Past President's Advisory Council

RMPCMA Holds First Past President's Advisory Council Meeting

The Rocky Mountain Region has always been on the cutting edge of PCMA volunteerism. RMPCMA held its first Past President's Advisory Council meeting yesterday. The setting was the beautiful Peak Lounge on the 37th floor of the new Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. With the inspiration of the view overlooking the convention center and the Rocky Mountain Range and the delicious snacks created by Executive Chef Scantlebury, the history of our region was discussed.

Russ Kraus led the region in1999 through a year of change and commitment to education. Volunteers began hosting CMP study groups in our region, thereby being instrumental in a national movement within PCMA to support the CMP program by offering CMP weekends, publications, and internet based study materials. Industry involvement is another focus of RMPCMA in 1999. With support from our region, the MIC became a formal entity as a group that benefits the meeting industry as a whole. Soon after, the MIC tradeshow was born.

Gary Schirmacher's challenge in 2001 was leading the region to be an advocate for the industry during the toughest of times. His success as a leader was seen through the continued attendance at chapter events despite the world changing event of 9/11. The creation of the Chapter President quarterly conference calls by PCMA Headquarters was credited in holding everything on track for many regions.

Deb Beldon shared with us the process of restructuring of the Board that occurred in 2003 by adding Committee Chair and Co-Chair positions. Previously Board Members served in these positions, as well. The new committee positions added a depth of additional service and created a succession plan for the chapter.

Nicole Marsh was instrumental in creating the Sponsorship Committee and the Knowledge Connection, a web-based idea exchange service, in 2004. Meeting Planner focus groups and facilitator led board retreats were also created during this time. The region's commitment to excellence increased as a result of these changes.

Stacey Pina's experience as President in 2005 was filled with challenges to keep the region on track with our new strategic planning process. She led us through a change of management companies, joining our golf tournament with MPI, and Programs On The Road.

Traci Beauchene recognized that board and committee volunteers were being stretched too far. In 2006 she introduced the every-other monthly board meeting, using conference calls and email consensus to resolve issues that arose when needed.

Gysela Fillingham, our out-going President, has reminded us that the remaining goals for the chapter in 2007 include 5% membership growth, increased recruitment of planners, and identify 2008 board candidates.

Also in attendance was Laurel Walsh, President from 1994, and Carol Lathrop, incoming President for 2008. Being among this group of distinguished leaders in the Rocky Mountain Region Meeting Industry was awesome! Each Past President offered advice to the new incoming President in hopes that it will enhance the success of the region in 2008.

Board -

• Keep board meetings down to one hour
• Settle controversies prior to the board meetings whenever possible.
• Surround yourself with good people - It truly takes a village to lead the chapter.
• Executive board members should submit their motions prior to the meeting.
• Keep the board focused in the right direction (on facts).
• Learn about Roberts Rules of Order (check the bylaws).
• Continue using outside facilitator at annual board retreats.
• The establishment of a chapter task force to help evolve the position of Previous Past Presidents.

Programs -

• Have at least one point/counter-point program each year to 'fire up the members'.
• Find ways to involve the outlying areas of the region (New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah).
• Mix & Match tables at monthly meetings - board member at each table who conducts introductions, business card and idea exchanges.
• Create a student/new meeting planner program - teaching reality.
• After the year-end retreat, give a 'state of the union' type address.
• Gather committee data from All Hearts, how can we do the Auction differently to raise more money' (Silent Auction Online). Focus on spouses at the event to increase attendance. What was the average amount spent on Action Items in 2005, 2006 and 2007? 
• Collect cash donations for charitable causes such as Network for the Needy by adding an option to every CVENT registration.

Recognition -

• Recognize some of the outstanding young meeting industry leaders at monthly meetings.
• Revamp annual awards program to be more exciting.
• When past presidents or committee leaders attend monthly programs, recognize them from the podium.

Volunteers -

• Learn from the planner members . . . what they want and the best way to serve them.
• Re-institute focus groups before or after the monthly meetings.
• Find a way to re-engage the planner members.
• Find someone to be a Historian for the chapter
• Add a blog to the website for the exchange of member/volunteer ideas/questions.
• Extend succession planning to past presidents.
• Provide leadership training that includes parliamentary rules of order.
• Have a meeting for people who think they want to be on a committee.
• Create sub-committees whenever possible to add short-term opportunities and relieve some of the workload from the main committee members.

Public Relations -

• Educate the public about the meeting industry and the meeting planner role, especially the financial impact on the community.
• Engage in more joint industry events (example: join MPI new student event 'Backpacks to Briefcases').
• Do a better job of selling who we are and what we do.
• Discuss the possibility of moving some monies from Money Market into a budget account for charitable events, such as All Hearts, to be used on an as needed basis and consider reducing the number of annual charitable events, perhaps creating one large charitable event versus several smaller events. This will create a larger presence in the community for RMPCMA.

This distinguished group's vision for the future of Rocky Mountain PCMA is better visibility for the meeting industry, member involvement with the laws and advocacy, celebrating the past while looking to the future with cutting edge programming, strengthen our previous vision of 'Experience the Difference' so that PCMA is seen as 'THE place to be'.