After three years of operating under the name Zeus, we are proud to announce our re-brand as CHIC Event Furniture Rental.  With the same management, along with the same dynamic team, we will continue to provide the same outstanding service and Euro-chic products to our clients from the Florida Keys up to Chicago.  We are excited to maintain our involvement in ISES Orlando as CHIC!, and look forward to working with other ISES members to create stunning events!

“We needed a new look and brand that portrayed the same upscale feel that our products and service always have,” one of the company owners Kelly Graves explained.  “We are very particular about our presentation and demeanor with our clients on and off-site, and it’s nice to have a name that encompasses that same quality.  My partners and I are very proud of our work as Zeus, and look forward to even more success as CHIC!”

The entire team is extremely excited about the launch of the new brand.  Account Executive Tara Lightfoot said, “We’re still the same great company, but now just in a shiny new wrapper!  We can still provide our clients with the same consistency that we always have, and now back it with the confidence of a stronger image.”

Mike Cruz, Account Executive and latest addition to the team, announced, “This year, we will be launching brand new products like our “Hot Pink Curved Minotti” as well as continuing to grow our current in-demand products.  We will continue to provide luxurious event furniture that’s inspired by European designs.”

Our new image also comes with a brand new catalog  – so make sure to get your copy soon.  We also can’t wait to showcase our distinctive products at this year’s WOW Awards on September 10, 2010 under the name CHIC!, as well.  We are grateful to be able to celebrate the growth of our company with our fellow ISES members on this occasion, and look forward to seeing you all there.   Until then…Think Furniture. Think CHIC!

We will be happy to assist you:

CHIC Headquarters – 407-888-8233

**Tara Lightfoot – tara@chiceventfurniture.com

**Mike Cruz – mike@Chiceventfurniture.com

**Please note: new email addresses go "live" Tuesday, September 7th

Name:             Michele Phillips
Title:               Sales
Company:        Engineered Events d/b/a Atlantic Professional Audio, Inc.
Email:             michelep@atlanticproaudio.com
Website:         www.atlanticproaudio.com

What did your company donate to the 2009 ISES Orlando WOW Awards? Audio and lighting for the Awards Ceremony, BOD Induction and the after party.

How many years has your company been open? 10+ years

What has been your company’s most successful event? It’s fairly difficult to pick just one but I guess I’d have to say the Grand Opening of Bella Collina in Montverde. We built a huge stage 60’ x 40’ with a motorized roof for two different National Country Acts – Diamond Rio and Sara Evans. The construction took three days as there is not one level spot of land in Bella Collina. It also had to be the hottest days ever experienced in Central Florida but it was a great, great time!

I spend most of my day: prospecting, proposing and creating a delightfully smooth A/V experience for our clients. 

Why did you join ISES? I joined ISES to stay current with the industry hottest trends and to learn from the industry’s movers and shakers.

Is there a book, person, or story that has strongly impacted your career? I learned my work ethic mostly from my Dad. He did everything that he could to ensure that our family was comfortable including working two jobs at times. I also had a mentor by the name of Steve Buckley, whom I still regard as my mentor, when I first entered into the wacky world of sales. Steve’s drive and enthusiasm for making a sale was contagious and infectious to me. I became a sponge whenever I had the opportunity to work with him.

Do you have a career or industry tip you would like to share? Always be honest and true to yourself because you are the one you have to face day in and day out.

Tell us something personal about you; what you enjoy doing in free time or any hobbies: I love to read and I’m in a book club that meets once a month to actually discuss the book. Our group is very diverse and I love hearing all of the different viewpoints; it is a nice gentle reminder that perception is reality and our own way is not the only way and that is something I am still struggling to embody.

Family? I have two amazing boys and a wonderful husband. All three of them utterly adore football. My weekends are consumed with their Pop-Warner games, college games and then yes, you guessed it, pro games, but I love to watch them play and I get just as excited as they do when they make a good play.

by: Kristen E. Scruggs, PBC

Grand Bohemian Hotel - Orlando

kristen.scruggs@grandbohemianhotel.com

Student Corner

By: Jaclyn MacLeod, Membership Committee Student Liaison
The Rosen College of Hospitality Management is a prestigious school that focuses on the education of events, food & beverage, hotels, theme parks and other hospitality fields. There is always a lot going on at the school and this new section of the MMN will inform every one of spotlight students, events, faculty, opportunities and special projects that may benefit YOU and your business.
To learn more about the Rosen College, visit www.hospitality.ucf.edu.
To kick things off, we have featured an interview with one of our star students and a current member of ISES Orlando!

