MPIKC Times

President's Message

 

There's something about the New Year that inspires and excites us. Perhaps it's the chance to reinvent ourselves, the excitement of setting new goals or maybe it's the anticipation of what lies ahead.

 

In a year of unprecedented financial crises and doubt, we tend to want to freeze in time or ride the wave until things return to "normal." Because it may seem gloomy now, doesn't mean we should miss out on opportunities. If anything, we should be thinking ahead to where we want to be within our personal and professional life. The time is NOW to face this challenge and rise above the rest. Following are some questions to help you:

 

Personal:

1. What are the most valuable things/goals I achieved in the past year?
2. How can I improve the way I am dealing with the current challenges in my life?
3. What are my most significant personal goals for the next year?
4. What would I like to change about myself?
5. How am I treating the most important people in my life and how can I treat them better?
6. How will I include joy in my life for the next year?
7. What do I wish for in the future?

 

Professional:

1. What are my financial goals for the next year?
2. What are my desired business outcomes for the next year?
3. What are my business challenges for the next year?
4. What have I learned about myself while working on my job?
5. What would I like to see my company change?
6. What have I learned from my co-workers from working here?
7. What will I commit to make me better and those around me better?

The keys to success are to have a tough mental outlook and to act upon your plans and goals. For example, if receiving business from MPI members is a goal, then it is important to participate!  Please visit the EVENTS section of this newsletter for a list of upcoming KCMPI programs.  I look forward to seeing you soon.

 

Sincerely,

 

Vickie Brawley

vbrawley@theqhotel.com

 

 

News & Notes

Welcome the New Members!

 

Karen Bond, CTE

HNTB

Corporate Sourcing, Travel and Events Coordinator

 

Kristen Brought

Independent Planner

 

Rebecca Sprague

Sales Manager

Aladdin Holiday Inn

 

Shellane Hawley Thompson

FHL Bank Topeka

Communications Strategist

 

Lauren Waller

Student

 

 

We congratulate the following members for their dedication to MPI and KCMPI over the years!  

 

January Anniversaries

 

1 Year

Archie Langston
President and CEO
Stressolutions LLC

Rebecca Lynn Jones
Sales Manager
Hyatt Regency Wichita

Michelle Bushart

Manager – Corporate Events Marketing

Sprint

 

Brian Schwindt

Meeting Planning Supervisor

Fred Pryor Seminars / CareerTrack

 

Carla Jean Springer

Regional Sales Manager

Big Cedar Lodge

 

Sheri Resa

Director, Member Relations

US AGBANK FCB

 

2 Years

 

Lori Walton

Director

Resort Industry Marketing

 

Andrea Brack

Event Coordinator

Epic Entertainment

 

John Brewster, CMP

Director of Sales

Kansas City Marriott Downtown

 

Jen Ann Ipsen

Sales Manager

Kansas City Marriott Country Club

 

3 Years

 

Dorothy Miller

Vice-President

Picture Perfect Speakers

 

4 Years

 

Howie Olson

Manager – Meetings and Events

Embarq Corporation

 

Denise DeJulio

Director of Sales

Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association

 

5 Years

 

June Dobson

HNTB

Training Coordinator

 

Regine Scheck-Seberger  

Events Consultant

 

8 Years

 

Dan Nilsen

President/Owner

Bishop McCann

 

12 Years

 

Caprice Caster, CMP

Director of Events and Promotion

Automotive Parts Association

 

14 Years

 

Cari Rodriguez, CMP, CMM

Marketing, Trade Shows

Perceptive Software

 

16 Years

 

Sue Horning, CMP

Events Manager

Embarq Corporation

 

17 Years

 

Debbie Ratliff-Ball, CMP

Convention Coordinator

Association of Unity Churches

 

February Anniversaries

 

2 Years

 

Pam Dougherty

Corporate Meeting and Event Planner

Koch Supply Co.

