DEFINE
MEETING PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONAL
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF MEETING PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONAL OHIO CHAPTER
JAN — MAR 2016
What’s Inside:
Board of Directors
President’s Column
New MPIOH website
GAME THEORY: So What
Do Meeting Planners
Have in Common with
Van Halen’s David Lee
Roth?
Columbus is Growing
Breaking the Presentation
Rule
Getting Ready for MAC
2016
How to Get the Right
Proposal
Why it Takes a Genius
with the Intelligence of a
Nuclear Physicist to Plan
an Event.
Midwest Meeting
Scholarship
Welcome New Members
Social Media Update
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Cincinnati, OH
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STEVE KAPUSCINSKI
PRESIDENT
[email protected]
P:513.554.1797 F: 513.554.0343
www.allegracinci.com
The Official Newsletter of
MPI Ohio Chapter
Define is the official publication of the Ohio Chapter of Meeting Professionals
International. It is published every other month as a benefit of membership and
circulated free of charge to MPIOH members.
Copyright, 2015. All rights reserved.
Permission requests to reproduce written materials should be sent to 4010
Executive Park Drive, Suite 100, Cincinnati, OH 45241.
Information appearing in this publication is obtained from sources we believe to
be reliable. The information may not be a complete statement of all available data
and is guaranteed as such. Calculations are based solely on editorial judgement
and analysis of technical factors and meeting professional industry information
sources. Define is copyrighted and portions may be reprinted with the permission
of MPIOH. Define is not responsible for the contents of its advertisements and
advises all members to investigate claims before making any purchases.
2015-2016 MPI OHIO CHAPTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Jason Linscott
Regional Vice President
HPN Global
4241 Verbena Lane
Powell, OH 43065
[email protected]
Term expires June 30, 2016
President-Elect
Jennifer Veselko CMP
National Sales Manager
Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
7772 Callow Road
Leroy, OH 44077
Phone: 440-254-4314
Cell: 440-429-4900
[email protected]
Term expires June 30, 2016
Past President
Julie Kowalewski
Director Sales & Marketing
Cincinnati Marriott at River Center
10 West RiverCenter Blvd
Covington, KY 41011
Phone: 859-392-3722
Cell: 859-240-1407
[email protected]
Term expires June 30, 2016
Vice-President – Communications
Quinn McMurtry
Marketing & Sales
MAC Productions
242 Pike Street
Covington, KY 41011
Phone: 859-655-3080
[email protected]
Term expires June 30, 2016
Vice-President - Education
Heather Gortz CMP CTA
Business Devlopment Sales Manager
Crowne Plaza Columbus Downtown
33 East Nationwide Blvd
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-461-2614
[email protected]
Term expires June 30, 2017
Vice-President - Finance
Mike Moseley CHSP
Business Development Manager
North Pointe Hotel & Conference Center
100 Green Meadows Drive South
Lewis Center, OH 43035
Phone: 614-880-4203
[email protected]
Term expires June 30, 2017
Vice-President - Membership
Amanda Stredney
Account Executive
Marriott International
Phone: 614-203-9248
Email: [email protected]
Term expires June 30, 2016
Director of Education
Joan O’Connor
Director of Sales
Corporate College
4400 Richmond Road
Warrensville Heights, OH 44128
Phone: 216-987-2938
Joan.O’[email protected]
Term expires June 30, 2016
Director of Professional
Development
Amanda Smith Rasnick CMP
Group Sales Manager
Lake Erie Shores and Islands
4424 Milan Road, Suite A
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-2984
[email protected]
Term expires June 30, 2016
Director - Member Care
Abbey Border
Director of Sales
DoubleTree by Hilton
Newark, Ohio
50 N. 2nd Street
Newark, OH 43055
740-322-6502
[email protected]
Term expires June 30, 2017
Director of Special Projects
Phil BeMiller
Vice President, Global Accounts
HPN Global
4640 Westerville Woods Ct.
Columbus, OH 43231
614-776-4007
[email protected]
Term expires June 30, 2017
Director of MidAmerica
Diana Hisey
CEO
Event Design International
PO Box 9868
Cincinnati, OH 45209
Phone: 513-421-1233
[email protected]
Term expires June 30, 2016
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Lori Stickley CMP CASE
Manager, Global Accounts
Helmsbriscoe
13635 Coddington Rd.
St. Paris, OH 43072
Phone: 937-206-1726
[email protected]
Term expires June 30, 2016
Chapter Administrator
Jessi Konnagan
Association Connection
4010 Executive Park Drive
Suite 100
Cincinnati, OH 45241
Phone: 513-563-8674
Cell: 513-767-7456
Fax: 513-563-9743
Director of Marketing
Adam Kowaleski CTA
Corporate Sales Manager
Hyatt
350 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
419-515-4377
[email protected]
Term expires June 30, 2017
MPIOH Mission Statement:
To enhance the overall quality and awareness of the meetings industry by
ensuring the professional development and growth of its membership through
targeted educational programs and networking opportunities.
