A Message From President Ilona Hobbs

People join associations for many reasons. The analytically inclined look for a return on their investment. The social enjoy the networking opportunities. The A-type will take on leadership roles. The intellectual uses it as a platform to educate and share their knowledge of an industry. Put these four elements together and you have a group of people with a common goal of establishing themselves as professionals.

Lucrative professions have at least two common elements: 1) education or certification and 2) an association or league to promote their professionalism. Doctors, attorneys, engineers, professors, scientists, real estate agents (the list goes on) have promoted their profession through education and associations. That is what ISES should be to every member.

ISES was formed because a handful of leaders "got it". They realized that in order to be taken seriously, they needed to separate themselves from the unethical and/or the uneducated. They recognized the need to provide all clients with a safe environment, minimal risk, and reassurance that the client is getting his budget's worth. In turn, the event professional had the right to expect fair compensation for a job well done.

When considering rejoining ISES or enlisting new members, look beyond the obvious benefits and features. Look to the future of the event industry. Event professionals need an association like ISES to promote the industry. If you feel that your chapter has not fulfilled this need, volunteer your knowledge, your savvy and help put the event industry in the same league as other established professionals!

Sincerely,

Ilona Hobbs
President, ISES-LA

TOMORROW NIGHT...February 18th ISES LA Mixer: Saddle Up Trailblazer!

By Brian Leslie, Visionsinlight.com

Alright you urban cowpokes! Time to get rough and rowdy at another ISES monthly mixer on February 18, 04! Join us at The Saddle Ranch Chop House and have a rootin' tootin' blast. Saddle Ranch Chop House is now part of City Walk's broad array of fun, food and entertainment up at Universal Studios.

For those who have been to the original Saddle Ranch on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, you know what you're in for, times ten, at this City Walk location! Saddle Ranch encompasses about 24,000 square feet and can seat about 1,500 cowboys and girls. It has all the fun of an upscale sports bar and more! For starters, how 'bout billiards, 130 television screens serving up the pulse of sports and entertainment news and of course, two mechanical bulls! Are you game? Travolta would be proud.

Saddle Ranch is a rock n' roll western steak house with the largest bar and outdoor patio up here in these parts, including a full size outdoor dance floor and stage. So wrangle up some associates and ride on up the mountain. I reckon y'all will have a good ol' time!

A note for new members and special event professionals considering joining ISES: A member orientation will start at 5:00pm. Come and listen to what ISES can do for you and your business by being a member. Call Jeff Anderson of Party Pals at 858-622-6613 to let him know you're planning to attend.

Park your wagon at a discount. Valet parking for this event is $4 in the Frankenstein Lot (near Saddle Ranch Chop House).

Directions: Saddle Ranch Chop House (818-760-9680) is located at the entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood.

From the 101 North: Take Universal Studios Blvd. and make a right turn off the freeway. Proceed up the hill to the Frankenstein Lot.

From the 101 South: Take the Lankershim exit and make a right turn off the ramp, a right turn onto Cahuenga Blvd. and a right turn up the hill to the Frankenstein Lot.

Why ISES? Here's One Success Story

Connie Mojallal (formerly Connie Germano)
Special Events Manager, Universal Studios Special Events

Since Valentine's Day just passed, I thought this story was appropriate for this month. Who knew that ISES could lead to romance?

If it wasn't for ISES, my husband and I wouldn't have met each other. Bahman and I met on January 15, 03. I was attending a monthly meeting for the International Special Events Society at the Conga Room, a salsa club here in Los Angeles. After our private party was finished, we were invited to stay for the evening, as the club would be open to the public. I had wanted to learn to dance salsa for the past 12 years, so I excitedly took advantage of the opportunity. I was asking my colleagues if they were going to stay. Most of them left. As I lined up for the beginner class, I saw Bahman out of the corner of my eye dancing with someone. I took a mental note that he could dance. Through the course of the class, I made my way over to Bahman and asked him, just as I was asking everyone, "Are you going to stay for the evening?" He said he was. I then took it a step further (because I knew he could dance) and said, "I really want to learn how to dance salsa." He said, "Don't worry, we'll take care of you." And so the story begins. . . .

