It’s a Wrap!

Thank you to all who attended, sponsored and presented at the 25th Anniversary Conference recently held at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort. Attendees enjoyed valuable education, wonderful networking and established new relationships with fellow event service managers from across the US and Canada.

Attended by 268 attendees, topics covered the gamut of hot button issues facing CSMs today. Technology, multi-generations, Ethics, F&B, Disaster Preparedness, Pre Cons & Site Visits, Housing, CMP Prep, CSR – We had it covered! We also wrapped up the event with a meeting planner session which gave members a great opportunity to hear direct from planners on pressing questions.

The Conference also featured a fun Anniversary celebration on the sandy beaches of the hotel, complete with flip-flops, pirates and rockin’ 80’s music. A good time was had by all.

Please visit the ESPA Photo Gallery to see the highlights.

We have kept the complete details of the conference on the web page below, for your reference.

Plan to join us January 10-12, 2014 at the Westin Copley Place for our next Conference!

Recognition Programs

Need tips on getting management approval? We’ve got ‘em!

Thank you to our Premiere Sponsors:

Thank you to our Sponsor of our Meeting App, the Swank Mobile Meeting Manager:

Thank you to our Member Supporters:

Schedule of Events / Program

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013
3:00 - 6:00PM	ESPA Board of Directors Meeting – Part I
7:00PM	Board of Directors Dinner (by invitation only)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013
8:00 - 11:00AM	ESPA Board Meeting – Part II
1:00 - 4:00PM	Shop Orlando! – A Shopping Excursion with Fellow Members (Optional; additional fee required)
1:30 - 3:45PM	Tour of the Orlando Convention Center (Optional)
3:00 - 4:30PM	Behind the Scenes Tour of the Swan & Dolphin (Optional)
3:00 - 5:00PM	ESPA Book Club (Optional)
Facilitator: Sissy Lawty, Travel Portland Love reading and idea-sharing? Join Us! Conference attendees will have an opportunity to read a thought - provoking book then discuss it book club style with fellow members. This is a fun interactive type of session for those who sign up. This year’s book is a Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink. A New York Times bestseller, as well as a Business Week, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post bestseller. Lawyers. Accountants. Computer programmers. That’s what our parents encouraged us to become when we grew up. But Mom and Dad were wrong. The future belongs to a very different kind of person with a very different kind of mind. The era of “left brain” dominance, and the Information Age that it engendered, are giving way to a new world in which “right brain” qualities- inventiveness, empathy, meaning - predominate. That’s the argument at the center of this provocative and original book, which uses the two sides of our brains as a metaphor for understanding the contours of our times. In this insightful and entertaining book, which has been translated into 20 languages, Daniel H. Pink offers a fresh look at what it takes to excel. A Whole New Mind reveals the six essential aptitudes on which professional success and personal fulfillment now depend, and includes a series of hands-on exercises culled from experts around the world to help readers sharpen the necessary abilities. This book will change not only how we see the world but how we experience it as well. Visit the author’s web page to learn where the book is available (Amazon, Barnes & Noble).
5:30 - 6:30PM	New Member Welcome Reception All new ESPA members are encouraged to join the Board of Directors for an informal association introduction.
6:30 - 7:30PM	Welcome Reception
10:00PM – Until…	ESPA After-Hours! An informal gathering at a local nightlife venue – meet up and end the day mingling with fellow members.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2013
7:30 - 8:30AM	Networking Buffet Breakfast
8:30 - 9:00AM	Opening Session: 25th Anniversary Kick-off!
9:00 - 10:00AM	Opening Keynote: When Generations Collide
Amy Lynch and Kim Lear, Bridgeworks Amy Lynch, a Baby Boomer, and Kim Lear, a Millennial, will focus on the generational divide between younger and older generations and how bridging the gaps can infuse new ideas and energy into organizations everywhere. It used to be that older workers had all the answers and the younger ones followed orders. How things have changed! Now, with four generations vying for a place at the conference table, roles are being rewritten and rules are all over the map. Whether you're a seasoned veteran managing those younger than you are, a skilled Gen Xer managing upward, or the new Millennial in the workplace, Amy and Kim's practical insights will help you. Understand who the generations are and how they differ Identify