Mountain ViewsA Newsletter Produced by and for Rocky Mountain SGMP Members

The President's5280 Views 2

CommitteeProfile 4

Special FallEducationSection 5

PlannersPerspective 13

ChapterNews 14

National News 17

Greening 18

INSIDE

September/October 2011Volume 22, Issue 2

2012 FallEducationConference

Page 11

Click here tosubmit yourrecipe to

National forthe SGMPCookbook!

FALLEDUCATION2011

Find out what youmissed, what youdidn't and how toimprove the nextconference youattend. It was funand we have thephotos to prove it!It was a fantasticconference, full ofeducation,collaboration andpassion Page 6

PIE ConferenceDetails

page 21

A CONVERSATIONWITH OUR NEWESTMEMBER page 19

www.sgmprockymtn.com

AThe

President's5280 Views

s I write this, I can definitely feelfall in the air, and thoughts ofsnow and skiing are not far behind!The fall colors have beenbreathtaking and I wish they could

last longer, but I know that the leaves will soon begone. In addition to the weather change, theholidays will soon be upon us and the hustle andbustle of shopping and events will get us in theholiday spirit. Right? I enjoy getting togetherwith family and friends during this special season.It is a great opportunity to reconnect with oldacquaintances and make new ones.

The last couple of months have been very busy.Charles Sadler, CGMP, CHSP, CHSC, executivedirector and CEO of SGMP, visited our chapteron September 27, to present the monthly programalong with chapter member Lynette Schick, CMP.The presentation was an informative and fun lookat how technology has played a major role inplanning government meetings over the past 30years. Several chapter members joined Charles ashe presented a Federal Advocacy Program/SGMPawareness event on September 28 at the VARegional office building. The history and benefitsof being a member of SGMP were shared in aneffort to recruit new federal planners. Similarevents to recruit new federal planners will takeplace in the months ahead. On a side note, if youknow of any federal, state or city governmentplanners that might be intersted in joining, SGMPis offering a rate of $30 to all new planners who

join by December 31.You would also beeligible to receive a$25 King Soopers giftcard for binging in anew planner! Inaddition, we arelooking at havingSGMPpromotionalevents at Denvermetro-areaeducationalfacilities in an

effort torecruithospitalityindustrystudents.

This year's fall education Conference was verysuccessful and I have heard feedback that theeducational sessions and networking opportunitieswere awesome! This issue of Mountain Views ( bythe way, I hope you like the new look!) will includeseveral articles that members and scholarshiprecipients have written, sharing their experiences atthe conference. Next years conference will be heldover the same weekend (Columbus Day), October5-6, 2012, at the Stonebridge Inn in beautifulSnowmass Village, Colorado, so mark yourcalendars now! The silent auction and rafflesraised over $3000 and 5% of the funds will bedonated to the Serving Up Hope / Food Bank ofthe Rockies Food Drive. The remainder of thefunds will go towards chapter educationalprograms and scholarships.

This issue has so many exciting new things inside.Be on the lookout for information on the PIE(Partners in Education) Conference in Tulsa in2012 (page 21), SGMP National scholarshipopportunities for the National EducationConference (page 17) and how to join us on ournew LinkedIn Account (page 21)! Social mediaseems to be where it's at and a great way to keep intouch with what's happening in the meetingsindustry.

I want all of you to know how much I appreciateyour support of SGMP, the Rocky MountainChapter, our fundraising efforts and our FallEducation Conference. It means so much!

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Mary Williams, CGMP works withNeighborWorks America and is in her 25th yearof event planning. She has been our chapterpresident since 2010.

2010-2012ChapterBoard ofDirectors

President

Mary Williams, CGMPNeighborWorks America303.782.5251

mwilliams@nw.org

Second Vice President

Karen DavisHoliday Inn Lakewood303.980.4283

karendavis@hilakewood.com

Secretary

MaryLou WallaceUniversity of ColoradoAnshutz Medical Campus303.724.2994

marylou.wallace@ucdenver.edu

Planner Director

Pam Temple, CGMPCO Department of Human ServicesDivision of Youth Corrections303.866.7956

