Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Online Events

Online events bring CRM and salesforce.com right to your desktop. Participate in live Web seminars, check out our archives, or view product demonstrations. Salesforce.com customers can also benefit from our free online training events.

Coming May 13: See How Your Sales Team Stacks Up - 4 Key Metrics
See how to benchmark your sales organization in the key metrics for sales success. And learn how to use Salesforce, the leading software-as-a-service CRM, to boost your performance in all the critical benchmarks

Register Now

Sales Force Automation
How Salesforce.com Use Salesforce to Drive Revenue
Join us for this live Webinar to learn how salesforce.com leverages our Salesforce sales force automation application to consistently achieve and grow success.

Driving Sales and Marketing Success with Web 2.0
Watch senior IDC analyst Lee Levitt explain how to leverage Web 2.0 innovations to enhance sales and marketing collaboration—and close more deals.

Analog Devices: Secrets for Sales Success
Learn first-hand how salesforce.com customer Analog Devices leverages the benefits of Salesforce to drive productivity and sales effectiveness.

4 Ways to Improve Lead Management
Learn how salesforce.com customer Data Domain revolutionized its lead management system with real-time visibility, rapid response and real-time campaign ROI to close more deals.

Selling Just Got Better: Miller Heiman Teams up with Salesforce
Learn how ADP leverages a Salesforce-driven Miller Heiman experience to drive greater adherence to the training process—and as a result, increases revenue.

Top 6 Trends Driving CRM Success
Join Forrester Research to discover how to tap into six new trends in CRM to increase sales. Maximize the value of your existing CRM investments, deliver an irresistible customer experience and replicate the successes of leading companies.

See How Your Sales Team Stacks Up
To achieve success, it’s not only important to understand how you compare to the competition—it’s vital you understand which capabilities your competition draws on for success. Learn about key metrics that drive highly successful sales organizations and how to apply them effectively.

Financial Services and the On-Demand Revolution
Learn how you can provide relationship managers with the desktop of their dreams, manage your business more effectively, and achieve greater returns on your CRM investment.

Building Apps with the Winter ’07 Release
Learn how salesforce.com's Winter ’07 release helps you spend less time on infrastructure — and more time on innovation. Get all the tools you need to go from idea to application to IT hero in record time.

HRD is Europe's leading learning and development event

HRD - how was it for you?

HRD is over for another year. Were you there?

Highlights included Daniel Pink's masterclass on how to give your organisation a new brain and an insightful interview with Alastair Campbell. Plus, thousands came to the exhibition to meet leading suppliers and attend free learning sessions.

Did you miss out? Take a look at the HRD site to see what you missed.

View the 2008 seminar programme
See who exhibited at HRD 2008

HRD Conference

The conference featured leading experts in learning and development, best-practice organisations and inspirational business leaders.

Delegates were treated to the latest cutting edge techniques in key areas of L&D including coaching, leadership and talent management.

Speakers included:

  • Daniel Pink
  • Max McKeown
  • Nancy Kline
  • Tim Smit
  • Beverly Alimo-Metcalfe

Best-practice organisations included:

  • BBC
  • Nokia
  • Reuters
  • Google
  • Diageo

View the 2008 seminar programme

HRD Exhibition

The exhibition featured all the leading suppliers of L&D products and services.

Visitors experienced the latest practical tools in training, coaching, e-learning, talent management,employee engagement and more.

Over 60 showcases took place offering visitors practical examples of products and services in action. Highlights included Peter Honey's insightful session on people's ability to learn.

This year's exhibition also featured the Creativity Doctors. Many of you left the event with practical solutions to improve the health of your business.

Exhibitors included:

  • Blue Beetle
  • MaST international
  • Learning Skills Council
  • Academy of Executive Coaching
  • Snowdrop


View a list of exhibitors at HRD 2008

Events of National School of Government

If you are looking to run a conference or large scale event, look no further. Our specialist team will provide you with a dedicated service anywhere, anytime.

Our Corporate Events Team are the National School's centre of expertise and best practice in the running of conferences, seminars and events. They are responsible for our world-beating conferences such as the Prime Minister's Public Service Reform, The International Women's Conference and Civil Service Live!

With our unique agreements with leading suppliers and venues, we are able to coordinate all aspects of large scale events from beginning to end. We can provide the latest voting and interactive technology, we can facilitate all forms of Large Group Interventions and we have unrivalled access to government and international speakers.

Contact Eleanor Goodison, Deputy Director, Professions Development on 01344 634321 or email eleanor.goodison@nationalschool.gsi.gov.uk

11 June 2008 The challenge of delivery: cross-departmental Public Service Agreements (PSA)
With the new PSA's launched earlier this month, the National School of Government's timely conference will explore, with key stakeholders, the challenges to come in delivering them as well as reviewing the lessons learnt form those PSA's that have already been embedded. More...
15-17 Apr 2008 HRD 2008: International Learning and Development Conference and Exhibition
Visit us on Stand 518 to discuss your individual and organisational learning and development requirements.

To mark the tenth anniversary of the CIPD Annual Learning and Development Survey, Graham O’Connell, Head of Organisational Learning and Standards, National School of Government will be giving a talk on ‘Ten years of changing trends in Learning and Development’ seminar on Wednesday 16 April. More...
1-3 April 2008 Civil Service Live Gallery
Civil Service Live is the first ever exhibition dedicated to the UK civil service, designed to bring together the inspirational people running today’s and tomorrow’s civil service to showcase best practice and innovation. Supported by Sir Gus O’Donnell ‘… we are bringing together 4,000 – 6,000 civil servants from all government departments and agencies, to inspire each other and be inspired by others, to learn from good practice and share and learn from innovative ideas’. More...
11 March 2008 Public Service Leadership 2008 QEII Conference Centre, London
Join your leadership peers from across public service at this CPD-accredited national conference, organised in association with the Defence Leadership Academy; Fire Service College; Leadership Foundation for Higher Education; National School of Government; NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement and The Third Sector Leadership Centre.

Hear from key leadership figures, including Robin Ryde Author: 'Thought Leadership: Moving Hearts & Minds' & Chief Executive: National School of Government More...
3-7 March 2008 The European civil servant; Pilot of European Curriculum - Reggia in Caserta, Italy Book Now
Scuola Superiore della Pubblica Amministrazione, Italy, Partners of the National School, are hosting a 5-day pilot programme entitled 'The European Civil Servant; Pilot of European Curriculum '. This pilot programme will take place in Italy from 3-7 March 2008. The main aim of the project is to develop shared knowledge, key skills and competences among middle rank civil servants of National Public Administrations, in order to increase and improve collaboration and their mobility within the European Union countries.

There is no fee to attend the programme; however delegates will need to fund their own travel and subsistence costs. More...
27-28 February International Women’s Conference Conference follow up
Held in London in February, the fourth International Women’s Conference for UK and international public sector leaders attracted senior women from all over the UK and across the globe. The conference theme: Women’s Leadership Globally and Locally: For me, For Them, For Us showcased successful women with the experience of overcoming personal, professional or organisational barriers. It also spotlighted organisations seen as showing the way in embedding organisational practices to support gender equality where the message is very clearly what’s good for equality is good for business. More...

