MPIKC Times

MPI - Kansas City Chapter

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
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As we move into our 30th anniversary year, the 2011-2012 KCMPI board of directors has made a very important decision as we head into a new year. We have decided to bring sexy back. Yes, you heard correct. We are committed to provide Kansas City with new, fun, hip, urban, fresh and relevant ideas, events and connections.

The past several years have been tough on the meetings industry. We have suffered as we watched companies lay off our friends and colleagues. We have seen our budgets decrease significantly while still asked to maintain the same level of events and services. We have watched as event attendance and revenue have gone down.

As the economy starts to stabilize, our business starts to increase, and the sun starts to shine a bit brighter our vision for this year is to get back to the basics, welcome new and old friends, try new things, incorporate your thoughts and ideas, and most importantly make you, our members, feel involved and recognized.

KCMPI is a family of people who choose to work together, to share information, to mentor each other and to create lasting connections. We are a group who has fun together working on business deals, volunteering on committees, and reconnecting at monthly events.

And so, I invite you to join us for a year of fun, hip, urban, new, fresh and relevant. I invite you to take this year long journey with us to find sexy and bring it back.

 
Shana Hoy
Event Planner
 
HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP
4801 Main Street, Suite 1000
Kansas City, MO 64112
Direct:  816.983.8809
Fax:  816.983.8080
Shana.Hoy@huschblackwell.com
huschblackwell.com

 
SWANK Audio Visual
EVENTS: Recap
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Following this year’s theme, Bringing Sexy Back: new, fun, hip, fresh and relevant ideas, events and connections, KCMPI wants to fill you up with fun, hip and fresh food in Leawood’s Park Place. Come experience delectable delicacies from Trezo Vino, CPK, Cafe Roux, Paciugo Gelato and more!

Meet us at the über chic aloft hotel at 5:00pm to get the evening started off right. You’ll enjoy signature drinks, food and networking in one of Kansas City’s newest destinations.

Let’s kick-off the Labor Day weekend with a bang! Join us on September 1 for an evening of fun, food and libations. Also, be sure to bring a friend who might be interested in learning more about KCMPI.

Don’t forget to mark it on your calendar for September 1. You won’t want to miss this one!

 

 
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Celebrating their 30th anniversary in style, KCMPI invites you to join them for their 3rd annual Field 2 Table, September 22.  This locally grown dining experience takes place between the soil and sky at Cider Hill Family Orchard in Kansas City, Kansas. 

Cider Hill Family Orchard is a beautiful 25 acre property with 5 ponds, apple and pear orchards and a beautiful view of the sunset.  The new owners, Jeff and Joan Shearer are excited to showcase their venue featuring a cedar lined Event Barn, unique building and a large home that will be converted to a Bed and Breakfast.

Dinner features locally grown foods prepared onsite by true culinary artisits, a leisurely three-course farm-style dinner served at a harvest table set in a scenic location on the grounds.

Due to limited seating, reservations are required.  Dinner is $75 per person and includes transportation, three course meal, beverages, entertainment and gratuity. The evening’s festivities begin on the coach—park, ride and enjoy. You won’t want to miss out! 

Make your dinner reservations today to enjoy the beautiful location and atmosphere while mingling with professionals from various industries.

 
The Lodge of Four Seasons
CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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If you are serious about sitting for the exam in January, please follow these steps.

Download the CMP Application and Handbook from www.conventionindustry.org for free!!!

Application deadline is August 16, 2011

  • Make a copy of your blank application and use this as a draft.
  • Keep a list of questions that arise.
  • KCMPI has seasoned veterans that will help you fill out this form, and can answer a lot of your questions.
  • You need proof of memberships, CEU credit information, and copies of college diplomas or transcripts.
  • DO NOT DELAY STARTING ON THIS PROCESS!

Cost Estimate:   
Application Submission Fee: $225.00
Exam Registration Fee: $450.00
The Convention Industry Council Manual, 8th Edition: $65.95
PCMA Professional Meeting Management Manual 5th edition: $79.95
The Convention Industry Council International Manual: $79.95
     
Study group: KCMPI member$ 50.00 | Non member  $100.00
 
**plus cost of travel to/from test site.         
 
Questions???:  Contact
Lorie Scott, CMP at lscott@helmsbriscoe.com or 913-530-8481
Diane Miller, CMP at dmiller@nazarene.org or 913-577-0613
Sarah Morrissey, CMP at smorrissey@vistaprod.com or 816-277-6577

 
INDUSTRY NEWS
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National MPI will draw one lucky winner out of all the renewals received in August for a free iPad. They will have a drawing out of those that have renewed during the month of August. One person will be selected, globally, to receive a free iPad!

 
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Are you or do you know a potential member? Here's a current incentive available to chapters for new members for August:

LinkedIn 2011: For potential members who are a member of the MPI LinkedIn groups - $50.00 discount for a new membership. Use "MPILinkedIn2011" in "Campaign" field.

