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  • Posted by Jason Hensel at
    12:00AM 04/18/2013 • 0 Comments

    Get to Know the New CEO

    The MPI board of directors named Paul Van Deventer as the association’s new CEO and president on Tuesday (click here to read the full press release). His official first day is April 29; and he was in the office this week to meet the international headquarters staff and learn more about the departments and individuals serving the MPI community.

    He learned a little about us. So now, let’s learn a little about him.

    One+ editor Jason Hensel: Whose style has inspired you as a leader?

    Paul Van Deventer: For personal leadership inspiration, I say the style of my parents and what I’ve learned from them. For business leadership inspiration, the most significant is Kenneth Chenault, CEO of American Express, because of his focus on the people and leadership development side of the business. 

    JH: So, what’s your management style?

    PVD: I’m a manager who likes a collaborative approach and to empower leaders by giving them a clear definition of expectations and the tools to get things done.

    JH: Do you volunteer or work with any charities?

    PVD: I have worked with several different charities, engaged on boards for my kids’ school systems, as well as a group called Go Lightly Travel, an educational academy built in the Detroit inner city, to help underprivileged students find a career path. Other travel executives and I made a commitment to hire students from the academy as they came through the school. It was inspirational to be involved with it. Currently, my family is engaged in supporting a homeless shelter for men in Carlsbad, Calif., by helping deliver food to them.

    JH: What will you bring from your previous business experience to the association world?

    PVD: My work experiences have been primarily working in the B-2-B environment, working with large employers, specifically in lots of cases, travel providers. When you look at what we’re doing at this association, it’s very relevant from a B-2-B perspective, because the funding source is primarily coming from large employers and corporations, including travel providers. I think those relationships I built and my understanding of those industries will be very helpful for us.

    The other side of my business experience has been very customer and relationship focused. The association business is all about leveraging relationships, building value for our members and being able to engage and leverage the skill set of volunteers. I’ve done a lot of that in my career. 

    JH: What are some of your favorite books?

    PVD: I’m always reading several books at once. I read a lot of historical books, especially around military history and American campaigns. I like to read a little bit of easy-reading junk every so often, and I tend to follow my kids’ lead there. I just finished the Hunger Games trilogy. I also just read a really interesting book called The Admirals, which is about the leading admirals of WWII. You can learn a lot about leadership through history books.

    JH: What’s your favorite vacation spot?

    PVD: I grew up and was raised on the Jersey Shore, and I try to take my kids back there every year. It’s the most comfortable place to vacation for me. 

    JH: Who are your favorite bands?

    PVD: I like Bruce Springsteen, the Counting Crows. I love Jimmy Buffet shows—I’m somewhat of a parrot head. I tend to fall back in the 1970s rock era. Stones, Eagles . . . I love live music. The challenge is staying up late enough now to go see shows. Satellite radio is the worst thing ever given to me, because I drive my wife and kids crazy by going back and forth between show tunes to acid rock to classical music to some bubblegum pop from the 1970s.

    JH: What are some of your hobbies?

    PVD: Reading, cycling, spending time with my kids, golfing and traveling. 

    JH: Do you play any sports?

    PVD: I’m no longer competitive in any sports. I do a lot of road cycling. I snow ski with my kids. And I play golf. 

    JH: What are some of your favorite movies?

    PVD: From a funny side, My Cousin Vinny. From a historical side, I like Galliopli. From an inspirational side, I love Brian’s Song (the original, not the remake). I worked the reel-to-reel in a theater as one of my college jobs, and we showed Brian’s Song one week. I sat there and cried three times a night for a week. 

    I also like The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz. I love the new Les Mis. It’s my favorite play, and I thought they did a great job with the movie. The only challenge was Russell Crowe’s voice was so bad. 

    JH: Oh, you like plays?

    PVD: I used to try to go to two a year. The last play I saw was Wicked. By the way, if you follow theater, the La Jolla Playhouse in California has been just an incredible theater system for Broadway. A lot of shows out of there end up on Broadway. 

    JH: It was great getting to know a little more about you. Any other thoughts you’d like to share with the members of the MPI community?

    PVD: Well, I’m excited to be back in the travel community, and I’m excited to be a part of the MPI organization and working closely with the community, and I look forward to meeting everyone face-to-face at WEC this summer in Las Vegas.



