A QuArterly JournAl of the MPI GeorGIA ChAPter | www.GAMPI .orG | fAll 2010

BREAKOUT

+Controversial Arizona law Impacts Meetings Contracts 14 SeA 2010: Dream, learn, lead 15new orleans: Alive with optimism 18

Sustainability in the Meetings and events Industry:What is MPI doing and What can you do?

MEETING AGENDA:

3. Play as needed.2. Feast often.

1. Get down to work.

Start your next event off right at Great Wolf Lodge® in Charlotte/Concord, NC. With over 16,000 sq. ft. of function space, our experienced and friendly staff can help coordinate just about anything you can imagine. Our conference center is perfect for all types of great events—from an important presentation to the board of directors to a banquet for 500 people. Add to that top-notch, completely customized cuisine, plus off-hour entertainment your team will love—and your next meeting is bound to be the most memorable yet.

Great Wolf Lodge is proud to be the fi rst—and only—hotel chain to have all U.S. properties Green Seal™ Certifi ed–Silver and meet the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties for waste minimization, water, energy effi ciency, hazardous substances handling, and environmentally responsible purchasing. Charlotte/Concord, NC

Visit greatwolf.com for a list of special group incentive offers including but not limited to:

• Complimentary AM or PM Coffee Break

• VIP Welcome Amenity

• 5% Credit to the Master

• 20% Discount on In-House Audiovisual

Offer valid 8/1/10–12/30/10. Must be mentioned at time of booking and reserve 10 or more group rooms. May not be valid during holiday and blackout periods or combined with any other discount or promotional offers. Offer may be terminated at any time without notice.

Focus, Food, Fun!Call 1.704.549.8206 or visit greatwolf.com

MEETING AGENDA:

3. Play as needed.2. Feast often.

1. Get down to work.

Start your next event off right at Great Wolf Lodge® in Charlotte/Concord, NC. With over 16,000 sq. ft. of function space, our experienced and friendly staff can help coordinate just about anything you can imagine. Our conference center is perfect for all types of great events—from an important presentation to the board of directors to a banquet for 500 people. Add to that top-notch, completely customized cuisine, plus off-hour entertainment your team will love—and your next meeting is bound to be the most memorable yet.

Great Wolf Lodge is proud to be the fi rst—and only—hotel chain to have all U.S. properties Green Seal™ Certifi ed–Silver and meet the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties for waste minimization, water, energy effi ciency, hazardous substances handling, and environmentally responsible purchasing. Charlotte/Concord, NC

Visit greatwolf.com for a list of special group incentive offers including but not limited to:

• Complimentary AM or PM Coffee Break

• VIP Welcome Amenity

• 5% Credit to the Master

• 20% Discount on In-House Audiovisual

Offer valid 8/1/10–12/30/10. Must be mentioned at time of booking and reserve 10 or more group rooms. May not be valid during holiday and blackout periods or combined with any other discount or promotional offers. Offer may be terminated at any time without notice.

Focus, Food, Fun!Call 1.704.549.8206 or visit greatwolf.com

466186_GreatWolf.indd 1 7/8/10 11:14:47 PM

Call 800.726.0243

or visit AugustaGa.org

play.

meet in a small town with big time entertainment

meet where there’s plenty to do and plenty of room to do it

meet where family feels special and parking is free

meet all your objectives in Augusta

meet the team that makes it easy.

483069_Augusta.indd 1 6/16/10 8:35:23 PM

BREAKOUT | SUMMER 2010 | 3

BREAKOUTup front 4 LOOKING OUT

FOR GAMPI By Kate Lastinger, CMP, CMM

5 BREAKOUT CONTRIBUTORS

5 GAMPI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

In every Issue 6 SPEAKING OUT

By Meredith Martini

7 CHECK IT OUT GaMPI’s Calendar of Events

7 SHINING STARS Highlighting GaMPI

Members Who Shine

12 OUTSIDE THE BOX Big Marketing Strategies for

Small Businesses

By Stacey Ruth-Krizan

14 OUT TAKES Controversial Arizona Law

Impacts Meetings Contracts

By Rob Sumner

15 OUT AND ABOUT SEA 2010: Dream, Learn, Lead

By Aishah Pacheco, CM

18 DESTINATION GUIDE New Orleans:

Alive with Optimism

By Bonnie Boyd, CMP, DMCP

Advertisers 23 Index to Advertisers

Published for: Meeting Professionals International Georgia Chapter (GaMPI), 3525 Piedmont Road, Building 5, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30305, Phone: 404-869-0606; Fax: 404-240-0998 | www.gampi.org Published by: naylor, llC, 5950 NW First Place, Gainesville, FL 32607, Phone: 800-369-6220; Fax: 352-331-3331 | www.naylor.com Publisher Tracy Tompkins | editor Suzy Richardson | Marketing Associate Rebecca Wentworth | Project Manager Michelle Adelman | Advertising Director Nancy Newman | Sales representatives Jenn Burnette, Kathryn Hillgardner, Linda Jones, Shayna Lewis, Sarah Lyons, Rick McPhee, Jana Roesch, Jamie Williams | Sales Administration Natisha Williams | layout and Design Kayti Taylor | Advertising Art Glenn Domingo