DEFINE • JAN—MAR 2016 • Page 3
MPIOH Executive Office
Jessi Konnagan
4010 Executive Park Dr.
Phone: 513-563-8674
Suite 100
Fax: 513-563-9743
Cincinnati, OH 45241
Email: [email protected]
www.mpioh.org
President’s Column
Jason Linscott
Regional Vice President, HPN Global
Spring is in The Air
It’s a beautiful 60 degree February day here in the Ohio suburbs. My Grandfather always quoted the Farmer’s Almanac
and it’s on point so far this winter. I hope everyone else is enjoying a wonderful start to their 2016. Now that we’ve all had
a month to work on those “Resolutions” where are we? Maybe it’s a good time to do a little recap of all that motivation you
had between Christmas and New Year’s? I do that once in a while personally and professionally. So I’m going to use this
opportunity to share some progress updates from your chapter leadership.
Have you been to our new website? That’s RIGHT our brand new www.mpioh.org is up and running! Two years of research
and hard work have finally come to fruition. Check that off the list! Why a new website? Head on over and see for
yourself. The opportunities are too numerous to list but I will throw a few your way. #1 is modernization of the platform for
multiple reasons. Now, the focus of the homepage is on our future events with integrated links to registration or additional
information. Our chapter goal is to have an 18-month rolling education calendar. If you look on our site you will see that
we are making great strides towards this goal. Additionally, this layout and ease of navigation allows easy access to all
of your MPI related questions. With this new site, we, the chapter have instant control and accessibility to update the
information. Finally, we are in control of our website and our goal is to keep it current at all times. Lastly for now, this feel
and layout provides many additional advertising opportunities for our advertisers which in turn provide revenue for your
chapter.
We continue to focus our educational offerings to meet your needs. Our speakers are pre certified by the CIC before you
register so you know what you are getting for your time and money. Yes, we are limited in the caliber of speaker we can
afford, but our Education team does a wonderful job putting the best foot forward. They take your feedback serious and
continue to fine tune our speaker lineup. Our other large educational component is the revamped CMP Program. The
curriculum is geared around the newest material available and is taught by people that have been in your shoes. By far,
our group study method is the best around. Period. There is no better way to learn than in the company of people that are
preparing just as you are. If you are preparing for your exam, this is a must do.
What can the chapter do to grow and how does it continue to improve? Through the efforts of volunteers. So that makes
my last item an encouragement for YOU to volunteer (if you are not already). MPI sets goals for chapters to have a certain
percentage of members engaged as volunteers. What does it mean to “volunteer”? This may surprise you, but ONE
HOUR per month is all that is asked of you in order to participate on a committee. We assume your experience will be
so wonderful you will beg to spend more time on tasks. Let me say that again, one hour qualifies you as a volunteer. To
volunteer just grab a board member or go to our new website and click on the About tab. You will find the committee page
and interest form here.
Finally, I can tell you that chapter leadership continues to work hard and follow the path we have put in place. As for you, I
hope you are all still plugging away at your dreams and goals. See you all soon!
Kindest Regards,
[email protected] 740-881-4204
DEFINE • JAN—MAR 2016 • Page 4
www.mpioh.org
Check out our new website at:
www.mpioh.org
Better calendar for chapter events
Easier registration
Share articles
Like pages
Mobile friendly
Great new look
Improved advertising opportunities
DEFINE • JAN—MAR 2016 • Page 5
www.mpioh.org
So What Do Meeting Planners Have in Common with Van Halen’s David Lee Roth?
GAME THEORY!
By Quinn McMurtry
SOUND CRAZY? WELL, LETS BREAK IT DOWN.
Meeting planners – you – go from venue to venue planning LIVE events. Correct! Well, Van Halen went from city to city planning legendary
rock concerts. Right!
