MPIKC Times

MPI - Kansas City Chapter

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
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I love summer. It is a time of year I recharge my batteries, reflect on the past six months, and look ahead at all I still have to accomplish. I believe the same holds true for KCMPI as we begin its new year.

It is impossible to list all of last year’s successes, which we celebrated at our Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony in June. (Read more about the awards ceremony by clicking here.) The easiest way to quantify the chapter’s accomplishments is in one sentence: KCMPI exceeded every metric goal that was set for us by MPI Headquarters! A sincere thank you and congratulations goes to 2013-2014 President Tricia Clement, the Board of Directors, committee volunteers, our sponsors and Chapter Administrator Cheryle Grinter. Without their energy, efforts, hard work, and continued support and dedication this would not have been possible.

Now it is with renewed energy that we look at the coming year as we focus on Mapping your Future Success. Your 2014-2015 Board of Directors have diligently been working since the spring to ensure the momentum continues. We’ll be bringing you your favorite programming, such as After 5’s, Field 2 Table, Trivia Night, the Catering and Restaurant Showcase, but also adding some new creative ideas to the mix as well. Look for some relevant important topics, such as International Meetings and State of the Industry; and some more entertaining ones, such as Dress for Success and Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s. Details of these programs, as well as opportunities such as scholarships, CMP classes and job openings, will be communicated through Connections, KCMPI Times and our website.

As we begin our new year, this is the ideal time to find a committee position that best suits your interests and goals. Join the drive to surpass what we have already accomplished, which will make the investment of your membership even more valuable. Visit www.kcmpi.org for the list of committees or send me an email and let’s talk about how you can be involved!

I’m very excited for our year ahead and look forward to your participation in making it a grandeur one!

Sincerely yours,


Karen Hoch
2014-2015 President | KCMPI

 
EDITOR'S NOTES
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I still remember the night just like it was yesterday ... I was 12, our family was visiting my Dad who was based in the Sultanate of Oman as a bank consultant for the International Monetary Fund. Not having seen us for almost a year, he took us to dinner at the newest hotel at the time, the Al Bustan Palace. It was the most beautiful hotel I had seen in my 12 years of earthly existence. The ceilings were painted with gold, the staff in their crisp white uniforms, the impeccable service, the intricate décor, marble floors matched with the plethora of languages spoken in the background, smell of spices, the glamour of being in such an environment ... Wow – I want to work in a place like this!

That stayed with me four years later when it came time for college. Then again when the time came to apply for a job. Then again when I moved to the United States, when I was determined to be a part of the hospitality industry even if it meant starting from the bottom and working my way up. Fast forward to 24 years later, I remain involved in my chosen industry with the same passion as when I started.

The point of all this, as long as we keep a clear vision of where we want our future to be, with unbreakable determination, limitless humor, honest work, constantly being open to new challenges and experiences, and most especially always being in the mindset of how our actions can help others ... we can all experience success in our own definition.

This issue includes various content to help Map One’s Future, whether it be in the area of new jJob openings, educational opportunities through local colleges or industry affiliations, member information (to answer two questions – "Who knows you?" and "Who do you know?" that could affect your future), etc.
 
The KCMPI Times Team, in partnership with the Board and our members, have taken valuable time and a lot of effort to produce what you are now reading. We hope you learn at least one new item that helps you progress into your future.

To quote Zig Ziglar, "How you see your future is much more important than what happened in your past."

Till October,










Maria R. Davis, CMP
Director, Meetings and Partner Relations
Missouri REALTORS
maria@morealtor.com
 
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
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6/17/2014 – June Board Meeting

In-Kind Friend

Bishop McCann
Tricia Clement, CMP
(816) 673-7086
tclement@bishopmccann.com
www.bishopmccann.com

6/19/2014 – Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet

Cash Friend

Missouri Meetings & Events
Vikki Matthews
(314) 781-8880
vmatthews@pc40.com
www.missourimeetingsandevents.com

In-Kind Friend

American Airlines
Sheila Alonzo
(913) 777-3440
Sheila.Alonzo@tevapharm.com
http://www.tevapharm.com

Arthur Bryants 

Beauty Brands
Customer Service
(877) 640-2248
customer_service@beautybrands.com
www.beautybrands.com

In-Kind Friend

Beauty of the Bistro
(913) 406-1571

Bishop McCann
Dan Nilsen
(816) 474-3555
dnilsen@bishopmccann.com
www.bishopmccann.com

Black Mariah Production
Adam Brumback
adam@blackmariah.net
www.blackmariah.net

Branson CVB
Kerrie VanSickle
(417) 334-4084
kvansickle@bransoncvb.com
www.explorebranson.com

