MPIKC Times
MPI - Kansas City Chapter
Dear KCMPI Members:
The fall is upon us, a time for football, tailgating, cooler temperatures and foliage. It's truly my favorite time of year!
Over the next few months, our KCMPI calendar is full of educational and social events that are a prime opportunity for networking with your peers. Now more than ever, it's important for each of us to continue to forge new relationships and build upon existing ones. A monthly program is the perfect time to dust off those networking skills and learn something new about a fellow member.
Here are a few tips and tricks to help polish those networking skills:
1) Before each event, devise a plan and set goals – If you are a supplier looking to meet some potential new clients, review the membership directory before an event and take note of the members you'd like to meet. Remember that fellow suppliers also can be your best source of new business. Looking for a job? What better time to get out and meet some potential new employers and practice your 30-second personal sales pitch!
2) Venture outside your comfort zone, meet new people – Don't spend the entire event with your co-workers. In this industry, we tend to travel in packs. Break outside your comfort zone, and strike up a conversation with someone new. You'd be surprised at what you could learn and what relationships could come out of this new contact.
3) Be an active listener and take notes – The best place to take notes is on the back of the individual's business card. You'll have that snapshot information at your fingertips at all times in your Rolodex.
4) Follow up, follow up, follow up – Don't let this new connection fade. After the events, send a quick note mentioning some of the key topics you discussed.
5) Finally, never underestimate the power of a handwritten note – In this age of social media over exposure, sometimes a good old handwritten snail mail note is the best way to make a lasting impression.
By following these tips and tricks, not only will you potentially meet your next client, employer or colleague, but you also have started building a new relationship and will now have one additional friendly face at the next meeting.
I challenge each of you to go out and meet 10 new people between now and the holidays, and see what sort of great new opportunities come your way!
Have an idea for a networking event? Feel free to contact me to discuss; I'd love to hear your feedback!
Warmest regards,
Michelle Lizak, CMP
Kurt Dietz
Global Sales Team
Marriott International
Rob Hutchison
Vice-President, General Manager
Sterling Meetings & Events
Lisa Smith
Corporate Event Manager
Black & Veatch Corporation
Anniversaries
September
12 years
Terra Cook, CMP
Vice-President, Global Sourcing
Bishop-McCann
11 years
Lorie Scott, CMP
Manager, Global Accounts
Helms Briscoe
8 years
Michael Sigler, CMP
H&R Block Financial Advisors
7 years
Karen Freeman, CMP
Certified Meeting Professional
VSR Financial Services
5 years
Vickie Brawley
Director of Sales
The Q Hotel & Spa
4 years
Lisa Summers
Event Manager
Sprint
2 years
Ken Hamm
Sales Manager
Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa
Lisa Ruedisueli
Customer Business Development
Royal Caribbean International
Lori Turec
SVP Business Development & Event
FIVE STAR Speakers and Trainers
Hal Wood, CMC
President
Advisory Management Services Inc.
1 year
Jayne Hopkins
Sales Manager
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Overland Park West
Lauren Lakebrink
Student
University of Kansas
Tina Persinger
Sales Manager
Chateau On The Lake
Sarah Pikul
Program Quality Specialist – Managed Retail
October
22 years
Francine Cobb
Director of Sales, Worldwide Accounts
Hilton Hotels Corporation
11 years
Patricia Ator
Director, Conference Services
Child Health Corporation of America
8 years
Sandy Hennessy
Office Manager
Utilities Service Alliance
Chaunsea Keller
Vice-President, Business Development
E-proDirect & MeetingMart
7 years
Dan Veglahn, CMP
Independent Planner
6 years
Karen Hoch
Managing Director, Americas Region and Conferences
People to People International
4 years
Beth Aussem
Administrative Manager
Walsworth Publishing
Laura Reschke
Sales Manager
Sheraton Overland Park
3 years
Lauren Gray
Assistant Director
Swank Audio Visuals
Cathy Jackson, CGMP
Travel Services Meeting Planner
MO Division of Professional Registration
Rob Wilson
Director of Technology
Meeting Sites Resources
2 years
Deb Arbo, CMP
Account Manager
The Wellington Group
Pam Burton
Dave & Buster's
Emily Dalbom
Event Manager II
Sprint
Andrea Foulkes
Kansas City Regional Sales Manager
The Resort and Yacht Club at Toad Cove
1 year
Chris Dyer
President
Conference Catalysts, LLC
Priscilla Graves
Director of Sales and Marketing
Embassy Suites Hotel Kansas City Plaza
By Phil Allemang
What is CSR? What does it mean to be eco-friendly? Does it have to cost so much to buy products that don't harm the earth? What can I do for this planet? All very good questions, and most can have a very simple answer. And all work to the good of you, your family and the population of this world that is our home.
