Simply Mumtaz - GMIC Conference Day # 2 - Report 2.2

So, we (your Simply Mumtaz gals) are back... Had a great day! After lunch we went out to do a site visit at the Oregon Convention Center aka Portland Convention Center - on the "Waste Not" interactive breakout session. It was really great to have a first hand look at some of the amazing ways that the Convention Center strives for "green". The biggest and continuing stat is that they have about a 64% diversion rate. In the tour we took note of the fantastic visuals for the front of the house to participate. The part that I loved was they didn't shy around "trash" - it was labeled "landfill". Also in the front of the house, they let the public or conference attendees review and understand how important sustainability was to the OCC. This included signage at various locations where they helped to educate on green practices. Here they displayed information on The Rain Garden... The back of the house was extremely organized. Everything was labeled and easy to use. This allowed their house crew to easily help sort for various waste streams. In addition, to the photos below - they composted, collected metal waste and the most special feature was they took the time to work with local organizations to donate left over items that can be used to help the community at large. This was my favorite! It was an environmental cow - fun and informational...So, from here the Simply Mumtaz team left for an afternoon of sight seeing in the great town of Portland... Here we are on the MAX Light Rail system. Our first stop, or so we tried, was to head to the Japanese Gardens in Washington Park. We didn't realize that it was a mile plus up the road and we only had 40 minutes to visit... So, we got back on the MAX and headed back into the City Center...

We hit Cacao - Drinking Chocolate - Not Hot Chocolate... Fantastic!

We then hit Knit & Purl, Jake's Grill, and the Amazing Powell's City of Books! We only hit 3 of the how many sections? On the way back - we passed China Town and hit Voodoo Doughnuts! Yes, completely worth the stop! Very cool, but not for the conservative at heart. I loved my Fruit Loop Glazed Donut...

We had a fantastic time here in Portland... We look forward to our next trip up from the Greater Los Angeles area. GMIC was great... great sessions, keynotes, networking, teams.

Simply Mumtaz reports in on Day 2.1 at the GMIC 2011 Conference

Hi there! Day Two. Wow, what a wonderful day - thus far! This is the early afternoon issue.

We wanted to first report in on Travel Portland... they presented a ridiculously great and fun video on Green Meetings in Portland. Here's the link! Click on the top left video - "Mon Assemblee Vert".

Next, we also wanted to show you the wonderful video that was presented by the Portland Doubletree and their greening initiatives within the hotel itself. Here's where to go get it... Click on the video on the right tool bar that is listed as The Power of Choice.

More cool vendors -Bolder Path is a vendor that will take your signage trash and create it into product! Check it out...

Next, another link... Eco Promotional Products, Inc.

Standing Ovation for this morning's keynote speaker! Amazing - Dr. Karl-Henrik Robert, The Natural Step. He spoke about the big picture - creating the abstract framework for everyone to reach a common goal... a common theme throughout the conference - Collaborate...

Green Standards! How do we as planners standardize? Use and learn about the APEX Green Standards - 9 Categories to review - Link here. Then planners can use Meetings Professionals International Sustainable Events Management Tool.

OK, off now to our team meeting... GO Team Cypress and Birch!

Green Meetings Industry Council (GMIC) Portland 2011 - Report Day #1

Hi everybody! Welcome to our first full day in Portland at the GMIC 2011 Conference. Well... yesterday we did a bit of sight seeing and today was all about Green. We wanted to check in and provide you all with our top highlights from today! #GMIC #GMICblog

We are at the Doubletree Portland - very nice hotel and what an amazing job they have done in going green! I'm going to see if we have a video to show you on how wonderful they are...

