President's Report

Written by Lori Reid

I would like to welcome everyone back after taking the summer off from our monthly meetings. I hope you were all able to enjoy some time off with family and friends. Looking forward, we have some fantastic speakers lined up for the remainder of this year and into 2015, starting with Marie Chevalier in October followed by Stevie Ray in November. At our November meeting we will be offering you the ability to have a professional headshot taken. The fee for the headshot along with retouching is $50.00 and you can register and pay for this at the same time you register for the meeting. Headshots will be taken from 10:45am – 11:30am.

It’s hard to believe that brings us into December and our Holiday Gala. It’ll be here before we know it. I would like to ask everyone to start thinking about your personal and corporate contributions for the silent auction fundraiser that is held at the Gala every year. The proceeds from the silent auction go into our scholarship fund to benefit the continuing education for our members. If you have items you would like to donate, please reach out to Kathi Hanson and she will coordinate the donations.

I would also like to personally thank each of our volunteers for their support to the organization throughout the year. We would like to get even more members actively involved by joining a committee (or two!). We currently have several committees in need of volunteers (Newsletter, Marketing, Finance). If you are interested, please feel free to reach out to me or any of our board members for more information.

Earlier this year, GBTA North Central was awarded a Chapter Scholarship from the Chapter President’s Council (CPC) that allowed us to offer a one year membership to our organization for a Direct Prospect. This scholarship required that the new member become actively involved in a committee throughout the year. We had several applications and I am pleased to say we have awarded three scholarships. Please join me in congratulating Fiona LaPoint (Cargill), Julie Polinsky (RBC) and Maggie Frye (Data Recognition Corporation). We look forward to your involvement and commitment to the organization.

Lori Reid
President

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GBTA Conference Recap

Written by Gina Zappa

There were quite a few members who attended the annual GBTA Conference which was held in Los Angeles, CA this July.  A few photos of people out and about can be seen below.  

Mary Cole, Lori Reid, Jan Shoemaker	Gina Zappa, Bonnie Parlin	Peter Greenberg, Jan Shoemaker

Gina Grobel, Lori Reid, Michael Nelson	Gina Zappa, Patti Sjulstad, Bonnie Parlin, Missy Schrupp, Lisa Buckner, Jeff Brown

Since the GBTA North Central Chapter achieved our PAC Chapter Challenge goals, our association became a Partner and was able to have a picture taken with one of the keynote speakers.  Here is the photo of our designated chapter representatives (who gave the highest contributions to the Chapter Challenge) with Kevin Spacey:

(L to R: Patrick Algyer, Gina Zappa, Jan Shoemaker, Kevin Spacey, Lori Reid, Mary Cole)

Additionally, two of our local members were recipients of the Business Travel Professional Service Award.  Each year the GBTA Chapter President’s Council (CPC) honors experienced travel professionals who have been industry leaders and have devoted themselves to their company, their association (both local and national) and their fellow business associates.  Congratulations to Patrick Algyer and Jan Shoemaker, pictured with Chapter President’s Counsel President, Jessica Davis.

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House Unanimously Passed Bill to Block the Removal of the TSA Cap

Submitted by Shane Downey

What great news! In June the attendees of the Legislative Symposium stormed Capitol Hill to raise the concern that TSA was going to remove the cap on the Transportation Security Fee. TSA had just announced their plan and the attendees hit the meetings with their Representatives and stated GBTA’s concerns with allowing this to happen. On September 17, the House has passed a bill to block the TSA from lifting a cap on a ticket fee that funds security operations.

The measure was approved 423-0 after being debated on the floor last night. It was considered under suspension of the rules, a procedure for largely noncontroversial legislation that requires a two-thirds vote for passage.

The Murray-Ryan budget deal boosted the security fee to a maximum of $5.60 one-way, but the TSA interpreted that to mean that the $10 limit that had previously been in place was eliminated. The bill’s authors (the chair and ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee and its transportation panel) said that was never their intent.

