Jersey City REC and Beyond

By Jenna Lordo, eventology
ISES DC Director of Programs
ISES DC 2005 REC Scholarship Recipient

One of my guiding mantras in selecting an educational event is whether it will provide just one good idea. That alone makes it worthwhile in terms of the expense and time away from real work. Both of the ISES Regional Educational Conferences (REC) that I have attended - the recent Boston REC and this year's Jersey City REC - have met and exceeded that criterion.

The regional conferences offer a rare opportunity to meet with other ISES professionals, exchange ideas, ask questions and make new connections. It is comforting to find someone in a parallel sphere of professional development with whom to exchange horror stories, share perplexities and muse about the next phase of dreams and aspirations. It is enlightening to talk with the seasoned pro and hear war stories that span decades. It is cathartic to hear someone else's impossible client story. It is pure delight to find yourself sitting next to one of the innovative pioneers of our industry. A delight I felt upon discovering Joe Goldblatt at my dining table.

Some of the benefits are more tangible. This year found me grappling with expanding business issues: contracting, marketing and vendor relations. I found three distinct seminars to address my needs. I walked away from the respective seminars with a sample contract from an independent planner, marketing and logo ideas and savvy tips on working with vendors. My creative sense wanted to get the inside track on inventive lighting and new trends in table décor. A lighting seminar provided a wealth of award-winning ideas and tabletop exhibitors had their sumptuous wares on display at the Expo.

One of the more savory nuggets in the lecture category was a presentation by David DeLoach, an ISES International Board of Governor and manager of special events for Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World resort. David wove a simple tale of in-the-news corporate moguls who slipped off the edge of personal integrity into the great abyss below. He then brought it down to a more personal level and the fine, ethical lines that we define or cross everyday.

As a Board member, it was illuminating to hear the challenges that face many of the other Chapters in regard to recruiting members, securing event sponsors, too-few-to-accomplish-too-much and other Board burnout issues. We didn't find all the answers, but it was a moment to reflect on the less than glamorous aspects of a volunteer Board.

The REC itself was a brief escape from details and deadlines. The beautiful setting of the Hyatt Regency on The Hudson provided a spectacular view of Manhattan and the sunset. We enjoyed an opening reception, a breakfast cruise on the Hudson, a festive Saturday night at the science museum, late nights at the bar and an ongoing stream of convivial banter.

In the end, I left with a newfound sense of camaraderie, new friends, fresh ideas - and yes - at least one good idea.

REC: A Complete Education Experience

By Keisha Sherman, Talk of the Town Variety Entertainment
ISES DC 2005 REC Scholarship Recipient

This year's Northeast Regional Education Conference was a fantastic educational tool. I attended several educational workshops throughout the weekend. I had the opportunity to meet Richard Aaron, president of BizBash Media. He explored ways with attendees on how to make their next events truly unique occasions. Some examples he gave us were through the use of themes, branding and creating by inspiration.

I also learned how to get the most from my entertainment dollar. If you do your homework before booking talent and always work as a team, "you and the entertainer will come out happy."

Despite great pieces of information available at the conference, the most important thing I learned throughout the whole weekend: If you surround yourself with positive energy, prepare for the unexpected and never be afraid to ask for help, "you will become the most important element in event planning."

REC: Lessons Learned Through Education

By Gloria Goldman, A Pampered Affair.

As a member, I've learned to open my arms to great experiences that ISES provides and make the journey of learning about the special events industry. This spring, I attended REC with great anticipation because I had been to The Special Event in January and loved it. Further, I had worked as a student volunteer at Event Solutions last summer. So I just knew REC had to be as good, if not better than these other industry conferences. I wasn't disappointed.

While I had been to Jersey City before for family occasions, I had a chance to see the city with different eyes, from the shuttle bus rides to the wonderful relaxing brunch cruise around New York and New Jersey provided on the first day. The ambiance, meeting new ISES members, and hearing the speaker, David DeLoach from Disney World, couldn't have given me a better start for a fabulous weekend in total. Relaxing and learning on the cruise while meeting new interesting ISES members was the icing on my cake.

