The Quarterly Newsletter for the Sacramento/Sierra Nevada Chapter of Meeting Professionals International Volume 30, Issue 2 • Winter 2014 Like us on Facebook Connect wtih us on LinkedIn Follow us on Twitter Lots of Crab! Lots of Fun! Auction, Dancing and More! Join MPISSN for Our Inaugural Crab Feed! Wednesday, January 21, 2015 5:30 p.m. Dante Club, Sacramento Join us for “Under the Sea ” an evening that promises an all you can eat fresh crab dinner, silent and live auction. Plus music by the popular Decades Band. The menu includes crab, salad, vegetables, pasta, and wine. Bring your crab crackers, butter warmers and get ready for a great time. $65 per person $125 per couple Table of 10 is $600 What’s Inside President’s Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 MPISSN Calls for Nominations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 November Event Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Upcoming MPISSN Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Have You Connected with MPISSN. . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Thank You Key Partners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Precision Every Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The Four C’s of Audience Engagement . . . . . . . 10 Volunteer with Us!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Thank You Game Night Sponsors. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 In the Know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Stay up to date at MPISSN.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 CMP Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Volunteer of the Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 1 • Winter 2014 MPISSN Connects President’s Message 2014 -2015 Board of Directors Dear MPISSN Members: President Jennifer Flohr, CAE, CMP jennifer@calodging.com President-Elect Jeff Dougherty jdougherty@visitsacramento. com Immediate Past President Kelli Schroeder, CAE, CMP kelli@wmmpa.com Vice President, Communications Jenn Wheaton, CMP jenn@cabbi.com Vice-President, Education Mary Zavislan Cook, CMP mary@sacproduction.com Vice President, Finance Felicia Price, CMP fprice@aging.org Thank you for your support this year! I am excited to report that membership is growing! One reason I think membership is up, is due to our great programs. Our education and special events teams are working hard to provide us with topnotch speakers and education as well as new, fun social events. If you would like to volunteer and help either of these committees, please let us know. I hope to see you at one or all of the following events: Jan. 21st – Under the Sea, Crab Feed Feb. 10th – Luncheon presentation: Devices Down! How to Keep Your Audience Fully Engaged! March 24th – Annual Trade Show with education And since we are half-way through our fiscal year, I want to thank our board for all their hard work. I am proud to work with each of you and I thank you for your dedication to MPISSN. Please feel free to reach out to me for any reason, comment, suggestion, etc. I am here to serve you and our community. Have a Happy and fun-filled New Year! Regards, Vice President, Membership Lynda Sagar lynda.sagar@sheraton.com Jennifer Flohr, CAE, CMP MPI Sacramento/Sierra Nevada President 2014-2015 Vice President, Special Events Robin Rinehard, CTSM rlrinehart@comcast.net 2 • Winter 2014 MPISSN Connects Upcoming MPISSN Events - Save the Date! January 2015, 5:30 p.m. Dante Club 2330 Fair Oaks Blvd, Sacramento, 95825 Special Event: MPISSN’s 1st Annual Crab Feed February 10, 2015, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Mack Powell Event Center 2003 Howe Ave, Sacramento, 95825 Luncheon Program Topic: “Devices Down! How to Keep Your Audience Fully Engaged” Presented by Shawna Suckow, CMP March 24, 2015 Arden Hills Resort & Spa 1220 Arden Hills Lane, Sacramento, 95864 Morning Workshop Topic: “Hands-on Technology Training” More information coming soon. MPISSN’s Annual Trade Show 3 • Winter 2014 April 21, 2015 Location TBA Membership Appreciation Event May 19, 2015 Location TBA “Speakers Showcase” June 16, 2015 Location TBA MPISSN Annual Gala & Silent Auction August 1-4, 2014 San Francisco MPI World Education Congress MPISSN Connects 4 • Winter 2014 MPISSN Connects Article Originally Published on Page 10, California Meetings + Events Magazine, Fall 2014 Issue 5 • Winter 2014 MPISSN Connects Another Successful MPISSN Game Night! 