MPIKC Times
MPI - Kansas City Chapter
This is a time of great change. Our global economy is facing challenges unforeseen since the last century. For the first-time in history Americans have elected an African-American to lead us as president for the next four years. In some way, each of us is affected by the state of affairs in our country and around the world.
As President of KCMPI, I have asked myself how I can help you during this time. What can we as an organization offer that will help shape your future? How can we prepare you better for future career opportunities?
One solution is quite simple. Stay involved with KCMPI. In order to reap the benefits of your membership, I ask of you the following:
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Attend KCMPI monthly educational programs and special events.
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Join a KCMPI committee and get involved.
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Network with your KCMPI family. You will be amazed at the invaluable resources within our chapter.
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Buy MPI; Buy KCMPI. Support your fellow peers.
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Utilize our Web resources: www.kcmpi.org and www.mpiweb.org.
Below is a quick synopsis of your KCMPI Membership Benefits and Services. If you have any questions, please contact myself or one of our Board Members. We are happy to help you however we can.
What are your KCMPI Membership Benefits and Services
It's not just WHO you know in the meeting industry, it's WHAT you know.
"It is important in this profession to stay up to date and on top of all of the new
trends, be able to communicate to each generation and constantly evolve. "
By being a part of the industry's premier educational, technological and peer interaction resource, you'll stay on the cutting edge of today's constantly changing and challenging meeting environment.
KCMPI provides more ways than ever to enhance your professional development and the ability to be cost conscious through
- Superior educational programming
- Timely topical communication
- Extensive resources
- Peer interaction
Let's work together to "Build a rich global meeting industry community!"
Sincerely,
Vickie Brawley
KCMPI, President
KCMPI thanks our generous sponsors for their continued support. Without their generosity we would not be able to provide high-quality educational and networking opportunities for our chapter members. Please remember to BUY KCMPI when seeking suppliers and meeting planning consultants! You can find a list of KCMPI members in your 2008-2009 Membership Directory!
OCTOBER PROGRAM:
Show-Me Presentation Resources
November Program:
R. T. Salsman Catering and The Kansas City Athenaeum
Overland Limousine Service
The Q Hotel & Spa
Show-Me Presentation Resources
December Program:
Lee Wayne Promotional Products
Fiddly Fig
Vista Productions
Thank you to the following companies for donating items for our Holiday raffle:
Sheraton Suites Country Club Plaza
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant
A SPECIAL THANK YOU!
KCMPI's Executive Committee would like to extend a warm thank you to the Raphael Hotel on the Plaza for hosting its December meeting. The Raphael is currently undergoing major renovations, we had the opportunity to see the transformation – all were in agreement that it is STUNNING!
We were treated to a magnificent five course meal with wine pairings at the Restaurant of the Raphael Hotel. The restuarant is currently under renovation, but will reopen in time for Valentine's Day. Please be sure to stop by and see all that is happening at the Raphael!
WELCOME New MemberS!
Megan B. Snow
Student,
Anne C Miller
Student,
Tina Campbell
Client Services Manager
Holiday Inn KCI & Expo
NOVEMBER Anniversaries
12 Years
President
Its All About Meetings
11 Years
Sue Heley, CMP
Conference Planner
A-S-K Associates, Inc.
3 Years
J. Phillip Allemang
Promotion & Event Advisor
CAM, Inc
2 Years
Danielle E Jodts
Event Manager
Sprint
Cynthia Tompkins
Vice President, Special Events Manager
UMB Financial Corp.
