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Feature Articles
Join a Committee!
News from MPI
2008 Annual Education Conference
Education Update CMP Exam Information
Award Winners
VAMPI Stars of the Month
Member News
CMP Quiz
Career Opportunities
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2008-2009 Board of Directors
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The new Board of Directors was installed at the June 5th Awards Banquet. Please welcome VAMPI's new leadership:
President Stephen Scarborough President-Elect Donna Carver-Bolan
VP Finance Jim Bostic
VP Education Allison Boehm
VP Communications Kristy Archer-Geiger, CMP
VP Membership Lauran Dangler
Dir. Sponsorships Sandee Swearingen
Dir. Fundraising & Special Events Linda Worthington
Dir. Monthly Meetings Linné DiIorio Dir. Recruitment Maggie Kohne
Dir. Member Care Jack Stinnett
Immediate Past President Anita Chapman, CMP
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Twelve Technology Trends in the Meetings and Events Market
©2007 Corbin Ball Associates
Technology continues to advance at exponential rates and is changing the face of the MICE industry in astonishing ways. We will see many developments in the next few years. Read On.
What Can MPI Members Learn from "The Sam Walton Way?"
Reprinted with permission from
Michael Bergdahl, International Speaker / Author / Wal-Mart Competition Authority
I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with, and around, Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart. That's how I learned that “The Sam Walton Way” IS “The Wal-Mart Way.” What's interesting about Sam Walton is that he was an ordinary man who accomplished the truly extraordinary through vision, hard work, and a never- say-die attitude. Read On
Chapter-Wide Recruitment Challenge
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Congratulations to Christi Ruddy, CMP, winner of VAMPI's Chapter-Wide Recruitment Challenge. Christi recruited 2 new members to join VAMPI between July 1, 2007 and May 30, 2008 |
Join a Committee!
Have a talent or interest that could help the chapter? Download the committee interest form from the VAMPI website
News from MPI
WEC; August 9 – 12, 2008, Las Vegas
CMM Program; October 18 – 23, 2008, Dallas
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Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Exam Information
CMP certification is a proven way to improve your performance in the industry in which you earn your living and are directing your future. It can also increase your opportunities for advancement and greater financial rewards. It does require time and study, however. In our area over ninety-five percent of our study group students pass the exam. Applications for the August 2008 exam must be submitted to CIC by April 9, 2008. There is still time to join a study group in Richmond or Tidewater! Take the CMP quiz on the left side of the page for practice! Read on...
CMP Quiz
CONVENTION CENTER FACILITIES
1. For a very large meeting, how far in advance should your first planning meeting occur?:
a. 18 months b. 12 months c. 9 months d. 6 months 2. All of the following should be included in a function sheet except:
a. Day and date of meeting; b. Name and number of each function; c. Meeting room names; d. Names of speakers
3. Communication is the key to a successful meeting. The 3 rules of good ommunication are:
a. Timely, frequently, written; b. Early, often, written c. Timely, often, written
4. Event orders or BEO's are typically distributed to all key departments how long prior to the groups arrival?
a. Within 2 weeks; b. 1 week c. Within 3 weeks d. 1 month
5. A meeting resume contains all of the following except:
a. Group history; b. Meeting objectives c. Billing arrangements; d. Rooming list
6. A function sheet
a. is a chronological outline of events scheduled to take place before, during and after your meeting; b.Details the food and beverage requirments of your food functions ; c. Describes which staff member is responsible for what function during your meeting; d. Describes the function of the meeting from the point of view of your audience 7. What is the first thing you should clarify when a Convention Services Manager has been assigned to your event?
a. Years of experience/background; b. Level of authority; c. Level of supervision ; d. Number of groups under his/her responsibility
8. Which of the following is the least important trait of a professional CSM?
a. Begins working with you as soon as the meeting is booked; b. Has the authority to get things done; c. Anticipates problems and has solutions; d. Covers your meeting 24 hours
9. At the pre-con briefing with the facility's staff you discover that because of remodeling, your required number of break-out rooms are not available. With whom should you resolve this situation?
