Welcome
Welcome to the online version of the ISES Main Event Newsletter. Browse the newsletter using the links to the left, or just scroll down.

ISES Is Like A Toaster.

by Vince Early
Thomas Caterers of Distinction

The toaster is a device that makes a good thing better. Sliced bread is a good thing, but for some reason toasting the bread improves it. Makes it something slightly different. Plugging it in, putting in the bread and pushing down the lever are the basic mechanics of a toaster. Toasting bread makes it hotter; gives it more texture and character.

The event industry is also a good thing. For many people, ISES makes it better. It provides networking opportunities, educational programs, a support structure and recognition programs. Going to the chapter meetings, getting involved with committees, and volunteering time, product or services are some of the basic mechanics of getting involved with ISES. It would be ludicrous to imagine a toaster would work by itself with no effort from the user. In that same spirit, one should not expect to write a check to ISES and have all of the benefits of membership to just fall in one’s lap. You have to put something into it to get something out of it.

Elisa MacKenzie, CSEP, of Elegant Events by Elisa, LLC of Taylor Mill, KY, finds many ways to realize value in her ISES membership. “I remain in ISES because of the support structure that the organization and it's members provide...a peer based organization where I can learn, grow, share, contribute and be recognized. What more can you ask for?”

Some find ISES a great way to break into a new market. “I was new in the industry and the Minneapolis area,” says Heather Henderson, CSEP, Director of Catering & Events at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, MN. “I joined ISES to network, learn from area industry professionals and meet new people. I have stayed, mostly, because of the people and friends I have made. I do most of my business with fellow ISES members and it makes life much easier and less stressful!”

You don’t have to be a CSEP with years of membership under your belt to realize the value to be gained from ISES. Sarah Bean is the Building Rental & Events Manager for the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis, IN, and is in her first year of ISES membership. She joined, “To be able to network with fellow professionals in my industry and to stay up to date on current trends. [With ISES] I'm able to market myself — to create hose relationships with other ISES members and their organizations to help sell myself as an event location.”

Vince Early

Networking, support, recognition, marketing and professional development all lead up to increased business and, in some cases, being able to stay in business. Gene Huddleston of Detail + Design in Indianapolis, IN, was ready to pack up and look for a new location from which to operate. “Six years ago… I gave it one last shot. I completely decorated a lunch [for ISES], acted as a featured member, basically put myself on the line and went for it. Now, six years later, my business is thriving and growing. I owe a large THANK-YOU to ISES for this. Once I got my face and style out there it was up to me to work it. I did this by getting involved with committees and volunteering my time and product when ever I could. Basically the old phrase ‘You get out what you put in’ holds very true here.”

Whether you are looking for networking or educational opportunities, a support structure or recognition, (either finish this sentence with a declaration such as “ISES is the answer” or begin the sentence with “You could be”). You may be new to the industry or a long time industry professional. The bottom line is, ISES will help your business grow. It works – if you work it! Go to the meetings, join committees, volunteer your time and product. Get your toaster out of the box and push down that lever.

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Save The Date For These Upcoming Events
The Upcoming 2004 Event Schedule for ISES Indiana
Mark your calendars!

• March 24 – PACE Awards at Talbott Street.
• April 21 - Luncheon Meeting, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  Speaker: Bob Estrin of Creative Event Technology from Los Angeles
  Topic: Event Safety & Security
• May 19 - “Create your own event” Luncheon at Party Time Rental
• June 16 - Luncheon Meeting, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• July 21 - Luncheon Meeting, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Save some money and pick up a SIX PACK!
ISES is proud to offer a convenient package to its members. Instead of paying at each monthly meeting you can now prepay for any six monthly meetings and save $20! Get on www.isesindiana.com to register.

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The Entries Are In, Now It Is Time To RSVP!

That is right, there were 42 entries turned in for contention for a PACE Award on March 24th at Talbott Street. There is a lot of competition in each of the categories, so come and see the best of the best. The hype of the event is here and invites will be out this week.

Tickets are just $45, $55 for a patron level that guarantees a seat, and you can have a table area for 10 for $550. Table space is limited, so RSVP soon! You can RSVP by phone to the ISES Indiana Office at (317) 841-9525 or online at www.isesindiana.com. Any questions contact Casey Scott at (317)924-3389 or casey.scott@hoaglinfinecatering.com.

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Are You A New Member?

