MPIKC Times

President's Message

Dear Members and Friends,
Happy 2010! With weeks of winter looming, we are bracing for several more weeks of snow and cold weather.  Now is a great time to implement that New Year's resolution, jump start your career and get more involved in the industry!

Did you know that the career of meeting planner was recently listed as one of the 50 best careers of 2010?

What are you doing to enhance your career in 2010?

Here are a few examples of how you can maximize your involvement in KCMPI to move your career forward:

• Attend MPI's Meet Different in Cancun. Meet and mingle with peers, learn the latest industry trends and return home armed with the tools to advance as an industry professional.  For more information on Meet Different, click here.  Not able to attend?  Follow the event and updates on Twitter by following the Meet Different hash tag: #MD10.

• Join a KCMPI committee or work on a project.  What better way to increase your network than working side by side with your industry peers?  Contact Danielle Jodts, Director of Leadership Development, at djodts@hotmail.com for more information on how you can join a committee or work on a project.

• Attend KCMPI's February monthly program, "Be a Storyteller:  Communicate Your Message with Impact and Influence," featuring Platinum Speaker Sue Hershkowitz-Coore.   A timely topic, the art of storytelling also appears in this month's issue of One+ Magazine.  Click here to access the online version

• Stay abreast on industry reading.  A great way to keep up with all things industry is by utilizing an RSS feed or Google reader.  Simply search the industry sites that you enjoy reading and add to your RSS feed or Google reader.  There's lots of great new information out there, so keep it at your fingertips!

• Want to earn your CMP?  Study groups are forming soon for the next exam.  Visit www.kcmpi.org and click on "CMP certification" for additional information on classes and the exam.

These are just a few of the many ways to help jump start your career in 2010.  Best of luck in your quest, and kudos to the industry for being named one of the top careers!

Warmest regards,
Michelle Lizak, CMP
Michelle.a.lizak@gmail.com

News & Notes

December

Matt Wiggins

January 

Polly Berkley

Meeting Coordinator

Aviva USA

 

Julie Chatelain

Corporate Sales and Special Events Coordinator

Overland Limousine Service

 

Joseph Fahrney

Sales Manager

Hotel Phillips

 

Rylee Grover

Student

University of Arkansas

 

Carolyn Harris

Manager

All Points Amusement

 

Kelsey Mikkelsen

Sales and Event Manager

Howl at the Moon

 

Megan O'Keefe

Sales Manager

Hyatt Regency Crown Center

 

Matthew Wiggins

Marketing Specialist

Nueterra Healthcare

 

February

 

Jesse Harrison

Student

University of Missouri

 

Dorothy Theisen, CMP

Convention Manager

Advanstar Communications Inc. 

 

 

January

18 years
Deborah Ratliff Ball, CMP
Convention Coordinator
Association of Unity Churches

17 years
Sue Horning, CMP
Independent Planner

13 years
Caprice Caster, CMP
Director of Events and Promotions
Automotive Parts Associates

9 years
Dan Nilsen
President/Owner
Bishop McCann

6 years
Regine Scheck Seberger
Events Consultant

June Dobson
Training Coordinator
HNTB

5 years
Denise DeJulio
Executive Director of Convention Sales
Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association

Howie Olson

4 years
Dorothy Miller
Vice President
Picture Perfect Speaker, Inc.

3 years
Jen Ann Ipsen
Sales Manager
Marriott Country Club Plaza

Andrea Brack
Event Coordinator
Epic Entertainment

Lori Walton
Resort Industry Marketing

2 years
Dana Jackson
Sales Manager
Hotel Phillips

Sheri Resa
Director – Member Relations
US AGBANK FCB

Carla Springer
Regional Sales Manager
Big Cedar Lodge

Michele Bushart
Manager, Corporate Events Marketing
Sprint

Rebecca Jones
Sales Manager
Hyatt Regency Wichita

1 year
Adam Kelly
Director, National Accounts
CONTACT Planning

Stacey Stahl
Director of Group Sales
Hilton Kansas City Airport

Anne Schlagel
Student
University of Kansas

Kristen Brought

Shellanne Thompson
Communications Strategist
Fhlbank Topeka

Karen Bond, CMP, CTE
Corporate Sourcing, Travel and Events Coordinator
HNTB

Rebecca Sprague
Sales Manager
Aladdin Holiday Inn

Lauren Waller
Student
University of Missouri

February

15 years
Liz Skahan, CMP
Independent Planner

13 years
Suzanne Martin, CMP
Independent Planner
A+ Meetings and Events

11 years
Jennifer Hanson
Director, Conferences and Travel Services
Evenergy

7 years
Bill Hartnett
Vice President
Harvest Productions Inc.