 

Joann Chamberlain

Sales Manager

Radisson Hotel Branson 

  

Debra Skiles

Director of Sales

Westin Crown Center

 

Kendra Murray

President

Account Services Group

 

Katherine Ann Phipps

Youth Conference Coordinator

People to People International

 

3 Years

 

Tracee Watts

Corporate Meeting Specialist

Federal Home Loan Bank

 

Shana Hoy

Event Planner

Conklin

 

5 Years

 

Shari Hockenberry, CMP

Program Specialist

Francis Family Foundation

 

6 Years

 

Bill Hartnett
Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer
Epic Entertainment

 

8 Years

 

Marlys Arnold

Consultant and Author

Image Specialist

 

10 Years

 

Jennifer Hanson

Director - Conferences and Travel Services

Evenergy 

 

12 Years

 

Suzanne Martin, CMP

Independent Planner

A+ Meetings and Events

 

14 Years

 

Liz Skahan, CMP

Independent Planner   

         

15 Years

 

Suzi Hallas

Director of Sales

Loews Hotels

Thank you to our Generous Sponsors!

 

 

KCMPI's December Holiday Party

Hyatt Regency Crown Center

Lee Wayne Promotional Products

Fiddly Fig

Vista Productions

DARE! To Be Creative

 

Thank you to the following raffle prize donors:

     Sheraton Suites Country Club Plaza

     Embassy Suites - KCI Airport

     Crown Center

     Marriott - KCI Airport

     College Basketball Experience

     McCormick and Schmicks

     Lake of the Ozark's - CVB

     Kansas City - CVA

     Holtz Executive Village

     Five Star Speakers

     Sheraton Hotel - Overland Park 

 

January Program: A Food and Beer Experience

Boulevard Brewing Company

 

January Hula Bowl

Lucky Strike Lanes 

 

Thank you to the following raffle prize donors:

Hyatt Place Overland Park Convention Center

Four Points by Sheraton KCI

Sheraton Overland Park

Doubletree Guest Suites in Omaha

Sheraton Suites Country Club Plaza

Westin Crown Center

aloft Leawood

Holiday Inn and Suites Overland Park West

Great Wolf Lodge

Sheraton Sports Complex

Bushnell

Shari Hockenbery, CMP

CAM Inc.

Lucky Strike Lanes

KCMPI

February Webinar: Advance Contracts

Rudner Law Offices - Steven Rudner

ReadyTalk

 

KCMPI Member Announcements

Congratulations to Alton Hagen, CMP, for achieving his Destination Management Certified Professional rating, one of only 200 in the country. Alton is the General Manager of Agenda: Kansas City.  You rock Alton!

 

 

  

Congratulations to Belinda "B" Waldo for receiving the "Outstanding Service to a Chapter" Award in the recent PCMA Meeting held in New Orleans. "B" is with Associated Luxury Hotels International. KCMPI congratulates "B" and PCMA Heartland Chapter on this recognition. We thank you "B" also for all the work you do for KCMPI.  We are very proud of you!

 

 

Kudos to our KCMPI Member Marlys Arnold, Image Specialist who led a session at MPI's MeetDifferent (February 7-10, 2009) in Atlanta. Marlys presented "Podcasts, Wikis & Blogs ... Oh, My!" Great job Marlys!

KCMPI Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) Study Group Now Forming

 

Are you interested in sitting for the July 11, 2009 exam? It's not too late to join KCMPI's Study Group! For information on this program, please contact one of the following CMP/CMM committee members:  Chair, Dan Veglahn, CMP (913-710-6562); Lorie Scott, CMP (913-324-4118); Janet Ranallo, CMP; or Diane Miller, CMP.  

 

CMP Details:

• The CMP Application and Handbook can be downloaded for free from www.conventionindustry.org .
  
• Application deadline is February 25, 2009. That is the date that the application must be RECEIVED by CIC. Make a copy of your blank application and use this as a draft. Keep a list of questions that arise. KCMPI has seasoned veteran planners that will help you fill out this form. 
  
• Cost Estimate:        

Application Submission Fee: $ 225.00

Exam Registration Fee: $ 450.00

The Convention Industry Council Manual, 8^th Edition: $ 65.00

PCMA Professional Meeting Management Manual, 5^th Edition: $ 79.95

The Convention Industry Council International Manual:  $ 79.95

The APEX Glossary: $ 35.00

 

**plus cost of travel to/from test site**

• Study group:  KCMPI member - $  50.00 / Non member - $100.00

WANTED: Meetings/Hospitality Job Openings for the KCMPI Job Bank

Currently, we have no listings in the Job Bank for open positions (these can be full-time, part-time, or internships).  Jill Quinn (Chair, KCMPI Job Bank Committee) has been getting quite a few inquiries recently from job seekers looking for employment opportunities.  The difficult economic times have brought about many layoffs and downsizing.  If you or your company are looking to hire or have any open positions you would like to post on the KCMPI Web site, please send Jill the job description and any information you want posted related to the job.