Communication ClashPoints™ in your workplace Manage more effectively by learning how to connect with each generation. Amy and Kim are part of the BridgeWorks team, a company whose sole work is to research and resolve inter-generational clashes and encourage collaboration between generations. Bridgeworks founders authored the best-selling book When Generations Collide and The M-Factor: How the Millennial Generation is Rocking the Workplace. They have worked extensively within the hospitality space and have fascinating industry-specific best practices. Past clients include: Choice Hotels, Tecton Hospitality, Royal Caribbean, Visit Florida, Carlson Rezidor Company and Marriot Vacation Club. CMP-IS: E. Human Resources Clock Hours: 1 Back to Top
10:00 - 10:15AM	Break - Meet the Committee Chairs!
10:15 - 11:15AM	Icebreaker Session: ESPA Resource Community!
Sharon Gronowski, CMP, Positively Cleveland, Moderator This will be an open Q&A session on issues that members are facing. A fun, interactive session that will help you get to know your fellow members, expand your network and learn from one another.
11:15AM - 12:15PM	3 Concurrent Breakout Sessions:
Breakout 1: Food for Thought - Current Catering Trends Joan E. Kremer, CMP, Divisional Director of Food and Beverage Operations, Starwood Hotels North American Division & the Culinary Team from the Swan & Dolphin Food is one of the hottest topics in today’s world. Cooking shows, even cooking channels make this staple a never-ending focus for many, including meeting planners and their clientele.  Whether it’s the new trend of farm-to-table, new dietary trends, special restrictions harkened by allergies and other circumstances, or creating new imaginative and creative menus, in this session, CSMs will be exposed to ideas and insights that will help them to be a greater resource to planners as well as to manage budgets and pricing challenges more effectively. How has your facility embraced the current trends? Do your menus incorporate the many dietary trends being requested today? This session will help you navigate the answers to these and many other catering questions. CMP-IS: G. Meeting or Event Design Clock Hours: 1 Breakout 2: Technology – Top Ten Technologies to Provide Better Service James Roche, Director of Mobile Applications, Swank AV Your customers are looking to you as Event Professionals to be on top of technologies which better support their goals for each event they produce. This session delves into the technologies that support both your operation as well as helping your customers achieve better ROI for their events by using the latest in technological tools.  The hands on portion of this session will allow each participant through their own devices to access key apps, programs and software available to them today to create efficiencies and better learning experiences for themselves, their organizations but more importantly their customers. CMP-IS: A. Strategic Planning Clock Hours: 1 Breakout 3: Housing – Navigating the Legalities of Pirating, Attrition, and Housing Partner Communications Tina Stark, Director of Housing Sales, The Housing Connection, An Affiliate of the Salt Lake CVB Whether you are managing housing for a city wide convention, or an in house meeting, we are often faced with the same challenges...filling the block, minimizing attrition or preventing housing pirates from eroding your block. It is essential that all of the players come together and communicate to work effectively. Join the experts as they wade through the do’s and don’ts of these important aspects of housing. CMP-IS: B. Project Management Clock Hours: 1 Back to Top
12:15 - 1:30PM	ESPA Awards Luncheon and Annual Business Meeting
1:30 - 2:30PM	3 Concurrent Breakout Sessions:
Breakout 1: Wine Pairing & Upselling: The CSM’s role as Meeting Planner Advisor; Providing knowledgeable insight while increasing revenue Tony Porcellini, Certified Sommelier/Director of Food & Beverage, Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Note: an additional fee of $25 per person will be charged to cover the cost of wine Knowledge is not just power it is also the way to increase revenues. Understanding the highly profitable world of banquet and catering wine sales is an essential part of an Event Professional’s job. Whether it is over a dinner with a customer trying to sell your city or venue, or understanding what wine to upsell to customers on a banquet,  the customer can quickly understand if their Event Professional has knowledge about wine or is just going through the motions. This session provides you with takeaways that you can use immediately in your job by giving you clear knowledge into the key aspects and origins of wines and the ultra important insight into varietal characteristics which are vital for accurate food and wine pairing. The learning experience is further enhanced by