by Jackie Korman

What an incredible journey this last 6 months have been for me as your President, itâs been everything I expected and so much more. The journey continues for me along with the exceptional Board of Directors we have. Weâve set goals, reached those goals and continue to soar. I hope you've had time to review the State of the Chapter Update sent to you last week. Your chapter is a busy one and we need your great ideas to keep moving ahead!

Join us in 2002 as the journey continues with more exciting and innovative chapter meetings, key speakers, fun fundraiser ideas, educational seminars and much much more.

Happy holidays, and thanks so much for your continuing support of ISES-LA.

Jackie Korman, President

ISES LA's Membership Growing Stronger Every Day!

ISES LA is right in the middle of our 2001/2002 Membership campaign. Michelle Fox-Gott of Drago, ISES LAâs Membership Chair has lined up all sorts of special incentives for folks who join ISES right away, so gather those fence sitters and get them to join NOW! They can join for ¸ years fee through June 2002 since all dues will now be renewed on July 1 every year. ISES LA is offering a 3-day, 2 night mini vacation in Catalina to the ISES member getting the most new members to join before January 31, 2002. Additionally, ISES International is offering a first place prize of a complimentary registration to the Conference for Professional Development (CPD) being held August 2 ö 5, 2002 and $1,200 toward airfare to Sydney for the ISES member bringing in the most new members. The second place prize is a complimentary registration to the Conference for Professional Development (CPD).

By Norma Azucena of CORT Event Furnishings

We could not have asked for a lovelier gathering as we all cheered the coming of yet another holiday season. Casa Del Mar and Shutters on the beach provided a spectacular venue to gather, celebrate, and strengthen our business relationships. A special thanks to our suppliers and showcasers who all worked tirelessly to make this a special and impeccable holiday meeting; Abbey Event Services, Angstrom Lighting, Hidden Garden, The Entertainment Group, California Brain Freeze, Cake Divas, Carving Ice, Cordially Invited, DigiPix Event Photography, Resource One, No Static, Revelry, Unique Party Rental, and Preiss Art Dealer! What a great event with over 125 in attendance.

This is a once-a-year opportunity for you to gain education, CSEP credit and enlarge your network of special event resources. Event professionals worldwide are gearing up for the industryâs premier event, The Special Event 2002. This yearâs show offers more than 50 innovative educational sessions including Event Management, Food Services, Design and Business and Professional Development tracks. For detailed information about the intensive conference sessions, go to Special Event 2002. ISES LA, along with the other western region chapters, will be hosting a special "Get to Know You" reception at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix prior to the Welcome Reception on Wednesday, January 9th in the Cowboy Artist room. Don't miss this great conference!

Come Buki With Us, Kabuki Style at Le Meridien Beverly Hills

Join ISES LA at our first meeting of the year on January 17, 2002 at the beautiful Le Meridien in Beverly Hills where we will be joined by the ISES International President Lena Malouf, CSEP, AIFD who will be presenting "Lifting the Bottom Line". Don't miss this great opportunity to catch up with your ISES friends and get valuable expertise from Lena!