 

Please send your postings to Jill at jquinn@edckc.com.

Events

By Tricia Clement – AGENDA: Kansas City

 

On Dec. 18, a crowd of about 70 people braved the weather and headed to the Hyatt Regency Crown Center for the 2008 KCMPI Annual Holiday Party. Guests were greeted by the cocktail of their choice, passed hors d'oeuvres, and wonderful networking.

 

The group headed into the ballroom to an elegantly decorated table setup. Fiddly Fig donated gorgeous centerpieces. The Hyatt arranged for Merlot Bichon linens with ivory chair covers and napkins from BBJ Linens along with gold chargers donated by Studio Dan Meiners. Each place setting had a couple of extra special treats. Chocolate covered cherries were donated by Sweet Perfection Handmade Confections and a holiday CD was donated by LeeWayne Corporation. 

 

While guests settled into their seats for a delicious plated dinner prepared by the Hyatt's seasoned culinary team, a background trio compliments of Dare to Be Creative provided entertainment during the dinner hour. Vista Productions brought in accent lighting to better accentuate the space.

 

Following dinner, guests were able to select from a large dessert display. Then it was time for the raffle. Attendees had brought canned goods or money to earn chances at prizes. The donations benefitted Harvesters, which is in dire need of assistance with the current economic situation. There were a large number of sponsors who donated items for the raffle. Although not everyone won a prize, a good time was had by all!

 

Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors for making the 2008 Holiday Party another memorable event!  

 

• Hyatt Regency Crown Center
• Lee Wayne Promotional Products
• Fiddly Fig
• Vista Productions

 

Thank you to Jenny Wheat of Wheat Photography for sharing her talent with us. To view a slideshow of the evening, click here. Jenny handles photography for:

 

• Corporate or commercial projects
• Products, modeling, marketing materials or catalog projects
• Architecture or interiors photography
• and of course, all types of events and portraits!

Jenny can also be reached through email: photogurl32@yahoo.com or Studio/Cell Phone: 816-695-9542. 

 

 

 Check Out These Pictures From The Event!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: Debra Sweeten, Child Health Corporation of America

 

People involved in event, party and meeting planning know that finding the right beverage to go with specific food can be challenging. Also challenging is getting attendees engaged. What exactly does one look for in selecting the most palatable pairings? How do we move attendees from being passive to being involved? KCMPI members who attended the Jan. 15, 2009, program got the answer to these questions and more.

After enjoying networking, a tour of the brewery and an open beer bar provided by our hosts, Boulevard Brewery, attendees had the opportunity to hear Brew Master, Steven Pauwels, from the Boulevard Brewery. This meeting, like many of the other educational programs I have attended, was a fun way to meet others and learn some new ways to enhance meetings, parties and events. In an entertaining way, Steven led the discussion while keeping attendees involved, engaged and laughing throughout the program.

 

With wit and humor Steven informed attendees that for great beer and food pairings, a number of things must be considered:

 

• Match strength with strength - Delicate dishes work best with delicate beers; strongly flavored foods demand assertive beers. For example – Boulevard Bully! Porter hits all your flavor profiles when it hits your mouth! It has a strong coffee-like flavor which goes well with a variety of sharp and smoked cheddar cheese.
• Contrast or complement flavor or aroma elements – some pairings will be more dependent on the contrasts, others on the complimentary flavors, but all should strive for balance.  Combinations generally work best when they share some common flavor or aroma elements. For example - the nutty flavor of a brown ale, such as Boulevard's Lunar Ale, pairs well with smoked and spicy sausage.
• Consider the taste buds: sweet, sour, salt, bitter – specific characteristics of food and beer interact with each other in predictable ways, they balance each other, each giving a desire for a taste of the other. For example, as a dessert sampler - Boulevard's Pale Ale paired perfectly with miniature Curry cheesecakes with pineapple and cranberry chutney.

