorite resources – the DMC Network and ADME – are uniquely focused on the DMC industry and our particular needs. Carefully developed certifications are encouraged to recognize professionals with extensive knowledge in their professions.

I am lucky in that I really do love to learn. I take art workshops, mosaic classes, flower design, writing, management and leadership classes and any other courses that interest me and enrich my creative and professional talent. Years ago, I made a commitment to earn my CMP and DMCP and have now re-certified to maintain my credentials. I wish I could find time to really study computers – I am frustrated by my limited knowledge within such limitless opportunity. I’d just like to be able to use the majority of the features on my Treo.

My advice and encouragement is to forever remain a student. Study things you love; read books about things you like; learn about things you don’t know much about and always keep your mind and heart open to new experiences. Terry and I have been blessed to travel all over the world – and as you will see by this photo of Maasai children in Kenya – their classroom was the shade of an acacia tree, their teacher was an elder and their possibilities were without limit. I wish Raegen and Bryony could have been with us – imagine children born to such different lives sharing their excitement for learning. That is a lesson in itself!

My Head is Spinning . . . .

. . . And at times, I feel a hundred years old. It’s not that I feel old today – it’s when I look at old pictures – or think about how we used to do things, we all look so young! Last week, I sent this postcard to our lifelong friend Patty Blank who worked with us for more than 10 years from the early 1980’s – ‘90’s. We still work together on a variety of projects and spend a lot of time together – and it seems that all we talk about is our weight, plastic surgery possibilities, menopause and of course, men (our men). When I saw this card from our company archives (circa 1983) – I honestly wondered what we used to talk about. We were young, thin, healthy . . . who can remember what occupied our time then?

More than the aging process, it is the dramatic change in how we conduct business that captures my attention. I have written about this topic before - which proves how big a deal it is to me – but the one industry change that I have noticed is photography and how different our habits are now from just 10 years ago. I am sure I was one of the last hold outs for film-based cameras. Our son Jason gave me a traditional camera two years ago and had to look long and hard to find one. I remember when we used to buy rolls of film and pack our suitcases with film and batteries to make sure we could make it through an extended trip. Then last year, Jason convinced us that it was time to take the quantum leap to a digital camera, which we did just before a trip to Turkey (and yes, our friend Patty Blank was with us). I was an immediate and enthusiastic convert. Not only did I have the camera with me all the time – but I found it to be so easy and convenient to use. No film running out; no batteries dying . . . it was great. When we returned home, I spent a few hours online enhancing and correcting the pictures and then posting them to Kodak Gallery to share with our friends.

Now – less than a year later, I always have my camera with me. I take pictures of all of our events and send them to clients afterwards. When looking for items for a client, I photograph what I find and immediately send them a picture. Within our own family, we all share our digital albums which give us a chance to see what is happening in each other’s lives.

There is a lesson in this story. The photography industry as we know it has changed 100% in the past 10 years – how amazing is that? Professional photographers no longer control access to their negatives – instead, they now provide a CD or a website of the pictures they have taken. Consumers are printing pictures at home on their own photo printers – or sharing them electronically and ordering prints online. Kodak and Shutterfly have distinguished their companies as amazing online resources with capacities for producing customized cards, invitations and gifts within a matter of days – and you never speak to a person – everything is ordered and processed electronically. This industry has reinvented itself to seize the opportunities now available. WOW!

So – though at times I feel archaic and out of sync with all the technology changes around me, I am holding on with enthusiasm and appreciation for the unbelievable and exciting advancements that are taking place. I remind myself that change is good and rich with potential. It’s a life lesson – a business lesson . . . enjoy!

Once a Client . . . Now a Friend

When I first started this blog, I talked about George Millay, the founder of Sea World and the first of many mentors who have influenced my career. A few months later, I told the story of my friendship with Tim Brown who hired me when I was 19 years old and has profoundly influenced my life since our first meeting. He remains an important part of my life and I celebrate our friendship every time we are together.

We are preparing for a very important visit at the end of this month. In 1995, our company was awarded an exciting program for INTA, scheduled for May 1996. We participated in a competitive and challenging process to earn this business. How could I have known that as a result of that program, I would enjoy lifelong friendships?