  • Posted by Jason Hensel at
    12:00AM 04/16/2013 • 3 Comments

    New MPI CEO Announced

    After a comprehensive search, that began in June 2012, the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Board of Directors announced Monday, the appointment of Paul Van Deventer as MPI president and CEO, filling the top leadership role for the largest global meetings and events industry association.

    Van Deventer will begin his new role leading the association’s global staff, including its offices in Europe and Canada, on April 29, 2013. 

    “The search committee looked at a broad array of candidates within and outside the industry,” said Michael Dominguez, MPI CEO Search Committee chair and senior vice president of sales at MGM Resorts International. “Our primary focus was to find a high-caliber, globally-minded leader with exceptional communications skills, brand building experience and the ability to drive incremental growth and engagement. Paul was that person. We believe he will prove to be a collaborative leader whose conviction, focus and intensity aligns well with the job at hand at MPI.”

    Most recently, Van Deventer served as a vice president in the health and wellness division at Walgreens, the largest drugstore chain in the United States. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing revenue generation and client retention for Walgreens’ $500 million suite of employer-focused healthcare solutions. During his tenure at Walgreens, Van Deventer also led the national sales and account management team for the company’s $1 billion Prescription Benefit Management (PBN) subsidiary, Walgreens Health Initiative. 

    “Having led business groups for blue chip Fortune 100 companies, Paul is a seasoned senior executive with both international and travel industry experience and a proven track record for driving growth, creating brand value and developing high-performing, engaged teams from the inside out,” said Kevin Hinton, current MPI chairman and executive vice president of Associated Luxury Hotels International.

    Earlier in his career, Van Deventer spent 22 years with American Express. While there, he had direct experience with the business travel sector and meetings and events when, as senior director of multinational sales and operations, he led a $350 million global business unit with responsibility for more than 50 business travel customer service centers, 500 employees and a meetings/events group focused on the automotive industry. He also spent two years directing American Express’ $3 billion travel and corporate card businesses in Australia and New Zealand. In his last position at American Express, Mr. Van Deventer built and led a team managing $8 billion in global corporate card relationships with the company’s largest multinational customers. His team achieved annual double digit top-line revenue growth, while delivering 32 percent year-on-year international growth, $1.9 billion in new sales and achieving “world-class” status in 14 of 14 employee satisfaction dimensions.

    “Paul is client-focused, smart and engaging, possessing the skills and experience to build strong relationships and transform businesses,” Hinton said. “We believe he’s the right leader to leverage our existing strengths and strategy to broaden MPI’s impact – be it through new partnerships, products or market opportunities. He will be a compelling evangelist for MPI, as we look to expand our engagement with members, chapters, the business community and the broader meetings and events industry.”

    Van Deventer feels fortunate to be stepping into a strong organization primed for continued success.

    “MPI has a rich history of industry leadership, education and best practice facilitation, led by a group of passionate and engaged volunteers and professional staff,” he said. “I am excited to be returning to my meetings and travel roots to help leverage MPI’s strong brand and vibrant chapter network to invigorate and engage MPI members and expand MPI’s global reach and role as an industry advocate.” 



  • Posted by Jason Hensel at
    12:00AM 04/08/2013 • 0 Comments

    Detroit Meeting Industry On Solid Ground

    Kevyn Orr began work on March 25 as Detroit’s emergency financial manager, an appointment made by Michigan Governor Rick Synder. Orr—a Washington, D.C., attorney and counselor during the Chrysler Group’s restructuring—is tasked with bringing the state’s largest city into good financial health.

    So could this mean big changes for the city’s meeting industry? Thankfully, no, says Larry D. Alexander, Detroit Metro CVB President and CEO.

    “The Detroit Metro CVB is not an arm of city government; we are a private, not-for-profit regional entity that receives funding from hotel assessments and membership dues,” said Alexander. “Therefore, the city’s issues pose no threat to our operations.”

    Detroit is not unlike many other cities that have suffered through the economic downturn, he says. 

    “However, this has been an extremely challenging time for the Detroit Metro CVB because we’ve had to address concerns relating to the financial condition of the city, such as whether our organization will continue to operate without disruption, whether our Cobo Convention Center will still be operational and whether the city will be able to provide essential services to groups holding their conventions here.”

    The Cobo Convention Center is also safe. 

    “The Cobo Convention Center is an independent regional entity,” Alexander said. “It is funded by its revenue and the state of Michigan. Since 2009, it has been managed by a five-member authority representing the city, state and a three-county region. The center has never been more financially stable.

