Thursday, August 21, 2008

ISES Eventworld^® Orientation
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
All Levels
Lassing & Miller

First time attendees and seasoned ISES Eventworld^® participants will benefit from this half hour, informal round table discussion. Designed to guide attendees on how to navigate and maximize the Eventworld^® 2008 experience. This session promises to provide tips and insight into the numerous Eventworld^® educational sessions and networking events. Don't miss this opportunity to meet Eventworld^® veterans, ask questions, and network with peers.

• Learn insider information on the various elements of Eventworld^®, including the "must attend" educational seminars
• Network with other ISES members
• Experience one of the most important aspects of being an ISES member, making new friends from around the world

Opening General Session
"The Lighter Side of Spaceflight"
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Col. Mike Mullane, Former NASA Space Shuttle Astronaut
Palm Court Ballroom

In his program, The Lighter Side of Spaceflight, Col. Mike Mullane, a NASA Space Shuttle astronaut aboard Discovery and Atlantis, will take you on a uniquely revealing, captivating and hilarious space journey. Using spectacular video and slides you will not only learn answers to space questions such as "What does a shuttle launch feel like?" and "How do astronauts sleep, bathe, eat, drink, etc.?", but you'll be captivated as you listen to real-life examples of how teamwork and strong leadership have allowed teams to reach remarkable new heights.

With thousands of hours under his wing, Col. Mullane knows the importance of strong leadership. Upon his graduation from West Point in 1967, he was commissioned in the United States Air Force where he completed 134 combat missions in Vietnam and three space missions before retiring from NASA and the Air Force in 1990. Since his retirement, Col. Mullane has established himself as an acclaimed professional speaker and has thrilled tens of thousands of people with his inspirational, motivational and humorous descriptions of the astronaut experience. After attending this session, you will not only be thoroughly entertained, but you will be among an elite group of people who have been given an insight into the astronaut experience.

Corporate/Non-Profit
Small Country Big Passion
3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Intermediate
Lisa Ghany, CSEP, HCL Group of Companies
Derek Lewis, Island People
Plaza A&B

Listen to how event management techniques were combined with traditional marketing techniques in one of the world's largest sporting events The FIFA World Cup (soccer) in Germany 2006 to promote the Island of Trinidad and Tobago - one of the smallest countries in the world - to qualify as a finalist in the competition. This presentation will show how the tourism objectives were met by presenting actual goals, strategies and ROI.

• Review the role of marketing events
• Learn how to work across cross cultural borders discussing laws, risk, culture and protocol
• Learn how to leverage a country's unique characteristics to create top of the mind recall of your brand in a international sporting environment

Business Owner/Executive
Insurance and Employee Related Problems
3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Intermediate
Steven Vincent, The Vincent Group - Insurance, Travel, and Financial Services
Plaza C&D

Learn how to make sure your business is fully covered and how to add employee benefits to combat employee turnover during this insightful session. Steven Vincent will discuss insurance and employee relation issues to ensure that your business is protected. Topics to be covered are worker's compensation insurance and a variety of employee benefits.

• Learn the types of insurance policies you need for your business.
• Discuss worker's compensation and learn how you can get it.
• Review techniques to keeping your employees from leaving and moving to another company.

Interactive
Your Hors D'oeuvre as an Art Form
3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Intermediate
Kelly Early, CSEP, Thomas Caterers of Distinction, Inc.
Dee Haddad, CSEP, Thomas Caterers of Distinction, Inc.
Palm Court Royal B

Remember people first taste with their eyes, so if you create a visual thrill, taste buds will excite themselves. It is time to take the old trays out and treat each Hors D'oeuvre as an individual. With minimal effort you can transform your Hors D'oeuvre from mundane to Monet. In this session you will learn:

• How to take a food item already on your menu and present it with a modern twist.
• How to use equipment you already own to spice up your current presentations.
• Where to find fun initiative display items to enhance your existing Hor D'oeuvre list.

ISES Eventworld^® Welcome Reception
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort

Held on the sugar sand Gulf of Mexico beach of Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, this year's opening night event is the perfect opportunity to casually network with colleagues. Fun and casual, the ISES Eventworld^® Welcome Reception is a great way to kickoff your Eventworld^® 2008 experience.

