MPIKC TimesMPI - Kansas City ChapterPresident's Message
Dear Friends:
In our last newsletter issue I posed two statements for you to complete and received only one response from valued member Gwen Knight CMP. I wanted to share her comments with you so as that you may pause to considerwhat your membership means to you and what the chapter can add to make your membership more valuable.
1) “The value of my KCMPI membership means to me________”
‘I'm proud to be part of an exceptional, supportive, reputable association like KCMPI. In addition to being recognized by our industry, we are considered a leading organization in our community.
When our personal lives become intertwined with our meeting planning careers, it's good to have peers and suppliers you can turn to for encouragement, education and recognition.’
2) “KCMPI could increase my membership value by ______________.”
‘Have longer (half-day or full-day) sessions that make my four-hour drive worthwhile. Barbara Dunn's session was TOPS. And having the Melting Pot reception the night prior was a double wammy. And since I'll be coming from out of town, it would be nice to have a planner rate at the hosting hotel (or another hotel nearby) that makes the trip more affordable and appealing. As I talk with other planners from outside KC, I realize that time and travel expenses are a struggle for most.’
As we start the second half of the 2007-08 year, indulge me as I continue to reflect on and wonder about the ROI we provide to our members. Some benefits are obvious, while others might be new thoughts for you to ponder.
Here is a quick list of benefits from MPI headquarters' Web site and also for being a member of KCMPI. This is just a sampling, as I could go on and on with the list.
ü Certification Programs ü International Educational Conferences ü Institutes and ROI Educational Programs ü The Meeting Professional Magazine ü “Web Community” on International Site ü Research on Latest Trends and White Papers ü Scholarships for Members ü Platinum Series Speaker Program ü Member Affinity/Discount Programs ü Job Bank ü Peer-to-Peer Assistance ü Membership Directory – International and Chapter Levels ü Chapter Leadership Opportunities ü International Leadership Opportunities ü KCMPI Monthly Education Programs ü KCMPI Professional Education Conference (EdCon) ü Networking ü Lifelong Friendships ü Professional Development ü Business Contacts ü Professional Awards & Recognition ü Creative Outlet to Expand Knowledge Beyond Meeting Planning ü Pride in yourself and your profession
THE one important fact is that in order to really take advantage of the benefits, you, amember, need to be INVOLVED in your membership either on a personal (by attending the great programs) or chapter level (becoming active on a committee or board). If you don’t participate, the ROI won’t be waiting for you in your inbox.
I understand that we all lead very busy lives, but all you have to do is ask your board members what benefits KCMPI has provided them, and we’ll change your outlook.
For our supplier members in the KC area, I understand that it is hard for you at times to account for any real financial ROI from planner members. From my own experience, I can’t count the number of calls and e-mails I get from planners outside the KC area who ask for my recommendations on whom they should use here in town, from airport transfers to local production companies, hotels, etc. The fact is that planner members are supporters of our own supplier members in more than just actual dollar amounts.
In closing, I want to share with you a quote from the book “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. The quote is from Dr. John Demartini –
“Even though you say we have lack, it’s because we don’t open up our vision and see all of what is around us.”
Your friend,
Inge Hafkemeyer
News & Notes November Networking Event The Melting Pot –
November Education Program
December
January Board Retreat
January Education Program
NEW MEMBERS
Chris Aquino
Sales Manager
Debbie Arbo Account Manager The Wellington Group
Pam Burton Event Coordinator Dave & Buster's
Michele Bushat Manager, Corporate Events Marketing Sprint
Jenelle Canfield Sales & Marketing Manager Agenda:
Craig DeelSr. Sales Manager Marriott Katelynn M. Dimski
Student Member
Andrea Foulkes
Sales Manager
The Resort at Port Arrowhead
Dana E. Jackson
Sales Manager
Hotel Phillips
Lynn Jones
Sales Manager
Hyatt Regency
Louis Kram Member LLC. The Hospitality People a Div. of Allied Staffing
Archie Langston President & CEO Stressolutions, LLC
Debbie Macias Program Manager Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
Curtis Pickering CEO VPR Creative Group
Sheri J. Resa
Director, Member Relations
U.S. AGBANK, FCB
Cara Roberts
Student
Valerie Robertson Director of Sales
Lacey Spallitta
Meeting Planner
MAC Meetings and Events
Carla Jean Springer
Regional Sales Manager
Big Cedar Lodge
Kristi Templeton
Meeting & Incentive Manager Conklin Company Inc.
Deb Teeters Meeting Planner Administrator Hallmark Cards Inc.
Debra Turner Sales Manager CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to Lori Strnad of Bayer Cropscience! She had twins, Avery and Carter, on Dec. 11.