6 years
Shari Hockenberry, CMP
Program Specialist
Francis Family Foundation

Leslie Brock

4 years
Shana Hoy
Event Planner
Husch Blackwell Sanders

3 years
Kendra Murray
President
Account Service Group Inc.

2 years
Shannon Wyly
Sales Manager
Hilton President Kansas City

Diana Midyett
Meeting and Convention Coordinator
Teva Animal Health

Janet Ranallo
Conference Planner
A-S-K Associates

Mark Steiner
Owner
Talent Salad

Sometimes we need it "short and sweet!" So when you want a one-minute update on eco-friendly trends, companies and news, go to www.csrminute.com.  There, you can access a one-minute video of today's freshest news on CSR, Green and other eco-friendly topics. A fun thing to do when you have "one minute" to learn. Think and learn to recycle, reuse and revamp your actions!

Phil Allemang, CAS
Promotion & Event Advisor
CAM, Inc.
9221 Flint • Overland Park, KS 66214
913-381-4139 • 800-255-0090, ext. 132
Cell:  816-392-4246 • Fax: 913-381-7139
2008-10 KCMPI Board Member
2007-08 KCMPI Supplier of the Year
Please consider the environment before printing.

KCMPI and Levy Restaurants at the Sprint Center have teamed-up to offer members an opportunity to raise money for KCMPI! The Levy Restaurants Non-Profit Volunteer Program gives organizations like ours a chance to make valuable fundraising dollars merely by staffing a food and beverage stand at an exciting Sprint Center event. In turn, Levy Restaurants will donate 10 percent of all proceeds back to KCMPI!

KCMPI needs your time and dedication to help build our chapter's financial resources. In these challenging economic times, KCMPI has been affected by deep budget cutbacks.

Did you know KCMPI receives only a small portion of your annual MPI dues? The remainder of the chapter budget comes from cash sponsorships, fundraising, negotiated discounts and in-kind donations. In the past 18 months, both cash sponsorship dollars and membership revenues have decreased.  Due to rising company cutbacks, many companies no longer pay membership dues, forcing members to pay out of their own pocket. It also costs more to host monthly programs and events. 

If you've got the time, we've got the solution! With the commitment of our membership, KCMPI's partnership with Levy Restaurants can create a continuous infusion of cash. By working an exciting Sprint Center event, such as the Elton John/Billy Joel concert or the action-packed Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament, KCMPI will enjoy more flexibility when hosting programs and events, offer more member benefits - such as scholarships - and continue to meet the high standard of excellence our membership deserves.

There are thousands of dollars to be earned but we need your help! The Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament will be held March 10-13. Several shifts are available both in the morning and the afternoon. No prior training or experience is required. You will be trained before the gate opens! Members and non-members are welcome. Bring a friend, a spouse, a neighbor. Everyone can join in the fun. This success of our chapter's efforts to raise money in these difficult times depends on you!

If you are interested in a little KCMPI team-building fun while pouring beer and making hot dogs, please contact Fundraising Committee co-chairs Lynne Fleenor (lynne.fleenor@aloftleawood.com) or Shari Hockenbery, CMP (shari@francisfoundation.org).

We've got the details and are waiting to hear from you!
No prior training required. Food handler's class certificate and liquor license a plus.

Congratulations to Shari Hockenbery, CMP, for selection as the leader of the second quarter! As co-chair of KCMPI's fundraising committee, Shari spearheaded the effort to find an ongoing, money raising partnership for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. After researching multiple options, Shari settled on a Sprint Center partnership. Securing KCMPI as a partner involved organizing numerous details required by Sprint Center. A multitude of phone calls and an in-person training class were in the initial steps. Shari's dedication displays her loyalty to the chapter and to ensuring financial responsibility.

