MPIKC Times
MPI - Kansas City Chapter
Our MPI year is coming to a close and so is my year as President. I am proud to be a part of the Kansas City Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (KCMPI). It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your President. Despite the economic challenges, this has been a good year for our Chapter and none of it would have been possible without you.
I want to thank your incredibly talented Board of Directors for their hard work and dedication. I am so proud to have worked with such an outstanding group of individuals. Thank you for all your efforts.
If it weren't for our Chapter volunteers that come together to support our Chapter we would not have the opportunity to provide the level of education or networking opportunities that allow you to achieve personal and professional growth. Thank you to our committee chairs and many committee members! There is no better way to gain the benefits of your MPI membership than to be an active volunteer within our Chapter. Please be sure to check out the volunteer opportunities available for 2009-2010 in this issue of KCMPI Times.
Our 2008-2009 slogan – Connecting People, Building Leaders: Changing the World – is a good representation of what our Chapter is trying to achieve. My sincerest hope is that each of you will continue to support our fellow members, friends, family and so many others that require our help and assistance. I strongly encourage you to adopt our philosophy of BUY KCMPI. I hope you continue to be strong in our march to educate the public, our government and corporate
Please join me in welcoming your incoming President, Michelle Lizak CMP. Michelle is passionate about this Chapter and I am very confident that she will lead our Chapter to great successes!
Thank you again for your energy, support and enthusiasm.
Sincerely,
Vickie Brawley
2008-2009 KCMPI President
KCMPI extends a warm welcome to our newest members:
Heather M. Bird
Board Events and Meeting Planner
Golf Course Superintendents Association of
Amy C. Bornhorst
Executive Assistant / Meeting Planner
TranSystems
Leslie Brock
Vice-President
National Professional Education Institute
Lauren Christopherson
Student
University of Missouri
Whitney Craig
Student
Abby Ledbetter
Convention Services Manager
Julie Christine Powers
Sales Manager
Bucca Di Beppo Restaurant
Brenda Ridgnal
Student
Kansas City, Kansas Community College
KCMPI congratulates the following members for their dedication to MPI and KCMPI over the years:
May Anniversaries
11 years
Tyler Adkins
Sales Manager -
Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau
8 years
Gerard Murphy
Owner
Murphy & Associates
Elbert Guy, CMP
Program Manager
Bishop McCann
Bobbie Bolton
Sr. Meeting Planner
Bayer CropScience
6 years
Wendy Phillips, CMP
Program Manager
Bishop McCann
2 years
Aesha Beattle
Sales Manager
C. Miller
Meeting Arrangements Coordinator
Church of the Nazarene
Katie Slaughter
Special Events Manager
Kansas City Power & Light District
1 year
Amanda McLeish
Corporate Events Coordinator
Waddell & Reed
Erik Miner
Marketing Manager
Premier Sports Online
Cheryl Carr Johnson
Resource Development Consultant
Good Samaritan Foundation
Melissa Evans
Director of Sales
Amy Sorensen
Meeting and Events Coordinator
Bayer Animal Health
Jim Jirik
Sales Manager
Sheraton Kansas City Sports Complex Hotel
JUNE ANNIVERSARIES
30 years
Vanessa Kane, CMP, CMM
Manager, Meetings and Events
Veterans of Foreign Wars
23 years
Rod Sanchez
National Accounts Manager
21 years
Julie Green
Director, Worldwide Accounts
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
12 years
Doug Fager, CMP
Meeting Planner
Onyx Meetings and Events
Vicky Fleming
Registration Manager
NAPSLO
11 years
Melissa Lee, CMP
Event Manager
EMBARQ
10 years
Mitchell Collins, CMP
President & CEO
Vista Productions Inc.
Janice McClain, CMP
Planner
J.M. McClain & Assoc., LLC
9 years
Maria Davis
Sales Manager
Lodge of Four Seasons Golf Resort and Spa Shiki
8 years
Diane Wolfe, CMP
President
KDW, Inc.
7 years
Kay Samuelson, CMP
Associate Director of Sales
Lodge of Four Seasons Golf Resort and Spa Shiki
4 years
Oscar McGaskey, Jr.
