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!

Lessons Learned

It is an honor to be invited to speak to the graduates of the USD Event Management Program tonight. As they are about to embark on their new journey, I wanted to share the lessons I have learned…

USD EVENT MANAGEMENT COMMENCEMENT
November 16, 2006

I’d like to share a story of my own – that seems appropriate to today’s commencement.

A few weeks ago, I was honored at a dinner for the “Women Who Mean Business Awards”. With almost 800 people in attendance, a speaker was introduced mid-way through our meal and given 10 minutes to share her wisdom. I can’t imagine a more difficult assignment – or one with more opportunity to fail.

The speaker was Deborah Szekely, the founder of Rancho La Puerta and Golden Door Spa. Many would say that she and her husband, Edmond were the founders of the spa industry as we know it today. As Deborah walked to the podium, the room became quite and at the graceful age of 84, she began to share her story.

I would like to share with you her message – because during those 10 minutes, along with everyone else in the room, I again was a student – and she was our teacher. What was so amazing to me was that her lesson was heard by every person there, regardless of age, gender or profession.

Deborah shared her life-lesson, as viewed from her vantage point – as an octogenarian who still works every day for the joy of it.

The message she shared that night was this –
Our lives are a reflection of our time. . . most importantly, the management of our time. She shared these simple steps which I’d like to share with you tonight.

Each week –
5 pencils in different colors –
Review your past week and do this:

• Draw a black line through something you did, that if you had the opportunity to live that week over, you wouldn’t spend your time doing. This is something that simply was not worth your time or that you could have delegated.
• Take another colored pencil and circle what it is that you did that was a LEARNING EXPERIENCE – something that broadened your knowledge or appreciation.
• Next, take another color pencil and circle what you did to invest in your PERSONAL HEALTH and WELL-BEING – for this is an investment in your future
• The next pencil will circle what you did for your COMMUNITY – how you improved someone’s life. It can be small, it can be big, but giving of yourself is a responsibility and a privilege.
• Lastly, choose your favorite color – and circle what you did with those you love the most. This means time spent with FRIENDS AND FAMILY. . . for it is at the end of a life, the time you spent with the people you love most that will define the life you lead.

I share Deborah’s message with you tonight – because her life experiences far exceed mine. Over a period of 60 years, she built a business and launched an empire with her husband and family at her side. The lessons she shared with us that night, are lessons that each of us have an opportunity to embrace at a tender age.

You have studied and worked hard to earn your degree in Event Management – and I can assure you that this career path is one that will bring you great satisfaction and professional fulfillment. As you move now into the practical stages of your career development, I urge you to consider this concept as a way of building your own legacy.

Never stop being a student –

Never believe that you know all there is to know –

Never fool yourself that the experience you acquire will see you through the many challenges you’ll face – your experience will simply be a tool and your commitment will be your strength.

I was honored to sit in that audience that night – I was humbled by the wisdom of this woman – and I was inspired to take her teaching and to learn from her lessons.

Congratulations to each of you – I wish you all the success you deserve and I wish you most importantly, a life well lived.

When “Family Business” Takes on Renewed Meaning

Our family has been blessed in a thousand ways. I remember people saying to my parents, how “lucky” we were as a family. My parents were married for 40 years; had 5 children and were able to share the joy of four grandchildren before Dad died in 1986. We weren’t feeling so lucky then, because he was just 65 years old – so young to us and so much missed to this day, almost 20 years later.



That same year, my Dad and brother Joris were building the office in which our corporate headquarters are located, and as I write this today, I sit in my office overlooking Mission Bay with such loving memories of their efforts. The best thing about a big family is that you have the opportunity to grow up together; to help and support each other unconditionally; and to nurture each other’s success. This is what makes the victories so sweet.