In this and future articles we will investigate what these and other terms mean, and how they can effect our everyday life. Buying for and planning eco-friendly meetings can be fun, and even more fun is when it spreads into your everyday living. It can be very simple, or as complex as you want it to be. I'm more of a simple person, so I will lean heavily on making each term as easy to understand as possible. And when you want more knowledge, I can lead you to more in-depth Web sites.
Let's start with the label "CSR." Corporate Social Responsibility is the term used for the recognition that an organization is intertwined with society and the earth, and must take responsibility for its actions for the "Triple Bottom Line" of People, Planet and Profit. Without concerns for all three, no organization will be as strong as it could be, nor have the respect that a solid company should have.
We must respect the people you work with, come in contact with or just pass by everyday. Remember, you are people; you yourself make up a very important part of this group. To respect others is the key to respecting yourself and to a positive attitude. Often we have to work at this respect thing. Oh, you might think that you always show respect, but what about the line you were in this morning, you remember. When you were running a little late to get to the office, and drove through a fast-food breakfast place because the line was not too long and you thought it would actually be fast. Then just before you get to the first menu board, the driver in front of you skips past that and goes right to the actual place-your-order board. And you know that that person did not give any thought to what they wanted to order before they parked in front of the speaker! A real test to keep that positive attitude, let alone feel respect for that person. You want to honk so bad, but then you see a little head in the back seat, you maybe hear that car's muffler rattling, you see the driver trying to roll down the window with an actual crank, and your heart kind of sinks because you know you almost were a jerk. But, in just enough time, you gather your thoughts and tell yourself that a little wait is not so bad, and that you are blessed in so many ways. You start to respect what that driver has to go through everyday, and a little time is not really wasted, but just diverted into making this day a wonderful day to be alive. This is what companies and organizations have to do also, to take the time to observe and see what they can do to make each day better for all those that they have some contact. And realize that it is a good day!
Planet, how do we help it and take care of it. Well, this can be so easy, if you just have fun with it. My daughter Wendy tells me different things she does to be more eco-friendly, or planet friendly. The simple ones she loves to do: shop at second-hand stores! Now, think about this, she is reusing clothing that others have quit using; this is being planet friendly. Ok, shopping is not my thing, I hate it. If I shop I want someone with me to tell me what to buy, get in and get out. But for her, she will find gems in piles of stuff and this is recycling, in a fun and beneficial way. Oh yes, she also recycles cans and bottles and plastic bags like most of us do. But taking care of this planet doesn't have to cost a lot or be something we dread. Just think about your life, your family, your job and see what can be used more fully, or reused, or given to someone else to use. You will be helping to take care of this planet.
In meeting planning, you can help the planet in so many ways, some might cost more and some will save you money. Just think about all the ways you spend your budget for that meeting, the food, the plates, the water and the badge holders. How can you work with your people to cut back, not waste, and not have as much to throw away? You might be a hero, not to just the planet but to your company, too, by saving money and by elaborating to your attendees how "green" your meeting has become. And give them ideas how they can be more eco-friendly on their way home.
No, we can't forget the final "P," profit! This is a must, and is something that all organizations and companies will always look for. We must always think of what we are doing, and how it affects the bottom line. That does not mean we do not recycle or buy items made out of biodegradable materials, even if they cost a little more. But as often as it may cost more, there are ways to show that the cost is offset by other savings, and we have to document these.