©2010 Naylor, LLC. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

PUBLISHED AUGUST 2010/GAM-Q0310/4241

Feature10 Sustainability in the Meetings and events Industry:

what is MPI doing and what can you do? In July 2007, the MPI Board of Directors made the decision to take a great step toward sustainability in the Meetings and Event industry on behalf of its members. MPI became the first association in the industry to sign the United Nations Global Compact, a strategic policy initiative for businesses committed to aligning their operations with 10 universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. By Danielle Adams, CMP

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FALL 2010

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As I was introduced as your new chapter president, I started by encouraging us all to take risks and embrace change. I asked you to Play for Keeps. Well, here we go folks. One of the biggest world changers in the past few years has been the tsunami-like wave of social media. The journalism and publishing industries are trying to figure out their own new normal, much like we in the meetings and events industry are doing. The Georgia Meeting Professionals International (GaMPI) communications team has been examining how we, as an organization, can be the innovators and instruments of change, staying ahead of and creating the curve. We’ve been faced with some challenges and some tough decisions.

In order to grow and, more importantly, in order to deliver value to our membership, this will be the final issue of BreakOut as you’ve come to recognize it over the past decade. So, how’s that for brave change?

Believe me, I’m freaking out a bit. For me this is extremely personal. When this idea first came up, I wondered how we could even consider it. I “grew up” in GaMPI within the BreakOut committee, even serving as the editor for a season. I know intimately the hard work and passion that each and every contributor has demonstrated over the years, many of you who are reading these words now and wondering what on earth is going on. You have written informative and helpful articles. You have inspired us to meet in new places. You have asked tough questions. You created a valuable, educational journal that won awards and recognition for our chapter.

GaMPI fully intends to offer new spaces to share information, content, thoughts and ideas. We want to be timely, educational, helpful, informative, yes, even entertaining. As I write this, what it will look like is still unclear, but again, I invite YOU to decide what part you will play. Would you like to contribute a white paper for our industry? Would you like to join the ReConnect team and write an article for our monthly electronic newsletter? How about posting on a new GaMPI blog?

Part of the idea behind Play for Keeps is that we are willing to try new things; we are willing to lay all the cards on the table in

order to keep moving forward. Share your ideas and questions. Sometimes the questions we ask are far more significant that the answers we offer. Don’t be afraid to step out and do something different. And please, support and encourage your fellow GaMPI members as they take these risks!

The vitality of GaMPI hinges on the engagement of you as an individual and on the interaction between you and your peers. Each and every member has a part to play. It takes all of us to create those connections, to create the energy for forward motion and growth. If we choose, we can be the innovators and instruments of change in our own careers, in our chapter, and in our industry.

As we say goodbye in this final issue, we want to thank all our advertisers over the years and our publishers, for your support of our organization.

Please join me now in recognizing and thanking all our editors, past and present, who built and created this phenomenal publication over the years:

Monica Compton, CMPJacki Johnson, CMMNatalie Nardone, CMPLeslie SwiedomEda Theiler HopeTim Barrett, CMPMeredith MartiniChristina Whitehead, CMPStacy Krizan-RuthLara CooleyYvette Barton

Play4Keeps,

Meredith

Playing for Keeps

M E R E D I T H M A R T I N IPL AY WOR K S G RO U P

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President Kate Lastinger, CMP, CMM Metaphrasis GroupPresident-Elect Meredith Martini Playworks GroupImmediate Past President Brenda Dempsey Nashville CVB

Vice Presidents Education Kowana Ragland, CMP Meeting ExpectationsMembership Jeffrey Whitney Event Transportation/AtlantaCommunications Leslie SwiedomFinance Larry Green Greene Classic LimousinesAdministration Sara Justice The W Atlanta DowntownStrategic Events Lavon Lacey Lavon Lacey’s Quantum Entertainment

Planner Directors Monthly Programs Anna Agrow Mora Angelfish Meetings & Events, LLCProfessional Development Fernando Saenz, CMP 755 Club at Turner FieldMember Care Felicia Newberry The MAGNUM Companies, Ltd.

GAMPI MISSIONGeorgia MPI plays a pivotal role in positioning meeting professionals as the critical component of an organization’s success through excellence in education, networking, professional development and community leadership.

Professional DevelopmentGaMPI will provide an environment where professional and career development, networking and return on involvement are realized.CommunicationsExternal GaMPI will emphasize the importance and relevance of the meetings industry to the business community.