In 2002, our company was named “Small Family-Owned Business” of the year. It was an honor to be recognized by our business peers and a source of pride for us as a family. The greatest reward though, is in seeing our values as a family integrated into our values as a business. We believe in family – in soccer games and school plays; in sponsoring children’s teams and in buying candy bars and wrapping paper, not because we need it, but because the kids need our support. We keep toys under our desks just in case a little one comes to visit. We have babies being born all the time here – and the disruption to our routine pales in comparison to the joy these children bring to their parents and to all of us.

On August 15th, our blessings as a family were enriched once again. Our fourth granddaughter, Ms. Reese Marie Hanks came roaring into this world – born on her due date at the 11th hour. Her birth resembled the “race to the finish” we often experience in preparing a major event – months and months of planning. . . and then a wild and furious final few hours to curtain up. Our son Jason and his wife Christy raced to the hospital with just 60 minutes to spare – practically tossing Raegen (4 yrs. old) out the door to us as they re-enacted the Lucy and Desi comedy of years ago. It was the first frantic and exciting night of what we hope will be a wonderful life.

Family owned businesses are special – they are more personal, more emotional, more celebratory, and more human – at least that’s the way it feels to me. I wish my Dad were here to see this building standing tall 20 years later; to see his grandsons taking this business forward; to see and enjoy all the families who share our commitment and to see these four little girls “rule the kingdom.” He would savor every single minute.

Playing Hard at Work

I remember someone saying once, “if you don’t hear people laughing at work, be worried” . . . and I agree. When business is good; when people are excited and enthusiastic about their jobs; when they feel valuable – they laugh a lot. Have you ever noticed when things are bad that it gets very, very quiet around the water cooler?

We are putting more importance on team interaction than ever before. When things get busy, it is easy to put our heads down and focus only on the job – of course, there are times of the year when there really is no alternative. But when the schedule eases, we like to get everyone together and have fun. Sometimes, that comes in the form of a Fam that has been arranged to educate everyone about a new venue or idea or wine country tours, which are particularly popular in our office and always well attended.

This year, we started a new tradition at our staff meetings – FMOTM (the First Meeting of the Month) which celebrates anniversaries with the company; special commendations; birthdays; and a fun interactive teambuilding exercise. From TMM Idol (our karaoke contest) to guessing baby pictures, these are some of the ways we keep play in the forefront of our work environment.

Much of what we do is on a regional basis – traveling to the different offices and surprising people with ice cream socials, lunch brought in, piñatas filled with prizes and anything else we can do to keep the energy up and the satisfaction high.

A few weeks ago, all of our offices traveled to San Diego and on a glorious July afternoon to sail on America. What a privilege and thrill it was to sail the bay on this legendary ship, which is a replica of the 140-foot sailing vessel that started the most elite sailboat race in the world, America’s Cup. We took advantage of this great escape to present the company’s Bi-Annual Core Value Awards and to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of our very special Account Executive, Cami Irwin Reid.

At the end of the day, people enjoy working with people they like. Making it a priority to play should be part of everyone’s strategic plan. Work can be fun – in fact it should be. We are the people who put smiles on the faces of our guests – shame on us if we forget to put smiles on the faces of our own.

The June Gloom we normally experience was surprisingly absent and in its place an unusual spell of warm and humid weather. Piggybacking from my previous entry about my favorite summer time activities, I wanted to share some “cool” and fun tips about surviving the heat where it really heats up – the Palm Springs community.

Kelley Howard, our Account Executive from the Palm Desert office explains why the desert is a year round destination…

What’s Hot, When it’s Hot
by Kelley Howard

As we head into the Summer months and desert temperatures rise into the 100’s, don’t hop the next plane to cooler climates...stay and bask in the warm sunshine in our desert oasis. There’s much to see and do when the temperature heats up!