Name: Maris Corujo
Graduation: Spring 2010
Major: Event Management
 
• What are some fields in the hospitality industry that interest you most?
Coordination, Production, Marketing, Non-profit, and Live entertainment
• What is your current job and position? 
 Unemployed, substitute dance instructor
• How did you begin in the industry? 
While in high school I worked at restaurant in Newport, RI. Recently I just finished my internship, as the development Intern with The American Lung Association.
• What or who encouraged you to join ISES? 
Constantly hearing to join from professors, and my own research on the internet.
• How do you feel you benefit, personally or professionally, from your ISES membership?
Networking and staying with current trends; diversity within association as of members and businesses; Lectures/forums/Information sessions
• Are there any current projects or events you are putting together through Rosen or on your free time that you would like others to know about? 
“Welcome Back to Our Future” Rosen Alumni Networking Event - November 19th @ Rosen. I am also working on my personal website, and making video reels to post on there.
• What would you like to do upon graduation in the spring?
Find a job in the event industry. I am seriously thinking about moving back north to the Boston area, and searching for employment up there. I’m also interested in backpacking through Europe and hiking the Inca Trail in Peru.
• Do you see yourself holding a Board Position with ISES after you graduate?
Possibly, after I get certified in certain areas.
• Where do you go to find new ideas -- books, films, travel, artistic retreats, or what?
Everything and everywhere… books, magazines, movies, videos, music, different places I have traveled to, performances/ dances I have seen, and people I have talked with.
• What are your hopes for the next year in your professional life?  What's your most challenging hurdle in 2009?
Hopefully finding a job that I enjoy and can grow with. Looking to find any/every opportunity that anyone can give me to dip my feet in.

Contact Information
Email: MCorujo21@gmail.com
Phone Number: 407-625-3226

Name: Andy Jeffries

Title: Director of Operations
Company: Quest Drape
Email: orlando@questdrape.com
Website: www.questdrape.com

What did your company donate to the 2009 ISES Orlando WOW Awards? Drape

How many years has your company been open? 11 years. Before Quest I did Hotel Operations Rooms Divison and FB, consulting- Harris Rosen, Loews Hotels and Gaylord Entertainment.

What services do you and your company provide to the special events industry? Quest Drape is the premier nationwide provider of high-quality, cost-effective pipe and drape rental.  Quest has the imagination and knowledge to create a show solution that is specifically tailored to meet the desire and vision of your production.

What has been your company's most successful event? All or our events big and small are successful. Shepherd's Hope & Charity Classic at Universal, these are just two of many charity events that Quest Drape gets involved with.  The events are memorable because we are able to help others.

I spend most of my day doing?  Assuring that you will receive “The Best Drape” and “The Best Service” in the industry today.

Why did you join ISES? To share the Quest experience.

What has been your most memorable ISES experience? Too many to list.

Is there a book, person, or story that has strongly impacted your career? Jim Carrey… LOL I believe that all the people who I interact with every day, I leave a trace in one’s mind and influence them in some aspect with my personality.

Do you have a career or industry tip you would like to share? Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Tell us something personal about you; what you enjoy doing in your free time or any hobbies:
I Enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, biking, golf and tennis. These are just a few of the activities I enjoy participating in.

Family?
I have a lovely daughter Madison and girlfriend Melissa.

By: Kristen Scruggs

scruggs.keisten@yahoo.com

Name:           Jason Gabel
Title:             Owner
Company:       Two Left Feet, Inc.
Email:            jason@TLFevents.com
Website:        www.TLFevents.com

Thanks to Two Left Feet, Inc for providing DJ services for the VIP after party for the
2009 ISES Orlando WOW Awards!!

