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FALL 2020
President's Letter
Greetings and Happy Fall,

I hope the new season finds all of you happy, healthy and safe. It has been a trying past couple of months for many Oregonians and for so many of our neighboring states. I feel very grateful on this late September morning for fresh air, calm skies and for the recent rains that have helped bring some much-needed relief to our beautiful surroundings.

I wanted to take a few moments to let you know we have some exciting MPI plans for October and November. Thank you to all who participated in our all member survey. Our Board took the information you sent us and we are listening. Coming soon look for the October/November MPI Oregon Chapter Updates email. This is a bi-monthly email that will list all of the programs, education, happy hours and MPI offerings. This email document that is being sent to membership will be in an easy-to-read format.

Thank you one and all for continuing your membership, you are the heart and soul of MPI Oregon and each of you make such a difference. If you need anything or have a question, large or small, do not hesitate to reach out to me or any of our Board members. We are here for you!

See you on one of the next MPI Oregon Chapter virtual events!

Tara Thomas, CMP, DMCP, HMCC
MPI Oregon Chapter President 2020 – 2021
504.481.2065
Dan Tappan was born in Roseburg, OR, and he grew up in Myrtle Creek. He currently lives in Klamath Falls and works in Canyonville. He knows Southern Oregon well!
 
Dan enjoys the typical PNW activities like hiking, boating, camping, fishing and hunting. Spending time with his family and friends is always a priority and he loves to say, GO DUCKS!
 
When asked about his bucket list Dan said he wants to do an Alaskan fishing trip, see a Green Bay vs. Steeler’s game with his son and to open his own bar/lounge. In the meantime, Dan is working for Seven Feathers Casino Resort as the Group Sales Manager and has celebrated 16 years in the hospitality management industry. However, he is still trying to figure out what he wants to be when he grows up!
 
His favorite holiday is Halloween because you can be anything you want for one night. Putting on an annual haunted house with his friends was always a blast. Scaring people at the haunted house was something they looked forward to. And speaking of being scared, the scariest thing Dan has ever done was go elk hunting with his new father-in-law. Dan received a lengthy explanation of where to go when he was dropped off, in an area he had never been in. After spending the night and a good portion of the next day being lost,Dan made it out, over 5 miles and multiple ridges from where he was supposed to be. He said, “it is funny now, but scary back then.”
 
Since Dan enjoys spending so much time outside we had to ask him what he would take with him on a deserted island. Not surprisingly he said, for practical use he would bring fire starter, knife and machete. He assumed he got to the island on a boat with many cases of beer onboard so that would also make it onto his island along with a friend.
 
Welcome to MPI Oregon Dan Tappan!
What Is Behind the Dian J. Lindsay Presidential Award and Who Is Dian J. Lindsay?
This year, my last responsibility as outgoing President was to award the annual “Dian J. Lindsay Presidential Award” to a current active member of the Chapter which I had the honor of receiving in 2018. The Award is “given at the discretion of the current president to an outstanding individual in the chapter who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the organization”. I was pleased and honored to give the Award to Anne Hallinan, CMP with Marrone Hallinan Event Management, LLC who exemplified exceptional support to our Chapter this past year on so many fronts.

Anne has been an involved and impactful member and leader of our Chapter since 2000, and of course served as our Chapter President in 2012-2013. She is an experienced, well respective event professional, and is highly talented as an Event / Meeting Planner professional. She contributes a tremendous amount to both our industry as a planner and to our Chapter as Director, Education Special Projects. She has really been so powerful as a resource, mentor and guide for the Cascadia Educational Conference for 2020.

Anne’s comments and reflections of Dian “Receiving the Dian J Lindsay Presidential Award (2019 & 2011) is an additionally special honor for me, as I had the opportunity to work with and be mentored by Dian early in my career. She gave me a chance and helped show me how to work as a contractor – years before I actually did. Having leaders like her to pave the way certainly helped myself and I know so many others.”

I decided to give Dian a call and learn more about Dian for myself and our members. We had a fabulous conversation. Dian was a member of our Chapter from the start; was one of the founding 30 members and have been involved from 1983 until around 2008 and she was President from 1986-1988.

Dian started her own meeting/event planning company in 1979, EWE-ME & Company (her maiden name was Lamb). She eventually added DMC services as well. At that time there were no “independent” event planners per se. She worked closely with the GPCVA- Greater Portland Convention and Visitors Assn. (now known as Travel Portland).