Top 10 Hottest Options:

1. 1. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, also known as the Eighth Wonder of the World provides guests panoramic views of the entire Coachella Valley and is 30-40 degrees cooler than the desert floor. Be sure to bring a camera for keepsake photos of the native flora and fauna.
2. 2. El Paseo, known as the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert” plays host to some of the finest shops on the West Coast. Guests enjoy exploring the Gardens while they shop till they drop!
3. 3. Celebrity Tours are always a huge hit, and our desert Oasis was the home away from home to many notables including Liberace, Elvis Pressley, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and the Gabor Sisters. Guests get a kick out of exploring the homes in the comfort of a climate controlled vehicle on their private journey into Palm Springs Babylon.
4. 4. With over 110 fabulous golf courses, Palm Springs is known as Golfer’s Paradise. From seasoned golf pros, to celebrities and Presidents, guests are in great company as they tee off with stunning desert vistas just past the next green. Just be sure to hit the links in the a.m. hours!
5. 5. Experience the desert in the ultimate comfort and ultimate style as you explore the San Andreas Faultine, Joshua Tree Natural Park, or California’s largest Lake; the Salton Sea in a state of the art HummerH2. Desert guides put guests in the know as they explore these geological gems.
6. 6. When the heat rises – rise with it! Soar into the dazzling desert sky aboard a hot air balloon at sunrise or sunset, and become immersed in the glorious vistas that await guests.
7. 7. Wine Not? Just about an hour out of town, wine country waits. Enjoy tastings, great shopping, and divine culinary creation at one of Temecula Valley’s famous wineries.
8. 8. For the history buff in all of us, the Palm Springs Air Museum is a non-profit educational institution whose mission is to exhibit, educate and eternalize the role of the World War II combat aircraft and the role the pilots and American citizens had in achieving this great victory.
9. 9. Ahhh…the spa. The valley plays host to some incredible spas where the only thing you need to do is relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with yourself.
10. 10. Luck be a lady? With five fantastic casinos in the valley, why not try a hand at the poker, blackjack or roulette table? Our local casinos offer more than just high stakes and some incorporate shopping, big name entertainment, sparkling pools, bowling, and fine dining (truly!).

Summertime in Southern California...

I hope everyone reading this has had an opportunity to spend time in Southern California during the summer. Having lived here since I was 9 years old, I am still delighted by the lifestyle we enjoy during the summer months. I don’t get to enjoy summer vacation like I did when I was younger, but I do appreciate the wide range of recreation and lifestyle options available during the summer.

We just spent the weekend in Rancho Mirage where the evenings were in the low ‘70’s and the daytime high reached 100 degrees. Though the desert can bring you to your knees when it gets really hot, this was one of those beautiful, balmy and perfect weekends to enjoy any activity that appealed to you.

Coming back to San Diego, I was reminded of the many choices we have here. Groups visiting during the summer months can try every beach sport. Whether it is sailing in a corporate regatta; jet-skiing on Mission Bay; hang-gliding above the cliffs of Torrey Pines or Trevor's #1 choice, surfing – the options and enjoyment are limitless. I am a great fan of local art shows and two of my favorites are Artwalk and the La Jolla Art Show which benefit physically challenged San Diegans.

California isn’t just a place to live, it is a lifestyle! And the lifestyle is never more robust than during the summer months. Just imagine, this week we are producing an exclusive event for a corporate client on the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. Where else can you host a “lifestyle event” of such proportion? The moon is full; surf is up and we’re going to have FUN, FUN, FUN just like the Beachboys promised when they wrote their songs back in the ‘60’s.

I hope you come to California – be sure to come in the summer . . . and discover the lifestyle that is like no other.

The Power of Working Together

We just finished a lovely program for The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) which drew more than 4,400 people to San Diego. This program was a reminder of why I love this business. From my first meeting with Stacey Budd, the Director of Meetings and Ed Simeone, CMP, CMM, Executive Producer with Fusion Productions, I knew I wanted to work with these people.

The true rewards in a service industry are the smiles of guests and the camaraderie of a team that worked together for months to achieve the goals of the organization. Inherently, everyone wants to do a good job. But every once in a while, a group of people come together who “CLICK” . . . whose styles are complimentary and supportive; and then, you have to have a little bit of luck. Since the theme of this conference was “Pillars of Perfection”, a reflection of the heritage of the Academy’s President, Nick Davis – I think we had the benevolence of the Greek gods watching over us. And added to this talented team was a fantastic hotel partner, the San Diego Marriott, and my favorite CSM in the world, Tim Cloonan. It was truly a “dream team.”