    “I can also assure you that meeting in Detroit will be seamless in terms of the hospitality and necessary city services provided to groups,” he continued. “The state of Michigan is on solid financial footing and our governor is committed to ensuring the continued renaissance of Michigan’s largest city.”

    Photo Credit: Vito Palmissano, Courtesy of the Detroit Metro CVB



  • Posted by Jason Hensel at
    12:00AM 03/29/2013 • 1 Comments

    Ways to Stay Healthy While On the Road

    University of Colorado Boulder researchers recently released a study showing that sleeping only five hours a night and having unlimited access to food can cause people to gain almost two pounds of weight a week. The study suggests that getting more sleep could help curtail the obesity epidemic.

    “I don’t think extra sleep by itself is going to lead to weight loss,” said Kenneth Wright, director of the university’s Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory, which led the study. “Problems with weight gain and obesity are much more complex than that. But I think it could help. If we can incorporate healthy sleep into weight-loss and weight-maintenance programs, our findings suggest that it may assist people to obtain a healthier weight.”

    The researchers found that staying awake longer requires more energy; however, the quantity of food consumed by the study participants offsets the extra calories burned. 

    “Just getting less sleep, by itself, is not going to lead to weight gain,” Wright said. “But when people get insufficient sleep, it leads them to eat more than they actually need.”

    Meeting professionals are a ripe workforce for insufficient sleep. Planning and supplying meetings and events can tax even the most healthy individual. There are ways, though, you can keep your body healthy and your well-being in shape. 

    “For me, a hotel with a 24-hour gym is a must,” said Charles Massey, CMP, founder and CEO of SYNAXIS Meetings & Events. “On site and when travelling on a ‘regular’ business trip (whatever that is) I try to get at least 30 minutes worth of cardio plus some stretches in every morning. Some mornings, that might require getting up at 4 a.m.”

    Massey says hydration is key to keeping healthy.

    “I also make sure to drink lots of water, especially when I’m going to be walking several miles each day in a convention center or hotel,” he said. “In addition, I make sure to pack lots of EmergenC and Berocca (water soluble vitamin B-complex) and mix it with my water and also keep it handy for when I ‘crash’ in the afternoon. It’s much better than caffeine (although I do get plenty of that in the morning, albeit with green tea).” 

    And then there’s the sleep component. 

    “Get sufficient sleep (which for me is 5 hours) and take breaks when you can,” Massey said. “Luckily our onsite teams are ‘cross trained’ so we can cover for each other when one of us needs to take a break. And don’t over do it with alcohol (often easier said than done in our industry). Know your limitations. For me, I know that I am the early bird and some of my colleagues are night owls, so we schedule ourselves onsite accordingly.”

    Massey is great at keeping healthy on the road. Are you? How do you stay healthy while planning and producing meetings and events? Please let us know your tips in the comments.



  • Posted by Jason Hensel at
    12:00AM 03/25/2013 • 0 Comments

    The WestField Chapter's MeetNow 2013 Was a Success

    The following event wrap-up was written by Judy N. Stern, CMP, Marriott Global Accounts, WestField Board of Directors.

    The MPI WestField Chapter’s MeetNow 2013 was an enormous success. This year’s program took place on Thursday, February 21, at the DOLCE Norwalk for a crowd of more than 100 participants. The theme was “Build your Future.”

    The program was kicked off by MPI’s incoming chairman, Michael Dominguez, who spoke about the changing hospitality world. His message applied to everyone, as he shared the reality of the marketplace and how the impact of the 2008 and 2009 recession has affected our industry. His presentation was compelling and offered food for thought as well as areas for negotiation and flexibility.

    Author Dawn Rasmussen led a session on the “Roadmap to a More Professional You.” In her session, Rasmussen shared concrete action plans to help assist and enhance the way you track your accomplishments and use those to better position yourself for the future.

    The education sessions were closed by Terri Breining, CMP, CMM, voted one of the most influential people in the meetings industry. Her session, “Leadership in the Changing World of the Meeting Professional,” shared insight on how to get the most out of your team and work environment. Her wealth of experience comes not only from having run a successful business, but also from her MPI leadership roles.

    Terri Breining, CMP, CMM

    Terri Breining, CMP, CMM


    The general session room looked amazing. The comfortable seating—representing a mixture of couches, chairs and coffee tables—was provided by CORT Event Furnishings. The furniture arrangement in the ballroom literally kept everyone in their seats and thoroughly engaged in the program. It was a huge undertaking to provide this elaborate set-up, and people could not help but be wowed! CORT’s involvement in this program took MeetNow to the next level. 