actually learning varietals and pairing through your sight, smell and taste as you actively participate in a food and wine pairing. CMP-IS: G. Meeting or Event Design Clock Hours: 1 Breakout 2: Taking it all in: Site Visits, Pre-Cons, Pre-Promotional Services, Post-Event Evaluations & Reporting Bonnie Wallsh, MA, CMP, CMM, Chief Strategist, Bonnie Wallsh Associates, LLC How do you get the scoop on top-notch clients that will culminate in lucrative business? In this highly interactive session, you will receive tips on what clients look for during their site inspections and discover how to out-perform your competitors. Share techniques with your colleagues on getting the most out of your relationships with your CVBs. How do you create pre-con meetings that engage your clients and your colleagues? Get insight on how to develop on-site daily meetings that guarantee that your meetings and events run smoothly. Design post-con meetings and evaluations that will convert clients into repeat customers. This session will continue on as we communicate through social media following the ESPA conference. Following this presentation, participants will be able to: Effectively research information on prospective clients Critique pre, on-site, and post-con meetings to design top-notch client/supplier encounters Maximize your relationships with CVBs to generate the right business CMP-IS: B. Project Management Clock Hours: 1 Breakout 3: Our Business IS Showbusiness! Lenny Talarico, CSEP, Director of Events, MGM Resorts This session is designed to help event managers hone their skills in presenting concepts, products and services to clients. It’s not about how groundbreaking an idea or concept may be, it’s about how you present those ideas to the customer. A little "Showbusiness Flair" is what can help set you apart from the crowd. We will explore various techniques to consider for presentations, review actual events with visuals, and discuss ways in which you can improve your own personal "performance" by incorporating techniques those in the entertainment field utilize when approaching a project. Lenny is an Advisory Board member for Biz Bash Magazine, and was named in the 2012 issue as one of the “Most Innovative People in Events". He also serves on the Advisory Board for Event Solutions Magazine, another leading industry publication. He is an Honorary Board member for the SEARCH Foundation (Special Events Assistance & Resources with a Caring Heart). Back to Top
2:30 - 2:45PM	Coffee Break and Interactive Social Media & Technology sessions in Foyer
2:45 - 3:45PM	General Session: ESPA’s Olympics! - Event Services Best Practices in Action
Hosted by Eric Blanc, CMP, Tampa Convention Center This will be a fun, interactive session which will test the skills of even the greatest of CSMs! Stay tuned for a lively session which will answer many Services questions – taken directly from the CIC Handbook and other industry resources – as well as engage some service managers in hands-on services tasks. CMP-IS: A. Strategic Planning Clock Hours: 1
4:00 - 4:30PM	ESPA’s 2014 Committee Meetings
6:30 - 10:00PM	25th Anniversary Black & White Beach Ball Black Tie optional – Flip Flops Mandatory! See separate description of this event.
10:00PM – Until…	ESPA After-Hours! An informal gathering at a local nightlife venue – meet up and end the day mingling with fellow members.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 2013
6:30 - 7:30AM	Exercise Program – ESPA Fun Walk! (Optional)
7:30 - 8:45AM	Past President Breakfast (Invitation Only)
8:00 - 9:00AM	Continental Breakfast and Interactive Social Media & Technology sessions in Foyer
8:00 - 9:00AM	CMP Info Session
Christina Buck, CMP, CMP Program Director, Convention Industry Council Cary Bradley, CMM, CMP, Senior Director Events, Hilton Worldwide If you have been pondering whether to take the CMP exam, but are hesitant or have questions, this is the session for you. We will review and answer questions about the program requirements and how to best prepare for the exam, as well as discuss new developments with the CMP Blueprint and future changes to the program. There will be plenty of time for Q&A. CMP-IS: J. Professionalism Clock Hours: 2
9:00 - 10:00AM	Quality Service—Thru the Prism of Experience
