From: Asglmp@aol.com Date: Tue, 17 Jun 1997 11:51:36 -0400 (EDT) Subject: ASGLMP SPECIAL EDITION E-MAIL, vol. 1, no. 6-b (June 15, 1997) ASGLMP SPECIAL EDITION E-MAIL, vol. 1, no. 6-b (June 15, 1997) 175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2172, New York, N.Y. 10010-7703 TELEPHONE: 212-388-0588; FAX: 212-388-0681; E-MAIL: ASGLMP@AOL.COM The American Society of Gay & Lesbian Meeting Planners - 432 members INDEX A. Editorial: Working Together Within the Community B. ASGLMP Names Changes Approved Unanimously C. Convention Receptions - Update D. “ASGLMP” to “ISGLMP” Cancels Associate Membership Category E. ASGLMP Advisory Board Member Asked to Speak in Chicago F. Members Consider Chapter in Chicago G. Dialogue H. Women’s BeachFest ‘97 in Monterey I. WomenFest ‘97 (Key West) Update J. Help us Monitor the Media K. ASGLMP Charter Membership Application Form ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------ A. EDITORIAL: WORKING TOGETHER WITHIN THE COMMUNITY by Jim Luce Part of creating an organization is trying not to step on the toes of those who, with neither incorporation nor publicity, have gone before us. Lesbian and gay meeting professionals have existed - and have been meeting - for years, but they have never sought high visibility. We have much to learn from these groups... And we formally request that we work together, as lesbian & gay meeting professionals. We encourage the informal groups who have been meeting over the years to contact me directly at JimLuce@aol.com so that we may work towards a united front. B. ASGLMP NAMES CHANGES APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY Following the tentative approval of Advisory Board member David Riederman’s suggestion by the Board of Directors, the National Advisory Board has voted unanimously to change the “American” designation to “International;” and “Planners” to “Professionals.” The change will go into effect as of July 1, 1997. Below are random comments by Advisory Board members concerning the changes: “I am in support of the two "name" changes of the association. Given the current trend and early stage of the association; it makes sense...” - Mark Theis, Director, Eastern Region, Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau Sales “I agree with the name change from American to International and from planners to professionals. We will definitely have more of a global outlook.” - Donna Jeannette, Netherlands Convention Bureau “In response to the name change of ASGLMP, I think you guys are right on... and much better to do it now rather than later.” - Sheri Scavo, Association of Legal Administrators “I fully endorse changing the name of ASGLMP to the International Society of Gay and Lesbian Meeting Professionals.” - Jason Hendrix, Special Projects Director, NASTAD “Definitely Change the name to Professionals... you're leaving out the whole Supplier base, and the other associations (MPI, SGMP, etc.) have done it. Also, International is a good change. I know some Canadians who would LOVE to join.” - Charles Massey, CMP, SYNAXIS/Los Angeles - West Hollywood, CA “I'm all for International and Professional - both changes sound great to me!” - Sam Gonzalez, Events Planner, Investment Banking, Smith Barney “I think the term "Professional" is good but for a different reason... Many potential members of the Society are/could be folks whose primary focus may not be actual meeting planning, but rather may be some related profession or industry. (i.e. Association execs. who happen to do meeting planning as a part of their job...).. Of course, additionally, if it is the desire of the Society to not only include U.S. members, but also other individuals who would like to belong but live somewhere other than North America, then it makes good sense to incorporate the “International” focus within the name. - Steve Smith, Ohio State University C. ASGLMP CONVENTION RECEPTIONS - UPDATE MPI: Welcoming Reception, Monday, August 4, 7 - 9 pm. Advisory Board members Kenneth Hemsley and Donna Jeanette have worked out space at the Baltimore Convention Center and hosting by the Netherlands Convention Bureau respectively. We would like to express our deepest thanks to MPI, the Baltimore Convention Center and the Netherlands Convention Bureau. Please mark your calendars for MPI and we’ll see you there! ASAE: The game plan is to possibly have our Welcoming Reception in Chicago Sunday or Monday pm, July 27/28. We need volunteers to assist with working out space and hosting details. Advisory Board member R. Russ Ruston of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians has offered to assist with logistics. Please contact the National Office or Russ (MeetinMan@aol.com) if you have any ideas. IAEM: December 3-5 in Atlanta. No exact time set