Note: Additional registration fee applies.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Making Event Dreams Come True - An Overview of the WALT DISNEY WORLD^® Resort from an Event Professional's Point of View
8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
All Levels
WALT DISNEY WORLD^® Resort

For the ultimate Eventworld^® 2008 experience plan to attend an overview of the WALT DISNEY WORLD^® Resort customized to special event professionals. We will focus on event sales and development, opportunities for conventions and meetings, new additions to the resort including attractions and entertainment and food & beverage, behind-the-scenes experiences, and many fun-filled surprises!

Transportation, breakfast, and lunch will be provided. Please note: space for the tour is limited to the first 100 registrants.

Note: Additional registration fee applies.

Delve into Leadership
Value-Driven Leadership Workshop
9:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Intermediate
John Delves, Southeastern Training and Development
Plaza C

Value driven leadership means one thing and one thing only. There are stated values that each company aspires to meet and this same set of values must be the driving force behind what you do, what you say and how you behave in the business world. Words like honesty, integrity, dedication, customer driven, hard work and problem solver look good, but what do they really mean? How do you exhibit behaviors that tell people -- both in the company and those who deal with the company -- that you actually "walk the talk." Value driven leadership is a practical approach by which every single player will align themselves with the overall vision and mission of the group and is not reserved solely for the appointed leaders.

• Review common business values and what they mean to the organizations that value them.
• Discuss leadership styles and developmental needs within the team will set the stage for implementing appropriate leadership.
• Role play and practice with exercises to demonstrate how your values can be applied to your environment.

Corporate/Non-Profit
Unlock The Potential Hiding In The Rental Company Next Door
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Intermediate
Gwen Helbush, Where To Start Inc. Wedding & Event Management Kristjan Gavin, In Good Company Events, Inc.
Kathy Newby, Classic Party Rentals - Napa
Plaza D

Unlock the potential of your planners/rental partner relationship during this informative session. Led by an elite panel, discuss how to build a successful planner/rental partner relationship, how to do the most for the client by creating a team of professionals to support the clients' vision while ensuring profitability for all and how to work hand-in-hand with your rental company to obtain amazing results with less effort and time than you ever dreamed possible.

• Discover tips for finding your perfect rental company salesperson
• Learn tips for building a team for fun and profit
• Develop strategies for dealing with unreasonable requests that actual enhance relationships

Business Owner/Executive
Organizing Your Work Day
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Basic
Jean Kidd, idealORDER Organizing Solutions
Plaza A&B

Do you find yourself managing multiple projects and clients on a regular basis? The good news is you are managing multiple projects and clients. The bad news is they all want attention NOW! If this sounds like your day, then you will benefit from learning some strategies on how to manage your time and the multiple tasks pulling you in multiple directions. This session will help you examine your work day and develop strategies for better-organized time management.

• Explore principles of time management
• Self-analyze ways to better organize the work day
• Learn techniques for dealing with time-wasters

Interactive
Culinary Capers in Corporate Team Building
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Basic
Teresa V. Kelly, Simple Creations School of Cooking, LLC
Mary Ann Romano, Simple Creations School of Cooking, LLC
Palm Court Royal B

Join Simple Creations for a unique, "cutting edge" approach to corporate team building. Join the fun and flavor of our Culinary Olympics! Non-cooking yet culinary related challenges will whisk you through 7 events, sampling exotic foods, challenging your taste buds, testing your kitchen knowledge, creativity and more! Get ready. . .set. . . Go! Prizes and awards! Will your team bring home the gold?

• Demonstrate and include interactive, participatory culinary team building ideas
• How to use Corporate Culinary Team Building to meet a group and clients' personal needs and dynamics
• When you want to do team building are you "team bonding"? Understand the true aspects of a successful team building activity to promote and enhance communication, unity and trust, leadership, organization, time management, delegation, creativity and cohesiveness among the participants

Corporate/Non-Profit
Fundraising: Dining for Dollars
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Intermediate
Ny Whitaker, Events by Ny
Liz Glover Wilson, CSEP, iStar Financial
Plaza A&B

Corporate and nonprofit event planners and producers benefit when their sponsors, donors and strategic partners identify the tangible and intangible benefits of a successful fundraiser. This special session, co-presented from the consultant's and the client's perspective using case studies, will give attendees an inside look at the billion dollar sponsorship marketplace. Learn tips on how corporate and nonprofit event planners can produce a more successful gala dinner, fundraiser, benefit or other cause related event.