"It is an honor to be recognized as a KCMPI leader but nothing would have been accomplished without the support and encouragement of the KCMPI membership, especially my co-chair Lynne Fleenor, Aloft Leawood. The fundraising collaboration with Levy Restaurants at the Sprint Center is an exciting opportunity for KCMPI to raise money in a challenging economy. As KCMPI members, we can participate in this fundraising effort and help our chapter continue to grow professionally and financially. I encourage every KCMPI member to join me in donating your most valuable commodity – time – and participate in an incredible Sprint Center event with your KCMPI friends!"
 
Shari Hockenbery, CMP, is a program specialist in charge of administration of the Parker B. Francis Fellowship Program at the Francis Family Foundation. For the past 12 years, her duties at the Kansas City, Mo.-based charitable organization have included communication, marketing and meeting planning. Hockenbery has enjoyed a 26-year career in meeting planning, communication, marketing and journalism after receiving a bachelor of science degree in journalism from the University of Kansas in 1981. To achieve Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation, she joined the Kansas City Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (KCMPI) in 2004. Since then, Hockenbery has served KCMPI as programs committee co-chair, director of leadership, vice president of education and fundraising co-chair. She, her husband and two sons live in Overland Park, Kan.

Congratulations to Phil Allemang of CAM Inc. He was recently awarded
the designation of Certified Advertising Specialist.

Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) is the promotional products industry's professional designation. Individuals with CAS certification are seen as industry leaders, those who have attained a higher standard of professionalism, knowledge and experience. CAS certification is acquired through a combination of active employment in the industry, completed courses and the successful demonstration of expertise.

The CAS certification designee will have a broad understanding of all aspects of the industry, best practices, business ethics, promotional products programs and technology guidelines. Designees will be well versed in all advertising and marketing media available for the promotional products industry. Less than 3 percent of all promotional consultants have this designation. Way to go Phil!

Congratulations to KCMPI member Sherie L. Howell, CMP, CMM, for being awarded the PCMA Heartland Chapter's "Member of The Year Award" during the February 2010 Heartland Chapter Awards, Installation of Officers and Silent Auction.

The PCMA CHAPTER MEMBER OF THE YEAR recognizes an individual or organization exemplifying outstanding professionalism and service to the profession. Criteria is based on chapter service, contributions to the profession, professionalism and leadership.

Sherie became a PCMA member in the fall of 2008 and took the role of 2009 Chairperson of Programs immediately. She was in charge of the February 2009 program that included the installation of the board, awards and silent auction. The silent auction committee collected items that generated approximately $8,000 for the PCMA Heartland Chapter. She was involved in the joint program with KCMPI and helped get the exceptional speaker for the joint meeting with the Missouri State Capital Chapter of SGMP. She is on the PCMA Heartland Chapter Board of Directors, is board liaison to the Community Service Committee and the programs co-chair for 2010. We're so proud of you Sherie!

Sherie is a conference manager for A-S-K Associates Inc. She can be reached at showell@askusa.com or 785-841-8194 (office).

Diane Forgy, president of Overland Limousine Service in Kansas City, was unanimously elected president of the National Limousine Association (NLA) at its January board of directors meeting, one day prior to the start of the International Limousine, Charter & Tour (ILCT) Show at The Venetian Hotel & Casino - the industry's preeminent trade show and convention.

Forgy had served on the NLA Board of Directors for six years starting in 2003, holding the offices of treasurer and first vice president for two years each. She was re-elected to the board in 2010 for another three-year term. Forgy is well respected and heavily involved in the industry. She devotes time locally to various business organizations and non-profits, including Jazzoo - the KC Chapter of Entrepreneur's Organization - and the Johnson County Interfaith Hospitality Network.

"I am humbled and honored to serve as president of the NLA, especially during such a tumultuous time for our industry. We will primarily be focused on furthering our legislative agenda in Washington, D.C. on the issues that affect the majority of our members. In addition, we are committed to providing our members with first-class education, networking opportunities and valuable benefit programs. Our industry is resilient and I am confident that the board will work very hard this year to help our members evolve and thrive in the new economy."