pamela.temple@state.co.us

First Vice President

Chele Clark, CGMPCO Department of PublicHealth and Environment303.692-2421

chele.clark@state.co.us

Treasurer

Kim ForteBrown PalaceHotel and Spa303.312.8979

kforte@brownepalace.com

Supplier Director

Kim Hawks, CMP, CGMPBeaver Run Resort andConference Center970.453.8729

khawks@beaverrun.com

Supplier Director

Joseph PowellCrowne Plaza Denver720.269.3262

jpowell@dhmhotels.com

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ChapterCommittees

Community ServiceChairs, Amy Ollivier and Stacy Long

HospitalityChair, Linda Walters

HistoryChair, Claudette Ferris, CAP/CPS,CGMP

MembershipChair, Karen Davis

FundraisingChair, Kimberly Forte

Programs CommitteeChair, Chele Clark, CGMP

Public RelationsChairs, Chele Clark, CGMP andJoseph Powell

Fall EducationChair, Kim Hawks, CMP, CGMP

Nominations and ElectionsChair, Claudette Ferris, CAP/CPS,CGMP

Honors and AwardsChair, Colleen Mahan

NewsletterChair, Joseph Powell

Fall EducationCommittee Profileby Kim Hawks, CMP, CGMP and Fall EducationConference Committee ChairThe Fall Education Conference Committee is responsible forplanning and organizing the annual Chapter Fall EducationConference. The conference takes place in October each year,but the committee works year-round preparing for the event.

There are some responsibilities of our committee that areobvious. We have to find a place to have it (Site-Selection),we have to decide on a theme for the conference and we haveto work out the agenda. But did you know that the FallEducation Conference Committee puts a lot of work into thingssuch as speaker selection and sponsorships? We do! There aremany interesting facets of putting together an event of this size.

Some of our responsibilities include deciding on the number ofbreakout sessions as well as the topics that would be mostbeneficial to the group and then coordinating speakers toaddress each topic. We have to design a theme each year thatconveys what we feel the conference is about and how it canrelate to each attendee and then carry that theme through to theprogram design, the entertainment, the signage and namebadges. The committee coordinates a trade show whereplanners and suppliers can interface with one another. Thereare communication details that must be relayed to the chaptermembers as well as on-site assistance and conference staffing!

There are a lot of conference calls, e mails and details flyingback and forth through the year, but it all comes down to agreat effort and everyone fits in with their particular talents andenergies. This years conference committee included KayBothwell, Rachel Carmen, Shannon Dempsey, KimberlyForte, Mo Goldman, Colleen Mahan, Joseph Powell, LeeAnnProdoccini, Jessica Quiroz, Donna Redd, Cynthia Ross, LindaSchmitt and MaryLou Wallace. Additonal (and veryvaluable) assistance was provided by Mary Williams, CheleClark and Karen Davis.

If you are interested in joining the Fall EducationConference Committee, please contact me at

(970) 453-8729 orkhawks@beaverrun.com.

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FALLEDUCATION

We learned,we laughed, we

lingeredand we loved

2011

being in Breckenridge on October 7 and 8 this year.The Fall Education Conference is something wealways look forward to. Months of preparation,hours of discussion and evaluation of pasteducational sessions go into each conference.When it's over each year, we take that time toreflect upon what went well, what we thought wecould have improved upon and what was just plainfun! The conference closed this year with the

announcement that the 2012 SGMP FallEducation Conference will be in Snowmass!Thats exciting news for us and we look

forward to seeing all of you there.

Enjoy this special section with photos,breakout and general session recaps, a FallEducation Committee profile and much

more! We hope you take time to reflect onyour conference experience, what you learned and

what kind of "magic" you would like to see duringthe conference next year. Enjoy!

2011FALLEDUCATION

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1. Lynette Schick tries to find the magic page during one of Shawn Preston's amazing tricks. 2. Fall Conference Chair and Host, Kim Hawks, CMP,CGMP speaks at the opening reception. 3. The Magic Guy, Shawn Preston, dazzles the audience with a magic trick. 4. A sampling of the deliciousfood at the opening reception. 5. An attendee selects a book from Shawn Preston so he can "read" it without looking.

An Amazing Experienceby Jean McMains, 2011 Fall Ed Scholarship RecipientLet me begin by expressing what an honor it was for me to receive the scholarship to attend the 2011Fall Education Conference. Being new to the organization, I really wasn't sure what to expect from theconference. The opening and closing speaker, Robin Rose, left me with a most positive and indelibleexperience!Ms. Rose is a very dynamic individual and her message of positive thinking came across loud and clear.The speaker emphasized the critical role positive thinking has on our individual physical health and wellbeing. She emphasized that we all have the power to control our daily atmosphere by focusing ourminds on specific intentions each day. She shared simple ideas and techniques such as staying hydrated,breathing exercises in which we focus on deep slow breaths and complete exhalation, and practicinghealthy coping strategies to help prepare one for just about any situation that may arise during a typicalday.