• Review how to brand your fundraising event
• Learn techniques for cultivating long-term reltationships with sponsors, underwriting, strategic partners and donors
• Create effective communication strategies that leverage ROI

Business Owner/Executive
Putting the "Serve" Back In Service
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Intermediate
Lee Johnson, Chair Covers & Linens
Plaza D

The event industry is full of people who provide service to the end user. Too many people have forgotten how important it is to actually service the client. This presentation is a reminder and challenge to provide the highest quality customer service available. Putting the "serve" back in service will result in increased sales and a stronger client base for those in the sales industry, and a calmer more confident client for those in the service industry.

• Discover strategies to take your service to the next level
• Find way to increase sales
• Develop techniquest to creating a stronger, happier client base

Interactive
Culinary Capers in Corporate Team Building
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Basic
Teresa V. Kelly, Simple Creations School of Cooking, LLC
Mary Ann Romano, Simple Creations School of Cooking, LLC
Palm Court Royal B

Join Simple Creations for a unique, "cutting edge" approach to corporate team building. Join the fun and flavor of our Culinary Olympics! Non-cooking yet culinary related challenges will whisk you through 7 events, sampling exotic foods, challenging your taste buds, testing your kitchen knowledge, creativity and more! Get ready. . .set. . . Go! Prizes and awards! Will your team bring home the gold?

• Demonstrate and include interactive, participatory culinary team building ideas
• How to use Corporate Culinary Team Building to meet a group and client's personal needs and dynamics
• When you want to do team building are you "team bonding"? Understand the true aspects of a successful team building activity to promote and enhance communication, unity and trust, leadership, organization, time management, delegation, creativity and cohesiveness among the participants

Esprit Entries: Techniques and Tips for Successful Entries
12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
All Levels
Lori Bodkin, Table Talk
Jodi Collen, CSEP, Augsburg College
Tracy Moran, CSEP, Trace Ltd. Event Design Specialists
Sally Webb, CSEP, The Special Event Company
Plaza C

This session will provide attendees with a variety of techniques and tips for successfully entering the ISES Esprit Awards. Attendees will learn more about the rules and regulations and what makes entries successful throughout the judging process.

The session will include the ability to review winning binder entries, ask questions and learn more about what errors result in the majority of entry disqualification.

• Gain a better understanding of the rules and regulations for the ISES Esprit Award entry requirement
• Learn tips and techniques for improving your ISES Esprit Awards entries for 2009
• Discover the errors that cause the majority of disqualifications

Delve Into Leadership
The Five Biggest Mistakes Leaders Make Workshop
1:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Intermediate
John Delves, Southeastern Training and Development
Plaza C

Are you a good leader? Or an even better question, do you want to become a great leader? If the answer is yes then this workshop is for you. Through this energetic class, you will learn the five biggest mistakes leaders make and how to take your leadership skills to the next level by learning how to avoid those big mistakes.

• Discuss and analyze the five biggest mistakes leaders make.
• Reflect on the five biggest mistakes and learn ways to spot if you've made them.
• Learn the tools necessary to overcome making big mistakes in any company.

Corporate/Non-Profit
WHAT? You want WHAT??: The Entertainer's Rider!
1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Intermediate
Deanna Bernard, CSEP, New Orleans Music Events
Vince Early, CSEP, Thomas Caterers of Distinction, Inc.
Bill Kubiak, CSEP, Swank Audio Visuals
Plaza A&B

Do you know the true story behind having all brown M&Ms or an 8 x 10 glossy photo of Ethyl Merman in an artist's dressing room? Entertainment riders go far beyond that story. Hear from professionals in the audio visual, culinary and talent buying industries why these riders exist.

• Learn about the various roles people play when dealing with a rider
• Get a realistic idea of what is negotiable and what is not in an artist rider
• Come prepared to ask and get answers to any questions you have about riders

Business Owner/Executive
Insurance: Are You Covered or Claim Denied?
1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Basic
Larry Cossio, Cossio Insurance Agency
David Peters, Event Mall
Plaza D

Review a breakdown of general liability insurance and what types of insurance a event planner should have. A thorough discussion on the breakdown of exclusions and policies that could affect the event planner will give attendees a better understanding of what type of insurance they need and what to look for in the policy.