Ask your suppliers for products that are eco-friendly. If they try to say the cost will go up, talk a little more to them, let them know that they will also be benefiting the planet if they take a little hit too. As a supplier, I believe it is good to share, the benefits, the cost, the satisfaction of knowing I did something today to help. One example is I sell plastic bags, the kind that we all get at shows. I have switched all my clients over to biodegradable bags, and charge them the same amount. It cost me just a little bit more, but I know I did my part today to help this planet, and I got my client doing the same. We all have to dig in and help. And it can be fun! Find a way you can have fun and at the same time help this planet, and share with me your ideas and thoughts. Let me know the odd things you do, like Wendy, to help out all our fellow residents of this earth. Remember to think before you honk: It is a good day!
(Phil is a Promotion & Event Advisor for CAM, Inc., and currently serves as KCMPI's Director of Marketing and PR. He can be reached at 913-381-4139 or e-mail at phila@cam-inc.com.)
Kansas City, MO: The Hilton President Kansas City has recently been awarded the AAA Four Diamond rating. This rating is given following extensive review and evaluation by AAA inspectors. The criteria stated by AAA for a Four Diamond rating identifies the property as "refined and stylish with upscale physical attributes." Other criteria include "an extensive array of amenities, combined with a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail. General Manager Philip Strnad commented, "This recognition truly puts our hotel in the upper echelon of hotels, and is a tribute to the hard work of each and every team member. Since day-one of our opening, we have been committed to delivering uncompromising levels of guest service, from check-in to check-out, and this recognition confirms our success in delivering on that promise."
Follow us on twitter to learn of periodic specials and giveaways by clicking on the link below.
It's not too late to book your meeting and or event for 2009.
Book a meeting or an event in 2009 at the Hilton President and earn
Triple HHonors meeting planner points!
Offer valid for new business booked and actualized in 2009 based on space availability.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
*** Recipient of the prestigious 2008 Planners Choice Award from Meeting News***
*** Official Hotel of the Power & Light Entertainment District***
Congratulations to the following KCMPI Members for receiving the prestigious Pinnacle Award!
Branson Area Lakes CVB
Chateau on the Lake
Lodge of Four Seasons
KCMPI Partners/Sponsors:
Rosen Shingle Creek
St. Louis CVB
LAKE OZARK, (MO) - For the twenty-second year in a row, SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS magazine, the industry's leading meetings magazine, has named The Lodge of Four Seasons a "Pinnacle Award" winner for industry excellence. The only other Midwest hotel to receive this honor more than The Lodge is The Drake in Chicago, IL.
Since 1984, the magazine has asked professional meeting planners who book meetings in the Midwest to vote for those properties that exemplify the highest quality in the industry. Group and convention business accounts for nearly 70 percent of The Lodge's annual business, and is essential to further improving local commerce.
"The Pinnacle Award puts The Lodge in some very exclusive company," stated The Lodge President Mark Brown.
"To continually receive this important accolade in such a competitive industry and ever-changing economy is really a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our staff, and we are proud of this achievement."
The Lodge of Four Seasons is a landmark golf resort and spa in Lake Ozark, Missouri.
Visit us online at www.4seasonsresort.com or call 1.800.THE.LAKE.
"KCMPI's two newest moms: Tricia Clement, CMP (left), and Danielle Jodts, CMP"
Congratulations to Tricia Clement, CMP, and her husband on the arrival of Mr. Hudson Moore Clement who arrived on September 9, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. (9/9/09 at 9am). He was 19" long and weighed 8lbs 2oz. Both mom and baby are doing great! "The sleeping schedule is going to take some getting used to," says Tricia.
"A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on." -- Carl Sandburg
Congratulations to Brad and Danielle Jodts, CMP, on the arrival of Mr. Charles Davis Jodts! Like daddy, he will go by his middle name, Davis. Little Davis arrived on August 19, 2009, at 9:10 p.m. weighing 7 lbs/1 oz and was 20 inches long. He can't wait to meet you all! Mom and baby are doing great!