I walked away from the Fall Education Conference more enlightened on the role that healthy copingskills, mental focus and positive thinking has on our daily wellness. Possessing this knowledge, I feelprepared to face any challenge that may come my way and when I find myself in a stressful situation Iow I have the mental power to deal with it

General Session

Breakouts

2011FALLEDUCATION

Seating to MeetYour Objectivesby LeeAnn Prodoccini, 2011 Fall EdScholarship Recipient

A successful meeting planner “recognizes thatmeeting planning is a science, not a task.” Thisquote from Lynette Schick's presentation hascontinued to stick with me as I know that manypeople do not see the difficulties in the logistics ofplanning a successful meeting. Relying solely onthe hotel or meeting venue to set up the rooms tomaximize the functionality that suits your group'sneeds is not always optimal. Most break-outsessions have an isle in the middle with chairsgoing up to both side walls. Lynette Schickexplained how this clearly is not the mostadvantageous placement, and as I look back at mylast meeting I have to agree with her 100 percent.Having that middle isle does not allow for latecomers to sit as the aisle seats are generally takenfirst, and most attendees are unwillingto try to slide into the inner seats.

As Robin Rose had also stated in hersession; Lynette Schick agreed thatall attendees should be facing thespeaker or stage as this increasestheir overall experience, so set allchairs facing them. Also, make surethat line-of-site has been accountedfor: staggering chairs instead ofhaving them lined up is optimal toallow for all attendees to be able tosee the presentations. She alsoexplained in a simple calculation“participants x hours x events per year = impactsper year.” Seating goes directly along with howwell the attendees participate and are attentive tothe presentations. Placing the front row too closeto the speakers, stage or screens can lead to emptyfront rows or uncomfortable attendees - the frontrow should be at least 6 feet from any of these.

The “comfort factor” should always be taken inaccount when determining if a room is an

appropriate size for your group. The ComfortFactor is equal to the amount of space per person,so when determining if the room is appropriatemultiply the number of people times the ComfortFactor times 1.5 for aisles and staging.Some other recommendations included: setting theroom to the long side of the room, neither peoplenor chairs should touch in an auditorium/theaterstyle setting, side aisles should be at least 4 feetwide, and center sections should be no more than14 seats.Lynette Schick's presentation was extremelyinformative and has given me tools to make mymeetings even more successful and enjoyable tomy attendees. Seating and room set up should begiven ample importance when designing yourmeeting. In every meeting planner's tool kit thereshould be a measuring tape to make sure that youare giving your attendees enough space to becomfortable throughout the sessions andpresentations. “Consider everyone in attendance aresource,” they determine if your meeting issuccessful or not, and if it is worth attending anyfuture meetings.

6. Disbelief during one of Shawn Preston's amazing tricks. 7. Card trickery8.Scholarship recipient Denise Donnahoo

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2011FALLEDUCATION

Breakouts

Linked-In for Event ProfessionalsSession Informative and Fun!by Amy Ollivier

While attending the SGMP Fall Education Conference at BeaverRun, we were given the option of attending various break-outsessions. One of the sessions was the "Linked-In for EventProfessionals" break-out presented by Kim Mears.

Prior to the session, my exposure and experience with Linked-Inwas limited. As a social media site, I thought it had value inconnecting me with people in the industries I interact with in myprofession. I thought Linked-In was beneficial to my career.

Kim Mears, a marketing and well-connected professional in herown right, gave a fabulous presentation on this topic. She detailedthat social media has completely changed the way we communicatewith our colleagues and clients. Kim explained that manypotential clients and employers view Linked-In as a virtualbusiness card, and that having an updated and jazzy profile couldmake all the difference in landing a sale or recieving an interview.Updating any promotions and career moves you expereince can becritical in maintaining your proessional network after you'vemoved on, or into that cozy corner office with a differentextension. The element of who you are "Linked" withprofessionally can consistently speak volumes about the work youdo and the level of skills you have. I found it particularly timely,just before this session, that a former colleague asked me to posta recommendation for him at a law firm he was applying to.Upon happily fulfilling his request, I realized I knew of freindsand co-workers that would do the same for me. Suddenly,Linked-In seemed like a very viable site that could help my career,rather than just exist as another media site where I'm "Friends"with people I've never met with no reason as to why.