Congratulations to Lorie L. Scott, CMP, who took on a new chapter of her career as regional manager for Helms Briscoe. Lorie’s contact information is 2330 S. Locust Circle,
E-mail: lscott@helmsbriscoe.com, www.helmsbriscoe.com.
Congratulations to Craig Deel. He is the winner of MPI’s Professional Educational Conference ‘MeetDifferent’ giveaway drawing – a seven-day cruise! Craig is a senior sales manager at the Marriott in downtown Kansas City. MPI’s PEC was held Feb. 2-6 in
KCMPI members enjoy the 2008 Super Bowl at Astros Stadium during MPI's PEC. From left: Karen Hoch, Lacey and Nick Spallitta and Craig Deel (the winner!)
KCMPI's JOB BANK
The KCMPI Job Bank now has the capability of posting job openings for summer employment or for college student internships. As a free service to our members, any employer can post a job description for student employment. As new positions are posted, we will contact the universities in the region that offer programs in hospitality management and let them know of your job.
Looking for someone to hire for the summer who is already interested in our industry? It's free and easy. Contact Brad Plumb, CMP, at bplumb@opcvb.org should you have any questions.
CMP STUDY GROUP NOW FORMING
The next CMP Exam is scheduled for Aug. 9. Plan on attending an informational meeting Monday, March 10, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This is a great benefit of being a member of our chapter. Please click here for more information.
KCMPI SCHOLARSHIPS
Another great benefit of being a member of KCMPI is the opportunity to apply for several scholarships. These include Educational Conferences, CMM Certification, CMP Certification and more. Additional details can be found by clicking here!
KCMPI COMMUNITY BLOG
Please join KCMPI's Web community! KCMPI has a new Community Blog hosted on MPI's Web site that is a great opportunity for chapter members to share thoughts and ideas! Take a peek today!
MPI COMMUNITY CALENDAR
MPI has launched a Global Meetings and Events Calendar unlike any other. This is the MPI community's calendar. Members and chapters can add and edit the events as well as industry events. The purpose is to inform our MPI community about chapter events, industry events and even global holidays that may be important to plan around. Be sure to check it out!
By Patti Gaughan, CMP
The KCMPI Marketing Team (Public Relations; Newsletter; Web site; Marketing; Membership Publications) has been very busy this year. As many of you know, our chapter was awarded a grant by the MPI Foundation last year to develop and implement a comprehensive marketing plan. The plan’s objectives included:
We are excited to announce that the plan is complete. We would like to share what we’ve developed for the chapter. We designed and produced several print pieces to help promote membership benefits, programs and sponsorship opportunities. All the materials were developed for multi-use by all committees. Many pieces were printed and are available in an electronic format. We also designed a general information video that is available on our Web site and on YouTube. Check them out. In addition, we partnered with Naylor, LLC, to once again produce a printed membership directory this year. In late January, we will provide an electronic version of an updated roster. Watch your e-mail. We would like to hear your comments about the new directory.
Other pieces developed as part of the marketing plan are:
All of the new promotional items are available to you to use in promoting KCMPI; let us know if you need copies or access to the electronic version. In addition, we worked to make chapter operations more efficient. We developed a Google-based working calendar for chapter leaders; basic policies and procedures for many committees; and style guidelines to help us maintain brand consistency. We’ve also received great press coverage in MPI’s Net Community Newsletter as well as several articles in the Kansas City Star.
We are in the process of making updates to our Web site and welcome your comments. You may have noticed that we have added a Google-based calendar on the program calendar page. This calendar can be downloaded to your personal device. We are working to add a President’s Blog later this year. We are very excited with the response to the Job Bank since we added it to the Web site. Last but not least, we designed a tracking system to help us record and monitor our ROI in the marketing arena. We plan to use the results for planning in 2008-09.
If you have any comments, questions or want to join our exciting marketing team, please contact me at 816-941-2122 or pgaughan@kc.rr.com.
P.S. In case you might be confused about a message board versus a blog or a wiki (I know I was behind the times and confused), check out this link for a brief explanation by Rob Price, MPI’s webmaster. http://www.mpiweb.org/CMS/mpiweb/mpifeature.aspx?id=11948
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KCMPI recognizes the sacrifices of our volunteer leadership, and we never tire of saying thank you. In 2007-08, the Volunteer Appreciation Award was instituted to honor those leaders, nominated by their peers, who have selflessly invested their time and energy on behalf of the chapter. Cathy Ewing, CMP and director of strategic alliances and fundraising, was the first recipient. |
Congratulations, Janice! As a KCMPI leader, you too can embark on an adventure to learn and grow as a meeting industry professional. Choosing to serve on a KCMPI committee demonstrates a desire to both grow professionally and make a difference.
If you are interested in joining a KCMPI committee, call Shari Hockenbery, CMP, at 816-531-0077 or e-mail shari@francisfoundation.org.
