Marshall Yard:

SPAM – not just for dinner anymore.

SPAM is a salty, canned meat composed of chipped pork shoulder, ham and – for that special zing – Sodium Nitrate (a compound used in fertilizers, explosives and glass). Spam, as we know it, is delicious. Spam (and cookies and Spyware), however, can butcher your computer.

What is SPAM?

Spam is an indiscriminate, unsolicited message – usually of a commercial nature – sent to mass mailing lists, computer networks or news groups. Spam is cheap, irrelevant to our lifestyles and easy to create: according to a research firm in Palo Alto, CA, “spam [was] expected to account for 45% of the 10.9 trillion messages sent around the world in 2003.” Spammers use specialized software to automatically extract email / IP addresses and screen names from heavy hitters like MySpace and AOL Instant Messenger. An alternative M.O. – known as “dictionary attack” software – allows Spammers access to email addresses by opening a connection to their desired server and extracting millions of email addresses. This software then extracts the “live” (valid) email addresses and adds them to the Spammer’s list. These addresses are then spread like a plague from Spammer to Spammer.

How can I get rid of it?

Most spam-blocking software works by identifying specific words in the subject line (e.g. “XXX,” “Sex” or “Free”). Sneaky Spammers, however, can easily sidestep this barrier by misspelling words (e.g. “S-E-X”). Unfortunately, most of this basic software prevents valid messages from reaching your inbox: say you want to receive a recipe for fried chicken breasts; Spam blocking software might delete it because “breasts” is in the subject line. Large ISPs created “white lists” to identify legit messages, but Spammers jumped the axiomatic fence by putting bogus characters into their subject lines – this why you receive emails with subject lines like “Free 6kO#&P Coupons.” The best way to ensure the bulk of Spam never reaches your computer is to install Heuristic or Bayesian filters – software that identifies Spam by recording word patterns or frequency. You can block Spam sent through Web-based providers (ie. Yahoo! or MSN) by tagging each unwanted message as such. Similar messages – or those sent by the same organization – will be blocked indefinitely.

What are cookies?

Cookies are bits of data sent by an outside server to your Web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer). They authenticate IDs, retain personal information and track browser behavior and are sent, unchanged, back to the server (e.g. Amazon.com) each time you access it. While cookies, by nature, are unable to perform operations, they – especially if “stolen” by malicious sites – can infringe on your privacy, threaten security and, if not accepted, make some Websites or site features (e.g. virtual shopping carts) unavailable.

How can I get rid of them?

You can easily control cookies by adjusting (or setting) your browser’s privacy level to Medium High. This level blocks 3rd party cookies that don’t have compact security policy and/or use personally identifiable information without your explicit consent. A Medium High setting also chokes 1st party cookies that use personally identifiable information without your implicit consent. Clearing cookies from your hard drive (through Control Panel / Internet Options / General / “delete cookies”) is also helpful.

What is Spyware?

Spyware is a contemptible type of software companies employ to collect personal information for monetary gain. Spyware (unlike the Internet, which was invented by Al Gore) was introduced in 1995 by Zone Labs and is synonymous with Ad (vertising) and Mal (icious)-ware. This software gathers your information by logging your keystrokes, Website history and by scanning the documents on your hard drive. Its purpose varies; some organizations use it criminally, while others use it simply to create more targeted advertising. Spyware can enter your system disguised as security software or by “piggybacking” on desirable software (e.g. iTunes). And while Spyware doesn’t open the door for viruses, it does generate unwanted CPU activity, annoying pop-up ads, disk use and network traffic and can cause problems logging on to the Internet – all of which will significantly slow your system.

How can I get rid of it?

Programs such as Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy are free (available on www.downloads.com) programs that scan your hard drive and remove malicious software. Spybot S&D has won numerous awards and is recommended by CNet, MSNBC and the Wall Street Journal. Firewalls and alternative Internet browsers (e.g. Mozilla Firefox – which is known for having fewer security vulnerabilities than Internet Explorer) can also help ward off Spyware

For this little ditty, you are going to need to write down the following:

•  5-Adjectives
•  1-Article of Clothing
•  6-Action Verbs
•  1-Verb
•  1-Animal
•  1-Plural Noun
•  1-Type of Drink
•  1-Favorite Food
•  2-Names of Male Co-Workers
•  2-Colors
•  2-Names of Female Co-Workers

Trade Show Account Management Department MadLib (events from Catalyst Ball)

