Come visit the Young Professionals booth at Expo! Expo! in the IAEE Pavilion December 9th.  We’d love to learn about you and your ideas and perspectives, and also to share with you what we’ve been working on.

This year, we’ll have surveys at our booth so that we, as a committe, can better understand the needs and wants in our industry pertaining to Young Professionals.  As an added bonus, various surveys will be marked.  If the survey form you pull is marked, you’ve won a gift card for Starbucks!   We have 20 to hand out, so don’t miss out on the chance to WIN a Starbucks gift card for coffee or snacks or even to turn around and gift it to someone else as a Thank You.

Everyone who participates in the survey process will receive a “Making a Difference – Young Professionals” ribbon.  Thank you in advance for helping us in our survey efforts!

We’ll see you there!

Professionals from across our industry and world will be present at IAEE’s Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting and Exhibition 2009 in Atlanta, GA from December 8-10th.  We hope to see you there!

Visit with other young professionals and members of IAEE’s Young Professionals Committee throughout the annual meeting and exhibition.  You can find the YP Committee during Expo! Expo! at our booth in IAEE’s Pavilion.   

Members of the committee are also looking forward to meeting and participating in the First Timer’s Orientation luncheon on Tuesday, hosted by Shepard Exposition Services.  This orientation is the perfect stepping stone for young professionals and first time attendees to make the most of Expo! Expo!  If you missed out this year, drop by the YP booth and we’ll be happy to fill you in on the details.

As young professionals, we’ll be out and about, and we look forward to sharing, learning, inspiring and encouraging one another so that we can continue to strengthen our industry today and into the future!

The long awaited CEIR research report, Power of Exhibitions in the 21st Century, is now available and has already proven to be in high demand. 

As CEIR describes, this study, which commenced in October 2006, “offers a wealth of insight into how young professionals want to connect, learn and network at exhibitions and events. CEIR’s study includes additional interpretations and insight from generational expert Chuck Underwood, author and founder of The Generational Imperative.”

Additionally, the article, “The Gen Y Factor,” published by Association Conventions & Facilities, is by far the most inclusive and accurate I’ve seen in a long time.  You can read it at the following link.  http://acf.themeetingmagazines.com/acf/20090809Feat1/tabid/219/Default.aspx.

Feel free to share your thoughts, and other articles you’ve come across as well!

*Note: The CEIR Report is free to CEIR and IAEE members when you login with your user information.

Written by: Nora Johnson, SMMP Services Specialist, Experient and 2009 IAEE Young Professionals Committe Chair

Data, reports, e-mail, blogs, websites, conference calls, voicemail, projects, news releases, reports, data, data, data: information. Chaotic and overwhelming, and made even more so as we toss in a few additional factors: past, present and future. Now that you may be experiencing an anxiety spike and your fingers are itching to check your e-mail, you should take this moment to stop and breathe. 

We are fortunate to have a lot of information available to us, and if not readily available, we at least have the means to gather the information. However, in trying to keep up, we find that there is more information than we can possibly process, there is information from questionable sources or there is conflicting information. Regarding information, we’re at an impasse.

How do we stop the madness? We don’t. We just need to learn how to navigate through it with knowledge, purpose, finesse and confidence.

Knowledge: Know your organization, your industry, your procedures, your markets and most important – your decision factors and processes. In today’s world, information can be cherry-picked, similar to entering a grocery store. You need to know your options and your needs so that you can select your ingredients for a fantastic meal. You would not walk out with everything in the grocery store simply because it was too overwhelming to know what you wanted– at least, we would hope not. That would be a logistical challenge, to say the least.

Purpose: As mentioned earlier, know your decision factors and processes. When you establish a purpose for the information you are seeking to gather, you will find that you naturally filter through a lot of unnecessary data and information. Start with the following questions: What questions do I want answered? How will I apply those answers once I have them? Will they make a difference in what I do or how I do it? What data do I need to answer those questions (this comes from knowing the influencing factors tied to your organization, industry, markets, et cetera)? Remember that while there may seemingly be infinite information at your fingertips, you only have finite resources: time, money and human capital. Allocate your resources accordingly and purposefully so that you can maximize the business results, rather than maximizing the amount of information you have stored – somewhere.

Finesse: Finesse, or the appearance of finesse, in the data world is only achieved when you have knowledge and purpose and find that you are no longer caving to a knee-jerk reaction for information or throwing darts into space, hoping you hit or find something that will help you. Realize that information is a tool – not the answer. What you do with the information is the answer to your question or problem.