For additional company information, please contact:

Diane Forgy, President
Overland Limousine Service - Kansas City & Worldwide
"Innovative, Award-Winning Service Since 1979"
913-381-3504 (office)
800-575-4845 (toll-free)
816-591-7366 (cell)
diane@kclimo.com
www.kclimo.com

Congratulations to Lori Turec on her new job as VP, sales & marketing, for Blue Ocean Consulting. "We are a business consulting and web application developer focused on leveraging the Internet to accelerate sales and marketing efforts. I am the VP of sales and marketing and would love to work with KCMPI suppliers and planners to drive bigger results."

Lori can be reached at 785-312-1925 or lori.turec@1boc.com

December Board Meeting
T-Rex
www.trexcafe.com
1847 Village West Parkway
Suite K125
Kansas City, KS 66111
913-334-0715
Melissa Magsalin
txkcgs@ldry.com

December Holiday Gala Sponsors
Epic Entertainment-Starlight Theater
www.epic-kc.com
4600 Starlight Road
Kansas City, MO 64132
816-997-1107
Andrea Bauer
andrea.bauer@epic-kc.com

Bonterra Catering & Events
www.bonterracatering.com
320 North McGee
Kansas City, MO 64116
816-842-7484
Alisa Breitenstein
sales@bonterracatering.com
 
December Raffle Prize Donors
Crown Center
www.crowncenter.com 
Anne Deuschle- 816-274-5916
adeusc1@hallmark.com
 
Sheraton Overland Park
www.sheratonoverlandpark.com
Kelly Kirby, CMP
913-234-2100
kelly.kirby@sheraton.com
 
Double Tree Overland Park
www.doubletree.com
Cynthia Patterson
913-323-1903
cynthia_patterson@hilton.com
 
Hyatt Regency Crown Center
www.crowncenter.hyatt.com    
Abby Ledbetter
816-398-4943
abby.ledbetter@hyatt.com
 
Kansas City Power & Light
www.powerandlightdistrict.com 
Christina Kuhn
816-877-8325
ckuhn@cordish.com
 
Embassy Suites KCI
www.embassysuiteskci.com  
Susie Muchow
816-801-2220
susie.muchow@jqh.com
 
Titanic
www.titanicbranson.com
Karen Sutton
417-334-9500
karen@titanicbranson.com
 
Lidia's
www.lidiasitaly.com  
Michael Naelgele
816-221-3722
michael@lidias-kc.com
 
Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel
www.bransonconventioncenter.hilton.com
Melinda Dabney
417-243-3492
melinda.dabney@hilton.com
 

Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown - Host Venue (also donating the F&B and guest rooms for speaker)
www.crowneplaza.com/kansascitydwtn
1301 Wyandotte
Kansas City, MO 64105
816-460-6610
Julie Lucito -Director of Sales
jlucito@cpkansascity.com 
 

AGENDA: Kansas City Inc. - Transportation
www.agendausa.com 
5290 Foxridge Drive
Mission, KS 66202
913-268-4466
Alton Hagen-General Manager
ahagen@agendakansascity.com

You're passionate about meetings and events, which is why you're a member of the MPI community. And now, when you share that passion, you can profit as well.

How?

Every time you recruit a new full-paying member to MPI, you'll receive a $25 USD, CAD or €25 credit toward your membership renewal. Recruit 13 new full members and your entire renewal fee is covered. To get your referral credit, simply have the new member put your member ID number in the "Referred By" section on the paper application or the online process. It's that easy.

Rules for the program:
1) This opportunity is open to all active MPI members.

2) The program began June 1, 2009. There is no end date. MPI reserves the right to change the dates.

3) A new member will be officially credited to the recruiter when new membership has become active and paid at the rate of $375 USD, CAD or €375.

4) To receive credit for each new member, your name or ID number must appear in the "Referred By" section of the online or paper application at time of new membership.

5) If a new member calls the MPI member care team to become a new member, they must mention the member that recruited them at that time.

6) For every new full-paying member referred, the recruiter will receive $25 USD, CAD or a €25 credit toward membership renewal.

7) There is no limit to the number of members you can recruit. If you recruit 13 new members by the time your own membership is up for renewal, your membership will be paid in full.