KCMPI’s Board of Directors and officers gathered for their midyear retreat in January at the Argosy Casino in
KCMPI members were treated to a pre-holiday treat Nov. 13 at The Melting Pot – Country Club Plaza. The Networking Reception featured a fondue buffet with three varieties of cheese dipping pots and four scrumptious dessert pots. Our hosts and their staff provided us with a spectacular spread and demonstrated how this would be an ideal location for small groups or events. The drink specialty of the night was their signature chocolate and selected fruity martinis. A special thanks to Karen Ledford at The Melting Pot for hosting this lead in to our November program. Thanks also go to Jenny Wheat of Wheat Photography for sharing her talent and photographing the evening. CLICK HERE for a slideshow of the evening! |
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If you weren’t in attendance, you missed a fantastic evening of great music, food, friendship, comradery and networking.
Upon entrance to the library, attendees donated new children’s books to donate to Friends of the Library, which benefits our community.
The black-tie event kicked off at 5:30 p.m. with the music of Ray Reed Show, a jazzy trio lead by Mr. Bob Scagliotti. The evening continued with a wonderful array of cocktail and passed hors d’oeuvres, a succulent meal and tantalizing dessert, all provided by the library’s catering department. Super Shuttle of KC sponsored the wine with dinner, and Fiddly Fig Florist donated the festive table centerpieces.
As dinner came to a close, Chapter President Inge Hafkemeyer, CMM, presented an appreciation plaque to Todd Boyer, CMP, event manager of the library; Shari Hockenbery, CMP, presented Volunteer Awards; and Valerie Watson and Drehr Lesini introduced committee members.
After dinner, more than 30 raffle prizes were given away. The 2007 KCMPI holiday fundraiser included $5 raffle tickets, with proceeds going to Operation Iraqi Children, and $10 raffle tickets, with proceeds going to the KCMPI chapter. The $5 raffle ticket prizes included restaurant and hotel certificates, table centerpieces by Fiddly Fig Florist and similar items, while the $10 raffle ticket prizes were two airline tickets on JetBlue. A huge thank you to all attendees for their generosity in supporting both organizations! We’d also like to thank Jennifer Wheat of Wheat Photography for capturing the evening. Click here for a slideshow of the evening.
We applaud the committee members for a spectacular job: Valerie Watson (chair), Drehr Lesini, Cynthia Patterson, Debra Sweeten and Robin Charles.
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Team-Building the “Write” Way
After Paula’s presentation, Dave & Buster’s treated us to a fantastic appetizer and dessert buffet. If you haven’t tasted its baked artichoke and parmesan dip or its raspberry chocolate parfait, you are missing out! I suggest booking an event immediately just to take advantage of the food. During the reception, most of the attendees took advantage of Paula’s talent and received personalized handwriting interpretations, while others chose to play some of the fantastic games that Dave & Buster’s is known for with the VIP chip cards that were provided as a bonus by our gracious sponsor.
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Effective leaders have many common qualities. Making the effort to practice and learn the skills it takes to be an effective leader will enable you to use the style of leadership necessary in any situation you come across.
This workshop is intended to help those in attendance become more effective leaders and create work environments that are more successful, profitable and enjoyable. This will be a highly interactive session, providing participants with specific tools and techniques that will allow you to thrive as leaders in your business, community and family. At the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
· Identify blocks to effective leadership and how to handle them
· Understand how you can increase your influence
· Enhance your own success by preparing and enabling those around you
· Hold onto good people and get the most from them
Terri Breining is the owner and president of Concepts Worldwide, a meeting management firm headquartered in
Click HERE for Registration Dates & Prices
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Our dining rotation will include:
We will gather at Big Sky for coffee and dessert where urban cowboys and cowgirls come together for cold beer, Southern comfort and to kick up their heels to the best rock bands out of the South. Then the party continues in the Power & Light District. Stay to explore the new $850 million dollar entertainment district, the new heartbeat of downtown Kansas City.
By Sally Bennett, KCMPI Director of Membership and Sales Manager, KC
Eachl of us has someone asking why we are members of MPI. What do you tell people about our organization? Do you tell people about the wealth of contacts in so many diverse areas of the region, the country and the world? As planners and suppliers, we come together every month to experience the area venues, learn the latest tricks of the trade and network with those people who will make it easier for us to do our jobs. Yes, we have a good time networking and enjoy the educational programming every month, but when it comes to justifying your membership, it is all about the business. So what can you do to support the business of MPI members? Here are some great suggestions that came from things already happening behind the scenes. Key leaders within KCMPI already living by the slogan “Buy MPI”:
Inge Hafkemeyer CMM, president of KCMPI and IAAP convention and meeting manager, gets at least five calls per year from various city convention bureaus. They ask about reception locations for sales receptions and events they want to hold in
Shari Hockenbery CMP, director of leadership for KCMPI and program specialist for the Francis Family Foundation, finds that it only takes a few minutes from her day to make a huge impact. Whenever she needs to use a vendor, supplier, hotel, restaurant, caterer, etc., she makes sure to check the directory to find one that is a KCMPI member. Of course, the suppliers who have hosted events and supported KCMPI in one way or another are the ones that she will approach first. If it works out that she uses a supplier that is a KCMPI supporter, she will write a letter to her contact's supervisor. In the letter, she thanks him for doing such a great job on her event and for supporting KCMPI. She lets him know that she selected him because of that support.