Managing Your Confidence

designed for

All managers who want or need to understand confidence: what it is, where it comes from and how to increase and inspire it.

objectives

On completion you should look, sound and seem more confident; be able to gain the confidence of others and thereby nurture self-belief in those around you. You will learn techniques which will enable you to:

  • build rapport both in one-to-one and group situations
  • stand your ground and communicate clearly and directly
  • recognise and promote your own strengths and talents.
  • organisational benefit

    Confidence is the key ingredient of effective performance, but in today's complex and ever changing environment no one is immune to pressure. Managing the pressure to maintain energy and confidence produces a dynamic and successful organisation.

    customer comments

    "I've found it a very positive experience, feel so much better about myself and my abilities."

    "Good training course with a wide range of activities which were very relevant and helped substantially with confidence."

    "I think I got an awful lot from this course and feel a lot better about myself in general."

    "I found the course extremely interesting. It was well organised and well taught. It made learning much easier.

    "I have gained a lot of experience from working as a team, how to be more ' This course far exceeded any pre-conceptions I may have had. I have learned more in 2.5 days that I could have in years.'

    "Excellent practical tips. Well structured exercises and lots of participation. Strong action plan element.W

    "One of the best courses that I have ever attended. A really supportive group and an excellent course."

    "I feel confident about putting into practice the skills I have learnt."
    "I have learnt so much! I feel stronger as a person."

    Managing Your Diverse Workforce

    Date: June 9-10, 2009
    Time: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
    City: La Crosse
    Location: Cleary Alumni and Friends Center, on the UW-La Crosse campus
    Phone: 800-582-5182
    Email: kannemj@uwec.edu
    Web Address: http://www.uwec.edu/ce/smcp/manadiff/
    Contact: Marilyn Kanne
    Host: UWEC Continuing Education-SBDC
    Sponsor: UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education, SBDC, and UW-Extension
    Cost: $425 per person, or $375 per person for groups of 3-5 people from the same firm

    Managing Your Diverse Workforce will help you identify and manage your own issues about differences, so you can begin the process of style adaptation.

    You will examine the impact of differences on your workforce, find practical approaches to better communication, and develop a flexible style of management. The result is an environment in which your employees can perform at their peak.

    Who should attend:
    This seminar will help you understand the strategic imperative for having a diverse workforce. We will explore the impact of culture on work styles and job performance. You will learn cross-cultural management strategies and strengthen your flexibility and adaptability as a communicator and manager.

    Managers, team leaders, administrators and business owners will benefit by participating in this seminar.

    Note:
    This seminar is designed for people who have completed basic management training, such as our Supervisory Management 1, 2, and 3 seminars. We build on the communication and coaching skills learned in introductory management training.

    Course content

    This course will help you to perform more effectively as a manager, both as an individual and as a team member, by:

    • developing your confidence as a manager;

    • enabling you to use fundamental management processes and techniques;

    • helping you understand and respond to the environment in which you work, dealing with models of organisational culture and structure;

    • giving you a better understanding of an organisation’s relationship with its customers, suppliers and stakeholders.

    Book 1 considers the changing nature of the manager’s role and key aspects of self-management. It works through some of the main problems and realities of managers’ lives, and looks at how you learn and develop as a manager.

    Book 2 is about fundamental managerial control processes: how you plan, make decisions about, monitor and evaluate what you are responsible for.

    Book 3 discusses organisations and how they affect the way you manage. It considers organisational aims, values, cultures and structures.

    Book 4 looks at the relationships between you as a manager, your organisation and its stakeholders. It takes account of stakeholders outside your organisation, concentrating in particular on customers and financial stakeholders.

    This course is one of four three-month courses that make up the modular route to the Professional Certificate in Management. You can take any of these four courses on their own; successful completion of them all, combined with attendance at the residential school or participation in the online equivalent and passing the examination, will result in the award of the Professional Certificate in Management. A single course route to the Professional Certificate in Management is also available The Professional Certificate in Management (B615) (or versions BYN615, BZX615, BZXN615).

    You will learn

    You will learn how to examine your role as a manager, how to develop your managerial effectiveness, and the organisational context in which you manage so that you can manage with greater awareness, effect and confidence.

    Vocational relevance

    This course is based on current practice in your working environment and so will benefit your performance and effectiveness in the workplace as you study the course.

    Special Events and Programs

    provides a forum for organizations and individuals to learn and apply key success strategies and best business practices. Practical application of these strategies will have a profound impact on your customers, employees, management, your ability to grow and innovate, and your finances.

    Each session will have specific teaching and learning points which will enable you to take your business, department or division to the next level of achievement.
    This program is about achieving specific, measurable results for YOU.

    Today, the growing pressures of competition fuel the demand for ever-more-effective business leaders. It is their responsibility to set the tone and style for the organization...for effecting cultural shifts to meet changing values and expectations. In order to do that, leaders must themselves change, and be prepared to continue to change.

    Session 3: TUESDAY, March 11th
    Bill Napolitano
    Sell Your way to the Top
    Developing your sales process. Master the buying process.
    Aligning the buying process with the selling process.
    Overcoming obstacles to the sale. Stalls versus Objections.

    Outcomes of this session:
    Increased personal effectiveness. Revenue growth.

    Session 4: Tuesday, April 8th
    Janet Letourneau
    Keep ‘em Coming Back for More. Creating Value in a Competitive Market.
    Identifying benefits of Phenomenal Service/Products. The 5 Sources of Power.
    Walking the Talk. Keep “Jazzed” about your business each day.

    Outcomes of this session:
    Customers for life. Loyal employees. Increased revenue and satisfaction.

    Session 5: Tuesday, May 6th
    John Ferrera
    Hear Firsthand how to Avoid the Unthinkable…Business Loss through Theft.
    Understanding the numbers as a “non-accounting professional”.
    Daily fiscal responsibilities. Turning numbers into action.

    Outcomes of this session:
    Know what to look for in your numbers.
    Learn how to manage your business, department or division by the numbers.

    Session 6: Tuesday, June 10th
    Bill Napolitano/Participants
    Balancing the Workload and your Personal Life. Get Paid what you’re Worth.
    Characteristics of superior performers. Finding money to fund your business growth.
    The Results.

    Outcomes of this session:
    Putting the plan into action.

    For more information on
    Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce: Kara Griffin, Executive Director - 508-339-5655

    The cost will be $149 per person, per session and $749 for all six. This covers breakfast and materials.


    A NEW BUSINESS DIRECTORY
    Community Link is the company who created our past two directories and we are ready to start our third. After two years, we have been able to pass out 3,000 books. These community guides are in the area hotels, community libraries, Town Halls, school administration offices, police stations, membership kits, real estate offices, and homes of the residents of all three communities. When we worked the Mansfield Fun and Family Night in July we were delighted to find that 1. People recognized “the Chamber” (and know what the chamber does!) and 2. They told us about how they use our directory. We are making a difference in the business community as well as our local towns. PLUS, you can access the directory from our website. Please return any and all information you receive from the publisher.

    JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!
    Do you have any jobs you’d like us to post? Because we have the page to get them on. Check out our new JOBs page on our website (second question, look for JOBS). Any company who has a job or career opportunities on their website, I will show a direct link.

    Calender Of Events

    5:00-7:00 PM once a month at a various local business.
    FREE for members/$25 non-members
    (non-members are those who have already attended 2 Chamber events)

    Chamber members offer to host an evening social where the relaxed atmosphere offers the exchange of business cards and inviting conversation. This is a great opportunity to network with Chamber members as well as the host's guests. Beverages and hors d'oeuvres are served. If you are interested in hosting a Business After Hours at your business, call 508-339-5655 to reserve your date.