8) New student or faculty memberships are not eligible for this program -- only full-paying memberships.

9) Credit will not be given if a new member is participating in any discounts for new membership.

10) MPI reserves the right to change the program at any time.

11) If you have questions, please contact Charlie Spiegel, director of membership, at  972-702-3074 or cspiegel@mpiweb.org.

Renew online with a credit or debit card and you will automatically receive a 5 percent discount off your renewal fee!

Simply enter the promo code "Online5%" when prompted, and you'll keep more cash in your pocket.

Events

January 21, 2010 - 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
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 90's and hosts virtual and live speakers conferences across the U.S. that specifically tackle the subject to face-to-face versus virtual meetings. During this webinar, Steve addressed 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 reviewed various tools that can boost interest and impact for your meetings.

*This program is part of the season pass promotion.

Date: Thursday, February 18, 2010
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Place: Crowne Plaza Downtown Kansas City |1301 Wyandotte | Kansas City, MO 64105
Agenda:

3:00 - 3:30 p.m.   Registration
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.   Program 
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.   Networking Reception

Registration: Don't miss this fabulous program.  Register online today!

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, 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. 

Please join us for KCMPI's February educational and networking program with Sue Hershkowitz-Coore, CSP, to 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.

Members, colleagues and friends welcome! 

This fun and fabulous event will take place on Tuesday, March 2, from 5-7 p.m. at the newly renovated Overland Park Marriott.  You will enjoy the surroundings of its hip and contemporary Epicure Restaurant, networking with your hospitality peers, and the opportunity to walk away with some fantastic items. 

The silent auction will not only benefit your KCMPI Chapter, but part of the proceeds also will be donated to Cancer Action of Kansas City, an organization that supports education, empowerment, hope and comfort to those touched by cancer.  Since many of us have been touched by cancer -- either personally, through friends, family and/or colleagues -- we felt we could do our little share to help.  Please join us in supporting this worthwhile cause.

We invite you to bring a friend and spread the word.  Space will be limited, so please plan to RSVP early!

Millions of people are using Twitter to create, discover and share ideas with others. People are turning to this new social media as an effective way to reach out to businesses too, so don't be left behind. 

Get some practice Tweeting at KCMPI's first ever Twittering-Around, a new twist on the traditional Dine-Around.  Join us for this year's event on Thursday, March 18, from 5-8:00 p.m. 

Experience venues that might not be on your radar, sample what's hot in food and beverage, and see the new trends in décor. 

Venues include Lidia's Restaurant, 1617 Event Space, The Berg Event Space and The Terrace on Grand. (Venues are subject to change.)

Register by March 12 to receive the early bird pricing of $35 for members and $45 for non-members.  After March 12, the price increases to $45 for members and $55 for non-members.

We are very excited to announce Drumm Farm Golf Club as the site for the 2010 KCMPI Golf Tournament.  Handcrafted by legendary course designer Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Drumm Farm is one of Kansas City's premiere golf clubs.

Be sure to join us on Thursday, May 13, and see why Tee Times Golf Guide recently awarded Drumm Farm Golf Club with its prestigious "Five Star Rating."   

11:00 a.m. 
Registration
Box Lunch
Driving range & putting clock available

12:30 p.m.
Modified Shotgun Start Tournament

5:30 p.m. 
Tournament Awards & Membership Reception
 
In an effort to ease the economic pinch our industry is encountering, the Golf Committee has elected to offer 2008 tournament registration costs for our 2010 event!  Accordingly, registration and hole sponsorship fees are as follows:

• Individual players: $125.  Includes golf for one person, one box lunch and reception admission.
  
• Hole Sponsorship without play: $375. Includes one box lunch and reception admission, signage on your designated hole and sponsorship listing of your company in the program guide.
  
• Foursome: $450. Includes golf for four people, four box lunches and reception admissions.
  
• Hole Sponsorship with play: $675.  Includes golf for four people, five box lunches and reception admissions, signage on your designated hole and sponsorship listing of your company in the program guide.
  
• Box Lunch Sponsor: $1,000.  Includes golf for four people, five box lunches and reception admissions, complimentary hole sponsorship with signage at your designated hole and sponsorship listing of your company in the program guide.
  