"A perfect example of minority rule is a baby in the house." - Milwaukee Journal
Mailing address:
4551 NE 56th Street
Kansas City, MO 64119
KCMPI's Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Maria R. Davis, CMP, has been selected as the Chapter's "Leader of the First Quarter!" This is a new initiative to recognize leaders within the KCMPI chapter for the 2009- 2010 calendar year. A highly coveted honor, Maria was selected among four finalists.
"Maria is a satellite member and continually initiates the chapter to ensure her involvement from afar. As the newsletter chair, Maria manages a large amount of responsibility, often requiring her to motivate others to follow strict deadlines. The newsletter position is typically a co-chair position. Currently, Maria is single-handedly managing most of the requirements. Maria is very thorough in her work and a valued chair."
Maria has been a KCMPI member since 1997 and currently works as a Sales Manager for the Lodge of Four Seasons in the Lake Ozark, MO area. Her involvement with KCMPI includes active participation in various committees including being a one-time Board Member tasked with drafting the initial guidelines for KCMPI's Scholarship Program. In 2006, Maria was awarded "KCMPI's Supplier of the Year" for her satellite work in initiating the Chapter's Student Program which increased industry students' awareness of KCMPI and greater student involvement with the Chapter's activities.
"It is such an honor to be chosen for the Chapter's "Leader of the First Quarter" Award. By being an involved member, KCMPI has opened doors for me. I greatly value all the relationships I have built thru KCMPI these past 13 years," says Maria.
August 13, 2009 - Membership Reception
Kauffman Stadium - www.aramark.com
Alicia Soliz - soliz-alicia@aramark.com - 816-504-4016
FRD Communications, Inc. - www.frdcomm.com
Laura Mullennix - Lmullennix@frdcomm.com - 913-232-4818
September 2, 2009 - Board Meeting
Sheraton Suites Country Club Plaza - www.sheraton.com/suitescountryclubplaza
Cindy Laluk - claluk@tpgcompanies.com -816-303-2954
September 17, 2009 - Monthly Meeting
Town Pavilion - www.townpavilionoffice.com
Sharon A. Ko - 816-701-5038 - sko@cwbkc.com
KC J-Catering - www.kcjcatering.com - Kansas City's Premier Caterer
Jeff Logan - 913-961-0929 – logan.jeff@sbcglobal.net
Overland Limousine Service - www.kclimo.com
Meredith J. Clarkson - 913-381-3504 - Meredith@kclimo.com
Hotel Philips - www.hotelphillips.com
Dana E. Jackson - 816-346-4403 - danajackson@hotelphillips.com
October 5, 2009 – Meet The Board Happy Hour
Intercontinental Kansas City at the Plaza - www.kansascityic.com
Adam Kelly - 816-303-2994 - akelly@kansascityic.com
October 21, 2009 Board Meeting
Power Play Entertainment Center - www.powerplaykc.com
Anne Waris - 913-268-7200 - awaris@powerplaykc.com
October 22, 2009 Monthly Meeting
Lenexa Convention & Visitors Bureau - www.lenexa.org
Julie Steiner - 913-888-1414 - jsteiner@lenexa.org
By Andrea Brack
With the struggling economy, companies around the world are learning to be creative and flexible with their budgeting. KCMPI is no exception. Our members are vital to us, so we're working with MPI headquarters to offer more options for payment of your membership. One of these options is to sign up for an installment plan where the yearly fee is broken into quarterly payments by credit card. There is also an Unemployment Assistance Program that allows members to retain their membership FREE for up to six months. Another option is the Memberflex Program where the headquarters in Dallas will work with members on an individual basis to create a personalized payment plan. For those members impacted by a natural disaster, MPI will assist by waiving their dues for one year. Current members now have the ability to earn a $25 credit toward their own membership for each new member they recruit! Trial memberships are also available – three months for $49, and companies that lose representation in KCMPI due to a member employee leaving the company can now apply for a "limited membership" trial period for a replacement employee. Please contact the MPI headquarters in Dallas for more details about any of our programs. So join KCMPI today – great benefits with payment options to fit your needs!