    Our chapter is fortunate to have so many generous sponsors who supported our program. Our audiovisual sponsor, M Communications, is a great chapter partner. The A/V they provided was priceless...and all with a smile and can-do attitude. DOLCE Norwalk was tremendous. Its woodsy setting and comfortable ambiance provided the perfect setting for a day-long program. The food and beverage were first-class, and the service was extraordinary. The lunch and break-outs were amazing, and received rave reviews from everyone. We could not have asked for a better venue sponsor! The day’s activities were professionally captured on camera by our charming photography sponsor, Jacques Cornell of Happening Photos. Colorful re-usable bags for each attendee were generously provided by chapter past president Marty Bear of PMSI, who also festooned the ladies with bejeweled lanyards for their name badges!

    The involvement of the “movers and shakers” of MPI was so important. Dominguez, Breining and MPI Chapter Business Manager Dana Perrino virtually brought MPI headquarters to DOLCE Norwalk. It was an honor to have this group share in the MPI WestField Chapter’s MeetNow event.

    MPI WestField Chapter’s MeetNow 2013

    MPI WestField Chapter’s MeetNow 2013


    The exposition space was bustling with more than 20 exhibitor sponsors who created festive table-tops and provided many special giveaways and raffle prizes for the conference attendees.

    Our gratitude goes out to the Education and MeetNow Committees. It takes a village to put on a program like this. Special thanks to Sharon Schenk, Bonnie Cunningham, Jerry Longo, Joan LaRosa, Heather Hansen-O’Neill, Anne Baron, Maurice Echeverry, Kerri LaGrutta, Mozelle Goodwin, Phyllis Shelton, Cameron Toth, Susan Abrams, Mara Bonfeld and Pam Martin.

    MPI WestField Chapter’s MeetNow 2013

    MPI WestField Chapter’s MeetNow 2013




  • Posted by Jason Hensel at
    12:00AM 03/18/2013 • 2 Comments

    Could the GSA’s New Program Affect the Industry?

    You may have heard the news by now. If not, though, let me catch you up. FCW recently reported that the General Services Administration (GSA) is considering implementing a Meetings Management Program (MMP) for itself.

    “The MMP would offer a disciplined, enterprise-wide approach to managing conferences and events, including the activities, processes, suppliers and data regarding the meetings,” Matthew Weigelt reported. “The program would aim to save money, mitigate risk and improve meetings overall. The scope of the services, or level of complexity an agency orders, would be based on each agency’s own requirements.”

    What could this mean for the industry at large?

    “When the GSA scandal broke, we all questioned why the agency wasn’t responding with data showing that its meeting was worth the spend,” said Jessie States, MPI’s content and education manager. “The lack of this information directly reflected our own research—that less than five percent of meetings are measured for business value. But we’re seeing more interest in this area. Measurement and strategic meetings management sessions are becoming more popular among our members and at our partner events. It’s with this knowledge that I’m pleased, but not necessarily surprised, by the news that GSA has launched an MMP. The next time taxpayers question a GSA events’ necessity, the agency will have the facts it needs to present a business case.”

    GSA officials wrote in a Request for Information that the corporate world has adopted meeting management programs, and that they’re seeking to see how a similar program would work on the federal level.

    “A MMP would afford a government agency the ability to tailor meetings management to meet their needs while controlling meeting spend, and consolidating meeting and event planning into a centralized planning office,” the RFI says. “MMP offers a comprehensive approach to what has been a decentralized function.”

    GSA’s direction toward centralization is a positive step forward, says Roger Rickard, founder of Voices In Advocacy and president of Revent. 

    “Any attempt by government to become more efficient and effective in the meeting process should be seen as a positive sign that GSA understands the organizational value of face-to-face engagement,” he said.

    Still, contracting services may not be the best approach.

    “There are so many highly qualified federal government planners—some with CMPs, some with CGMPs—who could do this versus contracting it out,” said Joan Eisenstodt of Eisenstodt Associates LLC. “If I understand what was written, they want to contract this, thinking it will save money. Why in the world would they do that when most government contractors have mark-up on their prices, when the Feds have qualified people, when, through the Society of Government Meeting Professionals, they could get assistance to put internal staff in place?”

    That’s a great question, and one of many to consider about this topic. What do you think? Please let us know in the comments. 



