ISES Summer/Fall 2007
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South Florida/Caribbean Chapter Newsletter Phyllis Cambria, President In This Issue
Welcome to all of our new, existing and future members of the South Florida/Caribbean Chapter of ISES. Due to his recent move to Port St. Lucie and his acquisition of a new business, Richard Lauzier regretfully found it necessary to resign his position as Chapter President on September 8th. As the chapter's President-Elect, it is my honor to step up as the Chapter's new president and complete Richard's term of office. In other news, your 2007-2008 ISES Chapter Board recently met for a full day's working retreat, and I couldn't be happier with the meeting's outcome. This Board is incredibly enthusiastic and is already hard at work developing new ideas to ensure a great year ahead for all of us. You can look
forward to plenty of improvements to make your membership even more
valuable. You'll also find new venues to explore, fascinating educational
programs to boost your success, and, of course, events planned solely
with networking and fun in mind. To make planning
easier for you, we'll soon post the entire year's calendar of events
so that you can save the date to free up time for you to attend
these meetings and gatherings. To make the experience even more
fun and exciting, we encourage you to bring friends to meet your
ISES family and perhaps persuade them to join our Chapter as well. While there he was hoping to come home with an Esprit trophy for "Best Team Effort - $0 to $50,000" for our "LOST" membership party. You can only imagine how thrilled we were to learn that he was not only able to bring home that trophy but that we won a second award as well! Our South Florida/Caribbean Chapter also won the "Excellence in Membership Retention" award by a landslide. We broke the record by retaining 93% of our members over the international average of 75%. Congratulations to all! You can see our trophies on display at a future Chapter meeting. I'm so proud of all of you. Let's continue to work together to make it a great year for the ISES South Florida/Caribbean Chapter. With your support we can succeed. I look forward to seeing you all at future events. Phyllis Cambria ________________________________________________________________ The South Florida/Caribbean Chapter of ISES is a community of special event professionals committed to the principals of ethics and integrity as outlined by ISES International. Our pledge is to promote the special events industry by providing education and networking opportunities throughout South Florida and the Caribbean for the professional and personal growth of each member. _________________________________________________________________________ May's Membership
So sit right down and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip… This year's May Membership Drive was as successful as last year's "LOST" event and, with the "Gilligan's Island" theme, it was equally as fun. More than a hundred guests converged on the beach at John U. Lloyd State Park for a totally-sponsored, free membership drive. While there they met a professional troupe who portrayed Gilligan, the Skipper, Mr. and Mrs. Howell, Ginger, the Professor, and Maryanne. With sing-alongs, trivia contests, guests in costume, music, merriment, and a scrumptious buffet from Bill's Catering (who also hosted us at the venue), the evening was a huge success. More than 20 new members joined ISES and were welcomed into the Chapter. Next year's theme is Beach Blanket Bingo. Groovy! June Bug Does understanding your insurance coverage and needs bug you? Well Dave Peters, president of Absolute Amusements from our Orlando Chapter led the discussion on the practices and potential pitfalls of ensuring you're insured. The event took place at the spacious new Room Service facility in Miami where guests were wowed by their gorgeous and luxurious furniture rentals. Christies Photographic Studios documented the gathering. The Changing of the Guard The Chapter's July meeting took place at the magnificently refurbished Grande Oaks Country Club (formerly Rolling Hills Country Club). The theme was the Roarin' '20s and guests enjoyed a splendid dinner, fanciful décor and lively entertainment after incoming ISES International President Connie Riley from the Orlando Chapter swore in the 2007-08 Chapter Board. Our sponsors for that event included Balloonatics, Top Notch Productions, Inc., Sherman Specialty Company, Panache Party Rentals, Pure Energy Entertainment, and Christies Photographic Studios. ____________________________________________________________________ EVENT SOLUTIONS 2007 IDEA FACTORY Several thousand event professionals converged on the Miami Beach Convention Center from August 20th to 23rd to attend the "Event Solutions 2007 Idea Factory" produced by Event Solutions magazine. In addition to a wide range of classes aimed at providing educational opportunities for a variety of event disciplines, the conference also had an outstanding expo. Dozens of vendors showed their products and services to a delighted audience. There were numerous parties and an awards gala for attendees to enjoy as well, and since the event took place in Miami, many of our Chapter members participated in the events' productions. Mona Meretsky, president of COMCOR Event and Meeting Production, Inc. was the executive producer of "Passionatta" at Mansion. This over-the-top sensory experience came complete with live snakes and guests walking over Lucite cases called "The Human Carpet" which enclosed flower-draped models. The event was featured on "Deco Drive" and Alexandra Sliva and Ruddy Sanchez of the New Century Dance Company served as artistic and creative directors. Mark Baker, an ISES Orlando Chapter member was the technical and creative producer. Also working from our Chapter to make the event such a spectacular evening were ASI Production Services, Café ala Carte, Christies Photographic Studios, Laser Production Network, Panache Party Rentals, See You at the Party, SLK Creative, The Special Events Group, and Unique Options. The conference's "Lipstick, Lights and Liquid Showcase Event" was at SOHO Studios at the Wynwood Convention Center where a variety of rooms encompassed spectacular themes. Ira Mitchell-Steiman of All Over Miami created a magnificent sapphire design which featured dynamic blue hues, stunning décor, delightful delicacies and whimsical entertainment including the Sapphire Man, the New Century Dance Company and living fountains. Bobby Ramierez, owner of RITMO! Experiential Latin Entertainment gave his room a truly Latin beat with fiery décor and hip-swaying entertainment. RITMO!PALOOZA Surround Sound Rhythm Experience was presented as a full color and multi-sensory Latin theme. The evening included music, psychic readings, fabulous food, dance productions including a fire dance sequence, interactive entertainment, and a huge conga line. Other Chapter members who helped Bobby achieve his theme were ASI Production Services and Panache Party Rentals. Tom Harman, president of Laser Production Network, produced "Liquid Sky" an out-of-this-world brilliant event replete with dancing waters and liquid lasers in an atmosphere that enveloped guests in ever-changing light. Also contributing to the event's spectacle were ASI Production Services, Bleu Flame Catering, Panache Party Rentals, Room Service, and Sidram Power. Art of the Party transformed their space into two distinct themes. On one side, contemporary designs in metallic silver, white, and icy blue tones created a futuristic vibe. Guests lounged on internally lit acrylic furniture with silver shards and acrylic tubes towering above them. Cirque-style stilt walkers and magnificently-costumed performers and servers wowed the crowd. Across the room existed an exotic environment reminiscent of Shangri La. Orange, hot pink, purple, and gold tones exploded in the space. Suspended high above the lounge were dozens of printed rice paper umbrellas and ornate paper stars. Panache Party Rentals' rich sheer overlays provided the perfect home for floral and bamboo centerpieces. Middle Eastern backdrops added to the exotic atmosphere. Tibetan and belly dancers entranced the crowd while an entertainer who walked on glass (and who was also a sword swallower and a fire eater) had the guests holding their breath. The SEARCH event at the South Seas Hotel raised more than $30,000 and attracted hundreds of guests to this industry fundraising celebration. Finally, congratulations go to our own Ruddy Sanchez, Alexandra Sliva and Bettina Sliva of the New Century Dance Company who won "Entertainer of the Year" and Galaxy Productions which won the "Robert Bottoms Stage Set Award." The awards Gala was produced by Sean DeFriest, president of Designs by Sean and ISES member Steve Hand. If you are interested in attending, exhibiting at or speaking at next year's event in Las Vegas, go to the www.event-solutions.com website for more information. The event will now be held in conjunction with the CaterSource annual conference. ____________________________________________________________
