The Spur (April-June 2014)

IN THIS ISSUE: 2014 SGMP National

Education Conference

Annual Awards Banquet & Supplier Appreciation

& MORE!!! Features Awards Committee .................................................... 12

Hospitality Committee ................................................ 4

Membership Committee ............................................. 5

Special Events Committee (Holiday Gala) .................. 10

CGMP Designation ...................................................... 6

Meeting Planning: Ask the Expert ............................. 18

SGMP Meetings & Events Battle of the Members (April) ...................................... 2

Shape the Future of Your SGMP (June) ...................... 12

NEC: Oregon Rocks! .................................................... 4

NEC: Networking & Family .......................................... 7

NEC: A Planner’s Perspective ....................................... 9

NEC: Fired Up! ........................................................... 11

NEC: What a fabulous experience! ............................ 14

Upcoming Meetings & Programs ............................... 11

2015 Region V PIE Conference Theme Contest .......... 17

2015 National Education Conference .......................... 2

Bits & Pieces President’s Message .................................................... 1

Notes from the Secretary ............................................ 8

Board Contacts ............................................................ 3

Committee Corral ....................................................... 9

Recipe Round–up ...................................................... 14

SGMP Gear .................................................................. 8

SGMP Member Bill of Rights ....................................... 3

Social Media .............................................................. 18

Want Ads ................................................................... 16

Ad Index Hyatt Regency Tulsa .................................................. 15

Kings Worldwide Transportation ................................ 7

Oklahoma City CVB ..................................................... 5

Winner’s Circle, Inc./PDC Productions ......................... 2

Renaissance OKC Hotel & Convention Center ........... 13

EDUCATION—NETWORKING—RESOURCES Celebrating our Successes …

Chapter Strong! The Wild West Chapter certainly holds the bragging rights in maintaining its excellent planner to suppler ratio. The past 2 years, we have ranked either #1, #2, or #3 each month. Thank you members for renewing your commitment to SGMP and we ask that you continue to recruit new planners and suppliers!

I am proud of the Board for its hard work this year that allowed the Wild West Chapter to receive a Chapter Merit Award at the National Education Conference in Portland, Oregon. Congratulations! Our chapter operations would not be the success it is today without our dedicated treasurer, Ginger Thompson. I had the privilege of awarding Ginger my President’s Award for her continued support.

The greatest membership benefit (as the results of the chapter survey issued in the spring) for your membership was the opportunity to network with other planners and suppliers throughout the state on a monthly basis. Education ranked as one of the top benefits as well. I commend Amy Knowles for the outstanding job she has done in securing strong programs that meet the 9 SGMP core competency areas that allow us to offer educational contact hours to help meet the requirements for our chapter GMS certificate. Brenda Gentry was presented her GMS plaque on June 12. She was the first member to submit her documentation to complete the requirements for the certificate. So members, the ball is in our court to follow through to receive your GMS certificate.

Looking forward to 2014–2015, your chapter will be looking for leaders. The Chapter Board elections process will begin in the fall. Our IPP is Crystal Mappes and she will be overseeing this process with guidance and direction from our National IPP. If you are interested in a board position, I encourage you to attend our chapter board meetings each month and actively participate on a committee. All positions will be open for members who meet the qualifications to run for a position. Get connected—plug in to SGMP! Alice Moore, CGMP 2013–2015 Wild West Chapter President

Wild West Chapter Oklahoma SGMP

From the President’s Desk

Volume 13, Issue 2

April–June 2014

www.oksgmp.org Wild West Chapter Oklahoma SGMP

The Spur Volume 13, Issue 2

Battle of the Members April 10, 2014 • NCED Conference Center Hotel Core: Education

by Dee Anne Holcomb, CMP, CGMP—Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies

On April 10, 2014, the Wild West Chapter Oklahoma SGMP monthly luncheon was hosted by Dustin Griffin, Sales Manager at the National Center for Employee Development in Norman, OK.