Allison Melangton, President – Indiana Sports Corporation; Past President –Super Bowl XLVI Host Committee; Producer for NBC --- London Olympics 2012 (Gymnastics competition) Service fulfills its obligation by providing an experience that goes beyond the routine tasks, to the goal of combining needs and obligations with vision and creativity, producing a first class event. Any service activity that truly achieves success is not just a product of executing the needs of a customer, but rather one that makes the entire process an experience that distinguishes itself from all others. This presentation takes a look at service thru the lens of vision and its partners: uniqueness, creativity, activities, and solutions. Its aim is to transform the service function into an end-product asset not an activity of functionality. Allison Melangton helped plan and produce a service product unlike any ever attempted for the NFL's proudest event: The Super Bowl. But this is not a presentation about a sporting event. Rather, it is tale of how to make service the key factor in providing a client with an experience and the necessary tools to produce a first class affair. The results produced an activity that required over 8,000 volunteers and attracted over 1.1 million visitors during a 10 day period. In addition to her work in management and production, Allison Melangton is a winner of four Emmy Awards for her work as an associate producer for NBC's broadcast coverage for gymnastics at the past four (4) summer Olympic Games. CMP-IS: A. Strategic Planning Clock Hours: 1 Back to Top
10:00 - 11:00AM	Shades of Gray: Ethics on the Service Side ©
Joan L. Eisenstodt, Meetings & Hospitality Consultant, Facilitator & Trainer, Eisenstodt Associates, LLC Said the meeting planner to the resort’s event services professional: “I must have that purse in your gift shop but I can’t afford it.” And another planner said, with a wink, “I’m sure if you give us another few comp suites and some amenities, our meeting will be better.” Then there’s the one who said “Oh I’m so tired and just need to get to the spa….” Put in awkward situations, event service professionals can use their company’s codes of ethics, or, if appropriate, the CMP Code of Conduct to guide them. Even with a code, it’s tough to be between a rock (customer or management) and a hard place (ethical behavior). In this interactive session, we’ll explore issues event service professionals face and ways by which to ethically manage the gray areas of people, policies and practices. In advance, participants are asked to review PCMA’s Code of Ethics and MPI’s Principles of Professionalism (see page 20), their company's/organization's code of ethics or conduct, and the CMP Ethics Statement and Policy and the Disciplinary Procedures. Learner Outcomes Assess industry practices that give rise to uncertain ethical behavior. Determine how to manage potentially awkward situations. Create questions to ask to address on-the-job ethical dilemmas. CMP-IS: J. Professionalism Clock Hours: 1
11:00 - 11:30AM	Coffee Break and Interactive Social Media & Technology sessions in Foyer
11:30AM - 12:15PM	Disaster and Onsite Emergencies: Are you Prepared?
Bonnie Wallsh, MA, CMP, CMM, Chief Strategist, Bonnie Wallsh Associates, LLC Today is all about you! What are you concerned with when it comes to risk management? Feeling overwhelmed that you may be unprepared if something catastrophic occurs? Or that you may be exposing your organization to potential financial and legal liabilities in the future? Then this session is for you. Together, we will identify types of risk management, discuss risk management techniques, and identify liability concerns. Be prepared to share your questions and to roll up your sleeves and jump into real life case studies with your colleagues. After participating in this session, you will be able to: Identify types of risk management Assess liability concerns Analyze impact of current events and global implications Develop techniques to create and implement your own risk management plan CMP-IS: C. Risk Management Clock Hours: 0.75 Back to Top
12:15 - 12:30PM	Preview Boston 2014!
12:30 - 1:45PM	Meeting Planners and Event Service Professionals Networking Luncheon
1:45 - 2:45PM	Corporate Social Responsibility- Volunteerism and Community Partnerships
Alan Ranzer, Managing Partner, Impact 4 Good Why do our clients care about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? How do various destinations offer unique opportunities to get to know the community via giving? We will discuss recent trends in CSR, including “employee engagement,” and will highlight case studies of what some CVBs, Hotels & Convention Centers are doing to make sure this important service is available to their clients. CMP-IS: A. Strategic Planning Clock Hours: 1.25
2:45 - 3:15PM	Coffee Break and Interactive Social Media & Technology sessions in Foyer
3:15 - 4:30PM	Interactive Forum: Services & Planners Unite! “Perfecting the Art of Event Services”
ESPA members will interact with a variety of planners for an educational networking session on pre-established industry topics. Invited Planners who participate will enjoy an afternoon of education! Meeting planners who are also table topic moderators are invited to also join us for lunch. We are limited to the number of planners who can participate on a complimentary basis and it is first come, first served. Sign up your planners today!
4:30PM	Closing Remarks – It’s a Wrap!