Executive Director
K.C.M.O.
3 years
Sally Bennett
CEO
Sweet Perfection, LLC
Ginger Walters
Senior Sales Manager
Holiday Inn at the Plaza
Linn Rice
Meeting & Events Manager
H & R Block
2 years
Doug Dresslaer
Event Manager
Sprint
Robert Salsman
President
RT Salsman Caterer Inc.
1 year
Carol Morphy
Senior Account Executive
Marriott International
Pamela Husk
Sales Manager
Kerry Green
Meeting & Group Coordinator
Patty Wolfe
Manager, Sales Communications
Assurant Employee Benefits
Christina Smith
Account Executive Market Sales
Kansas City Airport Marriott Hotel
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.
KCMPI's Dine-Around
Agenda: Kansas City
Overland Limousine Service
2009 Professional Education Conference - RED HOT MEETINGS!
Missouri Meetings & Events Magazine
Overland Park Convention and Visitors Bureau
Kansas City Convention and Visitors Authority
FIVE STAR Speakers and Trainers
The Disney Institute/Disney Destinations
ReadyTalk Audio & Web Conferencing
The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa
Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa
KCMPI's Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet
Vista Productions (sponsored Audio Visoual and Emcee Michael Ashcaft)
Jessi Light and Emily Mulett (violinists)
Associated Services
News and Notes is a great venue to share updates about yourself or others. We would love to hear news on both professional (certifications, promotion, job change, new ventures, etc.) and personal (births, weddings, etc.) aspects to share with our entire KCMPI community. Please send your News and Notes to Maria Davis at mdavis@4seasonsresort.org.
Best wishes to Lauren Gray, former Assistant Director of Swank Audio Visuals. Lauren was given an exciting opportunity outside of the hospitality industry, and took it in the best interest of her own personal and professional development. She was a valued member of the Swank family as well as the KCMPI Chapter (Newsletter and Awards Committee) and contributed wherever she was needed. We will miss her and her professionalism, but wish her the very best in her new endeavor. Good Luck Lauren!
Congratulations to Vanessa Kane, CMP, CMM - Manager of Meetings and Events for the Veterans of Foreign Wars for earning her CMM Designation!
Congratulations to Laura Reschke for being one out of three winners for MPI's Profile April Challenge. Laura won a free MPI membership renewal.
NOTE: From April through June, each member who completes their brief member profile update in the MPI Web site will be entered into a monthly drawing to win one of three free membership renewals. To update your profile, please visit www.mpi.org!
By Julie A. Hosmer
Last April 29, 2009, KCMPI members traveled to the
The Special Events Management Class at the
Students left class that day knowing the value of networking, continuing education, and meeting vendors. They also heard the message of paying dues when you are new to the profession — be prepared to work when others are playing. The satisfaction is seeing the event succeed after many hours of dedication and work.
The speakers from KCMPI were very valuable to the class. What these women brought to us cannot be obtained from the book. "The guest speakers are a great help." Amy Fisher of
In the Special Events Management class, students coordinated and conducted live events. There were 11 total events that the class did during the semester. Some of the events included a sand volleyball tournament that raised over $1,200 for the Ronald McDonald House; a sexual assault awareness and prevention program that raised nearly $2,000 for a local women's shelter; an event that collected gently used prom dresses and sold them to local high school students; coordinating and hosting the founder of Jimmy John's sandwiches, Jimmy Liautaud; and of course, a couple pub crawls. Afterall, these are still college students but they are well on their way to becoming experienced event planners.
The Hotel & Restaurant Management Program at the
(Julie is a Resident Instruction Assistant Professor for the Hotel & Restaurant Management Program /
Want to make the most of your KCMPI membership? Does our chapter easily recognize your name and your talents? The 2009 - 2010 committees are forming now and this is your chance to become a KCMPI leader. Involvement results in increased networking, points towards your CMP and looks great on a resume.
Please contact Danielle Jodts, Director of Leadership at djodts@hotmail.com to learn what opportunities are available.
Click here for a list of KCMPI Committees.