It was a _________(adjective) evening, the air was crisp and the music was _________(adjective).   I was wearing my best ________(piece of clothing), and had my _________(adjective) lady on my arm.  I was in anticipation for a night of________(action verb), to my surprise I ran into several _________(plural noun) that I have not seen in awhile.  It was good to catch up and find out what they thought about all the ________(action verb) going on in the world.   I drank _______(type of drink) and ate_______(favorite food) until I was about to burst.   The food was fantastic, and the music kept me on my feet through most of the evening. As the evening continued, I accompanied my ________(adjective) woman to the restrooms, and waited for my _______(animal) to emerge from the ladies room.  I heard outrageous ________(action verb), when she emerged, she said to me.  ________(name of man co-worker),  it is utterly amazing what you learn when you are _______(action verb) in the bathroom.  I heard the _______(color) haired one say “she wanted to know what the ________(color) haired one was trying to accomplish with such a _______(adjective) dress on.”  “I than  heard whispers and she said “did you know that ________(name of woman co-worker)_, was going to __________(verb) on the stage later. “  I thought these parties were outrageous, but to my surprise, not only did________(name of woman co-worker) get on stage________(action verb) naked, but so did _______(name of man co-worker). While he was_________(action verb) to top it off.  

Catalyst Spring Ball: May 12th, 2007 by: Susie Kleiner
A week before the event I spoke with two Catalyst employee’s and got words of anticipation: “I hope Cassie makes it until midnight.” “Tim will never sit down, he wants everyone to have a great time.” “It’s an event you will never forget.” “Take some aspirin before you go to bed.” “Good food, good booze, good music.” “I feel very lucky to work for Tim & Paul.” I am not sure about Cassie making it until midnight, because I did not, the other statements, I think are pretty accurate.

At the inception of our company newsletter, I sat down with Tim to discuss various topics for the entire year, it was right after the Catalyst Christmas party, and we started talking about teamwork. Innovation, Quality, Efficiency & Growth we have all heard those words. The innovation that goes into this event is spectacular, starting with the band, and the constant sound of familiar music, the Catalyst logo on all the stands, down to the napkins in the washrooms. The quality, I couldn’t find anything that did not fall into this category, from the people, to the food, to the drinks, to the wild dancing crowd. I hear, but am not certain, if any of you are familiar with Dirty Dancing and “THE LIFT” I understand that Elke has that down pat, was that the red bull and vodka? Or do we have our own female Patrick Swayze in house? Efficiency, did any one have to wait long for a drink or for a clean ashtray? Growth, well, I think my waist line grew, from what I understand the entire event has grown leaps and bounds.

Laughter helps people communicate in social situations, and provides and emotional level to conversation. Laughter helps signify individuals as a part of group, it signals acceptance and positive interactions.

I have read that laughing helps the heart, how, I found studies are not quite sure, but they explain as follows: “Mental stress impairs the endothelium, which is the protective barrier lining a person’s blood vessels. Once the endothelium is impaired, it can cause a series of inflammatory reactions that lead to cholesterol build up in a person’s coronary arteries, which can ultimately cause a heart attack.” Psychologist Steve Sultanoff, Ph. D., who is the president of the American Association for Therapeutic Humor, gave this explanation: “With deep, heartfelt laughter, it appears that serum cortisol, which is a hormone that is secreted when we’re under stress, is decreased. So when you’re having a stress reaction, if you laugh, apparently the cortisol that has been released during the stress reaction is reduced.

Not only is the Catalyst Spring Ball time to show our clients our appreciation, it allows our clients to see us as a whole and get an understanding how we work together, not only in the office, but to see the camaraderie we have with one another on a personal level. It also allows our Catalyst team time to mingle with each other, giving them a chance to get to know fellow employees that they may not have day to day dealings with.Appreciation of employees and thanking them for things that are done right & done well. This is the first time I have attended a Catalyst Spring Ball, standing back and watching Tim & Paul, knowing the names and faces of all the employees, and having genuine concern that everyone was enjoying themselves. Catalyst is a place where you don’t spend 5 days a week just waiting for the weekend.

Some of the comments from attendees:

“Dan and I had an absolute blast!! Thank you so much for the invitation — I really needed a mini break. Dan is still talking about you (once he emerged from his coma Sunday morning). We both slept like logs on the plane!” Stacy Hollowell—Siemens 1

“Thank you again, for a wonderful party and your generous hospitality.  Dave and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and were privileged to share a table with Richard from Catalyst and his wife Martha.  Both were very fun and it was nice to meet another member of the Catalyst team.  Everything was spectacular - the food, the band, the venue - all perfect as usual.  We look forward to this event every year we can’t wait until next year!  The Union League Club renovation was fantastic - what a great bed!!!  I didn’t want to leave :).” Kris Reid—Stiles Machinery

A final closing remark from a Catalyst employee: “I did not know they were Paul’s sisters.”

Drum Roll please…… introducing our man in charge of portable trade show exhibits & displays!