Confidence: We find ourselves at a moment in time where jurors are afraid to make decisions because sufficient DNA evidence was not collected or there could be a statistical error of 0.5%. In general, they don’t feel comfortable making any decision until they KNOW everything, beyond doubt – not even reasonable doubt. We have shows like CSI to thank for this. The same is happening in the business world today. Most professionals feel uncomfortable making significant decisions when there’s another piece of information that could be gathered or when the data is before them, but does not clearly delineate the answer they were hoping to find. You must have confidence in yourself as a professional, and sufficient knowledge about your organization and business environment, to know when additional information is futile to the decision at hand.

Having information is only valuable if you utilize it to create value. This may be reflected in realized efficiency, improved service and product design and delivery or even the multi-million dollar market swing. It’s a tool. Select and use the tool appropriately. Although obvious, throwing a toolbox at a nail won’t be as wise as simply using a hammer. Gather data so that your magic tool box is full, but be smart enough to look at the final project or task at hand in order to select the right tool.

From the generational perspective: Younger generations aren’t so much better at multi-tasking as they are about tuning out the noise and focusing only on what is important to them at any given moment. Their ability to change gears quickly is the trick. So, if you’re trying to keep up by monitoring all information communication tools at once, you’re going to tire yourself out very quickly.

Blogs are wonderful. In all honestly, some are more wonderful than others. Where’s the value? The value lies in the perspectives, resources and advice that becomes available for you to accept or disagree with.

While the Young Professionals wish to release blogs that will prove valuable to our readership, we realize there is a great inquisitive world of questions, concerns or ideas we’re not addressing. As such, we have created a new page associated with our blog titled “Q&A.”

Over the next couple of weeks, and into the future, we will gather questions from professionals and students and post them to this page. We will start to provide answers – or opinions – to these questions and we encourage you to do the same!

These questions will not just surround the theme: young professionals. They will be questions pertaining to the industry as we are all a part of this great industry. Stay tuned, and we hope you enjoy this resource!

- Nora Johnson, 2009 IAEE YPC Chair

By: Nora Johnson, 2009 IAEE Young Professionals Chair and SMMP Services Specialist, Experient

“How can I attract, engage and retain young professionals?”  Undoubtedly, many of you have heard or asked a similar question in the past.  Naturally, many of you have also had two words immediately come to mind: technology and entertainment.

 In short, the answers are:

You will notice that technology and entertainment are not in the short answers.  Why are they absent?  There is a lot to be said for the relevancy of these two words.  However, the reality goes beyond a generational trend and reveals a more significant business and societal trend.  A friend of mine, who is a Director of Design for a prominent fashion line, once mentioned that the days of big department stores, such as Macy’s, dictating the fashion of the season are over.  Rather, fashion is being heavily influenced by the numerous sub-cultures in our society: the “Jocks,” the “Skaters,” the “Goths,” the “Preps” and many more.  Essentially, trends are being generated from the bottom, up, rather than from the top, down, which had traditionally been the standing model for business. 

What, you may ask, does this have to do with young professionals, technology and entertainment?  Technology and entertainment are most likely attributed to the younger generations because they have had the greatest need and greatest amount of time to pursue both.  Technology is a great tool when you are not able to drive, fly or walk to another individual’s location to connect.  In addition, when you have time to fill after homework is complete or during the summer months, the motivation to entertain one’s self is quite high.  In the professional world, technology is a great way to stay connected and keep in touch with people, news and trends when more seasoned professionals are sent out to industry events or to sit on boards, committees or panels. 

Utilization of the technological tools and a propensity toward entertainment does not stop with the younger generations; the demand for both crosses most generations. Many senior professionals can acknowledge being constantly “plugged in” to their BlackBerrys, iPhones, laptops and more.  Many now feel obligated to participate in social networks, and if they don’t feel obligated, it’s because they are already addicted.  From an entertainment perspective, the terms “jaded” and “uninterested” often come up among established professionals with regards to conferences and educational sessions.  Professionals have “been-there-done-that.”  Many are essentially bored with standard, predictable general sessions, awards ceremonies, educational sessions and networking opportunities.  The drive to feel entertained or to create one’s own agenda based on what is personally perceived as interesting is increasing.  The proof is before you.  Observe your sessions and see who is not present, who is present but more in tune to their phone than the presentation or who is constantly leaving and returning to a session – or just leaving altogether.

Knowing that trends towards technology and entertainment meet the demands of your greater attendee or consumer base, the business case for supporting changes around these trends should strengthen.   