a. Your sales manager; b. Your catering manager; c. Your convention services manager; d. The general manager
10. The purpose of a pre-convention meeting is to:
a. Inform the hotel staff about your meeting requirements; b. Inform the registration staff about your meeting requirements; c. Reconfirm all written and verbal arrangements of the meeting arrangements with the appropriate persons; d. Inform your staff about the meeting requirements
11. Your meeting starts on Wednesday. When would be the preferred time to hold your pre-con meeting with the hotel?
a. Tuesday at 10:00 am; b. Monday at 10:00 am; c. Sunday at 10:00 am; d. Wednesday at 10:00 am
click here for answers
Virginia Views
SGMP Announces Sadler as Interim Executive Director (Alexandria, VA) — On April 29, 2008, the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) National Board of Directors appointed Mr. Charles Sadler as the Interim Executive Director of SGMP. Mr. Sadler wil serve in this position until further notice. Mr. Carl C. Thompson, Execuitve Director of SGMP, has retired from his porition due to health reasons. Mr. Thompson, a founding member, former National President, Former National 2nd Vice President, and the first Executive Directo for the association, has dedicated more than 27 years to SGMP and the Government meetings community. He will be missed and we wish him all the best. All questions regarding SGMP's operations can be addressed to either Mr. Sadler or Ms. Melody Kebe, National President, SGMP. "SGMP is fortunate to have someone with Charles' qualifications and experience ready to step in to serve as Interim Executive Director SGMP is at a critical point and will benefit from his experience and leadership," said Ms. Kebe. "I have no doubt that he will contribute significantly during this transiion period in our society." ### |
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Letter From the President, By Anita Chapman, CMP
Dear Fabulous VAMPI Membership,
It has been an absolute pleasure serving as your President this year. In many ways it feels I just took over the position….time flies when you are having fun! Among our many professional accomplishments, we did manage to have a fantastic time. Of course, I can always count on this group for a cold beverage, lots of food and big belly laughs.
Of course since this is my last Presidential Letter, I would like to recap some details of our chapter. As we enter the month of June, we have 228 VAMPI members and 13 affiliates; bringing our total membership to 241. Our retention has been extremely strong and we have maintained one of the leaders of MPI!
The results of the satisfaction survey showed that on a scale from 1 (being poor) to 6 (extremely satisfied), our VAMPI Chapter was one of the top chapters, scoring 5.54%. This survey was driven on how we are meeting our memberships Educational and Networking needs and clearly our team has done a wonderful job in doing so this year. The educational programs were stellar.
Our chapter made a “GREEN” move in putting our newsletter on our website and I can tell you from personal experience, I do not miss the paper. Although, I anticipate you will see many changes in the upcoming year on our website, kudos to the web team in helping it grow as much as it has this year.
The fundraising events this year were so fun and super successful! The benchmark is set high for next year.
It has been said many times over, that the only thing constant in life is change. Sometimes we need to change in order to grow. I am extremely confident in the upcoming Board of Directors. I know they will take VAMPI to the next level of success.
I would like to personally thank all of the wonderful venues that hosted our events this year and the sponsors that supported us, each and every Board Member, Committee Chairperson and those members that volunteered to be on a committee, Mary and Tricia Cavallo with PAC Event Management, both of which have been extremely patient in learning our needs and most especially my right hand man, Stephen Scarbourough…Thank you all!
For now, I gotta run!
Anita Chapman, CMP
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2008 Annual Education Conference
July 16-28, 2008
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Become a sponsor of the Annual Conference! Join the growing list of sponsors and be recognized at our largest meeting of the year.
"Where is Technology When You Need it?" |
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Feature Articles |
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Conference Summary, by Susan Elam
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Every time I look at the topic for this year's 18 th Annual Educational Conference I am amazed at how much we depend on our computers, laptops, cell phones, and Blackberry.
What would you do in a crisis if there was no service? Are there other places we can go to find the answers? What is the best way to use the technology we have at our fingertips every day? All of these questions were part of our thought process as we began our plans for your educational conference. Read on for more information. |
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Emergency Preparedness and IT Panel: Are YOU Prepared or NOT Prepared, by Allison Boehm |
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As a meeting planner or supplier, have you ever been faced with an emergency or natural disaster? Read On for details on this panel. |
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Michael C. Anthony ‘Male Entertainer of the Year' Guest afternoon speaker Thursday, July 17th
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Michael is an award winning speaker and entertainer. His keynote, Use Your Brain for a Change is an entertaining and thought provoking journey of fun and discovery.
Michael blends his content with his amazing comedy mind reading show. Audience members will be amazed as Michael guesses words people are only thinking of, he can tell people anything from what they had for breakfast to the kind of car they drive. As a finale Michael will read the thoughts of an audience member's friend via their cell phone.
“He left everyone laughing and talking about his show for a long time. I highly recommend him to any company who wants great entertainment."