Despite the chill of “May Gray Days,” the warmth and success of the conference was evident in every session and every activity. By Saturday evening, when the Leadership Gala celebrated the week’s events, everyone involved knew it had been a memory-making experience.

My point in writing this is simple. If everyone approached their programs with this spirit of shared professionalism and respect, the success ratio would increase significantly. So often, people are looking to blame one another instead of support one another. Stacey and Ed worked closely with us to develop the events and the logistics for this program – then they trusted us to implement the details successfully.

This forum also allows me to recognize our team who were integral to the development and fulfillment of this fabulous program – Debbie Osaki, CMP, DMCP, Senior Account Manager; Ann Johnston, Director of Operations; and Dawn Gilday, Operations Manager. This TMM Team worked with so many great vendor partners to produce a fantastic program. The program would not have been such a success without the talented and creative support of Dani Evangelista, Carissa Buettner and Jim Lennox at Pacific Event Productions who worked tirelessly to support us from concept to conclusion.

This program moves to Atlanta next year, and our Network partner, Atlanta Arrangements, is well poised to carry this program forward. We will share with them everything we learned and they too will enjoy the opportunities this program represents.

It is a reminder – what a standard of excellence we are able to achieve when we all work together.

First Impressions Last a Very Long Time

You always remember your firsts…
And that’s why first impressions are so important!

It isn’t so much about the looks, what I am speaking to is how a person carries themselves, how they interact in new situations or how they handle meeting strangers. Whether for personal, business or social settings, your first interaction with a person could not only make a lasting impression, but it could also be your only impression.

I have been interviewing a number of people recently and it never ceases to amaze me how job seekers approach the actual face time with a potential employer. I know the business workplace has changed over time as different - and younger generations -converge together, but there are some rules or expectations I believe, as a business owner, remain timeless. The most telling first impression is the first interview. I know special tips and reminders for interviews can be found at the touch of a button, but from my recent experiences, there are some key points to remember that are worth reiterating:

• Be on time. It is best to arrive earlier than your interview time. Plan ahead, make sure you know where you are going and have correct directions. There are so many e-resources now (Mapquest is just one example) there is no excuse for not finding your location. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination. If you get lost or are running late, call ahead of your scheduled interview time to let them know you are lost, not after.
• Dress to impress. I know the idea of business suits and professional attire has changed over time as the workplace changes, but there are appropriate outfits to wear to a business meeting. Consider the age and perspective of the interviewer.
• Cell phones. Make sure your phone is turned off or on silent mode – do not place more importance on an incoming call than on the time you have with a prospective employer.
• Do your research. Almost every company has a website, which makes researching a company that much easier. Know who you are speaking to and learn some facts about the company and it’s history.

The most important thing to remember is to be prepared. As an employer, the preparedness and priority a prospective employee places on this first meeting translates to me how well they will perform in the job.

Right or wrong – my first impression has often been my last impression. What message do you convey when you walk in the door?

A Balancing Act . . .

We just finished a few wildly busy weeks that required everyone to work long and hard. It didn’t matter the job description – it was a time when everyone covered each other’s back and put in a great team effort, company-wide. We have a few more weeks at this pace before our schedules settle down. I have often been asked how I balance my personal and professional life and how I sustain my energy during times like this. Admittedly, it was much more of a challenge when I was younger and our sons were growing up. There were times I felt I wasn’t doing a good job, but I was blessed with a large family who filled in where I couldn’t. As a business owner – I worked long hours but had the luxury of flexibility to help.

