MPIKC Times
MPI - Kansas City Chapter
Vickie Brawley, 2008-2009 President
Dear Friends:
Wow – what a fabulous year! KCMPI's Monthly Program and Special Education Committees provided our members with an outstanding array of educational, social and networking programs including KCMPI's first-ever Green Program held at the innovative College Basketball Experience, an outstanding Professional Education Conference "Building Change", and a fabulous Dine-Around in the new Power and Light District. KCMPI's Member Care Committee worked extremely hard to recruit new members and retain our existing members. KCMPI's Communications Team provided our chapter with a printed membership directory, KCMPI Times E-newsletter, and an assortment of tools to use in our marketing and public relations efforts. None of this would be possible without our committed volunteers and of course our generous sponsors!
Now it is my mission to continue our journey of bringing us from Good to Great! We will build on our theme of Connecting People, Building Leaders. As your new President, I am challenging you to join me to help KCMPI Change the World. It is my goal to assist you to keep up with industry trends, especially in the area of social responsibility. I am here to listen to your needs and help you receive the most from your membership.
Groups become great only when everyone in them is allowed to be free to do his or her best. As your President, I will allow YOU to discover your greatness. The opportunities to get involved in our chapter are endless. The committee work that goes on behind the scenes is what keeps our chapter alive and vital. We need you and I can guarantee you there is the perfect fit for you. Last year, KCMPI created a leadership position on our Board of Directors. This person is your liaison to get involved. Just ask!
As your President, you have my commitment to be there for you. Let's do this together and make this year even better than last year. As a team, I have no doubt we can accomplish unbelievable things and continue our journey of moving from Good to Great!
Sincerely,
Vickie Brawley
vbrawley@theqhotel.com
Tish Bennett
Administration Manager
MPX (Mid-America Payment Exchange)
Elliott Stevens
Corporate Sales Manager
Hyatt Regency Wichita
Darlene Burkhart
Director of Sales and Marketing
Grand Plaza Hotel
John Kirby
Team Leader
Swank Audio Visuals
Kristy Mathes
Corporate Sales Executive
George Fern Company
Renee Price
Sales Manager
The Lodge of Four Seasons
Brent Raymond
Director
Swank Audio Visuals
Amanda McLeish
Convention Services Manager
Hyatt Regency Crown Center
Erik Miner
Marketing Manager
College Basketball Experience
Cheryl Johnson
Resource Development Consultant
Good Samaritan Foundation
Melissa Evans
Director of Sales
Stone Bridge Resort
Click on the Sponsor link's below for additional information!
Green Program Sponsors:
Sprint
Michelle Lizak
Corporate Events Marketing
Mailstop: KSOPHD0302-3B464
6220 Sprint Pkwy.
Overland Park, KS 66251
T: 913-794-3333
F: 913-523-1419 (efax)
michelle.a.lizak@sprint.com
Meredith Clarkson
Director of Sales & Marketing
T: 913-381-3504
InterContinental Hotel The Aladdin Sales Manager T: 816-346-4403 CBE / College Basketball Experience at Sprint Center Coordinator of Sales, Marketing, and Events Joanne Trudeau T: 773-935-1603 M & I Bank T: 816-448-6894 Valerie.watson@sheratonkcsportscomplex.com Celebration Party Rentals 1212 SE Century Drive T: 816-525-8568 Michael E. Garner C.A.M, Inc. C: 816-392-4246 Hank and the Heartaches Vickie Brawley
Tyler Adkins
Sales Manager
401 Ward Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64112
T: 816-303-2933
F: 816-531-1483
tadkins@kansascityic.com
Rebecca Sprague
T: 816-410-1432
Hotel Phillips
Dana Jackson
Jennifer L. Jones
T: 816-949-7515
Jenny@thecbe.net
Vista Productions
Susie Mogren
Marketing Specialist
PO Box 301
T: 816-380-7750
Kallie Foglesong
June Awards Banquet:
Sheraton Sports Complex
Valerie Watson
Director of Group Sales
9103 East 39th Street
Kansas City, MO 64133
T: 816-737-4774
F: 816-737-4745
Steve Weaver 
Regional Manager - Kansas City & Texas
T: 816-471-4410
mgarner@vaecorp.com
Phil Allemang
Promotion & Event Advisor
9221 FLint
Overland Park, KS 66214
T: 913-381-4139
phila@cam-inc.com
Chrissy Bridgeman's Painted Rythem Dance Company
June Board Retreat:
Director of Sales
The Q Hotel & Spa
560 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO 64111
T: 816-714-7000
C: 816-686-6360
www.theqhotel.com
Sally Bennett, formally with the Marriott Country Club Plaza is now the Regional Sales Director, Extended Stay Kansas City-Overland Park-Wichita. Her new contact information is: 913-523-6908 (cell - call first); Office Line: 913-642-2299; Fax: 864-598-0635; sbennett@extendedstay.com. Congratulations Sally!
