MPIKC Times
MPI - Kansas City Chapter
|
Greetings KCMPI Members!
My time as the KCMPI Chapter President is quickly coming to an end. The year has flown by. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the chapter. As mentioned in the April newsletter, when looking at the top-notch programs, increased membership, increased attendance, community support, and additional supplemental benefits for chapter members, I can confidently say that this has been a great year. The October issue reported several numbers of where the chapter was at that point in time. I am very excited to report some amazing updates.
These are some outstanding accomplishments! These successes are attributed to the hard work and dedication of many people.
I am grateful for each person who played a role in the success of the chapter this year. With the knowledge, experience, and drive of Karen Hoch and the incoming Board of Directors, I am confident that the momentum will continue as they guide our chapter into the future. It was an honor to serve at the 2013-2014 President of KCMPI! With Sincere Gratitude,
|
|
Here’s what happened: I felt vulnerable by admitting I don’t know everything, that there are other possibilities to explore. I stepped out of my comfort zone and opened my mind to all sorts of new experiences. I am refreshed by letting go of control and I found that being open minded put me in a much better mood and I’m less stressed. Saying – "I’ll give it a try" instead of thinking negatively made me a much happier person overall. My creativity soared! I started listening to different music and talk radio than just the pop music station. I have tried foods I never thought I would. I’ve accepted more invitations and met new friends. I even drove to work a different way every day for a week. I’m changed forever. My co-workers and higher-ups have noticed my new flexibility and energy and I feel much more satisfied across my life. Shortly after I embraced the open-mindedness attitude I received an e-mail from KCMPI about the need for volunteers for various committees. I responded and now I’m co-editor of the newsletter! It’s taken me a little out of my comfort zone, but I’ve learned new skills and here I am writing my first ever Editor’s Note! Hope you
find something in this newsletter that strikes you to open your mind and
inspires you to give something new a try! 
|
As a meeting professional, I can
easily slip into full control mode, thinking I know what will work and what
won’t work in every situation because I’ve been doing this for nearly 2
decades. Early in my career I didn’t
know much and was open to any and all ideas.
I grew and learned with that approach.
Recently I made a conscious decision to go back into that early career
open mindset in my business life and then it quickly spread to my overall life.
|
2/13/2014 - 2013/2014 February State of the Industry Host Venue
Hotel Sorella Country Club Plaza Todd Scholl (913) 897-8234 Bushnell Outdoor Products MJMeetings
In-Kind President's Kansas City International Airport Kay Barnes 2/18/2014 - 2013/2014 February Board Meeting In-Kind Friend
Host Venue In-Kind Friend Agenda: USA Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa Barbara F. Dunn Bushnell Outdoor Products VAE 3/18/2014 - 2013/2014 March Board Meeting In-Kind Friend In-Kind Friend 4/2/2014 - 2013/2014 Restaurant and Catering Showcase Cash Partner
Host Venue
In-Kind Friend Fern Expositions and Event Services Making the Mark, Inc. Olathe CVB
Photo Booths and More, LLC Proforma US Marketing 4/21/2014 - 2013/2014 Spring Board Retreat
In-Kind Friend
In-Kind Partner 5/14/2014 - 2013/2014 PEC Bag Insert Missouri Meetings & Events
Host Venue
PEC Cash Friend Chateau on the Lake Overland Park CVB
PEC Cash Legacy
PEC In-Kind Friend All Seasons Event Rental Bishop McCann
Black Mariah Production Bushnell Outdoor Products Caryl Lombard Helms Briscoe
Manifest Talent Meeting Management and Consulting, LLC Old Kinderhook at the Lake of the Ozarks Proforma US Marketing
TaxesPlus, Inc. The Westin Kansas City and Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center
PEC In-Kind Partner Meeting U
SPIN, The Senior Planners Industry Network
PEC In-Kind President's Distinctive Meetings delish! Catering & Events 5/20/2014 - 2013/2014 May Board Meeting
In-Kind Friend |
|
Morning breakouts included a fantastic session by James Spellos whose company, Meeting U, specializes in helping people become more productive and comfortable with technology. Yes, there is an app for just about everything, and the crowded room was excited to absorb his many recommendations on the coolest and most useful apps out there. Mr. Spellos repeated this session in the afternoon, which was equally well-attended. For more information, see page 18 of the attached Meeting Professional Magazine. https://www.mpiweb.org/docs/default-source/Magazine/TMP_0514.pdf KCMPI’s own Lorie Salts, CMP, conducted a great session on MPI certifications. We all know Lorie is an expert in this arena, and we thank her for sharing her advice and expertise. Those wanting to learn more about healthier eating and nutrition were treated to a session hosted by Caryl Lombard, a Certified Health Educator, who discussed the science behind what we eat and our health, and how we can produce fresh, healthy, great-tasting produce right in our own backyards.