Internal GaMPI will work toward creative communication to each chapter member, promoting ROI opportunities and member benefits.

Community Involvement GaMPI will take a leadership role in community involvement by partnering with philanthropic organizations.

Financial Viability GaMPI will maintain a position of financial strength while developing new revenue resources.

Member Care GaMPI will channel all its efforts into making our membership realize the value we offer them and their organization.

Managing Editor: Katja Morgenstern, CMP Meeting Consultants, Inc.

Assistant Editors: Tim Barrett, CMP Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center Lara Cooley Sutherland

Contributors: Danielle Adams, CMP Bonnie B. Boyd, CMP, DMCP Aishah Pacheco, CMP Stacey Ruth-Krizan Rob Sumner

Print Production and Distribution: Suzy Richardson, Naylor, LLC 800-369-6220 • suzyr@naylor.comGaMPI Office: 2100 Roswell Rd Suite 200 C OMB 213 Marietta, GA 30062 Phone: 404-869-0606 Fax: 678-560-9112

BREAKOUT CONTRIBUTORS

Publications/PR Brian Green, CMP, CMM F & G EventsWebsite/eConnect Abby Freeman, CMP Mitchell MeetingsStrategic Partnerships Jennifer Kern, CMP dynami groupLeadership Development Megan Ditka Disney Resort Destinations

Executive Director Natalie NardoneAssociation Manager Lorri BankerMembership Coordinator Caitlyn Dardich

CHAPTER GOALS

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We are Passionate about What We Do

Dear Industry Friends,

It is such a pleasure and honor to be serving you in the coming year. For us to all be standing sometimes seems like a feat in its own right. Those of us who have lived in this industry over the past few years should consider ourselves survivors. We’re certainly not still in it just because it’s fun and definitely not because it has been convenient or cushy—we’re here because we’re passionate about what we do and the relationships we’ve built. We’ve come together and faced the challenges head on and are now positioned to take on a brand new challenge.

We see that the industry has changed. And we’ve changed. And we must continue to be flexible as the “new normal” comes into focus. Instead of letting others define it though, how can WE be the innovators and the instruments of change in our industry? How can we not only stay ahead of the curve, but create the curve? How can we take it even further and be the impetus for others to change in all the industries we touch?

We cannot accomplish this great feat by standing on the sidelines or warming the bench. We cannot continue to accept the status quo. We cannot do business as usual. We must all be willing to take risks and embrace change in order to grow. If we want to truly pave the way not only our industry but for others, we have to act like the leaders we are.

The GaMPI leadership team is going to ask our chapter to take the lead in doing things differently. We’re going to treat our chapter programs like the playgrounds they can be. We will be trying exciting new things in all of our programs – new formats, new seating arrangements, new techniques, new settings. If we’re being honest with ourselves, it may get uncomfortable at times. We may take a calculated risk that doesn’t pan out.

Please don’t sit back and play the critic, because isn’t taking the risk part of the fun, part of the learning curve? Instead, jump in and be a part of defining your own future. Use GaMPI. Seriously, use our chapter. Join a committee and try something

you’ve been dying to try at the office, but are too afraid of the gamble. Lay it all on the line and embrace our collective potential. Dream of what might be. Engage as an active participant in the dialogue and in the action.

My predecessor, Kate Lastinger, challenged us to be the change we wish to see. I have taken that challenge as a personal dare and am so thrilled to

invite you to join in the fun and play along as we explore together the possibilities before us.

Wishing us all courage to risk,

Meredith MartiniIncoming President, GaMPI

Those of us who have lived in this industry over the past few years should consider ourselves survivors.

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August17Monthly Luncheon Renaissance Waverly Hotel

July20Monthly Luncheon Hotel Palomar

24Food Bank Volunteer Atlanta Food Bank’s Product Rescue Center

September21Monthly Luncheon Location TBD

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March 2010

April 2010Lisa Todd, CMP Sheraton Gateway Atlanta Hotel• Nominated for her work on the

Curriculum Committee• GaMPI member for almost 7 years

Kevin Johnston, CMP Advantage Event Group• Nominated for his work as co-chair

of MEC 2010• GaMPI member for 23 years

ReConnect is the Georgia Chapter’s premier online news source. eConnect, published once a month, is distributed to more than 900 GaMPI members via email. In 2003, MPI presented eConnect with the Best Editorial Content: On-line Newsletter – More Than 250 Members award. In 2004, eConnect, along with BreakOut, received international recognition with the prestigious MPI Chapter Award Best Overall Newsletter – More than 250 Members.

To download past issues of ReConnect, visit the GaMPI website www.gampi.org under ‘Resources’.