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ESPA Showcase: Collaboration, Creativity, Communications

ESPA members are always eager to share their thoughts and participate in idea exchange throughout the Annual Conference. This is our second year hosting an ESPA Showcase. This is an opportunity to bring and display what your bureau or facility has developed so others can be wowed by your savvy and creativity! This year, we are also going to have a live demo of web or social media sites as part of this Showcase.

Share and receive accolades for your creative and innovative service tools and programs in the categories of Welcome Programs, Pre-Promotional Items / Service Kits and Web Sites / Social Media. ESPA attendees will have a chance to view all of the entries and vote for the top submissions. The top winning entry will receive three (3) complimentary passes to an ESPA Webinar throughout 2013.

Categories:
Participate in one…or even all three categories at this year’s Annual Conference.

1. Welcome Programs – Welcoming a group to your city or venue is one of the most important parts of their event. For many attendees, this may be their first impression of you. So what do you do to stand out from the crowd?

• Submit a write up describing the program and you may include photos and/or submit physical materials that are used when welcoming a group to the city, hotel or center.

2. Pre-Promotional Items / Service Kits – How do you build attendance? What creative attendance building tools do you use when doing a pre-promotion?

• Submit these items or a print out of your service kits.

3. Web Sites / Social Media – How do you maximize use of the internet either through your own web site, or through social media sites?

• Review of these items will be through a short, live online demo during coffee breaks, where you can walk people through your live web site and/or social media sites. Space for this category is limited, as 5-minute time slots will be assigned.

Please be sure to register for the Showcase – there is no fee to participate. Just check Showcase and the category you will bring materials for, when registering for the conference.

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Meeting Planner Client Opportunity – Learn how you can invite your clients

Interactive Forum: Services & Planners Unite! “Perfecting the Art of Event Services”

Invite your planner! Space is limited so don’t delay.
Conference content on Sunday afternoon has been specially created with the Planner / Service Manager relationship in mind. For this Interactive Forum session, ESPA members will interact with a variety of planners for a speed networking interactive learning session. Planners who participate will enjoy an afternoon of education and a luncheon on us! Your invited planners should be comfortable with being discussion leaders with groups of service managers, on pre-established hot topics. We are limited to the number of planners who can participate on a complimentary basis and it is first come, first served. Sign them up through this Sign up Form. Meeting planners not participating as discussion leaders in the session, can still register for the One-Day registration.

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Friday Optional Tours

ESPA has arranged a variety of excursions to meet a variety of interests. Each requires a separate registration. It is important to note that we anticipate these tours to be in high-demand; space is limited so if you want to participate in any of these activities, you must sign up early.

Shopping Excursion
Friday, January 11
1:00-4:00pm
Attendees will be asked to contribute $15 on-site to cover the cost of transportation

Join your fellow ESPA attendees as we visit the Orlando Premium Outlets. A sophisticated combination of quality designer brands, significant savings and an architecturally-themed outdoor village setting caters to upscale, value-minded shoppers. Some of the retailers located at Orlando Premium Outlets include Anne Klein, Barneys New York Outlet, Burberry, Coach, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Tommy Hilfiger and Versace.

Orange County Convention Center Tour - The Center of Hospitality
Friday, January 11
1:30-3:45pm

The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), located in the heart of Downtown Orange County, provides a multitude of event options in two beautiful facilities - the West Building and the North/South Building - for a combined offering of the following features:

• 2.1 million-square feet of exhibition space
• Two 92,000-square foot general assembly areas
• 74 meeting rooms/235 breakouts
• The 2,643-seat Chapin Theater
• A 200-seat Lecture Hall
• The 62,000-square foot multi-purpose Valencia Room
• Three full-service restaurants/8 food courts
• Three business centers
• In-house electric, plumbing, rigging and technical services, plus wireless mobility throughout the complex
• On-site parking for 6,227
• Three covered loading docks/173 truck bays

Separate registration fee is required (make sure you select the optional event when you are registering for the conference).