6 • Winter 2014 MPISSN Connects What Was Once a Necessity is Now So Much More By Christina Hake, CMP, California Head Start Association When I originally obtained my CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) it was out of a pressing need to learn more about the meetings industry as quickly as possible. My Executive Director was leaving our association and the responsibility of managing our events had been delegated to me. I had been an event coordinator for 3 years and was well versed in the administrative duties but I had never managed an entire event on my own. I soon learned of the CMP through my MPI and PCMA memberships. It became apparent this was the quickest and most affordable method to gain knowledge and credibility in my new position. With 100% support from my new E.D. I began this exciting endeavor. Within the year I had passed my CMP exam. What I thought was a necessity in order to do my job ended up being so much more. Earning the CMP provided me with the confidence boost needed to fulfill my pressing job duties. Now, I feel assured that I’m on the right track when I take on higher level tasks including contract negotiations, speaker/education recruitment, sponsorships, A/V requests, F&B ordering and much more. While studying for the exam I acquired a great number of resources including study guides and manuals. The most important resource has been all of the other planners that were on this journey with me. Studying for the CMP created an abundance of opportunities for me to network with my peers and create lifelong relationships with both novice and seasoned planners. These relationships not only serve as guidance now but can also provide assistance with my possible growth in the industry. Having a credential that is recognized globally by both planners and the hospitality industry reminds me that the work that I do is crucial in advancing the mission of my association. What once felt like a job now feels like a career. Prior to earning my CMP I was unaware of how vital face to face meetings are for the local and the global economy. Now, I realize this is a profession that is only growing larger and I’m excited to be a part of it. With this new found confidence and network of peers I hope to continue moving forward with my career in the meetings industry. Next to my college degree, getting the CMP is one of the best choices I have made academically in my adult life. Want to learn more about the CMP Program? Click here to visit the Convention Industry Council website for details, deadlines and application materials. 7 • Winter 2014 MPISSN Connects 8 • Winter 2014 MPISSN Connects MPISSN Calls for Board of Directors Nominations Each year the Nominating Committee recommends a slate of candidates to serve in the following positions: President Elect, VP of Communications, VP of Education, VP of Finance, VP of Membership and VP of Special Events. Serving on the MPISSN Board of Directors contributes to a meeting industry professional’s personal and career growth which benefits our Chapter. Current and previous Directors report serving on the MPISSN Board is a rewarding and memorable experience. Prospective candidates are planner or supplier members who are: in good standing; active in and familiar with MPISSN Chapter functions and events; willing to fulfill the obligations of office; have a history of involvement, accomplishment and dependable service; and are willing to contribute time, energy and creativity to the Chapter. Members may nominate their peers, once they have established said member’s interest in serving, or self-nominate. Visit www.mpissn.org to view the Leadership tab, then select Nominations & Elections to download the Nominating Form. You may mail or fax the Nominating Form to MPISSN headquarters or scan the form to Nominating Committee Chair Kellie Schroeder at kelli@wmmpa.com. Applications are due January 31, 2015. Have you Connected with MPISSN? Over the past two years, the MPISSN Social Media Committee has taken the Chapter’s Facebook Page to a new level. This year the Committee’s focus is to continue to improve and engage on Facebook as well as develop more of a LinkedIn presence. The committee is comprised of Co-Chairs Larry Jacinth, CMP, Kimber Chavez, and Anna Swanson. The committee welcomes receiving any content or ideas to share with our audience via social media - i.e. industry events, member activities or any industry relevant topics or concerns that would enlighten and engage our followers. To join the committee (the best way to learn more about social media) or submit relevant topic information contact larry.jacinth@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu, kimber.chavez@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu or aswanson@cacities.org. Not connected with MPISSN? Be sure to click the links below and LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE with MPISSN! Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Connect wtih us on LinkedIn 9 • Winter 2014 MPISSN Connects FEBRUARY EDucation Highlight The Four C’s of Audience Engagement By Shawna Suckow, CMP There are two huge challenges facing our industry right now. The first is audience engagement (I won’t go into the second one here, but just in case you’re curious, it’s the toxic RFP environment). How do we engage today’s audiences of multi-tasking, device-addicted, short-attention-spanned people? Our entire culture has evolved in the past few years, so that we feel we must be multi-tasking, or we’re slacking off. Gone are the days when we can fill a whole conference with one lecture after another, or people will simply check out mentally and recede into the comfort of their smart phones. Or worse yet, walk out of sessions and hang out in the hallways with like-minded lecture refugees. Or worst of all, stop coming to our conferences altogether! I want to back up to look at the fundamental reasons we have conferences. It’s been on my mind lately, so I’ve posed this question to audiences all over North America, and the answers always fall into four key categories, which I call “The Four C’s.” Stick with me to the end, though, because although you may nod your head in agreement, I’d like to take the discussion a step further, and challenge all planners out there to engage their audiences better in each category. These are The Four C’s: Community. Networking is often the number one reason people come to conferences and events. Celebration. Recognizing the accomplishments of ourselves, our peers, and our industry is one of the other main reasons why we congregate. It’s no fun celebrating alone. Collaboration. Some have argued that ‘content’ should be one of the C’s, but I don’t believe content is as meaningful without collaboration. If it were just about the content, we would just stay home and watch webinars or read books. It’s coming together for the shared learning experience that makes a conference meaningful. Changing lives. In big ways and small, ALL meetings change their participants. Whether it’s meeting someone new, learning something that can ease frustration at work, or coming across a new idea that sparks change for mankind, meetings change lives – there’s no denying it. Here’s the Four C’s Challenge: once you’ve identified your conference’s goals and objectives, I put forth that you then focus on the four C’s and how you can engage your participants differently. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 >> 10 • Winter 2014 MPISSN Connects 11 • Winter 2014 MPISSN Connects FEBRUARY EDucation Highlight - CONTINUED The Four C’s of Audience Engagement Continued from Page 10 1. How will you foster a sense of Community? Most conferences and events just schedule free time and rely on attendees to network organically. I believe that we need to do better these days. With the convergence of four generations, the lure of our devices, and diversity of participants that always include newcomers and introverts, it’s harder than ever to meet new people. Planners can be strategic in providing ways for participants to connect with others throughout the conference by creating deliberately structured networking opportunities. These are always appreciated by the first-time attendees and introverts. 2. How will you build Celebration into your event in a more engaging way? Think of the last awards ceremony you attended – it’s painfully boring for everyone but the winners. We can do better. 3. How will you foster better Collaboration at your conference? Ask each speaker how they will engage the audience, and what percentage of their session is collaborative – I mean truly collaborative. Don’t settle for anything less than one third. Every session, unless it’s a strict download of information, can be collaborative. The speaker just needs to relinquish the power to the audience for table discussions, small group analysis, Q&A, facilitated audience response, or other formats. I wonder if people truly want lectures and traditional keynotes these days, or if they’d rather prefer a strong message wrapped in an opportunity to really connect with one another. Where there’s collaboration in sessions, participants truly can create their own outcome. Would you rather leave success in the hands of just one speaker, or share the responsibility with every single participant at the conference? When they are invested in their own outcome, everyone is more engaged. 