Kim also detailed the additional benefits Linked-In has to offerwith new applications, such as industry-specific reading lists anddiscussion groups. Networking groups, such as the "EventPlanning and Event Management Group" and discussion do's anddon'ts sounded specifically helpful for my next event. Linked-In Events and Linked-In for Researchwere two more forums that can clearly be useful in the event planning industry. If I wanted to knowwhat trade shows are coming to town, or if research has been done in regards to government travel, thisis a one-stop shop. Kim made me realize all that Linked-In has to offer and I am eager to utilize thedifferent forums!

9. Joe Powell and Chele Clark being buddies 10. Openingsession speaker Robin Rose. 11. Mary Williams andLynette Schick. 12. Linked-In expert Kim Mears.

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2011FALLEDUCATION

Breakouts

The Magic of Food andBeverage: A PanelDiscussionBy Denise Donnahoo, 2011 Fall EdScholarship Recipient

Facilitator:Bruce Horii, Director of Sales and Marketing,Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center

Panel Members:Jeremy Caprari, Executive Chef,Beaver Run Resort and Conference CenterThanawat Bates, Executive Sous Chef,The Brown Palace Hotel and SpaCynthia Ross, CO Dept. of Human ServicesDivision of Behavior HealthDonna Redd, Two Rivers Convention Centerand the Avalon Theatre, Grand Junction, CO

This panel of highly talented individuals engaged in a lively andinformative discussion, providing a behind the scenes look at whatmakes or breaks an event. It is often said that sales creates thedream, while catering handles the nightmares. However, it takesmore than magic to pull off a successful event. It takes a lot ofteamwork, a bit of luck, and excellent communication.

The panel covered issues including drop dead dates for count,ways to dress up “banquet chicken” or stock menu orders, menumodifications to accommodate cost, “Paula Dean” approvednutrition, describing menus to entice the consumer, portioncontrol, and government per diem. Regardless of the topic, thepanel emphasized that communication between the planner andthe venue is always the key to a successful event.

13. Mary Williams being entertained by Shawn Preson14. Delicious meats at the opening reception. 15. ScottCollinsworth with Image AV presenting. 16. A lonelyaspen leaf taking refuge on a balcony rail at Beaver RunResort and Conference Center. 17. The Magic of Foodand Beverage, a delightful panel discussion with Coloradoexperts.

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Breakouts

AV Basics for Today and Tomorrowby Denise Donnahoo, 2011 Fall Ed Scholarship RecipientPresented by Billy Wells, CTS and Scott Collinsworth, CTS of Image Audiovisuals, Inc.

People convene to present, collaborate, listen, and learn. A key component in facilitating a first-classconvention and collaboration environment is high-quality AV support. Unfortunately, sometimes thecost comes as a shock. Event planners who have no problem paying up to $95 for a gallon of coffee willargue the price of a $60 screen!However, planners cannot ignore the fact that AV support offers the right tools for the job. The mostpopular equipment used today includes projectors/laptops for PowerPoint presentations, wirelessmicrophones, large screen video I-mag, and video recording equipment. An AV technician will set up,maintain, repair, and tear down audio visual equipment used to enhance your meetings. They can alsoprovide video recording, audio conferencing, and webcasting. They can help determine approaches,content, and media to effectively meet your objectives within budget constraints.Choosing a reliable company to be your AV partner is critical to the success of your meeting. Keep thefollowing in mind when selecting the AV Company you will work with: 1) always view your AVprovider as a new addition to your team; 2) establish and share the budget with your AV provider, sothey can offer a more appropriate solution and accurate quotes; and 3) outline your expectations andneeds beforehand to establish a clear understanding from the start. With good AV support, you cancreate an event that facilitates learning and collaboration, and impresses attendees.

2011FALLEDUCATION

18. Magical Bunny Decorations! 19. Drawing for lucky winners.. 20. Panel Member Thanawat Bates. 21. From L to R, Billy Wells of ImageAudiovisuals, Mary Williams and Scott Collinsworth of Image Audiovisuals. 22. Robin Rose conducting a fascinating demonstration of mind power.

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Next YearWe cannot be more grateful for the opportunity to host the 2012 SGMP Fall Education Conference atthe Stonebridge Inn in Snowmass, Colorado!

We would like you to come to Snowmass to relax and enjoy an elevated Colorado mountain experienceat the Stonebridge Inn. This full-service hotel features 93 spaciously designed guestrooms and suites, aconvenient slope-side location and a renowned reputation for outstanding guest service. The historicmountain lodge offers comforable accommodations with picturesque mountain views, wi-fi access aswell as a year-round outdoor heated pool and hot tubs. Warm up to the fire at the Artisan Restaurantand Bar, consistantly the 'place to be' for breakfast, apres-ski or dinner featuring our chef's awardwinning culinary creations.

