MIM's the Word During a site inspection, the CVB sales rep not only treats you to a lovely dinner, but she also presents you with two Waterford goblets. T-shirts and mugs are one thing, but is it ethical to accept such a pricey gift when you haven't committed to meeting in the city?

That was one of the dilemmas raised on the Meeting Matters MIMList, a new listserv launched in mid-March for conference organizers, sponsored by the Meetings Industry Mall and Cardinal Communications.

Designed to give planners a forum to network, solve problems, and discuss hot industry topics, the listserv attracted more than 100 subscribers during its first week, says Rodman Marymor, CMP, managing partner, Cardinal Communications, Berkeley, Calif. In addition to the gift dilemma, e-mail flurries have addressed basic topics, such as where to get information on the CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) program, as well as perennial issues such as how to increase attendance at meetings.

Industry veteran Joan Eisenstodt is the listserv's moderator, or as she calls herself, "provocateur." She initiates discussions and monitors the listserv so that it will remain a professional forum. Members are not allowed to promote their services, take personal jabs at planners whom they don't like, or name names when describing the behavior of "ethically challenged" colleagues.

To sign up, visit www.mim.com/mim list. You will have the option of receiving the e-mails as they are sent, or a daily digest of listserv activity. *