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Continued On Page 23

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In July 2007, the MPI Board of Directors made the decision to take a great step toward sustainability in the Meetings and Event industry on behalf of its members. MPI became the first

association in the industry to sign the United Nations Global Compact, a strategic policy initiative for businesses committed to aligning their operations with 10 universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

Today, we have not only signed the Compact, but are now continuously working with other industry leaders to develop sustainability standards for our meetings and events. There are certain guidelines that must be followed in order to maintain membership in this prestigious voluntary initiative. The British Standard for Sustainable Event Management, BSi8901, is one measurement that allows organizations to show they are incorporating sustainability into their management system and working towards the 10 principles outlined in the Compact.

“MPI is intent on being a global leader in creating and propagating sustainable events,” said Bruce MacMillan, president and CEO of MPI, in a 2008 press release. “We have demonstrated, in conjunction with our partners, that changing your way of working and sharing knowledge can positively encourage the ways we all consider our environment, economy and community.”

BSi8901 is a management system that provides requirements for planning and managing sustainable events of all sizes and types – from large-scale conferences to the London 2012 Olympics. It is not a measurement tool for a single event; it is a way of doing business. The next step is ISO 20121, an international standard for sustainability in event management. Approximately 30 countries are involved in its development as participants or observers.

The U.N. Global Compact is not the only sustainability initiative MPI is involved with. As a part of the Convention Industry Council and through the leadership of Amy Spatrisano, co-founder of GMIC and a Principal at MeetGreen, MPI members have taken lead roles in formulating the APEX Green Standards. The creation of these standards has been a long and arduous task.

In July 2007, the MPI Board of Directors made the decision to take a great step toward sustainability in the Meetings and Event industry on behalf of its members.

What is MPI doing and What can you do?SUSTAINABIlITy IN ThE MEE TINgS ANd EvENTS INdUSTRy:BY DA N I EL L E A DA MS, CMP

10 Principles Outlined in the U.N. Global Compact

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Human Rights Businesses should support and respect

the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and

make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

Labour Standards Businesses should uphold the freedom

of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;

the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;

the effective abolition of child labour; and

the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Environment Businesses should support a

precautionary approach to environmental challenges;

undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and

encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

Anti-Corruption Businesses should work against

corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

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Since 2001, more than 5,700 industry members have volunteered their time to develop accepted practices in nine topic areas – Accommodations, Audio Visual, Communication, Exhibits, Food and Beverage, On-site Office, Destinations, Meeting Venue, and Transportation. These standards will ease the process of becoming more sustainable through the use of standardized forms, tools and guidelines.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ASTM International, an international standards organization, are key partners in this effort. The U.S. Government plans to use these standards for government meetings and events. And at MPI’s World Education Conference (WEC) 2010 in Vancouver, GMIC will launch its first full day workshop/training on APEX/ASTM standards and other standards on Saturday, July 24, 2010.

Standards are Only Part of the ProcessEvery day we encounter ways in which we can be more

sustainable in our homes and offices, at work and at play. Social responsibility starts when one company or individual realizes how important a healthy community, clean environment and profitable business will be for a sustainable future.

In the meetings and events industry, we bring people together to share ideas, learn new ways of doing business, and intermingle with customers, fellow employees, strangers and friends. What better way to bring attendees together than to connect them with a community activity that will spearhead new ideas and friendships?

Consider encouraging your clients to incorporate a CSR activity into their meetings and events.

At the PCMA Annual Meeting in New Orleans in 2009, I took part in a project to help ‘Save Our Cemeteries.’ The above-ground cemeteries in New Orleans are an important part of the city’s heritage. This project is an ongoing effort in the area, as the relatives of many of those who are buried there are no longer able to maintain the tombs. Several dozen people came together and raked, swept, planted grass, and scraped wrought iron fences and gates and repainted them.

The neighbors who walked by waived and cheered, those in cars blew their horns and smiled. Waiters from Commanders Palace dressed in all white with black ties walked in procession to deliver trays of cappuccinos to thank us. There was so much joy and appreciation from the citizens of this city, many of whom had gone through so much devastation during and after Hurricane Katrina, and the bonding friendships I made with the other participants was yet another benefit.

Put a smile on the faces of those in the community you work and hold your meetings in—and be future friendly!

Danielle Adams, CMP, is a speaker and presenter on sustainability within the Meetings and Events Industry.

Get InvolvedThroughout Georgia, many organizations need your help.

If you want to get involved, contact one of the following:

SUSTAINABIlITy IN ThE MEE TINgS ANd EvENTS INdUSTRy:

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Clean the World www.cleantheworld.org Calum Maclean cmaclean@cleantheworld.org 630-881-1066

Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta www.cvcofatlanta.org Lea Rolfes lea@cvcofatlanta.org 404-614-1022

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BY S TAC E Y R U T H-K R IZ A NMarketing applies a scientific approach to create an emotional result – brand loyalty.