In-Kind Friend

Buca di Beppo
Ginger Walters
(816) 931-6548
gwalters@bucainc.com
www.bucadibeppo.com

Caesars Entertainment
Kurt Dietz
(702) 946-4730
kdietz@caesars.com
www.cetmeetings.com

Chateau on the Lake
Samantha Nicols
(417) 243-1711
sam.nichols@jqh.com
www.chateauonthelake.com

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants
www.chwinery.com

In-Kind Friend

Copper Mountain Meetings
Sharon Schoeffield
(970) 968-2318
sschoeffield@coppercolorado.com
www.coppermeetings.com

Crown Center
Anne Deushcle
(816) 274-5916
adeusc1@hallmark.com
www.crowncenter.com

Drury Hotels
Trisha Bach
trisha.bach@druryhotels.com

In-Kind Friend

Embassy Suites KCI
Carolyn McClure
(816) 891-7788
Carolyn.mcclure@jqh.com
www.kansascityairport.embassysuites.com

Freebirds – Caitlin Noble
(816) 714-1080
cnoble@fbmidwest.com
www.freebirds.com

Fusion Fitness
(913) 800-1674

Gram and Dunn
(816) 389-2900

In-Kind Friend

Grand Hyatt Denver
Cristienne Beam
(303) 295-1234
www.granddenver.hyatt.com

Greater Des Moines CVB
Kristine Reeves
kristine@catchdesmoines.com
catchdesmoines.com

Green Valley Ranch
Julie Hungerford
(702) 617-7687
julie.hungerford@stationcasinos.com
www.greenvalleyranchresort.com

Hilton Kansas City Airport
Stephen Greer
sgreer@hiltonkci.com
www.hiltonkci.com

In-Kind Friend

Hotel Phillips 
Leslie Sargent
leslie.sargent@hotelphillips.com
www.hotelphillips.com

Hotel Sorella Country Club Plaza
Todd Scholl
(816) 753-8800
tscholl@valenciagroup.com
www.hotelsorella-countryclubplaza.com

Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
Megan O'Keefe
(513) 354-4056
megan.okeefe@hyatt.com
www.hyattregencycincinnati.com

Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center
Scott Lane
(303) 486-4450
scott.lane@hyatt.com
www.denverregency.hyatt.com

In-Kind Friend

Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Tiffany Taffaro
(504) 613-3753
tiffany.taffaro@hyatt.com
www.neworleans.hyatt.com

InterContinental Chicago
Hayley Neverve
hayley.neverve@ihg.com

InterContinental Kansas City
www.kansascityic.com

Jason Motte

 In-Kind Friend

Kansas City Marriott Downtown
Janelle McCollum
(816) 421-6800
jmccollum@kcmarriott.com
www.marriott.com

Kansas City Power & Light District
Debby Hayes
(816) 842-1045
dhayes@cordish.com
www.powerandlightdistrict.com

Kansas City Royals
Sarah Morrissey
(913) 219-7467
Smorrissey@distinctivemeetingsinc.com
www.distinctivemeetingsinc.com/

Kansas City Transportation Group
Natalie Parra
(816) 471-1234
nparra@kctg.com
www.kctg.com

 In-Kind Friend

Kansas City Zoo
Janna Stewart
(816) 513-5800
marketing@fotzkc.org
www.kansascityzoo.org

Kona Grill
(816) 931-5888
www.konagrill.com

Louisville Package
David Kinney
(773) 248-9774
dkinney@gotolouisville.com
www.gotolouisville.com

Manhattan CVB
Christy Chase
(785) 776-8829
christy@manhattan.org
www.visitmanhattanks.org

In-Kind Friend

Matt Holiday

Michael E. Debus
(913) 568-6969
mldebus@hotmail.com
www.mikedebus.com

Old Kinderhook at the Lake of the Ozarks
Gayla Welsh
(573) 317-3559
gwelsh@oldkinderhook.com
www.oldkinderhook.com

Pinstripes
Bibs Fletcher
(913) 681-2165
bibs@pinstripes.com
www.pinstripes.com

In-Kind Friend

Rose Centre Hotel
(407) 996-1237
www.RosenCentre.com

Rosen Plaza Hotel
(407) 996-9700
www.RosenPlaza.com

Rosen Shingle Creek
Lieslie Menichini
(407) 996-9939
LMenichini@RosenHotels.com
www.rosenshinglecreek.com

Seasons 52
Brittany Lavender
(816) 531-0052
Kansascity@seasons52.com
www.seasons52.com