Meeting planners – such as you and David Lee Roth had to plan and more importantly make sure their requests were met by
the promoters and the venues. Of course there are the obvious differences such as fortune and fame, but when you break it
down – planning a rock concert and a meeting are really one and the same.
SO WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH GAME THEORY?
I am sure you have heard the story about the rock star who demanded that there be “NO BROWN M&Ms” on the snack table. Well, it turns out
that diva-like rock star was Van Halen’s very own David Lee Roth. As the story goes, David Lee Roth was closely involved in the staging and
lighting design for the Van Halen tours. Being one of the biggest tours on record – planning was critical.
In the Eighties, Van Halen’s show was considered to be one of the world’s most challenging rock shows. Rivaled only by KISS, Van Halen was
feared by stagehands and riggers everywhere. The concerts were immense and involved thousands of feet of hanging truss, hundreds of
lights and literally miles and miles of dangerous cabling.
So great were the concert details that visually inspecting every component of the concert was impossible. Performing on stage with tons of
hanging gear is a necessity, but it is also a matter of life or death. And so David Lee Roth needed to devise a way to help verify safety.
So David Lee Roth came up with a clever trick he inserted in the band’s rider and it included the now famous clause that stated – in
all caps and underlined text – that a big bowl of M&Ms be at the catering table and “WARNING: ABSOLUTELY NO BROWN ONES.”
David Lee Roth, in a 2012 interview, explained why the now mythical clause was inserted in the band’s rider:
“The promoters frequently didn’t read the contract rider and we (Van Halen) would have structural, physical issues because, hey, there wasn’t
the proper electricity, load bearing, stress, etc. If I came backstage, having been one of the architects of this lighting and staging design, and I
saw brown M&M’s on the catering table, then guaranteed the promoter had not read the contract rider and we had to do a serious line check
because frequently we had danger issues.”
Unsuspectingly, David Lee Roth was using what economist and behavior specialists call “game theory.” Game theory is basically an applied
strategy to assist in the decision-making process. It is a strategy or a planned detailed request that will allow the planner – meeting planners
included -- to better make a decision, find a solution or in this case, quickly conclude if a vendor has properly read the rider or contract. In
other words, it is a way to get people – in this case vendors – to tell you something that they do NOT want to tell you. Like, “Although I said I
read your RFP, I really only half-read it, so consequently, I missed a number of key details that you requested…”
In essence, game theory is a way to elicit an unsuspecting confession. It is a method of finding the truth. For example, you
might have a great proposal from a vendor. You accept the offer, but you have intentionally inserted a clause that either
requests something not typically requested (no brown M&Ms) or request something common, such as bottles of water or
buckets of ice at every table.
So the next step is to show up at the venue. The truth, good or bad is easily revealed in the form of either missing water and no ice buckets,
or if you’re David Lee Roth – there ARE brown M&Ms! Like any good meeting planner, you now know the truth. You should now do a complete
check of the room and other details. Chances are, if such a simple request was not met then what about the more important details.
Everything from the audio-visuals, to the Wi-fi, or the food must be further scrutinized and verified.
DEFINE • JAN—MAR 2016 • Page 6
www.mpioh.org
A MPI OF OHIO MEMBER RECENTLY ILLUSTRATED HOW HE USES GAME THEORY:
“We are a live event production company and we travel all over the country. So typically we are
dealing with a new location and new venue. To insure that our instructions were followed, I always
specifically request that small trash cans (No Brown M&Ms) be placed at every table in our audiovisual production area. So, when we arrive onsite and I do not see each individual trash can (Brown
M&Ms) – I know immediately to go over every detail.”
Now obviously many meeting planners are already doing this. However, you can devise game theory
clues or details that will better serve your needs and assure that your event or meeting is run like a
Van Halen rock concert.
Quinn McMurtry is the Director of Sales & Marketing for MAC Productions AV and currently serving as the V.P. of Communication for MPI of
Ohio. Quinn was selected by AV Multimedia Producer Magazine as one of the nation’s “Top 30” media content producers for his work on
the National Submarine Science Discovery Center’s interactive media marketing campaign narrated by Gene Hackman.
Quinn has produced multiple live webcasts, marketing videos and event media for a variety of clients including CINTAS,
Toyota, RE/MAX and various organizations. Quinn holds Master of Arts Degree in Film & Video Production from The American
University and a Master of Arts in Communication Research from Northern Kentucky University.