The fundamental goal of marketing is to drives sales. However, marketing is a little bit mysterious to many of us. When the company’s logo is splashed across the page in

full color, or our website has gone live, it is hard to resist the magical sense that we have truly arrived. It’s just difficult to know for certain that anyone else knows – or cares.

Today, small businesses represent 99.7 percent of all businesses in the U.S. With 100 or fewer employees and no more than $6 million per year in sales, these companies would benefit most from an ability to market heavily. Unfortunately, small businesses cannot afford much marketing muscle. The question is: So how do I stand out if I can’t afford to market?

The answer is simple: Get a strategy before you develop tactics. Keep in mind that in order to have the right strategy, you need to know four things better than anyone:1. Yourself2. Your competitors3. Your customer4. What that customer is worth to you

So let’s look at each one in turn:

Big Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses

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Yourself: This is Personal No one can do what your company does. But what do you

do? If you started listing a bunch of services – stop! Think about it. Do you buy an iPod because it plays music? No, because iPods provide individual choice and chic portability.

While we’re at it – quit whining about being seen as a commodity. You are a commodity. iPod is a commodity. Porsche is a commodity. What you are really complaining about is that you are having a tough time convincing your customers that your price or value proposition is fair and reasonable. Ask yourself this: Why should we care about you? What is it you have that no one else can quite match? Hint: it doesn’t have to be a particular offering.

Your Competitors: Keep your Enemies CloserFeeling a little dirty when you leave a competitor’s website

after reading all their case studies? Well, don’t. Grabbed the last seat at the luncheon table with two of your fiercest competitors and thinking, “Awkward!” Well, where are your manners? Say, “Hello!”

Read the trade rags and the blogs and cruise the tradeshow floor. Talk to your vendors – heck, gossip with them. Listen politely when your client shares insights about what others are doing, how their pricing stacks up, and why they didn’t get the bid.

The more you know about what’s going on out there in the industry, the clearer picture you have of trends, where you stand in your offerings and your own position in the market.

Your Customer: Location, Location, Location—and Message

Ego is not your friend here. Don’t buy the billboard on the way to the airport because you

drive that way. Which way do you customers go? You don’t know? Well, don’t just sit there; find out, ask them. Ask your current customers. Do a poll or a survey. Get some evidence to support your theories.

You think price is the most important issue because everyone is always saying it is? Someone will always be cheaper. Ask yourself: What do you have that is worth a few extra dollars? These things have value. Scream them out loud.

A Customer’s Worth: This isn’t Rocket Science

Wondering how much to invest in marketing in order to see results? You’re going to have to do your homework – and throw out the textbook. Harvard Business School says 10 percent of gross revenues are the magic number, but the advertisers themselves spend just a fraction of that – between 1-3 percent. The real question is: How much is one new customer worth to you? How many customers will you have to reach, and how often, before they convert?

How much do you have to invest that you can reasonably part with and not miss it? Don’t be frightened. If you did your homework, you’ll rise to the top. The better you know your customer, yourself and your market, the more successful your marketing will be.

This article contains excerpts from Stacey Ruth’s book, Market Right, or Get Out of the Way: Demystifying Marketing for Small Businesses, available in early 2011.

Stacey Ruth-Krizan is the CEO of The Wow Factory. For more information, visit www.thewowfactory.com.

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The hospitality industry in Arizona is suffering a backlash from the state’s adoption of a new law giving local law enforcement power to enforce immigration laws.

Meetings are being cancelled by groups opposed to S.B. 1070, which was signed into law in April. The Arizona Hotel and Lodging Association reported on April 30 that 19 groups, representing more than 15,000 room nights, have cancelled meetings as a result of the new law. The American Immigration Lawyers Association was the first group to announce that it would move its meeting from the state of Arizona. Regardless of your personal perspective on the Arizona law, this situation demonstrates that boycotts can have a powerful effect on the meetings industry.

What should a meeting professional be prepared to answer if confronted with a proposal to cancel a meeting because of a controversial legislative or political development?

BoycottsThe term boycott means to abstain from buying from or

dealing with another as an expression of protest and a means of coercion. Meeting professionals working with associations and corporations know that agreeing with other parties to refuse to deal with certain other parties could expose the group to liability under the antitrust laws. There are several reasons why the antitrust laws are inapplicable to the type of boycott that is currently aimed at Arizona. An adequate description of antitrust law is too complex to be given in here, but in this instance it is only necessary to understand that the right to free speech protected by the First Amendment is so important that even the antitrust laws must yield to this basic freedom. Associations and businesses, as well as individuals, have a right to speak their opinions on political issues. This is why associations and businesses can agree to seek or oppose legislation, even if the legislation lessens competition. For the same reason, a group may state political reasons for boycotting a particular state or city.

May Day Immigration Protest Rally Against Arizona’s New Law on May 1, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.