When looking at trends, be open to identifying whether the trend is social, political, economic, technological, generational, demographic, et cetera. Ultimately, remember that we’re moving into an era where sub-cultures are initiating the trends, which is why the “early-adopter” younger generations seem to be driving so much change in today’s world.  Knowing this, you can begin to seek new opportunities for your organization.  Observe the younger professionals, get them engaged and invite them to participate in state-of-the-industry conversations.  In doing so, you will learn their perspectives, learn their motivations and build loyalty, confidence and professionalism amongst your younger professionals and between generations.

Always seek the motivations behind the observations.  To get you started, here are three main motivational points for utilizing technology and social networks:

Have fun and enjoy exploring the broader-reaching trends and future opportunities for your own organization!.

Original post published to Experient’s e4 blog on June 9, 2009.

Julie Holzer Pazina, National Sales Manager for Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services and IAEE Young Professionals Committee Member 

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) have a very important mission and purpose, made only more so in the current economic crisis. It is charged with the livelihoods of the 46,000 people in the city who rely on meetings for their income and the approximately 250,000 people in Las Vegas who rely on tourism for their employment.

A day never goes by that Chris Meyer, LVCVA Vice President of Convention Sales, forgets his obligation to the city he serves. “Our team doing a better job leads directly to a better community,” Meyer said of his role and the importance he places on supporting Las Vegas’s main industry. 

Though Chris is a very visible face in the hospitality world and a vocal advocate for the meetings industry both nationally and in Las Vegas, he grew up far away from the glittering lights of the famed Strip. Born in the Philippines, Chris is the son of two naval officers.

He grew up all over the world, but one of his most memorable homes was in Guam at the close of the Vietnam War. He remembered the population doubling in less than ten days as a tent city was assembled at an old Japanese Air Base. Chris was 14 at the time and his dad was Commanding Officer when the heightened population led to high demands for food, water and sanitation. Looking back at that experience, it may not be a surprise that Chris ended up in an industry where the demands of a trade show require planning and infrastructure to make them a success.

Chris is responsible for convention sales, convention center sales and the convention services team, comprising 58 individuals. He has been at the LVCVA for almost nine years, where he and his team work hard to bring meetings, conventions and trade shows in to the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center. These facilities encompass nearly four million square feet and two million square feet of exhibit space. In addition to bringing meetings in to these facilities, Chris and his team work hard to fill hotel rooms. “Heads in beds is our mission, mantra, creed and the air we breathe,” said Chris. “If we don’t do our job, people don’t work and we take that very seriously.”

Chris’s first job in the industry was at the Marina Hotel & Casino. Chris was graduating from UNLV with a degree in MIS Management and planned to sell computer software. However, he had been dating a hotel major that sparked his interest in hotels and had the opportunity to play in a student/professor golf tournament for the UNLV hotel association. Shortly after the tournament, Chris answered an employment agency ad in the Review-Journal for a sales manager job at a Strip hotel. His interviewer turned out to be one of his fellow golfers of just weeks earlier and after a discussion of life goals and aspirations, it was decided that Chris was the best candidate for the job and he was hired as a tour and travel manager at the Marina Hotel & Casino.

The hotel was going through bankruptcy at the time, and in August 1985 became the first hotel to go through Chapter 11 and come out successfully. Chris’s efforts, along with the rest of the Marina team, had paid off and the team’s achievement led to a number of job offers.

Another success that year was his marriage to Terri, the hotel major who first inspired his interest in the hospitality industry. Married for 24 years, they have two children, two dogs and a cat. Chris beamed when speaking of his wife’s event planning company and his children’s interest in music and acting.

After his start at the Marina Hotel & Casino, Chris spent a year at the Flamingo Hilton as tour and travel manager. After his stint at the Flamingo Hilton, Chris moved to the Tropicana as director of tour and agency sales before leaving leisure sales to promote the property’s convention sales. He got a call from the Sands in 1990 to open the Sands Expo Center, where he served as director of sales and later as director of sales and marketing at the Sands Expo Center and Venetian. However in 2000, Chris was given the opportunity to join the LVCVA as manager of convention center sales. That position led to director of convention center sales, senior director of convention center sales, vice president of convention center sales, and finally, vice president of convention sales.

With so much industry experience, Chris has valuable advice for those just joining the industry. He emphasized the importance of looking behind the scenes and discovering what it takes to pull off a successful event. “Check in and get involved,” said Chris. “Look behind the curtain. The depth and breadth of what goes on behind the scenes is awesome and impressive.”

Chris and his team are taking that advice to heart right now, working hard behind the scenes to bring meetings to Las Vegas during the economic downturn. With sales missions, booking incentives, promotions, advertising, advocacy events, digital marketing and key association partnerships, the LVCVA is actively campaigning to bring business to Las Vegas. “We live the brand, we sell the brand, and we are part of the brand,” said Chris.