Snowmass is an invigorating alpine environment, located just minutes from downtown Aspen.Surrounded by 14,000 foot peaks, aspen groves and wide meadows, Snowmass Village featuresdramatic views, a relaxed, warm atmosphere and one of the top ski areas in North America. This ishome to the Snowmass Ski Resort, one of the largest Colorado ski areas with more than 3,000 acres ofbeginner groomed trails, outstanding intermediate cruising runs and exhilarating off-piste expert terrain.

Destination Snowmass offers the finest collection of slope-side properties in Snowmass. From theConde Nast award winning Stonebridge Inn to the spacious villas at Snowmass Club, our collection ofproperties offers a full range of amenities and accommodation sizes. The collection also represents anarray of guest experiences, from value to luxury accommodations, while being adjacent to outdoorrecreational activities on Snowmass Mountain and a short walk from the Snowmass Village Mall.

Groups will enjoy the many different options for meeting space at Destination Resorts Snowmass, whichwill accommodate groups from 10 to 150 in size.

We look forward to seeing you in October of next year to enjoy the beautiful golden fall trees against theblue Snowmass skies!

Snowmass

Thank You

Sponsors

Planner'sPerspectiveSGMP: A

Planner'sPerspectiveon ROIby Lynnette Schick

SGMP has been very good to me.I've spent 24 years of my life as amember and it's the onlyprofessional association I'vestayed with. We often talk aboutmaking sure our suppliers get anROI. What about the ROI for ameeting planner? Why SGMP?Well, in the beginning it was justplain fun.

I first heard of SGMP in thespring of 1988. Someone in myoffice had received a flyer in themail (no e mail or even PC's backthen!) about a "FAM" trip toGrand Junction, sponsored by theColorado Chapter of the Societyof Government MeetingPlanners. There was no cost toattend and they offered a specialairfare for those who wanted tofly over, of only $10! I showedthe flyer to my boss, who agreedto let me attend.

The day was memorable becausea blizzard rolled into Denver andwe barely got off the groundbefore they closed the airport.The experience was amazingwith free food all weekend, amotor coach trip through theColorado National Monument, atrip to the Dinosaur Museum and

a tradeshow with fungiveaways

and food! The event wasmind-blowing. I was hooked.Who wouldn't be? I had noidea this world existed.

I began attending monthlymeetings and attended my firstNational Education Conferencein Chicago later that year. ByDecember, I had been electedchapter president and by Marchof 1991 had been elected to theSGMP National board in the firstof four positions I would come toserve over the next 20 plus years,including National President.My desire to move intoleadership roles was shaped atthat very first National EducationConference in Chicago. I sawthe people up on the stage thatwere serving as national boardmembers and knew that waswhat I wanted to do. I havenever looked back or everregretted the time and energy Ihave given to this greatorganization.

So what have I gained? Myinvolvement in SGMP allowedme to learn and grow in areas Inever expected. I've gainedleadership skills, though myvarous committee , chapter andnational board activities, thatgave me opportunities forleadership in my career. Ofcourse, I had to balance my jobresponsibilities with myinvolvment in SGMP and notgive the impression that I wasgiving more to the organizationthan I was to my career. I paidmy own annual dues and fees andtook vacation time, as many ofour planners still have to do.Unlike our supplier members,planners join SGMP mostly for

the education. The benefits ofnetworking come later, as we getmore involved, but it's theeducation and training thattranslates to the workplace morequickly and better demonstratesto our bosses why SGMP isworthy of our time. Some bossesnever get it and planners mustchoose to invest their own timeor not. I chose SGMP and havenever looked back.

My learning style is that I learnby doing. Through SGMP I hadopportunities to apply what I waslearning right away. Thisexperience translated directly tomy regular job and I became asought-after expert on meeting instate government. I have adegree in education and taughtmusic in Catholic school for acouple of years, right aftercollege. I've always enjoyedteaching and speaking to groupsand love delivering trainingprograms to our members.Through SGMP, I was able toadvance my skills in trainingdevelopment and delivery, to thepoint where I was able to use mytraining skills at my regular joband was selected to facilitate newmanagement programs such astotal quality management teams,governor-mandated customerservice training and diversitytraining programs where I was

Continued on page 19...