Controversial Arizona Law Impacts Meetings Contracts

What about the Contract?A group is free to choose not to meet in a locality that passes

a new law that the group opposes. This does not mean that the group is protected from any consequences from breaching a contract. Contract law does not prevent a party from cancelling their agreement, but it protects the non-breaching party’s right to receive the benefit of the original deal. This means that the party who cancels the meeting usually must pay the other party monetary damages. Meeting sponsors that cancel meetings based on political considerations will likely either pay contract damages or negotiate some other settlement with the properties and other vendors. For groups with meetings several years out, there may be a clause in their contracts allowing cancellation before a certain date without liability.

What about Force Majeure?This is the first question I receive from meeting sponsors who

are facing this issue. But force majeure clauses and impossibility clauses are intended to protect a party from liability if it cannot perform due to an unexpected event that is beyond its control.

Rob Sumner, Esq. is a partner at Sumner & Associates, P.C. in Atlanta, GA and provides legal services to associations and meeting & event professionals. He can be reached at rsumner@sumnerfirm.com or www.sumnerfirm.com.

BY ROB S U MN ER

Meetings are being cancelled by groups opposed to S.B. 1070, which was signed into law in April. The Arizona Hotel and Lodging Association reported on April 30 that 19 groups, representing more than 15,000 room nights, have cancelled meetings as a result of the new law.

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The Summer Educational Alliance (SEA), one of the most anticipated events of the year, is

just weeks away. The Georgia Chapter of Meeting Professionals International proudly presents SEA 2010: Play to Your Strengths: Dream … Learn … Lead from August 26-29.

Now in its 12th year, SEA has long been known for its premier education, extraordinary destinations and exhilarating adventures. True to form, SEA 2010 will be held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, at the magnificent new Secrets St. James, Montego Bay.

As meeting industry professionals, we work diligently to document and re-inforce the return on investment of face-to-face interactions. Each year, one of the most lauded attributes of the SEA conference is the extended, premium

SEA 2010:Dream, Learn, Lead

networking opportunities provided to attendees. Every aspect of the agenda is formulated to encourage relationship building, communication and camaraderie. All this is in addition to superior professional development led by highly sought-after speakers.

The SEA conference recipe is a simple, yet winning one. Take an array of industry professionals representing multiple chapters of Meeting Professionals International; add first-rate educational sessions exploring timely topics and industry trends. Incorporate members of our Alliance Partner organizations including the Atlanta Chapter of the International Special Events Society, the Southeast Chapter of the Professional Convention Management Association, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, the Society of Government Meeting Professionals, the Georgia Society of Association Executives, and the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Deposit the mix in majestic Montego Bay at Secrets St. James, our host hotel which boasts Unlimited-Luxury®, and a

promise of offering nothing short of royal treatment. After applying a generous amount of hospitality from the Jamaica Tourist Board and their partners, allow these ingredients to bask in the sun as we visit world-class properties where we are warmly welcomed as we gather information to support our clients with future site selections.

The result is a conference at which we explore the dynamics of adult learning theories, discuss the complexities of the global marketplace and cross-cultural communications, share best practices and build professional and personal relationships certain to last for years.

The GaMPI Summer Educational Alliance is truly a conference that is not to be missed. Please join us as we spend three days sharpening our skills and building solid networks that will support us as we face the dynamic changes inherent in today’s business environment. GaMPI invites you to attend SEA 2010 in Jamaica, where you will dare to dream, learn to lead and shape the future.

Aishah Pacheco, CMP works with Paycheck Productions. She is a SEA 2010 co-chair.

GaMPI invites you to attend SEA 2010 in Jamaica, where you will dare to dream, learn to lead and shape the future.

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Where 42 endangered species, 23 rare plants,

Call 404.624.6345 or visit GaLodges.com/Meetings

and your meeting budgets are protected. you’ll find the lodges are closer to you and your budget restrictions. The group rate includes hotel room, meeting facilities, meals, breaks, audio/visual equipment and gratuities. And the lodge staff can assist with the planning of meeting breaks and sit-down meals to banquet events or meals to go. Hey, conservation is our mission, and that includes your budget!

At a Georgia State Park, you may meet some of the most unique wildlife in the world. So calling the Park Lodges “unique meeting spaces” just seems natural. Of course, in addition to all the outdoor activities your group can enjoy, the most unique part of meeting here is the affordable price! And when you consider the four strategic locations across the state,

Group meeting rate starting at per night!$15000*

UNICOI

AMICALOLAFALLS

LITTLE OCMULGEEWallace Adams Golf Course

GEORGE T. BAGBYMeadow Links Golf Course

*Offer based on availability Sunday-Thursday with a minimum of 10 rooms. Some blackout dates may apply. Rates are net, non-commissionable and include tax. The offer is valid through November 30, 2010.

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Hosting the Clemson Experience.

For your next business conference,

enjoy luxurious accommodations,

meeting space overlooking

Lake Hartwell and an 18-hole

championship golf course.