Gone are the days when guests content themselves with being passive audience members! This educational program demonstrated that adding an interactive component to your event will create excitement, increase participation, improve retention, promote teamwork and leave a lasting impression! Through the interactivity, guests not only were engaged in the event but they experienced it. Guests tasted beers perfectly paired with foods (as noted above) and they asked questions, lots of questions! 

 

Brew Master Steven lead participants in seeing, smelling and tasting the beer, and answered questions about glassware and serving temperatures. As the beer was served, attendees observed color and texture, swirled and smelled, and tasted! Attendees learned that proper glassware shows off the color, supports the beer "head," and focuses the aroma of the beer for the best possible tasting experience. We also learned that each beer tastes best at a certain temperature. Serving a beer too cold hides a lot of the flavor and aroma. Served too warm, beer loses its wonderful refreshing quality.

 

As the evening came to a close, participants remained energetic and enthused, with new skills and knowledge. Moving forward they will carry that excitement and utilize new techniques in planning and delivering meetings, parties, and events.  Attendees left the program armed with information that will enable them to set the stage to engage their audience and ensure the success of an interactive event. 

 

KCMPI wishes to thank our Jan. 15, 2009, program host, Mr. Blue Lawrence, Boulevard Brewing Company, 2501 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64108.  http://www.boulevard.com/  Should you have any event needs or would just like to call/email to introduce yourself, please contact Mr. Blue Lawrence at blawrence@boulevard.com and his direct line is
816-701-7261. 

KCMPI Offers Cure for Cabin Fever - Hula Bowl!

By Shari Hockenbery, CMP, Francis Family Foundation

 

KCMPI and our generous title sponsor, Lucky Strike Lanes in the Power & Light District, proudly presented an extravaganza of bowling, food and socializing on Sunday, Jan. 25 at the hottest bowling alley in Kansas City!

 

Everyone enjoyed a festive, open house atmosphere from 2 to 5 p.m. There was bowling and free "tailgate" fare all afternoon. If you wore your favorite football jersey, you earned a free raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets were sold for outstanding prizes.

 

Ticket prices were unbeatable ... $15 per person. (Children under the age of 3 were free!) All proceeds were tax deductible up to $9 per ticket and helped KCMPI promote the viability of the meetings industry through a continuing effort to bring professional education and networking to the Kansas City metropolitan area.

 

Many area suppliers stepped-up to offer sponsorship dollars and outstanding door prizes. Many thanks to these generous suppliers, as well as our "Strike Level" sponsors: Sally Bennett, Sweet Perfection, LLC - Handmade Confections; Phil Allemang, CAM Inc.; and, Lorie Scott, CMP, HelmsBriscoe.

 

Of course, nothing would have been possible with the support of Lucky Strike Lanes! The hottest bowling alley in town is located at 1370 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, across from the Sprint Center (816-472-0178).  

 

Check out these pictures from the event!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February Webinar

Would you like to attend a KCMPI Educational Program but your busy schedule will not allow you the time out of the office? Today is your chance ...

KCMPI has partnered with the Heartland MPI Chapter and ReadyTalk, an audio conference and web meeting solutions company, to introduce KCMPI's first Educational Web Conference on Monday Feb. 16, 2009 at 2 p.m. CST. This educational program will provide "Advanced Information on Contracts."

Platinum Speaker, Mr. Steven Rudner, has been recognized by Successful Meetings as one of the top legal minds in the hospitality industry. He will discuss new ways to handle attrition that will work to group and hotels advantage, as well as identify key license terms that require special attention. Mr. Rudner will also describe the latest and future industry trends in contracts as well as identify ways to avoid litigation over group contracts in the current economic climate.   

"Steven M. Rudner is the principal of the Rudner Law Offices, which exclusively represent hotels and resorts throughout the world in regard to meetings and convention issues from their offices in Dallas and San Francisco. He has been recognized by Successful Meetings as one of the industry's "top legal minds." His work in the hospitality field has twice captured the attention of the Wall Street Journal. Rudner is Vice-President of the Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys. He is a Platinum Series speaker for MPI and a Best in Class Speaker for PCMA, and is a member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, MPI, PCMA, RCMA and HSMAI, as well as the State Bars of the States of Texas, New York, Arizona, Colorado and the District of Columbia. He is a member of the contracts panel for the APEX Initiative of the Convention Industry Council." 