(Andrea is a Senior Event Coordinator for EPIC Entertainment, Inc. She can be reached at 816-997-1107 or andrea.brack@kcstarlight.com.)
Sterling RaphaelPresident / CEO, NFi Studios - nfi studios, entrepreneur, speaker
Social Media n \so – shul me – dee – uh) 1: Social media supports the human need for social interaction, using Internet- and web-based technologies to transform broadcast media monologues (one-to-many) into social media dialogues (many-to-many).
Using Social Media technology is this millennium's hottest way to do business! Do you Twitter? Are you LinkedIn? Is Facebook for you? These highly accessible social media tools are changing the way humanity communicates on a daily basis. Don't get left behind! Attend KCMPI's cutting-edge "R U Ready for WEB 2.0? A Lesson in Social Media Strategies and Tools" on Thursday, October 22 at the Lenexa Conference Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join visionary entrepreneur Sterling Raphael, founder and CEO of NFi Studios in Orlando, Florida, and explore the value of using social media strategies to develop interactive and creative web applications. Raphael has 12 years of professional experience creating innovative Internet applications for Disney Entertainment, the Orlando Magic, Universal Studios and more.
Believe it or not, successful businesses and business people use this innovative technology to create memorable brands, build user-friendly interactive websites and develop effective marketing strategies. It's a new day ... if you don't Twitter, if you're not LinkedIn, you should be!
(Sterling Raphael has twelve years of professional experience conceptualizing and directing the development of innovative Internet applications. With an intense background in creating powerful rich media applications for Disney Entertainment, the Orlando Magic, Universal Studios and many more, Sterling approaches all web software development with an interactive, user-centric and creative mentality. Sterling's knowledge of web design and development allowed him to combine the two skill sets to construct highly creative web applications. Adding a third facet of business marketing to his education, Sterling received a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration and Marketing at the University of Central Florida. Sterling continues to lead a team comprised of exceptional designers, developers and marketing at NFi Studios. The company continues to grow as a leader in the association and meetings industry.)
FIVE STAR Speakers and Trainers in partnership with KCMPI is hosting its annual Fall Showcase of 16 live speakers and entertainers on Thursday, November 19 at The Ritz Charles in Overland Park.
1. The Showcase starts at 8:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:30 p.m. Traditionally, more than120 buyers of event services attend this showcase to see the latest talent. This will be the first year that sponsors will be at the event. They will have access to the planners during breakfast, two breaks and during lunch.
2. Immediately following the showcase, KCMPI will be hosting a wine-tasting networking event, featuring international wine expert, Leslie Sbrocco. Sponsors will be at the networking event (although only paid meeting attendees will take part in the wine tasting.) Both planners and suppliers will be attending the KCMPI fundraising event.
This is your chance to spend a full day exclusively promoting to your buyers. Be the only one of your kind to display your unique abilities to this group of decision makers. Sponsorship dollars will benefit KCMPI and gain exposure for you.
All sponsors receive the following:
•High-traffic table
•Access to meeting planners for a full day
Those who register by October 15 also will receive:
•Listing in the full-color FIVE STAR Resource Guide
•Listing on FIVE STAR promotional material to drive traffic to the event
Take a look at the details at FIVE STAR Live Speakers Showcase.
EXCLUSIVE EXHIBITOR OFFER - $250 per table (proceeds benefit KCMPI)
Tables located in a high-traffic area, within the room for registration breakfast, lunch and two breaks, offering more than five opportunities for planners to see you.
There are 12 exclusive categories. Several still are available. Contact Bill Hartnett at bhartnett@harvestproductionsinc.com to reserve your spot today.
