People 7-1-2002

Meetings & Conventions: People July 2002

People

Edited By Terence Baker

Anita Caufield is owner and self-titled “chief dreamer” of the Pittsburgh-based planning firm Forecast Technology Group Inc. (www.conferencestrategists.com). She plans meetings, conventions and educational seminars, primarily for clients in the medical and technology fields.

Why did you give yourself the title “chief dreamer”? When I created my business eight years ago, I thought that in our industry there are so many things to zero in on you can call yourself anything you want to. Most reaction to the title is positive.

What drew you to this business? I began my career in hospital administration. Despite being a not-for-profit entity, the hospital I worked for was looking for income revenue, so it started a conference division called the American Rehab Educational Network. I enjoyed organizing seminars and meetings and later on found I was more marketable as a meeting planner than a hospital administrator. After a job planning educational events for the Society of Automobile Engineers, I started out on my own.

What is your company’s niche? I work mostly in the automotive safety arena and in something called micro-electrical mechanical systems, or MIMs. I also plan product development events and educational meetings. The company markets itself as a strategist, doing less of the hotel room bookings and concentrating more on working with associations on their agendas, volunteer involvement and program goals.

How do you relax? I have to schedule any free time I get, but I do enjoy cooking and wine. I love Italian food, and I am trying to create the perfect red sauce. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

PLANNERS

Regner joins Friday Systems Services
Peter Regner has been hired as the vice president for conferences and grants at Greenbelt, Md.-based Friday Systems Services, a consultancy specializing in conference management, grants administration, financial reviews and automated systems development. Regner formerly was head of the meetings and expositions department of the Washington, D.C.-based American Chemical Society and is a former president of the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals.

Toland moves up at Daratech Inc.
Dana Toland has been promoted to executive director of conferences at Cambridge, Mass.-based Daratech Inc., a market-research and technology-assessment company. Previously, Toland was Daratech’s conference director.