Every monthly luncheon will have a new member orientation meeting prior to the luncheon to get you up to pace on all the benefits you get with being a member! Kari Strolberg is our new Membership Director and she is starting up some fun new ideas to help our members get all the benefits of the organization. So new members come early to the next luncheon and gain some valuable information on ISES.

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Upcoming CSEP Study Dates And Topics At The Scottish Rite Cathedral

Please email Vince Early CSEP for questions at vince@thomascaterers.com or call at 317.542.8333

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ISES Eventworld 2004 – A Conference For Professional Development

August 13 - August 15 2004 Hyatt Regency, Chicago, Illinois

ISES Eventworld 2004 – a Conference for Professional Development - is the industry-standard event for improving your proficiency and knowledge, and inspiring innovation.

ISES Eventworld 2004 is the premier continuing education event for the special events industry. This prestigious international conference is a must for all event professionals. In today's competitive and dynamic environment, many professionals are looking for ways to be a step ahead of their competitors. ISES Eventworld 2004 has the tools to help you stay ahead!

ISES Eventworld 2004 will help you sharpen your skills and put you in touch with other special events professionals who share your passion for excellence.

• Inspired by nationally-renowned speakers
• Challenged by leading-edge event professionals presenting on the latest trends and ideas
• Motivated by new and refreshing ideas
• Informed on financial management and other administrative topics
• Equipped with a better understanding and more knowledge about the special events industry on an international scale
• Energized through making new contacts with peers and professionals from around the world

Don't Miss ISES Eventworld 2004 – A Conference for Professional Development!

ISES Members - look for registration materials available in May 2004!

For more information visit www.ises.com

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ISES Member Profile
Garnet Vaughan, SCMD

Garnet has been an ISES member for five years. During that time she reworked the ISES newsletter program to prepare for transition to the current electronic incarnation.

In her professional life, Garnet wears two hats: she has been an independent marketing consultant for 11 years and a venue owner for four.

Garnet's consulting business is called THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT. She works personally with her clients to help them developed fully-integrated marketing plans that will enhance their business productivity. That can include strategies for market research, advertising, special events, sponsorship and public relations. Locally her projects have included the public relations for Castleton Square and Circle Center, as well as the Grand Opening for the recently renovated Glendale Mall.

Garnet discovered her love of special events during her tenure with the Simon organization. During that time she was responsible for mall grand openings, which included everything from VIP dinners and ribbon cutting ceremonies, to 10k runs to hot air balloon races, and she also managed the Grand Opening of Greenwood Park Mall as its Marketing Director.

In 1998 Garnet blended her love of real estate and special events by purchasing a property in Greenwood and converting it to a venue for private parties and meetings. The 1912 historic home sits on three naturally landscaped acres just south of Greenwood Park Mall and only five minutes from I-65.

Garnet named the property Winchester Place, after the family that lived there and raised swans, for which the locals named the property "swan lake." As a venue, Garnet calls it "The Natural Place for Special Occasions." Winchester Place provides indoor and outdoor settings for corporate and social events. The grounds are best suited for tented events up to 150. The home accommodates up to 100 people for an open house event and 42 for a sit down meal function.

Garnet believes there are a few distinct advantages to having an event at Winchester Place: the gardens, which feature a gazebo and pond surrounded by glorious old weeping willow trees, provide a beautiful setting for any special event. The house, still set up like a home, provides businesses and families a very intimate event venue. And whether your function is indoors or out, you have complete catering flexibility.

While not marketing for others or managing the property, Garnet has served the community as a member of the Local Organizing Committee for the NCAA Final Four and she is currently working on the 2004 Big Ten Basketball Tournament. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Information and Referral Network, a United Way Agency that facilitates communications between people who need human services and those who provide them, and is a member of the Greenwood Redevelopment Commission.

Her parting words for this profile: If you are already an ISES member, maximize your investment by activating your membership. Get involved. Go to the meetings. Sit next to someone you don't know. Find out how you can work together for mutual rewards. If you are not a member, join now. The new ISES membership program gives you an opportunity to join now and only pay prorated dues-just $199. And if you are reading this and haven't ever been to an ISES Indiana meeting, mark your calendar for March 24 and plan to join us for the annual PACE Awards recognizing excellence in special events of all shapes and sizes. It will be grand

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Welcome New ISES Members

Cynthia Buswell, Impact Group
Geryl Elmore, We’re At Your Service Concierge
Debra Galbreath
Coby Palmer, Coby Palmer Designs
Tracy Weed, Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
Micki Zukunft, Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce

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