yet, but Advisory Board member Steven Hacker, CAE, President, International Association of Exposition Management has offered to provide space and refreshments to ASGLMP. Please mark your calendars for Atlanta! IGLTA: Advisory Board member and IGLTA Board member Vincent Grandinetti, CHSE, Director of Sales, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau is working with us to assure ASGLMP representation at the next International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association convention. Editors’ note: what have we missed? Also help us to network with older, informal lesbian & gay professionals networks! D. “ASGLMP” TO “ISGLMP” CANCELS ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY The Advisory Boards’ recent decision to change the name of the American Society of Gay & Lesbian Meeting Planners to International Society of Gay & Lesbian Meeting Professionals (“ISGLMP”) has created a significant membership category shift for our organization: the merge of Membership and Associate Membership. Previously only meeting planners could be ASGLMP “Members,” while non-meeting planners such as hotel & airline reps, and CVB & DMP personnel could become “Associate Members.” However, with the shift from “Meeting Planners” to “Professionals,” following in the footsteps of MPI’s development, now association planners and hotel sales managers will be on an even footing. “The costs of this name change are significant,” states Jeff Tendean, co-coordinator. “We have had to re-work the logo to replace the U.S. with the world, and change all literature to reflect the combine membership categories.” However, in the words of Board V.P. Matthew Mueller, of the Capital Hilton, “It’s better we make these changes in our first year; the costs associated with name changes would have been much more severe in the future.” E. ASGLMP ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER ASKED TO SPEAK IN CHICAGO Recently R. Russ Ruston, a member of the National Advisory Board, was asked to speak to the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce on behalf of ASGLMP, July 14. He was contacted them through the National Office, and he wrote back a letter stating that he was most willing to assist speaking about the meeting planning industry. As we move forward, we may well encounter more and more requests for speakers. Russ comments modestly, “If there are any lesbian or gay meeting company owners in Chicago, they might be better suited for this talk... most of those involved in the Chamber are apparently business owners ... do we have any one in ASGLMP that fits that description? Again, I don't have any problem doing it... just thought we might have a better fit.” F. MEMBERS CONSIDER CHAPTER IN CHICAGO by Brian Hile & Andre Valk In an effort to bring together the Greater Chicago ASGLMP members, for networking purposes as well as to assist with future social functions/events such as assisting Advisory Board member R. Russ Ruston with our Welcoming Reception for the ASAE Meeting (possibly Sunday or Monday pm, July 27/28), we have approached the ASGLMP National Office to share with us who those local members are. Since the office only keeps a list with e-mail addresses at this point (addresses are in hard-copy files), it is impossible to ascertain the actual location of the members... therefore we kindly ask you - the Greater Chicago ASGLMP members - to identify yourself to us. We are trying to compile a list of Chicago members. Perhaps we can even 'found' the "ASGLMP-CAC" (CAC meaning Chicago Area Chapter someday... for those not familiar with the name from MPI). We hope to hear from you soon and lay the groundwork for the largest ASGLMP-local chapter! Editors’ Note: Brian Hile, Fairmont Hotels - Chicago National Sales Office, and Andre Valk, Hinton & Grusich may be reached at avalk@hinton-grusich.com; National Advisory Board Member R. Russ Ruston, of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, is available at MeetinMan@aol.com. G. DIALOGUE NOTES: ASGLMP reserves the right to edit all submissions. All submissions will be considered for attribution unless a specific request is made for non-consideration of publication and/or anonymity. “Relative to your editorial... I was glad to hear you note that the common thread here seems to be a "personal and professional need for bonding, coupled with the belief that we are a community that needs to be known by our peers" and "by ourselves." Representing the osteopathic family physicians does not necessarily require or support consideration of the gay-friendly status of a supplier or vendor as compared to the needs of a "community" organization. However, as a gay planner, my personal needs in terms of support and development are cause for me to seek out those