Amy Knowles, 1st Vice President of the Wild West Chapter, presented our educational program, “Battle of the Members”. Those in attendance were divided into three groups to compete against each other playing Battleship. Using a combination of PowerPoint and flip charts, various questions were asked about meeting planning competencies and issues. The group thoroughly enjoyed the competitive game, and learned a lot, too.

SGMP National Education Conference April 28–30, 2015 in Minneapolis, MN!

Find more information online at http://sgmp.org/conference/minneapolis.cfm

Photos courtesy of Meet Minneapolis



SGMP Member Bill Of Rights

Members have the right to respect SGMP is our membership and the Society has no life separate from its members.

Members have the right to be heard Members have a voice in the Society and can expect that leadership and staff respond to their input.

Members have the right to leaders who put the Society first Leadership is service to others and being true to the Society’s mission.

Members have the right to lawful and ethical leadership Members can expect and demand that elected leaders and staff comply with all governing laws, policies and ethical standards.

Members have the right to participate in governance The Society is run democratically and allows members to vote and seek leadership positions. Members can expect transparency in governance and operations.

Members have the right to have Society funds used to advance our mission SGMP leaders have a fiduciary responsibility to manage Society funds and assets for the good of the entire Society. SGMP funds are to be used for meeting member needs of today, ensuring the sustainability of operations, and preparing for the Society’s future.

President Alice Moore, CGMP University of Oklahoma—CECPD 405.799.6383 [email protected]

1st Vice President Amy Knowles

Moore Norman Technology Center 405.325.1902

[email protected] 2nd Vice President Michael Farr, CASE, CGMP Hyatt Regency Tulsa 918.560.2205 [email protected]

Secretary Brenda Gentry

OUHSC—Ctr. on Child Abuse & Neglect 405.271.8858 x 42131

[email protected]

Treasurer Ginger Thompson Oklahoma City CVB 405.297.8979 [email protected]

Director—Special Recognition Tracy Blair, CHSP

Renaissance OKC Convention Center Hotel 405.228.8011

[email protected]

Director—Community Service Diane Haser–Bennett OKDHS 405.521.3520 [email protected]

Director—Special Projects Kristen Vencl

Enid Event Center & Convention Hall 580.616.7362

[email protected]

Immediate Past President Crystal Mappes, CMP OK Assn. of Health Care Providers 405.524.8338 [email protected]



NEC: Oregon Rocks! May 6–8, 2014 • Hilton Portland & Executive Tower and the Oregon Convention Center by Gail Russell—Oklahoma Dept. of Human Services/DDSD

I really do not know where to begin. Oregon—from the massive trees to the majestic mountains to the blue ocean—it is one of the most gorgeous states I have ever seen. My husband and I left a week before the SGMP conference and traveled the coast. We started our journey in Portland and then made our way to Fort Stevens State Park. This was an old Civil War site and close to where Lewis and Clark landed along the Pacific coast. The weather was strange- it would rain and then hail-we did not mind as OK has been in a drought. From here we made our way to Astoria (where Goonies was filmed) and then down Hwy 101 stopping in Tillamook to taste the homemade Tillamook cheese. From there we went to Lincoln City for a glass fusing class that I had a Groupon for. We left with two beautiful pieces of art made by two individuals that knew nothing about glass fusing. Our instructor, Maurice was very patient with us. Our final resting spot was Newport, OR. From here we explored the beach, lighthouses and quaint towns.

We met two of God's creatures—Bob the goose and his girlfriend Millie the duck. Little do they know that I broke my wrist in the process of saving their necks from an out of control retriever. It is one souvenir I would have rather left behind. To this day, I am still in my cast. From Newport we went back to Portland for the conference. It was once again a wonderful SGMP event. Packed full of great workshops, keynotes speakers and fabulous entertainment. I really enjoyed the keynotes. My husband left Portland early to head back to OKC. It was then that I realized what good friends I have made in SGMP—for they are the ones that made sure my hair was braided, my skirt was not tucked into my elastic waistband and in my drugged stupor from my broken wrist, I was on the correct flight going home! All of you know who you are and I love you for your dedication and friendship. SGMP tugs at my heartstrings! Thank you each and every one!