Exclusive categories are:
1. Promotional Products – CAM Inc.
2. Audio Visual Production Services – Harvest Productions
3. Hotel – Doubletree Overland Park
4. Destination Resort – The Resort and Yacht Club at Toad Cove
5. Event Site - Ritz Charles
6. Event Equipment Rental – All Seasons
7. Catering Offsite – All Seasons
8. Transportation – Overland Limousine
9. Entertainment / Speakers – FIVE STAR Speakers & Trainers
10. Professional Association – KCMPI
11. Florist / Decor – OPEN
12. Site Selection Consultation – Helms Briscoe
13. Audience Survey / Research Services – OPEN
Categories will be filled on a first-come/ first-served basis. Spots will only be held with payment in full made to KCMPI.
**If your business doesn't fit one of the listed categories, and you're interested in exhibiting, contact Bill Hartnett at bhartnett@harvestproductionsinc.com.
KCMPI Professional Education Conference is looking for peer speakers for the 2010 conference. Do you have expertise you can share or a passion for something that you would like to present to others? For 2010, we're looking to offer introductory to advanced breakout sessions that are targeted to meeting professionals - both planners and suppliers. Please fill out the peer speaker RFP and submit to Adam Kelly at akelly@tgqcompanies.com or fax to 816-531-1483 by October 30.
Professional Education Conference
April 7-8, 2010
"Drive Change"
Call for Breakout Speaker Form
Please review the call for breakout speaker details below. When you are ready to sign up, click here. All responses are reviewed and approved by the planning committee. Committee will respond to our proposal by November 30. Please reply no later than Friday, October 30, by faxing this form to Adam Kelly at 816-531-1483 or akelly@kansascityic.com. If you have any questions, call Adam Kelly at 816-303-2994 or Shana Hoy at 952-496-4253.
Program Date: April 7-8, 2010 (4 breakout slots each day)
Number of breakout speakers needed:
8 available timeslots:
1 x Planner Specific; 1 x Supplier Specific; 6 x Open topic slots
Expected attendance:
2009: 146 attendees
Approximately 73 people/breakout
Example/Proposed topics of interest:
These topics are not required but are suggested. Topics should speak to both the planner and supplier sides. If you have other ideas, please submit your topic description by clicking the above link.
• Healthy F&B for maintaining positive brain energy
• How to remember names in an industry consumed with new relationships
• Spanish 101: Hospitality terms for meetings
• E-etiquette: how to efficiently, but appropriately, communicate via text or e-mail
• KCMPI Web site: What it can offer you!
• Conducting a proper pre-con
• Working with unions
• The 123s of the meeting industry: How many cups in a gallon of coffee? How much seating per sqare foot will fit in a classroom?
Length of breakout:
50 to 60 minutes (50 minimum to meet the CEU credit requirements)
Compensation:
Each selected speaker will receive a 50 percent discount on registration to the 2010 KCMPI PEC for participating in this peer speaking opportunity.
October 22 - Registration: 11:30 a.m./Program: noon to 1:30 pm
R U Ready for Web 2.0? A Lesson in Social Media Strategies and Tools
Lenexa Conference Center
Technology is always changing! With all of the social media opportunities available, join Sterling Raphael, CEO of NFi Studios, to find out what is on the forefront of Web technologies, to discuss challenges and risks, and to take away tools to enhance your efforts. *This program is part of the season pass promotion. Register today!
November 19 - 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
FIVE STAR SPEAKERS Showcase and KCMPI Wine-Tasting Reception - Ritz Charles
Spend the day previewing 16 speakers on a variety of topics. Then, close out the day with award-winning author, writer, speaker, wine consultant and television host Leslie Sbrocco. Her entertaining approach to learning about wine and food makes for a fun and educational experience! *This program is part of the season-pass promotion.
December 17 - Holiday Gala – Starlight Theatre
Winter is such a busy time of year, so mark your calendar now for the KCMPI Holiday Gala. Take some time out to celebrate the holidays with your KCMPI family and friends!
January 21, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Virtual or Face-to-Face...that is the Question! - Webinar
Steven Gardener has hired and trained a number of speakers and trainers since the early '90s and hosts virtual and live speakers conferences across the United States that specifically tackle the subject to face-to-face versus virtual meetings. During this webinar, Steve will address issues including: how the audience, budget, desired results affect the decision to host a face-to-face versus a virtual meeting and what would be the best fit for each need. Additionally, he will review various tools that can boost interest and impact for your meetings. *This program is part of the season pass promotion.