Chris’s level of commitment to the city of Las Vegas and the meetings and event industry is unparalleled. That is one reason why the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) had selected Chris to serve as part of their Board. When asked about one of his most memorable achievements, Chris mentioned his work with IAEE and his role as Incoming Chair. In fact, he is the first graduate of the association’s Future Leaders Institute to become Chair.

With a determination to make Las Vegas the number one convention destination in the world and the dedication to work around the clock to make it happen, Chris is excited about the future of Las Vegas and is working hard in the present to secure business in the current recession. “The LVCVA works seven days a week, 24 hours a day to promote Las Vegas,” said Chris, and this is the standard he sets for his own life.

Based in Las Vegas, Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services (www.edlen.com) is the leading independent temporary utility contractor for the tradeshow, convention and special event industry. National Sales Manager Julie Holzer Pazina can be reached at julie@edlen.com.

Just got back from the Expo! Expo! Exhibits. A quick note on the success of the Young Professional representation – our Kiosk was front and center; we got to greet all of the Young Professionals and attendees as they entered the hall. Thank you to all the Young Professional volunteers who staffed the booth -  it was so much fun! and thanks to the YP’s who participated in the ‘Exhibit Booth Report card’ activity…It was great meeting everyone. I will post more photos and stories later…

Cheers,

Jeanavive Janssen – Chair Young Professionals

Business Development Manager – San Jose Convention and Visitors Bureau

Experience Expo! Expo! Young Professionals-style!

On Tuesday, 9 December IAEE’s Young Professionals Committee invites you to stop by our “Meet-up Spot” table near the cyber center at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The table will be staffed from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM before the start of the First Timers’ Luncheon so that you can pick up your FREE IAEE YP t-shirt and button. The table will also be staffed 30 minutes following the First Timers’ Luncheon.” This will be a designated meet-up spot pre/post Expo! Expo! scheduled activities outside of the Exhibit Hall hours. There will be a sheet to leave messages about who wants to meet-up and when.

Visit the Young Professionals Kiosk in the IAEE Pavilion during the exhibit hours. FREE IAEE YP t-shirt and button will be available. While you’re there, network with your peers, blog about your experience at Expo! Expo! and sign up to explore Miami Beach with other the YPs.

The young professionals of IAEE will wear the YP t-shirts on Wednesday, 10 December at Expo! Expo!

You Be the Judge.

IAEE’s Young Professionals will rate booths that catch their attention based on six standard exhibiting criteria. Results will be posted after the meeting with ‘Best of Show’ selections and Honorable Mentions. Interested in judging Expo! Expo! exhibitors? Pick up your rating card at the YP kiosk in the IAEE Pavilion!

Connect with other young professionals before you arrive in Miami Beach!

Visit the following sites to connect with IAEE Young Professionals:

• IAEE YP Discussion Group. Network with your peers through the IAEE’s web-based Young Professionals Community. Follow these steps to join:

1. Visit IAEE’s Member Communities (use your IAEE User ID / Password to log in).

2. Click “My subscriptions” (left column)

3. Under “Category,” select “Public Discussion Groups” (top of screen)

4. Then select “Young Professionals Discussion Group”

5. Click “Add” and You’re in!

• LinkedIn. “Link up” with other young professionals from the exhibitions and events industry by visiting IAEE YP – LinkedIn.
• For more information on IAEE’s Young Professionals, visit our blog: http://www.ypiaee.com/.

See you in Miami Beach!

IAEE Young Professionals Committee

Are you getting excited yet for Expo! Expo!?

I know I am! and so is everyone on the Young Professionals Committee.

IAEE has finalized our Young Professionals pins to wear throughout the event. It says: “Young Professional – Ask Me” We will be promoting the ‘Ask Me’ concept pre-event to all attendees.

The pin is meant to generate networking conversations between generations…giving you an opportunity to share your thoughts about what you want as a Young Professional, about what you would like to contribute…etc.

I would love to get the discussions going early…

I would like to ASK YOU, what do you want as a Young Professional?

Let’s start talking about this via email and really be prepared to have some serious discussions about what we would like to see for the future of the industry and what we would like to contribute to it.

Cheers,

Jeanavive Marie Janssen

Chair Young Professionals

http://www.ypiaee.com

Vice Chair NCC IAEE: http://www.iaeencc.com

Founder: Network Girl Consulting: http://www.networkgirl.com

Business Development Manager, San Jose CVB: http://www.sanjose.org

510-306-9665
jeanavive@gmail.com