Following a fabulous lunch catered by delish!, Corbin Ball, one of MPI’s long-time and most well-respected speakers, gave a presentation on how to do more with less, and the rise of free or very low cost web tools for meeting professionals. As always, Corbin’s expertise and vast experience were well received by the audience. In the afternoon, Rick Sheahan with TaxesPlus, Inc., provided a very informative session on tax issues for small business professionals that was of particular interest to independent planners and suppliers, and KCMPI’s own Patti Gaughan, CMP, provided a session on Meetings & Events 101. Even well-seasoned planners always enjoy Patti’s presentations on tips, tools and tricks to creating successful meetings and events.
At the conclusion of the day, everyone enjoyed the networking reception to relax and visit. As always, it was great to reconnect with old friends and colleagues, and to meet and establish new friends and great industry relationships. Many thanks go to all of our wonderful sponsors. We are truly grateful for their generosity. Thank you also to our exhibitors and speakers, and a very special thanks to the PEC Planning Committee for the many hours of their time and talent they donated to making PEC 2014 a great success! |
On May 14, KCMPI hosted its annual professional education conference with over 100 attendees and exhibitors at the Ball Conference Center in Olathe. Lawrence Andre, emcee for the day’s events, kicked off the morning by energizing everyone to think about their personal brand and vision, and doing the exercises necessary to take their business and life to the next level. Shawna Suckow, CMP, with the Senior Planners Industry Network (SPIN), then challenged the group by breaking into teams with specific assignments to creatively plan a Zombies convention in the year 2030. If you weren’t there, you probably have a puzzled look on your face right now, but the group had a great time 
working with each other and putting their "zombie hats" on to deliver a successful convention.
During the conference, attendees had the opportunity to network and visit with the various exhibitors, and everyone enjoyed the numerous prize drawings throughout the day. 
For the final session of the day, attendees were treated to an "unconference". This session was hosted by KCMPI’s own Rob Wilson, MCSE. The unconference is a session designed to start discussions around topics that may or may not be covered during the education conference and continue those discussions beyond the boundaries of the set conference agenda. Attendees were asked to write suggested topics on wall posters throughout the day, which generated great discussion and interaction among the attendees during the unconference session.|
A number of attendees came away as big winners at the May 14 Professional Education Conference that was held at the Ball Conference Center in Olathe. Exhibitors made generous donations; here are the prizes and the lucky winners: Grand Prize— Old Kinderhook two night stay with golf Additional Prizes— Atlantis Casino Resort & Spa, Reno—Two night stay and spa treatment Caesars Entertainment—two night stay at Vegas Flamingo with dinner for two Chateau on the Lake—One night bed and breakfast stay Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau—two night stay at Renaissance Savery and area activities JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa—two night stay John Ascuaga’s Nugget and Reno Tahoe Convention & Visitors Authority - Two night stay with golf at Wildcreek Silver Legacy Resort Casino—Two night stay Silver Legacy Resort Casino—Wine Virginia Beach--Basket Visit Alberta—Fit Bit Additional prizes were donated by: Go Wichita—basket of wine and chocolate Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitors Bureau—Four rounds of golf with cooler and more Manhattan, Kansas, Convention & Visitors Bureau—Tallgrass Beer and mugs New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau—Set of four Mignon Faget Creole glasses NYC & Company—Chelsea Market Basket of Sweets Pinstripes—Brunch and bocce ball for four Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau—Sammie Springfield sock monkey and book |
|
KCMPI’s AAA – Annual Meeting, Awards and Auction
In addition to the live auction of Mike Debus’ performance painting, the Awards Banquet will feature an online silent auction.The silent auction is now open. Start bidding today at http://www.32auctions.com/kcmpi2014. KCMPI is going to celebrate YOU, our members, who have truly earned this recognition for all your amazing achievements. Register now! |
|
JULY 10, 2014 - KCMPI / PCMA JOINT MEETING Join KCMPI and PCMA members in the Stockyards district of the West Bottoms for a very hip, cool event!