The lesson I have learned is that the key to creating a balanced life is knowing what YOU need. We all set our needs and priorities aside to tend to the demands of our jobs and clients. When given the chance to take care of ourselves, we are often at a loss to make the best use of the opportunity. Do you know how to make the most of a few hours, a day, or a weekend and use it to replenish and recharge your physical and emotional well-being?

No matter how hectic things are, I have always been able to do this. Though my choices have changed as I have gotten older (more time for maintenance), the benefits of my self-care have remained positive. I am able to regain my balance, take care of my health and sustain my commitment to my career.

Take a few minutes to see if you can list five things to do for yourself – that make you feel renewed and revitalized. I’ll share with you the things that work for me – and hope that you will take this time to create a “recovery plan” for yourself.

The things that work for me:

1. Digging in the dirt; planting flowers; spending time in the yard and enjoying nature. Flowers in every form provide me a source of pleasure.
2. Art shows – not sophisticated ones in galleries but outdoor ones like Art Walk in Little Italy; Art Alive; La Jolla Art Show. The scope of talent and variety of art is always renewing and inspiring. I love sharing this with good friends.
3. Spa treatments – any kind!
4. Trolley rides; carousel rides; puppet shows and “fancy shoe” shopping with my granddaughters.
5. TIME – unscheduled – unhurried – relaxed.

We all have the opportunity to be our own best cure. Do you know how to star in your own balancing act?

My Hero, My Friend

A few weeks ago, I started writing about people I have met during my career in the Hospitality Industry who have had such a profound influence on my life, both personally and professionally. The first person I talked about was my husband Terry: how we met and how 35 years later, we remain partners in every way.

I must confess – there is another man in my life. I have known him a little while longer and he remains a “love of my life”. There is no jealousy or problem here, because how blessed am I to have a best friend who has been with me every step of the way since he hired me at Sea World.

Allow me to introduce you to Tim Brown. Tim hired me in 1969 when I applied for a summer job at Sea World. I remember sitting in my white dress; hands folded; hair in a braid and a demure attitude exhibited when this high-energy, athletic and may I say handsome man walked in. The rest is history.

Tim was my boss at Sea World; our Best Man at our wedding; our business partner from 1975 – 1988 and my life coach to this day. While working together, he always saw in me what I didn’t see in myself. He nurtured, coached, challenged and supported me through every phase of my career development. He was the one who pulled me “kicking and screaming” into sales. Since leaving our company, he has gone on to build another successful business venture, Meeting Sites Resource – an Orange County based site selection firm, with his wife and partner, Jennifer Brown. Fortunately for all of us, our businesses compliment each other, which provide continued opportunities to work together.

A lot is said about Baby Boomers and our habits. Well – Tim is one of the best habits in my life and his influence has been profound. I am so grateful for his friendship, his support and his guidance. We have traveled the world together, we have shared our children’s weddings, and we have buried parents and friends we loved. I am so blessed and grateful to have a lifetime of memories that are shared with a man who knew me when I was a teenager and loves me still.

Take a moment to consider – who is the “Tim Brown” in your life? I hope you have someone like Tim who believes in you; sees your potential and loves you for who you are. If you do, you are truly blessed.

Pay it “spring” forward….

We were recently asked how we were first inspired to provide community service activities for our client programs. For us, it was one event that sparked our interest in developing give-back activities and now, nearly 15 years later, we have found these to be some of the most rewarding and memorable experiences for our clients.

In 1989 we had an opportunity to orchestrate an extraordinary community service project for GE Plastics. During their visit to San Diego, they had five groups, varying in size from 100 – 700 people. Their goal was to design and implement community-based projects for each group that would make a lasting impact. They titled this effort “Share to Gain” and it was the most inspiring project I had ever seen. Our company helped GE Plastics identify the potential projects, partner in the logistical coordination and preparation of the facilities, and re-locate the children and adults in the various facilities for 1 – 2 days so that the work could be accomplished. We enlisted our staff and vendors to donate time and resources to maximize the benefit of this day.

Being a part of this project and helping to support the success of this effort created an awareness that everyone involved could benefit from these types of projects. Since then, we have developed programs of various proportion and focus that offers a community service aspect.