In-Kind Friend

Sheraton Overland Park
Kelly Kirby
(913) 234-2100
kelly.kirby@sheraton.com
www.sheratonoverlandpark.com

Silver Legacy Resort Casino
Meg Kennedy
(775) 325-7346
mkennedy@silverlegacy.com
www.silverlegacyreno.com

Sporting KC
Lauren Rios
(913) 912-7517
lrios@sportingkc.com
www.sportingkc.com

St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission
Lori Rockwell
(314) 992-0623
lrockwell@explorestlouis.com
www.explorestlouis.com

In-Kind Friend

Starlight
Bob Potemski
(816) 997-1163
bob.potemski@kcstarlight.com
www.kcstarlight.com

Studio Dan Meiners
Megan Rohde
(816) 842-7244
megan@danmeiners.com
www.danmeiners.com

Tan-Tar-A Resort & Golf Club
Rosa Powell
(573) 348-3131
rosapowell@tan-tar-a.com
www.tan-tar-a.com

Terranea Resort
Sandra Montesano
(763) 546-1203
smontesano@destinationhotels.com
www.tarranea.com

In-Kind Friend

The Aladdin Hotel & Spa
Sarah DeVault
(816) 421-8887
sdevault@hialaddin.com
www.hialaddin.com

The Broadmoor
Tammy Page
(719) 471-6144
tpage@broadmoor.com

The College Basketball Experience
Cassie Eisenmann
(816) 949-7516
cassie@thecbe.net
www.collegebasketballexperience.com

The Elms Resort and Spa
April Graham
(816) 629-2596
agraham@elmsresort.com
www.elmsresort.com

In-Kind Friend

Visit Anchorage
Andrea Schmidt
(907) 257-2317
www.anchorage.net

In-Kind Partner

Hotel Site Select
Ann d'Eon
(480) 350-9090
deon@adimeetings.com

In-Kind President's

The Terrace on Grand
Emad Aboul-Hosn
(816) 527-0026
emad@terraceongrand.com
terraceongrand.com

 
EVENTS: Recap
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On Thursday, June 19, KCMPI hosted its 2014 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at one of Kansas City’s unique downtown venues, The Terrace on Grand

 

The theme of the evening was Ignite the Fire and featured red hot centerpieces by Studio Dan Meiners. At the special event, KCMPI recognized its annual award winners ranging from Committee Chair of the Year to Supplier of the Year, thanked its outgoing Board of Directors, and inducted the 2014-2015 Board of Directors. The evening’s Master of Ceremonies was Bishop-McCann’s very own CEO Dan Nilsen.

The evening began with a rooftop cocktail reception followed by dinner, recognition of KCMPI’s outstanding volunteers and sponsors, and a one-of-a-kind performance painting by Mike Debus. He had the audience in awe as they watched him create his artistic version of the famous Kansas City landmark, the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain. In addition to the live auction of Debus’ painting, the conclusion of KCMPI’s online silent auction created competition and buzz among the more than 80 attendees.

Congratulations to KCMPI’s 2013-2014 award recipients!

Employer Appreciation The Westin and Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center

Rising Star Tony Ballard – Kansas State University

Committee Chair of the Year Lynn Gross, CMP -Community Service Liaison – Distinctive Meetings, Inc.

Committee of the Year CMP/CMM
Lorie Salts, CMP – HelmsBriscoe
Diane Miller, CMP Church of the Nazarene
Marilyn Cupples, CMP Hilton President Kansas City
Karen Freeman, CMP VSR Financial Services
Annisa Rector, CMP Independent Planner

Supplier of the Year Brandi Brumback – Pinstripes

Planner of the Year Kathy Thompson, CMP, CMM – Bushnell Outdoor Products

Caterer of the Year Above & Beyond Catering – Field 2 Table 2013

Social Event of the Year Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet 2013
Kara Brady – GF Management
Andrayana Getchell, CMP – The National Center for Drug Free Sport, Inc
Michelle Lizak, CMP – Sprint
Kathleen Murray
Sharon Richards, CMP – The Westin and Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center
Megan O'Keefe, CMP – Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
Megan Gialde – Hotel Phillips
Tricia Clement, CMP – Bishop-
McCann
Cheryle Grinter – KCMPI

Education Program of the Year Kansas City State of the Industry Breakfast
Belinda Waldo – Associated Luxury Hotels International
Alton Hagen, CMP, DMCP – Agenda USA