Send comments or questions to: [email protected]
COLUMBUS CONTINUING TO GROW IN 2016
There’s no doubt that 2015 was a year of fantastic growth in Columbus. A $125
million renovation and expansion project began at the Greater Columbus Convention
Center (GCCC) and a number of groups have already been hosted in completed
meeting rooms. At the same time, two major downtown renovation projects
were finished, with the opening of the Columbus Museum of Art’s new 50,000
square foot wing, and the Scioto Mile premiering 33 acres of reclaimed parkland
connecting downtown to the east. The Columbus Ale Trail launched last year,
featuring more than 25 local breweries and celebrating Columbus’ ever-growing
craft beer scene. The city hosted a number of wonderful events, including the NHL
All-Star Game and the Gay Softball World Series, while also being a top finalist in a
bid for the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Clearly, 2015 will be a hard act to follow, but 2016 is already promising to be a record year.
While the GCCC modernization project has reached its 25 percent completion point, with the Grand Ballroom set to be finished ahead of schedule
in February, the new 800-space parking garage that will connect to the center is nearly complete and is scheduled to be operational in February
as well. In the midst of continued upgrades being made, the GCCC will also play host to two new groups. In June, the inaugural Junior Volleyball
Association (JVA) Summerfest will take place with an expected attendance of up to 15,000 players, coaches and fans. Soon after, the who’s who of
the library world will meet in Columbus for the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) World Library and Information
Congress. More than 4,000 attendees from 120 countries will be in Columbus for the August event.
Those flying into the city for visits in spring 2016 and beyond will be able to enjoy the newly-completed $80 million renovation of Port Columbus
International Airport. The project includes modernizing the terminals, making the airport’s free Wi-Fi system seven-times faster and more. It will also
be easier for those wishing to visit Columbus to do so, as Frontier Airlines just announced new direct flights from Denver, Las Vegas, Philadelphia
and Orlando beginning in June.
Even better, the city will have more hotel rooms to house its guests with a new 150-room boutique Marriott, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection,
opening in the historic Leveque Tower in early 2016, plus a 135-room Courtyard by Marriott opening at the Grandview Yard by summer 2016. The
Grandview Yard project will also include a Grand Event Center, connected to the hotel by a courtyard, with full catering capabilities, three meeting
rooms and a ballroom for up to 400 people.
Both the Columbus Coffee Trail and the Columbus Ale Trail are expanding this year as the local coffee and beer scenes continue to gain popularity.
There is almost too much to be said about the food scene to include in one summation. With new restaurants for all tastes opening regularly and
one local chef, Bill Glover of the Gallerie Bar and Bistro at the Hilton Columbus Downtown, having recently been invited to cook an all-Ohio dinner at
the James Beard House, it is safe to say that foodies around the country are taking notice. Columbus is a rapidly changing city, so even those who
have visited recently will find there is even more to do on a return visit. To those who haven’t visited, what are you waiting for?
DEFINE • JAN—MAR 2016 • Page 7
www.mpioh.org
Break this Presentation Rule #1:
Your purpose is to give a good presentation
By Karen Hough
“Good” is to a presentation as “Fine” is to a compliment.
Your Purpose is to make something happen!
You have more potential to be an authentically engaging, and
impressive presenter than any polished fake. The key is to break
the rules that keep you hamstrung and reconsider what’s important.
Yes, we’re going to break rules! And then find out how to get to the
passionate, effective presenter I know you can be.
There you stand, waiting to give a presentation, and you’re obsessed
with all the wrong things: your slides show every number in
existence, you stand up straight behind the podium, say everything
in order, don’t cross the beam of the projector… in other words,
give a “good” presentation.
Let’s reconsider why we are there. What is your true purpose?
Decide what the audience should walk away and do because you
stood there and made a difference. Your purpose is the destination.
It’s the “so what” for the audience. Consider how much stronger a
presentation would be if you walked in with a singular purpose to:
• Entertain the youth club so much they enter the go-cart
competition
• Convince the budget committee to raise your departmental
budget by 10%
• Anger the community council so they enact restrictions to limit
toxic dumping
Purpose helps you focus. When you have a clear goal, you can great
rid of the extraneous slides, unrelated facts and useless details.
If you want your budget to be increased by 10%, don’t review all
department budgets, the marketing plan and the company picnic.
Talk about your success and map out how you would leverage the
extra dollars for the benefit of the company.
