ISES Greater Philadelphia Chapter

As I look back on 2008, I think that as challenging as this changing market has become for many, it sure feels good to have a network of colleagues we can check in with, refer to, and count on. I can truly say that ISES Philadelphia has made a difference in my business and in the businesses of many folks I know in the special event industry.

In this December recruiting drive, I am sharing the influence ISES had on me with the people I know. I feel I'm helping them get connected and helping them compete. You can help your friends, too. ISES makes it easy this month with a huge discount for anyone who signs up online (see below.) Share your wealth of knowledge!

In this issue we spotlight 2008 Liberty Award winner, Lauren Huezo, CSEP of GEP Philly. We also recognize the Hankin Group's Gala nomination. As always, please email me if you feel anyone in our industry should be recognized.

Finally, please read about The Breathing Room below. On December 18th you can even have some light food with the ISES board as you drop off your donations at Benny the Bum's Crabhouse and Bar. Join us!

I wish you all a very happy holiday season. Thanks again for reading.

The Breathing Room and Support from ISES Greather Philadelphia Chapter

This year over 150 local families are in need
(with over 200 children expecting to have a 'normal' holiday). ISES has always taken a lead role in providing true joy to many of these families. We again ask for your generous support of this mission. Please help give these families a happy and less stressful holiday season. Let us provide them with some much needed 'Breathing Room.'

*** HOW YOU CAN HELP ***
*Fulfill the wish list of an entire family
*Fulfill the wish list for one individual
*Purchase just one gift from a wish list
*Donate a holiday meal to be delivered
*Make a tax-exempt cash donation toward this project
*Donate a Gift Certificate

Bring your Unwrapped Gift or Gift Certificate to either:
December 16th, 2008 "Jingle Jam" Tuesday, at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum.
OR
December 18th, 2008 - Drop Off your donations for The Breathing Room and have some light food with the ISES Board. Cash bar. Location: Benny the Bum's Crabhouse & Bar, Holiday Inn, Philadelphia Stadium. No registration required for this ISES Chapter get together.

Please contact Phyllis or Jackie at Eventricity, 215-886-0202, email eventricity1@yahoo.com to receive information regarding a personal gift to a family or individual.

Thank you in advance for helping to make someone's holiday season brighter!

ISES is a supporting Industry Partner of The Special Event Conference and Trade Show. This year The Special Event will be held in San Diego, California.

The Special Event conference features a full lineup of educational sessions that can benefit you and your business. Event experts from around the globe will be presenting this year on a wide-range of topics that will sharpen your skills and increase your knowledge. From ROI to risk management, there is education geared to every current issue and interest.

Also, don't miss your opportunity to see how to design your upcoming events using a full palette of the latest and greatest event products and services. With the great ideas you collect on the Special Event 2009 exhibit hall floor from over 300 exhibiting companies, you can transform and upgrade your events for years to come. Even a small addition or change to your events can make a big difference…entertainment, staging/lighting, floral, tabletops, wedding products, linens, software and much, much more.

Come visit ISES at booth #617!

For more information including registration, hotel and schedules, please visit www.thespecialeventshow.com.

Liberty Award Winner Profile: Lauren Huezo, CSEP
GEP Philly

Winner of Best Corporate/Nonprofit Event 2008 ISES Liberty Awards

Tell us a little about your company.
GEP Philly was founded in December, 2001 by hospitality industry veterans Chris White and Mike Lyons. Over the past seven years GEP Philly has established itself as the premier Destination Management Company (DMC) in the Philadelphia region. With 9 full time employees and a part-time staff of more than 60, GEP Philly manages approximately 125 projects per year ranging in size from 6 attendees to 3,000.

The company's mission is to custom-design highly creative programs that balance cost and service. Based on each client's program objectives, budget, audience profile, and past history, we identify the best possible solutions, facilities, suppliers and support services to successfully carry out the approved project. The services include airport meet & greet, group tours, spouse programs, entertainment, themed receptions and dinners, team building programs and complete VIP services for corporations, associations, incentive travel and non-profit institutions. GEP Philly operates out of our headquarters location in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, and maintains a satellite on-site office at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel.

What is your history with ISES and are you involved with ISES International? How so?
I have been a member of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of ISES since 2002. I served on several committees before serving on the Board of Directors for ISES for three years as their Vice President of Communications and Director of Marketing. I have been honored to be selected as the Volunteer of the Year 2005, ISES Superstar in 2007 and the Essence of ISES winner in 2008. I currently sit on the Programs/Education Committee.

If you had to give any advice to new members or prospective members, what would it be?
I would certainly tell all new and prospective members to take the tag line of "Get In and Get Involved" to heart. Over the last several years I have gained invaluable working and personal relationships with people in ISES that has far exceeded the value of my membership fees. ISES has also allowed me to grow as an event professional by participating in the regional and international conferences and allowing me to pursue my CSEP. My advice would be to come to meetings, shake as many hands as possible and really step up to become involved. We are all busy and swamped in our jobs and personal lives but there should always be time to learn something new and excel professionally.

This Just in..... Congratulations!

Hankin Group Receives Gala Nomination
The Hankin Group (Phoenixville Foundry) has received a Gala Nomination in the category of Best Event Produced for a Corporation or Association: Budget under $100,000. Bob Tomasso, member of ISES Greater Philadelphia Chapter and former President Elect of ISES NJ South submitted this event for the production of "Hankin Holiday Party 2007". Other ISES members who contributed and should be recognized are: Marie Williamson, Affairs to Be Remembered; Dino Galanti, and Irene Silver, Party Rental, LTD., Brian Toner, Eventions Productions, Pamela Horowitz, Provence Catering, Chris Caba, The Party Center.

Please join the Greater Philadelphia Chapter in congratulating Hankin Group (Phoenixville Foundry) for this prestigious nomination and join them at The Special Event Show 2009 (Jan. 27-30) in San Diego, California as they represent the Chapter at the Gala Awards and Celebration. (www.thespecialeventshow.com)

A Map to Success: Connecting Education to Innovation

Save the Date: March 8th & 9th, 2009
Early Bird Registration is OPEN. Click on logo above for full information.
The Marriott Downtown is the Host Hotel. Click on logo above for full information.