Comfort meets business meets

recreation all in one place.

230 Madren Center Drive

cuconferencecenter.com

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Where 42 endangered species, 23 rare plants,

Call 404.624.6345 or visit GaLodges.com/Meetings

and your meeting budgets are protected. you’ll find the lodges are closer to you and your budget restrictions. The group rate includes hotel room, meeting facilities, meals, breaks, audio/visual equipment and gratuities. And the lodge staff can assist with the planning of meeting breaks and sit-down meals to banquet events or meals to go. Hey, conservation is our mission, and that includes your budget!

At a Georgia State Park, you may meet some of the most unique wildlife in the world. So calling the Park Lodges “unique meeting spaces” just seems natural. Of course, in addition to all the outdoor activities your group can enjoy, the most unique part of meeting here is the affordable price! And when you consider the four strategic locations across the state,

Group meeting rate starting at per night!$15000*

UNICOI

AMICALOLAFALLS

LITTLE OCMULGEEWallace Adams Golf Course

GEORGE T. BAGBYMeadow Links Golf Course

*Offer based on availability Sunday-Thursday with a minimum of 10 rooms. Some blackout dates may apply. Rates are net, non-commissionable and include tax. The offer is valid through November 30, 2010.

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Your destination close to home for corporate retreats, meetings,

conferences and Weddings!

info@talkofthetownatlanta.com770-329-0009 | www.BigCanoe.com

36 Wolfscratch Village CircleJasper, Georgia 30143

Overnight accommodations,golf, tennis, hiking and much more...

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continued on page 21

22010 is a banner year for New Orleans. The Crescent City has been catapulted into global prominence by a combination of several happenings, including The Saints’ victorious win in the Super Bowl and the election of Mayor Mitch Landrieu. Landrieu is a passionate, connected and experienced young statesman who is pro-hospitality, having served for two terms as Louisiana’s Secretary of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; his election is indicative of the ‘new’ New Orleans.

This year also celebrates two important milestones: the 50th anniversary of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau and the 25th anniversary of the city’s Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The spirit of New Orleans is alive with optimism and excitement as we look toward the tri-centennial of the founding of the city in 2018.

August marks five years since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the city is reveling in rebirth and expansion in restaurants, venues, museums and festivals. Today, there are more than 250 more restaurants than there were in 2005, offering the best in Creole, Cajun, Asian, Latin American and regional cooking, with award-winning young chefs like John Besh, Scott Boswell and Donald Link making a major mark.

The recently expanded World War II Museum beckons visitors with the 4D Beyond All Boundaries film directed by Tom Hanks. The adjoining Stage Door Canteen with its exuberant 1940s “Let Freedom Swing” song and dance show can accommodate up to 300 guests, and offers catering by John Besh’s on-site American Sector Café.

On the riverfront streetcar line near the Convention Center, SoFab, the Southern Museum of Food and Beverage, is absolute foodie heaven and a great spot to celebrate the city’s culinary heritage for up to 250 guests.

And don’t forget the immense World of Mardi Gras (East Bank), which opened in 2009, where events for thousands of guests can take place in up to four specific venues, from the giant dens where massive carnival floats are built to the lyrical “Southern Mansion” or under a tent overlooking the Mississippi River. In the warehouse district, you will find WINO, a hip emporium dedicated to the pursuit of all

BY BON N IE B . BOY D, CMP, DMCP

NEw ORlEANS:

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AlIvE wITh OpTIMISM

20 | WWW.GAMPI .ORG

Meeting Excellence in the French Quarter!

M eeting Planners across the country recently ranked the Astor Crowne Plaza #1 forMeetings Excellence in a survey conducted byInterContinental Hotels Group. This ranking by hotel meeting planners is due in part to the recent completion of an extensive $11

million renovation which won the top IHG award for Best in Renovation and the team’s efforts to exemplify true “Southern Hospitality.”

739 Canal at Bourbon Street • 888-696-4806 • 504-962-0500 or visit us at www.astorneworleans.com

Over 32,000 square-feet of versatile meeting space. • 693 luxurious guest accommodations, including 33 suites and club level rooms.Elegant ballrooms hosting events for as many as 800 guests with direct balcony access over Canal Bourbon and Iberville Streets.

MEET AT THE CROWNE OF THE FRENCH QUARTER.

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Chalmette Battlefi eld Daytime Cruises

Dinner Jazz Cruises on Mississippi River

Swamp & Airboat Tours just 20 minutes from downtown New

Orleans

www.CreoleQueen.com504.529.4567

www.BigEasy.com800.445.4109

www.JeanLafi tteSwampTour.com

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things oenophilic for receptions and casual tasting instruction. Nearby, the special event venue Republic offers a cool musical alternative for up to 800 guests.