So keep it simple. It’s best to walk in with one clear purpose,
accomplish that and move on to other at another time. I’ve seen
presenters walk in with 3, 4 or 5 goals and guess what happens.
Nothing. The audience walks out not knowing what to do.
Last note: Apply this to your meetings as well. A strong, singular
purpose can drive a really impressive sit-down meeting, not just a
formal presentation. Purpose is the ace in the hole, and this video
gives you an example for clarifying your purpose.
http://bit.ly/1RKbTFq
Karen Hough is the CEO of ImprovEdge, an
Amazon #1 bestselling author and contributor
to the Huffington Post. Her second, awardwinning book published by Berrett-Koehler is
“Be the Best Bad Presenter Ever: Break the
Rules, Make Mistakes and Win Them Over.”
She is the recipient of the Stevie International
Silver Award for Most Innovative Company of
the Year and the Athena PowerLink Award for
outstanding woman-owned business. She is
a Yale graduate and international speaker.
March 6-8, 2016
at Kalahari Resort
in Sandusky, Ohio
Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands is pleased to welcome industry planners
and suppliers to this year’s MPI Mid-America Conference!
Destination:
Lake Erie Shores & Islands offers so much to love in a getaway destination. One of the Midwest’s hottest vacation
spots, the region between Toledo and Cleveland provides an eclectic mix of historically-significant sites, family-fun
amusements, gorgeous scenery, and outdoor recreation. Whether you prefer a getaway that includes lazy days at the
beach, fishing with friends, dining on tasty treats, or one filled with exciting thrills like waterslides, roller coasters, and
entertaining nightlife, Lake Erie Shores & Islands is the ideal coastal retreat and meeting destination. Kalahari Resort
boasts over 200,000sq.ft. of meeting space; other premier locations include Sawmill Creek, Lakeside Chautauqua,
Great Wolf Lodge and Put-in-Bay Resort and Conference Center. Bring your company, friends, and family to explore
the Lake Erie Shores & Islands.
Host Hotel
Participants in this year’s MPI Mid America conference are in for an adventure inspired by the culture, the art, and
the natural beauty of Africa. The resort is excited to be incorporating the theme “One World” which highlights its
owners’ epic trip across six countries in their effort to bring the thrills of Africa back to home to Kalahari Resorts and
Conventions. Kalahari prides itself on presenting state-of-the-art meeting facilities enhanced with authentic African
artwork and artifacts. Its mix of incredible amenities and Beyond Expectations service means no detail is overlooked.
Monday Night off-site Event
MAC 2016’s marquee event will take place at the Erie Social Shuffleboard Club and Bar on the evening of Monday
March 7. Ohio’s first indoor shuffleboard club recently opened on the Marblehead peninsula. It features six regulation-size shuffleboard courts with raised viewing platforms available for year-round playing, as well as a deli and
bar. The Erie Social offers a unique social destination to serve as a source of fun entertainment for all ages and skill
levels. Practice your shuffle-skills or learn a new game while partaking in a Taste of the Shores & Islands.
Many of the area’s finest eateries will offer samples of their cuisine. Participating restaurants include Nagoya
Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi, Ciao Bella Ristorante Italiano, Crow’s Nest, Erie Social Sandwich Shop, Kalahari’s
Candy Hut, Manny’s Sports Tavern, and Zinc Brasserie. In addition to wines from area vineyards, local craft brewery
Catawba Island Brewing Company will be doing a tap-takeover at the club serving their popular beers. Be sure to
sample the “Lake Erie Love Light” developed as a nod to Lake Erie Shores & Islands’ well-liked marketing slogan.
MAC 2016 is poised to be one of the highlights of your year. The team at Lake Erie Shores & Islands can’t wait to
show you why we love our Great Lake region! For more information and to register for MAC 2016
visit: www.mpimidamericaconference.com
DEFINE • JAN—MAR 2016 • Page 9
www.mpioh.org
How To Get The
Right Proposal The First Time.
By Peter Barton
Do you spend hours reading proposals only to find that it’s not what
you are looking for?
Here are suggestions that might help guide future requests for “The
Right Proposal.”
A successful RFP should identify the key organizational and event
objectives the meeting planner is seeking. Far too often, proposals are
dramatically different and fail to meet planner expectations, but is this
due to the information provided? The benefits of accurate information
sharing during the initial conversations and clear RFP communication
will guarantee a proposal that meets your clients’ needs. Another
benefit to “the questioning phase;” you may also receive far less
phone calls and emails for clarification. Knowing what the event is
and what the planner is looking for is fundamentally what gets the
RFP moving and buyer and supplier on the same page.