Congratulations to Beth Ann Thomas Vann on being selected as KCMPI's Professional Education Conference Committee Chair for our 2009 conference, which will be held at the Overland Park Marriott May 5-6, 2009.
SWANK Audio Visuals has welcomed Lauren Gray as their Assistant Director at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Her new contact information is: (Cell) 816-804-1768; (Office) 816-802-7004; (Fax) 816-855-4432; lgray@swankav.com.
Brent Raymond was promoted from Director of Sales to Director of SWANK Audio Visuals at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. His new contact information is: (Cell) 816-585-7373; (Office) 816-802-7002; (Fax) 816-855-4432; braymond@swankav.com.
Dawn Schumacher has left U.S. Central and the city to pursue other opportunities in Portland, OR. We wish her the best of luck! 
Congratulations to Belinda Waldo on her retirement from Associated Luxury!
Tanya Zuckerman is now the Senior Meeting Planner for Bayer Crop Science! She is moving to North Carolina to take on her new position!
Congratulations to our scholarship winners! Miya Macken, CMP received KCMPI's Membership Scholarship, and Lorie Scott, CMP received the CMP scholarship to renew her designation! Be sure to check out our Web site for other scholarship opportunities.
Congratulations to Tyler Adkins on his new position with the Dallas CVB. Although Tyler will be working for Dallas, he will remain in Kansas City.
Be on the lookout - your 2008-2009 KCMPI Membership Directory is targeted to be distributed in September!
P
To keep our members up to date with the latest news in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), KCMPI has added a new section to KCMPI Times called Corporate Social Responsibility!
In addition, be sure to visit KCMPI's Web site for information and resources pertaining to green meetings. If you have a good resource that you would like to share with others, please send to Web site Chair, Patti Gaughan at pgaughan@kc.rr.com.
Are you interested in sitting for the Jan. 10, 2009 CMP exam? Then you won't want to miss out on a great benefit of being a KMCPI member – our CMP study group instructed by Dan Veglahn, CMP, Lorie Scott, CMP and Janet Ranallo, CMP. An informational and organizational meeting was held on Aug. 11. It still is not too late to participate though! For additional information contact:
Dan Veglahn, CMP: dveglahn@vaecorp.com or 816-472-1396
Lorie Scott, CMP: lscott@helmsbriscoe.com or 913-324-4118
Janet Ranallo, CMP: jranallo@askusa.com
You can download the CMP Application and Handbook from www.conventionindustry.org for free! The submission deadline is Aug. 20, 2008.
Another CMP Resource: MPI just announced its Online Study Guide. This is a new study aid to guide CMP exam preparation. Designed with busy schedules in mind, the Study Guide efficiently assists in the preparation of an effective study plan.
Created in partnership with Arizona State University, and brought to you by the MPI Foundation and Wyndham Hotel Group, the Study Guide provides a practical framework for approaching an important career milestone.
View the five minute preview presentation to learn more:
CMP Study Guide PreviewAbout the Worth a Thousand Words Project
Worth a Thousand Words is a partnership between Wheat Photography and Rose Brooks Center. The 
Rose Brooks Center is a comprehensive domestic violence agency that provides a full continuum of care including prevention programming, crisis intervention and other supportive services to thousands of women and children each year. These brave moms and children have escaped abusive homes, gone through the Rose Brooks program and started their new lives, finally free of abuse.
Wheat Photography owner and photographer, Jenny Wheat is committed to providing photo sessions, large framed prints, photo albums and picture CDs – all free of charge to Rose Brook families. These photos celebrate that triumph over domestic abuse. Wheat Photography will also provide fresh white shirts in every size for the photo sessions. To view a slideshow of photos from one of these special sessions, visit: www.wheatphotography.com/WATW. 
To offset the costs of shirts, prints, framing, CDs and other elements of the project, WATW seeks individuals and especially companies who will run a two-week "campaign" to gather funds. KCMPI is honored to be one of these sponsors. More information on this initiative can be obtained by contacting Ruth Wheat at ruthwheat@hotmail.com.
How YOU can help:
1) Financial contribution. WATW is asking for as little as $5 donations per person. Checks should be made out to the Rose Brooks Center - online donations can also be made at www.rosebrooks.org. All donations are tax-deductible.
2) Raising awareness. Please pass along word of this project to your friends, family and colleagues.
3) Participate in WATW first fundraising event on Thursday, Sept. 25 from 6-9 PM ~ First Annual Fall Fashion Ladies Night Out! Tickets are $20 and all proceeds will benefit WATW. Highlights of the evening include: fall fashion tips from KC Style guru Stephanie O'Dear from Spaces Magazine; mother/child fashion show; shopping - purses and jewelry; massages; DJ playing your favorite tunes; champagne and desserts! A portion of sales from vendors will support the cause. The goal of the evening is to raise $10,000! Tickets will be available at KCMPI's Membership Reception and Golf Tournament.
By Michelle Lizak
Sprint, Corporate Events Marketing
KCMPI 2008-2009 President-Elect
Each year your chapter leaders travel to Dallas to meet with the other 68 chapters from around the world to gain knowledge and leadership skills. The 2008 Chapter Leadership Conference was no exception. This year's conference yielded some excellent ideas for our Board to "take our chapter to the next level"! More than 300 of MPI's chapter leaders from around the world attended the conference to learn and discuss innovative trends and best practices for professional development within their chapter leadership role.
Vickie Brawley - President, Michelle Lizak - President Elect, Sally Bennett - VP Membership, Phil Allemang – Director, Marketing & PR, and Cheryle Grinter - Chapter Administrator represented KCMPI and traveled to Dallas for CLC the weekend of June 19-21. The event was held at the Westin Park Central and kicked off with presentations by MPI's leaders. Tim Sanders was the guest keynote and spoke about Emotional Talent: The Final Frontier, which focused on using body language when speaking and managing others. Day two focused on breakout sessions to help chapters focus on the following core areas: Corporate Social Responsibility, Strategic Alliance, Financial Management, Membership Growth, Chapter Market Research, Marketing & Brand Management, Award Recognition and Cvent Tools.
The final day of the event allowed your chapter leaders to network with others to share best practices, ideas and to finalize the chapter business plan for the 2008-2009 year. The event closed out with keynote speaker, Tim Gard on the topic of comic motivation.
The Board returned home energized and excited for the 2008-2009 year with many great ideas to be implemented over the coming months! Please feel free to contact any of your chapter leaders to discuss any ideas or thoughts that you may have for the upcoming year!
By Phil Allemang, 2007-2008 Awards Committee Chair
KCMPI's 2008 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet "Spotlight on the Stars" was held on Friday, June 13, 2008, at our host hotel the Sheraton Kansas City Sports Complex Hotel with more than 100 members and guests in attendance.
Upon entering the hotel's reception area guests were greeted by white-gloved waiters with trays of champagne and delectable hors d'oeuvres. The Grand Ballroom doors opened promptly at 6:30 PM with swing music and professional swing dancers! A special thanks to professional dance teacher and national competitor Chrissy Bridgeman for providing this unique and tantalizing entrance.
Outgoing President, Inge Hafkemeyer, CMM, and emcee of the evening, Brad Plumb, CMP, eloquently welcomed attendees. Recognition and thanks were given to Sheraton's Chef Robert Harmel and Director of Sales and Marketing, Rick Oberdahlhoff.
In attendance was also Kimberly Fischer, CAE, from MPI Headquarters who inducted KCMPI's 2008-2009 Board of Directors:
- Vickie Brawley ~ President
- Michelle Lizak ~ President-Elect
- Inge Hafkemeyer, CMM ~ Immediate Past President
- Sally Bennett ~ VP, Membership
- Karen Hoch ~ VP, Communications
- Shari Hockenbery, CMP ~ VP, Education
- Lorie Scott, CMP ~ VP, Finance
- Phil Allemang ~ Director, Marketing and Public Relations
- Andrea Cowser ~ Director, Member Care
- Danielle Jodts ~ Director, Special Education
- Janice McClain, CMP ~ Director, Special Events
- Cynthia Patterson, CMP ~ Director, Strategic Alliances
- Regine Scheck-Seberger ~ Director, Monthly Programs
- Diane Wolfe, CMP ~ Director, Leadership
Heartfelt thanks go to past Board Members whose terms ended this year: Tyler Adkins; Dan Veglahn, CMP; Cathy Ewing, CMP; Tanya Zuckerman, CMP; Miya Macken, CMP; and Toni Madiera.
Between courses of the spectacular menu awards were presented to the following outstanding KCMPI Members for 2007-2008! Congratulations to:
Rising Star: Danielle Jodts
Planner of the Year: Shari Hockenberry, CMP
Supplier of the Year: Phil Allemang
Employer Appreciation: Vista Productions & Sprint
Committee Chair of the Year: Andrea Cowsar and Janice McClain, CMP
Event of the Year: Shaping the Future ~ 2006-2007 Annual Awards Banquet; Committee Chair: Belinda Waldo
Committee Members: Tyler Adkins; Phil Allemang; Debbie Ball, CMP; Vickie Brawley; Mitch Collins, CMP; Mike Gehrs; Mike Garner, CTS; Inge Hafkemeyer, CMM; Rosemary Hall; Brad Plumb, CMP; Kathy Thompson, CMP; Kim Walker, CMP; and Dan Veglahn, CMP
Program of the Year: Leadership in the Changing World of Meeting Professionals ~ Debbie Ball, CMP
Catering of the Year: The Aladdin Hotel for KCMPI's February 2008 Program
CMP Designation: Marissa Schaffner, CMP
Throughout the evening, wine was bountiful as well as martinis, which flowed endlessly from a beautiful KCMPI ice sculpture! Entertainment continued with the dancers who wowed attendees with their precise and stunning grace. Attendees were then treated to a 20-minute dance lesson by professional dancer Chrissy Bridgeman. The evening ended with dancing to the Lonesome Hank and the Heartaches band.
Huge thanks go to the Awards Committee for their time and energy: Chair - Phil Allemang; Committee Members - Debbie Ball, CMP; Vickie Brawley; Mitch Collins, CMP; Mike Garner, CTS; Mike Gehrs; Inge Hafkemeyer, CMM; Rosemary Hall; Brad Plumb, CMP; Kathy Thompson, CMP; Belinda Waldo; and Kim Walker, CMP.
Thank you to Jenny Wheat of Wheat Photography for donating her time to capture the evening. Click here to enjoy a beautiful slideshow of the evening! We also thank our generous sponsors! Be sure to visit our Sponsor Page under News and Notes; without them this event would not have been possible!
Check out pictures of the event!
Please join the KCMPI Membership Committee
Aug. 20th, 2008, from 5-7pm and be
"Lucky at Lidia's"
DO YOU FEEL LUCKY?
Test your fate with a 50/50 raffle!
50 percent of the proceeds will go to KCMPI and the remaining
50 percent will be split among two lucky KCMPI Members.
Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10!
Reception will be located in Lidia's Loft and Herb Garden
101 West 22nd Street • Kansas City, MO 64108
Hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine will be served
Limited to the first 100 people registered
This event is complimentary and members are encouraged to bring a nonmember guest!!
Try YOUR luck at Lidia's for a chance to win!!
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
KCMPI Annual Golf Tournament
Registration begins at 11 a.m.
Grill Buffet Luncheon with Silent and Live Auction 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tee Off at 1:30 p.m.
Tiffany Greens Golf Club
6100 NW Tiffany Springs Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64154
(816) 880-9600
Thursday, Sept. 11, is the day for the KCMPI Annual Golf Tournament! Join us for an 18-hole, scramble style tournament, with a start at 1:30 p.m. on the links at Tiffany Greens Golf Club. Registration and a Grill Buffet Luncheon to begin at 11 a.m. Raffle drawings, and a silent and live auction will take place during our luncheon prior to the tournament. Golf awards will be presented following the tournament at a cash bar reception. Non-golfers are encouraged to join us for the luncheon and silent auction.
Registration Fees Per Person:
Golf Tournament:
Includes 18 holes, range balls, lunch and reception.
Members & Non Members: $125 - Until Sept. 8
Members & Non Members: $145 - After Sept. 8
Lunch Only:
Members & Non Members: $45 - Until Sept. 10
Members & Non Members: $55 - After Sept. 10
We are seeking sponsors to participate in our tournament, which benefits the many educational and charitable projects our chapter participates in annually.
Not a golfer? Network with your industry associates by sponsoring a hole and cheering each team on as they meet you at the tee. We also encourage non-golfers to join us for lunch and our silent auction prior to tournament play.
On behalf of KCMPI and the Golf Tournament Committee, we encourage you to participate in this event, as it is sure to be a terrific opportunity to network in a relaxed setting.
We also need volunteers for the afternoon of the tournament!
For more information on sponsoring or volunteering, please contact KCMPI Golf Committee Chair, Janice McClain, CMP, at 816-678-8876 or jmmcclain@earthlink.net.
By Michelle Lizak, 2008-2009 President-Elect
Recently, five of your Board Members attended the MPI Chapter Leadership Conference in
CSR will be a large part of our lives in the coming years, many already know about the green initiatives, but are not aware of the additional principles. Below is a summary of the basic principles of CSR set forth by the UN Global Compact:
- Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
- Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
- Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
- Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labor;
- Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labor; and
- Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
- Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
- Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
- Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
- Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
For a complete listing of the CSR principles, visit the UN Global Compact's site or visit the MPI Web site.
To keep KCMPI moving in the right direction, a task force has been created to study this topic and adopt best practices for our chapter events and the local industry. The first meeting for this task force will be held Aug. 29. Additionally, CSR and the task force initiatives will become a reoccurring item in our chapter newsletter. Each issue will include a different topic surrounding CSR and highlight what our industry is doing to comply and how you can get involved.
Finally, in an effort to recognize the strides that our local chapter members are taking to make their companies and lives more socially responsibly, in each issue we will highlight a member supplier and/or planner who stands out. Please feel free to contact the task force to nominate a member or to tell your story!
If there are any members that are interested in participating on the task force, please contact michelle.a.lizak@sprint.com.
By
In May, at the College Basketball Experience (CBE), the Kansas City Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (KCMPI), in collaboration with the MPI Foundation and notable local sponsors launched its first educational program in support of "green" initiatives and how meetings impact the environment – "Environmentally Conscious: It's Easy Being Green."
Surrounded by basketball history in the heart of the Power & Light District, attendees became part of the historical "green" wave already breaking over the
Through the expert input of Pollard and other guests panelists, including KCMPI's Patti Jo Gaughan, CMP; CEO Phelps Murdock, Bridging the Gap; Veronica Rinard, Community Relations Director Travel Portland; and MPI member Keri Hinton, CMP, Event Manager Proactive, attendees learned the vital importance of preserving the environment through "green" meeting practices.
In addition to the valuable information gleaned from this renowned panel, Pollard provided "green" language for planners and hoteliers to use in RFPs and Contracts, which is already standard practice in the Canadian meetings industry. Incorporating this language into local meetings and events, reflects the desire and necessity to use "green" practices to positively impact the environment in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
The following language can be used in your RFPs and contracts, and can be found in its entirety on the KCMPI Web site (www.kcmpi.org).
Green Considerations
To help minimize waste, the Ecological Society of America (ESA) would like the following to be in place by time of meeting. (Substitute your organization name for ESA.) Priority is given to sites, which provide the following:
In 2008-2009, KCMPI will continue to include and grow the use of "green" practices in all of its educational programs and events. Be sure to check the website in August (www.kcmpi.org) for a list of all the exciting KCMPI programs and events offered throughout the year.
By Karen Coyle
Have you ever noticed that when you explain something you've learned in class to a friend or coworker, you begin to understand it better yourself? This happens because when you explain or teach an idea you need to actively think it through. By thinking more deeply about what you've learned and then explaining it to someone else, you begin to understand it better.
The next CMP application deadline of Aug. 20 is quickly approaching. The KCMPI CMP Study Group is a great way to help prepare you for the exam and encourages you to share your wisdom about the business and learn new concepts.
Studying with others in a small group is helpful to everyone because, as in the example above, you:
- Think out loud,
- Share ideas,
- Learn from one another.
As the old saying goes, "Two heads are better than one." While studying alone may work well for things such as memorizing facts, sometimes you will need to understand complicated ideas and concepts. Rather than memorize facts, you'll be required to apply facts to solving problems. Effective study groups involve hashing out lesson materials together-explaining concepts, arguing about them, figuring out why one person's answer differs from another's-and in the process, you learn more than you ever would have studying by yourself.
KCMPI's CMP Study group offers many advantages, in addition to gaining a deeper understanding of the required reading to help prepare you for the CMP exam. These include the following:
- Study group meets bi-weekly,
- Builds relationships and networking among the industry,
- Prepares you with a mock exam,
- Provides test taking tips.
Each person brings different strengths and viewpoints to a study group, such as organizational skills, the ability to stick to a task, a talent for memorization, and so on. I highly recommend the KCMPI CMP Study group. Each leader has high ethical standards that they bring to the table. They, of course can not share which questions will be on the exam, but they can help you prepare as you apply yourself.
Remember, it's more fun to study with others and if you are interested in joining please contact Dan Veglahn, CMP at dveglahn@vaecorp.com and/or Lorie Scott, CMP at lscott@HelmsBriscoe.com.
Happy studying!
By Vickie Brawley
The Kansas City Meetings Industry Council – WHO ARE WE?
The Kansas City Meetings Industry Council (KCMIC) is celebrating its one year anniversary! KCMIC is a collaborative effort among Meeting Professional groups in the Metropolitan Kansas City area. The purpose is to have better communication across the board and raise awareness of each other's organizations and the hospitality industry in general. The following groups are actively involved in KCMIC:
- Destination Crown Center
- Heart of America Chapter of Society of Government Meeting Professionals
- Heartland National Speakers Association
- Hotel Lodging Association
- Kansas City Society of Association Executives
- Kansas City Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (KCMPI)
- Kansas City Regional Destination Alliance
- Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association
- Overland Park Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Professional Convention Management Association Heartland Chapter
The 2007-2008 strategic goals of KCMIC were:
-
Coordination of one main calendar to list each organization's main events with the intention to help members with multiple memberships to be able to enjoy all association meetings.
-
Collaboration of the involved groups on possible joint programs and resources.
-
Promoting Kansas City within the metropolitan area and surrounding areas.
-
Promotion of each organization as an industry leader in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
We have done the following to contribute to these strategic goals:
-
A Google calendar was established for all council members to list their events.
-
Two joint events were held:
-
Jan. 22, 2008: College Basketball Experience Event
-
June 16, 2008: Scott the Name Tag Guy
-
The baby steps we have taken this past year have brought us closer to a better and more cohesive Kansas City Meetings Industry. We are excited to have accomplished our goals for the year and are looking forward to a new year full of great opportunities and possibilities!
By Lori Turec, SVP Business Development & Event Management
FIVE STAR Speakers & Trainers
Seven Tips For Selecting Speakers in Troubled Economic Times
With all the details that go into planning and executing a professional event, booking keynote and break-out speakers can seem like just another headache ... plus with budgets tighter than ever before, is the speaker worth the investment?
In the spirit of full disclosure, let me say that I work for a speakers bureau so I am not an unbiased party. However, the reason I came to work at a bureau was because I've been to so many events in my career where the keynote speaker really helped make the entire event a much more memorable and valuable experience. So, if you find the right person for your group the return on the investment can be measurable.
Here's seven tips for how to get the most out of your speaker selection:
1. Listen to Your Audience, BUT really HEAR them ...
2. Trust Your Gut
3. Video Is Only Part of the Process
4. Have an Open Mind
5. Verify, Verify, Verify
6. Get More Value for Your Money
7. Reduce Risk
1. Listen to your audience, but really hear them. If you ask your internal or external client what he/she is looking for, they may answer in the moment. "We need a sports star ... we want someone funny ... we need to make people accountable ... we need to reward our best performers and have fun." Problem is that this is not enough information. You need to know more to make sure the match is right. Ask the why questions. Ask how the speaker's words will make a difference to the bottom line ... ask the age-old consultant question – what will success look like for you a month after the event? You will be shocked at how few people will have thought about this expectation even though it is mission critical to long-term results.
2. Trust Your Gut. If you think you've found a good speaker but something seems little off, listen to that inner voice. Too many speakers say yes when they should say no. It is not that they are liars, they are very eager to please and get the job. They really think that they can do it, but depending on the request and the speakers current workload and skill set they may be biting off more than they can chew. Your audience may not even realize that there was a disconnect but you will know. Trust your gut if you feel that you are not getting exactly what you were promised.
3. Video is great. But it is not everything. I've heard of speakers being de-selected because the message was too consumer-based simply because the video was to a consumer sales organization. I've seen great speakers not selected because of poor quality video. The truth is that video is a tool. But just as you don't build a house using only a hammer, don't select a speaker based only on the video. Ask for references, talk to people who have worked with the speaker before – a bureau is helpful in this way because references are always going to be skewed positive but someone who is neutral may have different experiences to share.
4. Have an Open Mind. Just as you should Trust Your Gut, it is also important to have an open mind. I often include a "wild card" selection on the Web proposals that I prepare because even though people tell me that they only want X, invariably they decide they really love Y. By keeping an open mind, you may learn about more great options that will be a better fit. If not for this event, then for another event.
5. Verify, Verify, Verify! What that means is be sure to think about everything that you want at your event and verify that the speaker is willing and able to provide that service. For example – when you book an athlete, don't assume that you can ask for autographs. Don't assume that the speaker can stay for a meet and greet, don't assume they will get there hours before they speak or that you can videotape that speaker without permission. There are several standard things to consider and some special requests. Get what you need documented in the agreement so there are no surprises later. Also, don't forget to make sure the speaker signs the agreement! You'd be surprised how often this detail is missed.
6. Get More Value for Your Money – Yes, in troubled economic times you may be able to get a speaker to negotiate fee. BUT sometimes that leaves you with a speaker who is not eager or motivated to do his or her best work. Most speakers know that an organization is not likely to re-book the same person five to 10 times in a year. However, a bureau does have that leverage with speakers and can use it on your behalf – at no extra cost to you. Also, work with your bureau partner to get more for the money – ask for free or reduced prices on books, ask to only see speakers who are in the same city as your venue to save on travel and expenses, ask for a half-day and get consulting or a VIP meet and greet ... whatever makes sense. Some speakers simply will not negotiate on fees. They take one best offer and either say yes or no. They don't play a game. BUT they will add value and that is a win/win.
7. Reduce Risk – OK, this one is a shameless plug, but given the state of the airline industry today, it is getting to be a bigger and bigger issue. In the event that something happens and your speaker cannot get to your event ... if you book direct, what are your options? You probably already have paid a deposit to your speaker, which will take time to get back and more importantly what are you going to do with that big 90-minute gap in the agenda? Reduce your risk by working with a trusted partner who has access to thousands of options and can help fill that slot with an approved speaker with very little notice – sometimes less than 24 hours. You take out many types of insurance to make sure you are covered for your event emergencies. Consider this partner as a free insurance against the loss of a speaker!
Overall, we still like meeting together. It is a human element. We are energized by each other's ideas and by the fresh perspective we gain away from the daily routine. That's a good thing for all of us. Technology is growing and will continue to change and enhance how we do business but hearing from those who can motivate, inspire and teach us ... reminds us all why we got into this business in the first place.
By Karen Coyle, Sprint
HR/Talent Management - Leadership Development
Program Manager II
Mike Rayburn ~ World's Funniest Guitar Virtuoso
Some of you may have seen Mike at a conference as a keynote artist. That is because in 2001 Mike successfully transitioned his career from the college entertainment scene to the corporate market, as well as select theater engagements. Mike does after-dinner and award-show entertainment as well as opening/closing keynotes, using his unique guitar skills and hilarious songs to illustrate three tools attendees can use to step beyond perceived limitations. It is a keynote presentation unlike any you've ever seen. Mike teaches the tools which as he says, "...took me from playing for seven people in a bar to Carnegie Hall."
If you've never seen or heard him the only way to get it is to watch the video clips click here. First of all, Mike is a hilarious stand-up comic. His "Questions" bit and self-effacing commentaries are funny and wonderfully-warped. But what sets him apart is his masterful guitar work click here.
Mike is also known for combining musical artists and styles in ways God never intended. "Bob Marley sings Garth Brooks." "Led Zeppelin sings Dr. Seuss." "Dan Fogelberg sings AC/DC," "Bruce Springsteen sings Green Acres," etc.
If you want to try something fun, entertaining and with a message, give Mike a try. I have hired Mike for several events over the years, across the country and have thoroughly enjoyed his skill that has a great message of "What If And Why Not" philosophy.
Shari Hockenbery, CMP
Program Specialist
Francis Family Foundation
800 W. 47th Street, Suite 717
Kansas City, MO 64112
Shari Hockenbery, CMP, is currently a Program Specialist in charge of the administration of the Parker B. Francis Fellowship Program at the Francis Family Foundation. For the past 12 years, her duties at this Kansas City, Mo., based charitable organization have also included communication and meeting planning. Hockenbery has enjoyed a 24-year career in meeting planning, communication, marketing and journalism after receiving a bachelor of science degree in journalism from the University of Kansas in 1981. To achieve a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation, she joined the Kansas City Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (KCMPI) in 2004. Since then, Hockenbery has served KCMPI as Programs Committee Co-Chair, Director of Leadership and currently as Vice President of Education. She and her husband and two teenage sons live in Overland Park, Kan.
Congratulatons to Shari for earning KCMPI's 2007-2008 Planner of the Year Award!
Phil Allemang
Promotion & Event Advisor
C.A.M., Inc.
9921 Flint
Overland Park, KS 66214
913-381-6596
I have been working in the Promotional Industry for more than 15 years, and with the meeting and event planning industry for more than eight years. My employer, CAM, Inc., has been around for 27 years. I am dedicated to providing service and quality, along with innovative ideas for my clients. I can provide room gifts, lanyards, totes, pens, awards, and about any item needed for an event or conference. I have two grown children, Wendy and Jay, and live with my 1.5-year-old Airdale, Alley.
Years involved in KCMPI:
Four years.
KCMPI committees I have served on:
Awards Committee 2007-08, Scholarship Committee 2006-07 and '08, Awards Committee Chair 2007-08. Currently serving on the KCMPI Board as Director of Marketing and PR.
What I enjoy best about the meeting industry:
The fun of working with people, who like to have fun. I enjoy meeting new people and seeing how I can help them.
Activities I enjoy outside of work:
I enjoy ballroom dancing, and have done it for several years. I like to travel to out of the way places, and go to restaurants and gathering places that the normal "tourist" wouldn't go. I try to enjoy and live to the fullest everyday! Each morning I wake with a positive attitude that this is the day that the Lord has made, and I will be blessed and be able to bless others in it.
Congratulations to Phil for earning KCMPI's 2007-2008 Supplier of the Year!
We hope you enjoyed this issue of KMPI Times! As announced in our last issue, we have changed the newsletter distribution from every three months to every two months. The deadline to submit articles and pictures is Sept. 15, 2008. Please submit to Karen Hoch at karenh@ptpi.org and Valerie Watson at valerie.watson@sheratonkcsportscomplex.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