    April 2008

    Wednesday April 16 Red Mill Village, One Codding Road, Norton

    May 2008

    Wednesday May 28 Doolittle Home, Foxborough

    June 2008

    Highland March Suites, Mansfield

    July 2008

    TDBanknorth, Mansfield Crossing

    August 2008

    Pediatric Dental Center of Mansfield, P.C.

    September 2008

    The Pro’s Car Care Complex, Mansfield

    October 2008

    ESP/Full Circle, Norton

    November 2008

    CHIPPS Regional Networking

    November 2008

    Fitness Together, Mansfield

    December 2008

    Chamber-Holiday Gala of Giving

    January 2009

    Curves, Mansfield

    February 2009

    MayFair Realty, Foxborough

    March 2009

    TD Banknorth Foxboro, Foxborough

    April 2009

    Wentworth Hills, Plainville


    Do you want to host a Business After Hours?
    Give us a call, we are starting to book for 2009!


    Business over Breakfast

    7:45-9:00 AM once a month at the Chamber office.
    FREE to members/$10 non-members

    (non-members are those who have already attended 2 Chamber events)
    Networking, Legislative Issues and 5 Minutes of Fame:

    "FIVE MINUTES OF FAME." If you would like to showcase your business and give it a 5 minute plug then sign up ASAP. I will be able to book 10 people for each date (September and October). You will have 5 minutes to tell us about your product or service. Call the Chamber for details.

    Key:
    NMC – New Member Coffee | BOB – Business Over Breakfast | BAH – Business After Hours

    Jan. BOB Wednesday, January 16, 2008- SER
    BAH Village at Willow Crossing, Mansfield
    Leadership team January 17th Lucianos

    Feb. Annual Meeting Friday Feb 8 Holiday Inn
    BOB Wednesday, February 13 State Reps Jay/Betty/Jim
    NMR Monday, February 25 9am-10am
    BAH Tuesday, February 26 Barrows Insurance Agency

    March BAH Tuesday March 11 Mansfield Oil at Mansfield Airport
    BOB Wednesday, March 19, 2008- Five Minutes of Fame

    April NMR Wednesday, April 2 8am – 9am
    BOB Wednesday, April 16 - Five Minutes of Fame
    BAH Wednesday April 16, Red Mill Village, Norton

    May NMR Tuesday, May 13 8am – 9am
    BOB Wednesday, May 21 Community Visiting Nurses Association
    (at the Chamber)
    BAH Wednesday May 28, Doolittle House, Foxborough

    June Auction Tuesday June 10 – TPC Club House
    BOB Wednesday, June 18 - Dream Dinners (off site), Plainville
    Golf Thursday June 19 – Wentworth Hills, Plainville
    BAH Wednesday June 25, Highland March, Mansfield

    July BAH Wednesday July 23, TDBanknorth, Mansfield

    August BAH Tuesday August 12, Dr. Bob Pediatric Dental Center of Mansfield, Mansfield
    BOB Wednesday, August 20 -

    Sept. BOB Wednesday, September 17 - Five Minutes of Fame - Chamber
    BAH The Pro’s Car Care Complex, Mansfield

    Oct. BOB Wednesday, October 15 - Five Minutes of Fame - Chamber
    BAH ESP/Full Circle, Norton

    Nov. BOB Wednesday, November 19 - West Village (off site) Mansfield
    BAH CHIPPS Regional Networking
    BAH Fitness Together, Mansfield

    Dec. BAH Thursday, December 4 Chamber-Holiday Gala of Giving
    BOB Wednesday, December 10

    Black Mold May Close School Until 2009

    Black mold growing in the boy's bathroom at George Wolf Elementary School located in Bath, Northampton County, is the potential source of serious air quality concerns.Administrators are scrambling to find space for the rest of the school year.The mold issue is nothing new and even administrators admit that for years students and staffers have complained about a musty odor in the building and symptoms ranging anywhere from itching eyes to rashes and trouble breathing.Within the walls of the school lurks a potentially dangerous substance that administrators said may be making students and teachers sick."It just creeps me out," Lauren Yobe, a student, said.Construction workers found black mold last week while tearing down walls during renovations. Most of the building is closed and classes were suspended for the rest of the week."Both my children have allergies to mold and I have been fighting with the school for two years," Heather Smith, a parent, said.Smith said she told the district she was concerned there was mold after her youngest son, Logan, starting coming home from school with rashes and was having trouble breathing."He had exezma so bad the doctor pulled him out of school. It cleared up at home in three days but when he went back to school it started all over again," Smith said.Her older son, Hunter, said he's had problems breathing and concentrating in class."It really stresses me to have to go through all this," Hunter Smith said."There was one teacher last year that took an early retirement because she couldn't take it, so its been an ongoing problem," Heather SmithDistrict officials agree."We've had air quality tests. We had the Department of Labor, Department of Health and we've never had anyone say that building should be evacuated," Superintendent Dr. Linda Firestone said.Firestone said even now experts said the mold found poses no immediate threat. Still they believe the mold may have grown to other parts of the building and they've hired a company to come in to gut part of the school to get rid of the mold.The district is working on plans on where to place its students for the reminder of the year. They'll make that announcement at a meeting Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Northampton High School cafeteria.They said the work to clean up the mold could take the rest of the year with majority of students unable to come back to George Wolf Elementary until sometime in 2009.

    Undergraduate Prospectus 2009

    Why mathematics?

    Mathematics is core to most modern-day science, technology and business. When you turn on a computer or use a mobile phone, you are using sophisticated technology that mathematics has played a fundamental role in developing. Unravelling the human genome or modelling the financial market relies on mathematics.

    As well as playing a major role in the physical and life sciences and in such disciplines as economics and psychology, mathematics has its own attraction and beauty. Mathematics is flourishing: more research has been published in the last 20 years than in the previous 200, and celebrated mathematical problems that had defeated strenuous attempts to settle them have recently been solved.

    The breadth and relevance of mathematics leads to a wide choice of potential careers. Employers value numeracy, clarity of thought and the capacity for logical argument that the study of mathematics develops, so a degree in mathematics will give you great flexibility in career choice.

    Why mathematics at Sussex?

    • We scored 23 out of 24 in the last assessment of teaching and learning by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
    • We achieved a grade 5 (recognising research of national and international excellence) in the last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).
    • For ‘organisation and management’ and ‘overall satisfaction’ we ranked joint 1st and 4th respectively, among mathematical science departments in the 2007 National Student Survey (NSS).
    • We are among the UK’s leading research centres in numerical analysis.

    What sort of career could I have?

    • software development
    • actuarial work, financial consultancy, accountancy
    • publishing and civil service
    • scientific research, academia, teaching
    • business research and development.

    All of our degrees give you a high-level qualification for a career or further training involving mathematics. A recent survey showed that those students with a mathematical degree had the highest employment rate of any subject apart from medicine and dentistry.

    How will I learn?

    We recognise that new students have a range of mathematical backgrounds and that the transition from A level to university-level study can be challenging, so we have designed our first-term courses to ease this. Although university modes of teaching place more emphasis on independent learning, you will have access to a wide range of support from tutors. Student advisors are also available to offer you excellent advice on personal and financial issues.

    Teaching and learning is by a combination of lectures, workshops, lab sessions and independent study. All courses are supported by small-group teaching in which you can discuss topics raised in lectures. We emphasise the ‘doing’ of mathematics as it cannot be passively learnt. Our workshops are designed to support the solution of exercises and problems.

