The inaugural meeting of the southeast chapter of ICPA was held in Atlanta, GA, March 20-21, 2003. With a combined attendance of 38 planners and hospitality partners, discussion focused on topics impacting the way we do business today:

• New contract language to protect both sides in the event of a repeat of 9-11.
• Doing more with less.
• Justifying the role of an event planner to an organization
• Tips and tricks to manage the volume of inbound email from unsolicited sources.

The Exchange was dynamic and refreshing. It's not always the case where information and opinions are freely exchanged and accepted with such equanimity.

The group decided to continue the meetings with an eye to a meeting same time next year. There was also consensus on maintaining the 1:1 ration (as close as possible), providing for collateral displays during a cocktail hour reception, and continuing the dialogue started last week in Atlanta.

Personally, I was amazed at the turn out. I had envisioned six of us sitting around having coffee and discussing future trends. I couldn't have been more pleased in the turn out, the discussion, relationships reaffirmed, and new relationships started.