• We started the day with one big message - the catalyst to change is industry collaboration. We couldn't agree more - with GMIC being approx. 70% planners from across the board - special events, meetings, conferences, association, corporate, religious, pharm, US, Canada, Europe - we all have to come together to effect change.
• If we want to push a Green Supply Chain - we need to begin speaking with our vendors and become their partners in going green. And, of course, walk the walk.
• See about "closing the loop" with suppliers - for example - where they will collect your vinyl banners and make them into bags for you to give to sponsors...
• We, as planners, can create a Green Planners Wish List... wouldn't that be great.
• But, I have found some great Green vendors that we visited with today. More to come tomorrow...
• The first is Vapur - it's a reusable water bottle that you can fold, roll, or flatten like a piece of paper. As a business it donates 1% of annual sales to environmental organizations. Check them out... http://www.vapur.us/ It's also BPA free!


• Second is KleanKanteen - check them out at http://www.kleankanteen.com/

• Two Vendors that we will be able to post about tomorrow are - Eco Promotional Products and BolderPath.
• A new term, coined from Richard Aaron at BizBash, get your ROG - Return on Green. Know what your ROI is in going green...
• When working contracts with venues/hotels - look for established programs and at a minimum include Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle programs.
• Check out the APEX Green standards... http://www.conventionindustry.org/StandardsPractices/GreenMeetings/APEXASTM.aspx

OK, that's it for day 1! We look forward to tomorrow's exciting fun. Follow us on Twitter at either "MumtazEvents" or "SimplyMumtaz".

Simply Mumtaz heads to Portland for the Green Meetings Industry Council's Annual Conference

Hey everybody! We, your Simply Mumtaz team, are very excited to be headed to Portland this coming weekend. We will be attending the Green Meetings Industry Council's Annual Conference from Feb. 20 - 23rd. We are looking forward to keeping up on Green, learning new "greening" activities for special events, conference, and meetings, in addition to networking with other "greenies". Click on the link above to learn more about the conference.

We'd love to see you there... And, we will post a wrap report with our biggest take homes! Stay tuned!

Race for the Cure - Support Simply Mumtaz Prez

Please support Simply Mumtaz Events President, Joella Hopkins, and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure being held on March 6th. We are fundraising and every dollar helps!

Click Here to Support!

Simply Mumtaz seeks an Intern...

Simply Mumtaz Events is seeking an intern... Interested?

As an intern you will provide administrative support with database entry, mass mailings, answer phones, run errands and conduct follow up calls. Maintain and update event filing systems. Provide on-site assistance to event planners. In addition to gaining hands on experience serving as an assistant event planner, we are looking for a person who has excellent research skills, strong organizational and communication skills, is internet savvy, personable, articulate, a fast learner, detail-orientated, has the ability to multi-task, highly motivated, reliable, and is an independent worker.Must be willing to work hands on at events.

If you want to apply, please email joella@simplymumtaz.com and include your current resume and cover letter.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Getting Your Messaging Across This Valentine’s Day!

So, we wanted to post an update for you on what we think is a super fantastic idea. As so many of us know there is a trend in marketing your businesses – not to send traditional holiday greetings. Many organizations are starting pick another holiday to spend their time and funds on to stand out from the rest – basically be remembered for something special.

Last year, we sent Halloween greetings! They were so well received that we are excited that this year we are doing, you guessed it – Valentine’s Day! Now tell me who doesn’t love their clients. So, we are going to be them some L.O.V.E. this Valentine’s Day. We are going to be sending each of our clients a dozen roses with a special note simply saying – “We Love Our Clients!” Thank you for your business. Let’s face it – who doesn’t want a dozen red roses on Valentines?

Our first attempt at identifying ourselves at being different was sending special Dia de Los Muertos celebration “Calaveras”. Simply Mumtaz’ President is Mexican and along with our customized Calaveras with “Mumtaz” on them we sent a ghoulish poem explaining why they were getting the gift and what it stood for… It created such a wonderful buzz!
After our wonderful Dia de Los Muertos celebration we decided on Halloween and did a more mass mailing… We wanted to also highlight that we are a Green company as well so we just added it into the cover. Overall it was successful, but did not have as much impact as the specialized short list the year before. In marketing your company – always find a creative and unique way to rise above the rest and send the message you want to send. Stay true to your company’s culture and the rest will fall right into place!
Shine Away Our Friends!