 

Source: MPIWeb Speaker Profile

March Program

By Gretchen Miles, CMP – American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)

 

 

Join us the morning of March 12 at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown for an interesting and informative program about Disaster Planning and Management. Are you as a meeting planner and your organization or you as a supplier and your meeting facility prepared for the "what if" scenario?

 

Disasters come in many forms such as tornadoes or hurricanes, but what about a food poisoning outbreak or an impromptu labor strike? These too can be considered disasters if they occur during your convention and under your watch. Are you ready for whatever may come? How do you plan for it? How do you react to it? Do you have an emergency plan in place? 

 

This educational program will set the stage for an eye opening discussion that will benefit both suppliers and planners. With the help of a dynamic panel, who will offer first hand experiences, you will leave with a clear vision of where you are in the Disaster Planning and Management process and help you get to where you should be.

 

Click here to register today. This program is limited to 80 participants. Don't miss out! If you have any questions, please contact Gretchen L. Miles, CMP at gmiles@accp.com.

 

 

April Dine Around

2009 KCMPI Dine Around – Wednesday, April 15th
Please mark your calendars to join us on Wednesday, April 15th for the annual KCMPI Dine Around.  This year is going to be hosted by several restaurants on the Country Club Plaza.  We will all meet at one location, take off in 4 different groups, go to four different restaurants and then return to the original meeting spot for dessert.  We are currently finalizing all of the details and the participating restaurants.  There are a limited number of spots available so as soon as registration opens, please sign up as this is sure to be a sell out.  I look forward to seeing you all there!

 

To help with this event or to sponsor a portion of this program, please be in touch with Tracy Orpin, CMP at  913-642-9768 (office), 913-706-6946 (cell) or tracyorpin@earthlink.net.

Cinco de Mayo and KCMPI's Professional Education Conference will be here before you know it!

KCMPI 2009 Education Conference

May 5-6, 2009

Overland Park Marriott Hotel 

 

We know times are tough right now, but this year may be more important than ever to attend KCMPI's 2009 Professional Education Conference. We are focused on finding creative new strategies for making memorable, productive events with tight budgets. We also are bringing you insight into the future ... showing trends to be aware of and possible areas of concern ahead. Now more than ever before, use your networking skills and professional alliances to help ensure success. CMP certified? Earn .80 CEU's by attending! Register today by visiting KCMPI's Professional Education Conference Registration Web page. 

 

We are actively seeking sponsors and exhibitors for 2009 ... several key sponsorships are still available. Suppliers, ensure that your KCMPI planner colleagues are aware of your services by becoming a sponsor. The value of 2009 sponsorship may not be repeated again ... fees are lower and added exposure is greater. To request sponsor/ exhibitor details, email Committee Chair, Beth Ann Vann, at Beth_Vann@yahoo.com.  

 

KCMPI's Professional Education Conference Registration Information

The date for early registration has passed, but you can still register!

Standard Registration (Feb. 16 – April 24): 

$185 KCMPI member

$185 non-member

$50 student

 

Late Registration (April 25 – May 5):

$200 KCMPI member

$200 non-member

$50 student

 Questions?
 Event specifics available at: www.kcmpi.org/edcon
Contact Committee Chair, Beth Ann Vann at Beth_Vann@yahoo.com

SAVE THESE 2009 DATES FOR UPCOMING KCMPI PROGRAMS!

March 12, 2009, Thursday 

What: Disaster Preparedness Seminar

Where: Kansas City Marriott Downtown

Time: 8 a.m. to noon

REGISTER

 

March 26, 2009, Thursday

What: Membership Reception

Where: Wheat Photography Studio  

Time: 5 to 7 p.m.

 

April 15, 2009, Wednesday

What: KCMPI's Annual Dine Around

Venues: TBA

Time:  5 to 8 p.m.

 

May 5-6, 2009, Tuesday - Wednesday

What:  KCMPI's Professional Education Conference

Where: Overland Park Marriott

REGISTER

 

June 5, 2009, Friday

What:  KCMPI's Annual Awards Banquet

Where: Argosy Casino Hotel and Spa

Time: 5 to 9 p.m.

 

Corporate Social Responsibility

In this new era of cost cutting, companies are scaling back on events that were once lavish and glamorous. The most frequently cancelled events are employee-centric parties focused on thanking or rewarding employees for their hard work and dedication. 