At the Audubon Zoo, 15 minutes from the French Quarter, up to 200 guests can experience a nostalgic interlude at the newly working carousel. Other venues at the zoo include the elegant Audubon Tea Room—(300 guests for banquets) and the popular Cajun exhibit (250 guests). For a taste of the 19th century only an hour upriver from New Orleans, visit Houmas House and the spectacular Chinese Tea Room (maximum 80 guests) overlooking the glorious plantation.

New this year is the delicious Louisiana Oyster Festival, now added to the myriad roster of star-studded happenings like the French Quarter Festival, held each April, and the mega New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, held during the end of April and beginning of May.

While voluntourism continues to provide give-back activities, a new and successful experience is the St. Bernard Project which focuses on badly needed post-Katrina housing in the area downriver from New Orleans.

New Orleans is truly an ‘embarrassment of riches.’ Come visit us and Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler!

A native of New Orleans, Bonnie B. Boyd, CMP, DMCP, is a veteran of more than 20 years in the New Orleans destination management field.

continued from page 18

See for yourself how easy and simple we can make meeting in Norfolk. In fact, you’ll find the value you receive as attractive as the many amenities you and your attendees will discover when you book a meeting in Norfolk, the heart of the Virginia Waterfront.

So many points of view to make your meeting a success.

vis itnorfolktoday.com | 1-800-368-3097

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Platinum Band Atlanta, Inc.Superior Performance, Superior Professionalism

The Platinum Entertainment Package:

– Platinum is an eight- to twelve-piece high-energy performance package!– Dynamic choreography and themed music to meet specifi c event details.– Voted as one of “Atlanta’s Top Five Hottest Dance Bands.”– Consistently exceeds client expectations.– Member of National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) and the Atlanta Conventions & Visitors Bureau (ACVB).

Platinum is the perfect choice for Corporate Events, Private Parties and Weddings!

For booking information, contact Virginia Rece at (678) 595-7526 or visit our website at www.PlatinumBandAtl.com.

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ConferenCe & ConVentIon CenterS The Conference Center Inn at Clemson University ................ 16 www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/madren/

ConVentIon & VISItorS BureAuS Augusta Metropolitan CVB ..................................................... 2 www.AugustaGA.org Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau ............................... 21 www.norfolkcvb.com Tunica Convention & Visitors Bureau .................................... 24 www.tunicamiss.org

DInInG CruISe New Orleans Paddlewheels Inc. ........................................... 20 www.creolequeen.com

entertAInMent & MuSIC SerVICeS Platinum Band Atlanta ......................................................... 23 www.platinumbandatlanta.com

eVent fACIlIty Piedmont Park Conservancy .................................................17

eVent reGIStrAtIon SoftwAre DW Alliance .......................................................................... 9 www.dwalliance.com

hotelS & ConferenCe Center The Conference Center Inn at Clemson University ................ 16 www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/madren/

hotelS & reSortS Astor Crowne Plaza ............................................................. 20 www.astorneworleans.com Marriott .............................................................................. 22 www.marriott.com The Ridges Resort & Club on Lake Chatuge ......................... 24 www.theridgesresort.com The Westin Peachtree Plaza .................................................17 www.westin.com/peachtree

MeetInG & BAnQuet fACIlItIeS Astor Crowne Plaza ............................................................. 20 www.astorneworleans.com Great Wolf Lodge .................................................................. 2 www.greatwolfmeetings.com

outDoor reCreAtIon Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites ...............................16, 17 www.GALodges.com

reSortS Talk of the Town, Inc. ...........................................................17 www.talkofthetown.com

SIGht SeeInG tourS Celebration Tours LLC. ........................................................ 23 celebrationtoursllc.com

Volunteer.

American HeartAssociation

1.888.4TUNICA TUNICATRAVEL.COM

When it comes to affordable venues, inexpensive lodging and premium entertainment, Tunica lets you move your business forward – without high costs setting you back.

Meeting facilities up to 48,000 square feetOver 6,000 premium hotel roomsCountless dining and entertainment choicesJust 30 minutes south of Memphis

Plan a more effective, more affordable meeting in Tunica. Contact our meeting professionals.

M E E T I N

TUNICAR A K E I N T H E

SAVINGS

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ASK US ABOUT OUR

Rates starting at $179 per room/per night/plus tax (single occupancy)

Just two hours from Atlanta, The Ridges is an enchanting mountain lake retreat where you can relax and do nothing at all or enjoy an endless variety of recreational pleasures. The Ridges features an

all-season mountain lodge and conference facility that includes elegant guest rooms, windowed conference spaces, spacious lake villas, a full service marina,

and a host of activities and restaurants that cater to every taste.

3499 Highway 76 West, Young Harris, GA 30582PO Box 39, Hiawassee, GA 30546

888-834-4409 • 706-896-1886www.theridgesresort.com

Relax...

Reflect...

Recharge...

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