4. Of course, there are all sorts of ways to Change lives through our conferences via CSR activities. I always encourage a Corporate Social Responsibility aspect at every conference. What I’m talking about, though, is changing the lives of our own attendees. If we can provide the opportunities for Community, Celebration and Collaboration, we virtually guarantee that every single participant will walk away a changed person. Not every conference is solving world hunger or addressing the debt crisis, but if we can serve up the simple elements that every conference participant seeks, we change every person’s life who walks through our doors. I’d have to say that’s a worthy outcome. Please plan on joining MPISSN on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 Devices Down! How to Keep Your Audience Fully Engaged! Presented by Shawna Suckow, CMP Today’s audiences need to be highly engaged — immediately — or they will tune out. Presenters are competing for the attention of demanding attendees who have low tolerance for talking heads, short attention spans, and the considerable diversions of their phones and other devices. In this session, Shawna Suckow, CMP, will discuss how the evolution of technology, our culture and our generations have led to changes in how education needs to be structured to meet attendees’ needs. 12 • Winter 2014 MPISSN Connects IN THE KNOW By Jeff Dougherty, Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau Our Neck of the Woods Hotels: Two hotels going in next to new downtown arena: The first will be a Hyatt Place taking over Hotel Marshall. This hotel will have 130 guest rooms and 15 condos. The second, being built by the Kings will be a mixed use building with an unnamed hotel boasting approximately 250 hotel rooms and 69 condos. More info on this project can be found in my “Also In The News” section. SacBee, 12/1/14 Events: A Global Winter Wonderland has come to Sacramento. The event, includes carnival rides, holiday gift market, international foods, live performances and a village of colorful handmade silk lanterns opened at Cal Expo on Nov. 22 and run through Jan. 4, 2015 and will take over 17 acres of Cal Expo. SBJ, 10/15/14 The Amgen Tour of California will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a start in Sacramento on May 10, 2015. The eight-stage men’s race will move from Sacramento to Southern California. The 2015 race will also include a 4-day women’s professional race that starts in Lake Tahoe and ends in Sacramento. SBJ, 10/20/14 Restaurants: Music venue Marilyn’s on K closed on Nov. 1 and will be replaced by a new arcade room that will offer video game machines and craft cocktails. SBJ, 10/20/14 A new pizzeria recently opened in Midtown Sacramento. Pieology, which specializes in personal pizzas replaced the former Monsoon restaurant at 1020 16th St. Think Chipotle meets pizza. The Rancho Santa Margarita-based restaurant has more than 20 locations in eight states. SBJ, 10/22/14 Also In The News Sacramento Republic moving ahead on bigger Bonney Field, MLS bid SBJ, 11/25/2014 OpenTable list of top steakhouses includes two area restaurants SBJ, 11/12/2014 Sacramento Kings submit formal plans for development next to arena SBJ, 10/11/2014 Our Neighbors Lake Tahoe: The second renovation phase has begun for the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. The property is forking over $3 million to add new lighting for all suites, upgrade guest room furniture, remodel banquet rooms and lobby and enhance the pool area including new decking and furniture. Meetings Focus, September 2014 Elk Grove: The city’s newest events center is set to open in November. The Falls event center located at 8290 Elk Grove Blvd. offers 13,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space that can accommodate several events at the same time. A similar center is being planned for Roseville with construction beginning in late 2015. SBJ, 10/9/14 Santa Clara: The opening of Levi’s Stadium has resulted in a demand for Santa Clara hotel rooms. During the third quarter of 2014, area hotels were 85 percent full with nightly rates close to $200. Demand continues for 2015 and 2016 and several new hotel projects are being considered for the city. SBJ, 10/16/14 CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 >> 13 • Winter 2014 MPISSN Connects Volunteers of the Quarter By Jeff Dougherty, Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau Our Volunteer of the quarter is not a person, but a team. The Social Media Team! Social media is one of those volunteer opportunities that is behind the scenes and does not typically see very much recognition. Co-Chaired by Kimber Chavez, UC Davis Health System Eye Center and Past MPISSN President, Larry Jacinth, CMP with UC Davis Health System, the team has increased our Facebook likes by more than 300% over the past two years and have begun to focus on Twitter and LinkedIn. Kimber and Larry volunteered