A Message From President Ronnie Jayne

I know we all are incredibly busy now, so thank you for taking the time out to read our latest ezine. Also, it was great to see those of you who were able to attend our December chapter meeting at the Center at Cathedral Plaza. The food was terrific; the entertainment and atmosphere gave me a warm and mellow feeling – or maybe that was the whisky-tasting!

A long-time industry professional asked me last week, "Why join ISES?" Part of my response goes back to last month's article by Lisa Dawson. Lately I've been getting more than my share of calls regarding referrals for suppliers. The first thing I do is go to my ISES-LA Membership Directory, and refer from there! That's one of the best parts of being President – helping our members become even more successful! You'd be surprised how many of our members have made it a policy to "Buy ISES."

Which brings us to the latest "ISES Membership Sale". Throughout the rest of December and January 12-22, 2005 you can join ISES for $199 with NO $50 administration fee! Remember, anyone who joins ISES on or before January 22, 2005 will have their name and info included in our newest ISES-LA Membership Directory.

Also, bring your "Buddies for a Buck" to our January Chapter Meeting, and let them know about this terrific membership offer.

That's it for now. I'm multi-tasking as I type – thinking, typing, getting dressed for a gig, downloading directions, and doing my hair (Don't go there!). I'm sure you are too, so here's my final note for the year:

Thanks to all of you who have helped me and ISES-LA this past year! Happy holidays! Best wishes for a happy, healthy and successful New Year!

Ronnie Jayne
President, ISES-LA

Da Da Dant Da Da Dant... that's the ESPN intro for those of you non-sports fanatics!

Come join ISES-LA at the fabulous ESPNZone in Downtown Disney (that's in Anaheim, CA for you non-locals)!

That's right all you athletic supporters... ooops, I mean sports fans, the first ISES mixer of 2005 will be held at ESPNZone, the ultimate sports dining and entertainment experience.

Surrounded by the "Happiest Place on Earth," this 35,000 square foot facility includes the Studio Grill (featuring scrumptous food and an actual ESPN studio set); the Screening Room with a 16' video wall surrounded by a dozen 36" monitors; the Skybox for VIP dining; the Patio for outdoor fun and dining in the heart of Downtown Disney; the Sports Arena featuring over 10,000 square feet of competitive, interactive games and attractions, along with the latest and greatest sports simulators, video games, a 30' Extreme Glacier; and much more.

You won't know where to start and you certainly won't want the night to end. This is going to be great! So, grab a friend, relative, co-worker, dog, cat or even your pet goldfish and bring them on down to this PHAT (that's cool for you non-hip types) facility for a night of fun and frolic (and a little bit of networking, too) with ISES and friends...

See ya there!

Click here for detailed directions or to RSVP.

ISES-LA November Monthly Meeting at Dave and Buster's, Arcadia

ISES members and guests enjoyed a chance to kick back and unwind in November at Dave and Buster's in Arcadia. This unique restaurant was a perfect setting for the diverse tastes of our ISES members.

Special thanks to our November showcasers: Dave & Buster's and HM&P Photography.

Shaking a Hand Can Lead to More Than Just An Acquaintance

By Tobey Dodge, CSEP
The Wedding Connection by Tobey Dodge

There are times I have been told that newcomers to the event industry feel isolated walking into a room full of industry folk they don't know well. Even for veterans like myself, there are times I walk into a room not knowing many faces and feel a bit out of place.

As we get ready for a New Year and a new event season, let's keep in mind that we all have those awkward moments from time to time. One way to make yourself more comfortable, and get off to a good start, is to just say hello to someone you don't know and to shake their hand. I know that sounds so simple, and yet that simple gesture can seem enormously challenging.

Every time I get up the nerve to do so, I usually meet someone I have something in common with, even if we never see or speak again. You never know when that incidental meeting may come back to you in a positive way.

Case in point: Years ago, I met a woman who represented a site out of my local area. I knew in my gut I would probably not be able to work with her, but I took some time to get to know her and said if she was ever in the LA area to look me up. Many months later, I found out that her husband was transferred to the LA area and she had gotten a job with one of the best hotels in town and was calling me to invite me to come to lunch with her to get better acquainted. I had no idea if our paths would cross again when I stuck out my hand and said hello to her initially. Now I have a new contact at a great location and the possibility of future recommendations and business.

The next time an opportunity arises to meet someone new, just take a deep breath, stick out your hand, and say hello. You can always assume some good will come to you.

Tobey Dodge is the owner of The Wedding Connection by Tobey Dodge, a full service consulting and coordinating company based out of Woodland Hills. Tobey Dodge started her business in 1988, has held a CSEP for two and a half years, and has been a member of ISES for four years.

A December to Remember (and January 12-22, too!)

The ISES membership drive is going on throughout the month of December, as well as during January 12-22, 2005. This is a great opportunity to join ISES for half a year (through 6/30/05) for $199 with NO $50 application fee!

To become an ISES member, please click here. You must register online through the ISES International website to receive this discount.

Everyone who joins during this special membership drive will also be included in the 2005 Membership Directory. However, in order to be included in the directory, you must also forward a copy of your application to the ISES Los Angeles Chapter at iseslosangeles@aol.com.

Jan. 5-8, 2005 The Special Event 2005 at the Miami Beach Convention

Jan. 12, 2005 Monthly Meeting at ESPN Zone/Downtown Disney

Feb. 16, 2005 Monthly Meeting at GAM Products

Apr. 19, 2005 Annual Fundraiser at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

Do you have information you would like to share with your fellow ISES members? We are looking for submissions for our monthly ezines. Please forward any articles you wish to submit to the Communications Chair Jen Poyer, the Ezine Editor, Bill Hodge, or contact the ISES LA Office (805) 557-1141.