Two Left Feet has been open for 4 years. However, Jason has been in the DJ industry for the last 17 years. He was born and raised in NY.  He began his DJ career at age 19 and began spinning music in some of the hottest night clubs in NYC.  By age 23, he was an Emcee, DJ and Dancer for Double G, one of the largest DJ companies in New York.  This is where he made a real name for himself as a high energy interactive DJ, “DJ Jayce”.  He moved down to Orlando in 1998 where he continued his DJ career through Party Tunes Entertainment. In 2006, he created Two Left Feet. 

Two Left Feet provides Interactive DJ entertainment and Full Production services for Social and Corporate clientele.

When asked what has been his most successful event, he says it’s hard to choose just one, but, he just performed at his 600th Bar/Bat Mitzvah, which is a HUGE milestone!!

Jason’s most memorable ISES experience? “I think one of the most memorable ISES experiences was the meeting/event we had at IKEA. It gave us all the opportunity to do what we love.  One way or another, we love to create memorable events.  At the IKEA event I was able to help be creative and have fun at the same time.  “

Who has helped Jason along the way and his advice for us: “My wife is my biggest supporter and without her I would not be where I am today in my career. We are all dedicated professionals and want the best for our clients.   Just make sure to make the same effort for your family and friends.”

Something you may not know about Jason….”I was an All-American wrestler and placed 3rd in the 1992 Olympic Trials.  I love being with my family and I like to hit the tennis courts now and then.  I have a beautiful wife Sarah, whom I met through the event industry and two beautiful girls, Kayla 6 and Dilyn 2 ½ .”

Name:  Byron Loper
Title: General Manager
Company: IceMagic
Email: info@icemagic.biz 
Website: www.icemagic.biz

Thanks to IceMagic for donating an LED Lighted Dance Floor for our
2009 ISES Orlando WOW Awards!

IceMagic has been open for 13 years providing event rental décor specializing in lighted acrylic products and crystal clear ice pieces. According to Byron, their most successful event was a series of 15 events when the Super Bowl was in Jacksonville. 

Byron joined ISES to build stronger relationships with industry peers and his most memorable ISES experience was co-producing the 2009 Orlando WOW Awards. 

Dr. Mary Jo Ross from the Rosen College of Hospitality Management was a large influence on Byron’s career and Byron’s tip to us is to meet as many people and make as many contacts as possible.
Where can you find Byron on his day off? Playing golf! Say hi to Byron next time you see him, if you haven’t him met already. Thanks again for helping to make ISES Orlando’s 2009 WOW Awards a huge success!

 By: Kristen Scruggs

Scruggs.kristin@yahoo.com

OptuMedia

Name: Charles N March III
Title: Official Floor Sweeper
Company: OptuMedia
Email: Charles@OptuMedia
Website: OptuMedia.com.com

Charles and the OptuMedia team donated Video play back to the
2009 ISES Orlando WOW Awards, thank you!!

OptuMedia is a relatively new company. Charles and his partner, Michael Reale worked together for many years and decided to get together under one roof. Optumedia provides Audio,Video,Lighting,Special Effects and Entertainment, a true ONE STOP SHOP.

Their most successful event was the annual BE Conference. He joined ISES to network and “have fun with my piers on our OFF TIME” – if there is such a thing.

When asked, is there a book, person, show or story that has strongly impacted your career? Charles’ response: “Pink Floyd at Yankee Stadium 1994”. A career or industry tip he’d like to share…”Keep Your Mouth Shut and LISTEN! KYMSL...”

Charles is very active with The Friends of NRA, a charitable organization that raises money for women and children’s shooting sports, such as the 4H, Girl and Boy Scouts and JROTC to name a few. His wife is a Den Leader in Cub Scout Pack 134. He enjoys camping, fishing, hiking, playing all sports as well as riding motorcycles.

While most of his family is up north or out west, here in Orlando he has 2 beautiful children, Kaitlyn and Charlie. Kaitlyn is 18 and has just enrolled at Aveda and she is also studying real-estate and helping Charles with all his endeavors. Charlie is 7 and starting 2nd grade at Chaney Elm. And last but not least, Charles says, “And I can’t forget about the woman who makes it all possible, My beautiful wife Carrie. If it weren't for her becoming a stay at home Mother, not only would I not eat , but I couldn't fly off to NY or Vegas at the drop of a hat!. I am truly Blessed with a wonderful and loving family”.