Chances are that many of us are already BUYING MPI, but let’s continue to remember to rally around our own organization. When you have a choice, make it your choice to BUY MPI and let others know about it. This will help suppliers know that hosting or sponsoring something for KCMPI means more than just the trendy phrase of ROI; it means more old-fashioned business!
Lunch on Sunday featured a tailgate buffet of burgers and dogs, as well as Cracker Jack and football-shaped cookies. Speaker Mary Boone outlined how Monday's "unconference" format would work. She explained that most meetings are conducted in "broadcast mode," but more learning actually happens in social settings, so the Conversation Cafés would provide that relaxed opportunity for idea sharing. Topics were grouped into categories: future/trends, bridging generations/cultures, strategic planning, green issues, plus a potpourri category for any other topic. People had the opportunity to sign up ahead of time with a topic question, then anyone was welcome to join the conversation Monday morning at the assigned table for that topic. Groups ranged from two or three people to more than a dozen per topic.
There were plenty of other opportunities for informal learning as well:
“It is all that the young can do for the old
to shock them and keep them up to date.”
(1856-1950 Irish writer)
Cara was taking a class on leadership, and out of the (crimson and…) blue, she called me at the Francis Family Foundation and asked if she could job shadow me on a few Thursdays to help her write a paper on leadership. Of course, because During our first visit at my office, it struck me that I was talking to the living embodiment of the future as we know it. Not only of our organization, KCMPI, but the future of our country as well. Here was this thoroughly lovely, intelligent, young woman, with a quick wit and a level head on her shoulders, talking about the difference she wants to make in this world. What she does not realize yet is how much of a difference she has already made.
At the Francis Family Foundation, we try to have a summer intern join us to help us with special projects and to help her add “real-world” experience to her resume. After each intern leaves us, the staff is always amazed by how accomplished each is in his or her way and what energy he or she brings to our work day, with a fresh and youthful perspective.
Cara was no different. Her upbeat attitude and willingness to learn created an electric environment each time she visited the Foundation. Her resume is exemplary. As a KU senior, Cara holds a nearly 3.9 GPA in communication. She is a member of the Communication Honor Society and consistently appears on the dean's list. In the few short years Cara has attended KU, she already has a wealth of leadership experience. She is the secretary and head programmer for Students in Communication Group (SCS). She is the vice president of KU Rotaract (Rotary, College Chapter). She is a lifetime honor student with Lambda Phi Eta. And she is trying to earn a second bachelor's degree in sociology.
And I ask myself, why did she come to me? I learned as much from her as she could possibly learn from me. And she is still learning. Cara joined KCMPI to enhance her study of event management and leadership skills. Her career mission is “to be part of a motivated team, which strives for excellence in strong company relations, community involvement and upholding professional business standards.”
Her mission could be the mantra for all KCMPI volunteers. Members like Cara will help sustain the future strength and success of KCMPI. We need to tap into that youth, energy and motivation. Cara, you already make a difference. You are a leader. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
Lorie L. Scott, CMP
Regional Manager
HelmsBriscoe
office: 913-324-4118
fax: 913-324-4121
mobile: 913-530-8481
lscott@helmsbriscoe.com
www.helmsbriscoe.com
Phil Allemang
Marketing Specialist
Activities I enjoy outside of work: I have a 1-year-old Airedale named Alley who takes a lot of my time. I have been doing ballroom dancing for about eight years and really enjoy dancing. I believe in living each day to the fullest. I enjoy helping as many people as I can and to have fun while doing it. I like to travel and go to Puerto Rico a couple of times a year, plus visiting my grandkids in
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.
--Robert Collier
A positive mental attitude drives us to succeed in every area of our life. Positive attitude isn't just Pollyanna thinking, it is discipline and commitment. Every day it is important to rededicate ourselves to being positive, thinking positively and speaking positively. I’ve learned that being positive absolutely rubs off on others – it is contagious.
Please share your news!
We’d love to hear what’s going on with you. Please submit to Valerie at vwatson@hiltonkci.com or Karen Hoch at karenh@ptpi.org. The deadline for our next issue is April 15!