Montreal was the location for this outstanding education conference and expo. This event was part of the ISES Institute for Professional Development and provided a premier continuing education opportunity for the special events industry. Participants were able to improve their skills and knowledge at this international conference and network with other event professionals from around the world. Former Chapter President Richard Lauzier attended special classes for ISES leadership members. While there
Richard, who is also vice president of Hollywood Promotions, Inc.,
picked up two awards for our Chapter which included "Excellence
in Membership Retention" and "Best Team Effort - $0 to
$50,000" for the Chapter's 2006 "LOST" ISES Membership
event. ____________________________________________________________ September 11 - Cinema Paradisio, Ft. Lauderdale - Networking Event October 9 - Elegant Parties - guest speaker Ira Mitchell-Steiman from All Over Parties November 13 - Nova Southeastern University, Davie (TBA) December 6 -
Revolution, Ft. Lauderdale January 8 - Dolphin Stadium (TBA) To check the
schedule of all of the event and hospitality industry association
meetings, visit www.pronews.net. ____________________________________________________________________ (The Event Solutions Showcase) would not have been possible without my involvement with ISES. It is a reflection of my commitment to the events industry and all its wonderful creative individuals. Thank you to all of our clients, ISES (members) and everyone that I've come in contact with throughout my journey in the events industry. You made that moment possible. -Bobby
Ramierez, RITMO! Experiential Latin Entertainment ____________________________________________________________________ Steven Pollock,
CMP, a founder and Past President of our Chapter, is now with HelmsBriscoe,
the world's leading site selection firm. As Regional Manager, he
finds hotels or resorts that meet the exact specifications of a
meeting. The resources and buying power of HelmsBriscoe produce
optimal search results in the shortest time. And, there is no cost
to the client, because the hotels pay a placement fee, even on rates
substantially lower than those they offer to other groups. Steven
can be reached at (561) 416-0288 or via e-mail at SPollock@helmsbriscoe.com
. _____________________________________________________________________ ASK
THE BOARD President -Chapter leadership
-Locates appropriate
venues, caterers and entertainment for Chapter meetings and events Vice President
of Membership -Recruits and
provides membership information to potential members Vice President
of Communication -Maintains Chapter
website including member information, meeting information, newsletter
and other pertinent information Board of Director Members These Chapter leaders also will be happy to address any of your questions or concerns or, if necessary, will direct you to the appropriate leadership member. Mark Grassini
(Immediate Past President) Vanessa Goyannes Adam Klein Lani Levine Ira Mitchell-Steiman Shari Lynn Rothstein Stacy Stern,
CSEP Greg Zalkin _____________________________________________________________________
On July 11, 2007 our Chapter, its members and the international event community suffered a devastating loss. Ted Walker, a founding and continuous member of our Chapter and owner of Add Fire, Inc. lost his brave battle with cancer. It would be easy to remember Ted in sadness but that's not the way he would have wanted it. He was a big bear of a man who was always cheerful, always helpful, always generous, and always professional. He had a quick smile and booming laugh. If you were lucky enough to be engulfed in one of his hugs, you felt safe, happy, and warm. And if you were smart enough to hire him to produce a fireworks display for your event, you were never disappointed. We will miss you, dear and loyal friend…especially your hugs. _____________________________________________________________________ We’re now offering you or your company a unique opportunity to put your company's name in front of hundreds of qualified, potential clients by advertising in this newsletter at highly affordable rates. Buy a year's worth of ad space and save even more. Business
card size ad $ 35 ($100 for four issues) _______________________________________________________________________ If you are an ISES Chapter member and have something that you would like to see featured in the next ISES South Florida/Caribbean Chapter newsletter, send it to Phyllis Cambria at PartyPlansPlus@aol.com. Please send your material in simple text, not as an attachment or with embedded images, in the body of your e-mail. Do not send photos, but do advise if photos are available for possible use in the newsletter or on our website. |