Shane Downey
Director, Public Policy
GBTA

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Member Profile - Allied

Maggie Frye, Senior Meeting Planner at  Data Recognition Corporation

Experience:
Current place of employment / title / length of time at this company:  Data Recognition Corporation (DRC), Senior Meeting Planner.  This October will be 5-years already (time flies when you are having fun, I guess!)
    
Work history:  Prior to DRC, I was a Travel Sourcing Specialist with Target Corporation.  Before that I worked in hotel sales.  So I switched sides along the way.  My hotel experience definitely makes me a better travel & meeting planner! In total, I have 15+ years in this ever-changing industry.  
    
Education history:  I am a graduate from South Dakota State University with a major in Hotel Restaurant Management and minor in Economics.   
    
Travel Industry / GBTA North Central Chapter specific:
What made you decide to work in travel?  When I was waitressing, I was forced to figure out what I wanted to be when I “grew up” so I thought; I will go to hotel and restaurant school. After graduation I moved to the “city” and started in hotel sales at the Northland Inn and Conference Center.  I’ve had some great mentors and learned a lot working in hotels; but my path eventually led me to switch sides. I have learned even more and feel I now can see things in full circle.  
    
Why did you join GBTA North Central Chapter?  I have been a member of MPI for years and feel confident in my meeting planning role. In recent years, I have taken on more duties of total travel management here at DRC.  GBTA North Central Chapter gives me the opportunity to mix with vendors, continue to learn and stay on top of trends.  
    
How long have you been a member of GBTA North Central Chapter?   I am new to the chapter, as a recipient of Chapter President’s Council (CPC) scholarship.

Are you currently on a committee / board within GBTA North Central Chapter?  Not yet, but I’m looking to get involved.

What advice would you give to someone who is just entering the workforce?  Ask lots of questions… people in our business typically want to help and mentor.  Make connections.   Oh, and don’t assume.  We all know what happens when you assume….

Just for fun:
What is currently occupying your personal life?  Projects / Traveling / Children…Ah, I wish I had more time for fun/hobbies but who doesn’t say that.  I struggle with balancing work and home life right now as my department became short staffed recently.  As a result, I am putting more hours in at work lately.  The moment I get home, my two young girls (ages 4 and 2) begin fighting for my attention.   Top that with a husband and a home to take care of and you get the picture.  To escape the madness I find my “happy place”, which is my yoga mat.  My positive spirit tells me this craziness is temporary…

If you had to live somewhere other than Minnesota, where would you move to?  Hmmm, not sure.  I’d just like to travel more and see the world. I am happy living in Minnesota but there is so, so much more I want to experience and witness.  I believe a true education comes from traveling.

Favorite trip you’ve taken:  My wedding in Tulum, Mexico. 

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Member Profile - Direct

Submitted by Wanda Baumgartner

Nina Steiner, Senior Sales Manager Business Travel at Hyatt Regency Minneapolis

Experience: I started my hotel career in 1998 and have been with Hyatt Hotels since 2000.
                                                                  
Work history: Before I got into hotels, I opened a coffee shop & deli for a few years and prior to that I worked in sales/marketing for various companies over the years.
                                                                  .
Travel Industry / GBTA North Central Chapter Specific:
What made you decide to work in travel?  Coming from a family of 7, you can imagine we didn’t often take extravagant vacations, especially via an airplane. One summer my parents took us all to San Diego and from there my love for travel grew. After opening a coffee shop & deli in St Paul, I decided a 7 day work week and being on call 24 hours/day wasn’t working for me or my personal life.  A good friend of mine in HR told me of a sales/marketing position available at a local hotel. I applied, got the job and instantly fell in love with the travel industry, the people and the ever changing day to day operations of the business.
                                                                  
Why did you join the GBTA North Central Chapter? I joined MCTA about 10 years ago, wanting to learn more about the industry, chapter and network with my fellow colleagues and customers.
                                                                  
Are you currently on a committee/board within our chapter? I have served on the Holiday Gala Committee for the past several years. Before that I served on the Hospitality Committee and Board of Directors.

