MEETING DATE: 15 OCTOBER 2008
DOORS OPEN: 11:30AM
PRICE: $20 ( Includes Lunch )
LOCATION: EMBASSY SUITES
TOWN: ROGERS, ARKANSAS

Planning an event can seem very simple; schedule a date and time, locate a venue and invite a few people, but the truth of the matter is that event planning takes a good deal of time and consideration and maintaining a calm and focused approach during the process can make or break you, your company or the event itself.

The reality of the situation is a little more complex; budgeting, setting a date and a potential alternate date, reservation of the event site, acquiring proper permits if necessary, coordinating transportation and parking, print and radio advertising, arranging speakers and alternate speakers, planning the decor, proper vendor space allocation, restroom facility provisions, emergency plans, cleanup, event insurance and don’t forget about hiring staff and security. Just reading this list is enough to overwhelm most of us but keep in mind that event planning is a career field complete with professional training and informative techniques to help us cope and create the best event possible.

This October Women In Networking welcomes Lea Ann Van Winkle-Gisler, President of Southern Hospitality Management Company (SHMC). Ms Van Winkle-Gisler will be presenting an informative how-to on the management of real world event planning. She is a management professional who understands the absolute necessity of outstanding customer service and has been involved in event planning for the last ten years.

Currently, Ms. Van Winkle-Gisler’s company, SHMC produces and manages events throughout Arkansas and the neighboring region. Her signature in the industry is attention to detail and commitment to first class service. Southern Hospitality Management Company is a working example of how effective relational marketing and strong customer service produces a growing, successful business.

Some of Southern Hospitality Management Company’s clients include: The Arkansas Hospitality Association, The Dallas Ft. Worth Area Tourism Council, Clarke Alto, Cox Communications, Pepper Source, The AMP – Arkansas Music Pavilion, The City of Fayetteville Police and Community Resource Departments as well as many others.

We hope you will be able to join us this October for this enlightening presentation and the next event you plan will be a little ahead of the curve.

MEETING DATE: 24 SEPTEMBER 2008
DOORS OPEN: 11:30AM
PRICE: $20 ( Includes Lunch )
LOCATION: EMBASSY SUITES
TOWN: ROGERS, ARKANSAS

Sustainability is quickly becoming the word of the day in nearly every aspect of our lives, as businesses grow more and more company leaders and managers are challenged to to address issues that extend beyond the company’s bottom line. Sustainability is “the increase in productivity and/or reduction of consumed resources without compromising product or service quality, competitiveness, or profitability.” This is certainly not an easy task with issues ranging from employee health and safety to global warming and it’s easy to see how quickly overwhelming this topic can become. But what can we do? How can each of us, at home and at work, create a more equal balance between the needs of the people vs. the needs of the planet?

Women In Networking would like to provide some insight into how larger companies, specifically Wal-Mart, are addressing these issues. Janelle Kearsley, Director of Corporate Strategy/Sustainability for Wal-Mart Stores will be providing invaluable information that can help you and your business become more sustainable.

The Wal-Mart Strategy/Sustainability team was established in 2005 as part of a drive to incorporate social and environmental sustainability into its business practices. In her role, Ms. Kearsley is charged with deriving economic value from improved environmental outcomes by: educating associates on how to incorporate sustainability into their businesses; creating tools to enhance network – to – network communications; and communicating the sustainability strategy to internal and external stake-holders.