(Please send any company updates to Maria Davis at mdavis@4seasonsresort.com)
The Lodge of Four Seasons introduces "The Cove Golf Course"
A new name for optimum game
The Cove, the Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Signature Course formerly known as Witch's Cove, located directly across from The Lodge of Four Seasons, closed in July 2008 for the renovations. In late 2008, Golf Magazine named Witch's Cove as one of
"In our efforts to constantly improve the golf experience of our guests who play golf, we have completed extensive work on the greens, tee boxes and fairways, and have re-routed some of the holes on Witch's Cove for optimum play," stated Mark Brown, president of The Lodge of Four Seasons, and eldest son of Peter Brown and Susan Koplar-Brown.
As with The Cove, the Brown family continues to invest money back into their properties and the community to attract visitors and groups to the
"On behalf of my family, we appreciate the efforts of Todd Clark of CE Golf Design in his efforts towards rejuvenating and re-designing The Cove championship course, and are excited to publicly unveil the fantastic results," said Brown.
The Cove Golf Course re-opened on Friday, May 1, with member play in the morning, and public access beginning at noon.
About the Lodge of Four Seasons: Built in 1964, The Lodge was created by Harold Koplar and has been proudly owned and managed by the Brown family ever since. Boasting 54 holes of golf designed by Jack Nicklaus, Ken Kavanaugh and Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The Lodge has grown with the 2008 addition of AVILA luxury condos at The Lodge to accommodate visitors and the growing number of Missouri travelers who wish to vacation closer to home. For more than 40 years, members of the Koplar-Brown family have continued to reside, reinvest in and play an integral role in the
On July 1, 2009, KCMPI's 2009-2010 Board of Directors, who were installed at KCMPI's 2009 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet will officially take office. Heartfelt thanks go to outgoing Board Members for their long hours of volunteerism over the past year.
2008-2009 KCMPI Board Members
Vickie Brawley - President
Michelle Lizak, CMP - President Elect
Inge Hafkemeyer, CMM - Past President
Sally Bennett - VP, Membership
Karen Hoch - VP, Communications
Shari Hockenbery, CMP - VP, Education
Lorie Scott, CMP - VP, Finance
Phil Allemang - Director, Marketing & PR
Andrea Cowsar - Director, Member Care
Danielle Jodts - Director, Special Education
Janice McClain, CMP - Director, Special Events
Regine Scheck-Seberger - Director, Monthly Programs 
2009-2010 KCMPI Board Members
Michelle Lizak, CMP - President
Karen Hoch - President Elect
Vickie Brawley - Past President
Andrea Cowser - VP, Membership
Lorie Scott, CMP - VP, Finance
Lori Turec - VP, Communications
Dan Veghlan, CMP - VP, Education
Phil Allemang - Director, Marketing & PR
Andrea Brack - Director, Member Outreach
Kara Brady - Director, Strategic Alliance
Tricia Clement, CMP - Director, Monthly Programs
Andrea Foulke - Director, Member Care
Shana Hoy - Director, Special Education
Danielle Jodts - Director, Leadership
Janice McClain, CMP - Director, Special Events
We would also like to extend a very special thank you to our Chapter administrator Cheryle Grinter for her dedication and support of KCMPI!
KCMPI Dine-Around the Plaza 2009
By Tracy Orpin
It was a beautiful spring evening on the Country Club Plaza. KCMPI members and guests gathered at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant to kick-off the 2009 KCMPI Dine-Around, a popular annual networking event highlighting the metropolitan area's finest restaurants.
Before the shuttle busses lined-up at McCormick & Schmick's to transport attendees around the historic Plaza area, Cooranbong Vodka sponsored a delicious taste test of their Lemon Drop Martini's. Primed with a yummy specialty drink and tasty appetizers, participants were ready to eat, drink and talk their way through some of the finest restaurants on the Plaza.
Attendees were divided into four groups and led to the shuttles provided by Agenda: Kansas City, Overland Limo and Heartland Trailways. The shuttles took each group to different "starting" locations. Each group was able to indulge in a wide variety of outstanding food and drink at the generous participating restaurants, including Brio Tuscan Grille, The Melting Pot, Buca di Beppo, M&S Grill and McCormick & Schmick's.