 
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For potential MPI members who "follow" MPI on Twitter:

$50.00 discount for a new membership. Use "Twitter2011" in the "Campaign" field.

Meant for only those individuals following MPI on Twitter. There is announcement on our page (does not have to be the chapter’s Twitter page).

 
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For potential members who are Facebook "fans" of MPI pages: $50.00 discount for a new membership. Use "Facebook2011" in the "Campaign" field.

 
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MPI is acting as an intermediary for IMEX America and is inviting MPI planners to attend IMEX America in Las Vegas, October 10 – 13, FOR FREE.   Please help MPI Headquarters spread the word about the IMEX hosted buyer program.  We are looking for planners that plan meetings outside of the US.  It’s easy for them to apply.  Use this link in any communication to your planners.  And you can also use the attached banner ads to direct those interested in participating to the application. 

Attending IMEX with MPI gives planners the following benefits:

  • Roundtrip Airfare
  • Accommodations for up to four nights as an exclusive MPI hosted buyer perk.  Other non-MPI hosted US buyers are limited to two nights
  • Access to the hosted buyer lounge
  • CEU credits for MPI’s day of education on Monday, October 12
  • Free ticket to PURE Rendezvous.  The IMEX America party on Wednesday night.

To qualify for the IMEX hosted buyer program, planners much organize outbound events (outside of your own country), be responsible for planning, organizing, recommending or making budgetary decisions for events, meetings, conventions or incentive travel programs.  

Click here  to go directly into the application and apply today.

 
MEMBER PROFILES
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We would like to welcome the following individuals to the KCMPI family:

  • April Graham, The Elms Resort
  • Whitney Bobbitt, Vista Productions, Inc.
  • Karen Cooper, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
  • Alison Ward, Levy Restaurants at Arrowhead Stadium
  • Rhonda Blessington, Independent Planner
  • Lynn Gross, Vista Productions, Inc.
  • Barb Silin, CTA, Global Spectrum at the Overland Park Convention Center
  • Anne Dillon, Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau

WELCOME!!!

 
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Let’s celebrate our members who celebrate anniversaries in July and August.

19 years!
Miya Macken, CMP, Bishop-McCann - Joined 7/15/1992

16 years!
Jeanne Burris, Overland Park CVB - Joined 8/23/1995

14 years!
Vienna Bowling, CMP, Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB - Joined 8/29/1997

12 years!
Marline Heathman, Utilities Service Alliance - Joined 7/15/1999

11 years!
Judy Schelar, CMP, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America - Joined 8/24/2000 

10 years!
Inge Hafkemeyer, CMM, Independent Planner - Joined 7/25/2001
Christy Cartwright, Show-Me Audio Visual Resources - Joined 8/29/2001

7 years!
Ben Carrick, Meeting Excellence, Inc. - Joined 7/6/2004
Gretchen Miles, CMP, American College of Clinical Pharmacy - Joined 8/31/2004

6 years!
Cheryl Grinter, KCMPI - Joined 7/25/2005

5 years!
Andrea Cowsar, Kansas City CVA - Joined 8/29/2006

4 years!
Rebecca Hensel, Kansas City CVA - Joined 7/27/2007
Kimberly Olberding, Teva Neuroscience - Joined 8/6/2007
Debra Sweeten, Independent Planner - Joined 8/7/2007

3 years!
Kathy Farina, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant - Joined 7/2/2008
Jill Kueser, CMP, Celgene Corporation - Joined 7/23/2008
Amy Groom, Craneware, Inc. - Joined 7/24/2008

2 years!
Bibs Fletcher, CMP, Westin Crown Center Hotel - Joined 7/1/2009
Rob Hutchison, Sterling Meetings & Events - Joined 8/5/2009
Lisa Smith, CMP, Midwest Meetings & Events - Joined 8/14/2009
Kurt Dietz, Marriott International - Joined 8/26/2009

1 year!
Victoria Greene, Student at University of Kansas - Joined 7/21/2010
Candice Barton, Sheraton Suites Country Club Plaza - Joined 7/29/2010
Morgan Adrian, Student at University of Missouri-Columbia - Joined 8/27/2010

 
NEWS & NOTES
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Congratulations to Lacey Spallitta, CMP, on her new position with Teva Pharmaceuticals! Lacey has been a member of KCMPI since 2007. She has served on the board as well as various committees.

 
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Megan O’Keefe and her husband welcomed their daughter into their family on July 5. Kennedy Isabella O’Keefe weighed 6 lbs., 10 oz. and was 20 inches long. Congratulations, Megan and family!

 
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Sponsors of KCMPI are Awesome! 
 
When you need a product or service, please contact the companies who are sponsors of KCMPI and who advertise with KCMPI.
 
It is with sponsor support and advertising support that we are able to have numerous events, each of which are relevant,  fun, hip, urban, new and fresh.
 
We invite you to utilize sponsors and advertisers of KCMPI and tell them "I saw your ad in the KCMPI website, KCMPI Times or at a KCMPI event."
 
ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership
Dave & Busters Inc
HelmsBriscoe