    Most courses consist of regular lectures, supported by classes for smaller groups. You receive regular feedback on your work from your tutor. If you need further help, all tutors and lecturers have weekly office hours when you can drop in for advice, individually or in groups. Most of the lecture notes, problem sheets and background material are available on the Department’s website.

    Upon arrival at Sussex you will be designated an academic advisor for the period of your study. They also operate office hours and in the first year they will see you weekly. This will help you settle in quickly and offers a great opportunity to work through any academic and personal problems.

    What will I achieve?

    • Excellent training in problem-solving skills.
    • Understanding of the structures and techniques of mathematics, including methods of proof and logical arguments.
    • Written and oral communication skills.
    • Organisational and time-management skills.
    • An ability to make effective use of information and to evaluate numerical data.
    • IT skills and computer literacy through computational and mathematical projects.
    • You will learn to manage your own personal professional career development in preparation for further study, the world of work or beyond.

    MMath and BSc

    The MMath programmes are aimed at students who have a strong interest in pursuing a deeper study of mathematics and who wish to use it extensively in their careers where advanced mathematical skills are important, such as mathematical modelling in finance or industry, advanced-level teaching or postgraduate research.

    CIRPA Events

    This January, Canadian delegates will gather in Cannes to do deals, network, learn and check out new talent...at the Canada Stand at MIDEM 2009.

    Online Registration for the Canada Stand at MIDEM 2009 will be coming this summer. Questions about MIDEM or the Canada Stand can be directed to Canada Stand Co-ordinator.


    Attending Midem with the Canada Stand is an economical and hassle-free way to participate in the biggest international music market in the world. CIRPA has organized and administered the Canada Stand for the past twenty years.

    Frequently Asked Questions about attending MIDEM with the Canada Stand.

    CIRPA can manage your team's accomodation - saving you time and money.
    See for yourself what Cannes, MIDEM and the Canada Stand has to offer

    CIRPA is the collective voice of the English language, Canadian-owned independent sector of the Canadian sound recording industry.

    Our mandate is to secure and develop a strong and economically stable domestic music industry.

    CIRPA has more than 160 member companies from coast to coast in Canada, involved in every aspect of the music business.

    We believe that marketing efforts have become as important as product development.

    And that Canadian independent music should be nurtured and strengthened both domestically and internationally.

    With a small dedicated staff, a committed Board of independent music entrepreneurs, and not a lot of money – CIRPA continues to be an important and respected voice in the Canadian music business.
    Canadian music companies are selling more to foreign markets. CIRPA works with our funding partners to lead initiatives that create stronger export sales for independent Canadian music producers.
    CIRPA continues to create and sustain opportunities for our members in an ever-changing marketplace. We do this by developing music marketing opportunities, fighting for legal rights and assurance of revenues, and by working with other industry associations.
    Duncan McKie assumed the position of President and Executive Director on June 4, 2007. His experience in policy issues surrounding the current Canadian music industry is well established.
    A listing of the current Board of Directors.
    CIRPA began as an informal group of independent producers and record labels, united in their concerns over the formation of broadcaster-owned production and record companies and the impact that this might have on their businesses.
    DMDS is a web-based content delivery system used to securely transfer musical files directly to authorized recipients.
    The Canadian Music Industry Database is an information research company, specializing in Canadian Sound Recordings and Canadian Content.

    2009 SEA Games to reduce number of Olympic sports

    NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand: The next Southeast Asian Games will reduce the number of Olympic sports.

    Cycling, basketball, gymnastics, hockey, rowing and weightlifting are among Olympic sports at the current SEA Games that will be absent in Vientiane, Laos in December 2009.

    The games will retain events like tenpin bowling, petanque, billiards, 'dragon' boat racing, sepak takraw, the more obscure martial arts of wushu, Muay Thai and pencak silat, and will resume the sport of juggling a shuttlecock with feet.

    There will be 25 disciplines compared to 43 in Nakhon Ratchasima.

    The cutback is partly due to the landlocked country - with no sailing, windsurfing or triathlon - and also lack of facilities in Vientiane.


    Organizers also wanted to reduce the breadth of the games, with many events currently having small fields and weak competition.

    Thailand swept the final day of medals, winning gold in men's, women's and mixed doubles tennis on Saturday. In beach volleyball, Indonesia defeated Thailand in straight sets to take men's gold while Yupa Phokongploy and Kulna Kamoltip edged another Thai pair in the deciding third set to take the women's event.

    Thailand topped the table with 183 gold medals, with the games' closing ceremony on Saturday.

    It was the fourth straight SEA Games where the host nation had finished top of the standings.

    Debate about home advantage reached boiling point here in boxing, where the Philippines forfeited six men's gold medal bouts in a protest at judging in the women's finals - where its boxers lost out to Thai opponents in all five bouts that were decided on points.

    The Philippines' protest spared its fighters having to compete with a world-class array of Thai boxers. The Philippines was considered to benefit from the judging at the Manila event in 2005.

    The protest robbed the Games of a rare display of world-competitive athletes in gold medal competition. Manus Boonjamnong and his brother Non, Amnat Ruenroeng, Somjit Jongjohor, Pichai Sayota and Suriya Prasathinphimai will all be genuine threats for the Philippines at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

    Aside from boxing, the only other Olympic gold prospects on display were in shooting and badminton.

    Shooting was held before the Games started to avoid a clash with an Asian championship.

    In badminton, Indonesia swept all seven gold medals, led by reigning Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat in men's singles. However Indonesia was not put fully to the test as Malaysia's top male and female players sat out the Games - and both nations will be hard pressed to match the powerhouse of China in Beijing.

    The most popular win was that of the Thai men's under-23 soccer team. Thailand won an eighth straight SEA Games gold by defeating Myanmar 2-0 in the final Friday before a sell-out crowd. However, Thailand had already failed to qualify for Beijing.

    On the track, Indonesia's Suryo Agung Wibowo won the 100 and 200 meters double for men, as did Vietnam's Vu Thi Huong for women. Similarly, the 5,000 and 10,000 meters double was won by Thailand's Boonthung Srisung for men and Indonesia's Triyaningsih in the women's. Vietnam monopolized the 800 and 1,500 meter events, with Nguyen Dinh Cuong doing the men's double and Hang Truong Thanh the women's.

    Thailand's Beijing-bound Wassana Winatho not only won the heptathlon but also the women's 400 meters hurdle, and took gold in the 4x400 meter relay.

    In the pool, Thailand's Natthanan Jankrajang won four golds in women's events, as did Singapore's Chinese-born Tao Li.

    FINAL MEDAL STANDINGS AT THE 2007 SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES

    Thailand 183 123 103 409

    Malaysia 68 52 96 216

    Vietnam 64 58 82 204

    Indonesia 56 64 83 203

    Singapore 43 43 41 127

    Philippines 41 91 96 228

    Myanmar 14 26 47 87

    Laos 5 7 32 44

    Cambodia 2 5 11 18

    Brunei Darrusalam 1 1 4 6

    2008-2009 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers

    Rules & Guidelines

    Southern Circuit provides independent filmmakers with the paid opportunity to tour throughout the Southeastern United States, screen their work for new audiences, and engage those audiences in discussions about the work and its creation.

    I. The Tour

    Filmmakers selcted for the 2008-2009 Southern Circuit will recieve:

    • A $300 fee for each screening on the tour. Total screening fees average between $1,800 and $2,400.
    • Paid travel expenses (domestic airfare and car rental) for the tour.
    • Per diem for meals and lodging expenses.