How long have you been a member of our organization?  Since 2003-2004.

What are the biggest changes you’ve experienced in regard to working with travel?  I almost hate to admit it, but I clearly remember my first hotel, 1998 and the ‘big red book’. Technology is definitely the biggest change I’ve seen over the years.
 
What is the most rewarding aspect of working with travel? The people you work with, traveling and working in a fast paced, high energy industry. No day is ever the same (or dull) and the people you meet along the way and work with on a daily basis make this job both exciting and rewarding.

Just for fun:
What is currently occupying your personal life?  My husband Jason, my 11 year old daughter Taylor, our 3 year old yellow Lab Bogey and Harley our 5 year old Vizsla. Travel soccer, weekends at the cabin, 5K’s, traveling and planning a Hawaiian vacation next spring for my daughters golden birthday.

If you had to live somewhere other than Minnesota, where would you move to?   San Diego, CA – sun, surf and real Mexican food!

Most memorable experience in your life: Adopting our beautiful daughter from Russia.

Favorite trip you’ve taken:  On business, the Hyatt Aruba and for fun, Hawaii and Mexico with my family.

Favorite pastime hobby or leisure activity: Spending long weekends at the cabin (near Park Rapids/Itasca State Park).

Favorite food: Pizza & red wine (can’t have one without the other).

Where do you live / marital status: I live in Roseville; am married and celebrating 15 years next month.

Favorite sport: Soccer- I was on a very competitive co-ed league up until last fall when I tore my calf muscle. You may remember my scooter? Now I have resigned to taking up tennis and 5k’s for various charities.
 
Favorite color: To wear, black, but love the colors pink and green.

Favorite drink: Red wine.

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Meeting Recap

October Meeting Recap - Strategic Meetings Management & Industry Update
Written by Gina Zappa
Meeting sponsored by Enterprise Holdings

Kevin Iwamoto from Lanyon was the speaker for our September meeting, which focused on “Strategic Meetings Management.”  

Kevin stated that companies focus on meetings because it’s a large indirect expense category. The Meeting & Event industry is approximately $500 Billion annually and meetings represent 9% of the average organization's total budget.  His statistics show that 36% of companies in the US have a SMM Program and 48% of corporate T&E and meeting pros say their firs' procurement departments are involved in meeting management.

The speed of change for businesses and their process are changing rapidly. There are ongoing pressures on outsourcing travel and meetings. Another pressure to the industry is the overall economy and the cost of fuel. The impact of economic changes can be seen in 1-2 days, and has caused a negative effect on the industry. The evolution and rapid advancement of social media and technology contribute to the industry pressures. Another pressure he highlighted was the new and younger workforce, and the ways to transact business along with communications.  Working with Millennial is unique as their mindset is different.  For example, they communicate via technology (text, Skype, etc.) which impacts our businesses and how we manage people.

US business models are under fire.  Business model change drivers include the internet and social media, multi-generational transition, the consolidation of the global marketplace.  Retail companies (like Walmart, Best Buy) are missing projections, forcing them to change their business models. Uber has forced taxi and car services to change their business models - affecting their price point, value proposition, and booking modes. Print media companies are affected by the increase in technology and the "paperless" concept - newspapers are read digitally (online) more than in print. Entertainment has been changed too; think about the evaluation of music... from records to 8-track, to tapes, then CDS.  Now people just download music or stream it from the web. Hotels are changing because of AirB&B; many hotels have looked at that model, as it's been a disruptive concept in the marketplace.  While it's a different market sector, it still needs to be watched because of the dollars affected.

Trends & Forecasts for M&E:
•    RFP volume and bookings are accelerating
•    We're seeing shorter booking windows (planning is taking place in a tighter window)
•    Risk Mitigation is now more crucial
•    Supplier are being selective and exerting more control
•    Social, virtual and mobile are transforming event management
•    Companies today are looking to reduce multiple point solution supplier in favor of enterprise solutions and integrations

The rising travel prices worldwide are another industry challenge
•    Airfare: global airfare costs are expected to rise 2-5%
•    Hotels: hotels in key business destinations will operate at near capacity throughout 2014
•    Ground Transportation: price increases look likely throughout 2014

This is good news for ground transportation providers.  Historically, they couldn't increase prices because taxes/fees are out of their control; insurance is expensive; rising costs of car maintenance.