  • Posted by Jason Hensel at
    12:00AM 03/18/2013 • 0 Comments

    Why Meetings Should Include Focus and Play Time

    Jeff Hurt is one of my favorite writers and presenters in the industry. He always offers great content on the Midcourse Corrections blog, and one of his recent entries is no different.

    It caught my eye because of the neuroscience angle, and because he mentions David Rock, who offers seven daily activities we can do to have healthier minds. 

    Let’s look at a couple of those activities.

    Focus Time: “All conferences should have dedicated time where presenters and facilitators allow attendees to consider how they are going to apply the content they’ve received,” Hurt wrote. This is something that keeps getting brought up in research, and attendees clearly want it. Why, then, is it so hard to implement this into meetings and events?

    Play Time: “Every conference needs dedicated time where attendees are allowed to be spontaneous and creative,” Hurt wrote. I’m a big supporter of play time, and without it we wouldn’t have such things as Gmail, Picasso paintings or any number of items created outside processes and procedures.

    “What do most Nobel Laureates, innovative entrepreneurs, artists and performers, well-adjusted children, happy couples and families, and the most successfully adapted mammals have in common?,” asked Stuart Brown of the Institute of Play. “They play enthusiastically throughout their lives.” 

    Hurt offers five other activities via Rock that we can apply to our meetings and events, and I encourage you to visit his site for more about them. And be sure to check out our upcoming April issue, where Hurt will be featured as one of our industry influencers. 



  • Posted by Jason Hensel at
    12:00AM 03/08/2013 • 0 Comments

    Congratulations to Members Who Made 40 Under 40 List

    Collaborate magazine recently released its “40 Under 40” class of 2013, and we’re happy to see that almost half of the class are MPI members.

    “While I’m honored to be named to the list—particularly in such great company—I think what it really reflects is all that we’ve accomplished in terms of our meetings business at Caesars Entertainment over the last several years, and the many people who’ve worked hard to make that possible,” said Amy Allen, director of marketing for Caesars Entertainment. “It’s always a team effort. Whatever the reason, it’s wonderful to see people who are helping to shape the industry recognized for their achievements.”

    A hearty congratulation to the following MPI members who made the list:

    Tyler Adams, Visit Denver
    Amy Allen, Caesars Entertainment
    David Anderson, Eventive Group
    Christie Arrington, C3
    Jaclyn Bernstein, Empire Force Events
    Jeniffer Bissett, Tourism Toronto
    Tajah Bray, Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel
    Rajeev Brown, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville
    Colleen Brzozowski, Krisam Group
    Melissa Dutton, UGA Hotel and Conference Center
    Adam Gordon, Las Vegas CVA
    Alison Kieckhafer, The Event Lounge
    Shira Kundinger, Inc. Magazine
    Shannon Lindgren, Forest Pharmaceuticals
    Anh Nguyen, Spark Event Management Inc.
    Suzan Nguyen, Mattress Firm
    Jillian Roksvaag, Maxvantage
    Jaime Theresa Smith, Bartha
    Michelle Thorton, Autodesk


  • Posted by Jeff Loy at
    12:00AM 03/08/2013 • 0 Comments

    MPI Participates in Groundbreaking, Notes Economic Impact

    “A healthy meetings and events industry drives vibrant economic leadership,” said MPI COO and interim CEO Cindy D’Aoust prior to a groundbreaking ceremony at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel on Thursday, March 7. “This new and additional meeting space helps the city of Dallas, and I think that’s the important message we want to take away today.”

    The groundbreaking celebrated the construction of a 30,000-square-foot meeting and event space—which has a scheduled completion date of June 2014 and is in addition to the already existing 19,000-square-feet of event space. It will include a main ballroom that can host up to 1,500 people, as well as an additional ballroom and rooftop terrace that will have views of the Dallas skyline. 

    After noting the major local economic impact of the events produced by more than 350 members of MPI’s Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter, D’Aoust said she feels that construction such as this helps not only attract meetings and events, but benefits the city as well.

    She further illustrated the economic impact of meetings and events by sharing results from the 2011 U.S. Economic Impact Study conducted by MPI, in conjunction with other industry associations.

    “We found that direct spending associated with U.S. meetings activity exceeded $263 billion,” she said. “Let that sink in for a minute: $263 billion in direct spending—$113 billion, or 43 percent, of the direct spending is for travel and tourism, and $151 billion, or 57 percent, is for the activities around meeting planning.”