• Reception Sponsor: $1,000.  Includes golf for four people, five box lunches and reception admissions, complimentary hole sponsorship with signage at your designated hole and sponsorship listing of your company in the program guide.
  
• Signage Sponsor: $700.  Includes golf for four, four box lunches and reception admissions, signage at the Clubhouse and sponsorship listing of your company in the program book.
  

Mark your calendar and join us for this tournament!  We are looking forward to a great event and to your participation. 

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this great event, please contact either:

Jenny Forsythe jforsythe@prestigeresorts.com
or
Carolyn Sterbenz csterbenz@prestigeresorts.com 

 

February 18, 2010 (3-6 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. NOTE: This program is part of the season pass promotion.

March 2, 2010 -- KCMPI After Five Reception and Auction -- This event is FREE for KCMPI members and $10 for non-members.  This fun and fabulous event will take place on Tuesday, March 2, from 5-7 p.m. at the newly renovated Overland Park Marriott.  You will enjoy the surroundings of their hip and contemporary Epicure Restaurant, networking with your hospitality peers and the opportunity to walk away with some fantastic items. 

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 13, 2010 -- Golf Tournament -- Drumm Farm Golf Club
Coming soon to a green near you!  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!

Member Profiles

Name, Title and Company: Shana Hoy, Event Planner, Husch Blackwell Sanders 

Job description:
I plan seminars, client appreciation events, women's initiative programs, private client dinners and attorney retreats for Husch Blackwell Sanders Law Firm.  Currently I serve our offices in Denver, Omaha, Springfield, Jefferson City and Kansas City.

Years involved in KCMPI: 
This is my 6th year of involvement.  I did the typical sign up and not participate, then I started attending events, joined a committee and now sit on the board. 
 
KCMPI committees I have served on:
Professional Education Conference as a committee member, chair and now Director.

What I enjoy best about the hospitality industry:
I truly love event planning and the joy I see from watching an event provide education, networking and enjoyment for others.

Activities I enjoy outside of work:
My husband and I love to cook, we like to travel and I enjoy hanging with friends.

If Planner: Words of Wisdom for Suppliers:
Getting involved with KCMPI has furthered my career, provided me with new and innovative ideas to bring to my meetings and event and most importantly have fostered relationships that have made me a better planner while creating some wonderful friendships.

 

Editor's Notes

I've noticed people embrace change when it is their own idea but resist when it's forced upon them. To thrive in this economic climate, we need to be accountable for making change work -- even when it is not our idea.
 
I recently saw a study that showed three of four major change initiatives in the U.S. failed to meet original objectives. The reasons listed included failure of leaders to show the importance of the change, lack of buy-in from the rank and file and lack of discipline to see the change through. When we see change after change fail, we become a nation that does not trust it as worth our time.
 
As meeting professionals this impacts us directly.
 
Too often people who should be coming to our events are not fully engaged in making positive change happen. They are waiting and seeing. They are on hold. They are working so hard they can only react instead of making choices to drive desired results. If they don't believe in the change, they certainly don't need to attend a meeting about it.
 
When change initiatives fail, most people do not hold themselves accountable. They point fingers at others.
 
They blame leadership for not knowing what it really wanted. They blame an economy that has hit many of us hard. The blame the venue and claim attendees simply won't travel to that city. And they blame slashed budgets.
 
Blaming others for setbacks does not stop setbacks. To succeed in this business and this environment, we need to change.
 
Successful meetings are still about making advances, making connections, spreading news and building value.
 
It is more important than ever to not do business as usual. Be committed to providing a meeting that drives strategic changes your organizations have prioritized. Help keep the message in sync with leadership.
 
You may need change in your own career. If you have not been active in KCMPI – ask yourself what you could gain? What could you learn and what could you share? How would you and others be richer for the experience?
 
What changes are you accountable for now?

Lori Torec -- VP, Communications -- LTurec@fivestarspeakers.com

 

 

 

Maria R. Davis, CMP -- Newsletter Chair -- mdavis@4seasonsresort.com

 

 

 

Debra Sweeten -- Newsletter Co-Chair -- debra.sweeten@yahoo.com

 

 

Phil Allemang -- Director of PR and Marketing -- phila@cam-inc.com