Strategic Meetings Management (SMM)
Kevin's leadership while at GBTA was instrumental in the development of what SMM is.  He tasked a group to come up with a roadmap for how corporate travel buyers handle the meetings aspect of their business. See the chart to below for specifics.  


There are some key challenges that circumvent a company's SMM.
•    Decentralization within (there are multiple touch points)
•    Lack of executive sponsorship and endorsement (it needs to start from the top)
•    Lack of an internal owner (either everyone is involved--too many cooks in the kitchen, or nobody wants to get involved; no single point person)
•    Lack of budget and funding (some companies haven't had a line item for this)
•    Change management is difficult (change is a process, but it's also cultural - can be easier at a smaller organization)
•    Emotional sense of ownership (people who have historically done this don't want to give it up; they're very territorial)

It is integral that companies make SMM a fabric of their corporate services and company structure.  SMM wins are also business wins - creates processes, ROI evolution, safety and security, etc. Securing SMM alignment improves policy enforcement and in time of crisis, the value of events is demonstrable with data. Your stakeholders will support the proposition and will be vested in success.  Meetings and events will be respected alongside marketing and sales, as key drivers of business success. Without alignment, it's easier to cut out meetings and events; as program might be seen as "nice to have" but not necessary. Uncoordinated work may lead to the dilution of leverage and increased risk.

GBTA has a system that can rate your SMM maturity.  The index shows 6 levels, and will give you advice on how to advance to the next level, based on the company's goals.



The future of SMM
In Kevin’s crystal ball, he sees and increase in supplier acceptance of processes and strategies, with user friendly interfaces and processes (i.e. integration of expense). Meeting registration will move from data gathering to facilitation of approval and  ROI/ROO measurements. Sourcing will move from hotel focused to involving all supplier across the life of a meeting and increased synergies between the company, 3rd parties, and suppliers. On average, up to 8 suppliers are involved with a meeting.  Technology will move from parts and pieces to full integration, with end-to-end functionality that will support the life cycle of each meeting versus point solutions (i.e., 8 different suppliers).

As a gift, please download his free eBook, "SMM Champions: Best Practices for Developing SMM"
http://bit.ly/1Arjc9h.  Additionally, Kevin invited everyone to follow his blog: www.lanyon.com   (Resource Hub)

Questions about this meeting or topic can be directed to the newsletter committee.

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Special Mention

Remembering Jerry Archambeau
submitted by Martin Wahoske

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the recent passing of a long time GBTA North Central Chapter member and supporter Jerry Archambeau, age 69, on July 28, 2014. Jerry passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully in his sleep due to heart failure.  He is survived by wife Judy of 46 fun-filled married years, his children, grandchildren and many relatives which were all so important to his love of family.
 
In 2010, Jerry retired from Grand Casinos after many years in sales and marketing.  Past member, Marty Wahoske remembers his friendship with Jerry began during the late 1970’s when his Seattle travel agency, University Travel, partnered to sell seats into charters originating from MSP.  
During those years Jerry and side kick Bob Schlichte worked for Minneapolis based ITA (International Travel Arrangers) operating public charters to Europe and other leisure destinations.
 
No doubt there are many memories and stories about fun loving Jerry.  He was a true travel professional and earned the respect of many throughout his travel career.  He participated and helped sponsor past golf tournaments and loved to play the game of golf.  He was also “hooked” on fishing and enjoyed their Farm Island Lake cabin.  Jerry is best remembered for his welcoming smile, his integrity and desire to make a difference.
 