Hospitality Committee Report submitted by Tanya Bethel

APRIL 2014 MONTHLY MEETING DOOR PRIZE DONATIONS Dustin Griffin, NCED Hotel & Conference Center: complimentary one night stay with breakfast for two

Tanya Bethel, Doubletree by Hilton Tulsa–Warren Place: 1 tin of Doubletree cookies

Ashley Norman, Choctaw Casino Resort: two pack of Choctaw Farms preserves

Catrina Barton, Marriott International: Marriott travel cups

Michael Farr, Hyatt Regency Tulsa: one weekend night with complimentary parking

Amy Knowles, Moore/Norman Technology Center: high heel tape dispenser

JUNE 2014 MONTHLY MEETING DOOR PRIZE DONATIONS Ginger Thompson, OKC CVB: (2) water bottle w/hand sanitizer, lip balm, nail file, sunscreen, & boot koozie

Tracy Blair, Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center Hotel: (2) Renaissance branded backpack coolers



Membership Committee

Report

As of June 30, the Wild West Chapter has:

45 Planners + 25 Suppliers + 1 Retiree = 71 Total Members

New Member

Elizabeth Baldwin Membership Transfer

Ashley Barth (transferred from Liz Haller) April–June Renewals

Tanya Bethel—DoubleTree Hotel at Warren Place

Bri DeMarco—Visit Tulsa

Laura Morgan—Winner’s Circle, Inc.

Lacy Ragland—Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa

Ezra Poindexter—Sheraton Midwest City Hotel at the Reed Conference Center

Cyndi Lu Shaw–Daniels—Oklahoma Historical Society

Congratulations to membership award winner Leah Scoles from the OK Dept. of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services. Leah Scoles accepts iPad and Wild West Chapter tablet sleeve from 2nd VP Michael Farr



2014 is a great time to earn your CGMP designation printed with permission from www.sgmp.org

The Certified Government Meeting Professional designation ("CGMP") is designed for planners and suppliers whose work is governed by the rules and regulations of the federal government. Individuals who have earned their CGMP have obtained the highest designation available that is specifically for government meeting professionals.

To be eligible to take the course, you must be an SGMP member in good standing for six months or be a member with more than one year of experience in the hospitality industry. The $595 registration fee includes the three–day training sessions, all course materials, and the exam that is administered on the morning of the fourth day. In order to sit for the exam, you must attend all three days of the course.

Here are the upcoming courses that are currently scheduled. New courses are added periodically. The list here will always be the most accurate and updated list.

In order to register, you must be a current member and login to our website. Once you have logged in, you will be able to register by selecting the course under "Upcoming Events" in "MEMBERS ONLY" once the course registration has opened (this page does not provide registration, only information about upcoming courses). If you are not paying by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), please select "Bill Me" when checking out to have an invoice immediately sent to your email address.

UPCOMING COURSES

July 15–18, 2014 SGMP Headquarters Training Center 908 King St, Suite 200 Alexandria, VA 22314 August 7–10, 2014 Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center 2443 Hwy 54 West Peachtree City, Georgia 30269

**Held as pre-conference programming at the Southeast Regional Education Conference (SREC) being hosted by SGMP chapters at that location on August 10-13, 2014.

September 16–19, 2014 SGMP Headquarters Training Center 908 King St, Suite 200 Alexandria, VA 22314

All courses have limited registration space available. Payment is required in advance of the course. In the event of a cancellation, collected fees will be applied to a future course registration.

Course host locations are not determined until the course meets a minimum registration requirement. All registrants will be notified within 30 days of the course of the location of the course and exam.



NEC: Networking and Family May 6–8, 2014 • Hilton Portland & Executive Tower and the Oregon Convention Center by Ricky Torix, CGMP, CMP—Lane Torix, Inc.