Special Recognition
Cheryle Grinter – KCMPI, Chapter Administrator
Terry Eisman – KCMPI Website Management
Bill Lawrence – KCMPI Database Management
Tricia Clement, CMP – KCMPI, 2013-2014 President

Congratulations to KCMPI’s New CMPs
Carrie Stricker, CMP – The Wellington Group
Lynn Gross, CMP –
Distinctive Meetings, Inc.
Lindy Clark, CMP – Sprint
Tracey Kemper, CMP – HNTB Companies
June Dobson, CMP – HNTB Companies

Thank you to our outgoing 2013-2014 Board of Directors!
Tricia Clement, CMP – President – Bishop-McCann
Karen Hoch – President-Elect – People to People International
Kara Brady – Immediate Past President – Holiday Inn Express/Hampton Inn
Patti Jo Gaughan, CMP – VP, Finance – Meeting Management & Consulting, LLC
Rob Wilson – VP, Education – Meeting Evolution
Sarah Morrissey – VP, Membership – Distinctive Meetings Inc.
Michelle Lizak, CMP – VP, Communications – Sprint
Brandi Brumback – Director, Education – Pinstripes, Inc.
Megan O’Keefe – Director, Membership – Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
Andrayana Getchell – Director, Leadership – The National Center for Drug Free Sport, Inc.

Congratulations to our 2014-2015 Board of Directors!
Karen Hoch – President – People to People International
Phil Allemang, CAS - President-Elect – Proforma US Marketing
Tricia Clement, CMP – Immediate Past President – Bishop-McCann
Dorothy Theisen, CMP – VP, Finance – Advanstar Communications, Inc.
Patti Jo Gaughan, CMP – Director, Strategic Alliance – Meeting Management & Consulting, LLC
Tony Ballard – VP, Education – Kansas State University
Lynn Gross, CMP – VP, Membership – Distinctive Meetings Inc.
Andrea Cowsar, CMP – VP, Communications – San Diego Tourism Authority
Brandi Brumback – Director, Education – Pinstripes, Inc.
Megan O’Keefe – Director, Membership – Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
Carolyn Sterbenz – Director, Leadership – Prestige Resorts & Destinations, Ltd.
Shari Hockenbery, CMP – Director, Special Events – Francis Family Foundation


Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Terrace on Grand 

Studio Dan Meiners

Black Mariah Productions

Mike Debus Performance Painting

We invite you to browse the photo album from the evening! 

SAVE THE DATE!
KCMPI’s 
2015 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet 
planned for June 11 
at the hip and happening Hotel Phillips 
in the heart of downtown Kansas City!

 
##SHARELINKS##

By Missy Johnson

Members from the PCMA Heartland Chapter and KCMPI joined together on Thursday, July 10, 2014 for a "Best in Class" educational program on the Business of Reinvention. John Folks, founder and chairman of Minding Your Business in Chicago, was our guest speaker. Attendees were treated to a unique venue in the Amigoni Urban Winery in the West Bottoms who served as our location host and the event was also co-hosted by the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau and Four Season’s Hotels & Resorts.

 

Attendees from both chapters learned to ask, "How do you know when your meeting/convention needs a boost or a re-tool?" John explained that many factors can help answer that question when you consider the changes in technology, generational changes of attendees, emerging international markets and economic challenges. We learned that when considering major changes to a meeting/convention, you need to find a change agent that will be on your side to support you at the executive/decision level. Get this "buddy" on your side to help advocate for the changes you desire.

Speaker, John Folks minglingOur guest speaker also discussed the importance of seeing what your competitors are doing before making major changes. "Put money in your budget to have someone on your staff go to a competitors meeting to do a competitive analysis of what they are offering. See everything they are doing from an attendee’s perspective and you'll be amazed how insightful it is", Folks offered.

Folks walked attendees through the thoughtful process that a meetings manager must undertake in order to thoroughly and accurately go about accessing and implementing re-invention in meetings/ convention. The session allowed for ample audience interaction and was lively at times. Folks reminded members of both organizations that "the worlds of our attendees are changing so rapidly, we have to change with them!"

 
AMD Group
EVENTS: Upcoming
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The hottest new venue in south Overland Park is open and ready to host a "sophisticated" KCMPI After 5 – Bowling, Bocce & Bistro!

The strikingly good fun will be held at Pinstripes, in the exciting Prairie Fire entertainment district, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27.

Pinstripes offers KCMPI members and guests two hours of free bowling and bocce ball, complimentary appetizers and one free drink ticket. In between the excitement of gaming, peruse the distinctive 33,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor entertainment and dining facility. The warm and inviting facility has 16 bowling lanes, 10 bocce courts and an exceptional Italian-American bistro and wine cellar! Pinstripes can accommodate groups of 20-600 for private events.