I think the most important thing to remember is that there are so many opportunities for companies to incorporate a give-back event into their program. Even if it is just one element of the event that is transferable to benefit the local community, that effort can make an impact. A give-back can range from the centerpieces that are donated to local hospitals; food that is donated to a local Food Bank following an event; an afternoon that is sponsored and supported at a local attraction for families in need; to a team building event that requires assembling or creating a product that is donated to local charities.

From all of these activities, it has become obvious that so much could be accomplished – not perhaps on the scale of our inaugural project, but day-by-day and group by group.

Total Package

To survive in the business world, the question that always arises is what makes you stand out from your competition. As with all industries, the needs and demands of our clients have shifted with time, altering the way we conduct business.

From the beginning, we have been defined as the innovative destination management company, and in the golden days of business, it was all about the presentation and the appearance of what we had to offer. Our chance to demonstrate our creativity and capabilities came in a perfectly packaged proposal that would hopefully leave a lasting impression on the client. The unique packaging only attests to the customized proposal inside. This is how they will remember The Meeting Manager; this is what distinguishes us from the rest.

Over time, things have changed where the lead time is less and the clients’ demand for immediate response is greater. Of course, with the ever growing popularity of conducting business via the internet, the change in presentation and packaging is now creatively shown electronically vs. hard copies.

Just the other week, our sales team prepared a proposal that matched the theme of the client’s program. Carefully wrapped in pink polo shirts and packed in a travel suitcase, the proposal was delivered to the hands of the client. There was something about the excitement and sense of pride and accomplishment exuding from our staff that made me nostalgic about the good ‘ol days. It was like returning to the roots of our business, and watching the staff admire the suitcase as their final product was sent off for delivery makes it all worthwhile.

So although much of our business ways have changed, it also comes full circle. Sometimes now, returning to the basics of how things use to be might be the one thing that makes you stand above the rest.

Our Lives Are Changing Every Day . . .

I remember when we didn’t have computers; when our company’s technology consisted of a Xerox typewriter with a 10 page memory capacity; when Fed Ex was revolutionary; and when someone asked us to send them a fax, sounded like they were asking for “just the facts”. Isn’t it incredible what has happened in just 25 years?

In the 1950’s, most women stayed at home and spent 2.5 hours per day preparing dinner for her family. Today, 70% of women work outside the home. I grew up with the adage, “necessity is the mother of invention” and I had an experience last week that brought those words to life.

I bought an auction item at the annual YMCA fundraiser. My purchase was for “Dream Dinners” – 12 pre-packaged meals that I would prepare and freeze for future use. Two weeks ago, I pulled out my gift certificate; went on line as instructed to schedule my cooking session; and chose my menus. Two days later, I arrived at “Dream Dinners” excited but not sure of what it was that I was going to do. Walking into the kitchen, I was welcomed by Steve Hall and his culinary protégées. In just a few minutes, I had peeled off my jacket; put on my apron; washed my hands and was ready to prepare!

During the next two hours, I worked from station to station, preparing dinners that I had pre-selected. The facility was immaculate; the attention to cleanliness and friendliness was delightful and my enthusiasm for this concept grew minute-by-minute. Two hours later, I had 12 meals that were fresh, healthy and ready to go. As I drove home with my cooler of food, I thought about why I had such a good time and this is what I realized:

• We all want to be good parents and preparing healthy meals for our families and friends is a way that we measure ourselves
• My experience was fun; friendly and made me feel welcome
• The quality of the ingredients and the finished recipes was exciting
• This two hour session enabled me to provide healthy meals for my family with a minimum effort and maximum use of my time
• The recipes drew me out of my culinary rut and inspired me to try new things
• I anticipated that we would entertain more because the work was all done ahead of time
• The price was right – great value for the product

Just think about this modern day solution. Necessity drove inspiration – inspiration drove invention. I don’t think my Mom would have appreciated the need for this service in the ‘50’s, but in sharing one of my Dream Dinners with her, she joined me in my enthusiasm and appreciation for its benefits to me and my family.