As an SGMP NEC scholarship recipient, I was honored and very excited to be a part of the inner workings of such a dynamic event for our industry! Seeing this event from the inside-out gave me a greater appreciation for how important SGMP and NEC are to the government meeting planning industry. And, while I enjoyed many of the speakers (Aric Bostick and Michael Dominquez were standouts), for me, the best part of the entire NEC experience was networking with my peers from across the country! I made new contacts, ran into old friends and made new ones!

In fact, I finally met a business colleague from my local CVB that I have worked with only via email. We finally met in person at this year’s NEC and are not only great business associates—I can now call her my close friend and new exercise buddy!

As stated by Rob Coffman and Rob Bergeron in Portland—we are a family—that is not only a motivational statement, but one I know to be true! It was a great honor to become an NEC national scholarship recipient and I will cherish the experience throughout my professional life as a meeting planner!



Get Your SGMP Gear! $10 each

Items can be purchased at any monthly chapter meeting

Umbrella Tablet Sleeve Duffel Bag

Notes from the Secretary Hello Wild West Chapter Members,

I want to thank all the members who participated in the recent survey regarding our chapter. The information will be very beneficial to our board retreat to be held July 21–22. I want to encourage all members to be a part of the chapter’s activities and if you should ever have any questions or suggestions please contact me or one of the board members.

The Supplier Appreciation and Awards Banquet was held June 12th and hosted by Michael Farr at the Hyatt Regency Tulsa. Congratulations to our awardees: Planner of the Year—Gail Russell; Supplier of the Year—Ashley Norman (Choctaw Casino and Resort); Host Property of the Year—Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Tulsa; and President’s Award—Ginger Thompson.

Please mark your calendars for the 2014 Holiday Gala and Silent Auction to be held at Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, OK, December 4–5. More information should be coming out soon from Kristen Vencl.

Also, the 2015 PIE Conference will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Airport, March 28–30. This is a great learning experience and a chance to meet other SGMP members from the Texas chapters. An email was recently sent out regarding the “theme contest” which will earn the winner a free registration and information regarding sponsorship. It can also be found on the Wild West Chapter website at www.oksgmp.org.

Thank you to all of our industry partners, along with our planner members for their valued support of the Wild West Chapter.

Brenda Gentry Wild West Chapter Secretary



NEC: A Planner’s Perspective May 6–8, 2014 • Hilton Portland & Executive Tower and the Oregon Convention Center by Danielle Merryman—University of Oklahoma

I was pleased to attend several workshops being offered at this year’s National Education Conference that were very beneficial to me: “Contracts 2014: Who’s in the Driver’s Seat”, “Event Insurance”, “Demystifying Meetings Value and ROI”, “Contract Negotiations: How to Get What You Want”, “Advanced Win-Win: Negotiations for Success”, “KRM Lecture Session” (covering webinars, telecasts, etc.) and “Risk Management”.

Much like last year, the most beneficial part of the conference for me was receiving the opportunity to attend a conference not planned by myself or my agency. I was able to attend a professional conference while experiencing everything through the eyes of a participant. There is no workshop or training session that I have experienced that would offer a planner this kind of insight. No matter how many participant evaluations you comb through as a planner trying to get a better sense of the needs and expectations of your audience, nothing quite compares to experiencing the conference from their perspective.

I was impressed with so many aspects of this conference’s management, layout, and flow. Travel Portland and the corporate sponsors worked with SGMP to plan their conference at two separate venues a light rail train ride away from each other. I was amazed at the logistical steps taken to ensure participants’ arrival to and from the second venue including free transit passes given to participants that were extended a full day after the conference ended to help those needing transportation to the airport as well as SGMP directory staff posted at every corner and giant SGMP logo stickers on the city sidewalks leading participants directly from the hotel to the transit stops. While some attendees complained about the transfer to a second venue, I felt that it was executed brilliantly and it gave planners an opportunity to see the Oregon Convention Center in addition to the host hotel while showing off Portland’s incredible public transit systems.