• Discuss the various types of insurance and review those most critical to event planners
• Learn how to identify when you should need to request additional insurance
• Discover how to identify falsified certificates of insurance

Interactive
Culinary Capers in Corporate Team Building
1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Basic
Teresa V. Kelly, Simple Creations School of Cooking, LLC
Mary Ann Romano, Simple Creations School of Cooking, LLC
Palm Court Royal B

Join Simple Creations for a unique, "cutting edge" approach to corporate team building. Join the fun and flavor of our Culinary Olympics! Non-cooking yet culinary related challenges will whisk you through 7 events, sampling exotic foods, challenging your taste buds, testing your kitchen knowledge, creativity and more! Get ready. . .set. . . Go! Prizes and awards! Will your team bring home the gold?

• Demonstrate and include interactive, participatory culinary team building ideas
• How to use Corporate Culinary Team Building to meet a group and client's personal needs and dynamics
• When you want to do team building are you "team bonding"? Understand the true aspects of a successful team building activity to promote and enhance communication, unity and trust, leadership, organization, time management, delegation, creativity and cohesiveness among the participants

Corporate/Non-Profit
Setting the Stage for Success: A Primer on Planning Group Transportation for Special Events
3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Intermediate
Catherine Chaulet, CMP, BostonCoach
Plaza D

Making a great first impression starts before your guests arrive at the venue. Explore the important role that ground transportation services play in setting the stage for a successful event as well as supplying a memorable last impression. Learn how transportation can be used to support an event theme; how to budget and plan appropriately; what s involved in transportation contingency planning; and how to determine your vehicle mix to achieve different event objectives.

• Learn how to delight guests on their way to and from your next event with an expert transportation plan designed to deliver the wow factor you've worked so hard for
• Review best practices for building successful, comprehensive group transportation plans and budgets that complement your overall event plan
• Receive pointers about staying focused on the big picture without getting bogged down in the details of transportation logistics

Business Owner/Executive
Business Owners - Tips, Tricks and Shop Talk
3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Intermediate
Bryan Bell, Decor & More Inc.
Carolyn Luscombe, CSEP, CMP, Eclectic Events International
Simon Rayment, Pandor Productions
Jill Moran, CSEP, jsmoran special event planning & management
Plaza A&B

In this session, seasoned business owners in various industry disciplines discuss trials, tribulations and successes of running a small to mid-sized business. The discussion will deal with staffing, growth, cash flow, marketing and more. During the second part of the session, owners will split into smaller discussion groups, allowing for one-on-one conversation and direct assistance from the panel. This session is ideal for those who already own a businesss as well as those who are considering a businesses startup.

• Learn tips and tricks that have helped other special events professionals build successful businesses
• Discuss your ownership issues within an interactive, intimate forum
• Develop solutions to your trials and tribulations with other industry professionals

Interactive
Culinary Capers in Corporate Team Building
3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Basic
Teresa V. Kelly, Simple Creations School of Cooking, LLC
Mary Ann Romano, Simple Creations School of Cooking, LLC
Palm Court Royal B

Join Simple Creations for a unique, "cutting edge" approach to corporate team building. Join the fun and flavor of our Culinary Olympics! Non-cooking yet culinary related challenges will whisk you through 7 events, sampling exotic foods, challenging your taste buds, testing your kitchen knowledge, creativity and more! Get ready. . .set. . . Go! Prizes and awards! Will your team bring home the gold?

• Demonstrate and include interactive, participatory culinary team building ideas
• How to use Corporate Culinary Team Building to meet a group and client's personal needs and dynamics
• When you want to do team building are you "team bonding"? Understand the true aspects of a successful team building activity to promote and enhance communication, unity and trust, leadership, organization, time management, delegation, creativity and cohesiveness among the participants

Corporate/Non-Profit
Bringing Local, Sustainable and Organic Foods to Your Parties - Delicious Green Events
4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Intermediate
Joyce Weinberg, City Food Tours
Plaza D

"Sustainable" and "green" are popular buzz words today, but what do they really mean? Just as important, do they really matter? Food expert Joyce Weinberg will explain these concepts and their relavance to today's client and consumers during this enlightening session. As global warming worsens and consumers increasingly worry about the available food supply and higher energy costs, creating local and sustainable events will be a necessity. Learn how you can incorporate sustainable foods and materials into you events.

• Understanding why offering sustainable and locally sourced events matters
• Learn why local, sustainable and artisanal are important business trends that matter
• Discover how to design innovative eco-friendly events that your clients (and mother earth) will love

Corporate/Non-Profit
Technically Speaking — Talking the Tech Talk
4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Intermediate
Bill Kubiak, CSEP, Swank Audio Visuals
Plaza C

Do the terms "distro," "IMAG," “line array,” “Ohm's law” and “gobo” sound like a foreign language to you? This seminar will give you the tools to talk to technicans and ensure the creative elements of your event work together with the audio visual components. You'll also keep from being "shocked" when you learn "watts" up with power.