Behind the Scenes Tour of the Swan & Dolphin
Friday, January 11
3:00-4:30pm

Take a behind the scenes tour and peer into the inner workings of the iconic Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel. Peek into the Pastry Kitchen and Chocolate Workshop where their Executive Pastry Chef, Laurent Branlard, who holds the distinction as the only two-time winner of the World Pastry Team Championship, and his team prepare decadent desserts and premium chocolate treats.

Witness back of house operations in areas of the hotel that few guests ever see. From the immense “school bus” sized washers and dryers in our Laundry Facility to enormous Banquet Kitchens and other areas, you will marvel at the sheer size and number of Cast Members it takes to make everyone who visits this 2,265 room hotel enjoy a truly “Magical” experience!

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Michael Graves, is a stunning landmark of the entertainment architecture concept at the Walt Disney World® Resort. Statues of the hotels’ namesakes sit atop both the Swan and Dolphin. Each of the two 56-foot tall dolphin statues and two 47-foot swans, weigh 60,000 pounds. These statues are works of art that represent classical and contemporary symbols of water, chosen by Graves to provide personality and character. Water is everywhere, cascading nine stories down a clamshell fountain or rushing across rock-faced grottos in the star-lit foyer of the Dolphin. Twinkling fountains in giant clamshells sit atop the Swan’s seven-story wings. “The fun things have come together with the practical things to work in concert,” says Graves. “...but the theme is entertainment.” The buildings play off Florida’s tropical landscape. The exterior walls of the main structures are hand-painted murals in colors that represent the lush Florida greenery. The Dolphin mural is a pattern of banana leaves and the Swan exterior features a pattern of waves. The murals took nearly six months to complete.

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25th Anniversary Black & White Beach Ball
Black Tie Optional – Flip Flops Mandatory

ESPA is celebrating its 25th Anniversary!

The Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) (formerly ACOM), founded in 1988, is the only association providing member services and education designed for the convention services community.

ESPA/ACOM has come a long way in these 25 years. And we are ready to celebrate! Throughout the Conference in Orlando, we will look back at the leaders and members that got us where we are today, and celebrate our bright future.

25th Anniversary Black & White Beach Ball
Black Tie Optional – Flip Flops Mandatory
Saturday, January 12, 2013
6:30 – 10:00 PM

All full conference registrants are invited to join us as we celebrate 25 years on the white sandy beach at the Swan & Dolphin Resort. During this Beach Ball, we will be celebrating the past, present and future of ESPA/ACOM. And, to keep with the Black & White Beach Ball theme, we are asking everyone to wear something black or white. The event is Dressy Casual…but remember flip flops are mandatory!  It may be chilly so be prepared to wear a wrap or sweater.  Here are some suggestions:

Men – seasonal sport coat or blazer and slacks, dress shirt, casual button-down shirt, optional tie or bow tie, open-collar or polo shirt
Women – dress, skirt and dressy top or dressy pants outfit

We look forward to celebrating with you for a truly fun night of mingling, laughing, eating, drinking and lots of merriment – ESPA style!

Full Conference registrants will automatically be included for the dinner. If you would like to buy additional tickets, you can do so through the ESPA Online Store.

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ESPA Gives Back

It is not surprising that ESPA members are community-minded and giving people. Each year, through our community support efforts, attendees bring items to be donated to a worthy cause in each of the cities we have been to. We are giving back in Orlando in the following three ways.

Ronald McDonald House of Orlando The purpose of the Ronald McDonald House of Orlando is to provide a "home-away-from-home" for families in medical crisis. Currently, they are two houses strong with 59 bedrooms to serve families in medical crisis with an ill child. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to provide families with a safe haven close by the hospital, so that they can focus on the wellness of their child.