    In return, selected filmmakers will agree to:

    • Travel to designated venues throughout the Southeastern United States over approximately a 10-day period.
    • Present a screening from approximately 45 - 150 minutes in length. Filmmakers may submit multiple works to comprise a screening time that fits within this window.
    • Engage audiences in a 30-minute post-screening discussion of the work, their filmmaking process, and their lives as artists.
    • Participate in program-related events coordinated by the host venues on the tour, such as private dinners, public receptions, etc.
    • Participate in the Southern Circuit weblog and podcast interviews to further promote the tour.

    II. Eligibility

    1. Applicants must be living in the United States with a valid driver’s license.
    2. Southern Circuit accepts submissions in all genres of film – fiction, documentary, experimental, and animation.
    3. Filmmakers must submit a feature-length work OR a collection of works whose combined screen time reaches feature-length. Southern Circuit defines feature-length as no less than 45 minutes and no more than 150 minutes.
    4. If submitting a single work, the film must have been completed after January 1, 2004. If submitting a group of works, the most recent film in the group must have been completed after January 1, 2004.
    5. To tour on Southern Circuit, a work may not have a confirmed distribution deal at the time of submission. Works that receive distribution deals after they are submitted for consideration to Southern Circuit remain eligible to tour.
    6. Both preview screeners and exhibition prints must either be in English or have English subtitles or commentary.
    7. Southern Circuit does not have any premiere requirements. However, the program does take previous screenings and broadcasts into consideration during the selection process. It is the filmmaker’s responsibility to notify Southern Circuit of any change in premiere status during the submission process.
    8. If your film is selected, Southern Circuit will only screen in DVD format on the tour due to the available equipment at certain venues.

    III. Deadline & Fees

    Early Deadline:

    January 18, 2008 ($25)

    Entries POSTMARKED after January 18, 2007 will be charged the Standard Deadline fee.

    Standard Deadline:

    February 1, 2008 ($30)

    Entries POSTMARKED after February 1, 2008 will be charged the Late Deadline fee.

    Late Deadline:

    February 15, 2008 ($40)

    Entries POSTMARKED after February 15, 2008 may not be considered.

    IV. Submission Requirements

    Entry Form: Southern Circuit participates in the online submission service Withoutabox (WAB), which has become the industry standard for connecting filmmakers with festivals and other opportunities. Filmmakers may register with WAB for free.

    All entries MUST be submitted via www.withoutabox.com. Applicants will register in the Fiction, Documentary, Animation or Experimental categories.

    Press Kit: Southern Circuit’s online application requests a a digital or online press kit. Please note that the items required for entry are: two (2) digital stills from the film(s), one (1) digital photo of the filmmaker, and either a resume or a brief biographical paragraph about the filmmaker. Additionally, we recommend including any press related articles or reviews regarding the submitted work(s).

    Press kits may either be uploaded onto Withoutabox when you complete your online entry or sent on a disc with your preview screeners. Southern Circuit will not accept paper press kits. Please DO NOT send them as they will be discarded.

    Preview Screeners: Southern Circuit requires two (2) preview screeners per submission. Preview screeners are accepted on DVD (region 0 or 1) only. Other formats of any kind are not accepted and will not be considered for submission.

    NOTE: If you are submitting a collection of short works, you may either send all of the short works on one DVD (send 2 copies) or as a collection of DVDs (send 2 copies of the entire collection).

    V. Rough Cuts

    Southern Circuit strongly encourages filmmakers to submit a finished version of their film whenever possible. Should you decide to send a rough cut, please be aware that Southern Circuit will not consider it a placeholder. The rough cut will only be acceptable for the first round of adjudication.

    When submitting a rough cut, please be sure to clearly mark all of the elements missing from your film directly on the DVD or VHS case.

    Southern Circuit does not exhibit works-in-progress. Your film must completed with a screener of the new version sent POSTMARKED by April 21, 2008 in order to continue to the second round of adjudication and remain eligible for the 2008-2009 tour.

    VI. Rights & Clearances

    Southern Circuit expects all applicants to secure music and talent rights to their films for public exhibition.

    Applicant represents and warrants that all materials submitted shall be original work of the applicant (and its employees, if any), and not of any third party. Applicant warrants that it has good and marketable title to the entire submitted work. Applicant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Southern Circuit from any and all liability, loss, costs, damage, judgment, or expense (including reasonable attorney fees) resulting from or arising in any way out of any such claims by any third parties and/or which are based upon, or are the result of any breach of the warranties in this section.

    VII. Selection & Notification

    Once a submission has been received, it enters into the first round of adjudication where it is reviewed by a team from one of the tour cities to determine if the work will advance to the next round and appear before the full selection committee.

    In April 2008, a selection committee comprising of representatives from host venues on the tour will meet to review those applicants who advanced to the second round. From this group of applicants, the committee will decide which works will be featured on the 2008-2009 Southern Circuit – Tour of Independent Filmmakers.

    The primary contact listed on the entry form will be notified of their film’s status via email by May 11, 2008. It is the primary contact’s responsibility to update Southern Circuit with any change in their relevant contact information

    CHEST 2009 The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP)

    EXPERIENCE CHEST 2009.

    October 31 - November 05, 2009
    San Diego, California


    CHEST 2009 will offer clinical updates in pulmonology, critical care, cardiothoracic surgery, sleep medicine, and related areas. The learning opportunities will be ideal for:

    -- Advanced Practice Nurses
    -- Anesthesiologists
    -- Cardiologists
    -- Cardiothoracic Surgeons
    -- Critical Care Physicians
    -- Fellows-in-Training
    -- Hospitalists
    -- ICU Medical Directors
    -- Internists
    -- Pediatric Pulmonologists
    -- Physician Assistants
    -- Pulmonologists
    -- Registered Nurses
    -- Respiratory Therapists
    -- Sleep Medicine Physicians


    Clinical Education

    -- Recognized around the world as the authority in clinical chest medicine, CHEST 2009 will deliver vital education on patient care and practice management strategies to keep you and your medical team at the forefront of chest medicine.

    -- The world’s largest-of-its-kind "ACCP Simulation Center" will feature 25,000 square feet of hands-on clinical experiences in nine areas, including airways management, ultrasonography, and polysomnography.

    -- Leading sessions will address new and breakthrough topics.

    -- Highly rated sessions will be back by demand: board preparation; literature reviews, featuring the top five journal articles in diverse areas of clinical chest medicine; and over 150 general education sessions, postgraduate courses, and satellite symposia.

    -- An exclusive, CHEST-only look at original investigative research will offer the first-ever review of new science.

    -- Special sessions will focus on emerging developments in quality improvement and performance measures, alternative health, evidence-based medicine and guidelines, best practices in team-based clinical environments, and disease management.

    Professional Growth

    Committed to all aspects of professional growth, CHEST 2009 will feature diverse opportunities that will allow you to network and help advance your career and practice.


    The Pulmonary Office: A Blueprint for Innovation

    Experience innovation in private practice by walking through a state-of-the-art pulmonary office. This new exhibit will showcase the latest tools, techniques, and technologies to help you grow and manage your practice, while optimizing your patient-focused care.