• Gain terminology that will allow you to talk the tech talk
• Understand how technical elements relate to the overall event
• Learn useful AV formulas

Business Owner/Executive
Putting Your Passion on Paper: Writing to Sell
4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Intermediate
Ruth Moyte, Extraordinary Events
Plaza A&B

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes a word is worth a thousand pictures. This interactive seminar will give you the basics of writing a creative, organized and message-driven proposal that sells the experience and wins business. In this industry, we are all great talkers, learn how to translate speak into writing the right way.

• Review the do's and dont's in writing
• Learn how to paint a picture with words
• Learn how to focus your proposal so it sells

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Corporate/Non-Profit
High Touch with Corporate Planners and Buyers
8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Intermediate
Moderator: Terry Singleton, CSEP, CCP Events, Inc.
Panelists:
Jaclyn Bernstein, Empire Force Events
Claudette Bouton, AGL Resources
Kimberly Roberts, CSEP, UniPro Foodservice, Inc.
Tracy Stuckrath, CSEP, Manheim
Plaza A&B

Taking this successful session to the next level, corporate planners and buyers give "high touch" roundtable discussions; sharing with each group the ins and outs of working with the corporate market.

Learn from master planners and major corporations about buying decisions and selling strategies first hand during this roundtable discussion. An up close and personal session, you will learn what corporate planners and buyers needs are, how they select vendors, how suppliers leverage opportunities and practical tips and tricks to working in this arena.

• Learn how to respond to the needs of corporate buyers
• Discover ways to leverage opportunities for large and small suppliers that not only break the ice, but keep your foot in the door
• Discuss the proposal process - reviewing what to include and how to you ensure your submission gets noticed

Business Owner/Executive
The Greening Up of the Event Industry
8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Intermediate
Susan Southerland, Just Marry! Inc.
Kristy Chenell, Ritz-Carlton, Denver
Plaza C&D

Today's events have a significant impact on our environment. There are many ways that businesses can help preserve our environment while celebrating in style. Discuss eco-friendly business practices from purchasing carbon credits to offset damage to the environment to how to market eco-friendly weddings to environmentally conscious clients.

• Discover how to increase sales by setting your business apart as an eco-friendly company
• Learn how to save money at work with eco-friendly business practices
• Adopt methods that can take current business practices and make them "green"

Interactive
Trends in Design
8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Basic
Diane Butner, MGM MIRAGE Events
Palm Court Royal B

This session takes a look at trends in fashion, art, architecture and furniture, and explains how you can incorporate them into the event world. How can couture fashion translate in the event world? How can taking art & sculpture change an event's design? Learn how converging design trends with events creates functions with impact and memorability.

• Leverage trends to make your events pop with trend tracking
• Learn how to combine the element of surprise and the unexpected into your events
• Discover how to bring trends in design into the event world

Corporate/Non-Profit
Whose in Charge? Working with Non-Profit Event Committees, Chairs and Volunteers - A Delicate Balance
10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Intermediate
Tracy Moran, CSEP, OSU Medical Center/James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
Trace Kingham, Trace Ltd. Event Design Specialists
Plaza A&B

Have you ever worked with a committee or event chairs? If you just sighed, this session is for you. Learn from our experience and interactions with passionate volunteers who are an inevitable part of the nonprofit event world. Speakers will share sample structures, roles and communication plans that can help keep you in charge of your own event - and keep your volunteers engaged, focused and contributing to the project.

• Review defining roles and expectations for committees, chairs, staff and planners to achieve desired outcomes
• Discuss sample committee structures and communication plans
• Share examples and management of committees and volunteers from presenters and session participants

Business Owner/Executive
So, You Think You're a Leader?
10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Advanced
Marty Janis, Atlantic Services Group
Plaza C&D

In this session, the speaker will challenge perceptions of leadership and explore seven key functions of successful leaders in the workplace, community and ISES. This session will help you reevaluate your leadership approach and identify areas for improvement.

