FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

MY BOSS ASKS: WHY DO I WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES AND PARTICIPATE IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKETPLACE? WHY DON'T I JUST CONCENTRATE ON THE US MARKET?
Whether you participate or not, whatever happens on the other side of the earth affects you. A narrow focus on immediate return on investment is short-sighted. Provincial thinking where you are concerned only with what takes place within a hundred miles of where you live or how many bodies you can put in your meeting and sleeping rooms is not only counter progressive - it is also dangerous.

Progressive economists argue - and I agree - that the solutions to global economic and political problems are, in the end, cultural rather than economic or political. The premises by which economists explain international trade are, in the end, descriptions of how certain basic cultural norms work out in practice on a global scale. Hence, social changes intended to alter the present disastrous course of events (Think Afghanistan. Think Middle East. Think how these have caused huge cancellations and serious drop in business) must, if they are going to solve humanity's fundamental problems, start with understanding culture and developing tolerance and friendships. 

We should be asking ourselves the question: "How can we construct cultures of peace, justice, and ecological balance ?" This is a question that should precede and set the framework for more specific questions about politics and the economy. 

When the world is at peace, people are just and the environment is protected - tour, travel, meetings and conferences can flourish and you will be able to take tons of money to the bank. Every little effort helps.

There is a desperate need to understand each other's culture and do business with other peoples in the world. Hence the need to reach out and participate in international conferences and take meetings to a level beyond logistics, standardization, ROIs.. That is what CIMPA is trying to do. Will your boss help? Will you help?

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE?

Friday, August 23, 2002 
13:00 - 14:30 - 
Project: Friendship Corps 
Facilitator: Andrea Sigler, PhD 
President and CEO, CIMPA 
CIMPA has funds for 6 pilot travel projects around the world. In this session, we will discuss the nature of the projects and how you can participate. All who are interested are welcome. 

14:45 - 18:00 
Chapter Organizers Meeting 
Facilitator: Andrea Sigler, PhD 
President and CEO, CIMPA 
Earn extra funds while honing your leadership skills. By organizing CIMPA Chapters, you will receive full support and training as well as get paid. Attend this session to discuss details. All who are interested are welcome. 

Saturday, August 24, 2002 
Tour to Dusseldorf and Cologne, Germany (Optional)
16:00 - 18:00 - Children's Event at Apple Park

Sunday 25, August, 2002
08:00 - 10:30 - Registration 
08:30 - 10:00 - Presentation of Bids for 2004 conference (limited to 4 destinations)
10:45 - Bus pick-up from Apple Park Hotel Lobby 

The complete schedule (conference ends on August 27) is at www.cimpa.org/itmicholland.htm

IS THERE A FEE TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOPS ON AUGUST 23?
None. There is no fee. All who are interested are welcome to attend. Attendees may already have proposed projects or are still just considering presenting a project. All are welcome.

WHO QUALIFY AS PROJECT COORDINATORS FOR FRIENDSHIP CORPS
Anyone who has a proposed project for consideration. We are starting with 6 pilot projects. But this is a 10-year project and we are looking at doing a minimum of 6 projects per year. That means a minimum of 60 projects and 60 Project Coordinators.

EXACTLY WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AT THE PROJECT COORDINATORS' WORKSHOP?
1. Each one will introduce themselves.
2. Dr. Sigler will explain the purpose of Friendship Corps and what we are looking for: simple projects that allow peoples of different cultures to work with each other.
3. Dr. Sigler and Suzanne Hugueley will present a sample project: Children's Playground in Romania
4. Everyone present will have the opportunity to present a project idea either orally or in writing or both.
5. Discussion

Note: 6 pilot projects for the initial year (2003) will be selected from those presented. All others will be considered for the following years.

WHO QUALIFY AS CHAPTER ORGANIZERS?
Anyone who would like to put together a small group of people who are interested in participating in CIMPA activities. Emerald membership in CIMPA is free. Gold membership is $295 for planners and $495 for suppliers. Chapter organizers are paid $100 for each gold member they recruit. Gold member benefits are valued at over $1500. Some member benefits like the use of exclusive domain names for their website, email address and others cannot be bought anywhere else at any price. You are not obligated to organize a chapter by attending this workshop. You may just want to get information. All are welcome.

ARE CHAPTER ORGANIZERS ALSO THE CHAPTER PRESIDENTS?
Not necessarily. Chapter organizers may or may not be the Chapter Presidents. Some Chapter organizers prefer to give that role to someone else who can help him/her grow the organization. Some keep that title for themselves.

WHY AN ADVISORY BOARD?
Chapter Organizers are encouraged to select professionals within their area of influence to help grow the organization. 

EXACTLY WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AT THE CHAPTER ORGANIZERS WORKSHOP?
1. The workshop will start with a motivational speaker. 
2. Introductions
3. Dr. Sigler will explain the role of Chapter Organizers, membership benefits, advisory boards and international projects.
4. A marketing panel will give tips and strategies on how to sign up members
5. Questions and Answers

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE BID PRESENTATIONS?
Only those who are making a bid to be the host of future conferences. The presentations are not open to the public.

EXACTLY WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AT THE BID PRESENTATIONS?
1. If they have not yet done so, bid presenters must notify Becky Smith immediately that they intend to submit a bid. Email becky@cimpa.org
2. Submit 5 copies of a written bid outlining details such as proposed rates and sponsorships upon arrival at the registration desk. Please do not email, fax or mail
3. Each bidder is given 15 minutes for the oral presentation. The schedule will be posted in the registration area. Tip: a video of the destination is usually more powerful than a powerpoint presentation. Basically, the oral presentation should motivate the committee to select the destination for a future conference. We would also like to know what items the destination is willing to get sponsorships for

PLEASE EXPLAIN THE AWARDS PROGRAM
We are looking for individuals, associations or companies which have made small or big steps towards develioping understanding, tolerance and friendships with peoples of different cultures. Details: Please send email to awards@cimpa.org

DO YOU HAVE DISCOUNTED AIRFARE AND HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS?
Absolutely! 75% off airfare and 50% off hotel accommodations for all attendees, exhibitors and guests. Some scholarships are available. Details: www.cimpa.org/itmicholland.htm