What they need from us: Tissues Ziploc bags (gallon size) Stationary/note cards Phone cards Hand sanitizer Plastic forks, spoons, knives

Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida was created in 1987 by a group of concerned citizens who noted a growing problem of homelessness in the community. The Coalition is now the largest provider of homeless services in Central Florida. The Coalition is able to help over 750 people each day, including men, women and children. On any given night, the Coalition provides services to over 250 children, with a current average age of 8 years old. Last year, the Coalition served more than 300,000 meals.

What they need from us: Baby wipes Deodorant (mens and womens) Dish towels Twin sheet sets (new or used) Flip flops

SPCA of Central Florida Founded in 1937, the SPCA of Central Florida’s mission is to promote the responsible human behavior toward animals. Since that time, more than 1,300,000 dogs and cats have been sheltered by the SPCA’s staff and volunteers.

What they need from us: Bath towels (new and gently used) Dog and cat treats Grooming tools / shampoo for animals Heating pads Rubbermaid cotton mop heads

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Sponsorship Opportunities – Get your company in front of these meeting leaders!

ESPA Members now you can show your support!

Check out this year's sponsors

Anniversary Member Sponsorships
2013 Conference Sponsorships

The Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) Annual Conference is attended by leading event and convention service managers in the meeting industry – including forward-thinking Event Managers and CSMs from Convention Centers, CVBs and Hotels from across the US and Canada. These EMs/CSMs make their own purchasing decisions and have great collaborative influence on the purchasing decisions of their meeting planner clients.

Attention members! We have also created budget-sensitive sponsorships that will go towards the Anniversary Conference and making it the best it can be. Rates range to fit all budgets.

If you are interested in getting your name out there to this target market, please take a moment to look over the Sponsorship Opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact Lynn McCullough at lmccullough@espaonline.org or call 609-799-3712.

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Hotel – Reserve your room now at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

The 2013 Annual Conference will be held at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin, located in the heart of the most magical place on earth.

How and When to Reserve Your Room*
The Swan & Dolphin Resort is sold out, including the room block that ESPA was holding for our upcoming conference. However, we have secured an overflow property where you can start making reservations: The Sheraton Lake Buena Vista is offering ESPA a special room rate of $169/night (this includes a free AM/PM Shuttle to the Swan & Dolphin Resort and the Resort Fee). The cut-off date for the room block is Friday, December 28. Reserve your room today, by calling 1-800-325-3535.

*Please be sure to reserve your room early as the hotel will be in high demand over the dates of the ESPA Conference for the Walt Disney World Marathon. We do anticipate the hotel will be sold out – ensure you have a room by reserving prior to the cut-off date.

Inside this magnificent Disney resort, an environment of elegance and sophistication awaits. Newly refurbished throughout, from the spectacular lobbies and the unique new restaurants, to the exotic spa and the incredibly comfortable guest rooms.

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About Orlando

Orlando, Florida – Home of the 2013 ESPA Annual Conference

Orlando is best known for the Walt Disney World Resort and is the world’s most-visited entertainment resort. Walt Disney World includes four theme parks, two water parks, 23 on-site themed resorts, five golf courses and other recreational venues and entertainment. Visit the Visit Orlando web site for more information on activities, parks and events in Orlando.

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Registration & Continuing Education

Registration Fees
Day of PCMA Registration

Online registration is the most efficient and convenient method to register - but a fax option is available as well.

Once you get to the My ESPA Portal, log into your account, then register through the Online Store. All members or non members who have participated in our activities in the past already have an account. Retrieving your password is fast and easy through the Forgot your password feature. New visitors simply need to set up a visitor account, then register.

Click here if you prefer to print and fax or mail your Registration Form.

The following are the ESPA Conference Individual registration fees: (Note: Members whose companies are Organizational members of ESPA, and who are registering 3+ people see below for group registration fees.)

Organization and Corporate Members group registrations fees are listed below. In order to register at the group registration fees, your company must be an Organization or Corporate Member of ESPA. The primary contact of your organization can register a group through the My ESPA Portal by shopping in the Online Store and selecting the Group option.

ESPA Organization Member registration fees:

Click here if you prefer to print and fax or mail your Registration Form.