individuals with similar interests and that is my primary reason for wanting to be involved with ASGLMP. My willingness to access gay talent, wisdom and experience far surpasses my willingness to look for these same attributes from other sources... certainly personally... but professionally as well. It is just easier to "talk", if you know what I mean. Thanks for providing that opportunity. It most definitely "fosters our own self-respect". - R. Russ Ruston, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, Chicago (MeetinMan@aol.com) “Hello. I am a meeting planner with the Department of Treasury in Washington, DC. My co-worker and I noticed the article in Meeting News and would like to become members. - Rick Freda, Conference Specialist, Comptroller of the Currency, Washington, DC “Jim: On the advice of Michael Clarke, I wanted to write you to tell you I would greatly appreciate being a member of your organization. Not only do I feel it is a great opportunity for myself to meet new people and make new business contacts, but I believe that our community is so well represented in this sector of our community, that it would be an honor for me just to be a part of it. I also would like to be considered for the 1998 Advisory Board. On the business end of it, I would like to speak with you of how to market myself with your organization, and what the costs would be to advertise in your newsletter and other publications. When your time permits, you can view more about my work and background on my web page at www.davepallone. Thank-you in advance for your co-operation, and I look forward to speaking and meeting you soon.” - Dave Pallone “Dear Mr. Luce: A couple months ago, one of the editors at Meetings & Conventions Magazine, Marc Boisclair, wrote an article about ASGLMP. As M&C's News Editor, I wanted to follow up with you. I hear that you are planning your first meeting in conjunction with MPI's annual meeting in Baltimore. I wanted to get the details, as well as find out how many members have joined since you formed the organization. Thank you for your assistance and best wishes.” - Dana Nigro, Meetings & Conventions “To the Editors: I genuinely applaud your efforts with the development of this organization. Having been a meeting professional for the past sixteen years, I am certainly aware of the vast numbers of gay and lesbian professionals within our field. It is well past time for us to join together in a recognized association. I look forward to being able to take an active role in the organization. Please feel free to call on me in any way that may be helpful.” - Alex Lichtenstein, Washington, D.C. (alex.lichtenstein@occ.treas.gov) “Mr. Luce: Let me start by congratulating you and the members of your newly formed organization. Connections is a total travel management company that specializes in assisting various associations with meeting planning services. Our services range from hotel site selection, hotel negotiations, on site assistance as warranted, to even taking reservations in our very own housing department. Although Connections is not gay owned, 90% of our personalized staff is gay, therefore exemplifying just how "gay friendly" we are. As a matter of fact we are currently doing the housing for the Hotlanta River Expo - Atlanta's largest gay planned summer funfest. In addition, we are also assisting the National Lesbian & Gay Health Association in planning the 1998 National AIDS Conference. I would also like to request some information on ASGLMP and how to become a member and all pertinent details pertaining to costs, member listings, etc., since we plan numerous meetings nationwide and in Canada. I look forward to hearing from you soon!” - Edward G. "Beau" Bailey, II, Director of Sales (Beau654@aol.com) “Good morning! I am looking into the idea of going back to school (at least part time) to get a degree in Hospitality Administration. If I do, I will be attending Georgia State University. Does anyone know of any scholarships available in the hospitality industry? Thanks so much!” - David Brockman, American Express/GAMS (Dave.Brockman@aexp.com) “To whom it may concern: I am a gay meeting planner and was very pleased to read about your recently formed association in Successful Meetings. My company does corporate meetings internationally as well as trade shows. I would like for you to send me information regarding your membership. - Jaime Rosales, Meeting Manager, Concepts Meeting & Trade Show Management, Inc. (planners@conceptsmeet.com) “Hello there. Saw the recent notice in Association Meetings about ASGLMP. I have been an association meeting planner for almost fifteen years and am happy to have a gay networking group available. There is only so much networking a gay or lesbian can do through