• Answer the question: Do I act like a leader or am I a leader in title only?
• Learn how to become a leader who makes others successful
• Learn how to produce more leaders, not more followers

Interactive
The Big Picture: Understanding Events from Every Angle
10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Intermediate
Melissa Armstrong, EventWorks, Inc.
Katie Rogers, EventWorks, Inc.
Palm Court Royal B

Share ideas and learn tips from leaders of the industry in this creative thinktank. Participants will split into small teams, then each group will create a factious proposal based on an RFP and make a presentation to the panel of expert judges. Participants will work together with professionals from all sides of the industry and get feedback from panslists.

• Review the roles of event design, resource allocation, crisis management and budget management
• Discuss how changes, large and small, affect the different layers of an event's production
• Experience event planning from a variety of perspectives by planning alongside planners, clients, venues, suppliers, etc.

ISES Annual General Meeting and Luncheon
11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club

Join the ISES International Board of Governors and Leadership for the Annual Meeting to hear a recap of ISES' successes during the past year and upcoming plans for 2008 - 2009. In addition, the ISES Spirit of Excellence Awards will be presented to recognize outstanding ISES leaders, chapters and volunteers.

Note: Additional registration fee applies.

Corporate/Non-Profit
Sponsorships: The Backbone of Special Events
1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Advanced
LaVerne E. Mathews, L.V. Edwards & Associates
Plaza C&D

Sponsorships: The Backbone of Special Events is a session designed to help event planners identify and secure much neeeded sponsorship dollars for their meeting or special event. Learn how to prospect for sponsors, determine the value of sponsorships and foster long-term relationships with sponsors that lead to renewals.

• Learn how to identify and target sponsors based on your event audience
• Discuss how to determine the worth/value of your sponsorship packages and their benefits
• Discover how to develop long term partnerships with sponsors that lead to increased sponsor revenues and renewals

Business Owner/Executive
When Disaster Strikes
1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Intermediate
Jonathan T. Howe, Howe & Hutton Ltd.
Plaza A&B

We all have read about special events activities that resulted in a disaster. Whether small or large dimensions, manmade or caused by mother nature, special event professionals face the reality that many future acts or occurrences are outside of their control and can affect pre-existing contracts. Learn from special events attorney, Jonathan T. Howe, what contract obligations can and cannot be discharged, what termination provisions may exist and, most important, how to protect yourself from liability.

• Gain a better understand of disaster dynamics and legal implications
• Increase your appreciation for crisis management techniques
• Learn what you can do to minimize your legal risks

Interactive
How to Stop Letting Your Marketing Dollars Needlessly Fly Out the Window
1:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Intermediate
Cindy Kuhn, SmithBucklin
Brian Acheson, CSEP, VIP Events, Inc.
Dick Schwarts, SCORE Florida
Palm Court Royal B

Bring your marketing materials to this fast-paced, down and dirty overview of how to stop letting your marketing dollars needlessly fly out the window! Divided into 4 unique segments - branding, integrated marketing communications, sales and ROI - this session is designed to introduce improvements to your materials immediately! Learn how to instantly stretch your marketing to achieve the results that matter most to you!

• Develop a brand positioning statement
• Answer your questions about branding, including what a brand is and what the components of a successful brand include
• Assess your current sales process and discovery ways to help you land more signed contracts

Business Owner/Executive
Personality, Persistence and Profitability: The Three Ps of a Successful Sales Career
3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Intermediate
Hillary Hefner, CMP, Koncept Events, LLC
Plaza C&D

From the beginning stages of building solid client relationships to guaranteeing the business, session attendees will create their own recipe for success using the three Ps: personality, persistence and profitability. Topics include setting/attaining goals, finding/approaching potential clients and closing the sale. Learn the "hunt" and the "capture" of RFP, how to stand-out against competitors and non-aggressive but proven up-selling techniques. Attendees will see the importance of follow-up and how to make the client their friend to securing future business.

• Learn how to walk the line between persistence and nuisance by reading clients and prospects
• Discover five proven upselling phrases and profit-increasing techniques
• Develop your personality as your secret weapon to attract and retain clients

ISES Esprit Awards Celebration
5:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club

The ISES Eventworld^® 2008 ends with a grand finale: the 2008 ISES Esprit Awards Celebration. This unforgettable evening offers attendees a final chance to celebrate the special events industry. Each year, special events professionals from across the industry vie for recognition from their peers in hopes of winning a coveted award. This annual event gives members the chance to celebrate accomplishments and goals with colleagues and be acknowledged for their talents, passion and commitment to the special events industry. Do not miss this opportunity to see creative ideas in action.

Note: Additional registration fee applies.