Richard M Bouhan
Executive Director
NAPSLO
1 Year
Justin J Stine
Meeting and Convention Sales Manager
Camille McCoy
Project Analyst
Deb Teeters
Meeting Planner Administrator
Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Louis Kram
Member LLC
The Hospitality People a Div. of Allied Staffing
DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
17 Years
Patti Jo Gaughan, CMP
Independent Planner
Meeting Management & Consulting
Belinda Waldo
Independent Consultant
16 Years
Cathy Ewing, CMP
Exec Mgr. Corporate Meetings & Events
Bayer CropScience
Kathy L. Thompson, CMP
Manager, Corporate Meetings/Trade Shows
Bushnell Outdoor Products
10 Years
Anne L. Deuschle
Marketing Manager
9 Years
Keely J. Grayson-Inman
Corporate Conferences & Events Coordinator
DST Systems
8 Years
Ward Wheeler, CMP
Events Planner
Midwest Research Institute
7 Years
Lynne R. Fleenor
Director of Sales and Marketing
aloft Leawood
6 Years
Kelly J. Malone-Kirby, CMP
Convention Services Manager
Sheraton Overland Park Hotel
3 Years
Michelle A. Lizak, CMP
Event Manager
US Central
Alice Werth
Manager, Meetings & Events
EMBARQ
2 Years
Sheila G Anderson
Senior Sales Manager
Walt Disney World
Jenny Forsythe
Regional Director of Sales
Prestige Resorts & Destinations, Ltd.
Philip W. Arbuckle
President
MeetingTrack Inc.
1 Year
Curtis A Pickering
VPR Creative Group
Chris Aquino
Sales Manager
Kristi Denise Templeton
Meeting & Incentive Manager
Lacey Amber Spallitta
Meeting Planner
MAC Meetings and Events
Craig Deel
Sr. Sales Manager
Marriott
Debra Leigh Turner
Sales Manager
Valerie L. Robertson
Director of Sales
Congratulations to Michelle Lizak, CMP (KCMPI President-Elect) on her new position as
Special Events Manager for U.S. Central Credit Union! Michelle will be handling all the events internally including conferences, Board Meetings and product launches.
U.S. Central is a wholesale financial center for the Corporate Credit Union Network. It was founded in 1974 and is owned and directed by its members. The company has about 250 employees.
You can reach Michelle at 913-227-6184 (Office); 913-568-3506 (Mobile); 913-319-3202 (Fax); mlizak@uscentral.org.
Congratulations to Sherie L. Howell, CMP, CMM who is a new member of the Dallas Advisory Board, which meets quarterly. It is run by the Dallas CVB and consists of Executives in the Hospitality field that do business in Dallas. The people on the Advisory Board have a voice on how Dallas works with meeting professionals through their marketing tools, future development, and much more. Sherie is a Conference Manager at A-S-K Associates, Inc. and can be reached at 1-800-315-4333 ext. 206 or 785-841-8194.
Congratulations to Shari Hockenberry, CMP, with the Francis Foundation (KCMPI's Vice President of Education) for completing the 2008 New York Marathon! Shari is an inspiration to us all!
Congratulations to Sally Bennet (KCMPI's VP, Membership), who is now in the candy business! She resigned from her position as Regional Sales Director with Extended Stay Hotels. Check out her "Sweet Perfection" at www.sweetperfection4u.com. This is home of the best handmade chocolate covered cherries you will ever experience. You have the choice of milk chocolate or dark chocolate, and each box is suitable for gift giving upon arrival.
You may reach Sally at her personal email address: highlife222@yahoo.com. To reach her business, you can dial 913-523-6908 or e-mail sweetperfection4u@yahoo.com!
By Jenny Forsythe
In a continuing process to grow the Kansas City Chapter of MPI, current members Andrea Foulkes, Sally Bennett, Diane Wolfe, Aesha Beattle, Valerie Robertson, Andrea Brack, Becky Hensel, Kara Brady, Jenny Forsythe, Lorie Scott, Patrick McMonigle, Rusty Macy and Karen Hoch, worked to spread the word about KCMPI. In partnership with professors, Dan Hoerz and Ona Ashley at
Each speaker gave a brief history on their own background in the industry, then talked about how KCMPI has helped them grow their business and expand their network of contacts. Several students took application forms for student membership and Dan is working on joining as well!
This is the second semester small groups of KCMPI members have spoken to these classes at JCCC. Those involved agree that it is a great opportunity to reach out to students in the industry, and will continue the program with new classes each semester.
If you have any interest in becoming a speaker and reaching out to the next generation of the hospitality industry, please contact Membership Chair, Andrea Foulkes at afoulkes@fhmchotels.com.
CHAPTER FUNDRAISING
In order to continue providing KCMPI chapter members with high-quality educational programs, KCMPI's Board of Directors have committed to raising $25,000 for our chapter. One way in which you can help is by attending and inviting your peers to join you at KCMPI's Hula Bowl on Sunday, January 25. CLICK HERE for additional details!
Thank you in advance for your continued support of our chapter.
KCMPI Leadership Team
2009 - 2010 Nominations
It seems like we just completed the longest election for President of the
I would like to ask each of you to truly consider a role on KCMPI's Board of Directors. It is a rewarding experience that will build your leadership skills and looks GREAT on a resume.
Also consider the following -
Volunteerism is the willingness of people to work on behalf of others without being motivated by direct financial or material gain.
There are two major benefits of volunteerism:
- Economic: activities undertaken by volunteers would otherwise have to be funded by the chapter, so volunteering adds to the overall business/economic output of the chapter and reduces the burden on the chapter's expenses
- Social: volunteering helps to build a more cohesive community, fostering greater trust in the membership; it helps to develop norms of solidarity in our industry and reciprocity that are essential to a stable community
On Dec. 1 and 15, every member received an email on "Call for Nominations," with a deadline to nominate yourself or a peer by Dec. 21. Please nominate a deserving member or yourself, you won't regret it. The final slate of candidates will be an email vote by the membership in March of 2009.
If you have any questions regarding the nominations process or just want to talk, feel free to either call me at 816-891-6600 extension 2223 or email me at ihafkemeyer@iaap-hq.org.
KCMPI, Past President
The Hilton President Kansas City has been named a recipient of the prestigious 2008 
Planners Choice Award from Meeting News. This is an exceptional honor, as more than 41,000 readers of Meeting News, a major industry publication, were asked to select preferred properties and facilities in which to hold meetings. Only those who exhibit an exceptional commitment to excellence are recognized.
The Hilton President's location in the heart of downtown
The 14-story President Hotel first opened in 1926, and reopened in 2006 following a $45 million renovation project led by Ron Jury. The intricate restoration of the hotel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was performed to exacting specifications to create the "new" Hilton President Kansas City. It was the first redevelopment project to open within the Entertainment District and is now known as the Official Hotel of the Power & Light Entertainment District.
Philip Strnad, General Manager, and Sher Wolf, Director of Sales and Marketing, commented, "It is a tremendous honor to receive this award from meeting planners. We are proud of our entire staff as they are the ones who make this recognition possible."
Congratulations to the Hilton President Kansas City!
The success of WATW's Fall Fashion Ladies Night Out event benefitting
A bus-load of women and children from Rose Brooks will visit Wheat Photography for their family photos, cocoa and cookies. We are excited that Premier Jewelry and Silpada Designs generously donated beautiful jewelry for the women to wear during their sessions!
Wheat Photography will be sending out our corporate sponsorship letters this month to get a jump-start on fund raising for our annual event, so please let us know if you're interested in having your company participate! Reach out to Ruth Wheat at ruthwheat@hotmail.com.
Dear Members and Friends:
KCMPI takes pride in providing you with high-quality, educational and networking monthly programs. Our chapter's programming is one of the many benefits offered at an affordable and industry competitive price.
We have been fortunate to keep program fees the same since 2005. However, in recent months, the chapter has seen a substantial increase in overhead costs for our monthly programs and a decrease in cash sponsorships and fundraising.
After considerable review and in an effort to ease rising costs, your KCMPI Board of Directors has approved a $5 increase on registration fees effective Jan. 1, 2009.
As your Board, we are continually looking for ways to provide you with the best value for your membership dollars. Although we are forced to increase our monthly programming fees, this year our Professional Education Conference (May 5-6, 2009) will be offering a significant discount for early-bird registration. Look for additional details coming to your inbox soon.
If you or your organization can help support KCMPI through sponsorship of a monthly program or our annual Professional Education Conference please be in touch. It is through generous sponsors and donations that we can continue providing you with premium programs.
We appreciate your continued support and wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!
Vickie Brawley Michelle Lizak, CMP
KCMPI, President KCMPI, President Elect
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with KCMPI! KCMPI invites you to Save the Date for its 2009 Education Conference. It promises to be a day-and-a-half fiesta featuring an entirely revamped conference agenda! If you have attended in the past, your 2009 experience will be noticeably different, all while continuing to provide the networking you've always enjoyed. This year's new features are:
- More keynote speakers! – Already confirmed Speakers/Sponsors: Jeff Tobe (Picture Perfect Speakers), Noah Blumenthal, and a speaker sponsored by Disney Institute and Five Star Speakers.
- Condensed breakouts, each with forward-thinking topics
- Contemporary, pod-centric, exhibit layout
- Open-format Café Conversations (as featured at MPI's Annual Conference)
- A fantastic Cinco de Mayo reception!
Registration Dates and Pricing
Through Feb. 15
Early bird for all attendees
$150 member & non-member / $30 student
Febr. 16–April 24
Standard registration
$185 member & non-member / $50 student
April 25 – May 5
Late registration
$200 member & non-member / $50 student
Questions?
Event specifics available at: www.kcmpi.org/edcon
Contact Committee Chair, Beth Ann Vann at Beth_Vann@yahoo.com
Click here to read the article that was printed in our last issue. Following are pictures of the event!
Thank you again to Renee Kelly, Caenen Castle and Sam Silverstein, for making this a successful program!
By
The entire world is turning "Green," sparking new conversations, new actions and new 
relationships all over the globe. But environmental sustainability is only a part of the overall strategic concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). On Nov. 6, in a promised follow-up to the successful "Environmentally Conscience: It's Easy Being Green" meeting, KCMPI held a forum on CSR at the beautifully restored Kansas City Athenaeum.
R.T. Salsman Catering and the historical Athenaeum graciously hosted KCMPI and the meetings industry for an afternoon of cutting-edge education, and delicious food and drink. Speaker Elizabeth Henderson, CMM, CMP, M.E. Des, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at MPI, led the lively, interactive discussion about people, planet and profit, and helped attendees understand how responsible environmental and social sustainability will benefit stake-holders, the environment and the bottom line. As Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for MPI, 
internal operations and the global community at large. She works with MPI chapters to help teach members how to inspire, inform and activate their local communities in regard to both environmental and social responsibility.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the recognition that an organization is unavoidably intertwined with society and the earth, and must take action in regard to the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. A solid strategic plan, embraced by the business culture, which understands the importance of CSR, will lead to good decisions that benefit stake-holders, the environment and the bottom line. CSR is not only about being green and integrating a depth of environmental sustainability, it is about social sustainability as well. The meetings industry sets a high moral standard by identifying and endorsing collaborative action around social sustainability, and developing best practices consistent with real-world obligations.
If anyone is interested in viewing Elizabeth Henderson's CSR PowerPoint presentation, please visit the Web site at www.kcmpi.org. In addition to R.T. Salsman and the Athenaeum, KCMPI would also like to voice our sincere gratitude for the generosity of our program sponsors: Show Me Audio Visual, Overland Limousine Service and the Q Hotel & Spa!
'Tis the season to join KCMPI at the annual Holiday Party, Thursday, Dec. 18 (TONIGHT!) from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the 
The evening kicks off with a reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. No KCMPI event would be complete without the generosity of its members. This year we ask that you bring nonperishable food items or a monetary donation for Harvesters, so that all
There will be seasonal surprises galore! So deck your halls and bring your cheer, this is truly an event not to be missed!
For centuries, beer and food have been enjoyed together as part of the good life. The proper beer and food pairing can impact the success or failure of a meeting, dinner, or reception. To ensure successful meetings and events, more and more planners are seeking ways to incorporate interactivity, while also gaining entertainment value. This program will demonstrate to attendees that the proper mix of these things can mean the difference between an ordinary experience and a fabulous one.
Come to the KCMPI program on Jan. 15, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. and you'll leave with:
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Understanding the elements of the principles of beer and food pairing
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Knowledge of this unique opportunity to add an interactive element to events and meetings
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Ability to add an educational and entertainment value to dinners, receptions and meetings
Your experience at this KCMPI program will be noticeably different! You'll sample the beers, you'll taste three food courses, and you'll continue the networking you've always enjoyed.
Like any gastronomic experience, the proper preparation can mean the difference between an ordinary experience and a fabulous one. Attend this meeting to learn a few things to consider when pairing food with beer, and incorporating this entertaining, interactive element to your events.
We have the cure for Cabin Fever...
HULA BOWL
Lucky Strike Lanes
Sunday, January 25, 2009
2-5 p.m.
KCMPI and our generous title sponsor, Lucky Strike Lanes in the Power & Light District, proudly present an extravaganza of complimentary bowling, food and socializing ...
You can't beat the price!
Tickets only: $15 each
(Children under the age of 3 are free!)
Ticket prices include:
Cost of bowling (five frames at a time) plus shoe rental on 12 lanes
Complimentary food and beverage (alcohol excluded)
Plan to arrive between 2 and 5 p.m. to enjoy the festive, open house atmosphere of the hottest bowling alley in Kansas City! Bowling is limited to five frames at a time on a rotational basis. Tailgate with family members, friends and industry partners throughout the afternoon.
There will be prizes!
Wear a favorite football jersey, college or pro and receive a free raffle ticket. Raffle tickets for outstanding prizes will be on sale for $2 each or six for $10. Some of the exciting prizes to be raffled are:
Hot cookies delivered right to your lane – compliments of Lucky Strike Lanes
Dinner for four at the OP1906 Restaurant in the Overland Park Sheraton
Two certificates for free bowling and shoe rental at Lucky Strike Lanes, Tuesday through Thursday
A one night stay at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Omaha, Neb.
A one night stay at the Hyatt Place in Overland Park, Kan.
All proceeds to benefit KCMPI with a small portion of each ticket sold returned to the Lucky Strike Lanes.
By Michelle Lizak, CMP
Since its creation in 1971, Starbucks has been committed to promoting a socially responsible work environment and culture. The discussions started out with how they would treat coffee farmers respectively, how they would help them achieve success while ensuring Starbucks future. Starbucks wanted to create a corporate culture with a great working environment, where each employee would feel valued and respected.
It is this forward-thinking and compassion for its employees and partners that has put Starbucks on the forefront of the CSR movement.
So this month, the CSR Spotlight is shining bright on the Starbucks Corporation!
Background on Starbucks
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Number of Company-owned stores worldwide: 8,883
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Number of Franchise/Joint venture stores worldwide: 6,873
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Total worldwide production of coffee (October 2006 – September 2007): 16 billion pounds
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Total coffee purchased by Starbucks (October 2006 – September 2007): 352 million pounds
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Number of coffee farmers worldwide: 25 million
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Number of countries where coffee is grown: 60 countries
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Number of countries where Starbucks bought coffee in 2007: 25 countries
Starbucks uses the following framework to measure their corporate social responsibility successes: Coffee, Community and Environment. All information contained in the article below can be found in Starbucks, Highlights from Starbucks Fiscal 2007 Corporate Social Responsibility Annual Report.
Coffee – Promoting Ethical Sourcing
"That great cup of Starbucks coffee you enjoy each morning is the end result of Starbucks' efforts to help farmers grow better coffee, improve their annual yield and enrich their quality of life." (Starbucks, Highlights from Starbucks Fiscal 2007 Corporate Social Responsibility Annual Report)
- Starbucks promotes ethical sourcing by making sure that 65 percent of their purchased coffee comes from C.A.F.E Practices (approved suppliers who meet rigorous quality, transparency and environmental standards).
- For three years, Starbucks has remained the largest purchaser of coffee in
- Starbucks helps to fund projects to benefit coffee-growing communities.
- Working to lay the groundwork in
Community – Contributing to our Communities
- Starbucks provided cash and in-kind contributions valued at $18 million or 1.7 pre-tax earnings.
- Starbucks Foundation funded education initiatives in
- Continued their multi-million dollar commitment to support a variety of clean-water initiatives in
Environment – Reducing our Environmental Footprint
- Ten-percent post-consumer recycled filter paper cups help conserve enough energy to supply 900 homes for a year and saved approximately 110,000 trees.
- Starbucks purchased enough renewable energy to represent 20 percent of the energy used in the
- The U.S EPA recognized Starbucks' conservation efforts with a Green Power Partner of the Year Award.
- Starbucks also has an ongoing, in-depth strategy to launch a new comprehensive "green" retail store in 2008.
To read about the rest of Starbucks efforts in the workplace and to celebrate diversity please visit: http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/csr.asp
References for this article:
http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/Company_Factsheet.pdf
http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/csr.asp
Starbucks, Highlights from Starbucks Fiscal 2007 Corporate Social Responsibility Annual Report
NOTE: Starting with the November/December edition of KCMPI Times, KCMPI CSR Task Force will nominate a different local business for the CSR: Spotlight to showcase their accomplishments in the local community. If you would like to nominate a local business or yourself for this special honor, please contact Michelle Lizak, CMP at mlizak@uscentral.org.
Background
BS 8901 is the British Standard which specifies requirements for a sustainable event management system.
BS 8901 is the very first standard to define a sustainable management system for the meetings and events industry. This standard was designed specifically for the events industry and defines the requirements for a sustainable event management system.
This standard was piloted at the European Meetings and Events Conference in
The eventual goal for this standard is to become an international standard (ISO) for all events.
How does BS 8901 work?
BS 8901 employs a way of working which takes into consideration the environmental, economical and social impacts of the event. The standard is either self-certified or externally certified by a third-party.
BS 8901 is a three-phased system:
- Planning
- Implementation
- Monitoring and control (or sometimes referred as "review")
Phase 1 – Planning
The planning phase involves developing an overall plan for sustainability that includes specific measurable objectives and metrics, identifying and engaging the stakeholders, and identifying the key issues specific to your event.
The first step in this phase is to appoint a "Sustainability Champion" for your event. This person's role will be to manage the overall three-phase process for certification.
The next step is to define the performance objectives, preferred solutions, and key performance indicators/targets that will affect your stakeholders and drive your development plan.
Phase 2 – Implementation
Implementation is the development and acceptance of the key elements of the sustainable event management plan. Phase 2 typically involves the coordination of supply chain management and the event managers. The key to implementation is communication and operational control.
Phase 3 – Monitoring to control
This phase focuses on reviewing compliance and performance in relation to achieving specific measurable objectives. Monitoring and control is the implementation of procedures to measure performance against established metrics. Audits and reviews should be done regularly and the procedures should be continually updated to demonstrate improvement.
The diagram below, from SES "BS 8901 – What is it?" illustrates how each of the phases affects the overall approach. (http://www.bs8901.com/BS8901PhApp.aspx)
CERTIFICATION
Certification of your event requires the following steps:
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Determine overall scope of certification. Will this certification cover a single event, reoccurring event, all events put on by the organization.
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Host a pre-event audit, which includes an initial meeting with management to explain the process, interviews with stakeholders, review of event management systems, site inspection of the operation of the management systems.
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Perform final audit of event management system to determine whether it meets the requirements of BS 8901 and locate evidence that the event management system is operating effectively.
Certification is typically valid for three-years for reoccurring and multi-event certifications. The certification of a single event is only good for the duration of that specific event.
In order to retain certification, follow-up visits by the audit committee may be necessary.
Additional Resources:
MPI: www.positiveimpactevents.co.uk
Sustainable Event Solutions: http://www.bs8901.com/Home.aspx
To order copies of the BS 8901 standard: www.bsi-global.com
By Lorie Scott, CMP, HelmsBriscoe
professional, Approximately 25 of the students that I spoke to expressed interest in joining KCMPI. 
Our Membership Committee will maintain additional contact with them throughout the year and until they graduate. I truly appreciated the opportunity to give back to Kansas State University and to be able to share my experiences, good and bad, with the students entering our chosen profession whether it be in hotels, event planning and management, the culinary arts, a speakers bureau, a convention and visitors authority or any other of the myriad of career possibilities that are out there.
The world has changed faster than anyone could have imagined. Yet, despite what the skeptics say, our industry is positioned to overcome this economic crisis. But we need to do more than survive; we need to thrive.
That's where MPI's MeetDifferent® comes in.
Join MPI in Atlanta, this February and experience innovation through dynamic and relevant education sessions. Get connected to the sharpest minds our industry has to offer, and bring home real solutions that deliver real value to your organization and momentum for our industry.
It's time to MeetDifferent. Your success depends on it!
BONUS: MPI is offering an incentive to chapters with the highest number of attendance in their category. Individuals must declare their chapter at the time of registration, to be counted. US $1,000 will be awarded in each of the three chapter categories below:
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Chapter size with members of 250 and under
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Chapter size 251-599
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Chapter size 600 and higher
About MeetDifferent
MeetDifferent® is Meeting Professionals International's annual conference which focuses on innovative meeting design, alternative learning strategies, and emergent technologies from around the world. The spirit of MeetDifferent is to challenge conventional thinking, allowing meeting professionals to test pioneering concepts in a safe environment and apply the results in their native work environments to enhance business success. MeetDifferent will focus on real life challenges as it relates to the current economic conditions and offer solutions to help you survive in these uncertain times.
MPI has made a commitment to grow its community by recruiting and attracting students to MPI both at the local and international level. In fact, MPI's student community grew 90 percent in the past 12 months to 1,649 members at end of October. Student members are also globally diverse with 19.5 percent in Europe/Middle East/Africa, 11 percent in Canada, and 69.5 percent in USA/Latin/S. America.
What's the problem?
While the growth of our student community has been amazing, the challenge is transitioning student members to full-paying members post graduation. As of last year, only 4.6 percent of our graduating student members transition to full-paying members.
Why should we care?
With the transition rate of our graduating students so low, our focus is to retain and transition students to long-term MPI members. The main reason for our students not transitioning to full members is the dramatic financial change going from their student rate ($40) to the full member rate ($325), especially considering their new employment status.
In light of these conditions, the MPI Board of Directors approved a recommendation by management and the Student-Faculty Advisory Committee to create a "Student-in-Transition" rate plan. The "Student in Transition" rate is a plan for our graduating student members to "grow" into the full membership rate over three years. The first year out of college the member will pay $75, the second year the member pays $150, the third year the member pays $250, and by the fourth year the member moves to the full membership rate of $325.
|
Student-in-Transition Stage |
Global Rates |
EU Rates |
|
Student Member |
US$40 |
€40 Euro |
|
Student-in-Transition Stage 1 – 1st Year |
US$75 |
€75 Euro |
|
Student-in-Transition Stage 2 – 2nd Year |
US$150 |
€150 Euro |
|
Student-in-Transition Stage 3 – 3rd Year |
US$250 |
€250 Euro |
|
Full Member (Planner or Supplier) |
US$325 |
€325 Euro |
Link: http://www.mpiweb.org/cms/mpiweb/mpicontent.aspx?id=21080
By Claudia Taylor, ITC
Recently I attended the official naming ceremony of Celebrity Cruise Lines' newest ship – Celebrity Solstice. As I prepared for my travels, I couldn't help but reflect on the number of meetings and events planned and wondered why more weren't held on cruise ships. When most people think of cruising, they usually think of a once-in-a-life-time vacation, honeymoons or retirees. Well, that may have been true in the past, but is no longer the case.
Cruises are growing in popularity as meeting venues for a lot of reasons. They provide a captive environment for presenters while the ship is at sea and an array of leisure activities while in port. It's an ideal environment for multi-day meetings, where intense meeting sessions are interspersed with relaxation, fun and some exotic destinations.
Several years ago, cruise ships didn't have the capabilities or facilities they have today. Although there may be limitations with specific room layout, audio/visual capabilities and satellite communications, newer vessels offer entire decks dedicated to public areas with several different facilities both in and out doors. With varying types of accommodations, some suites even have private dinning rooms that can easily be converted into a mini board room.
Cruise ships also provide an added incentive for meeting attendance. People are highly motivated by the prospect of a cruise. The allure of high quality food and entertainment, and exotic ports of call, make attending a meeting more appealing. Many companies use a business meeting at sea as a reward to employees for meeting strategic goals.
Planning a meeting at sea is simple and a streamlined process compared to many onshore venues. With cruises, all lodging, meeting facilities, meals, transportation and entertainment are coordinated through one contact. For one set price, everything is included, even gratuities and 24-hour room service.
It's understandable that with all these benefits, that groups and meetings are rapidly emerging as a significant business segment for all the major cruise lines. Cruising is no longer an activity for the rich and privileged. Today it is an affordable option!
For additional information visit www.cruising.org
Name, Title and Company:
Debora Renken – Regional Manager
HelmsBriscoe
Job description: HelmsBriscoe does meeting site selection for companies/associations/SMURF meetings and incentive trips that include sleeping rooms - Worldwide.
Years involved in KCMPI: 2 years
KCMPI committees I have served on: Monthly Program Committee
What I enjoy best about the hospitality industry: NOTHING is boring. Each client's event and location are different from the last. I enjoy helping with the searches, meeting new people and solving challenges.
Activities I enjoy outside of work: Grandkids, pets, sewing, crafts, paranormal, traveling with husband and doing sites with clients.
Anything else you'd like to add: Working for HelmsBriscoe allows me to stay involved with planners. After being a planner with GE Energy and BHA for over 18 years planning is in your blood. Once a planner – always a planner. I enjoy saving my clients, or their assistant, from doing the back and forth time consuming tedious tasks of the search, calling/emailing/faxing/following-up with hotels who haven't responded for these events. My joy - making my clients LOOK GOOD!!!
Alton Hagen, CMP
Parent Company: AGENDA: Kansas City, Inc., A full service Destination Management Company
Sister Company: AGENDA: USA, Providing chauffeured transportation for individuals and groups in the metro area
Sister Company: AGENDA: North America, Providing Event Production and group shuttle service for clients in destinations outside of Kansas City.
Job description: General Manager - I do my best to "steer the ship" while those working with me are making the ship run smoothly for our clients.
Years involved in KCMPI: 20
KCMPI committees I have served on: Program, Marketing & Fund Raising
What I enjoy best about the hospitality industry: The people I get to work with while providing service to others.
Activities I enjoy outside of work: Travel – especially foreign and/or adventurous
Anything else you'd like to add: By becoming actively involved with KCMPI (and other hospitality organizations) over the years, I've gotten much more back than I ever contributed. KCMPI has given me a fabulous return on my investment.
Meet Maria Davis who will serve as co-chair to KCMPI Times. She joins co-chair Lauren Gray. Maria is Sales Manager at The Lodge of Four Seasons Golf Resort and Spa Shiki located in Lake Ozark, Mo. Maria can be reached at mdavis@4seasonsresort.com or 573-365-8794.
Please mark your calendars! Articles submissions are due on Jan. 15, 2009 for our January/February issue of KCMPI Times. Articles, photos and member news should be submitted to mdavis@4seasonsresort.com and karenh@ptpi.org.
We look forward to hearing from you!