Memorials preferred to Courage Kenny Golf Program or Minnesota Make-A-Wish Foundation.  The complete obituary can be found here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/twincities/obituary.aspx?pid=171906694
 
Respectfully submitted by Martin Wahoske

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Committee Updates

Treasurer Update
Written by Tom Akin

We’re right on track with our 2014 budget and in the planning stages for 2015.  Once finalized, the 2015 budget will be shared with membership via e-mail.  Stay tuned!

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Advertising & Sponsorship
Written By Kathi Hanson

Hard to believe it is that time of year already to start thinking of our Holiday Gala Event.  However we need to get a jump start on our donations this year.  The committee is looking into some new exciting ways for us to be able to advertise our donations with a live updated list via our website to attract friends or family to come and join us at our event.  We are really looking forward to moving this to a new level this year and hoping our donations and the amount we bring in will show the value.  With that said, if you are willing to donate anything business related or personal, please reach out to Kathi Hanson at 952-353-4599 or [email protected].

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Chapter Development – Membership
Written By Jena Olson

No new information submitted.   

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Education Summit
Written By Michael Nelson

No new information submitted.   

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Government Relations/PAC
Written By Morgan Cook

No new information submitted.   

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Hospitality
Written By Jan Shoemaker

The Hospitality Committee mission is to provide social and professional services to new and continuing members, as well as guests and speakers.  Our commitment is to set the stage for all to feel welcomed at GBTA North Central Chapter meetings.  Not only will you see us at the registration table greeting members, guests and speakers; we will also be mingling with the attendees and making introductions prior to each meeting.  

We would like to encourage our members to become active in our chapter.  We will provide direction to members who want to get involved with a Committee.  If you are interested in becoming a committee member, please contact Jan Shoemaker at the next meeting or send an e-mail to [email protected]  and write “hospitality” in the subject line.  See you at the next meeting!

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Technology
Written By Patrick Algyer

The Technology committee is looking for volunteers! Responsibilities include setting up the events on the website, updating content, sending out emails, etc. The system we use is very user friendly and is all point, click and type. If your interested in learning more about the technology committee or have questions, please email [email protected].

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Public Relations
Written By Cathy Taylor-Sharp

Public Relations Committee has grown!  The Committee now includes Joyce Hobbs, Mary Hustad, Heather Harmeyer, and Heather Marigold.

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Public Relations – Newsletter
Written By Gina Zappa

Are you looking for a fun and creative way to volunteer?  Please consider joining the Newsletter committee.  Our team will be expanding in 2015 so we’re looking for members who can help write articles and meeting recaps.  If you’re not a writer, but have technology skills – please talk to us about helping automate our newsletter via our online tool.  If interested in joining us, please shoot a message to [email protected] and write “newsletter” in the subject line.  Thank you!

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Public Relations – Social Media
Written By Beth Johnson

No new information submitted.   

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Special Events
Written By Lauren Sadowski

Save the date!  The 2014 Holiday Gala will be on December 4th at the Sheraton Bloomington.

On behalf of the GBTA North Central Chapter, we’re sending out a big THANK YOU to everyone who volunteered on a committee in 2014.  In conjunction with our annual appreciation, we hosted a networking gathering on August 13 in Mendota Heights. It was a beautiful evening and great location – a panoramic photo taken that night is below!

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Dates to Remember

The GBTA North Central Chapter typically meets on the second Thursday of every month.  Here is the upcoming schedule of events:

Be sure to Save the Date!  The 2014 Holiday Gala will be on December 4, 2014 at the Sheraton Bloomington.

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Advertise with GBTA - North Central Chapter

Please consider advertising with GBTA North Central Chapter...

GBTA North Central Chapter is among the top business travel associations in the United States and is a chapter of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). GBTA - North Central Chapter members represent corporations that influences in excess of $200 million dollars in annual travel spend.

GBTA North Central Chapter's newsletter, The Travel Times, is published five times per year with distribution to over 200 of the most important contacts in the business travel industry. GBTA North Central Chapter provides the opportunity to reach these influential travel professionals by marketing your products and services through advertising in The Travel Times.

Purchase your advertising online (click here) --- once confirmed, be sure to e-mail your ad and/or logo to Leslie Ingiald.

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