|
Our
May Meeting
by Chris Agrippe, CPCE
Insights
on Success (How it
Works)
TIME:
5:30pm
DATELINE: 05-03-05
San Diego
LOCATION:
Marriott Gas Lamp
Hotel
Our
last chapter meeting
was held on Tuesday
May 5 at the newly
opened Marriott Gas
Lamp. Entering the
high ceilinged lobby,
the urban-retro-chic
decor was a glowing
synthesis of light
and fusion. Upstairs,
we enjoyed cocktails
as “I Love Lucy”
impersonator Reba
Spencer chatted up
the crowd. Those of
us who stepped outside
on the balcony were
treated to a view
of the ballpark, and
peeked into the Marriott’s
state-of-the-art Sharper
Image style Sunset
Boardroom, centered
by a commanding black
conference table highlighted
by personal candy
machines filled with
M&M’s at
each chair.
At 6:30pm we were
seated for dinner
in the earth-toned
Cabrillo Ballroom
at oval shaped banquet
tables draped in floor-length
olive linen. Each
table had a unique
metal sculpture jazz
tableau centerpiece,
and was set with the
latest in Avant-Garde
china and flatware.
As the program began,
house lights dimmed,
and the stage came
to life when DJ for
the night Merrylin
Brichmann of Artistic
Productions played
the theme from “The
Newlyweds”.
“Dr Mike Hogan”
of Entertainment At
Large invited our
panelists consisting
of four recent brides
up onto the set designed
ala late night talk
show. His mission
for the evening was
to go “Inside
the Mind of a Bride”,
and his easy-going
wit and charm made
the evening an instant
success. Dr. Mike’s
well-crafted questions
gave us insights into
the choices the brides
and their fiancés
made when selecting
vendors, venues, and
caterers.
These were savvy consumers
of our industry, and
their resources were
websites, chat rooms,
bridal magazines,
and personal referrals.
The most consistent
fact that each bride
had in common was
how she chose one
vendor over another.
The number one reason
brides chose a provider
of services (aside
from cost and reputation)
was the personal connection
they felt with their
sales manager. The
factors that contributed
to their positive
experience were “prompt
follow-up on questions
and requests”;
“easy to reach
on the phone and via
email”; “access
to the manager’s
personal cell number”;
“They got my
fiancé involved
in the process”
; and “the on-site
event manager gave
us options until the
end”.
Some of the things
the brides would do
differently? “Pay
more attention to
the seating chart”,
and “Tell the
vendors what they
don’t want,
as well as what they
do.” Extra special
moments? “Beautiful
last dance”;
“Sun was shining
on a rainy week”,
“Caterer made
a to go basket”,
and “The DJ
and photographer coordinated
the pictures so that
important family members
were present.”
The panelists’
conversation was honest
and straightforward,
and Mike Hogan is
to be complimented...
his hard work and
preparation really
showed.
Chef Steven Clikner
of the Marriott created
a delicious menu consisting
of crisp caesar salad
with classic homemade
dressing, perfectly
grilled breast of
chicken topped with
wild mushroom ragout,
and New York-style
cheesecake. The staff
was accommodating
and friendly, overseen
by Director of Sales
Kim McCarthy, and
Banquet Managers Mario
Gutierrez, and Susan
Shine.
After dinner, Affiliate
Chair Mike Ryan showcased
Genna and Kerry of
San Diego Bride &
Groom Magazine, and
Cathy Carpenter of
Appetizers and Inc,
who gave us the inside
scoop on the products
and services they
provide. It’s
easy to see why San
Diego Bride &
Groom and Appetizers
and Inc are a couple
of our best chapter
resources. Genee Thornton
Community Service
Chair discussed the
chapter fundraiser.
She continues to collect
slightly used prom
gowns and business
attire at every meeting
to be distributed
to the less fortunate
in our community,
and we all think it’s
a great opportunity
to help others.
It was remarkably
easy getting in and
out of the gas lamp
district during a
ball game because
our meetings continue
to run smoothly and
stay on time... start:
5:30pm and end: 8:30pm.
The complimentary
valet parking provided
by the team at the
Marriott was a very
pleasant bonus!
(Note from the board:
We are reaching record
numbers in attendance
at our monthly meetings.
Because of this, we
ask that RSVP’s
be made as early as
possible so that our
venues can continue
to produce the high
quality events that
are driving our success.)
Respectfully submitted by:
Chris Agrippe, CPCE
|
Community
Service
Update