PCMA "Best in Class" speaker John Folks will discuss the "Business of Reinvention." Attendees will leave with the understanding of why it is necessary to take a strategic approach to analyzing the needs of the audience. Know the smart practices for performing an effective needs analysis. Analyze the data collected to ensure you are making the best decisions. Cost to attend will be $45 for KCMPI and PCMA members and includes one complimentary glass of wine or beer, heavy appetizers and a cash bar.KCMPI will be collecting school supplies for Rose Brooks. |
|
August 2-5, 2014
MPI World Education Congress (WEC)
Minneapolis, MN The opening keynote will be presented by spiritual leader, licensed physician and best-selling author Deepak Chopra. Chopra will introduce his concept of "wellness real estate" and discuss the importance of healthy indoor environments for the home, office and meeting spaces. MPI has also planned two flash point style general sessions featuring an array of distinguished speakers such as Sam Richter, an internationally recognized expert on sales intelligence and online reputation management, and Chris Heeter, founder of The Wild Institute, a national organization committed to connecting people to nature, themselves, and each other. Click here for more details on the keynote sessions and the overall WEC program Planners interested in the Hosted Buyer program? Click here.
|
13500 Nall Overland Park, KS |
|
JOB OPENINGS: Director of Event Services (administrative officer) Sales & Catering Manager Outside Sales Manager Conference Manager Event Coordinator Program Coordinator Catering Manager Director of Meetings |
|
KCMPI Suppliers, do you have a special or discount that you’d like to share with the KCMPI membership? Submit your "deals and steals" to KCMPI Connections for inclusion in our monthly communication. If you have an item you’d like to submit for a future issue, please send to Michelle Lizak at michelle.lizak@sprint.com.
|
|
Morgan Hofmeister
Meeting Planner Cathy Ewing Event Consulting LLC PO Box 1100 Belton, MO 64012 morgan@ewingmtgs.com 816/994-2168 direct 913/530-5659 Morgan is a Meeting Planner for Cathy Ewing Event Consulting. She has recently graduated from Kansas State University and loves to spend quality time with her family, friends, and dogs! |
Amanda Miller
|
28 Years 17 Years
Doug Fager, CMP – Onyx Meetings & Events
Vicky Fleming - NAPSLO
15 Years
Mitch Collins, CMP – Distinctive Meetings, Inc.
14 Years
Maria Davis, CMP – Missouri REALTORS
12 Years
Sheila Alonzo, CMP – Teva Pharmaceuticals
11 Years
Wendy Phillips, CMP - Bishop–McCann
7 Years
Tricia Clement, CMP - Bishop–McCann
Diane Miller, CMP – Church of the Nazarene
Katie Schillare – Midland Theatre/AEG Live
Kara Brady, CMP – Holiday Inn Express/Hampton Inn
6 Years
Amanda McLeish – Cathy Ewing Event Consulting, LLC
Kerry Green, CTA, KDS – Kansas City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Patty Wolfe, CMP – Assurant Employee Benefits
Abby Tibbles, CMP - Cerner
5 Years
Amy Bornhorst, CMP - A–S-K Associates, Inc.
Susan Pallucca, CMP - Fiserv
Melanie Pilgram, CMP – Great Wolf Lodge – Kansas City
3 Years
April Graham – The Elms Hotel and Spa
Karen Cooper – Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lynn Gross, CMP – Distinctive Meetings, Inc.