At each restaurant, participants were greeted by the restaurant staff and given the opportunity to try many of the restaurants signature dishes. They received meeting information from each venue and were able to network within the group. Everyone was so well satisfied that no one left hungry! Some even got the privilege to sit at the "Pope's" table at Buca di Beppo.
At the end of the evening, all groups reconvened at McCormick and Schmick's for dessert and prize drawings. A great time was had by all.
Many thanks to the generous sponsors of the 2009 KCMPI Dine-Around the Country Club Plaza!
-
Agenda: Kansas City
-
Overland Limousine Service
-
Heartland Trailways
-
Brio Tuscan Grille
-
McCormick and Schmicks
-
Buca di Beppo
-
Melting Pot
-
M&S Grill
-
CorranBang Premium Vodka
-
Wheat Photography
(
Enjoy a glimpse of the evening provided by Jenny Wheat of Wheat Photography : www.wheatphotography.com/kcmpidine
Volunteerism: The Backbone of Our Organization
By Michelle Lizak, CMP
On April 21, KCMPI volunteer members were recognized for their time and efforts given to the chapter. The recognition event was held over breakfast at the Villa of Kansas City on the Country Club Plaza. Breakfast and awards were served to more than 25 volunteers for KCMPI. Prizes were donated by RSVP in the Village and the Kansas Speedway, all volunteers participated in drawings to win prizes.
Each year the chapter relies on its members to donate their time and effort to assist on 15 different committees. With out the help of volunteers the KCMPI Board of Directors could not put on such wonderful educational and social events.
Please join the Board of Directors in recognizing and thanking all our committee chairs, committees and volunteers for the 2008-2009 year: Click here to view the volunteer list.
If you'd like to get involved in a committee for 2009-2010, please contact Danielle Jodts, Director of Leadership at djodts@hotmail.com for additional information.
KCMPI-PEC provides Educational Content and Networking Opportunities
By Ingrid Adel
Red Hot Meetings was the theme of KCMPI's 2009 Professional Education Conference (PEC). The event was held at the newly remodeled Overland Park Marriott on May 5 and 6 with about 150 meeting professionals attending the event between vendors, suppliers and speakers. A total of 27 exhibitors showcased their products and services during the conference.
This year's conference focused on providing the attendees the opportunity to learn more about "Keep America Meeting" during the difficult economic times. Featured keynote speakers included Jeff Tobe, David Zach, Kelly McDonald, Robin Getman, Richard Rowe, Noah Blumenthal, Marlys Arnold and Mary Flynn.
Jeff Tobe kicked off the meeting by challenging the audience to unleash our innovative thinking skills and step outside our comfort zone by coloring outside the lines.
David Zach shared with a down-to-earth look at what's going on today and where it seems to be going, giving the audience a better idea of where to invest our time, attention and attitudes about the future.
Kelly McDonald talked to the attendees about the hottest new market segments and how they are shaping our culture; how to leverage key emotional drivers in marketing messages; and which group represents the largest opportunity for our business right now and which group will be our greatest opportunity tomorrow.
Robin Getman was our Master of Ceremony, as well as a speaker at one of the breakout sessions: "Relax, Stress is not a Four-Letter Word." In this session, Robin shared stories and ideas that kept our fun meter on high and our stress meter on peak performance. Her humor and practical tips made this a lasting, positive impression on the audience.
Richard Rowe addressed how we affect those around us in a positive, negative or neutral fashion. Each of us has a ripple effect on people with whom we live, work, pray and play. Row demonstrated with fascinating true life stories how to do so in a dynamic, powerful fashion.
Noah Blumenthal's session: "Discover the Power to Fly Through Obstacles and Be the Hero," addressed issues that have become increasingly important in light of the current economic slowdown: improving communication, responding to adversity, working more effectively, and building stronger, more productive teams. He encouraged the audience to make the choice to be the hero in any situation, not the victim.
Marlys Arnold taught us what the meetings industry is doing to stand up and defend itself with facts and guidelines that prove meetings build business. She also helped us explore how we can join the cause and Keep America Meeting!