February 18, 2010 - 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Crowne Plaza Hotel Kansas City Downtown
Be a Storyteller: Communicate your Message with Impact and Influence
How do you persuade skeptical people to make the leap from disbelief to engagement? How do you get people involved in and excited about your product, your idea and your brand? How do you influence others?
This interactive and high-energy session with Sue Hershkowitz-Coore, CSP, gives you specific tools to influence commitment and motivate others to rally around your message. You'll learn how you can use stories to connect to "buyers" and how you can tell a compelling story. Plan on being involved, having fun and leaving with fresh ideas to build commitment and communicate with greater impact. *This program is part of the season pass promotion.
March 18, 2010 - Twittering Around – A Twist on the Dine-Around - Downtown Venues
This year's dine-around will incorporate a twist on the traditional event. Join the fun as KCMPI sees new venues and samples delicious foods while incorporating teamwork and Twitter.
April 7-8, 2010 - Professional Education Conference - Westin Crown Center
Join KCMPI for a two-day educational immersion into the latest industry trends. This CEU-packed event features top-notch keynote speakers and timely topic breakouts. Don't forget to network with your peers during tradeshow, networking breaks and the opening night reception! Register early and save!
May 2010 - Golf Tournament - Course TBD
Get your clubs and hit the greens for the annual KCMPI Golf Tournament. New this year, we'll be hosting this event in the spring, so mark your calendar!
June 18, 2010 - KCMPI Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet - Faulkner's Ranch
Save the date for a Round UP of Winners at KCMPI's Annual Awards Banquet. This year we will converge on the serene lakeside setting of Faulkner's Ranch for a unique "couture cowboy" experience. Please plan to join us for this special evening honoring our exceptional volunteers of 2009-2010!
By Shari Hockenbery, CMP
He did it again! Once again, Platinum Series speaker and hospitality industry attorney Joshua L. Grimes came to Kansas City and conquered the complicated legalese of governmental legislation. At an eye-opening, early morning meeting at the brilliant Conference Center at Town Pavilion, Grimes delivered an interactive and focused dissection of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), legislation that rocked the meetings industry this year.
Stimulus spending in the current global economic crisis brought conferences, incentive trips and travel under scathing attack as examples of corporate excess. The federal government began legislating spending controls that discouraged meetings, and the resulting confusion and fear gripped the entire industry, culminating with the passage of TARP.
Attorney Grimes wowed KCMPI members before with Get Your SOX On! And he came back stronger than ever to recommend effective approaches to address stimulus legislation, discuss best strategies for groups to continue meeting, and help hotels and suppliers minimize cancellations and attract business by partnering with customers to comply with new spending guidelines. While it is necessary to be mindful of "perception" in the meetings industry, Grimes assured attendees that conducting business in challenging times is still productive, possible and profitable. Grimes encouraged all organizations, whether they receive stimulus funding or not, to consider TARP legislation as best practices and to remain as transparent as possible.
As always, KCMPI is grateful for the support of its generous sponsors. Many thanks to Sharon Ko and Town Pavilion for the outstanding meeting space, KC J Catering for a delicious hot breakfast buffet, Hotel Phillips for guest room accommodations and Overland Limousine for their service and friendship. We could not offer such valuable programs without the generosity and support of our sponsors.
(Shari is with The Francis Family Foundation. She can be reached at 816-531-0077 or e-mail at Shari@francisfoundation.org).
By Diane Wolfe, CMP
The event took place on Thursday, September 24 under a beautiful fall sky, among green pastures as the cattle kept a close watch on the evening activities. The sounds of Acoustic Renderings, guitar duo, added to the casual, yet elegant, atmosphere of the evening.