Barb Sillin, CTA – Global Spectrum at the Overland Park Convention Center
2 Years
Leslie Sargent – Hotel Phillips
Renee Hultgren - Cerner
1 Year
Hayley Neverve – InterContinental Hotel Chicago
John Short, CMP – Menus Beyond Organic
Danica Roth – Four Points by Sheraton Kansas City Airport
Liz Martin – Levy Restaurants
|
|
Chamber names Bishop-McCann as its top small business By JOYCE SMITH The Kansas City Star Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce honored a Kansas City-based meetings, events and incentive travel management company with its top award Thursday. Keith Myers | The Kansas City Star Bishop-McCann was named Small Business of the Year by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce during a luncheon Thursday at the Sheraton Hotel Crown Center. Company employees gathered around company founder and CEO Dan Nilsen (with trophy) for a picture after the award. Bishop-McCann was recognized as the chamber’s 2014 Small Business of the Year and received the Mr. K Award, named after the late Ewing Marion Kauffman, founder of Marion Laboratories and the original owner of the Kansas City Royals. More than 600 people attended the chamber’s 28th annual small business awards luncheon at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. The luncheon, which was sold out, is one of the largest of its kind in the country. The Mr. K award is based on business growth or sustainability, exemplary employee relations and a commitment to community service. More than 1,000 small businesses were nominated, and about 100 companies from across the metro — including companies in international shipping, credit card processing, advertising agencies and architects — went through the application process. Then a group of judges narrowed the list to the top 10 companies. Bishop-McCann was then selected for the top award. In accepting the award, Dan Nilsen, the company’s chief executive officer and co-founder, thanked his staff, saying, "You make me proud of you every single day of my life." He also thanked his banker, Missouri Bank, and two mentors, Ken Rashid and Lirel Holt, as well as the chamber. "There’s a lot of people in this city that will be proud that you chose a company owned by an openly gay man to receive this award," said Nilsen, who also founded the Mid-America Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, an affiliate of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, in 2012. Nilsen was fresh out of college when he went to work for Marion Laboratories in Los Angeles in 1985. He learned some core values from Ewing Kauffman, including, "Treat others as you want to be treated — with dignity and respect." Kauffman also told him to always plan ahead and strive to be uncommon, including being first in the market with ideas. Since Nilsen helped launch Bishop-McCann 17 years ago, he said he had tried to live by those values daily. There wasn’t a Bishop or a McCann. Nilsen and his then business partner, Steve Hines, made up the name, thinking it made the business sound bigger than just a couple of employees. (Nilsen bought Hines out in 2004.) Bishop-McCann now has 74 employees and four offices — Kansas City, Chicago, Minneapolis and San Francisco. For the last five years, Bishop-McCann has been recognized as one of the 25 largest and most influential meetings and incentive companies in North America by Corporate Meetings & Incentives Magazine. Nilsen also supplemented his business degree by going through the Kauffman FastTrac program and the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program. He later assembled an advisory board of seasoned professionals. "If you don’t have a mentor you need to get one. You can’t do it on your own," Nilsen said Thursday. Bishop-McCann started in the pharmaceutical industry but quickly expanded its client list and its offerings. The company now designs and produces meetings, incentives and live events worldwide. In 2012, it added production and creative services. In 2013, the company created a sister company, BX Worldwide, to provide speaker and entertainment services. A decade ago, Nilsen bought a long vacant, 100-year-old building at 1701 Walnut St. in the Crossroads Arts District and redeveloped it for the company’s headquarters. In keeping with another Kauffman value of "those who produce share in the profits," Bishop-McCann’s full-time employees earn a month-long sabbatical every five years. If the employee wants to use the sabbatical for a dream vacation, the company will match up to $3,800 in travel funds every five years. "That’s a retention strategy; I’m no dummy. And we have very low turnover," Nilsen said. "I hire these people who care so much about this company. You have to have people who get and accept good leadership. I’m the luckiest guy in the world." |
|
Congratulations to the Ringh Family - Corey, Andy, and little Will on the arrival of Henry Lucas Ringh. Henry joined the family at 12:45AM on 4/17 weighing 8 pounds 1 ounce at 21 inches long! The whole family is doing well. (Corey is the Group Account Director for both The Sheraton and The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. |
|
April 2014 Newsletter Stats:
Top 3 Most Read Links:
1) Job Openings
2) Chapter Momentum on the Rise
3) April 2014 Catering & Restaurant Showcase
Readership:
Recipients: 195
Delivered: 193 (98.97%)
Bounced: 2 (1.03%)
Unique Opens: 80 (41.45%
Total Opens: 325 (168.39%)
Unique Clicks: 57 (29.53%)
Total Clicks: 256 (132.64%)
Total opens is the total number of times newsletter has been opened and visited. If opened three times, it would count each time. Unique opens is our read rate. It only counts each IP once so no duplicates.
|