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Chapter Newsand Events

Upcoming MeetingsListed below are the tentative dates and locationsfor upcoming 2011- 2012 Chapter events. Basedupon availability, these locations and programsare subject to change.

December 13, 2011 Holiday Event

The Golden Hotel Colorado

January 21, 2012 Meeting Boot Camp 101

Renaissance Denver Hotel

*Special meeting time 8:30am until 1:00pm

January 24, 2012 Putting CVB's To Work For You

The Curtis Hotel

Presented by the Ft. Collins, ColoradoSprings, Breckenridge and Greater DenverCVB's

Reservations for monthly luncheon meetings must be cancelled by 2pm the Friday before the meeting. We realizethat weather happens. If inclement weather is a problem, you must notify the chapter leadership that you cannot

attend for this reason and you will not be charged.

All reservations cancellations must be made with the chapter directly by calling 303.675.6681

Do not call the venue directly to cancel. You will still be charged. If you are a no-show anddo not cancel within the required time, you will be invoiced for the amount of your

registration fee.A planner guest can attend the first meeting complimentary but will be required to pay for

attendance at a second meeting. Supplier guests pay $40 for their first two meetings. Guests,whether a planner or supplier, must join the chapter before attending their third meeting. You

can view all standing rules for the Rocky Mountain Chapter at:www.sgmprockymtn.com/meetings/aspx

Monthly Meetings

Registration: 11:15amNetworking: 11:15-11:50amAnnouncements: 11:50am-12:05amLunch: 11:50am-12:20pmProgram: 12:20-1:20pmWrap up/Evaluations 1:20-1:30pm

Costs

Early Bird: Register by Thursday COB before the meeting

Planners/Retirees: $15Suppliers: $30

After Early Bird

Planners/Retirees: $30Suppliers: $45 14

Mountain Views AdvertisingQuarter-page $75. Half-page $100. Full-page $150

Contact Joseph Powell for more information:jpowell@dhmhotels.com

I'm just saying. I've chasedenough newspapers to knowthat advertising works.Mountain Views is a greatdelivery method for yourmessage. It reaches hundredsof the right people and it'scheap. Yeah, I said it. Cheap.

Sometimes the greenest grassis in your own back yard.

Trust me on that.

It's hard to arguewith experience.

Has the amount of networking time atour meetings shrunk?By Chele Clark, CGMPIt has been noted in the evaluations from the past few meetings that it doesn't seem like we have enoughtime to network anymore. We used to be able to have table discussions prior to the program starting.Now we are still eating our main course when the speaker begins. Why is that?

SGMP National now states that all programs must be a minimum of 60 minutes in length to qualify forcontact hours. Our programs in the past were 45 minutes in length, with the additional 15 minutes beingused for networking. Your board is looking at different ways to create more networking time for themembership while still getting a 60 minute program in. Some of the ideas are to invite you to arrive alittle earlier to network during registration. Instead of doing all the updates from the different committeechairs, the updates would be listed on a flyer at each table.

Your board is working on ways to improve the monthly meeting format. If you have any ideas orsuggestions, please let us know. Please contact me with any questions at chele.clark@state.

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that more tea is consumed thanany other beverage in the worldexcept for water?

With an SGMP reloadableKing Soopers Gift Card, you canselect from a large variety of teasright in the store and help thechapter raise funds at the sametime. Each time you use it, theSGMP Rocky MountainChapter gets a percentage. It'sreally that simple.So whether youprefer Oolong,Darjeeling, Greenor Chai, brew a cup, sit back andrelax knowing you've purchasedgroceries with your card.It's like fundraising in yourslippers! Contact Kimberly Fortetoday and get yours.

kforte@brownpalace.com

Did you knowSeptember 27thChapter Meetingby Chele Clark, CGMPLynette Schick, CMP and Charles Sadler,Executive Director and CEO of SGMPNational presented the program for this month'smeeting, "SGMP, 30 Years of GovernmentMeetings". SGMP is celebrating it's 30thbirthday this yearand the programhighlighted all thechanges that havehappened sincethe beginning.The program wasvery interactive,informative andmemory-invoking.The Hampton InnDenver West,Federal Center was the host hotel for themeeting and welcomed SGMP with anOktoberfest menu. Lunch was presentedbuffet-style and featured a tossed green salad,pumpkin bread and rolls and mustard crustedpork loin with carrots, asparagus and Brusselssprouts. Weisewurst and Knockworst wereserved with fruited sauerkraut, German potatosalad, a cucumber and tomato salad with sourcream. The Oktoberfest theme was completed

with a homemadeapple crisp withwhipped creamand saltedpretzles.Lemonade,iced teaandassortedroot beersquenched

our thirsts.The program rating was

3.9% out of 5.