SGASI Production Services

Name: Roland Black
Title: Technical Director
Company: SGASI Production Services
Email: rblack@sgasi.com
Website: sgasi.com

Thanks to SGASI for donating the Willow Panel set pieces that served as the stage backdrop for the 2009 ISES Orlando WOW awards!
 
SGASI Production Services is the result of a merger between three separate companies formerly known as SGA, ASI Production Services and All Staging Unlimited.  The new company was formed on June 10, 2009, but offers over 60 years of combined production experience.

SGASI offers a wide array of rental equipment, design, fabrication and installation services to the special events industry. We can provide your next event or meeting with: stock & custom staging, first class portable seating & risers, elevated platforms, pipe & drape, dance floors, mobile stages, stock and custom sets, scenery, props, and stage and set automation just to name a few. Most importantly we offer our customers the peace of mind that any aspect of their production handled by SGASI, is in the hands of a team of skilled professionals all dedicated to excellence and service.
 
Roland joined ISES to be a part of the exciting worldwide community of special events professionals.
Roland’s words of advice, “The devil is in the details, or, Plan for the worse and the best will take care of itself.”
 
He enjoys spending his time off with his wife, 2 boys, 9 and 16 and his daughter, 17.
 

Two Left Feet, Inc.

Name:            Jason Gabel
Title:             Owner
Company:       Two Left Feet, Inc.
Email:             jason@TLFevents.com
Website:         www.TLFevents.com

Thanks to Two Left Feet, Inc for providing DJ services for the VIP after party for the
2009 ISES Orlando WOW Awards!!

Two Left Feet has been open for 4 years. However, Jason has been in the DJ industry for the last 17 years. He was born and raised in NY.  He began his DJ career at age 19 and began spinning music in some of the hottest night clubs in NYC.  By age 23, he was an Emcee, DJ and Dancer for Double G, one of the largest DJ companies in New York.  This is where he made a real name for himself as a high energy interactive DJ, “DJ Jayce”.  He moved down to Orlando in 1998 where he continued his DJ career through Party Tunes Entertainment. In 2006, he created Two Left Feet. 

Two Left Feet provides Interactive DJ entertainment and Full Production services for Social and Corporate clientele.

When asked what has been his most successful event, he says it’s hard to choose just one, but, he just performed at his 600th Bar/Bat Mitzvah, which is a HUGE milestone!!

Jason’s most memorable ISES experience? “I think one of the most memorable ISES experiences was the meeting/event we had at IKEA. It gave us all the opportunity to do what we love.  One way or another, we love to create memorable events.  At the IKEA event I was able to help be creative and have fun at the same time.  “

Who has helped Jason along the way and his advice for us: “My wife is my biggest supporter and without her I would not be where I am today in my career. We are all dedicated professionals and want the best for our clients.   Just make sure to make the same effort for your family and friends.”

Something you may not know about Jason….”I was an All-American wrestler and placed 3rd in the 1992 Olympic Trials.  I love being with my family and I like to hit the tennis courts now and then.  I have a beautiful wife Sarah, whom I met through the event industry and two beautiful girls, Kayla 6 and Dilyn 2 ½ .”

 By: Kristen Scruggs

Scruggs.kristen@yahoo.com

Two Left Feet, Inc.

Name:            Jason Gabel
Title:             Owner
Company:       Two Left Feet, Inc.
Email:             jason@TLFevents.com
Website:         www.TLFevents.com

Thanks to Two Left Feet, Inc for providing DJ services for the VIP after party for the
2009 ISES Orlando WOW Awards!!

Two Left Feet has been open for 4 years. However, Jason has been in the DJ industry for the last 17 years. He was born and raised in NY.  He began his DJ career at age 19 and began spinning music in some of the hottest night clubs in NYC.  By age 23, he was an Emcee, DJ and Dancer for Double G, one of the largest DJ companies in New York.  This is where he made a real name for himself as a high energy interactive DJ, “DJ Jayce”.  He moved down to Orlando in 1998 where he continued his DJ career through Party Tunes Entertainment. In 2006, he created Two Left Feet. 