In two days, I learned the importance of being an ISES member and working with other ISES members. DeLoach pointed out that it is integrity that sets ISES members apart from the competition. When we collectively employ ethics and professionalism in our work, our clients respond favorably.

I also learned to have an open mind and to meet others with eagerness to learn from them. Meeting new people and seeing how they interact with their clients, and how they work in their own industries, as well as in ISES, made me feel so special. I am very proud to be a part of the membership of this group.

Here's what a few other members had to say about their experiences at the REC:

John Sadaka, Director of Event Planning at Prudential Financial, told me that "The benefits of attending the REC and being a member of the International Special Events Society are the relationships that you nurture and forge with colleagues in the business. Regardless of where attendees call home, I find that I am always researching unique venues and destinations that will create new experiences for attendees."

Jackie Harris of Harris Designs said, "The educational lessons that I learned from attending the REC in were extremely valuable. One educational session topic offered how to work with a graphic designer. I learned some basic tips and tricks of typography and printing. The graphic artist can be a valuable resource and save you money by educating you in the different printing processes with the end result an excellent product that keeps both the business owner and potential clients in mind."

Cindy Thorpe of SSG events "received inspiration, friendships and a sense of partnership from being part of this innovative group of individuals who want to make a difference in the industry that I love. Forming business relationships through friendships, will give us all the opportunity to market our companies, increase our resources and have the support needed in our businesses.
I have made attending REC a priority for my company each year. "

David Fox said, "Meeting many out of state event producers and suppliers, we shared many ideas, thoughts and provided feedback to one another in a fun and relaxed environment. This in turn has helped me formulate new ideas and insights as to how event producers think and execute ideas. As a professional photographer, I am able to take those ideas and thought processes and interpret them visually telling stories through images of their events. I look forward not only to coming back next year as a sponsor, but I was also asked to give a presentation on "Partnering With Your Special Event/Corporate Photographer", based on direct feedback I received as a serious need from many members this year!"

I look forward with GREAT anticipation to ISES Eventworld® this summer. I will see the many friends I made at REC, learn from the top leaders of our industry and network - the important lessons learned from education.

An Unexpected Weekend

By Stephanie Lamm, CSEP, NADAt

I've always loved winning prizes, but somehow didn't know what to do with a two-night stay at the Marriott Residence Inn in Vienna, Virginia. I won the raffle during my association's holiday party last December. Upon returning to the office I discovered that my window overlooked the hotel about a mile away. Even if it snowed I thought that I might not avail myself of this opportunity and almost gave it away. Thank goodness a fantastic solution came to mind - School!

Stratford University, five minutes away on Rte. 7, offered a new event management course titled Event Protocol; therefore, the weekend of March 4th - 5th became a productive and fun investment. My accommodations provided plenty of table space to spread out my curriculum materials and besides, study time increased by not having to drive home. The best part of the weekend was meeting new people in the industry and sharing the other students' avid interest in the course. Each of us knew enough basics about traditional codes of conduct, yet some were more versed in the military, while others were more comfortable with the diplomatic and social arenas. Everyone seemed pleased with honing their knowledge and understanding of contemporary etiquette and courtesies. The course was truly a lot of fun, and offered an unexpected weekend.

Stratford University, Falls Church, VA and George Washington University, Washington, D.C. offer Event Protocol Courses.

Other events and sites of interest:

ISES Eventworld® - August 11-13, 2005, Hollywood, CA
MPI 2005 World Education Conference - July 10-12, 2005, Miami, FL
NACE Educational Conference 2005 - July 10-13, 2005, Orlando, FL
ARA The Rental Show 2006 - February 6-9, 2006, Orlando, FL
The Special Event 2006 - January 10-13, 2006, Dallas, TX

Additionally, formal education is available at The George Washington University, Stratford University , George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College.

Interested in More Educational Opportunities?

Our chapter offers monthly programs, Educational Toolboxes and sessions at the EXPO. Visit the ISES DC Web site for more information.