Jude Duffy and Feikje van Rein are women who have changed my life. They taught me the “standards of excellence” that all clients should aspire to achieve. From our first meeting; through the RFP process; the awarding and development of the business; and the onsite management of the program – we worked hand-in-hand like a finely tuned machine. We complemented each other like peanut butter and jelly! I have often wondered why our experience was so special and eleven years later as we prepare for their visit, I am reminded of the qualities I appreciated the most. Some of these traits are personal – some professional, but all so appreciated:

• Jude and Feikje treated us with respect and as partners from the first contact
• Jude shared budgets; success stories; failures; and any information that would help us to help them
• Jude was true to her word – she did what she said she would with contracts and deposits delivered on time
• Jude and Feikje trusted us to do our job well – and their faith inspired us
• Jude and Feikje believed that work could and should be fun and we laughed our way through a year of planning
• When I committed to the 3 Day/60 Mile Walk in 2003, Jude initiated a fundraising effort on my behalf in New York - pure friendship and support
• Jude and Feikje became advocates for our company and friends to us

Jude and Feikje are coming back to San Diego this month – not for business, but simply for fun. We are celebrating a “Benchmark Birthday” for Jude and this is where she wants to be. Our “circle of friends” includes the one and only Tim Cloonan, the most amazing Senior Convention Services Manager and Claudia Wible, Director of Catering Event Management at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina– our co-producers and conspirators during the 1996 and 2005 INTA conferences. Some members of our original Operations Team have left our company, but their contributions and the fun we had will never be forgotten. Bill Van Ert (aka “Van – the loafer man”) continues to captain our corporate Operations Teams and Terry Hanks, an original team player, will also be joining us in our celebration.

I dedicate this blog to friends – friends who enter our lives as clients and professional partners and cross over to touch our hearts and lives. These friendships are few and far between, but the ones that last are the rewards of a long and fulfilling career.

Can’t wait to see my friends . . .

RESOLUTIONS . . . To Be or Not To Be

At this time of year, people are often asked to share their personal resolutions for the New Year. Many have given up on the idea because they don’t want to set themselves up for failure.

I believe in resolutions – because I believe we have an amazing gift that we take for granted. Our bodies, minds and spirits are miracles – our capacity for learning, emotion and delight is unlimited. It is when we get caught in the routine of our lives that we forget to notice the magic of it all.

Resolutions are the renewal of our commitment to the quality of our lives. Whether a resolution is to improve health; spend more time with those we love; or to learn something new . . . it is a promise to ourselves to create the best possible life we can live.
The mistake we make is that we often try to make a 180 degree change – and therein lays the probability of failure.

As I get older, I am learning that I can make a big change, but I have to do it in small steps that are manageable. I honor my health now more than ever before. I make good choices to support my continued quality of life. I spend more time with my family and friends – and nothing is more important than the time I spend with my granddaughters. They provide a portal to pure delight – pure enthusiasm – pure trust. I am working to integrate those wonderful qualities into the way I live. I am committed to living in the present and not dragging years of stuff around with me. The past has passed. The resolutions I have made – and the changes I have made make my life better.

I wish you a lifetime of resolution and reward . . . Happy New Year.

The Art of Giving . . . More Than a Theme!

I am a self-admitted Oprah groupie. I record her shows and treat myself to Oprah marathons on the weekend. On Saturday, I was watching her show which aired on Monday, November 27th. What would have been her “Favorite Thing’s Holiday Giveaway” show was something so much more. With support from Bank of America, each of the 314 people in the audience was given $1,000.00 and a challenge to return to their hometown to make a difference in a stranger’s life. Each person was given a video camera to record their experience.

Well . . . what can I say, other than it is unbelievable what people can do when they are inspired by the “gift of giving.” Two women turned their $2000.00 into $67,000.00 to support a family of nine, whose father has a terminal brain tumor. Their gift and support saved the family’s home, retired their medical bills and clothed their children. Another group of women turned this opportunity into a mission – and by the end of their week, with the help of major stores like Target and Gap, they had raised more than $200,000.00. A third woman, a teacher, bought shoes for every child (432 children) in her low-income school and then organized a walkathon, with the children raising an additional $27,000.00 to pass it forward.

I was reminded of the potential all around us to make a difference. In small gestures and in large . . . there are ways everyday that we can change other’s lives. Next week, our holiday parties are themed “The Art of Giving.” In each of our cities of service, our staff will work together to paint a mural for a local hospital – and that painting will be donated in their honor. This program, developed by Hospital Art in Atlanta, creates an opportunity for people to touch people. This year we are fortunate to be able to donate our murals to the San Diego Ronald McDonald House and the JFK Memorial Foundation of Coachella Valley.

People think that giving is always about money – but it isn’t. Giving is about the power you have to change the world. Your time, your talent, your passion can make a difference. At this time of year, when so much attention is placed on Christmas gifts, I encourage everyone to consider the possibility of the difference they can make. Whether it is something as simple as caroling in a senior’s home – to efforts as extraordinary as these women commandeered, I know there is someone waiting to be touched by your spirit – your generosity.

I am overwhelmingly grateful for the blessings in my life. It is a gift to me to share my heart, my wealth and my talent to help others. I hope you realize the same blessing in your own life at this very special time of year.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!