In addition to specific business objectives for the event and the
organization, here are some key items to kick-start your process:
 Hot buttons, requests and must haves.
 Success stories from past events are great thought starters.
 Areas ripe for improvement that could use your expert insight.
Space requirements.
Hotel room nights.
Dates, including any move-in and move-out days if extensive set
up is required.
 Alternate dates: include any viable date, because not knowing
suppliers demand patterns, you may be pleasantly surprised.
So as you move through the process of discovery and needs become
known, there is often the elephant in the room! Sharing your event
budget. You are not giving away your “secret weapon” or your “poker
chips.” A good salesperson is going to want to cooperatively develop
a solution that fits all of your needs, including budget. If the budget
information is not provided in the RFP, the proposal may display an
unrealistic cost. This could ultimately lead a planner to believe that
the venue might not be the right or the most viable option for the
event. The event budget helps a venue identify the expectations and
needs which ultimately direct the planner to a solution.
Location history is a helpful tool for the facility. It aids in the
understanding of a groups space needs, but it can also be used to
identify any potential issues when presenting the space and how any
concerns might be overcome. This information also gives the venue
an idea of the locations needed for success.
What about that Food and Beverage History? Ancillary spending is a
great bargaining chip. Venues may be able to offer concessions which
could be a reduction in rental or preferred food and beverage pricing.
Concessions or special requests are almost always a given. If there
is a true need, then don’t be afraid to share it. If a venue doesn’t
know that need, then they can’t offer solutions. Occasionally RFP’s
are sent with “required not negotiable concessions” only to find they
were requests. It’s important to specifically identify and separate
hot buttons and requests from the deal breakers or “must haves.”
Is there something that will get a deal done? It’s okay to share
this information, because sharing could save you time, energy and
potentially money.
Food and Beverage History.
 What is the Food and Beverage Minimum and that you can be
comfortable with.
Food and Beverage Function Needs: breakfast, lunch, dinner,
breaks, receptions and special events.
Service requirements: staging, AV, internet, lighting, electrical,
marketing etc.
Location History.
Future Location: what you are looking for in a future location? A
walkable city, close to hotels, restaurants and entertainment, etc.
Attendance.
Event budget and rental rate expectation.
DEFINE • JAN—MAR 2016 • Page 10
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Date flexibility is a great way to get those more favorable rates that
a planner may be looking for, especially if the event is rate sensitive.
Convention Centers and Hotels want to offer you the best situation
possible and knowing that availably and the time of year are flexible
factors should be taken into consideration. Some events focus on the
cost, others on location or services. Having flexibility or being open to
it, could allow the venue some leeway in offering the planner a better
rate or having a service available when you need it.
Cincinnati would welcome an opportunity to meet with you or host
your next event. I would enjoy every opportunity to show you our
wonderful facility.
Put the process to the test and bring home a “win!”
So what are you ultimately asking for? The information on an RFP
could make or break a proposal for a planner. We ask all these
questions so we can address all your needs correctly and provide a
total business solution. Would it be fair to say it’s better to give more
information than we need, than not to get the information at all? I’m
confident in telling you that adding even some of the information
above will change the proposals you receive. I know there may be
some hesitation to share it, but also know that we are here to help
you.
I’m also confident that when you submit your next RFP with all of the
information above, the proposals you receive will not only be better,
but they will be more accurate and will address your needs. I hope
your next challenge is having trouble deciding where to go and not
spending hours reading a proposal that did not identify your needs.
Just be sure to add the DECC to your sourced city when sending
out your next RFP. The Duke Energy Convention Center Downtown
DEFINE • JAN—MAR 2016 • Page 11
Written by: Peter Barton – Sales
Manager at the Duke Energy Convention
Center Cincinnati.
Peter is a native of Ireland who moved to
the United Sates in 2005. Having worked
in 5 star hotels in Ireland and in the
hospitality industry here in the US, Peter
has managed to develop and harness
his relationships through networking and
referrals. Peter is a very approachable
person with strong work ethic. He likes
to be challenged and pushed to learn
something new almost every day. A
“Team Player” Peter doesn’t like to see
anyone left behind and is always first to
say “let me try it”. Unfortunately, Peter
can also be bribed with any form of
candy, preferably Cadbury’s Chocolate.
www.mpioh.org
Why it Takes a Genius with the Intelligence of
a Nuclear Physicist to Plan an Event.