    This unique exhibit will allow you to:

    ++ Network with colleagues who have successfully integrated these innovative services into their practices.
    ++ Meet with ACCP practice management experts to answer your questions regarding your own practice.
    ++ Have a one-on-one consultation with ACCP coding experts to discuss the challenges you face.
    ++ Attend presentations in the Pulmonary Office Learning Theater on topics such as setting up a sleep lab, incorporating nonphysician providers into your practice, and implementing electronic medical records systems.

    Visit The Pulmonary Office: A Blueprint for Innovation in the exhibit hall during regular exhibit hours.

    Renowned international faculty, who are leading authorities in their fields, will be readily accessible for easy interaction.

    Abstract submission of original investigative work will offer opportunity to compete for CHEST Foundation awards and to be published in a CHEST supplement.

    A large exhibit hall will showcase the latest products, technology advances, and information delivery systems in your field.

    Read What 2008 TSE Attendees Say About The Show

    Interested in Attending? Email us an Attendee Inquiry and we'll mail you an Attendee Brochure.

    As a newcomer to the event planning industry, TSE 2008 was exactly what I needed to confirm I was heading in the right direction. The educational sessions' variety provided a wealth of information. It didn't matter if you were a caterer, a wedding planner, a sales manager, or just aspiring to be something more - we all were able to walk away equipped with a few extra tools to help us succeed. (Sabrina Roeback, Owner, Dreamaker Events)

    As a supplier to many event planners and corporate planners, it was great to attend a show that focused on them and to learn how we could better service our planners. Will attend again in the future. (Steve Sampaio, President, LCD Lite Concept Design, Inc. www.lcdfx.com)

    As always, TSE is just what I'm looking for...a place to network, research, obtain new vendors and most importantly develop my knowledge of the event planning industry. We never can learn too much!! Thanks TSE, look forward to 2009. (Robin Diaz, Events Coordinator, CICC)

    As new comer to the business TSE fill in all the blanks that I needed to know about special event planning. By utilizing the resources that where at the special event, I now have the inspiration I needed to know I will succeed at planning some the most beautiful and best events ever. (Phyllis Holly Ward, President, Success Links, LLC)

    At TSE 2008 I met many suppliers from around the country, and was able to personally speak with them. This greatly increased my chances of using their products and services in the future. (Allison J Smith, Creative Services Manager, eventAcuity)

    At TSE 2008, our firm was able to research and meet vendors from all over the country, in every genre of product and service. It was an opportunity not readily available to us in our Alaskan market. (Michael Zoske, Project Manager, Art Services North)

    Attending TSE always leaves me pumped up. I get to see friends from around the country. I come away with new ideas to put in to action. I found at least one fabulous new linen and a new vendor that I already have placed a large order with. (Dulany Noble, Owner, Gala Cloths by Dulany)

    Compared to other conferences I have attended, The Special Event 2008 was the most informative, and fun! A great place to grow! (Jaime A. Samar-Gramatikos, Event Coordinator, SemperComm Foundation)

    FABULOUS Networking with industry peers from all over the world! LOVED THAT! (Deb Smythe Hermann, Chairwoman and CEO, GhostLight Productions, LLC).

    For me this was a wonderful experience and it allowed me to bring student interns to help with the show and to attend and meet those who are in the industry. Personally I increased my vendor list, product lines and experienced the opportunity to network with others. Great Job. I have already purchased from and am planning to use other vendors. (Annette Hoover, Owner, CEMW)

    Good networking, what companies I did find related to what we do were very open to discussion, and helpful. Great sessions on each day. Really thought they were wonderful and loved the programming. I've been in the industry for almost 20 years and this was beneficial to me, which was a nice surprise. (Kala Sorenson, Vice President, Special Events, Houston Astros Baseball Club)

    Great to have everything at hand. (Scott De'Lage, Event Designer, Event Lab)

    Great to see new ideas demonstrated close-up! (Marianne McBay, Owner, Wed Accompli Weddings & Events)

    Greatly appreciated seeing innovative, high quality products. (No contact information provided)

    I always discover new ideas and get motivated for my up-coming special events. (Richard E. Magid, President, Famous Firsts, Ltd.)

    I always have a great time at TSE. I end up building new relationships and reacquainting myself with past friends and colleagues that I have met over the years. The classes and trade show are definitely worthwhile and invaluable to anyone in the Special Events Industry. I'm already looking forward to San Diego in 2009!!!! (David Buckley, CSEP, General Manager, Select Event Rentals)

    I appreciated the products and services I was introduced to that I did not know about. (No contact information provided)

    I belong to another organization and I often feel like it is a competition between planners however, at TSE, there was so much camaraderie. Everyone wanted to help and network. The Wedding Luncheon was out of this world. I returned home motivated with my creative juices flowing. The experience was well worth the price. I will definitely attend again. (LaKendra Kennedy, Wedding Consultant, Affairs With Elegance)

    I came away with a great many new ideas. Thank you, I thought the show was wonderful. Looking forward to next year. (Sandy Vavak, External Events Coordinator, Mills College)

    I came back from TSE armed with a wealth of knowledge! In addition to meeting the most amazing people - including many industry leaders - I found the educational sessions to be very well thought out and forward thinking. Although I have been in this industry for 27 years, there is always new and useful information I can learn and apply to the benefit of my employees, my business
    and my clients. (Steven Way, President, ALPS / Advanced Lighting & Production Services)

    I enjoyed meeting with the suppliers, viewing new products, and generating new ideas for my business. (Angela Hawkinson, Owner, An Exquisite Event)

    I enjoyed the Hands On Hundred program. I used some of the experience I gained at the special event 2008 show in the last wedding I coordinated. (Chenise Sparkman, Owner, Certified Wedding Planner, Events For All Seasons, LLC)

    I found the whole booking process smooth and helpful. I attended lots of the educational seminars and found the Sharing of Knowledge from those experienced in large events very helpful. Met several other providers in the industry and made friends that I will meet up with again in San Diego. Found new product and was very pleased with the quality of product at the Trade Floor. TSE is worthwhile for me because there the Events (Wedding) industry for venue dressing is just developing in my Region and we mainly lead the show. It was a good measure of our worth as a business. It was great to see the coming together of people who understand the difficulties and stresses of the Events Industry. Had a lot of fun, purchased new product, have earmarked new product for 2009 and am looking forward to being more involved in 2009 TSE. (Jenny Hamilton, Owner Manager, Jenny Hamilton Weddings, Ireland)

    I had a great experience at the conference. I am new in the event planning industry and found most of what I needed to get myself started with clients in my job. I bought some books that I absolutely love and read all the time. I met some new vendors and will be utilizing them for linens for our big showcase events. (Kimberly S. Russo, Assistant to Catering Director, Kewadin Casino's and Convention Center)

    I had a great time while learning. I also had time to get new ideas and energize my creativity. (No contact information provided)

    I had a very nice time! It was fun learning new things and also spending time with the people that I work with outside of our daily work environment. (Tristan White, General Manager, Good Food Catering)

    I learned quite a few new techniques and strategies to improve my business. (Cathy Stewart, General Manager, Michael's On Main)

    I learned so much at the TSE. Because I am new in the industry, everything was exciting and worthwhile for me! (No contact information provided)

    I love attending TSE, because it's a great way to kick off the New Year. It's a time to reconnect with industry peers, network with existing and new vendors, create new friendships/partnerships and experience the latest and greatest items being introduced to the industry. (Kate Van Graafeiland, Experience Planner, Planning Factory International)

