HSMAI Minnesota

presents

Meeting Planner Panel Forum

What Planners Are Really Thinking!

Join us for our upcoming exciting Meeting Planner Discussion with some of the brightest leaders in the field of meeting planning including Bonnie Boucher, Dana Ellis, Joy DesMarais-Lanz, and Sean Schuette.

Ever wonder what meeting planners are REALLY thinking? This is a program not to be missed by any sales person in the hospitality industry! Our panel of expert planners will provide valuable insight into such things as the effects of world politics on travel, the green issue, pricing in a down economy, effective negotiation and how to partner for future loyalty and succes.

This dialogue will include plenty of time for Q&A, so bring your burning questions for some candid answers. You'll gain valuable insights into what your customers want and what they see on the horizon. Note that if you don’t get all of your questions answered, there will be an opportunity to meet in a more informal setting at our Lunch-n-Learn on March 24!

Discussion Leaders:

Bonnie J. Boucher, CMP – Global Account Executive/Conference Manager, ConferenceDirect

She has over 20 years of meeting and hotel industry experience including positions in both operations and conference management at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Bonnie was the Assistant Director of Continuing Medical Education and was responsible for the entire life-cycle of conferences from site selection, contract negotiations, to strategic planning and evaluation of activities around the world. Events have ranged from small, VIP meetings to national events of 1100-2200 attendees. She received her CMP designation in 2004 and taught portions of the CMP Prep Camp through the Minnesota Chapter of Meeting Professionals International. She also served on committees of MPI and was nominated for “Meeting Planner of the Year”. Bonnie is also actively involved in the Associations North as well as volunteering her time with various non-profit organizations. Her knowledge and experience has provided the best options to her clients for their meetings.

Dana Ellis – President and CEO, Ellis International

Ellis International was founded in 2002 and is a meeting and event management company, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dana brings over 20 years of experience as an executive meeting and event planner to the company and is an expert in producing amazing events. She has extensive knowledge in managing the all aspects of planning and logistics of corporate meetings, trade shows, and special events. Dana is featured in the summer 2009 edition of Meetings Magazine (Minnesota) and produced one of the largest events held during the 2008 RNC in Minneapolis. The event was titled “AgNite, A Celebration of America’s Food & Ag Industry”, and won an ISES award for Best Production (to Freestyle Productions). Prior to launching Ellis International, Dana spent 12 years working as an Executive Meeting Planner and Managing Director at MSP Resources; a Minneapolis based meeting management company.

Joy DesMarais-Lanz – Senior Director of Operations, Synergos AMC

As the Senior Director of Operations for Synergos AMC, Joy DesMarais-Lanz is responsible for all association clients based in the Twin Cities office. In addition, she serves as the Chapter Administrator for the MPI Minnesota Chapter. Joy brings 20+ years of experience creating and leading programs in nonprofits and higher education including HOBY International’s Advanced Leadership Academy, BC’s Closet at the Minnesota School of Business—Brooklyn Center and the service-learning program at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. She has also earned certificates in Volunteer Leadership from the Minnesota Association of Volunteer Administration (MAVA) and Healthcare Meeting Compliance from the Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Of special note to HSMAI – she served a short stint as the Director of Sales for the Holiday Inn - Minneapolis Northwest/Elk River but realized it was not her “cup of tea” so she gives you additional props for the hard work you do!

Sean R. Schuette, CMP – Solutions Partner, Schuette On Duty Solutions LLC

He has parlayed his technical theater degree & background into the meeting industry that lets his producer’s heart & passion flourish, directly impacting the programs he partners on with groups & clients. He has enjoyed a 18 year journey of diverse experiences actively leading the planning & execution of events ranging in size from 150 to 16,000 people. The work is ever evolving & fosters ongoing learning from industry peers, resources, & first-hand encounters in the world of meetings & events.