Two Left Feet provides Interactive DJ entertainment and Full Production services for Social and Corporate clientele.

When asked what has been his most successful event, he says it’s hard to choose just one, but, he just performed at his 600th Bar/Bat Mitzvah, which is a HUGE milestone!!

Jason’s most memorable ISES experience? “I think one of the most memorable ISES experiences was the meeting/event we had at IKEA. It gave us all the opportunity to do what we love.  One way or another, we love to create memorable events.  At the IKEA event I was able to help be creative and have fun at the same time.  “

Who has helped Jason along the way and his advice for us: “My wife is my biggest supporter and without her I would not be where I am today in my career. We are all dedicated professionals and want the best for our clients.   Just make sure to make the same effort for your family and friends.”

Something you may not know about Jason….”I was an All-American wrestler and placed 3rd in the 1992 Olympic Trials.  I love being with my family and I like to hit the tennis courts now and then.  I have a beautiful wife Sarah, whom I met through the event industry and two beautiful girls, Kayla 6 and Dilyn 2 ½ .”

Name: Jason Logan
Title: Director of Entertainment
Company: LoganMania Music & Madness
Email: Jason@Loganmania.com
Website: www.LoganMania.com

Thanks to Jason of LoganMania Music & Madness for  being the emcee at the

2009 ISES Orlando WOW Awards!

LoganMania Music & Madness has been rocking the party that rocks your body for 14 years. They provide Dynamic Interactive Entertainment for corporate and social clients all over the globe.  DJs are just the tip of the iceberg.  They provide Emcees for game shows, tradeshow traffic builders, award shows, voice over work, team building activities, and much more.  They also provide clients with an amazing one of a kind show called Inter-Reaction.  Two hilarious emcees backed by a sound tech that makes the guest the star of the show.  We also provide entertainment for mobile marketing campaigns.  If you need someone to entertain an audience of two people to 200,000, LoganMania Music & Madness has your performers.

Jason is always trying to work on his craft.  Entertaining people; whether it is at the bank, on the phone with telemarketers, or at the grocery store, Jason is always trying to entertain someone.

Jason joined ISES because he says this is the best organization to learn, network, and get involved in the Special Event Industry.  He says he owes ISES with the success of his business! His most memorable experience to date was his stint as VP of Communications.  The exposure that it he received last year was tremendous.  It also helped him be a more organized manager of his company as well.

John and Kate from John and Kate Plus 8 fame has impacted Jason’s career and he learned so much from that fiasco!  Haha! No seriously, he says Dave Peters would be the biggest influence on his career. Working with him for three years taught Jason that he didn’t know anything about this industry.  He thought he did, but learned he was wrong.  Jason says, “Dave is very knowledgeable about everything, but there really isn’t to much he doesn’t know about Special Events.  Thank you Dave.”

Jason’s advice to us:  “This industry is not going to give a thing.  You have to start at the bottom and work your way up!  $10.00 an hour job is awesome!  Don’t think that because you read a book on how to do it, you are going to be able to pull it off.  You have to get out there and actually make it happen.  Also, ask questions to all the right people.  That is really how you are going to learn.  Find a mentor!”

When Jason’s not working, he coaches his kids soccer team and gives his wife a hard time.  He also likes to vegitate in front of the TV. “I have an awesome wife Christine and three amazing kids, Parker, Tanner, and Conner.  If you have not had a chance to meet them, make an appointment to do so.  They will entertain the pants off of you.”   

Name:              Cheryl Andrews, FSMD
Title:               Owner/Master designer

Company:         Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations, Inc.
Email:              Freesia41@bellsouth.net

Website:          www.cherylsdistinctivecreations.com

Thanks to Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations, Inc for donating two different floral creations for the 2009 ISES Orlando WOW Awards dinner/awards portion of the evening. There was a grand total of 1,288 Roses used in these centerpieces which took 31 hours to complete, not including onsite installation and assembly -thanks Cheryl!!

Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations has been open since 1995, nearly 15 years with over 25 years in the event industry. They provide floral design for every aspect of an event or wedding including tables, perimeter, entrances and trussing.