Dian was the contracted independent event planner for Oregon Tourism before It was Travel Oregon for 25 years, before Carole Astley stepped in as full-time. During that time, her company was managing over 200 events per year for a vast number of clients including corporations and associations.

Dian also coordinated a variety of meetings and events for the Oregonian, for ten years, where she met her husband, and married in 2004 (changing her last name to Hilliard). Shortly after, she sold her company to partners and continued with a few longstanding contracts and eventually retired from all but one. For the past 14 years she has managed the annual convention for the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, traditionally held at Sunriver. The 2020 conference was cancelled, but she hopes to return to Sunriver in 2021. 

Also, Dian taught meeting and event planning courses at Mt. Hood Community College and Chemeketa community college for many years while running her business. 

Reflecting on her membership and involvement with MPI, what has resounded powerfully for Dian is that friendships have lasted over the years, and great bonds established.  She recalls the Dian J. Lindsay Award was created by the President that followed her: Randy Shipley (1988-1989).

Dian’s favorite past-times are gardening, golf and her grandkids and she likes series on Netflix and is following the Director Allen Parker specifically.

On behalf of our Chapter and members, Thank YOU Dian Hilliard for your past membership, leadership, mentorship to so many and for your contributions in our Industry. Those of us who have received the Award in your honor are truly humbled and honored. Thank You.

PAST WINNERS:
2020: Anne Hallinan, CMP (also 2011)
2019: Jenny Moore, CGMP
2018: Cathy Mason, CMP, DES
2017: Kelly Hoelscher, CMP
2016: Dawn Rasmussen, CMP, CTP

2020 MPI Winner Q&A!


Rising Star
Amy Hildahl, Senior National Sales Manager, Soul Community Planet/Salishan Coastal Lodge
Share with us a story or reason why MPI means so much to you: 
When I think of MPI the first words that come to mind are family and community. I joined MPI to “get more business” and support my professional growth, but what I have received goes far beyond. My MPI family has helped me grow personally AND professionally and I know they are always here for me as I will always be here for them.

What is something that people might not know about you?
I started my hospitality career in housekeeping.
 
What would you like to say to all the other people out there who might be nominated for this award in the future?
CONGRATS! It is an honor to be recognized by your peers and don’t stop here. Continue to get involved and volunteer. The more you put into MPI, the more you get


Torchlight
Jenny Moore, CGMP, Sales Representative, Spirit Mountain Casino
What does receiving this award mean to you?
I was, and still am, truly gob smacked that I won this award. I love volunteering for MPI Oregon and being a part of an amazing group of professionals who give their all every day. I am honored to stand with such an amazing group of individuals.

Share with us a story or reason why MPI means so much to you:
MPI Oregon has been a very rewarding aspect of my career that I was not expecting when I transferred to the sales position. I have met some wonderful friends and learned so much about an industry I love. Being part of MPI Oregon is truly rewarding in both professional development and meeting new friends. 

Mentor
Amanda Eriksen, CMP
What does receiving this award mean to you?
Receiving the Mentor Award means a lot to me as I would not have been who I am today without those who have mentored me throughout my career. Serving as a CMP Study Group leader has given me the opportunity to give back by helping others advance their knowledge in the events industry. The award is a nice bonus received for doing something that I enjoy.

What would you like to say to all the other people out there who might be nominated for this award in the future?
To those other Mentor Award nominees from the past and in the future, I say, I am honored to be part of a group of talented individuals who invest time in helping others reach their full potential.

 
Supplier of the Year
Gregory Heinze, Director of Sales and Marketing, Radisson Red Portland Downtown
What does receiving this award mean to you?
Being recognized with such a deserving group of nominees and sitting amongst the best of the best as an award winner is a great feeling of accomplishment. I have enjoyed my time volunteering with MPI and honing skills I don’t necessarily get to use in my daily professional life.

Share with us a story or reason why MPI means so much to you. 
Being able to go through this crazy time in our lives with my MPI family around me sharing, supporting, commiserating, and celebrating has meant the world. We are such a close-knit industry that truly looks out for each other. Through simple check-in texts or cards, to heart-warming calls and an occasional drive-by—we have each other’s backs.

What is something that people might not know about you?
While I think it’s fairly well-known, I am a holiday fanatic! I start decorating for fall around September 1st, and then move to Halloween on October 1st, Thanksgiving on November 1st and then Thanksgiving night it becomes 72 hours of Christmas decorating! I like to have all decorating done before I leave for work the Monday after Thanksgiving, sometimes trees (5+) and all! After Christmas, I remove all the “Christmas” décor, but leave up the winter décor, and turn one of the trees into a New Year’s tree- complete with plastic champagne flutes, noise makes, beads, and masks! The best part is with our new house, I get to re-experience all of my décor! 

Planner of the Year & Dian J. Lindsay Presidential
Anne Hallinan, CMP, Owner, Marrone Hallinan Event Management
What does receiving this award mean to you? 
It is so humbling to be recognized by one’s peers, it’s hard to explain. It’s like the best thank you card that you could ever receive, that everyone reads!

Share with us a story or reason why MPI means so much to you. 
I truly believe that I would not have had the professional success that I have, without my involvement with MPI. When I married and moved to Eugene, I could easily have fallen off the radar and taken a different professional path. But meetings and events are my passion, it’s what I do, so I wanted to stay in the industry. In order to make that work, I knew I needed to stay involved with MPI. It ensured I stayed in touch with industry colleagues and friends, provided necessary and relevant education and training to keep my business relevant and truthfully helped me land some very lucrative contracts.

What is something that people might not know about you? 
Before becoming an independent planner, I was the Sales and Event Manager at the Portland Expo Center.

What would you like to say to all the other people out there who might be nominated for this award in the future? 
I encourage you to fill out the nomination packet. It seems like you’re bragging about yourself, but you are really just putting all your involvement in one place. Stay involved. Join committees. It’s good for your career and yourself! Plus, the award looks really cool in your office.

Lifetime Achievement
Carolyn Wence, CMP, CGMP, President/Owner, Plans & Action
Share with us a story or reason why MPI means so much to you:
Joining MPI 30 years ago, I had lots of experience as a mom, school secretary, head room mother for my children’s school and how to plan meetings , etc. but had no experience setting up a registration system for the Oregon State Bar, learning how to use it or signing huge contracts for hotels, food and more but someone mentioned MPI, so I became a member.
There were classes provided by MPI national and our local chapter offered education tips and then the CMP course came along and then from studying from 3 books on my own and then a weekend with Washington members also studying to take the CMP, I learned tons more. But the most important thing besides the education is the friendship and roles I served – such as President of our chapter - but friends I’ve made at the national level also. They have become life time friends.

What is something people might not know about you?
I have been a Girl Scout for 52 years and as a 2nd grader in La Grande, OR, my scout troop of 7 girls was invited to a college ladies luncheon and our troop decided we would sing “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window.” I sang loudly with the others, and then ended up singing just by myself as the other troop members got scared and let me sing my heart out. How is that for starting out a new career? LOL

How We Organized Our First In-person Event Since March 2020
Few industries have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as completely and devastatingly as ours. We can honestly say that there is not one MPI member who has not been impacted – most of us, dramatically. As this crisis continues, it has become increasingly more imperative that we figure out how to move forward and get back to work. Important not just for our livelihoods, but for our psyches.

An enthusiastic group of your peers came together as a committee to determine how we could hold our Chapter’s first event since March with an in-person component. We felt that it was important for MPI to be the leader in navigating the new regulations and safety standards for face-to-face meetings. So that is what we did. Together with amazing member partner businesses, we envisioned what could be and made it a reality.

Our goal was to provide a networking social for people comfortable and wanting to come together in person, as well as recognize our Chapter 2019-2020 award winners, since our June Awards Gala was postponed due to the pandemic. We made it a hybrid event so as not to exclude anyone, knowing that not everyone would be comfortable or able to attend an in-person event.

On Tuesday, August 18, 2020 we held the MPI Oregon Chapter’s hybrid “August Awards Celebration” at the Oregon Garden Resort. We had nearly 40 people in attendance and another 15 people join us virtually via Zoom for the awards presentation portion of the evening. As of this writing (six weeks post-event), there have been no reports of anyone becoming ill after attending. We call this a success!

This is how we did it:

First, we polled members to get an idea if people were even interested in meeting, yet.
  • The result was a resounding yes, but definitely not 100%
  • Next, we identified the key component to instill the highest level of confidence/perceived safety would be an outdoor venue.
  • Per the State of Oregon COVID-19 guidelines, outdoor gatherings are recommended and allow for more attendees than indoor gatherings.
  • We ended up choosing the Oregon Garden Resort as our venue.
  • Located in Marion County, at the time of the event per Oregon regulations, they were able to hold an event with 100 people indoors and 250 people outdoors
  • It provided multiple indoor/outdoor space options
  • Was extremely flexible with F&B minimums
  • Identified themselves as the perfect partner wanting to trailblaze this path with us
  • To help others who are beginning to plan an in-person event, here are some of the things we did to ensure a safe and comfortable experience:
COMMUNICATION:
  • We communicated our safety protocols early and often, to ensure members were able to make the best personal decision regarding attendance, possible
  • Posted safety protocols on event website and social media
  • Promoted event as a family friendly function, so that members didn’t have to sit at tables by themselves
  • Allowed a flexible cancellation policy
  • Reminded everyone not to attend if they are not feeling well that day or had been exposed to someone with COVID-19
  • Sent an email to all attendees several weeks after the event requesting that they let us know if they got sick after the event and/or learned that they had been exposed to someone with COVID-19 prior to attending
VENUE:
  • We chose one with indoor/outdoor capabilities
  • Guests could choose where they were most comfortable sitting
  • ample space and good airflow
  • we utilized a 9,300 sq ft building (normal capacity up to 450ppl) with coil doors opened at either end
  • although we were in a public place, our restrooms were reserved for accessible to our guest only
  • we provided one-way traffic (with tape on the floor) to/from the restrooms
ON SITE SAFETY PROTOCOLS:
  • All guests were required to wear masks when:
  • it was unable to maintain six feet from those around you
  • when walking to/from bar, food station or restroom
  • No onsite registrations were allowed
  • since this event required registrations, we captured everyone’s contact information for post-event contract tracing purposes
  • pre-ordered, plated meals
  • Direct from server to guest
  • contactless payments for food and beverage
  • set tables 10’ apart, to ensure physical distancing when seated or walking by
  • each table and chair sanitized prior to guest arrival
  • Guests were given a table tent with their name on it to place on the table of their choosing
  • this served as an indication to others that the table was taken, so not to sit there
  • provided a seating chart/map that the venue could use for contact tracing, should someone become sick after the event
  • Hand sanitizing stations throughout the event
  • Registration table
  • on bar
  • At stairs to stage
  • Small personal hand sanitizers placed on tables inside the building
  • Sanitized, physically distanced lecterns for event emcees
  • No touch award presentation
  • Award was placed on a table, six feet from the speakers’ lecterns, for the recipient to pick up
  • Limited number of speakers during presentation
  • Lecterns were sanitized between speakers

We’re happy to answer questions if you’d like more detail. Please feel free to reach out!

Planning Committee: Anne Hallinan, CMP; Carole Astley, CMP; Juanita Metzler, CMP; Jenny Moore, SGMP; Rindi Cerelli, CMP and Alisha Leonard

October 27, 2020
4:00 - 5:30 pm

Special Guest: Melanie Spring, Chief Storyteller & Approachable Badass
October 28, 2020
4:00 - 5:00 pm

November 10, 2020
3:00 - 4:00 pm

Monthly Virtual Education: Engagement Strategy in the Virtual Meetings and Events World
Speaker: Heather Mason
November 17, 2020
3:00 - 4:30 pm

CMP 101 Orientation Webinar
November 18, 2020
12:00 - 1:00 pm
advertise with us!
We want to be your partner! Have you considered a strategic partnership with MPI Oregon? Look what our current partners are saying –

“Since I joined MPI several years ago I wanted to be as involved as possible to really get as much as I could from my membership. I am blessed with the opportunity to work for a company that shares the same vision. We want to be involved and support our community so we jump at the chances to pitch in and sponsor where we can. Sponsorship with MPI allows us to expand our marketing reach and always provides a positive ROI.”
– Jessica Johnson, The Party Team

We know how important ROI is to your sponsorship budget and we know your target audience. Let us help you make that connection!

Contact Amy Hildahl at amyh@scphospitalty to start the conversation. We can create a custom package to meet your goals and budget or select from one of our current offerings. Don’t wait, become a cash sponsor before December 1st and we will slice pricing in half!
MPI Oregon | www.mpioregon.org