for this role with no social media experience. They wanted to learn more about running a successful social media campaign so that they could implement this new found knowledge back to their “real jobs”. Rounding out our team and new to our chapter this year is Anna Swanson, Conference Marketing Coordinator for the League of California Cities. VP of Communications, Jenn Wheaton had this to say about her team: “Kimber and Larry have done a great job over the last two years learning about using social media effectively and applying that to the MPISSN social media channels. The have really taken our Chapter’s social media presence to the next level. Anna joined the team this year and our Facebook page is stronger than ever. The three of them have been dedicated to this Chapter and have really proven to be important members of the communications team. I couldn’t do it all without their help and dedication!” Kimber Chavez Larry Jacinth, CMP Kimber, Larry and Anna - Thank you for everything you do! Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Connect wtih us on LinkedIn Anna Swanson We have had 41 members volunteer at least one hour of time to MPISSN since July 1st. We would like to recognize the following individuals for the time they have committed to our Chapter: Robert Best – Lisa Bispham – MaryAnne Bobrow – Laura Bohannon – Susan Buntjer – Kimber Chavez – Mary Zavislan Cook – Jessica Counts – Cheryl Cox – Paula Currie – Jeff Dougherty – Marcia Durst – Amanda Flagas – Jennifer Flohr – Deborah Grinnell – Christina Hake – Marilyn Hauck – Lauryl Hernandez – Richard Heitke – Michael Hutchings – Larry Jacinth – Amy Lai – Lynette Magnino – Jennifer Mann – Maria Martinsen – Catherine Murnighan – Felicia Price – Stephanie Pridmore – Lauren Richardson – Robin Rinehart – Lynda Sagar – Theresa Schrader – Monica Slingerman – Iris Smith – Margie Starr – Anna Swanson – Kristine Van Winkle – Janet Waldie – Jennifer Weaton – Tamara Williams – Jenai Wyatt Volunteered and don’t see your name? Please contact President Elect, Jeff Dougherty. Would you like to give back to the chapter? Perhaps write an article for Connects? Contact President Elect, Jeff Dougherty – jdougherty@visitsacramento.com / (916) 808-8140 or click here to view our “Volunteer Your Way” A la carte Volunteer Menu. 14 • Winter 2014 MPISSN Connects IN THE KNOW - CONTINUED Continued from Page 13 Tidbits Business Travelers: According to a new BridgeStreet report, many business travelers are unsure whether it is ok to combine leisure trips with business trips. Fourteen percent of business travelers said they are aware of a company policy on the issue, while 59 percent said there is no policy and 27 percent aren’t sure if there was a policy. Although uncertain, a whopping 83 percent say they use time on business trips to explore cities they are visiting. Another 60 percent said they’ve taken a “bleisure” trip (blending leisure and business) with half adding up to two vacation days to the business trip. Fifty-four percent of travelers also bring their families along. Skift, 10/22/14 Meeting Planners: Hilton Worldwide has launched a new online resource for meeting planners. Idea Network features articles, advice and tips designed to inspire meeting professionals. The site is organized into four sections focusing on creating experience, driving results, building connections and doing it all responsibly. Successful Meetings, 10/27/14 15 • Winter 2014 MPISSN Connects Tuesday Atop the Tower with MPI and Stuckrath By Rich Heitke, CMP, CGMP, J. Burton and Associates, Inc. The Sacramento Sierra Nevada chapter of MPI met in the Capitol Room on the top floor of the Hyatt Regency Sacramento on Tuesday, November 18. If you haven’t been, the view from this room affords a dramatic vantage above the state capitol and downtown. The Hyatt staff was gracious and welcoming from the general manager to servers. We got early insider news that the Hyatt, a 27,000 square feet of meeting space property, is creating a Regency Club high up in their tower which will be a really nice amenity. Tracy Stuckrath, CSEP, CMM, CHC, CFPM of thrive! meetings & events, delivered, “Serve This Not That!”, an interactive presentation on food allergies and their effects on people and the conduct of events. Shockingly, eight allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, milk, wheat, crustaceans, and soy account for 90% of all food allergies. U.S. food labeling is beginning to alert consumers the presence of these eight allergens, but if you hold meetings in Europe fourteen allergens are featured. One can no longer merely assume that serving seminar chicken to 95% of your attendees with an allowance for 5% vegetarians