When asked to name one specific most successful event, Cheryl says there have been so many and just to name a few are the Arnold Palmer Invitation Golf Tournament, Children’s Miracle Network (4 day event culminating in the gala) and many events with Hello Florida! including I-Star Financial, Swan/Dolphin Smoker events and Tech Nouveau/Vibe.

Cheryl spends most of her days thinking outside the box to develop new creations, maintaining fresh relevance in the marketplace and maintaining her profile of a fresh, up and coming design company.

She joined ISES to develop relationships and a network of business partners and event specialists throughout the US. Being a part of both of the Orlando WOW Awards events (2003 and 2009) and receiving an Esprit Award in 2004 for Best ISES Team Effort are her favorite ISES memories.

In her event infancy, Patti Coons, CSEP introduced her to the world of special events while she was working for a foliage company.  She helped them and Cheryl develop the event floral aspect of the business which in turn gave her the courage to strike out on her own.  Because of her influence, Cheryl cannot think of another industry or career she would want to be a part of or enjoy more.

The Distinctive Creations team has a strong work ethic.  There are many other event floral companies in the marketplace and the one thing that separates them all is SERVICE.  Cheryl’s team’s #1 priority is providing not only quality product and designs but providing a level of service that is unmatched.  They strive for each and every client to feel like they are the only person they are dealing with and give each event their personal attention to detail from beginning to end.

Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys down time anywhere, anytime!  She loves the tranquility of the ocean accompanied by umbrella drinks.  Through the influence of her husband and son, music (the Blues) is a large part of her down time, which she enjoys immensely.

Name:               Stacey Feldman
Title:                Account Executive

Company:        AFR Event Furnishings
Email:              Sfeldman@RentFurniture.com

Website:          www.afrevents.com

Thanks to AFR Event Furnishings for donating stunning, elegant furnishings for our reception area, utilizing the exclusive ‘Infinity’ collection; brushed aluminum and reflective LED lights and their charcoal leather series for our

2009 ISES Orlando WOW Awards!

  AFR Event Furnishings was established in 1975 and now has 12 offices nationwide to offer consistency on a national basis. AFR provides exceptional rental furniture solutions for all special events, corporate meetings and tradeshows nationwide. They offer exclusive lines of products and have an on-line 3-D library of all their furnishings with exact scale event renderings. For several years now, AFR has provided the furnishings for the Fifi Awards as well as several other major national events such as the Superbowl, NBA Events, Nascar, and many more.

  Stacey spends most of her day reaching out to current clients and new prospects as well as designing room layouts, assisting with creative themes and writing proposals. She joined ISES in 2000 to connect and build relationships with industry peers as well as gain more insight and education about the industry, its trends, and experiences.

  Her most memorable ISES experience was creating the Orlando AFR office’s grand opening. She sends a warm felt “Thank You” to all that were involved: over 50 fellow ISES members assisted in creating a tremendously successful event and she says she could not have done it without them.

  The book, ‘The E Myth’ by Michael Gerber had a strong impact on Stacey’s career many years ago, on her business ownership mentality. She learned to treat everything around her with the utmost respect as if it were her own. She says it’s amazing to see how much more success you bring into your career when you see and embrace things from a different perspective!

  About a year ago, Stacey became part of a local community that inspired her to move forward full force with her artistic expression. Together and with their uncompromised support, she has created several art projects that she has shared with her community at large. Most recently is a 70’ diameter Walking Meditation Labyrinth constructed with over 100’ running feet of holiday twinkle lights as well as a Mosaic bicycle frame consisting of over 4000 jewels and gems.

Her immediate family lives several thousand miles away but she is incredibly honored to be friends with some of the best people in the world. She is constantly surrounded by her Florida ‘Phambly’, a meritage of people that she has met throughout the years in the Event industry as well as out. She’s grateful to know so many incredible people that are willing to share themselves with her. Otherwise, it is her ‘Super dog’, Harley.