 

Companies cancel meetings or cut budget on such events as holiday parties, incentive events and employee appreciation parties. Nobody wants to give the perception that they are wasting money on lavish affairs while profits are down and the bottom-line is suffering. I like to refer to this as the AIG effect.  

 

In addition to cost cutting and canceling programs, companies are also cutting back on their community involvement and donations to many charitable organizations.

 

What many companies do not realize is that corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs can offer bottom-line results for event budgets and increase their level of community involvement.  Companies want to celebrate their employees, but not end up on the cover of the Wall Street Journal for spending profits on a party. CSR programs are the perfect cost-effective way for companies to achieve both of these goals.  

 

A growing number of companies have realized this solution. Companies such as Cisco are encouraging their planners to do more CSR-type events in lieu of holiday parties. Planners can showcase their strategic event management skills and work with their boards and senior management to provide this type of rewarding event.

 

One pioneer in this movement is Laurel Coote, owner of Meetings that Give Back, a division of The Laureli Group, Inc. Her company's vision of corporate social responsibility is one that goes beyond the traditional one-off "build-a-home" or "project-warmth" type activities.  Instead they work with each client to plan strategic programs designed to re-energize employees by making a connection with needy communities.  

 

How does this work exactly? Meetings that Give Back works with each company to match their mission, goals, culture and event needs with a targeted community need. They work with attendees to motivate them to share their time and talents with charitable organizations for much needed support and services.

 

While overall CSR programs are not a new concept, it's an option that is too often forgotten in the boardrooms. In this current economy, it's a win-win solution for both the company and the charitable organization. Companies are able to show a cost-effective bottom-line for the event and employees leave the event motivated and energized with a sense of accomplishment. Charitable organizations find that their need is fulfilled at least in the interim.

 

For more information on Meetings that Give Back, please click on the link below:

http://www.laureligroup.com/meetingsThatGive.html

 

For the past few issues, we have brought you examples of companies that have been forward-thinking and compassionate about CSR movement. In this industry, companies are not the only ones that are focused on corporate social responsibility. Members of our own industry are actively involved in projects that are working to improve the lives of others.

 

KCMPI would like to focus our CSR spotlight specifically on these members and what they are personally doing in the community to give back.   

 

If you know of any KCMPI member that is currently active in community service, please contact Michelle Lizak at michelle.a.lizak@gmail.com. The next issue will focus on these members and their incredible stories of compassion and giving back to the community.

 

So this month, the CSR Spotlight is searching for active members within the KCMPI membership!

Industry Information

By Lori Turec, Five Star Speakers

 

 

So, maybe you are already on Linked-In or have a Facebook page, and you're wondering - "What's the deal with Twitter?" Is it something you should be on? And if so, how can meeting planners use Twitter to promote events? Here's some simple steps to get started.

 

Twitter lets people send very short messages, a.k.a. "tweets." It's a lot like IM to anyone who is listening ... almost a 21st Century party line. Once you have a Twitter account, you can "follow" people and see their tweets and people can "follow" you.

 

There are a lot of ways to view tweets ("Twitter feed"):

• Visit their Twitter page (ours is http://twitter.com/fivestarspeaker)
• Install a free program such as TweetDeck or Twhirl
• Use an RSS reader to subscribe to their feed
• Deliver tweets to your mobile phone as a text message

Why Use Twitter?

• PR: Use Twitter to "get the word out" about your event and build positive buzz around it.
• Attendee Satisfaction: Use Twitter to get to know your attendees better and hear and respond to what they're saying, positive and negative, about your event.

Getting Started

Get a free Twitter account by signing up at http://twitter.com/ and clicking the "Join the Conversation" button. Your username will have to be unique and will be how people reference you when they talk to you on Twitter.

 

Some people use their real full names (e.g., Paul_Schmidt), some people use their company name (e.g., FIVESTARSpeaker) and some choose something more whimsical (e.g., SpeakerFinder). My twitter name is SpeakerFinder ... which works because I want you to know that I can book the keynote inspirational and motivational speaker for your event.

 

There are different ways to listen on Twitter. There's the "normal" way, in which you visit people's Twitter pages and click the "Follow" button. Thereafter, when you visit Twitter.com, you'll see the tweets of the people you're following in a list, starting with the most recent.