ASAE. Please send me more information and a membership application... - Name Withheld by Request H. WOMEN’S BEACH FEST ‘97 IN MONTEREY by Robin Tyler After producing 25 women's Music & Comedy Festivals, the First International Gay & Lesbian Comedy Festival (in Sydney, Australia) and the Main Stages for the 1987 and 1993 March on Washington, in addition to Women's Cruises and International Tours, Robin Tyler Productions is proud to announce the First Annual West Coast Women's Beach Fest over Labor Day Weekend in Monterey, California. (Friday Aug. 29 - Monday Sept. 1, 1997). Monterey is two hours from San Francisco, on the edge of Carmel and Big Sur. This three day/three night event at the DoubleTree Hotel (on the Bay by the Beach) features party's, concerts, dances, a “lesbian luau” spectacular on the Beach, workshops and other events. If you like cruises, like festivals, like Dinah... you will love Beach Fest. Thousands of women are expected to attend. For further information write: Robin Tyler Productions, Inc. 15842 Chase St., North Hills, Ca. 91343 telephone: (818) 893-4075 Fax (818) 893-1593 or e-mail your address to robintyler@aol.com and request a Women's Beach Fest/97 Brochure!! I. WOMENFEST ‘97 (KEY WEST) UPDATE by Jacqueline Harrington Thank you to all who have inquired about WomenFest '97, taking place from September 3rd - 9th in Key West, Florida. The WomenFest Street Fair featuring our Sisters for Brothers Blood Drive will be held on Saturday, September 7th. The Fair will begin at 10 am and run thru 6 pm. Vendor Spaces are available for $200 and include a six foot table and two chairs. Attendance will be over 6,000 women. Please call Jacqueline Harrington at 305-296-4238 to get details and reserve your spot. The WomenFest Better Ball Golf Scramble will take place on a Reece Jones designed golf course. Your $125 per player entry fee includes: Greens Fees, Cart, Welcome Package, Continental Breakfast, Hole & Overall Prizes and an Award Luncheon. Part of the proceeds of this event will go to the WomenFest Breast Cancer Support Group. To Register, We need your name, address and phone number plus your Handicap or Last 5 scores. Even if you have never played before, we can find a place for you. You can organize your own foursome or we can assign you playing partners. Rental clubs are available (limited amount). The deadline for registration is August 1. A minimum of 60 players, First come/First Serve, is needed for this event to happen. Hotels that still have rooms include: - Banana Bay Resorts 800-Banana-1 Alexander's 800-654-9919 - Island Key Courts 800-296-1196 Holiday Inn La Concha 800-745-2191 - Chelsea House 800-845-8859 Atlantic Shores Resort 800-526-3559 - La Te Da 800-528-3320 Simonton Court 800-944-2687 Colours 800-459-6212 - Curry House 800- 633-7439 William Anthony House 800-613-2276 - Red Rooster 800-845 0285 White Street Inn 800-207-9797 Ask for your WomenFest rate when calling these hotels! If you'd like a schedule of events sent to you after June 20th, please send a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) to: WomenFest Key West, 201 Coppitt Road #106-A, Key West, FL 33040 J. HELP US MONITOR MEDIA by Jeff Tendean It’s a tough problem to have - we’re being covered more than we can keep up with! To date, we only have hard copies of the following articles: - Meeting News, 1/20/97 (by Seth Goldstein) - Corporate Meetings Incentives, March ‘97 - Meetings & Conventions, March ‘97 (by Marc Boisclair) - Insurance Conference Planner, March/April ‘97 - Association Meetings, April ‘97 - U.S.A.E., 4/8/97 (by Shane Artim) - Successful Meetings, May ‘97 (by Ron Donaho) The “Where did you hear about ASGLMP?” question in our application, however, indicate that this list is only about half of what has been published on ASGLMP over the last six months. Additionally, we have heard that we have been posted on several web-sites, although we have not yet confirmed this. And, finally, it seems that we are being included in a growing number of reference books concerning both not-for-profit associations and the lesbian & gay community, but we are not aware of specifics. If you can provide us, by mail, with hard copies (including publication name, date and page for our archives), or e-mail us any electronic sightings with the proper web-address, we would be very much appreciative. You are part of our success; do your part in helping us monitor it! K. ASGLMP CHARTER MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM Name: Title: Company: Address: Telephone: Fax: E-Mail: Do you wish to be listed publicly? Would you like to be considered for 1998 Advisory Board? Where did you hear about ASGLMP? Other professional membership? If meeting planner, how many room/nights do you coordinate annually? _____ Date: