In this issue
Inspirational Messages from our SPINCon Speakers
Dean Savoca
Gerry O'Brion
Darcy Luma
A message from our Sponsor: Anchorage, Alaska
Remembering the Good Ole Days of SPINConX
Join SPIN! Anytime, day or night
Winner of the Goat Paintings
Inspirational Messages from our SPINCon Speakers
Dean Savoca
Gerry O'Brion
Darcy Luma
A message from our Sponsor: Anchorage, Alaska
Remembering the Good Ole Days of SPINConX
Join SPIN! Anytime, day or night
Winner of the Goat Paintings
If any of you are Harry Potter fans, I feel like 2020 should be called the “year that must not be named." Well my friends, we made it out of “the year that must not be named” and into our first month of 2021. Sure we have some scratches and bruises as we fought our way out of the “the worst year EVER” (oh..."the year that must not be named"), and now we’ve softly landed on a rose scented pillow that is 2021.
With that, let’s sit back and enjoy the first SPIN newsletter of 2021 full of encouraging stories, funny statements, inspiring advice, play-by-play recaps and a ton MORE GOAT pictures!!! Yayyy GOATS!!!!
- Stephanie Veiga
If any of you are Harry Potter fans, I feel like 2020 should be called the “year that must not be named." Well my friends, we made it out of “the year that must not be named” and into our first month of 2021. Sure we have some scratches and bruises as we fought our way out of the “the worst year EVER” (oh..."the year that must not be named"), and now we’ve softly landed on a rose scented pillow that is 2021.
With that, let’s sit back and enjoy the first SPIN newsletter of 2021 full of encouraging stories, funny statements, inspiring advice, play-by-play recaps and a ton MORE GOAT pictures!!! Yayyy GOATS!!!!
- Stephanie Veiga
And now for some inspiration from our SPINConX Speakers...
DDean Savoca, M.Ed., BCC, CSP™
What advice would you give our members to start and stay strong in 2021? Take care of you. Identify your success habits (what you do, what you think, what you say) that help you feel and be your best -- and make them a priority every day. Start by making a list of what brings you joy? Do more of that. What drains you? Do less of that. Remember that any challenge or struggle you face is an opportunity to learn and grow. Take a second and think of the biggest adversity you’ve overcome in your life. How did you do it? How did those success habits contribute to the outcome? You are more resilient than you think! Be Hopeful. Concede that this pandemic has had a huge affect on you, your business and the live events industry. Acknowledge The Auck. AND THEN turn your thoughts and efforts towards positively impacting the future. This is part of the journey through change we discussed in my session at SpinConX that we all experience. I believe you, the meeting professional, are uniquely positioned to make a difference in the future face of what our industry looks like. Challenge drives innovation. You already have the skills: adaptability, flexibility, the ability to quickly respond to change. You do the near-impossible when it comes to solving problems. Friends, if anyone can survive change, create new ways of doing things, address the new problems coming down the road--which there will be--it’s YOU! Dean, tell us about your thoughts on setting goals for 2021. I’ve always been a goal setter. I believe it’s important even, especially, with the uncertainty in 2021. Some may think you can’t set goals with all the uncertainty right now, but the truth is there is always uncertainty and 2020 was just a reminder of how many things are outside of our control. What we do control is how we respond – what we chose to believe, focus on and act on. When we set goals, it helps us to focus on what’s important. When we focus on what’s most important and connect emotionally to why it’s important, what I call our real reason, we are motivated to take action and overcome obstacles. Remember goals can be set not just for your career but for your health and wellness, relationships and even fun. Can you imagine setting a goal that helps you remember to have fun?! Why not? A better you, a more well-rounded and grounded you, helps you have more impact on others and ultimately our industry. What do you want people to know about your focus for 2021? I have four main focuses (professionally) for 2021:
SPIN Members - Do you know of any companies or teams that need a post-pandemic reboot? If so, please reach out to Dean Savoca at the information below! Dean Savoca, M.Ed., BCC, CSP™ is the performance development partner for leaders who want highly-effective teams that are focused, aligned and inspired. View Dean’s 3-minute speaker video. Contact info: www.savocaperformancegroup.com 1-303-333-3038 – [email protected] |
Gerry O'Brion
What advice would you give our members to start and stay strong in 2021? Craig, Carl, Rally and Desmond, my goats, say that 2021 will be the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). 
To start and stay strong in 2021 remember what we discussed in my keynote. Your customer insights drive everything. What do they want more of and less of in 2021. What do they hope for and fear in 2021? What problem are your customers trying to solve in 2021? Remember your customers in all that you do. Serve them better than you ever have.
Gerry, tell us about your thoughts on setting goals for 2021. A couple of thoughts on goal setting. I actually do a whole separate keynote on achieving more in your life and your business. Many times we don't achieve our goals because we're more committed to being comfortable than we are to achieving what we want to accomplish. The things that make us uncomfortable can include telling our goals to others, and asking them to follow up and hold us accountable. But turns out it works. A study by Dr. Gail Matthews from the Dominican University of California showed that if you set goals, write them down, tell others and then have them follow up, you're 77% more likely to accomplish them than if you just have a goal. What do you want people to know about your focus for 2021? In 2021 I'll be launching my book "They Buy Your Because" in June. I'd be very excited to bring the framework and book to any SPIN members' events! 
SPIN Members - Do you know of any one who needs to influence someone to say yes? Great! That's Gerry's target audience. Anyone influencing others buy from them, to donate to them, or to hire the best people. Gerry's framework of influence shows how people make decisions and how you can influence those decisions. Reach out to Gerry below!
Contact Gerry at https://www.whatbigbrandsknow.com/contact-us/ |
Could 2021 be the year we start to travel again? Let's hope so, and visit: Anchorage, Alaska!
Anchorage is a city of superlatives — home to more parkland per capita than any other major city in the country, the busiest seaplane base in the world, the largest urban wild salmon sport fishery in the country, the longest continuous double black diamond ski run on the continent, views of the tallest mountain in North America, and the list goes on.
So when it comes to visitor health and safety, Anchorage’s Alaska-sized commitment to wellness is no surprise.
Anchorage meeting venues are protected by state-of-the-art sanitation protocols. The Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center and Egan Convention Center both use VenueShield, an industry-leading set of cleaning and safety procedures. Major hotels have rolled out enhanced health measures: Hilton’s CleanStay program, Marriot’s Commitment to Clean, and others. Highlights include more frequent surface disinfection, sanitation stations for guests, and new cleaning tools like electrostatic sprayers and ultraviolet light technology.
Besides upgraded facility health and hygiene procedures, new venue layouts leave plenty of floor space for meeting attendees to get work done with some extra breathing room. A citywide mask mandate helps keep residents and guests safe in communal areas. These extra steps ensure Anchorage remains ready and waiting to show off the best of Alaska.
Between jaw-dropping natural splendor and all the creature comforts and comprehensive public health precautions offered by a major city, Anchorage goes above and beyond. Find direct flights from U.S. hubs, then hundreds of miles of meandering hiking, biking, and ski trails. Enjoy affordable accommodations coupled with priceless Alaska experiences. Bask in the mild coastal climate while soaking up all the extreme fun Anchorage has to offer. Find wide open spaces and a close focus on visitor wellbeing.
The perfect blend of urban and wild, Anchorage awaits — easy to reach but impossible to forget.
For more information, visit anchorage.net/meetings.
So when it comes to visitor health and safety, Anchorage’s Alaska-sized commitment to wellness is no surprise.
Anchorage meeting venues are protected by state-of-the-art sanitation protocols. The Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center and Egan Convention Center both use VenueShield, an industry-leading set of cleaning and safety procedures. Major hotels have rolled out enhanced health measures: Hilton’s CleanStay program, Marriot’s Commitment to Clean, and others. Highlights include more frequent surface disinfection, sanitation stations for guests, and new cleaning tools like electrostatic sprayers and ultraviolet light technology.
Besides upgraded facility health and hygiene procedures, new venue layouts leave plenty of floor space for meeting attendees to get work done with some extra breathing room. A citywide mask mandate helps keep residents and guests safe in communal areas. These extra steps ensure Anchorage remains ready and waiting to show off the best of Alaska.
Between jaw-dropping natural splendor and all the creature comforts and comprehensive public health precautions offered by a major city, Anchorage goes above and beyond. Find direct flights from U.S. hubs, then hundreds of miles of meandering hiking, biking, and ski trails. Enjoy affordable accommodations coupled with priceless Alaska experiences. Bask in the mild coastal climate while soaking up all the extreme fun Anchorage has to offer. Find wide open spaces and a close focus on visitor wellbeing.
The perfect blend of urban and wild, Anchorage awaits — easy to reach but impossible to forget.
For more information, visit anchorage.net/meetings.
Make Plans to Play
by Darcy Luoma, Owner & CEO - Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting, LLC
by Darcy Luoma, Owner & CEO - Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting, LLC
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
This is accurate in many ways with our family. My daughter Jadyn loves to make lists (I often write things on my list after I’ve done them so I can cross them off). Josie creates detailed spreadsheets for our foster puppies to track when they’ve peed and when they need their medication (um, well, let’s just say I love tracking data and am a spreadsheet queen). And both girls love a good travel adventure, like their mom!
However, there is one big area where they seem to have sprouted from a different seed. Let me give you a few hints to see if you can figure it out.
Last week I took Jadyn cross country skiing. It was her first time skiing this season, and she’s still learning. When I tried anything new at her age, I was always concerned about doing it right. I didn’t want to mess up or embarrass myself. Jadyn couldn’t be more opposite. She embraced the awkwardness of balancing on two skinny, slippery skis and focused on having fun!
Josie named all the appliances in the house and talks to them like they’re family members. She creates new TikToks while doing chores. She trained Alexa to provide quirky answers to her quirky questions. She changed my car GPS to have a British boy band accent. And, within 24 hours of getting our latest foster puppy, she dug out the bin of old baby clothes to see what might fit.
See the pattern here? They are playful. They find a way to have fun with everything! They’ve been downright goofy since day one.
They’ve overcome some tough days when their stay-at-home dad was sentenced to prison. And like most teenagers right now, they’re dealing with the challenges of online school, not having their sports or activities, and not being able to see all their friends in person.
And yet they still find a way to be silly, find joy, and infuse fun in almost everything they do—including chores.
They did not get this from me!
I was not like this at their age, and to be honest, I’m still not. I follow the rules. I make sure everything is well thought out before I do it. I’m structured and serious. I grew up with the belief that there’s no fun until the work is done. And since there’s always work to do, who has time for fun?
After this past year living with my daughters 24/7 (literally, we are together ALL. THE. TIME.), I’ve had a front-row seat to witness their playfulness. I want to do the same. And that’s why PLAYFUL is my intention for 2021.
This is accurate in many ways with our family. My daughter Jadyn loves to make lists (I often write things on my list after I’ve done them so I can cross them off). Josie creates detailed spreadsheets for our foster puppies to track when they’ve peed and when they need their medication (um, well, let’s just say I love tracking data and am a spreadsheet queen). And both girls love a good travel adventure, like their mom!
However, there is one big area where they seem to have sprouted from a different seed. Let me give you a few hints to see if you can figure it out.
Last week I took Jadyn cross country skiing. It was her first time skiing this season, and she’s still learning. When I tried anything new at her age, I was always concerned about doing it right. I didn’t want to mess up or embarrass myself. Jadyn couldn’t be more opposite. She embraced the awkwardness of balancing on two skinny, slippery skis and focused on having fun!
Josie named all the appliances in the house and talks to them like they’re family members. She creates new TikToks while doing chores. She trained Alexa to provide quirky answers to her quirky questions. She changed my car GPS to have a British boy band accent. And, within 24 hours of getting our latest foster puppy, she dug out the bin of old baby clothes to see what might fit.
See the pattern here? They are playful. They find a way to have fun with everything! They’ve been downright goofy since day one.
They’ve overcome some tough days when their stay-at-home dad was sentenced to prison. And like most teenagers right now, they’re dealing with the challenges of online school, not having their sports or activities, and not being able to see all their friends in person.
And yet they still find a way to be silly, find joy, and infuse fun in almost everything they do—including chores.
They did not get this from me!
I was not like this at their age, and to be honest, I’m still not. I follow the rules. I make sure everything is well thought out before I do it. I’m structured and serious. I grew up with the belief that there’s no fun until the work is done. And since there’s always work to do, who has time for fun?
After this past year living with my daughters 24/7 (literally, we are together ALL. THE. TIME.), I’ve had a front-row seat to witness their playfulness. I want to do the same. And that’s why PLAYFUL is my intention for 2021.
The value of setting an intention
by Darcy Luoma, Owner & CEO of Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting, LLC
For some, setting resolutions for the year can be helpful. However, resolutions are often tossed out before the New Year’s Eve party leftovers are. An intention, however, is simply a word to keep in mind throughout the year.
An intention is a mindset that I choose to keep front and center. It’s a filter that helps me make decisions, and it’s a way I want to be. I am currently brainstorming ideas for my year of being playful. But I also plan to Pause and Think, “How can I make this more playful?” and then Act accordingly in the moment!
An intention is a mindset that I choose to keep front and center. It’s a filter that helps me make decisions, and it’s a way I want to be. I am currently brainstorming ideas for my year of being playful. But I also plan to Pause and Think, “How can I make this more playful?” and then Act accordingly in the moment!
What’s your intention for the year? If you haven’t set one yet, it’s not too late! Take a minute to do a quick core workout.
Pause. Picture yourself in 2021.
Think.
• What’s the energy you want?
• What do you want more of?
• If the essence of your year was a gesture, what would it look like?
• If 2021 had a soundtrack, what would it sound like?
• What do you want to be able to say at the end of 2021, that you can’t say now?
Act. Reflect on your answers to these questions and commit to your intention. Write it down. And then write down what success would look like, so you know what you’re striving for.
January doesn’t have the monopoly on intentions
You don’t have to just set intentions for the year in January. Maybe you want to set an intention for a season, or a month (this is the first time I’ve heard of dry January…have I been living under a rock or is this a new thing?), or maybe even a vacation.
You can set an intention whenever you want. Being intentional is a key part of being Thoughtfully Fit! Start where you are and when you’re ready, comment at me on Facebook and let me know what your intention is. Need ongoing encouragement to stick with your intentions? Sign up for weekly Thoughtfully Fit Tips.
Here’s to an intentional 2021! - Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting, LLC
Pause. Picture yourself in 2021.
Think.
• What’s the energy you want?
• What do you want more of?
• If the essence of your year was a gesture, what would it look like?
• If 2021 had a soundtrack, what would it sound like?
• What do you want to be able to say at the end of 2021, that you can’t say now?
Act. Reflect on your answers to these questions and commit to your intention. Write it down. And then write down what success would look like, so you know what you’re striving for.
January doesn’t have the monopoly on intentions
You don’t have to just set intentions for the year in January. Maybe you want to set an intention for a season, or a month (this is the first time I’ve heard of dry January…have I been living under a rock or is this a new thing?), or maybe even a vacation.
You can set an intention whenever you want. Being intentional is a key part of being Thoughtfully Fit! Start where you are and when you’re ready, comment at me on Facebook and let me know what your intention is. Need ongoing encouragement to stick with your intentions? Sign up for weekly Thoughtfully Fit Tips.
Here’s to an intentional 2021! - Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting, LLC
Remembering SPINConX...Ahhh those were the Good Ole Days
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-By Stephanie Veiga, Helper and SPIN Aficionado
One of my favorite take-aways from SPINConX was the fun we had during Drag Queen Bingo. If you didn’t get a chance to attend SPINCon then let me tell you what you missed! A magical night of Singing, Sparkles, Lipstick, and a Cheesy Prize patrol. Our special Drag Queen guest was brought to us by BravoStarz - an idea born in the Corona-verse, built on the idea that Internet + Entertainment = Business Reality And Virtual Options. These cool SPIN family members provide world-class performers for your private VIRTUAL & HYBRID events... Well, let me tell you, BravoStarz brought us a Super Star for our Drag Queen Bingo named Cacophony Daniels! She was entertaining, funny, and she kept right up with our SPIN-tastic humor. We played quite a few rounds of bingo, and the cards were set to spell GOATS! That’s right, you got it, genuine bingo-goat cards! And the prizes... Oh my were there prizes! Virtual prizes galore! From 1970’s shag carpet-lined RV trailers to a non-expense paid trip to Tijuana. The stars were out that night! Tell us what you'd like to do for our NEXT SPINCon! Go to our Members Only (kinda like the 80's jacket) Facebook page and give us a post! And....speaking of our next SPINCon (this one 'goes to 11' for all your Spinal Tap fans)! |
There were ridiculous prizes galore at Drag Queen Bingo!
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Not a SPIN member yet? Good Gravy! Hurry...Run...
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PLANNERS:
Here's the thing...it's free, it's only available on Facebook, but you have to be a planner with 10+ years' experience to qualify. |
SUPPLIERS:
Suppliers can join only if they are one of our amazing SPIN Sponsors. Come and see what the cool kids are doing! Learn more below. 
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This next segment is brought to you by our friends
at The Goat Gallery (not a real place) where you can see some of our favorite paintings on display!
WINNER-WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!
During SPINConX we asked you to upload your famous Goat Paintings from our segment with our very own (not the real) Bob Ross (played brilliantly by our own Lisa Demmi)! After some great consideration, we're happy to announce the Winner-Winner Chicken Dinner is Mallari Ackerman! What does she win? Well we already TOLD you! A chicken dinner! Mallari should receive her Kentucky Fried Chicken Gift Card in the mail any day!
We got a chance to interview Mallari who was in shock and awe of her new found windfall. Read our interview with this wonderfully famous goat painting goddess herself!
What was your inspiration for the Goat painting?
M: Scruffy Realism
Was your family aware of your artistic abilities?
M: Yes, actually, we sit around the kitchen table quite often, play classical music and paint masterpieces together!
Where is your Goat Painting proudly displayed?
M: I mailed my goat to the G.O.A.T. herself, Shawna, to display on her wall of inspiration.
What advice would you give to other aspiring artists?
M: Whatever your skill level, whatever your inspiration, just goat for it!
We got a chance to interview Mallari who was in shock and awe of her new found windfall. Read our interview with this wonderfully famous goat painting goddess herself!
What was your inspiration for the Goat painting?
M: Scruffy Realism
Was your family aware of your artistic abilities?
M: Yes, actually, we sit around the kitchen table quite often, play classical music and paint masterpieces together!
Where is your Goat Painting proudly displayed?
M: I mailed my goat to the G.O.A.T. herself, Shawna, to display on her wall of inspiration.
What advice would you give to other aspiring artists?
M: Whatever your skill level, whatever your inspiration, just goat for it!
Are you saying you never wanted this Newsletter to end because you were loving the humor and shenanigans? Well, tune in next month because there will be more....MORE.....MORE!!!!