 

How do you know who to follow? Many people post their Twitter username on their Web site or in their email signature, you can search for people by name through Twitter.com's "Find People" function or by topic through a service like Twello.

 

But what if you want to hear everything anybody is saying about your event, including people you don't know and aren't following? You can search the recent tweets of everybody in the world by visiting http://search.twitter.com/ and entering a term (e.g., the name of your event). Then, if you use an RSS reader such as Google Reader or a recent version of Microsoft Outlook, you can subscribe to the RSS feed of results and view them in the same place you go to read your blogs.

 

But what if you don't use an RSS reader? Easy, just visit Twilert, enter your search term and you'll receive an e-mail every time anyone in the Twitterverse mentions you. Be sure to get notifications when someone mentions @your_twitter_username. You'll see why when you read the Start Talking section below.

 

One problem with searching is that sometimes different people use different terms to refer to the same event. To solve that problem, I recommend using hash tags. Hash tags are words preceded with a # (hash mark) that can be used to make terms easier to search for. For example, the organizers of the ACME Sales Meeting might announce on their Web site that the hash tag for their event is "#ACME Sales". By doing so, they're encouraging everyone to use that string when referring to the show (e.g., "Jim Welch was the motivational keynote speaker at #ACME Sales!"). Now they know exactly what term to watch for in Twitter: #ACME Sales. You don't have to do anything special to establish a hash tag for your event. You can just let people know what it is in email, on your Web site, via Twitter, or however you communicate with your attendees.

 

Tweet and Tweet Back

You can respond to specific messages from prospective and actual attendees, communicate news and send updates about your event or just build buzz.

Tweeting is easy: just go to Twitter.com (or your TweetDeck / Twhirl client) and type your message. It has to be 140 characters or less, but you can include links and video. Don't forget to use Tiny URL, too.

 

How do you get people to follow you? First, follow people. Twitter will e-mail them to let them know you've followed them, and they will often follow you back. Second, publicize your Twitter user name with a link to your Twitter page prominently on your Web site and let people know that you'll be tweeting news and updates about your event. By convention, if you're speaking to someone in Twitter, you address them by putting an "@" in front of their Twitter name. What if you want to send a message to an individual in Twitter, but don't want everyone to hear? Easy, just send "d twitter_user_name Your message (e.g., "d johnsmith Thanks for mentioning us in your blog"). The big limitation with this strategy is that you can only direct message to someone who is following you. You can direct message non-followers by using @twitter to them as described above, or use their profile information to try to find an e-mail address you can use to reach them.

 

Let the Tweets Begin!

You now have plenty of info to start to Twitter. There are a number of great sites out there that teach you how to do even more with Twitter and there are some things you have to learn by doing! Of course, you also can hire a great business speaker to teach everyone about Social Media, including Twitter. SpeakerFinder would be glad to help. Happy Tweeting.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:                               

Ingrid Adel

iadel@fairbanks.com

816-448-4288

KCMPI Offers Quality Professional Education Conference at Reduced Rates

Kansas City, Missouri -- Feb. 13, 2009 -- In an effort to recognize the challenges facing event and meeting planners, the Kansas City Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (KCMPI) has reduced registration and exhibit fees for its annual Professional Education Conference, which will be held from May 5 through 6, 2009 at the Overland Park Marriott in Overland Park, Kansas.  All metro-area hospitality professionals are invited to join KCMPI in forging together to achieve success in these uncertain economic times.

 

Conference Committee Chair Beth Ann Vann said "We feel that it is important to recognize the challenges facing our professional colleagues. Budgets are tight, staff has been reduced, and yet no one can afford to sacrifice quality. The Conference's focus this year will emphasize value in terms of both educational content and expanded opportunities to network with planners and suppliers." Vann stated that she expects between 150 to 200 attendees for the day and a half-long event.

 

According to the January 2009 forecast from Special Events Magazine, "Our news about the economy worldwide has event professionals predicting a tough year of slashed spending. To keep event business strong, event pros will have to change their tune, focusing on delivering sensible events with skintight budgets."

 

Featured keynote speakers at the KCMPI Professional Education Conference include Jeff Tobe,  David Zach, Kelly McDonald, Robin Getman, Richard Rowe, and Mary Flynn. Visit KCMPI's Professional Education Conference Web page for details and online registration. Questions can be directed to Committee Chair, Beth Ann Vann at Beth_Vann@yahoo.com, 816-903-2384.

