Friday, May 22, 2009

Back in the saddle

Hi - I'm back at work. Really it's been 2 months already, but it's taken a little time to get caught up on everything.

We've moved into a lot of Social Media while I was out and I continue to shephard our efforts with Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter (just started yesterday).

Are you using these technologies?

I'm going to an Association Forum brown bag on Tuesday regarding how associations are using social media for their education...I hope it's good....

Today I'm at Association Forum for a session regarding the 2009 Economic Impact on Associations that McKinley Marketing produced. HIGH expectations on this to hear and learn some good stuff to help us out.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone!

Christine

Friday, September 12, 2008

Getting ready for two babies!

I know a lot of you juggle the responsibilities of home and work life fairly well, and some continue to struggle. I thought I'd share with you how I'm doing trying to prepare for two babies....

One isn't actually a real baby, it's our Annual Meeting (January 11-14) in New Orleans. But it's a baby in my eyes because this year I'm going to miss it. Yes, that's right, I'm not going. BUT, before you get worried - it's because I'm preparing for a real baby. I'm due December 27 and the timing is just a little off...to say the least.

So my head has been in the office getting the team prepared and all the i's and t's crossed so that when my membership team gets onsite they'll be able to execute flawlessly.

Am I the only one who has had to deal with this situation? I can't imagine I am - I would love your feedback on how you prepared to put on your biggest event of the year and figure out how to get everything/everyone ready to work while you're out on maternity leave. The question of the ages perhaps....

-christine

Friday, August 8, 2008

Preparing for ASAE

From what I know of our members you all look forward to the PCMA Annual Meeting to get the most up-to-date information available and come back refreshed and with new innovative ideas. For you, the 2009 Annual Meeting (Jan 11-14, 2009 in New Orleans) will NOT disappoint. Stay tuned for more information on the creative things we are planning and the exceptional education (what else would we provide?!) that will be available.

For me, as a professional in the membership arena, I look forward to the ASAE Annual Meeting with the same anticipation. I'm getting ready to go (August 16) and have been scouring the website and the program trying to decide which sessions to attend. I've come the realization that I truly cannot clone myself and go to 2-4 sessions at the same time...darn it.

If you'll be in San Diego for ASAE look for me - I'll be the woman running from session to session getting as much information as possible!!!

-christine

Friday, June 20, 2008

Summer is here!

Sunlight is bouncing off the fountain in Millennium Park, Randolph Street is preparing for another festival of delectable food and McCormick Place is buzzing with the anticipation of a new show...today is officially the first day of summer in Chicago!

With the new season there is also a new team member here at PCMA; please allow me to introduce myself:

My name is Liz Giannini and I am thrilled to join PCMA as Manager, Chapters and Membership. My passion for associations started in college and has continued on throughout my career with years spent at both the Society for Clinical Data Management (SCDM) and the Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF). Members are the heart and soul of an organization and I have had the good fortune of working with thousands over the years in committees, regional programming, annual meetings, book clubs, mentor programs and...the list goes on. Long story short, I strive to create a positive and dynamic experience for members. If you have questions, concerns or ideas; please don't hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at lgiannini@pcma.org.

Or, if you are in need of a restaurant recommendation in Chicago I will be more than happy to offer my two cents...

I look forward to seeing, meeting and talking with all of you at Chapter events in the coming weeks, months and years!

- Liz G.

Monday, May 5, 2008

It's been too long...

I'm not sure where the last month went - but it disapeared fast!

I've been so keenly interested in the recent ASAE research on Decision to Join. In fact I attended a session about it last week. Not surprising, the decision for people to join rests on the time commitment and the work of the organization. There are so many different ways to become involved in an association.

What was the tipping point for you to join PCMA? Or, any other organization? If you're not a joiner (of anything) - what's it going to take for an organization to win you over?

Any other thoughts to share on why to join? I'd love to hear your ideas and maybe we can incorporate them at PCMA.

More later - Happy Spring!

Christine M.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Find Your New Position!

Quick musing for the day....

I have met 5 people, in the last 2 weeks, who have used the PCMA Career Center (www.pcma.org/careercenter) to find their next position. Not that I don't already know what a great resource it is - but to actually find 5 people who I have run into at various events is so completely awesome and validating that people are finding value and the right next opportunity through PCMA.

I also know that our student members utilize the site to post their resumes (as they approach graduation) and look for internships. So if you're looking for great, energetic employees who have a serious commitment to this industry - this is the pool of candidates you should pull from! Hands down - these student members are AWESOME!

Here's the link again:
www.pcma.org/careercenter

In special celebration of the anniversary with our Career Center there are special discounts available to you as PCMA members.

1. Post a job through April 30th and receive a second posting for half the cost!
2. Members of PCMA receive a $100 discount on each job posting.
3. Post a job for twice as long - 60 days compared to 30 days offered by most other sites.

- Christine

Friday, April 4, 2008

Social Network

The name, in and of itself, sounds like a lot of fun - combines too great ideas - SOCIAL and NETWORKING...but put together it leaves some people in the cold. The premise is fairly straightforward - you connect with people online instead of face to face. The role this plays in meeting planning is key, some might say critical, as it allows you (the planner) to add another dimension to the networking you provide face to face at your conferences and annual meetings. It doesn't replace it.

I thought this might be helpful to some.

http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/18872.asp

For instance, on LinkedIn, I accepted an invitation from a PCMA member. Easy enough, right? But then when I was at Springtime (http://www.springtimeexpo.com/attendee_home.cfm) yesterday he came up to me at the PCMA booth and we chatted for a little bit.

Beyond saying it's just "cool" - I would say it's a place you need to get to know and become familiar with. Once you dive in you will be thankful that you did!

You can find me at the following social networking sites:

1. PCMA Related - connecting with my members and people who come to our F2F events - PCMA Connect: http://pcmaconnect.intronetworks.com/

2. More social - but can be used for business as I am doing - Facebook: www.facebook.com/

3. More business focused: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com

4. Society of Word of Mouth: http://theswom.ning.com/

I encourage you to try it. I tried it and found people I haven't seen since college and high school. Start small, then your network will expand. I would be happy to help anyone get going on this - just let me know!
Christine