Vickie Cox - Sara Lee Foods
Brought to you by Powell Kohne Associates, LLC
Your Independent Source for Speakers, Celebrities, &Entertainers
Maggie Kohne (703) 278-8058 maggie@powellkohneassociates.com |
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May Meeting Re-Cap: As a follow-up to our meeting on May 8 at the Williamsburg Hospitality House, "Is It Easy to Be Green?," please download the VAMPI Green Meetings Guide based on the session topics. Click on the speaker's name to download powerpoint presentations.
Tom Griffin, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Office of Pollution Prevention; Courtney Dyer, Virginia Beach Convention Center; Jodi Kersey Bass, CMP, CMM, Global Events, Retirement & Protection, Genworth Financial; Kevin Carter, General Manager, Airlie Center
June Awards Banquet: VAMPI's Annual Awards Banquet was held on June 5 at the Crowne Plaza Richmond Downtown. Guests enjoyed a fabulous reception and dinner, thanks to the Crowne Plaza and to Sweely Estate Winery (formerly Acorn Hill Winery). The evening was filled with excitement as the old board was recognized for its accomplishments and the 2008-2009 officers were installed (see listing on left). The 2007-2008 Award Winners are listed below - Congratulations to all!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO VAMPI'S 2007-2008 AWARD WINNERS!
Host Facility of the Year : Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel
Most Creative Host Facility of the Year : Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel
Educational Program of the Year: "Speaking the Same Language: The Art of Negotiation," Barb Taylor Carpender, March, 2008
Committee of the Year: Membership Committee
Journalism Award : Lauren Moore, Virginia Society of CPAs
Cecil Baily, CMP Mentor Award : Jack Stinnett
New Member Award: Patricia Easley
Rising Star Award: Linne DiIorio
Torchlight Award : Lauran Dangler
Chapter Manager of the Year: Christi Ruddy, CMP
Supplier of the Year: Linda Worthington
Planner of the Year: Tracey Floridia, CMP
Member Anniversaries
5 Year Members:Bridget LaPorta, CMP; Michelle Moker; Stephen Scarborough; Rosie Bugarin; Al Hutchinson; Lynette James; Lauren Moore; Kim Phillips, CMP; Robin Powell; Laurie-Ann Vest; Janet Wenger, CMP; Linda Worthington
10 Year Member: Carol Torricelli, CMP
15 Year Member: Lauran Dangler
20 Year Member: Harriet Harris
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VAMPI Stars of the Month
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On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Membership Committee of the MPI Virginia Chapter, we would like to recognize the following VAMPI All-Stars:
June, 2007: Kristy Geiger, Pocahantas Foods
August, 2007: Susan Elam, Embassy Suites West Broad
September, 2007: Debbie Shreck, The Martz Group
October, 2007: Kate Murer, Kingsmill Resort & Spa and
Connie Knisley, Wachovia Securities
November, 2007: Victoria Matthews, City of Fredericksburg Department of Tourism
December, 2007: Linda Worthington, Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau
January, 2008: Jack Stinnett, Crowne Plaza Richmond Downtown
February, 2008: Joan Doxey, State Farm Insurance
March, 2008: Abby Sipe, CMP, NACAS
April, 2008: Maggie Kohne, Powell Kohne Associates, LLC
May, 2008: Bridget LaPorta, CMP, Best Western Cavalier Hotel and Patricia Easley, Marriott Norfolk Waterside Hotel
June, 2008: Jo Heath, HelmsBriscoe
The efforts of members like these make VAMPI the wonderful organization that it is!
