June 2009 Reporter ISES Vancouver Chapter

ISES Vancouver Chapter Newsletter
June 2009 Reporter

In This Issue

AGM Review

Strategic Sponsor Highlight - Thomas FX

Get Connected

ISES Membership Renewal Notice
Membership Year:
July 1, 2009 - June30, 2010

Thank you
to our

Strategic Partners!

Save the Date

1. ISES Eventworld® 2009
August 6-8, 2009
San Francisco Marriott
San Francisco, California USA
For detailed information: Click here

Culinary Capers caters on the Great Wall
In April, Culinary Capers Beijing (a division of Culinary Capers Catering) served an amazing 4-course luncheon on the Great Wall of China for 120 guests. The event was a part of an exclusive land excursion tour. What an amazing experience for their team.
What are you up to?
ISES Vancouver members if you have news, let us know so we can show our other members what you are up to.
communications@isesvancouver.com

Help Us Help Others!
The SEARCH Foundation needs you to HELP US HELP OTHERS in times of crisis! The SEARCH Foundation aids persons in the special event industry confronted with a catastrophic occurrence, by providing financial assistance and support services. This is done through fundraising, volunteer services and donations made through industry-wide alliances.

How to donate or apply for funds: It's easy! Just log on to the SEARCH website www.searchfoundation.org and fill out a donation form or an application for funds. You can also call the SEARCH office at 877-777-9340 to request an application. All requests for assistance are treated with complete confidentiality and are reviewed by only one committee on the Board of Directors. Their mandate is to allocate financial aid and resources to event professionals in times of crisis.

Review: AGM and 15 yr.+ Member Appreciation

On June 3, 2009, ISES Vancouver gathered at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts to bid farewell to 2008/2009 Board members, to meet and swear in the 2009/2010 Board of Directors, and to honor five leaders in our association that have paved the way for our industry both locally and internationally. Guests enjoyed the scenery with a view of the marina and North Shore mountains, and sampled the canapes and desserts prepared by the talented Culinary, Baking & Pastry Arts students. Thank you to the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts for being our corporate host for this event.

Diana

Kathie Madden (left) on behalf of ISES Vancouver presents Immediate Past President; Diana Hambrook (right) with token of appreciation for two years of service in her role as President.

Thank you to the 2008/2009 Board of Directors for their service; Diana Hambrook, Mike Granek, Kathie Madden, Nina Corrie, Tara Connolly, Aimee Thanachayanont, Sheliza Dewji, Nicky Major and Alfredo Munoz.

Welcome 2009/2010 Board of Directors

New Board Members 2010

Left to Right: Eileen Bistrisky, Rhonda Pedersen, Martin van Keken, Debra Lykkemark, Nicky Major

Debra Lykkemark

President and Founder of Culinary Capers; Debra Lykkemark has been instrumental to ISES over the past 15 years. She has been treasurer and VP Programs on the ISES Board. She not only encourages her staff to get involved with ISES but has also catered many of ISES events. One of Debra's most thrilling and terrifying moments was partnering with David Tutera at the Special Events Conference which was result of being involved with ISES. To Debra, ISES has allowed her to keep on top of what is going on internationally in the Event Industry. Through ISES she not only stays connected to industry leaders but is also given the opportunity to be a leader herself. Debra has been a highly regarded and frequent featured speaker at the top special event conferences throughout North America.

Nicky Major

Nicky Major has been the driving force behind Major the Gourmet, a full-service off premise catering company. Through the years she has been an active member of ISES. Nicky has been a membership chair, a Buffet Blowout Sponsor, and a Strategic Sponsor at various ISES events. She has received two special event gala awards and four Canadian special events Star Awards which is a testament to her craft. To Nicky, ISES is great vehicle for networking with other suppliers and buyers in Vancouver, and around the world.

Eileen Bistrisky

Since 1992, Eileen Bistrisky has been the Owner and Founding Director of Effective Event Management. She has served as President of the Pacific Northwest chapter of ISES, Western Regional Vice President for ISES International and is a recipient of the Spirit of the Industry Award. Eileen was the first CSEP in Western Canada and continues to actively encourage others to earn their designation to help elevate the professionalism of the industry.

Rhonda Pedersen

Rhonda Pedersen is a founding member of the ISES Vancouver Chapter. She has continually supported ISES on several levels over the years. She has been VP Fundraising, Fundraising Chairperson, Chair of International Membership Committee, and Regional Vice President for ISES and a Strategic Partner to ISES through Pedersen's. For Rhonda ISES is important for professional development, ethics, and global outreach. Rhonda has formed strong friendships through the ISES Family and is a pioneer and leader to the events industry.

Martin Van Keken Jr.

Martin Van Keken is CEO of MVKA Productions and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Founding member of ISES Vancouver Chapter Martin was the first Canadian based International/Chairman of ISES and spearheaded the organizations "Code of Ethics." Martin was given the trust and faith of his colleagues to be President of the Northwest Chapter. For Martin, ISES is likeminded professionals who share the same passion, stand up for organized education and experience. Martin is a trailblazer to the special events industry.

Strategic Sponsor Highlight - Thomas FX

John (CEO) and Betty Thomas Quee (President& Board Chair)

It is always interesting to have the opportunity to meet our members at their place of business, and that is what I did just recently with our newest Strategic Sponsor; Thomas FX Group Inc.

Established in 1973, Thomas FX was the first special effects company in Canada, specializing in atmospheric effects, pyrotechnics, breakaway glass, prop making, stunts, and aerial rigging. If you have seen Superman I, Jumanji, Alive, Legends Of The Fall, Medicine Man, Cliffhanger, Bird On A Wire, The FLY II, Seven Years In Tibet, or shows such as Beachcombers, 21 JumpStreet, Wise Guy, MacGyver, or more recently Watchmen, Wolverine, X-Men, Fantastic 4, or I Robot, you have seen their products or work on the screen.