Business is business. Whatever the service, whatever the product – we succeed as a result of our ability to adapt and embrace the world and the changes that influence our lives. “Dream Dinners” was such a great reminder of this – and the dinners were delicious too! Bon Appetit!

SITE INSPECTIONS . . . What Really is Important?

Great site inspections are a “feel good experience” for everyone involved. There is a shared feeling of time well spent and personal connections made. A site inspection can also strike fear in the hearts of competent staff and significantly influence the decision of a prospective client.

I am often asked what makes a great site inspection. There are several factors to consider and all are important. More than any other elements– PREPARATION and ADAPTABILITY are the keys to a successful site!

1. Do your homework and get as much information as possible prior to the site inspection.
2. Set up your site itinerary in the most logical and efficient route to make the best use of time. Produce a site book with venues, photographs, descriptions and timing included.
3. Be sure to preview every venue if you have not been there before. Know where business doors are located (when venues are closed). Have phones numbers to call contacts if they are not waiting for you as planned. Know how to get there!
4. Determine the style of your client and adapt your style to theirs while maintaining a professional and appropriate appearance (the same options are not always available to you). Clarify who is the decision maker in advance and keep a close eye on his/her reaction to venues.
5. Before you embark on your site – review the itinerary with your clients and make sure that the plan in place is the best reflection of their interests. If necessary, re-design your plan and adjust your appointments accordingly. Listen to what is being said during the site and if new information suggests an additional stop, do everything you can to fit it into the itinerary. Adapt as necessary to make it happen.
6. ALWAYS have a cell phone with you so that you can advise vendors of your pending arrival; change in plans or delay. Clients notice when you are flexible; competent, considerate and in control.
7. Following a site, provide a complete recap of venues visited, notes pertaining to each and action items. Send this information within 48 hours of the site, along with a note of thanks for the time spent together.

These are the keys to a successful site. Be thoughtful, intuitive, considerate, adaptable and professional. Respect your vendor’s time and monitor your progress so that you can stay on schedule. Be sure to return clients on time. If you are able to manage all this (while being friendly and professional), you will demonstrate that you have the many skills necessary to successfully manage the client’s program. Good Luck – Enjoy!

Looking Back . . . Looking Forward

I walked into my career with “eyes wide shut”. I didn’t have a clue that the day I applied at Sea World in June 1969 that my life would change in a thousand ways. I was 18 years old and simply looking for a summer job.

Last month, I attended the funeral for George Millay, the founder of Sea World and one of the most influential people and mentors in my life. As I sat in the church and listened to the many stories of his colorful and extraordinary career, I began to reflect on my own. I thought about the people I have met; the ones I have loved, and those I have admired as a result of my career in the Hospitality Industry. Over the next few months, I’d like to share my stories about some of the people who have entered and remained in my life.

Some people might ask: where do you start? For me, the answer is simple. I start with a man I met within weeks of starting my job at Sea World. He was in Operations and responsible for the park functioning efficiently and safely. I didn’t work for him, but with him and over a period of months, I decided he was one of the nicest people I had ever met – a friend everyone wants. I knew I could trust him – always.

37 years later, he remains one of the nicest men I have ever met – and has been my friend; my husband; my children’s father; now a grandfather and always my partner in life and in our business. We remain partners in every sense of the word. The only place in the world where he won’t run into me is on a golf course – and that is my gift to him. I think he deserves a “Fabienne Free Zone!”

We don’t often recognize life-changing experiences when they happen. In retrospect,
I realize that I was truly blessed the day I walked into Sea World. That job became my portal to my husband, my career, and my life as I know it. As we have often remarked, “it was a good hire.”

Sooooo – on this first edition of people who have made a difference in my life, I’d like to say thank you to my husband, Terry Hanks. I can’t imagine what my life would be without him.