Many thanks to conceptBAIT for donating all the spandex linens used in the

2009 ISES Orlando WOW Awards! Below is a little more about concetBAIT.

Names: Frank Clemente | Lynn McGhee [owners/designers]
Titles: Dir. of Event Design, Marketing & Communications | Chief Creative Officer

Company: “conceptBAIT”
Email Addresses: frankCLEMENTE@conceptBAIT.com | lynnMCGHEE@conceptBAIT.com

Website: www.conceptBAIT.com

Monday Morning News: How many years have you been in the event industry?

conceptBAIT: We have been in the event industry a combined 32 years.

Monday Morning News: What were your first positions?

conceptBAIT: Event Sales | Costume Designer

Monday Morning News: How did you two get into this business?

Frank: “I’m an Interior Designer by trade who at a time in the mid-nineties needed a break and took it via mortgage banking; then I met Lynn…”

Lynn: “Being the Lead Designer for a dance company that performed worldwide at Corporate Special Events, the progression to Planner/Designer was a natural one…”

Monday Morning News: What services do you and your company provide to the special events industry?

conceptBAIT:  From our humble beginnings & still to this day, we have held the largest rental inventory of spandex linens available east of the Mississippi & our Rental Department ships daily throughout the U.S. & the Caribbean.  Also, since conceptBAIT is a full-service Event & Floral Design Studio, we have the in-house capabilities of taking on projects of any size or vision - social, corporate or non-profit - completely creating & producing them from start to finish, floor to ceiling, with ease.  Our fully integrated Floral & Sewing Arts Departments, as well as the state’s largest selection of high-end specialty draping fabrics & colors for ceiling & perimeter draping treatments comprise or signature looks.  We also have in place exclusive partnerships in the areas of lighting & furniture to complete our designs!  The high attention level placed on the quality of our products and services is second to none.  With all the right elements in-house and in-place, along with a stellar staff, we are truly able to seamlessly integrate with any planner or DMC as their production company of choice.

Monday Morning News: What has been your company’s most successful event?

conceptBAIT: One of our most successful corporate events was the 50^th Anniversary for “Caspers Company,” the McDonald’s franchise for Tampa Bay.  It was truly a spectacle from start to finish!  We took over the Tampa Convention Center and transformed the massive space into two distinct environments worthy of a Golden celebration, replete with formal dinner for 1,000 VIP’s and the afterhours exclusive nightclub where the real party took place!  As far as Social events go, one of our most beautiful and successful has got to be the extravagant wedding we produced at a private waterfront estate which was so over the top it was featured on an episode of WE-tv’s “Platinum Weddings!”  We have such fun…

Monday Morning News: How do you spend your day?

conceptBAIT: Well, most of the day is filled with research, telephone calls, writing of proposals, sitting in meetings or driving!  That’s just part of what’s associated with clients, then there’s the brainstorming sessions associated with the marketing of our brand of magic!

Monday Morning News: Why did you join ISES?

conceptBAIT: ISES is an incredible organization, run by its members, of which a universal mix of wonderful talent, pools together to give credence to an industry for which creativity is at its core.  Who, with an ounce of talent wouldn’t want to play in that sandbox!?

Monday Morning News: What has been your most memorable ISES experience?

conceptBAIT: As fairly new members to the Orlando Chapter from South Florida, we will say this, there is nothing better than mixing with your peers in a fun and exciting space, created for your enjoyment with love, by those very same peers!  It’s at those times you can let go and actually have fun!  There’s nothing better…

Monday Morning News: Is there a book, person, or story that has strongly impacted your careers?

conceptBAIT: Having come from South Florida and having started with such an incredible talent, influence and close friend as Sean DeFreitas, has been very impactful and a driving force behind conceptBAIT and everything we do. Preston Bailey’s floral designs ALWAYS inspire our floral department…

Monday Morning News: Do you have a career or industry tip you would like to share?

conceptBAIT: Always stay focused, always stay true to your inner spirit and above it all, always have fun!

Monday Morning News: Tell us something personal about you.

conceptBAIT: Some of our favorite guilty pleasures include but, are not limited to are travel, shopping, finding great hidden restaurants and then sharing them, gossip magazines, family, home and last but not least – especially if you know one of us better than the other - dirty jokes!  …not exactly in that order.