"SGMP iscelebrating it's 30thbirthday this yearand the programhighlighted all thechanges that havehappened since thebeginning."

ReBecca Dillahunty (L) and Sharon Kirts

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NationalNews

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2012 National EducationConferenceAttendees should review this website (click on the banner below) in its entirety to find out more aboutthe exciting education, resources, and networking opportunities presented by the 2012 SGMP NationalEducation Conference. We look forward to having yet another successful education conference and wantto see YOU there! Be sure to review the agenda and pre-conference programming before you register.

Registration for the 2012 NEC will be available on January 1, 2012, online through your membershiprecord. Please login to your membership account and select Upcoming Events to find the 2012 NationalEducation Conference Registration.

Attendee registration is linked to your membership account. If you are not currently logged in, you willneed to select the login button after using the link below. Registration for the NEC and pre-conferenceprogramming is located in the membership system under Upcoming Events. If you have lost or forgotyour password, please use the forgot my password link. If you have an error or need more assistance,please contact membership@sgmp.org.

The pre-conference programs are listed as separate events. You may register for multiple events beforechecking out of your shopping cart. Please register for only one pre-conference program you wish totake as all of the pre-conference programs are scheduled to run concurrently.

If you are not a member, please register for our event by creating a profile in our system. We will verifyyour registration category after you have completed your registration.

www.sgmp.org

The Path to aGreener Lifestyleby Joseph Powell

It wasn't intentional. After moving to Denver in2004, I quickly found that living downtown hadboth charms and challenges. I had moved into a 120year old building with no parking garage. At first, Ipaid for parking at my office, two blocks away.Then when I switched jobs, I left my car at the trainstation and reverse-commuted. I would take thetrain to my car in Englewood, drive to work, returnto the station and take the train home. This workedfor about a year, but between rising gas prices and anew lightrail line within walking distance of myoffice, I knew it was time to make a change.

I took the plunge and sold my car. I did it withoutthinking, really. And then panic set in. I wonderedwhat I would do and how it would work. "How amI going to take my dog to the vet and go on salescalls?", I thought. My brother told me not to worry."If you decide it doesn't work, you'll get a $3000beater to get around in." I was sure I'd made a hugemistake.

This past August, I celebrated the 5th anniversary ofthat mistake. It did require some lifestyle changes,but most of it was easier than I thought.

For instance, instead of groceryshopping at the store, I did a little

research online and found that alocal chain offered delivery for a

minimal fee.

I organized my schedule alittle better and asked friends

and coworkers if I could carpool withthem, offering to pay for gas. They werethrilled to help. I rented cars here and

there for special trips or needs andrealized that the bus system in

Denver will take you justabout anywhere.

Then about a year ago, I signed up forcar-sharing, which allows me to pay a low monthlyfee and reserve a car by the hour. There are overtwenty car-share vehicles within walking distance ofmy home.

It's not an ideal situation for everyone, but I don'thave children and I am able to plan my life aroundmy location. It takes a little more effort than itwould in a larger city, but it can be done.

Though there are many more things I could do tolive a greener lifestyle, I've started. And it's reallymade a difference in the way I look at waste. I'mmuch more considerate of things I'm not sure I needbecause it requires using a car or transportation toget them. I eat healthier (most of the time) becauseI plan menus ahead. I order anything and everythingonline and save money on impulse spending. Ispend less, save more and positively impact theenvironment all at the same time.

Greening

The Rocky Mountain Chapter works veryhard to keep within SGMP Nationalguidelines regarding the planner andsupplier balance. As of September 30th,2011 we are warm. We have an evenplanner/supplier balance, but we shouldreally be a few planners heavy to keep us

from dipping back into a freeze.Can you recommend any planners to us?

HOT OR COLD

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part of the training team or led the effort to deliver training to employees at my agency. Without SGMP,I would not have had the confidence to provide training to one of the most educated workforces in thestate system.

I would be remiss if I didn't metion the personal benefit from my membership in SGMP; The friendshipsI have made over the years. When I first joined the organization, it was all very confusing. I was havingall this fun and I wanted people to be my friends, but didn't know if they actually liked me or were justbeing nice to get my business! That gets sorted out over time and friendships will happen naturally. Itis possible to have the best of both worlds: Great business and personal relationships.