    I meet several people whom I have started working on a relationship with. They include another event planner within my own city (Montreal), as well as other contacts for helping me produce my events from Toronto. (No contact information provided)

    I met a lot of new potential vendors. The show and the vendors were very interesting, and I plan to use the new vendors in the future. (Jocelyn Welles, Principal, Exhibit Expressions)

    I met prospective new clients and visited with existing clients. I think it is THE show for events! I always look forward to attending. Meeting new people, networking with existing clients and keeping updated on new trends etc. are just a few of what I accomplish by attending TSE every year. (Susan Medica, Sr. National Account Executive, Agile Trade Show & Event Furnishings)

    I networked more this year and met more like minds. I look forward to this event to learn of the newest in the industry (Michael Cerebelli didn't disappoint). (No contact information provided)

    I was able to make new contacts for services in the event arena that I hadn't given much thought to before, such as backdrops and live entertainment. I was very pleased with the organization of the event and the number of vendors that were in attendance. The TSE was very worthwhile and I'm definitely looking forward to attending the next one. (Lissahn DeVance, Wedding & Event Planner, Unforgettable Events)

    I was able to network with other individuals from my area. It sounds kind of strange but we are all so busy when we are home that it is so nice to get to see each other outside of our home area and spend time catching up and learning. (No contact information provided)

    I was able to network with several individuals in the industry. The Wedding Trends Session was awesome, it provided invaluable information. (No contact information provided)

    I was extremely excited about the show. Every vendor I spoke to was so informative and helpful. I loved all the new products that were there it was nice to be able to see up close. When I returned home I couldn't wait to place my orders and receive them to display in my store. (Anita M. Aleman, Owner, Acreations Special Events)

    I was left with a wealth of new, fun ideas and information on how to be more business savvy, and get paid without compromising my standards. ( Kay-Annie Reid-Young, Managing Director Kreative Koncepts)

    I was pleased with the number of vendors and the various types of products displayed. The TSE was definitely worth the time spent. (No contact information provided)

    I was very pleased with the information I obtained through the seminars. There were more offered this year that applied to my field or interests. I was very happy with the educational package. (Elizabeth Hohensee, Owner, Studio Flora Diva)

    It is a wonderful experience to meet people in our industry, network with suppliers and walk away inspired for the New Year. We meet contacts from all over the world that can be drawn upon for referrals and resources. (Linda Robinson, Owner, Eventscapes Inc. of California)

    It is always a beautiful show. I enjoy seeing what's new in the industry, as well as getting a close up of the products. I usually find 1 or 2 new vendors that I wind up doing business with. (Lee Rosenberg, Owner, LR Events)

    It is always great to see what is happing all over the country. TSE is the perfect place to see where you are compared to the overall market. (Ami Wheeler, Account Manager, CE Rental)

    It is always worth my time and money to attend TSE. It is a one stop opportunity for me to learn new ideas, hear about the latest trends, and of course meet and network with my event colleagues. (LaVerne E. Mathews, Chief Experience Officer, L. V. Edwards & Associates)

    It was a good show. (No contact information provided)

    It was a great way to find out the direction of the industry. Met great professionals who were dedicated to the Event industry. (Brent Rogers, Owner, Sounds Unlimited Productions (SUP))

    It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about new products but meeting industry leaders was my favorite part. I will be teaming up with Sean DeFreitas for an upcoming New Year's Eve event...WOW. We also took home the GALA for NIRVANA, so, for me, this past TSE was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. (Diane Butner, Director of Events & Design, MGM MIRAGE Events)

    It was all good -- since this was our first year attending this event, we had no expectations. The event was very well organized and informative. (Linda L. Sanchez, Partner, Valley Solutions Group, LLC)

    It was great to meet professionals in the event industry with such varied experiences. The educational sessions and networking opportunities helped confirm that the Event industry is where I'm supposed to be. (No contact information provided)

    It was my first time, as I'm about to start my own business - I had THE great experience; I had no idea how big this industry is and I'm not the only person with so many questions. Love every minute of it - Special thanks to HOH program!! (Olga Watness, Operations Manager/Meeting Coordinator, C&W Telecom International, LLC)

    It was my first TSE show and I was very impressed. I gained a lot of knowledge. It was inspiring and the other event professionals that I met were very generous in sharing information. Great experience. I would recommend anyone in the Special Events Industry to attend TSE at least once if not more. (Ashifa Jiwani, Event Manager, Design2Decor Inc.)

    It's a networking opportunity you can't put a price on. (Shannon Egleston, Special Event Coordinator, California State University, Stanislaus)

    It's nice to have everyone I need to make contact with, all in one place. I also like the tabletop competitions. They give me ideas for my events next year. (Noreen B. Kennedy, Director of Development, MiamiValley Hospital Foundation)

    Just attending the Exhibit Hall allowed me to find some great new suppliers! Great "see it, touch it, feel it" experience! (Kim Wehunt, Owner, All In The Details)

    Loved meeting with the vendors. The vendors at TSE are some of the best in the area. I like to see what is new. I would also encourage all vendors to get the scanner, so you do not have carry all their catalogs and business cards home on a plane. (Jacquelyn Erin Drake, Owner, Enlighten Events International)

    Meet new vendors and got lots of helpful ideas to take back and work upon. (Mary Catherine Hendix, Owner, Party Plan It)

    Met great people in the industry - got great ideas for future meetings and events. (Pam Burkes, Manager Meetings and Groups, Williamsburg Travel Management American Express)

    My experience was awesome, To have the show in Atlanta allowed me to actually be a part of, as a volunteer on several committees I got to do more than attend classes and go to social events. I got to work with some of Atlanta's most talented designers, wedding planners and a host of others who also volunteered. It was an experience that will help me take myself to the next level. Thank you for the opportunity. (Sharon Hawkins, Event Manager, Bold American Catering)

    My first experience! I am still on a high! I was inspired, validated and changed by the show. The education package gave me the direction I needed to improve my business and helped me redefine both myself and my services. (Robyn Martin, Professional Bridal Consultant, The Wedding Belle)

    Not only did TSE 2008 offer any and all "Event" materials and sessions that I needed but it also provided me with sessions for my overall well-being - time management, how to succeed at work, etc. I felt as if this one trade show provided the same amount of information I would have received if I had attended three separate trade show/ conferences! (Brandi Behrenwald, Alumni Relations Assistant, Ferris State University)

    Once again TSE was a great experience - I can't wait for next year. Networking, education, and exhibits, they have it all! (Lorraine Mariella CSEP, CMP, President/Owner, Celebrations Event & Meeting Management, LLC)

    Once again TSE you have delivered! Excellent educational sessions, fabulous events & wonderful colleagues to enjoy it with. Many thanks to all of you who help create, contribute & produce this unparalleled event. We look forward to seeing you all in San Diego! Cheers, Jess Flood (Jess Flood, President, Jess Flood Event Design & Management)

    OVERWHELMING EXPERIENCE. (No contact information provided)

    Really opened my eyes and showed how I can take my events to the next level. (No contact information provided)

    Registration process was easy. It was nice to network with peers and realize that everyone deals with the same issues. (No contact information provided)

    Take advantage of the education at TSE. When the leaders of this industry come together in one place to share their knowledge - soak up every ounce you can get a hold of. Each person you meet knows something you do not - learn it from him or her. (Jen Poyer, Special Event Supervisor, Catalina Island Conservancy)

    Thankful I found out about it. Thankful that it was in my city. Only attended exhibit hall...it was the best way for me to spend my time and $$ during a very busy week in the office!! (No contact information provided)