Committee Corral Do you want to serve the Wild West Chapter, but don’t know what to do? Below is a list of the chapter’s committees.

If you are interested in serving, contact the committee chair. Budget and Finance: Ginger Thompson—[email protected]

Communication: Laura Morgan—[email protected]

Community Service: Diane Haser–Bennett—[email protected]

Hospitality: Tanya Bethel—[email protected]

Marketing: Brenda Gentry—[email protected]

Membership: Michael Farr, CASE, CGMP—[email protected]

Nominations & Election Committee: Crystal Mappes, CMP—[email protected]

Programs & Education: Amy Knowles—[email protected]

Scholarship: Ginger Thompson—[email protected]

Special Projects: Kristen Vencl—[email protected]

Special Recognition: Tracy Blair, CHSP—[email protected]



Upcoming Meetings & Programs Unless otherwise noted, monthly meetings follow the below schedule: Board Meeting: 9:30am (members invited) • Registration & Networking: 11am • Luncheon: 11:15am

July 21–22, 2014 Venue: Choctaw Casino Resort—Durant (no monthly meeting) Program: Board Retreat

August 14, 2014 Venue: The Norman Hotel Program: TBA

September 11, 2014 Venue: Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center Program: TBA

October 9, 2014 Venue: Enid Event Center & Convention Hall Program: TBA

November 13, 2014 Venue: Crowne Plaza Oklahoma City Program: TBA

December 4 & 5, 2014 Venue: Choctaw Casino Resort—Durant Program: Annual Holiday Gala & Silent Auction (4th) Breakfast Meeting (5th)

March 6–8, 2015 Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Airport Hotel Program: Region V PIE Conference

April 28–30, 2015 Venue: Hilton Minneapolis Program: 2015 SGMP National Education Conference

NEC: Fired Up! May 6–8, 2014 • Hilton Portland & Executive Tower and the Oregon Convention Center by Bri Demarco—Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau

I had a great experience at the SGMP National Education Conference this past May. Portland is a beautiful city and it was great to be able to explore when we had free time. The opening reception was at the Oregon Convention Center and was hosted by Travel Portland. It was excellent. The décor was beautiful and had an island theme. They had Oregon wineries represented showing off their different delicious wines. They had a wide variety of food and plenty of it. Sometimes you go to opening receptions and the food is sparse and not filling. That was not the case at this reception. They had a great live band that played all different genres of music. It was quite the party. There was a “quiet room” next door for anyone that wanted to get away and not have to talk over the band. What I thought was interesting was they had henna tattoo artists there and attendees were lined up to get henna tattoos. I thought that was very unique. Overall I thought that Travel Portland and the Oregon Convention Center did an awesome job on blowing the opening reception out of the park.

The absolute best breakout session I’ve ever attended was at this conference. It was FIRED UP! with Aric Bostick. He was a very enthusiastic speaker and really knew how to get everyone “fired up”. He had everyone run around the room high-fiving each other saying “YOU’RE AWESOME!” He gave the first 100 or so people a free book written by him titled FIRED UP! Success. He talked about how sometimes we lose our fire and how to regain that fire. He was so inspiring and some of the example stories he would tell brought a tear to the eye. At the end of the session he jumped up on the table and ripped off his shirt to show his Superman shirt and cape underneath. He was playing high energy music at the beginning and closing of the session. He was such a genuinely nice guy and a phenomenal speaker. He made everyone want to go out and change the world after hearing him speak. We were all FIRED UP after this session!

Raffle

Tickets are $1 each, 7 for $5, & 15 for $10 and may be purchased at registration.

A winner is drawn after lunch keeps ½ the pot! The other ½ goes to the chapter scholarship fund. Please bring cash and your lucky charm!

Thank you members who participate in these drawings. We appreciate your contributions to SGMP scholarships.



Awards Committee Report Shining Star Awards

Brenda Gentry Tasha Houck Lacy Ragland Joey King Kristen Vencl

Shape the Future of Your SGMP Annual Awards Banquet & Supplier Appreciation June 12, 2014 • Hyatt Regency Tulsa

by Allison Woodard

The Supplier Appreciation and Awards Banquet on June 12 was kicked off with a welcome by chapter president Alice Moore. The Hyatt Regency Tulsa served as the host for the event, providing a delicious lunch. Michael Farr, with the Hyatt Regency Tulsa, addressed the audience and a representative from Domestic Violence Intervention Services discussed the community service project, expressing their appreciation for Wild West Chapter's involvement.

The main feature of the banquet was “Shape the Future of Your SGMP.” During her State of the Chapter Address, Moore highlighted that the Wild West Chapter is #1 in the nation for member ratio, and the Chapter had its first member, Brenda Gentry, obtain the Government Meeting Specialist Certification. The Chapter also received the Chapter Merit Award at the National Education Conference in Portland, Oregon. She recognized Ginger Thompson for her financial savviness which kept the chapter in its 80% educational/20% operational ratio and she discussed the results of the chapter survey.

We express thanks to all of our industry partners for their valued support of the Wild West Chapter.

Choctaw Casino & Resort Crowne Plaza Oklahoma City Doubletree Hotel at Warren Place Embassy Suites Tulsa Enid Event Center and Convention Hall Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa Holiday Inn Norman Hyatt Regency Tulsa Kings Worldwide Transportation Marriott International NCED Conference Center & Hotel Norman CVB Norman Embassy Suites

Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau Oklahoma State Parks Premier Hospitality/Focus Management Group Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center Hotel & Spa

Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center Sheraton Midwest City Hotel at the Reed Conference Center Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel Downtown Skirvin Hilton Tulsa Marriott Southern Hills Visit Tulsa Wyndham Tulsa Hotel

Supplier Appreciation 2014 Eight supplier members accept their gifts

Front (L to R): Tracy Blair, Ginger Thompson, Kristen Vencl, Lori Long Back (L to R): Michael Farr, Stacy McKee-Redden accepting for Lacy Ragland,

Candie Westbrook accepting for Dustin Griffin, Liz Haller

accepted by Stacy McKee–Redden



NEC: What a fabulous experience! May 6–8, 2014 • Hilton Portland & Executive Tower and the Oregon Convention Center by Leah Scoles—OK Dept. of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services

As a national scholarship winner and first time conference attendee I was not sure what to expect but was excited for the opportunity to network with other meeting planners and suppliers. From the minute I arrived in Portland, I tried to soak it all in! I always try to come back from conferences ready to share but find people want the “twitter version” (140 characters or less), so here it is:

Risk Management: it is a must. It is not a matter of if, it is when! Plans should include Goals and objectives, contact information, maps, roles and responsibilities, communications, safety and security and an event risk profile.

Event Insurance: Obtain insurance to prevent financial loss, to give you peace of mind, insure yourself and your agency again unexpected circumstances. 4 Types of Event Insurance: Event cancellation Insurance, Event Liability Insurance, Meeting Planners Liability Insurance and Liquor Liability. Time line of purchase, how much to purchase, application requirements were also discussed.

8 Attributes of Successful Leaders: Take 100% responsibility, have a clear vision, balance, focus on strengths, do action planning, embrace courage, have a success team (mentors and coaches), show appreciation.

FIRED UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!: Fuel: What fills your tank?; Inventory: Take stock of your life; Reframe: Shift your Perspective; Energize: R&R. Eat well. Exercise; Declare: What’s your mission; Understand: Try on their shoes; Present: Live here and now

Wow, what a lot of information in three short days, but I think by biggest take away from the whole conference is that the Wild West Chapter members genuinely love each other and enjoy each other and want to do what they can to help fellow members to succeed in the meeting planning business!

Recipe Round-up Fourth of July Cocktail courtesy of Guy Fieri, The Food Network Ingredients 1oz Watermelon schnapps 1 big splash Cranberry juice 1 thin slice Jalapeño or serrano pepper 1 slice Lemon 1 slice Lime 1 ½ oz Tequila ¼ oz Blue Curacao ½ oz Simple syrup Method

1. Mix the schnapps and cranberry juice in shaker. Pour into an ice–filled glass.

2. Muddle the pepper, lemon, lime, tequila, blue curacao and simple syrup in shaker. For a full batch, dissolve sugar in equal parts hot water and chill.