 

About Meeting Professionals International Kansas City Chapter (KCMPI)

Meetings Professionals International (MPI), the world's largest association for the meetings and events industry, is committed to positioning meetings and events as a key strategic component of an organization's success. KCMPI currently has more than 250 active members. It empowers members to increase their strategic value with education, professional development and business growth opportunities. For more information, please visit www.kcmpi.org.

About Meeting Professionals International (MPI)

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the association for the MPI global meetings industry and is committed to delivering success for its 23,000 worldwide members by providing innovative professional development, generating industry awareness and creating business development opportunities. Founded in 1972, the Dallas-based organization delivers success through its 68 chapters and clubs in 20 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.mpiweb.org.

 

READ PEC ARTICLE

###

 

 

SAVE THE DATE!

 

The Kansas City Meetings Industry Council presents:

 

            Speakers Showcase, featuring 10 speakers presenting topics including Managing People, Leadership, Communication and Getting More Business. 

 

 

March 31, 2009

8:30 a.m.

Kansas City Convention Center

 

Watch for registration information from any of the KCMIC member organizations.

 

The Kansas City Meetings Industry Council is the joint effort of the following organizations: GKCHLA, KCMPI, KCNSA, KCRDA, KCSAE, PCMA Heartland, and SGMP – KC.

 

Member Profiles

 

 

 

Name, Title and Company:
Danielle Jodts, Event Manager, Sprint

 

Job Description:
Corporate Event Planner responsible for conferences, road shows, customer hospitality events and incentive trips. Manages events from soup to nuts, including site searches, registration, printed materials, flight management, food and beverage, décor, entertainment, and onsite execution. 

 

Event highlights include:  
Grand opening gala(s) for Sprint Center, 2008 NFL Draft customer hospitality event, Super Bowl XLIII customer hospitality event, Internet Safety Awareness Event featuring John Walsh and six incentive trips hosted in Hawaii and Mexico.

 

Years involved in KCMPI:
I became a member in 2006, after moving from Seattle to Kansas City.

 

Awards: 
2008 Volunteer Leader of the Year and 2008 Rising Star award recipient

 

KCMPI committees I have served on:

2006 – 2007         KCMPI PEC Committee Member
2007 – 2008         KCMPI PEC Committee Chair
2008 – 2009         Director of Special Education

What I enjoy best about the hospitality industry:
My favorite part of event planning is the ability to travel to destinations or attend events that I otherwise wouldn't have access to enjoy. I value that my position provides a balance of detailed office work and thrilling days onsite. Lastly, the relationships I build with my internal clients from day-to-day counseling makes each day fun and rewarding.

Activities I enjoy outside of work:
Time with my husband, Brad, and Brussels Griffon puppy, Herbie, bring the most joy. I also like cycling at the gym, scrapbooking, trying new recipes and searching for unique restaurants in Kansas City.

 

 

 

Name, Title and Company:
Mitch Collins, President and CEO, Vista Productions

 

Job description:
Ensure excellence for our clients in every aspect of our business: Audio, Lighting, Video, Scenic and Event Management.

 

Years involved in KCMPI:
10 Years

KCMPI committees I have served on:
Multiple years on the Golf and Awards Committees

What I enjoy best about the hospitality industry:  
Serving people and helping them effectively and creatively deliver their message to their audience.

Activities I enjoy outside of work: 
Being a husband and a dad, coaching baseball, playing basketball.

Anything else you'd like to add: 
Despite what you hear, 2009 is the year of "Calm and Bright!" Make it happen!

 

Editor's Notes

We are excited to introduce in our next issue a new section titled "What's Going On?"  This will keep our community updated on the goings-on not just with our members, but also with the various companies within our Chapter and our industry. KCMPI Times is looking for submissions focusing on Property Updates (renovations, new leadership, etc.), Hotel Openings, Property Name Changes, Company Mergers, Change in Ownerships, Company-wide Awards,  to name a few.  

 

So, please mark your calendars and plan to submit your news and photos for the next issue by March 15, 2009. Please email to Maria Davis (mdavis@4seasonsresort.com) and Karen Hoch (karenh@ptpi.org). We welcome news, articles and photos from all our KCMPI members!