    D’Aoust finished her speech by praising the advancements that will be going into the Renaissance’s new event space and citing meeting planners’ desire for environments that will help foster hybrid events.

    “It incorporates the latest technology to drive that engagement,” she said. “That’s a huge investment and it recognizes what’s changing in our industry.”

    Click here for a full-text version of D’Aoust’s speech.

    Renaissance Dallas Hotel Groundbreaking

    Renaissance Dallas Hotel Groundbreaking


    John Marriott, president and CEO of JWM Family Enterprises, L.P.; Pauline Medrano, Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Dallas, Texas; Cindy D'Aoust, COO for Meeting Professionals International (MPI); and Mark Woelffer, Renaissance Dallas Hotel general manager participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The event celebrated the hotel's planned 30,000-square-foot meeting facility.



  • Posted by Jason Hensel at
    12:00AM 03/01/2013 • 0 Comments

    Ethical Questions for Meeting Professionals

    The following appears in the print issue of our cover story, "What Would You Do?" this month. It's a conversation among meeting professionals about industry ethics, and we encourage you to continue the conversation in the comments section below. 

    Can you use points for personal rewards?

    DEBRA BARRETT, CMP, senior manager of meetings and conventions, American Academy of Dermatology: Points should not be used for personal gain.

    CATHY BREDEN, CAE, CMP, COO, International Association of Exhibitions and Events: Employees can use points from their American Express cards, but don’t advertise it.

    Would you accept a room upgrade while running an event?

    JOAN EISENSTODT, founder, Eisenstodt Associates: Maybe. It depends on what the upgrade meant and if others (the client, for example) were given the same. Let’s say that they upgraded me to a “business plan” room that included phone calls that would save my client (or employer) money, or that the upgrade was to a floor with free breakfast, saving my client or employer the money for breakfast. In any case, I’d clear it with the client/employer before taking it and I’d get the approval in writing.

    BREDEN: I would not ask for it, and I don’t ever expect it. When I am upgraded, it is a nice surprise. It’s silly to put me in a suite—I’m never in it! We receive some nice perks in this business, but one should never expect or ask for them.

    BARRETT: I feel it is up to the hotel if they want to or not, I would never demand it and have denied it especially if I have VIPs who should get the room. I once had a hotel yell at me that I didn’t have my boss on the VIP list—I told them that he is not a VIP. However, if the hotel feels he is, that would be up to them.

    Could you accept a round of golf or spa service? 

    GAYLE WEISMAN, CMP, senior conference planner, IEEE Communications Society: I can. After all, how am supposed to know if it is worth anyone’s time to use the spa if I haven’t used it?

    BREDEN: Yes I could, but I don’t play golf. If it’s part of a package we receive from a property and my attendees are offered it as well, I would accept (again, this is me personally). 

    EISENSTODT: I would not. And I think this again depends on the purpose: Is it to experience the course because your meeting participants will use it while they are there? Is it offered to the client, CEO or others as well? Is it approved in writing by the client or CEO? 

    BARRETT: No, but I don’t golf and if I did it would depend [on] if my group was a big golfing group, then it might be worthwhile to try out the courses so you can advise the group. 

    Would you bring a guest on a FAM if you were invited to do so?

    BREDEN: Me personally, probably not. 

    EISENSTODT: Again, it depends on the client’s or company’s ethics or operational policies, the purpose of the FAM, if guests were asked and why I was going. If the ethics or operational policy is silent, I’d look at the CMP policy (if I were a CMP) and I’d talk with my boss or client to clarify the purpose of the FAM: what I would be doing while there, my guest’s involvement and more...and get it all in writing! 

    BARRETT: We are not allowed to participate in FAM trips.

    Can you accept a fruit basket in your room?

    BARRETT: Yes, most times you’re up very early and may not get to eat until after everyone is into the meeting, so that banana at 5 a.m. might be your only nourishment [for hours]. 

    EISENSTODT: I’d have disclosed, up front, before the trip, whether or not I was permitted to accept anything and if I thought there was a chance of something being sent, I’d say, “Thanks but no thanks” and explain why.

    Can you take ink home for your printer if you’re working from home or use office equipment for personal use?

    BREDEN: Yes, we reimburse our telecommuters for their office supplies. 

    EISENSTODT: It depends here on the policy, what’s in writing and how permission is given or not.

    WEISMAN: There have been times I’ve made copies in the office because we have to travel so much for this job I don’t have time on my own to do some of the things I need to do.

    BARRETT: No.



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