3. Slowly strain into the glass over schnapps and cranberry juice layer.



Advertising special: Purchase one year of newsletter advertising (4 issues) and receive a 10% discount on your ad! Ad Dimensions ¼ Page: 7.5” x 2.5” (horizontal) or 3.75” x 5” (vertical) ½ Page: 7.5” x 5” (horizontal) or 3.75” x 10” (vertical) Full Page: 7.5” x 10”

Below is the publication schedule for the quarterly issues:

Edition Ad Deadline Published byJanuary–March April 1 April 30April–June July 1 July 31July–September October 1 October 31October–December January 1 January 31

WE WANT YOU!

Share your knowledge and present on a topic of your

choice that will educate all SGMP members. You will be appreciated by your peers, & earn points for

meeting planning certifications & chapter scholarships.

Your topic does not have to be solely on meeting planning or the hotel industry. Think

outside the box about topics that are essential in everyday life at work, home, relationships, etc. All of us

make up the body of the chapter and each of you ARE the chapter.

If you aren’t comfortable presenting by yourself, buddy up with a colleague to do a presentation. You may have someone in your office who would give a presentation. The possibilities are endless! With the amount of expertise we all bring to one group, it will be a phenomenal year for the Wild West Chapter and we can keep bringing stellar programs to the 2nd Thursday of every month!

Please contact Amy Knowles, with your presentation ideas at [email protected] or 405.809.3500. Thanks

Your ad!

¼ page = $50 ½ page = $75

Full Page = $125 Prices are per issue

Ad formats: .tif, .jpg, or .pdf

Contact: [email protected]

WANTED Newsletter

Articles We want your contributions to The Spur. Let us know what is going on with you on a personal

or professional level. Do you have a new addition to your family, new job, got

engaged/married or have other news about yourself or another SGMP member?

We want your photos and news of events big

and small. Articles can be about a new meeting planning experience or something that you

learned to do or not to do.

Give us your input and remember, articles count for PIE & NEC scholarship points.



Ask the Expert Preparing a Presentation by Ted Miller, CHME, CHSP, CGTP, CGMP Starwood Hotels and Resorts

Question: What do you recommend as the best way to initially prepare for a presentation?

Answer: The first thing you need to do is understand your audience so you can be talking to your audience and not at your audience. There should be very specific information your audience is expecting, so give it to them and be direct and to the point. You can use graphics if it is appropriate for your audience to understand the facts you are presenting. Make sure you use simple words and keep as much Jargon out of your materials as possible. Then Practice, Practice, Practice until you feel comfortable with the material.

Question: I have a presentation that is a “Corporate Commercial” I need to give to an audience of over a thousand people. Most of my competitors must do the same thing and it usually puts everyone to sleep. How can I be different but still effective?

Answer: Let me suggest something I used recently that was quite effective. The Emcee announced me and as I came from off stage to the lectern. As soon as I arrived on stage I asked the Emcee to “Roll the Tape” and a 30–second sizzle reel ran with very stimulating music and a series of photos and movie clips on our company. When I started by brief speech everyone was focused on me for my 30–second speech. Most companies have such materials, you just need to seek it out. This will get everyone’s attention.

Question: I have been told that my previous presentations were great but most of the people did not seem to retain the information. What is the best way for me to give my presentation so people will remember and use the information I am presenting?

Answer: Before you start your presentation print out a copy for everyone in attendance. Make sure you keep each slide on a separate page so everyone can take notes. Ask the audience once you have finished what information you can clarify for them. If you do not get any questions then start asking your audience questions based on the questions you would have expected. The more you can engage them the better they will retain the information.

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The Spur (April-June 2014)

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Transcript of The Spur (April-June 2014)