SITE Chicago News

SITE CHICAGO Chapter

News

It's been an exciting first half of 2008 for the Chicago SITE Chapter.

In March, we held our Margaritas Night networking mixer at Zocalo Restaurant and Tequila bar attended by our members and guests. Thank you Teresa Matamoros and The Mexico Tourism Board - our gracious sponsor.

In May, our first semi-annual SITE Chicago Breakfast Series seminar took place at McCormick & Schmick's Restaurant. Our airline panelists gave a great insight to current pricing practices and what changes we can expect for future incentive programs. All participants were treated to professional headshot photos taken by photographer Phil Goldman. Thanks to Neela Johnston, SITE Educational Chairperson for organizing our first educational breakfast seminar. Over 50 buyers and suppliers were in attendance.

Chicago SITE Chapter's Annual Educational Retreat was held this year in beautiful Acapulco, Mexico on June 18-22. In addition to our formal educational program featuring speaker Robert Jacques of AIT, Inc, our board of directors and all who attended experienced five days of incredible hosted venues of golf, spa, exquisite dining, and night life in this exciting meeting and incentive destination. Acapulco is bustling with growth and the phenomenal new Mundo Imperial opening later this year will attract worldwide attention with its expo, forum, shopping, spa, golf, and resort facilities. You can relive our experience by viewing our video.

The second half of 2008 will offer SITE members a variety of activities. Please be sure to mark your calendars for the following:

SITE MEXICO CHAPTER- September 21 - 22
Mark your calendar to network with our sister chapter - SITE Mexico Chapter that will be held prior to IT&ME and learn "What's Next", analyzing the challenges and opportunities of the incentive market. Additional details to follow.
SITE NITE - September 22 Prior to IT&ME, SITE International will re-introduce the SITE NITE on Monday, September 22. Join our industry colleagues at this celebration with fellow SITE members at The Peninsula Chicago on the eve of The Motivation Show and see your very own Chapter board of directors' film debut. (Worth the price of admission)
THE MOTIVATION SHOW - September 23 - 25 We'll be seeing you at the number one incentive travel show in the world at McCormick Place. Be sure to stop by the SITE booth to meet and mingle with exhibitors, buyers, and members.
ANNUAL AUCTION & FUNDRAISER - November 5 If you attended last year's event at Adler Planetarium, you were treated to a wonderful evening of fun and excitement while bidding on your favorite travel packages, sporting events and merchandise. This year's venue promises to be even bigger and better at the UNDERGROUND-Chicago. The venue is hip and fun. Don't miss it!
SEMI-ANNUAL BREAKFAST SERIES SEMINAR -Date TBA This will be our second breakfast seminar of the year. The date, location, and topic of discussion will be announced once finalized.

Volunteers Needed

The Chicago SITE Chapter is looking for volunteers to assist the chairpersons for the Annual Auction & Fundraiser and the Fall Breakfast series seminar. If you have the spirit, we can use your expertise. Please contact Andy Surma for further details at asurma@airjamaica.com

Teresa Matamoros Elected SITE Chicago President for 2009-2010

The Chicago SITE Chapter board of directors is pleased to announce the selection of Teresa Matamoros, Deputy Director-Midwest Mexico Tourism Board, as Elected President for 2009-2010. Teresa has been a very strong supporter of SITE Chicago Chapter. She brings to us a wealth of experience and has continued tirelessly towards the success of our events and as witnessed in our recent Cancun and Acapulco educational retreats. In her present role she is responsible with spearheading the promotional plans of the US Market Marketing Plan designed by the Mexico headquarters for the US and Canada. Her focus is on business segments including MICE (meetings, incentive, congresses and exhibits.) Thanks to Teresa's commitment to the Chicago SITE Chapter and acknowledgement of the importance of the incentive business segment, with her "can do attitude" and high energy, we know Teresa Matamoros will be a great president.

Please join us in congratulating Teresa to her new role. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bich-Lien Kaldahl or any of our Board of Directors.

SITE Run the World Chapter Challenge

Our 2008 Officers and Board Members!

Bich-Lien Kaldahl		President
Jeff Weinman		Vice President & Treasurer
Andrew Surma		Board Member
Julie Hedlund		Board Member
Neela Johnston		Board Member
Kari Hennigan		Board Member
Teresa Matamoros		Board Member
Teresa Nelson Buescher		Board Member