Mary Flynn closed the conference by sharing some valuable insights on when and why an organization should change and the role of the leader in shaping a positive, sustainable change.
The second day of the conference, meeting planners had the opportunity to sit during lunch with representatives from the following partners: Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau, Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau, Newport Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau and the Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center, Cherokee Casino Resort, and
Attendees were able to experience wonderful speakers, visit exhibitors, network with colleagues in the industry and also win some wonderful door prizes which were given throughout the conference, including a two-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City, Kan.; a two-night stay at the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev.; and a two-night stay at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
KCMPI's PEC could not have happened without the support of our gracious sponsors: CAM Incorporated, Great Wolf Lodge, Display Studios, Haute Market, Integrite Salon, Intercontinental Kansas City at the Plaza, Excalibur Hotel Casino, Las Vegas, Missouri Meetings and Events Magazine, On the Border Catering, Overland Park CVB, Ready Talk, Sweet Perfections, LLC, T-Bones Baseball, Moana Surfrider A Westin Resort and Spa Waikiki Beach, The Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa Hollywood, Fla., Big Cedar Lodge, Bushnell Outdoor Products, HJF Promotional Products), ImageSpecialist, Mybadges.com, Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association, The Pryor Center for Leadership Development, Midwest Speakers Bureau, Overland Limousine, Up, UP and Away, Vista Productions, Inc., Five Star Speakers & Trainers, George Fern Company, Marriott Overland Park, Picture Perfect Speaker, RegOnline, Visual Aids Electronics and Disney Destinations. Please consider them when holding your own events. Thank you to everyone who attended this powerful program and we look forward to seeing you again at future KCMPI events.
(Ingrid is Director of Sales & Marketing Support for Fairbanks Scales. She is also the 2009 recipient of the KCMPI-PEC Scholarship. Ingrid can be reached at iadel@fairbanks.com).
Congratulations to KCMPI's 2008-2009 award recipients who were honored at its Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at the Argosy Casino on Friday, June 5.
KCMPI Rising Star
Kara Brady, Great Wolf Lodge
CMP Designation
Tricia Clement, CMP - Agenda: Kansas City, Inc.
Heidi Elser, CMP - Golf Course Superintendents Association
Michelle Lizak, CMP - U.S. Central Credit Union
Diane Miller, CMP - Church of the Nazarene
Judy Schelar, CMP - Golf Course Superintendents Association
Pamela Simpson, CMP
Lacey Spallitta, CMP - MAC Meetings
CMM Designation
Vanessa Kane, CMP, CMM - Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
KCMPI Event of the Year
2008 Annual Awards Banquet, KCMPI Spotlight on the Stars
Phil Allemang, Program Chair
Debbie Ratliff Ball, CMP
Kathy Thompson, CMP
Mitch Collins, CMP
Michael Garner
Vickie Brawley
Rosemary Hall
Inge Hafkemeyer, CMM
Belinda Waldo
Brad Plumb, CMP
2008-2009 KCMPI Supplier of the Year
Michael Garner, Visual Aids Electronics
2008-2009 KCMPI Planner of the Year
Karen Hoch, People to People International
2008-2009 KCMPI Committee Chair of the Year
Shana Hoy, Conklin Company Inc.
2008-2009 KCMPI Employer Appreciation
Five Star Speakers
2008-2009 KCMPI Program of the Year
Environmentally Conscious: It's Easy Being Green
Shari Hockenbery, CMP - Francis Family Foundation
Patti Gaughan, CMP - Meeting Management and Consulting
Heidi Elser, CMP - Golf Course Superintendants Association
Cara Roberts - HCONN
Lori Turec - Five Star Speakers
2008-2009 KCMPI Creative Catering Award
Hyatt Regency Hotel Crown Center
2008-2009 KCMPI President's Appreciation Award
Vickie Brawley - The Q Hotel & Spa
30 Year KCMPI Member
Rosemary Hall - Robstan Group
Vanessa Kane, CMP, CMM - Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Thank you to KCMPI Times co-chair Maria Davis for offering her photography skill this evening. Enjoy.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Join us this Fall for what is sure to be one of KCMPI's most unforgettable dining experiences, Field 2 Table!