Thomas FX designs and manufactures many of its own proprietary products and is recognized as a world leader in biodegradable artificial snow products. Their snow has been used in movies such as Disney's Eight Below, Deck The Halls with Danny DeVito, Sum Of All Fears, Four Brothers, Mummy III, and Day After Tomorrow. Other snow products distributed by Thomas FX have been featured in films such as the Harry Potter series and the Chronicles of Narnia.

After reorganizing the company eight years ago Thomas no longer does special effects on movie sets. They continue to rent special effects equipment and sell production supplies to television and movie projects. They have also established a design and manufacturing division and have reached beyond the film industry to special events, tourism destinations, themed attractions, and international consumer retail markets, with high profile clients around the world.

In addition to an impressive inventory of special effects rental equipment and production supplies, Thomas stocks an amazing variety of creepy Halloween props and makeup effects in its retail store. If you are looking for body parts, skeletons, 12' high ghouls, realistic dungeon walls or animated creatures for your next event, Thomas FX is the place to visit. The Halloween store at Thomas FX is open to the public year round and, with guided "Spooky FX Tours" and fireworks sales in October, has become a significant annual themed attraction. There is also a large showroom filled throughout the year with unique decorative oversized props and products for every other season, products designed by Thomas FX that you will not see anywhere else in Canada.

Although Thomas FX began and still operates in North Vancouver, it has become a global player. Thomas FX designs and manufactures many of its own products working with numerous factories in Asia, Europe, and the USA. The company distributes its products to five of the largest retail chains in North America and regularly ships to customers in 40 countries around the world.

Thomas FX has the ability to customize products for the needs of its customers and helping event planners and production crews to develop, and execute, innovative and entertaining concepts is part of the service it offers. Some of the more unusual products they have been asked to develop include non-toxic liquid mercury, camel snot, and molten gold. They also manufacture a unique non staining artificial blood powder used extensively by the US and Canadian military for simulating battlefield situations during training. Thomas recently supplied its non staining blood, as well as dozens of stunt dummies and breakaway glass, to Olympic organizers for disaster simulations here in Vancouver.

So where does all of this creativity come from? Company owner, and co-founder, Betty Thomas-Quee has been with the company for thirty years, has won numerous Business Excellence and Business Innovation awards, and international recognition for business development. Betty is a three-time consecutive nominee for the prestigious Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award, and was named Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 1998 for her contribution to the local economy. She was the first female stunt coordinator in BC, first female Second Unit Director, and the first person in Canada to manufacture breakaway glass, now one of the company's signature products. Betty is also proud of the projects she did with actor and producer Charlton Heston, and of her time working closely with Director John Woo as the Second Unit Director on his "Once a Thief" series.

Husband and co-owner John Quee has a solid background in the entertainment and special event industry including many years producing successful themed entertainment events at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, and building the world's first commercial IMAX Theatre. Before moving to Vancouver in 1990, he produced a 96 acre provincial summer fair utilizing nearly one million square feet of flat floor exhibit space, eight stages, two arenas, and even a racetrack. John's production was recognized as one of the "Top 100 Events in North America". John Chaired Vancouver's first 2010 Olympic Bid support task force for the Vancouver Board of Trade in 1998, and was an original member of the team that began ISES Vancouver 20 years ago. He is a published author, holds an MBA in International Business Management, and is a member of MENSA.

A visit to Thomas FX in North Vancouver is an amazing and entertaining experience, and a real eye opener for anyone in the event or entertainment industry looking for something special for their next event . . . definitely worth a drive over the Second Narrows Bridge!

We welcome Thomas FX Inc. as a Strategic Sponsor.

For further company and product information call: 604-929-5455 or visit:www.thomasfx.com

Get Connected! Find your Advantage! Join the ISES Community!

Join the ISES Community

http://community.ises.com. Join over 6,000 of your fellow ISES Members in our NEW online community
The NEW ISES Community hosts thousands of members from around the globe looking to connect with fellow ISES professionals in an attempt to create more efficient, more informed business decisions, projects and potential project leads.
Watch destination videos, see event supplier photo albums, join or start a topic or regional discussion group, and read member blogs (or start your own).
Post information about yourself, add optional media and marketing features, see how Planners are rating their services, receive Requests For Information, interact directly with professionals and your internal associates, and much more.
For all ISES members, the possibilities are endless.
Over 6,000 of your fellow ISES members are on the ISES Community and I look forward to seeing you!
What is the ISES Community?
The ISES Community is the professional and social network on www.ises.com, http://community.ises.com for ISES members. Whether you are looking to connect with your co-workers or find new friends and colleagues within ISES, you can get in touch with those who share your interest in the live event industry easily on the ISES Community.
How do I join the ISES Community?
All ISES members are automatically members of the Community. Just log into the website and go to the Community!
ISES Community Tip:
Once you complete your online profile with a picture of yourself, your qualifications and experience and at least a few photos of your projects or services, join a group! This alone could generate more interest for your services - What are you waiting for?
Know your target audience. Who are your most important customers, clients or prospects, and why? Know what is important to them and address their needs in your newsletter each month. Include a photo to make your newsletter even more appealing.

Insert a "read on" link at the bottom of your article to drive traffic to your website. Links are tracked, allowing you to see which articles create the most interest for your readers.

ISES Mission
To educate, advance and promote the special events industry and its network of professionals along with related industries.

Visit www.isesvancouver.com for information on the benefits of an ISES membership and the Strategic Sponsorship Program.