By Michael Claypool
Have you ever wondered how many people may show up for your
event? What if you are an association and you need to figure out
the best possible location to host your conference. Well, the nuclear
physicist Enrico Fermi has a formula for you that will help you plan
your events.
Apparently Enrico Fermi, known as the
architect of the nuclear age devised a
method of approximation that was used
during the first nuclear bomb test. Fermi
developed what is known as the Fermi
estimate. The Fermi estimate is a “backof-the-envelope” styled formulation to
make good approximate calculations with little or no actual data. This
method takes a problem that was initially viewed as being too big to
be solved by breaking the problem down into sub problems that are
more easily answered.
The classic example used to describe the Fermi estimation process is
taken from a group of meeting planners trying to assess the number
of possible attendees for a piano tuners conference in Chicago.
Finding the Fermi estimate of this number would typically involve
multiplying a series of rough estimates, such as the population of
Chicago, an approximate number of households owning pianos, the
frequency with which a typical piano might be tuned, and so on.
The following formula can be used to calculate a close estimate of
the number of piano tuners in the Chicago area:
4. Pianos that are tuned regularly are tuned on average about once
per year.
5. It takes a piano tuner about two hours to tune a piano, including
travel time.
6. Each piano tuner works eight hours in a day, five days in a week,
and 50 weeks in a year.
From these numbers, we can compute that the amount of piano
tunings in a single year in the Chicago area:
(9,000,000 persons in Chicago) / (2 persons/household) × (1
piano/20 households) × (1 piano tuning per piano per year) =
225,000 piano tunings per year in Chicago.
We can similarly calculate that the average piano tuner performs:
(50 weeks/year)×(5 days/week)×(8 hours/day)/(2 hours to tune a
piano) = 1000 piano tunings per year per piano tuner.
Dividing gives
(225,000 piano tunings per year in Chicago) / (1000 piano tunings
per year per piano tuner) = 225 piano tuners in Chicago. Turns out
that the actual number of piano tuners in Chicago is about 290.
Pretty close estimate when you think about it.
So the next time you need to know how many might attend a
conference when you have very little information – consider using the
Fermi estimate and you can tell your boss or client that it really does
take a “genius” to plan an event.
1. There are approximately 9,000,000 people living in Chicago.
2. On average, there are two persons in each household in
Chicago.
3. Roughly one household in twenty has a piano that is tuned
regularly.
http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=1396#more-1396
http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?t=crmtb01&f=ob&i=how%20many%20piano%20
tuners%20are%20in%20chicago
http://blog.wolframalpha.com/2010/09/28/how-many-piano-tuners-are-there-in-chicago/
DEFINE • JAN—MAR 2016 • Page 12
www.mpioh.org
Mark Your Calendar!
MARCH 6-8, 2016
Mid America Conference
Kalahari Resort
Sandusky, OH
MARCH 23, 2016
REACH Meeting
Dayton, OH
APRIL 13, 2016
REACH Meeting
Cincinnati, OH
APRIL 20, 2016
Chapter Meeting
Studio Movie Grill
Columbus, OH
MAY 18, 2016
Chapter Meeting
Kings Island
Mason, OH
MAY 25, 2016
REACH Meeting
Columbus, OH
JUNE 11-14, 2016
World Education Congress
(WEC)
Atlantic City, NJ
Host the Next MPIOH
Chapter Meeting!
Spotlight your hotel, property or meeting space by
sponsoring an MPIOH Chapter luncheon! In addition to
gaining immediate exposure to meeting professionals
attending the event, your hotel will receive exposure
to MPIOH Chapter members and non-members
throughout Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Indiana with
over $1,600 of sponsorship advertising.
Call or email Lori Stickley, Director of Strategic
Partnerships, to secure your date at lstickley@
helmsbriscoe.com or 937-206-1726.
DEFINE • JAN—MAR 2016 • Page 13
www.mpioh.org
New CMP Scholarship offered by Midwest Meetings
Midwest Meetings is pleased to announce the establishment of the Midwest Meetings Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Scholarship. This
program is offered to members in good standing of MPI Chicago Area, Heartland, Indiana, Kansas City, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, St. Louis and
Wisconsin chapters to assist financially so they may achieve their CMP. Two scholarships will be offered each year, which will cover the CMP exam
fee. The first deadline for scholarship applications is February 29, 2016.