The focus of Field 2 Table (F2T) is to highlight the talent, hard work and dedication of those who cultivate the foods which provide nourishment for our families each day. The F2T committee is devoted to having 90 percent of the evening's food and beverage from farmers located within 100 miles of
The menu will be sure to create a celebration of flavors from seasonal ingredients, which will establish a connection between the guest and the land.
Unlimited amounts of fresh air and rolling hills will create an evening of casual elegance, allowing each guest to fully indulge their senses! Field 2 Table is the locally grown dining experience not to be missed.
PCMA Educational Program
Topic: Designing Exceptional Events in Turbulent Times
August
KCMPI Membership Reception
September 17
KCMPI Educational Program
Topic: TARP
September 24
KCMPI Specialty Event: Field to Table
4:30 - 9:00 p.m.
October
KCMPI Educational Program
Topic: Technology
Speaker Showcase
Specialty Program in partnership with FIVE STAR Speakers
December
January
KCMPI Educational Program
Topic: Self Branding
February
KCMPI Educational Program
Topic: Face-to-Face vs e-meetings
March
KCMPI's Annual Dine Around
April 7 & 8
KCMPI's Professional Educational Conference
Westin Crown Center
May
KCMPI's Annual Golf Tournament
June
KCMPI's Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet
By Michelle Lizak, CMP
The Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC), an association dedicated to sustainability for meetings and events, has issued a challenge to the industry: Divert, recycle, or compost a million tons of trash between Earth Day, April 22, and the end of 2009.
This challenge was issued during the GMIC's Greening the Hospitality Industry 2009 Conference in Pittsburg. This conference drew nearly 200 green meetings enthusiasts.
The challenge is intended as "a fun, competitive way to inspire meetings, festivals, and other live events to measure and reduce the waste they produce, cut their carbon emissions, and save money along the way," said Amy Spatrisano, CMP, GMIC Board President and president of Meeting Strategies Worldwide.
How do I participate?
Meeting planners, venues and hotels are invited to measure the waste they recycle or compost and enter the total weight in an online system. Those participants with the best recycling and waste diversion rates will be recognized and the results will serve as a best practices guide for the entire industry.
What companies participating in this challenge?
The Million Tons of Trash Challenge is supported by GMIC members in a wide variety of global corporations and associations, including MCI Group, Meeting Strategies Worldwide, American Express Travel, Oracle Corporation. (www.greenmeetings.info)
What are some of their goals for reduction?
A great example is Oracle Corporation. Their goal is to run the 2009 Oracle OpenWorld, the world's largest conference for business software, as a completely sustainable event. Their goal is to reduce or divert 100 tons of waste in 2009. In 2008, they were able to divert 67 tons of waste at this same event. (www.meetingsnet.com)
How much waste is typically produced?
The average meeting produces 20 pounds of waste per person per day. (www.greenmeetings.info)
The GMIC is thrilled at the response to this challenge. It is a great way to leverage the collective power of the meetings industry to highlight the environmental, economic and human benefits of better waste management.
To join or sponsor the Trash Challenge, visit www.sustainablemeetingsportal.org or www.greenmeetings.info.
Click here to learn more about the Green Meetings Industry Council (GMIC).
(Michelle is a Marketing and Corporate Events Manager for US Central and is KCMPI's 2009-2010 President. She can be reached at michelle.a.lizak@gmail.com).
By Michelle Lizak, CMP
Early in May, KCMPI hosted its annual Professional Education Conference at the Marriott Overland Park. This year's event had a slight different spin than years past - focusing on making this event as sustainable as possible.
Many of you know how difficult it is to put on a two-conference with breakout sessions, meals and a tradeshow. Add in that it was for a group of industry professionals and make it a "green event" and you have quite the undertaking!
So this month, the CSR Spotlight is shining bright on the Professional Education Conference committee and sponsors for their efforts to make this event more sustainable!
Online Registration – Registration and event reminders were done through the KCMPI Web site or by e-mail, rather than postcards, to reduce paper usage.