accommodates individual dietary needs. All who attended the MPISSN meeting are now much more familiar with the major special needs diets such as Vegan, Paleo, Pescetarian, Kosher, Fruitarian, Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian and more. Tracy described eight strategies for meeting professionals to follow to meet attendee’s needs. Some may seem like common sense in their first sentences, but all provide thoughtful and logical guidance (Reference them at www.thrivemeetings.com.) For very large events with many dietary needs represented planners are even bringing on dietary consultants. Meeting dietary needs is not merely catering to food preferences. The ADA dictates a measure of responsibility upon the group to accommodate dietary needs. Not doing so can be not only discriminatory but also increase a planner’s liability. The meeting was sponsored by the Wyndham Anaheim/Garden Grove, formerly a Crowne Plaza. Representing Wyndham was Monty Criss, Director of Group Sales. Monty proudly described big changes being undertaken at his property such as lobby renovation. 16 • Winter 2014 MPISSN Connects Thank You to our Key Partners Diamond Level Emerald Level Ruby Level 2014-15 Committee Chairs Advertising, Chair Vacant Other Special Events, Chair Vacant Strategic Alliance, Chair Vacant Annual Event,Chair Vacant Member Recruitment, Co-Chair Vacant Audit, Chair Terri L. Schrader, CMP terri.schrader@marriott.com Member Retention, Chair Monica Slingerman monica@visitstockton.org Trade Show, Chair Michael Hutchings mhutchings@lionsgatehotel.com Awards & Recognition, Chair Lisa Bispham, CMP lbispham@csdaca.org Nominating, Chair Kelli Schroeder, CMP, CAE kelli@wmmpa.com Community Outreach, Chair Robert Best rbest@advantagepresentations.com Professional Development, Chair Marcia Durst, CMP marcia@durstevents.com Corporate Social Responsibility, Chair Public Relations, Chair Amy J. Lai, CMP Richard Heitke, CMP, CGMP amy@shawyoderantwih.com richard@jburton.com Educational Programs, Chair Marla Martinsen marla@mgeevents.com 17 • Winter 2014 Website, Chair Lauren Richardson, CMP, CGMP lauren.e.richardson@medtronic.com Social Media, Co-Chair Kimber Chavez kimber.chavez@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu Social Media, Co-Chair Larry Jacinth, CMP larry.jacinth@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu Publications, Chair Deoborah Grinnell deborah.grinnell@gmail.com MPISSN Connects Volunteer with us! Link HERE to download MPISSN’s volunteer a la’ carte menu. See a range of opportunities that may be a perfect fit for your talents and available time. Meeting Professionals International Sacramento/Sierra Nevada Chapter shapes and defines the meeting and event industry in the greater Sacramento/Sierra Nevada region. Next Editorial and Advertising Deadline: Winter 2014 – November 25, 2014 EDITORIAL/GRAPHIC DESIGN Deborah Grinnell dgrinnell@sacrealtor.org ADVERTISING Felicia Price FPrice@aging.org STAFF Lynette Magnino Chapter Administrator 9245 Laguna Springs Dr., Ste. 200 Elk Grove, CA 95758 Phone: (916) 509-7270 Fax: (916) 691-9674 lynette@mpissn.org Join a committee, get involved, and make things happen for your profession and your career! Email President-Elect Jeff Dougherty at jdougherty@visitsacramento.com with any questions. Meet people and make connections! “ Meeting Professionals International, the premier global association community for meeting and event professionals, believes in the unequalled power of events and human connections to advance organizational objectives. ” Stay up to date at www.mpissn.org! Website Login Instructions Login/Passwords For the membership log-in areas, your login username is your last name and your password is your MPI membership number given to you from headquarters in Dallas. Example Login: Smith (be sure to capitalize the first letter of your last name) Password: 222222 (member number - your number may be 5-7 digits) Some of our members have identical last names. If you are one please use this slightly different method. Copyright 2014 by Meeting Professionals International Sacramento/Sierra Nevada Chapter. All rights reserved. Connects is published quarterly. MPI Sacramento/ Sierra Nevada Chapter does not endorse any advertisement or statement made by advertisers included in this publication. 18 • Winter 2014 Example Login: SmithA (be sure to capitalize the first letter of your last name AND your first initial) Password: 222222 (member number - your number may be 5-7 digits) If you need help logging in, please contact the Chapter Administrator, Lynette Magnino at lynette@mpissn.org or (916) 509-7270. MPISSN Connects
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