A Message From President Ronnie Jayne

Sometimes life isn't fair! Our April 19th ISES Idol Annual Fundraiser is destined to be more fun than should be allowed humans, and I'm not allowed to sing! We've got that pesky rule about "non-professionals only." Oh well. But don't let that stop you! Shower singer? Car crooner? Walking warbler? Apply today, and bring your friends to cheer you on. Can't sing? (That never stopped Ashley Simpson!) Donate a product or service that will help promote your business, help ISES-LA, and contribute to our charities.

My Presidential term has been flying by. We've had some terrific meetings so far, and lots of fun, food, education and networking to do in the next few months -- and of course, showcasing by the Best In The Special Events Industry! We still have many opportunities for you to show everyone what you can do, and it's always appreciated.

And speaking of showing everyone, Eventworld 2005 in LA will take place in August, and is kicked off by our Joint Allied Mixer (JAM). Also, get ready for big surprises with our Los Angeles - San Diego ISES meeting in June. All I can say is .... No, I'm not even allowed to say that much!

In my recurring theme of "Sharing Our Strengths," I cannot overly stress the value of real participation in ISES -- showcasing and volunteering on committees. This is how we get to know each other, trust each other, and work together. This translates to a real Return on Investment -- on our time and money spent. It's worked for me and so many others.

Makes me want to sing!

Best Always,

Ronnie Jayne
President, ISES-LA

by Jeff Anderson
Party Pals

"...The sprawling Twin Palms...is as gorgeous as a spread in an architecture magazine: you want to get your suitcase and move right in...". The New York Times That's right folks, the March ISES-LA mixer is at the Twin Palms Restaurant in Pasadena. This beautiful facility is located in the hip "Old Town" section of Pasadena which was recently named one of the Top 20 Visitor Attractions in Southern California by the Los Angeles Business Journal. Any of you who have been there know how cool it is.

The Twin Palms opened in 1994 and the property's history is as interesting as most of Old Town. The building was originally constructed for use as a livery stable in 1905. Put to many uses over the years, the last occupant before Twin Palms was British Pacific Range Rover. The restaurant got it's name from the two Canary Island Date Palms still existing on the property and estimated to be over 75 years old. The owners were walking the property in the early stages of the restaurant's development and decided to keep the existing palms as part of the decor....VOILA...Twin Palms!

Impressed with the history, cool location and decor?...well you'll be equally impressed with the food. Their concept is based on simple pleasures; outdoor dining, entertainment, and the fresh, seasonal cuisine of the California Coast. Chef Tony Zedar has combined his classical French training with a contemporary style and vision to create a unique dining experience expanding the concept of coastal cuisine from California to the Mediterranean to Hawaii and beyond.

Come join us at the Twin Palms, March 16th, 2005 for a night of awesome ambiance, food, entertainment and just hangin' around with all your friends at ISES-LA.

Special thanks to next month's fabulous showcasers: Abbey Event Services, Celebration Creations and Twin Palms Restaurant.

Click here for detailed directions or to RSVP.

Whoa, whoa, whoa...a-whoa-whoa-a!
4/19/05 ISES Idol Annual Fundraiser

Ready to join the ranks of Kelly, Ruben, Clay and Fantasia? Then don't pass up this once in a life time opportunity to be an Idol, an ISES Idol. Join the cream of the crop of the special events industry at the ISES-LA Annual Fundraiser at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.

If you are a shower singer or a drive-time diva (amateurs only please), this will be the place for you to belt it out...and all for a good cause, too. Even if you're not ready to share your talents with the rest of the world, we need your votes!

Proceeds from the ISES Idol event, including voting and singing registration, will benefit The Painted Turtle, an innovative camp founded by actor Paul Newman, located in Lake Hughes, CA. This camp has been created for children with life-threatening diseases.

Please visit the ISES-LA website for details, to sign up to sing and to donate auction items.

ISES-LA Monthly Meeting at ESPNZone, Downtown Disney

What a great way to kick off the new year! A buzzing crowd of 120 ISES members and guests started 2005 off on the right foot at ESPNZone at Downtown Disney in January. With the help of ESPNZone's candy table, everyone was full of energy at this fabulous event.

A special thanks to our showcase companies: ESPNZone, CORT Event Furnishings, Larry Michaels Photography and DVD Production and Presentation by Michael Moore.

ISES-LA CSEP Study Group Forming Now

Carol Rosen, CSEP is Director of Education for ISES-LA and owner of Party Designs by Carol. Carol is currently looking for ISES members interested in forming a study group for the upcoming CSEP exam on August 10, 2005, in Los Angeles at EventWorld 2005.

What is CSEP?

The CSEP designation is the hallmark of professional achievement in the special events industry. It is earned through education, performance, experience, and service to the industry, and reflects a commitment to professional conduct and ethics.

The CSEP designation is awarded by the International Special Events Society (ISES) and its Certification Committee. ISES is the only international umbrella organization representing professionals in all disciplines of the special events industry. Education and a commitment to professionalism are cornerstones of ISES.

Why Should You Be Certified?

The special events industry has experienced phenomenal growth over the past several years and is changing at an even faster pace. Today, special events are more challenging and require a level of professionalism equal to none. Become a recipient of the CSEP designation and set yourself apart from the competition.

To Find Out More About the CSEP Program...

You can see if you are eligible for the CSEP exam and request an enrollment form from our International ISES office by calling (800) 688-ISES or visit the International ISES web site for forms available in PDF format. If you are interested in joining this study group, please contact Carol at partycarol@aol.com.

Thank you to everyone who helped to recruit new ISES members during January. The membership drive helped bring us to a total of 186 members in the ISES-LA Chapter.

Please continue to utilize the Bring a Buddy for a Buck program to help expose new and potential members to the wonderful world of ISES. Let colleagues and friends in the trade know what being a member of ISES does for you and what it can do for them.

Being an ISES Member Brings Savings!

International Special Events Society has partnered with DHL to bring ISES members a full site of domestic and international shipping services, covering over 220 countries and territories around the globe.

Members are also eligible for preferred DHL association member pricing. To find out more about your DHL benefits and set up your account, or if you have questions regarding your current account, please contact the dedicated association hotline at 1-800-MEMBERS (1-800-636-2377, 8 am-7 pm, ET) or log onto www.membersales.com/ISES.

Don't forget to sign up for your Kinko's Discount Card! With your ISES membership you receive a variety of benefits and one of the newest and most popular benefits is the Kinko's discount card. Members who have taken advantage of the Kinko's program are thrilled! Just visit this Kinko's link and follow these easy steps:

1. Click on the Mobile Professionals link on the left
2. In the center of the page, click on the link - order it from here
3. Enter your information and your card will be mailed to you!

Call ISES Headquarters with any questions at 800.688.ISES

* Student members are not eligible for benefits and discounts.

March 16, 2005 Monthly Meeting at the Twin Palms Pasadena

April 19, 2005 ISES Idol Annual Fundraiser at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

May 18, 2005 Monthly Meeting at the Museum of Tolerance

June 15, 2005 Joint Meeting with ISES San Diego Chapter - Casual attire, be ready for surprise fun!

July 13, 2005 ISES-LA Installation Dinner at Maple Drive Restaurant

August 9, 2005 Joint Allied Mixer at Universal Studios

August 11-13, 2005 EventWorld 2005 at Hollywood Renaissance Hotel

August 15, 2005 ISES Esprit Awards Gala at the Governor's Ballroom of the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel

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.