    The exhibit hall is the best place to get ideas and make connections to new products and services. (No contact information provided)

    The layout this year was wonderful at the convention center - much less confusion and walking back and forth between sessions. (No contact information provided)

    The opening general session was one of the best I have ever seen - loved it! (No contact information provided)

    The products and services offered at the event were unlike anything I have ever seen; being that I'm from Cincinnati. I didn't know so many companies could provide so many different services in the entertainment industry! The experience was truly amazing and different because I learned so many new things and brought back a ton of new ideas! (Ryan Lehmkuhl, Owner, Cincy DJ Entertainment)

    The show gets you refocused for the New Year, and gets you excited about the new lines out there in the market. (Gayla Harvey, Event Decor Designer, Tiger Lily)

    The social events at TSE are worth the expense. We learn more from networking with experienced event planners than doing anything else! (No contact information provided)

    The special event 2008 was inspiring, educational and well worth the time and money spent. I was able to bring one of my new employees and she is already asking about going to TSE 2009! (Keith Watson, Owner, Keith Watson Productions, Inc.)

    The Special Event is the Number One business expense that guarantees me a major ROI that I draw from all year long. The education I receive in the sessions, the inspiration from the showcasing events and the contacts I make on the Exhibit Hall floor are all above and beyond the best investment I make in my business every year! (Robyn Bomar, Owner, Mix Mingle Glow Event Design & Planning)

    The wedding luncheon and the wedding gallery were highlights. We were one of the gallery designers and the networking with peers and guests made the experience worthwhile. (No contact information provided)

    The wedding luncheon gallery is so inspirational and recharges me for the upcoming season. I also found a product that I had been searching for! I met some colleagues that I had been chatting with on a forum. (Isha Foss, Isha Foss Events)

    This is the first time I attended, my partner went before. I really enjoyed all the vendors, it was wonderful to see all the resources that were provided. (No contact information provided)

    This was a wonderful experience, especially for a first timer like myself, It was... get on your
    mark, get set and go Event from the time I stepped off the plane, It was a very exciting and informative conference and trade show. The educational piece of my trip has proven to be a winner for me in my business, and the event shows were the right draw to keep me interested in coming back. (Jacqueline DeCambre, Owner, DeCanbreEvents & Associates)

    This was an EXCELLENT conference! As a fairly new planner, I learned SO MUCH in those few days. I definitely feel like I have an edge because of the info I gained at this conference! I recommend this to all involved in the special events industry. (Robyn McPherson, Owner, A Sophisticated Affair, LLC)

    This was my first time attending and I learned so much. I would have liked to attend more workshops in their entirety. Just too many to choose from that had my interest. (No contact information provided)

    This was my first TSE show, I love the exhibit floor. My main goal was to take in as many seminars as possible, which I did. I got a lot of great ideas, and met a lot wonderful people willing to exchange ideas. (No contact information provided)

    TSE 2008 exceeded my expectations a young event professional. The ideas flowing out of the Exhibit Hall were exhilarating, simply a must see for every attendant. (Donnette Spence, Client Services Coordinator, Main Event Entertainment Group)

    TSE 2008 was a great experience. I came back refreshed, motivated and with great new ideas. I am excited to see what TSE 2009 will bring! (Shelly Beachler, Communications Assistant, University of Nebraska)

    TSE 2008 was an incredible opportunity for me to attend as a new special event producer. The sessions were unbelievably informative, well organized, and exciting. I would recommend this conference to everyone in the event industry. (Angela Seits, Cultural Affairs Supervisor, Willamalane Park & Recreation District)

    TSE 2008 was one of the best things I have ever done for my career. The time spent and people met were so valuable. I went away refreshed and excited with tons of new ideas and concepts. I would recommend this show to anyone in the events industry....it is a must see! (Jessica Brummer, Special Events Coordinator, University of Nebraska Medical Center)

    TSE 2008 was the first conference that my husband and I had the opportunity to attend since we started our business in 2004. It was great being amongst others in our industry that was equally enthused in what we do! The educational sessions touched based on every facet of our industry and the trade show displayed the best entertainment and hottest trends for 2008! (Leslie Minter, Owner/Catering Coordinator, Southern Hospitality Catering Services, LLC)

    TSE always provides us with resources for new products and offerings for our clients. (Pamela Howatt, President, DiVine Event Productions)

    TSE expanded my imagination. Helped me tap into areas that I never thought to explore. (Shilamida Kupershteyn , Event Planner, Extravagant Events, LLC)

    TSE gives us planners the chance to see firsthand what our colleagues are doing, meet with potential suppliers, put a face to a name of existing ones, and for a change - be the guests of the party! (Cheryl-Jade Domingo, Director, Corporate Groups & Events, Conservus)

    TSE is a great networking opportunity. You can meet new vendors and keep your company in mind with old vendors. (Katy Cobb, Planner - Consultant – Designer, Sashay Creative Events)

    TSE is a must for anyone who wants to learn, discover and network. One week at TSE each year will provide you with cutting edge experience you will use the other 51 weeks of the year. (Steven Whyte, Director of University Events, University of the Pacific)

    TSE is a one-stop shop! Where else can event professionals learn new techniques, see the latest and greatest products in the marketplace, reconnect with old friends and get the creative juices flowing again...all in three days. (Nona Janus, General Manager, Retail Operations, University of California, Riverside)

    TSE is a worthwhile event because it really helped me continue to come up with new cutting edge ideas that I had not been familiar with. (No contact information provided)

    TSE is an absolute must for any Wedding Planner who is looking for ideas and inspiration! (Holly Blackett, Weddings and Events Specialist, Zuriana's Elegant Occasions)

    TSE is definitely worthwhile for industry people. It is networking with the world in your industry. (Gabrielle Mecca, General Manager, Edge Design Group)

    TSE is important to me for Global Networking, attending the ISES meetings and the spectacular trade show. (Glen Lehman, Managing Director, Lehman & Associates, Sydnney, Australia)

    TSE offers attendees the opportunity to grow thru educational enrichment. The trade show provides an insight into what types of new products and services those in the event industry can expect to see in the coming year, and a forum to offer feedback directly to vendors and providers on the types of items they would like to see more or less of in their respective product lines. The novel social events are a good opportunity to network with others in the industry from all over the world. (Lenny Talarico CSEP, Director of Events, MGM MIRAGE Events Las Vegas)

    TSE was energizing and exposed me to ideas and products I've only heard of or seen in magazines. The energy surrounding the entire event was great fun and exhausting at the same time. (Amy Rubins, Owner, FetePerfection, LLC)

    Very informational full of exciting new products. (No contact information provided)

    Very much enjoyed the location and vendors. Everyone was so kind a helpful in the show.Loved the popcorn and crazy hat thing going on - nice details and ideas to take back in the tabletop design as well. (Vicky Ismail, Coowner, Highgrove)

    Very nice show, very well organized. (Maurice Cardillo, Owner, Casa D'Eramo Inc., Montreal)

    We found a lot of fabric leads we don't have in Ontario, Canada that are affordable. We saw a lot of ideas to present to our clients. (No contact information provided)

    We were very happy with the exhibit floor, found a lot of interesting and new vendors. (No contact information provided)

    Wonderful experience! Met a lot of great people and it is nice to know even the experienced face a lot of the same challenges ones just getting established in the business do. (Shauna Davis, Owner, Designing Divaz)