The CMP program, offered by the Convention Industry Council (CIC), is an internationally recognized credential indicating excellence in the meeting,
convention, exhibition, and event industry. Both a professional and personal achievement, individuals who earn their CMP are recognized as having
achieved the industry’s highest levels of expertise and experience.
“We are inspired daily by professionals in the meetings’ industry.” said Randy Hennen, publisher at Midwest Meetings. “This scholarship is just one
way we hope to support and inspire future industry leaders.”
For more information about the scholarship requirements and to download an application, visit www.MidwestMeetings.com/cmp-scholarship. For
more information about the CMP requirements, visit http://www.ConventionIndustry.org/CMP/AboutCMP.aspx.
About Midwest Meetings
Midwest Meetings publishes a quarterly magazine and annual Guide Book dedicated to the meetings and events
industry in the Midwest. Each issue of Midwest Meetings® magazine includes industry news and views from meeting
professionals and industry experts, as well as insight into Midwest meeting/event destinations and venues. The most
current industry news, facts, and how to’s can always be found at www.MidwestMeetings.com.
Contact Lisa Jennings, Midwest Meetings, [email protected], 800.288.8510, www.MidwestMeetings.com
Congratulations to MPI of
Ohio’s newest Certified
Meeting Professionals.
Natalie Ennis
Kalahari Resort – Sandusky, OH
Victoria Reid
Farm Credit Mid-America – Louisville, KY
Linda Wesley
US Bank – Cincinnati, OH
The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
program was established with the aim to increase
the professionalism of meeting management
professionals and suppliers by promoting industry
wide standards, identifying industry knowledge and
advocating the science of meeting management.
Go to www.mpioh.org now and find out
how you can get your CMP.
DEFINE • JAN—MAR 2016 • Page 14
www.mpioh.org
Welcome to Our New Members!
Arthur Allen
Phone: 281-670-9167
Email: [email protected]
Madeline Khurma CTA
The Ohio State University
Phone: 614-506-0820
Email: [email protected]
Danette Barnett
Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center
Email: [email protected]
Arica Billing CMP CTA
Experience Columbus
Phone: 614-222-6124
Email: [email protected]
Zane Borsos Student
Phone: 567-686-4299
Email: [email protected]
Kelly Robinson
StriveTogether
Phone: 513-929-1322
Email: [email protected]
Kevin LaFollette
Nationwide Insurance, 2-04-02
Phone: 607-760-7223
Email: [email protected]
Dawn Stewart CMP
BCD Travel
Phone: 330-284-9366
Email: [email protected]
Heather Larson CMP
Meet Chicago Northwest
Phone: 847-278-3446
Email: [email protected]
Teresa Lennartz
The Westin Columbus Hotel
Phone: 614-220-7042
Email: [email protected]
Robin Stewart
RELX Group
Email: [email protected]
Christine Corbissero
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Phone: 216-896-9000
Email: [email protected] Katy Marston
University of Cincinnati Conference & Event
Kathy Crowley
Services
Miami University
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 513-529-6918
Email: [email protected]
Becky Peck
Nei-Turner Media Group/Ohio Meetings
Amy Easterday
Magazine
Columbus Marriott Northwest
Phone: 262-245-1000
Phone: 614-336-4703
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Ann Pugh
Jessica Hettrick CTA
Cooper Creek Event Center
BCD Meetings & Events
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 614-507-0469
Email: [email protected]
If you have not “liked” our Facebook Page
at “MPI Ohio Chapter,” then you are missing
some great information. To stay in the loop,
be sure to “LIKE” “MPI Ohio Chapter.”
Like 140 characters or less?
We do too! Be sure to follow
@MPIOH
DEFINE • JAN—MAR 2016 • Page 15
Kristen Strickhouser
Holiday Inn Cleveland - South Independence
Phone: 330-842-1387
Email: [email protected]
Tina Tkach MBA
INC Research
Phone: 513-744-3964
Email: [email protected]
Carrie Turney CMP
Ernst & Young
Phone: 513-612-1556
Email: [email protected]
Jennifer Yannayon
Hilton Columbus/Polaris
Phone: 614-885-1600
Email: [email protected]
They say learn something new everyday.
There’s no easier way than participating in
our MPIOH group on Linked In. You may even
teach your peers a thing or two!
www.mpioh.org