Water Bottles – To reduce the use of plastic bottles and unwarranted dish washing, CAM Inc. provided each attendee a reusable water bottle to use throughout the conference and refill at the water stations.
Speaker Handouts on Jump Drives – To reduce paper usage at the conference, KCMPI partnered with HJF Promotions to provide jump drives, preloaded with a majority of the speakers' take-home materials for attendees to reference as needed.
Recycling Bins for Paper – Throughout the conference area of the hotel attendees found recycling bins for paper products to place any unwanted paper materials.
Recycling Cans – The Marriott provided beverages in recyclable cans. After their use, the Marriott put them in recycling bins located in the back of the house.
Cloth or Recycled Napkins – Marriott reduced the amount of paper trash by providing cloth napkins for meals and using paper napkins made from recycled materials for breaks.
No Pre-filled Glasses – During the meals, the Marriott did not pre-fill any of the water or tea glasses at the tables. This helped to reduce waste water.
Name Badge Holders – Attendees were asked to return their namebadge holders to the registration desk at the conclusion of the conference so that they could be recycled for a future event.
The Overland Park Marriott is also inspiring the world through Green Meetings
• Office paper, plastic and glass is recycled
• Uses only post-consumer paper
• ENERGY STAR® certified property
• Green certified management staff
• Natural herb garden on-site
• Linen-less buffet tables
• Energy efficient indoor & outdoor lighting throughout the hotel
• Electronic paperless meeting room signage
• Guestroom & ballroom corridor corner guards are recycled
• Air filters changed regularly to reduce energy consumption
• Heating & cooling systems are turned down when not in use
• Outdoor water sprinklers are timed efficiently
• Starbucks uses recyclable cups from post-consumer paper
(Michelle is a Marketing and Corporate Events Manager for US Central and is KCMPI's 2009-2010 President. She can be reached at michelle.a.lizak@gmail.com).
.jpg)
From left: Mike Garner (2008-2009 Supplier of the Year); Michelle Lizak, CMP (2009-2010 President); Phil Allemang (2007-2008 Supplier of the Year)
Name, Title and Company:
Michael E. Garner
Regional Manager –
Job description:
I manage and oversee the in-house audiovisual operations for several hotel locations in the
Years involved in KCMPI:
Six years
KCMPI committees I have served on:
Awards and Recognition
Professional Education Conference
What I enjoy best about the hospitality industry:
After 20 years in this industry, I can honestly say that the best thing that I enjoy about this industry is that each day gives me the opportunity to meet someone new or work with someone that I haven't seen in several years.
Activities I enjoy outside of work:
I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies and following the
From left: Michelle Lizak, CMP (2009-2010 President); Karen Hoch (2008-2009 Planner of the Year); Shari Hockenbery, CMP (2007-2008) Planner of the Year
Name, Title and Company:
Karen Hoch
Managing Director, Adult Programs
People to People International (PTPI)
Job description:
I manage and coordinate conferences and meetings (domestic and international) for PTPI, a not-for-profit membership based organization with the purpose of bridging cultures among people. In addition, I am responsible for overseeing PTPI's community chapters in the Americas Region.
Years involved in KCMPI:
It will be six years in October 2009.
KCMPI committees I have served on:
What I enjoy best about the hospitality industry:
I love the variety each day brings, working with details, and most especially the people I have met from around the globe.
Activities I enjoy outside of work:
Anything else you'd like to add?
My advice is to get involved with KCMPI! Volunteer on a committee - it can be as little as an hour or as much as you have time for. There truly is a fit for everyone. Our Chapter is a group of fabulous, intelligent professionals who are eager to excel in the hospitality industry. Don't sit on the sidelines ... evolve to greatness with KCMPI.
KCMPI Times is published six times per year. The next issue will cover KCMPI activities and news for July and August. We would love to hear from you on articles of interest, industry news, as well as personal news. All submissions are due by July 15, 2009. Remember this is a great way to earn CMP points. Please submit to Maria Davis at mdavis@4seasonsresort.com.
Meet members of KCMPI's Communication Team (from left): Karen Hoch; Patti Gaughan, CMP; Phil Allemang; Lori Turec and Maria Davis.