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Member News
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New Members: Please welcome the following new members who have joined VAMPI recently:Terri Chamblee, Chesapeake Marriott; Kimbrell Curry , Virginia Beach Resort & Conference Center ; Lesa Faris, The Coulter Companies; Wynnda Fitzgerald-Jones, Meadwestvaco Corp; Dee Garland, Beck Company Hotels; Mary Ann Gomes, McDonough Bolyard Peck, Inc.; Shelly Hankins, CarMax; Kimberly Harrelson, Mariners Landing Resort and Conference Center; Dominique Hubbard, Student; Erica Jackson, Cannon Ridge Golf Club; Becky Jones, FINRA; Karen Kroehler, Worldwide ERC; Natalie Norris, Centerville; Rita Mathews, Crowne Plaza, Virginia Beach; Kenneth Peloquin, Doubletree Hotel Richmond Airport; Anthony Pino, Norfolk; Angela Schlueter, Crowne Plaza Richmond West; Angela Speilman, The Greenbrier; Shelley Stephens, Hilton Garden Inn, Charlottesville; Noel Thompson, Kingsmill Resort and Spa; Jennifer Williams, International Sign Association; Brett Christian, Altria Client Services, Inc., Richmond; Pamela Flynn, Student; Janie LIlly, Hershey Resorts and Entertainment, Fredericksburg; Judie Millado, Booz Allen Hamilton, Arlington; Laura Miller, Student; Michelle Robinson, Profesiional Risk Management Services, Inc., Arlington; Mike White, Doubletree Richmond Hotel; Brenda Bedwell, Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront; Polly Bradsher, Great Wolf Lodge, Williamsburg; Patricia Easley, Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel; Kimberly Green, Culpepper; Mary Hall, Renaissance Hotels, New Orleans, Richmond; Terry Scott, Lexington George Washington Inn, Lexington; Kerri Hutchinson, CMP, Fairfax; Carolyn Weber, The Homestead, Hot Springs
Renewed Members: Brandon Ball, 1 year, Embassy suites Hotel Hampton Roads Convention Center - Hampton; Cleo Battle, 8 years, Richymond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau; Howard Bonnewell, II, 1 year, Wyndham Virginia Beach; Amy Busa, 1 year, Charlottesville Albermarle Convention & Visitors Bureau; Lauran Dangler, 15 years, Omni Richmond Hotel; Zhen Korolchuk, 3 years, CFA Institute, Charlottesvile, VA; Bridget Light, 1 year, McGuire Woods, Richmond; Rita Matthews, 1 year, Crown Plaza Hotel Virginia Beach/Landmark Hotel Group; Diane McCleskey, CMP, 7 years; Fredericksburg; Cliff Myers, 7 years, Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau; Tara Ogle, 1 year, Wyndham Roanoke Airport; Carla Reissner, CMP, 3 years, Capital One, Richmond, Va; Abby Sipe, CMP, 9 years, NACAS, Charlottesville; Karl Smith, 1 year, Archer/Crown, Ashland; Randi Snyder, 8 years, Colonial Williamsburg, Hotels; Anne Taylor, 7 years, Virginia Association of Realtors, Glen Allen; Carol Torricelli, CMP, 10 years, Virginia Tourism Corporation, Richmond; Belinda Anderson, CFBE, 2 years, The Sanderling, Duck, NC; Jodi Bass, CMP, 2 years, Genworth Financial, Richmond; Sandy Batchelor, 8 years, Norfolk CVB; Lacy Gibson, 3 years, Hampton CVB; Sallie Grant-DiVenuti, CMP, CEM, FCDME, CDME, 3 years, Hampton CVB; Cathy Grieve, 11 years, Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel; Bob Hudson, 4 years, Richmond Marriott; Cynthia Moore, CMP, 4 years, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond; Delilah Peyton, 1 year, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Reston; Elaine Pridgen, 9 years, Newport News Mariott at City Center; Sarah (Betsi) Radd, 7 years, Holiday Inn Executive Center, Virginia Beach; John Ramsey, 5 years, CEFPI, Scottsdale, AZ; Christi Ruddy, CMP, 18 years, Covington Meeting Management, Richmond; Jack Stinnett, Jr., 1 year, Crowne Plaza Richmond Downtown; Tina Swan, 2 years, Spirit of Norfolk; Megan Wiliams, 7 years, Virginia Sheriff's Association, Richmond; Caroline Winters, CMP, 3 years, CFA Institute, Charlottesville
Members on the Move: Allison Boehm has joined the staff at the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitos Bureau. Her new email address is aboehm@richmondva.org. In addition to the job change, Allison recently became engaged! Ali Collins has joined the Westin Maui Resort & Spa as Sales Manager. Her contact information is 727.576.6920 and ali.collins@westin.com ; John Hess and his wife Kim welcomed daughter Brooke Riley Hess on June 2. Brooke weighed 9 lbs., 10 oz; Abby Sipe, CMP also became engaged - congratulations! Jack Stinnett has become Corporate Catering Director at the Crowne Plaza Richmond Downtown, jack@smi-hotelgroup.com; Congratulations to our newest batch of Certified Meeting Professionals and Certified Meeting Management recipients! Stacy L. Harvey, CMP, CMM; Lisa Kohout, CMP; Kate Murer, CMP and Caron Pannicia, CMP
Have you changed jobs, been promoted, gotten married? Let us know so we can update the membership on your big news. Send all updates to vampi@pacevent.com so we can include it in our next issue! |
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Career Opportunities - Did you know VAMPI has a career center? Our career center has been inactive and we need your help in making it work! Click here for information on job listings and resume postings.
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