The F2T committee and Chef Kurt Wolfe, of Food Montage, Inc., succeeded in providing a meal created with ingredients that were cultivated within 100 miles of the Wolfe Farm, the event location. Throughout the night, guests enjoyed wines from the local vineyard, Baltimore Bend. Hors d'oeuvres of fresh tomato, basil and mozzarella relish on bruschetta and lamb empanadas were passed prior to the harvest-style meal. The dinner started with butternut squash soup, followed by a salad of fresh greens, diced apples, candied pecans and apple cider vinaigrette. The main course featured braised free-range chicken, beef braciola, green beans amandine and red potatoes with fresh dill. The evening concluded with dessert, featuring cake and homemade vanilla ice cream topped with brandied peaches.
Thank you to the F2T committee members and all the sponsors that helped make this event a great success! Also, a special thank you to the following local producers: Wolfe Farm, Sage Moon Naturals, L&R Farms, Die Brot Pann Bakery, Hilltop Farm Greenhouse, Brothers Produce, Miller's Farm, Troque Farm, Wells Family Farm, Paradise Meat Locker and Providence Farms.
Join us next year, on September 23, 2010, for great food, good friends and another perfect evening!
"Everything was amazing! " Adam Kelly, Intercontinental – Kansas City
"The food was fabulous, and the setting was just wonderful." Jill Quinn, Economic Development Corporation
Click here for more photos of the evening!
(Diane is President of KDW, Inc. and also chaired the Field 2 Table Event. She can be reached at 816-695-8009 or email at office@kdwolfe.com).
Name, Title and Company: Diane Wolfe, President, KDW, Inc.
Job description: Business Owner, Corporate Meeting and Event Management
Years involved in KCMPI: 8 years
KCMPI committees I have served on: Board of Directors, PEC (then known as Ed Con), Membership, Finance, Field 2 Table
What I enjoy best about the hospitality industry: Every day is different; you tap into all your management skills (accounting, human resources, organizational, technology, etc.) no matter what position you hold; the long-lasting relationships.
Activities I enjoy outside of work: Just spending time with my husband, Kurt, and dog, Jack. We try to keep life simple outside of work.
Name, Title and Company: Kara Brady, Sales Manager, Great Wolf Lodge
Job description: Responsible for booking corporate and association groups with 10 or more rooms and possible meeting needs. Work with local human resources departments to coordinate the Employee Savings Program for their employees.
Years involved in KCMPI: 2 years
KCMPI committees I have served on: Currently serving on the board of directors as the director for strategic alliance, PEC for the last 2 years, Membership for 1 year
What I enjoy best about the hospitality industry: Never a dull moment!
Activities I enjoy outside of work: I enjoy spending time with my 10-year-old daughter!
Anything else you'd like to add: The KCMPI relationships that I have built are very important to me and I look forward to many more years with this organization!
Of course, even those members who did not work on this issue made a tremendous difference by just doing your job - not only to your own organizations but also to the economy. Don't take my word for it. Here are the facts:
On Tuesday, September 15, the U.S. Travel Association released findings from a landmark study by Oxford Economics to determine the ROI of business travel on revenue and profitability. The travel industry is responsible for $246 billion (that's billion with a B) in visitor spending and 2.3 million U.S. jobs.
Planners and suppliers, here are some well-documented facts to help you persuade your internal or external clients to invest in meetings:
• For every $1 invested in business travel, companies realize $12.50 in incremental revenue and $3.80 in profits. (Great ROI.)
• Curbing business travel can reduce a company's profits for years. The average business in the United States would forfeit 17 percent of its profits in the first year of eliminating business travel. It would take more than three years for profits to recover.
• Both executives and business travelers estimate that roughly 40 percent of their prospective customers are converted to new customers with an in-person meeting compared to 16 percent without such a meeting.
• Executives stated that to achieve the same effect of incentive travel, an employee's total base compensation would need to be increased by 8.5 percent!
Data was collected from three surveys: 500 U.S. business travelers; 300 U.S. corporate executives/business travel decision makers; and 400 corporate executives/business travel decision makers. The results are based on a combination of the survey data, a review of related research, and an econometric analysis of the effects of business travel on corporate performance.
Keep fighting the good fight! We are much more than luxuries and junkets. We help keep the economy going!
Best regards!
Lori Turec