Monday Morning News: Any Family?

Frank: I live in a beautiful home with my partner Toby Anderson and our two girls Lola & Alice, in St. Petersburg.

Lynn: I live in the Historic Kenwood neighborhood of St. Petersburg with my two girls Belle and Mimi.  We are better than Family, we’re Best Friends!

Name: Kris Shea, CSEP
Title: Area Manager, Special Events                                                                                      

Company: Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World
Email: Kris.Shea@Disney.com                                                                                                      

Website: www.disneymeetings.com

Name:             Cendy E Knight
Title:               Creative Service Manager                                         Company:       Hello Florida! Inc.
Email:             cknight@hello-florida.com                                                        Website:         hello-usa.com

How many years have you been in the event industry? 8 years 

What was your first position? My first in the industry was a wedding coordinator. My first with HF! was an operations manager.  

How did you get into this business? I left weddings after the September 11^th .  I got a 9 – 5pm job and started to volunteer with a “singles” group that I had joined. I became the activities and events chair person and decided to start a multi-county singles conference.  It was a lot of work, but it fulfilled my working needs more than my 9-5 job was. So I quit and went on a hunt for a great company in the events industry. I was hired by Hello Florida! in Jan ‘04 and the rest is history!

What services do you and your company provide to the special events industry? We are a full service Destination Management Company. More specifically my position designs and creates the environment that our clients want for their conference for on-property and off property events. 

What’s been your company’s most successful event? I like to think that my company is always successful with all of their events!  

If I knew then what I know now, I would have paid closer attention in art classes. 

I spend most of my day doing thinking of unusual and crazy ideas?

Why did you join ISES? To learn how to better grow within the industry.  

What benefits do you expect from membership? Just learning about the others in the association and learning from their experiences.  

What has been your most memorable ISES experience? Since I’m a new member, my first event was Event World.  Every night was memorable!

Name:  Shalisa Sloan James
Title  PresidentCompany Entertainment Central and The Caroling Company
Email:  entertaincentral@aol.com, carolingco@aol.com Website:     www.entertainmentcentralagency.com,  www.carolingcompany.com

How many years have you been in the event industry? 18 years 

What was your first position? Performer and company rep for conventions 

How did you get into this business?  My parents were entertainers, but tended to have “house gigs” in hotels and restaurants.  I started performing conventions at 19 when I was in the in-house doo-wop group with Universal Studios.  I fell in love with traveling, and with finding ways to infuse entertainment into corporate meetings in creative ways.

What services do you and your company provide to the special events industry?  We specialize in producing vocal groups, contemporary and traditional, as well as dueling piano players and cabaret shows.  

What’s been your company’s most successful event?  We love the large corporate events we perform as the corporate gospel choir Joyful Noise!  We’ve performed many of these, from McDonald’s to Merck, and it is such a blast getting so many gifted vocalists onto the same stage for an electrifying show.    

If I knew then what I know now, I would probably still be right where I am! 

I spend most of my day doing everything from vocal arrangements and staffing, to working with clients on customizing their show content.

Why did you join ISES?  To network among like-minded professionals and create a wider knowledge of our services in Central Florida, outside of the many entertainment companies we work with. 

What benefits do you expect from membership?  We’d love to help other companies within the industry develop great experiences for their clients.  We’re great at custom songs! 

What has been your most memorable ISES experience?  I’ve only been to one meeting, at Church St. Station before I was officially a member, but it sure was fun.   

I would like the ISES of the future to provide even more easy ways for members to find and utilize one another’s services to keep in “in the family”. 

Is there a book, person, or story that has strongly impacted your career?   I just read A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, and even though much of it could be perceived as hype, I took away great advice about goals:  Be the absolute best you can be in your industry in any given moment, and your strong work will simply open the doors for you. 

Do you have a career or industry tip you would like to share?  When you are dealing with talent, always err on the side of giving them too many details, checking in too much, providing exact directions, and generally taking great care.  You can’t be too careful in dealing with artists, since their priorities and methods of handling information might be different than planners. 

Hobbies? Leisure activities? Family?  My husband and I love to travel together and enjoy leisure with our family of 3 kids, ranging in age from 8-13.