Though I may have joined SGMP because it was fun, it's not why I stayed. Over the years, and as Icontinued to mature, personally and professionally, so did SGMP. It had to. And as we moved awayfrom the "party-like" atmosphere, those who were only here for the free food moved on. Others, likeme, went on to build a career, using what SGMP had to offer along the way. While it's still fun, SGMPtoday focuses more on the business side of the industry as it should. I learned a lot over the years, butonly because I invested the time. Are you getting what you expect out of your membership? If not, takea look at what you are giving. Are you attending every monthly meeting? If so, great. But it's notenough. Relationships are started at monthly meetings, but business is built through committee work. Ifyou are not getting what you expected or need, it is really up to you to go for it. Your chapter board iscreating the opportunity, but it's up to the individual to do something with it. We all have many choiceswhere to spend our time. SGMP has always been my organization of choice and if you give it yourtime, who knows where it will take you?

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"The events thatSGMP holds arevery beneficial to me.I would recommendattending as many aspossible to make themost out of yourmembership"

One of our newest suppliermembers, Taylor Short, has beenwith the Embassy Suites DenverDowntown for about six monthsnow. She previously worked forMarriott through her college careerand beyond. Taylor is married, has afour year old son named Brayden andlives in Morrison. In ordert to get toknow Taylor a little better, MountainViews asked her a fewquestions!What is it that youlike about workingwith governmentmeetings? There areso many great thingsI love about mymarket. Building therelationships throughSGMP is one of themany things thatmake the governmentmarket so fun to work with. Theendless amounts of opportunity forpartnership within the many agenciesboth state and federal allow for acopious amount of networking,referral base and a continous"win- win" situation for the hotel andthe agency.

Tell us about your relationship withColorado, why you came here andwhy you love it! I am a coloradonative. Shocking, I know! I grew upin Confier and then moved to FortCollins for my undergraduate degree.We are back in Morrison where welove to enjoy all that Colorado has tooffer. As we do love to travel, I don'tsee us ever moving from this beautiful

state with so manyphysical attributesand greatentertainment.Tell us about yourprofessional goals andaspirations. I havebeen in hospitality foreleven years now andit's what I aspire to do.I have thoroughlyenjoyed buildingrelationships andpartnerships with myclients as well as mycolleagues. There is so

much versitality within the industrythat there is never a dull moment!Tell us about working in the onlyLEED Silver Certified Hotel inDenver. It is so exciting to be the

first and only LEED Silver Certifiedhotel in Denver! As the needs of ourguests change with time, greenpractices are demanded more andmore. This is such a great investmentfor all parties involved in our hotel.We are also the first Embassy Suitesto acheive this certification. Wecontinue to listen to the needs of ourguests to deliver what is important tothem.Any advice for supplier members ininterfacing and partnering withgovernment agencies? For my fellowsupplier members, I would say to justcontinue to leverage the SGMPbenefits to network and build up yourreferral business. The events thatSGMP holds are very beneficial tome. I would recommend attending asmany as possible to make the mostout of your membership and you willbegin to see your ROI. As forplanners, I would advise the same.Suppliers are looking to make thisprocess as easy as possible for you andyou can benefit by having thoserelationships to expedite the process.

AConversationWith

Taylor Short

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Join us on our new Linked Inaccount

Click the image below and get

SGMPRocky Mountain Chapter

PO Box 461103Glendale, CO 80246

Info@sgmprockymtn.comwww.sgmprockymtn.com

Mountain Views ispublished bi-monthly inJanuary, March, May,July, September and

November.

Chair, Editor andGraphic Design

Joseph PowellCrowne Plaza Denver720.269.3262jpowell@dhmhotels.com

Committee Members

Linda SchmittRetiredkarlin1162@comcast.net

Mary Williams, CGMPNeighborWorks America303.782.5251mwilliams@nw.org

Chele Clark, CGMPCO Dept. of Public Health andEnvironment303.692.2421chele.clark@state.co.us

Kay Bothwell, CMPCO Dept. of Labor andEmployment 303.318.8763kay.bothwell@state.co.us

Claudette Ferris, CPS/CAP,CGMP CO Dept. of PublicHealth and Environment303.692.3380claudette.ferris@state.co.us

2012-2014 Nominationsand Elections on the

HorizonThe 2012-2014 Rocky Mountain Chapter nominations and

elections process will soon be upon us! Are you interested inrunning for the board or is there a chapter member you might liketo nominate? The process will begin in January. The next issue of

the newsletter will feature brief bios of your current boardmembers and the positions that they hold.

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