Pat Alcock AKA “Only One Man”

Patrick has been with us for 1 year and 3 weeks, his brother suggested he apply for the job. He used to work for a Chevy dealer, but felt it was a dead end job. Patrick’s passion is cars, he is working on a 54 Pick Up which he found and is restoring, in hopes of turning it into a hot rod, his plan was for a 4th of July burnout, but looks like it won’t hit the streets until next spring.

He works on the portables, putting them up, breaking them down, and shipping them out. Along with making sure all the clients giveaways are in place. Pat has lived in Crystal Lake for 11 years, and originally grew up in Schaumburg, and in no way misses it. Patrick told me, he could have been President if he wanted to and may still try. If he could meet anyone in the world, he would like to sit down and have a conversation with Chip Foose. (look it up, I had to) Patrick’s long time friend Alex, whom he has known since 7th grade recently spent their time getting Alex’s father’s go cart on 1 wheel. Boys and their toys!

He couldn’t remember the last movie he saw, because he went with a couple of good looking broads, and was to transfixed on them that he didn’t watch the movie. He has never attended a concert, but enjoys classic rock, and Santana is one of his favorites. He would like to travel to Ireland someday, before it gets to commercialized and there is still countryside to enjoy.

When Patrick leaves Catalyst at night, he heads over to Ridgefield—Worth Fabrication to work on his truck. Last week, he paid the guys next door 40.00 to let him drive their race car, which he was only supposed to go down the street, he opened up the 450 horsepower machine, and hit 100 mph, on a wet slick street, and ended up spinning out and went backwards off the road. No harm done to the vehicle, and the car went on to win 2-1st place’s the next weekend.

• Favorite Actress: Catherine Zeta Jones
• Boxers or Briefs: Boxers

I didn’t have to hunt Patrick down, he came in willingly and even said he’d do it again next week.

As for our next featured shop employee, Patrick’s choice is: “Ayyy Buddy”: Dennis Holtz

Our Mississippi Map Turtle dwells in the sales department, which he rules with an iron fist, and is constantly following up on all the exhibitors and making sure they are happy with their final trade show product.  Kevin has been a part of Catalyst for over a  year.  He lives with his friend JR. who will hang around Kevin’s rock waiting for him to come out and play. 

The Mississippi Map Turtle can best be identified by the crescent shaped light spot behind the eye that prevents the neck stripes from reaching the eye. The skin of the turtle is olive to brown and is marked with many narrow yellow stripes along the legs, tail, chin and neck. 

Curiosity on whether or not Kevin is a male or female, well, there is turtle genitalia on the website, figure it out for yourselves it was pretty disgusting, and we are pretty sure he is actually a she.  

Kevin likes very clean water and gets depressed when its not, he enjoys his quiet surroundings and gets a bit nervous when he hears all the potty mouth coming out of Nancy & Deb’s office.  But given the quiet and soothing voice of his care taker, Lauren, he calms down fairly quickly.  Kevin seems to be enjoying the recent addition to his diet, lettuce, as he waits patiently for feeding time, which these days, is pretty often.I sat with Kevin for a spell at his ranch, and he speaks very highly of the entire Catalyst Staff, when I asked what his dreams where, he said, he truly would like a partner, someone he can lounge with and swim under his waterfall when the lights go out at closing time.

Establish a Realistic Budget 

Where’s my money going? Money is precious these days and you will spend a lot of it exhibiting at a trade show. A generous portion of your budget—approximately 30%—should be devoted to expenditures that will help promote your product or service (exhibit components, graphics, advertising, etc.). The rest of your money will go towards: 

• Floor space at the show—app. 33% 
• Travel accommodations—app. 18%
• Services (shipping, installation/dismantle & drayage)—app. 12%
• Misc. (A/V equipment, decoration, extra labor, etc.)—app. 7%

Some exhibit houses include basic services in their initial estimates; some do not. Likewise, some exhibit houses include the cost of graphics in their initial estimates—others don’t. These estimates include graphics, carpeting and all necessary exhibit components. Service and miscellaneous costs are additional and can vary significantly, depending on the show’s location, size of your space and labor regulations specific to the venue. We will, however, make you aware of these costs up front.  Keep your primary objective in mind when deciding on where to place your money. You’ll want to invest in things that offer a return on your investment: 

WILL promote my product /offer a return on investment                

• A business lunch with potential buyers 
• Informative CDs or attractive literature
•  An innovative, strategically-designed exhibit

 WON’T promote my product /offer a return on investment

• A whirlpool suite at a Five-Star hotel 
• Giveaways that don’t represent our product 
• An archaic display I’ll set up with my brother-in-law 

How can I keep track of all my expenses and avoid surprises? Ask questions and create a spreadsheet. Establish a list of costs you know you’ll incur (see above).  Record pre-show estimates, actual costs and any additional expenses. Reference the information when planning your next exhibition. Check out how to be an award winning exhibitor.