We ended up dancing for the entire evening (4 hours!). At the end of the night, Bahman hooked me up with future salsa classes. Note the operative word, hook. Since it had been a desire of mine for the past 12 years to learn salsa dance, I couldn't resist the offer. However, I was very clear with Bahman that "I was not interested in a romantic relationship." After each salsa class, Bahman took me out to dinner - at very nice restaurants. Each time, I would tell him bluntly that, "I was not interested in a romantic relationship." The night we first met, Bahman gave me an invitation to a party he was throwing in February. I was taking salsa classes to help me keep up with the salsa dancing at this party. Bahman said he was taking the salsa classes in hopes that we may become dance partners, but in his heart, he was hoping for more.

Since I am in the Special Events Industry, Bahman asked me to help him with a fundraiser in which he was involved. We attended weekly meetings to plan for the Now Rooz Festival in March. See how smart he is, continuing to involve me in areas of my interest. Needless to say, after the Now Rooz Festival was over, Bahman no longer needed to make up excuses to continue to see me. I could see that I had an exceptional man in front of me!

ISES LA February Strategic Partner Spotlight: Wildflower Linens

We add glamour and elegance to your affair! Wildflower Linen understands that tasteful table linens and chair covers can assure the success of your special event. Whether your gathering is best suited by a tastefully tailored look or one of unabashed elegance, Wildflower's extensive inventory of custom table linens, chair covers and sashes offer the right style for any occasion. In addition to complementing elegant affairs in private homes, Wildflower's linen and chair covers have graced the ballrooms, dining salons, board rooms and gardens of such Southern California venues as: Ritz-Carlton Hotels in Laguna Niguel, Marina del Rey and Pasadena, St. Regis and Montage Resorts in Dana Point, Four Seasons Hotel in Newport Beach, Pelican Hills Country Club in Newport Coast, Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, Century Plaza Hotel, Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Birthplace, Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and luxurious charter yachts in Newport Beach.

About our founder & designer, Young Song Martin:

Young's designs and business accomplishments have been featured in such publications as Glamour, Women's Wear Daily, California Apparel News and other media. Formerly a senior instructor of fashion design at the prestigious Otis/Parsons School of Design in Los Angeles, Young now brings her design expertise and extensive experience in fine fabrics and custom tailoring to the world of special events and party planning. Since Young launched Wildflower Linen in 1999, the company has become a preferred source among corporate clients, banquet managers, event organizers and bridal consultants in Southern California. With Wildflower's clientele growing to include resorts in Hawaii and Las Vegas, the company is poised to serve party planners and event venues nationwide.

Ars Gratia Artis: January Mixer All Wrapped Up

By Brian Leslie, Visionsinlight.com

We started off the new year by taking a few steps back. All the way back to 1978 to be exact! January's mixer brought us to ShowBiz Studios, where we experienced the likes of Delta House, toga style! Soon we all became frat house members scarfing down pizza, doing Jell-O shots and munching on Ding Dongs and Twinkies. Ahh the memories. Surprisingly there were no food fights.

ShowBiz Studios is a great venue that lends itself to virtually any celebration scenario. The event space is literally encircled with production offices, dressing rooms and other amenities that can streamline the production aspect for any event planner. Many thanks to the showcasing companies who made this toga party fun, especially the venue - ShowBiz Studios.

2/18 The Saddle Ranch Chop House, Universal City Walk

3/17 Monthly Meeting-St. Paddy's Day Celebration!! Hotel Sofitel

4/ Chinese Auction Fund Fundraiser-Pasadena Conference Center

4/29-30 Minorities in Special Events Conference, Renaissance Long Beach Hotel

5/19 Monthly Mixer-Showcase Your Venue Contact Ryan Zynger at rzynger@cscmail.org

If you have information you would like to share with ISES LA members please contact Bill Hodge, ISES Ezine Editor, at whodge@hmp-photo.com or call (562) 596-8999.