Feb. 26: Marketing’s biggest challenges: What we can learn from not-for-profits

[PLEASE NOTE: This event will be in the evening, starting at 6:30 PM]

Please register as a MENG member or a guest if you plan to attend.

Our event for February addresses two of the biggest challenges any marketing leader faces: Learning to do more with less and finding creative and less expensive ways to engage our market. This is especially true in the current challenging business climate.

So we’ve turned to the experts: Leaders of not-for-profit organizations, who struggle with extremely limited resources – and achieve great results – even in the best of times.

Our own Elizabeth Macken (bio) will moderate a panel discussion with some of the most prominent not-for-profit leaders in the bay area who have also had very successful careers in the for-profit world. Our panel includes:

• Eunice Azzani (bio), Senior Client Partner, Korn/Ferry International
• Rebecca Chekouras (bio), Interim Development Director, Northern California Cancer Center
• Annie Ellicott (bio), President, LeapUp Marketing Solutions and Board Member, Larkin Street Youth Services

These experts will discuss:

• what for-profit marketers can learn from their not-for-profit counterparts
• how alliances with not-for-profits can be of significant benefit and differentiator for for-profit enterprises
• how you (and, if applicable, your people) can benefit professionally from personal involvement in not-for-profit organizations

Please join us on February 26, 2009 at 6:30 PM (please note the time change). Please register as a MENG member or a Guest if you plan to attend.

There is no charge for members or guests. As always, MENG-qualified guests are always welcome.

WHEN:	Thursday, February 26, 2008
WHERE:	JW Marriott
	500 Post Street (corner of Post and Mason)
	Map to the JW Marriott
	Room: Executive Suite 4 (downstairs in the glass enclosure across from the entry)
	Parking is available at Union Square
TIMING:	6:30-7:00 PM Networking
	7:00-8:00 PM Panel Discussion & Q&A
	8:00-8:30 PM Networking

If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Weinberger.

Posted in February, Monthly Meetings, San Francisco
Tags: announcement, not-for-profit

Steve Pinetti impresses MENG NoCal members and guests

I hope you were able to attend the meeting on January 29. We had a great turnout and a very well-received presentation.

Steve Pinetti, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants told the story of how Kimpton’s brand has evolved over the years from individual hotels and restaurants to a reputation for unique and welcoming places to eat and stay to an umbrella brand to … what comes next.

Steve’s insights on giving every customer who walks through the door an incredible and personal experience were fascinating. From the now-legendary goldfish at the Monaco hotels to a loyalty program that sounds more like the hotels being loyal to the guests rather than the other way around, it was clear how Kimpton maintains the reputation that they do.

Steve also gave us some valuable insights into maintaining that level of service as the company experiences rapid growth and how involving employees at all levels becomes so vitally important. I know I was impressed by the amount of time Steve and his executive colleagues spend with employees in every Kimpton hotel, and found amusing (and insightful) the story of the front-desk staff member in San Francisco who challenges guests to cut a deck of cards (if the guest wins, they get a free movie or a room upgrade).

He also discussed how Kimpton’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, including their environmental efforts, helps keep the Kimpton brand on top.

If you missed the presentation (or just want to take another look), you can see Steve’s presentation here.

Check back here in a few days for information on our February 26 meeting, which will be at 6:30 PM in San Francisco. I hope to see you there!

Posted in Summary
Tags: Branding, Kimpton, Pinetti, Summary