ESPA Registration Policies
Additional excursions and Day of PCMA are non-refundable.

Conference registration cancellations received by November 30, 2012 are eligible for a 50% refund on the ESPA Registration fee only. There are no refunds for cancellations received after this date.

Day of PCMA Registration
PCMA - One Day Registration – In partnership with PCMA, ESPA attendees have the opportunity to participate in the PCMA Convening Leaders conference at the discounted registration rate of $125. Register for the PCMA One Day offer when you register for ESPA’s Conference – just check the box on the ESPA registration form.  Your one day registration includes attendance to the Sunday, January 13th Welcome Reception; Monday education programming with continental breakfast, refreshment breaks and the PCMA Awards luncheon.  All educational programming will be held at the Convention Center. A shuttle will be available from the hotel. For the complete schedule of events, please visit www.pcma.org.

PCMA  - Full Conference Registration - As a special offer, ESPA members who are not PCMA members can attend the PCMA Convening Leaders at the PCMA member registration fee. Visit www.pcma.org to register and enter the registration access code: AC36533 to receive your discount. 

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Contact us

Elizabeth Roe, Association Coordinator – If you have questions regarding registration, please contact Elizabeth.

Lynn McCullough, Executive Director – If you have questions regarding the conference program or sponsorships, please contact Lynn.

Diane Galante, Manager, Member Services / Meeting Planner – If you have questions regarding hotel or travel, please contact Diane.

Meghan Higgins, Public Relations Manager – Trade press inquiries, please contact Meghan.

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Nominate Your Manager for the Executive Excellence Award

Deadline for submissions is November 26

Each year at the Annual Conference, ESPA recognizes an executive for his or her commitment and dedication to the profession of event service and to giving key support and leadership to members of their services team. As a member of ESPA, if you feel your organization has an executive who is an ESPA supporter and convention services advocate, if he/she encourages continuing education and other avenues for professional development, submit your nomination!

Please fill out our online Nomination Form – winners will be selected at the end of November and the winner is invited to attend and receive the award in person.

Criteria and Guidelines

• Nominee supports staff participation in ESPA
• Nominee must be an executive of an organization which has an ESPA member. Executive is defined as a VP or higher at a CVB; a member of the executive committee or GM at a hotel; or a VP, GM or Executive Director at a Convention Center.
• Nominee personally and consistently supports quality assurance in the organization's convention services operations.
• Nominee supports staff development, growth and continuing education.

November 20 is the nomination deadline.

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Nominate Your Planner Client for Special Recognition

Meeting Professional of the Year - Deadline for submissions is November 26

This award was designed to recognize the hard-working meeting professional who exhibits personal and professional characteristics that create an environment that focuses on team work, as well as shows support for the event services profession.

CSMs, this is your chance to recognize a planner that represents the best of the best! Convention Services Managers know better than anyone when a planner is prepared, shows professionalism and is a great leader when producing an event or meeting. Why not recognize them for their dedication and hard work? To submit a planner for consideration, please fill out our online Nomination Form – winners will be selected at the end of November and the winner is invited to attend and receive the award in person.

Criteria and Guidelines

• You must have worked with meeting planner during the past year
• Shows superior leadership and management qualities before, during and after the meeting
• Recognizes the importance and supports the role of the CSM in the meeting planning process

November 20 is the nomination deadline.

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Annual William H. Just, CAE, CMP Memorial Award – Conference Scholarship

Recent CMP recipients – Apply to attend the ESPA Annual Conference on a Scholarship!

Deadline for Submissions is November 20.

The Annual William H. Just CAE, CMP Memorial Award recognizes an ESPA member who has received their CMP certification within the last three years and remains in good standing with the association. The award was established in honor of the late William H. Just, CAE, CMP who founded ACOM (now ESPA) in 1988. Just also played a key role in the establishment of the CMP program. ESPA members can submit an application which includes an essay on how the CMP designation has been beneficial to them, why they decided to receive this certification and details on their industry and community involvement. The winner will receive a complimentary registration to the ESPA Annual Conference in Orlando, January 11-13, which helps to support their CMP continuing education status.

Download the application and apply today!

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