1. ISAC Conference Q & A Kelsey Sebern, Meeting/Event Administrator

2.  Grew up in Manilla, Iowa  Graduated College at Iowa State University with Bachelors Degree in Advertising  After college, took a job as an intern in the Sales Office at Embassy Suites Downtown  Convention Services Manager  Executive Meetings Manager  Association Sales Manager Background

3.  In the past, there have been some reoccurring concerns with ISAC conferences.  I will now go through them and hopefully will be able to provide solutions to these concerns. Concerns

4.  Problem: We all know that Coffee is in short supply at ISAC conferences. Why?  Coffee is expensive. Coffee costs $38 (+ Service Charge & Sales Tax) bringing the cost per gallon = $49.94  1 gallon of coffee = around 10 – 12 cups or $4.54 per cup  In order to make coffee available all day, it would cost us $1,000’s of dollars Coffee

5.  Coffee Sponsorships  Cut costs other places Possible Solutions

6.  Problem: Marriott hotel rooms are always sold out in matter of minutes after housing opens  Problem: Members cancel hotel rooms at the Marriott at the last minute so the Marriott never sells out. Therefore, we cannot increase the amount of rooms that are available Marriott Hotel Rooms

7.  Waiting List  Once the Marriott fills up, there will be a prompt on the housing website to contact me. I will put you on a waiting list.  I will then check with the Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau twice a week to see if any hotel rooms have opened. If rooms are available I will send an email to the waiting list. Rooms will be available on a first come, first serve basis through the housing website.  We are hopeful that this increase in room reservations will allow us to book more rooms in the future.  Please remember to book a room at one of the overflow properties as the waiting list is not a guarantee that you will get into the Marriott. Solution

8.  Problem: ISAC secures overflow properties that do not end up getting much use.  Its hard to negotiate “great” rates for conferences when we don’t use our overflow hotel properties (Holiday Inn and Embassy Suites). Overflow Hotel Rooms

9.  Incentives with these properties  Embassy Suites—will be offering DOUBLE Hilton Honors Points to all members.  Holiday Inn– option to raise the guestroom rate $5 and include a continental breakfast. Also, the guestrooms will be renovated in 2015, so they will have all new guestrooms in 2016. Solution

10.  Problem: Marriott charges for WIFI in the guest rooms. Charges for Marriott WIFI

11.  Sign up to become a Marriott Rewards Member and you will receive complimentary WIFI during your stay.  I will send out resources that guide you through this process so you can all take advantage of this. Solution

12.  Problem: Valet Service is very slow on check-out day  At times taking over an hour and the valet bellman were not very friendly. Valet Services at Marriott

13.  Communication with Marriott staff.  I have been assured by the Marriott that this will be addressed with their internal staffing for future conferences. Solution

14.  Problem: Educational Seminar topics haven't been worth while recently. Educational Seminars

15.  Motivational or political leaders  I am always taking speaker and topic suggestions that you think would be great. Solution

16.  In 2017, the ISAC Fall School of Instruction will be given a new date and name  The ISAC Annual Conference: August 23 – 25, 2017  The ISAC Spring School will now be the ISAC Legislative Conference: March 14 – 16, 2018 at Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center Fall School Date Change

17.  LOTS of reasons- See handout on ISAC Website  Legislative Process  Cost  Dates  Why August?  Influencing Candidates Why?

18.  I am excited to take on this position and try to tackle these concerns. I want to make the improvements needed so that every year our conferences keep getting better and better.  In order to do this, I will need your help. Please send me any feedback you have so that I can be aware of what you like and dislike. We can work together to make ISAC conferences a success. Final Thoughts

19. Kelsey Sebern Meeting/Event Administrator 515.369.7013 ksebern@iowacounties.org Questions/Suggestions?