KCMPI members will be honored for their commitment to the chapter and a fundraising raffle for exciting prizes will be held.

Join us! 
 
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Why form a new Field 2 Table concept? 

Is it still . . .

A sustainable event featuring locally grown foods?

Served between the soil and the sky?

A unique, sensory experience?

Yes, and this year our new concept is put on your finery, dress up and join us for a fine dining Field 2 Table experience Thursday, September 18. 

Our host this year is Arterra Event Gallery, a rustic elegant venue where every event is a work of art.

You will enjoy an elegant meal prepared by a true culinary artist, Executive Chef Bryan Ayers, featuring locally grown products. Brian combines his Midwest roots with his formal French training to create dishes that reflect a rustic modernism approach to food.

Dinner registrations are $75 per person and include transportation, a four-course meal and beverages, gratuities, networking and fun. Seating is limited; make your reservations today and join us as we re-create another amazing evening.

                

 
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Mark your calendars and register now for MM&E's KC Regional Expo on September 24-25, 2014!

 Booths are available, but they're filling up fast. Attend for great business networking, educational sessions to better your own meetings and events, and fabulous giveaways! 

Planners click HERE for application and HERE for general info on the expo. Exhibitors click HERE for booth applications.

                                      

 
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Planning a Successful International Meeting

The Panelists

          
Doug Peterson,                          Cathy Ewing                            Dr. Emmanuel Ngomsi  
Prestige Resorts & Destinations  Cathy Ewing Event Consulting  All World Languages and Cultures


The global nature of business and of the meetings industry has created a growing demand for international conferences and events. It is no secret that planning an international meeting presents a unique set of challenges. No habla usted espanol? The language barrier, currency exchange rates and more could have a devastating effect on your international meeting if you are not prepared.

As the industry’s premier educational, technological and peer interaction resource, KCMPI will offer insight into creating a process, a critical path and a roadmap to successfully planning an international meeting. The program will be held at a beautiful Kansas City venue in October. More details soon!

Our panel-of-experts will include Doug Peterson, Prestige Resorts & Destinations, whose expertise in site selection is unparalleled, and experienced local event planner Cathy Ewing, CMP, president of Cathy Ewing Event Consulting LLC, who will share insights from a multitude of international meetings, as well as how we should heed the cultural mores of international attendees in the United States.

In addition, KCMPI is honored to welcome Emmanuel Ngomsi, Ph.D., as the event moderator. Dr. Ngomsi is president of All World Languages and Cultures, Inc., a training and consulting corporation specializing in intercultural communication. He is an educator and the author of Shocking Cultures: Hilarious and Disastrous Challenges of Foreign Workers in the USA. He also serves as a guest author and consultant to the Cultural Detective, a dynamic online tool system, which enables organizations and leaders to meet the high-performance demands of an increasingly global and interconnected economy.

It is no secret that planning an international meeting presents a unique set of challenges. By attending our education program, you will stay on the cutting edge of today’s constantly changing and challenging meetings environment. By utilizing the expertise and insight of our panel of industry leaders, we will walk you through a primer of best practices and useful tips for holding a successful international meeting. Our goal: Minimize the surprises and potential pitfalls of international meeting planning!

 
CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
##SHARELINKS##

JOB OPENINGS

Event Planning Specialist
The Culinary Center of Kansas City
Posted: Aug. 1, 2014

Sales Manager
Great Wolf Lodge
Posted: July 23, 2014

Event Specialist
Washburn University Foundation
Posted: June 30, 2014

 
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MPI Offers August 2014 Renewal Incentive

 


Who is eligible:
Current members of MPI who are up for renewal this month.

August Renewal Incentive: Are you up for renewal this month? Renew your MPI membership before the end of August and you will be entered into a drawing for one of THREE great prizes. The winner will pick one! Renew today!

  • One-year extended membership
  • Receive six complimentary tickets to any chapter event (up to $300). Can be used for six tickets to one event, one ticket to six separate events or any combination. Must be used by September 2015.
  • Complimentary CMP Study Kit (valued at $312)

Earn More, Grow More Chapter Campaign: In the upcoming weeks, we will receive a status update on the Earn More, Grow More campaign underway, which was launched in May.

New Member Orientation by MPI Global: Held monthly, all new members are invited to join MPI Global for a 30-minute conference call to learn how to optimize their member experience. To view the PowerPoint presentation, click here. Members from the last two months are invited on a monthly basis.

Monthly Social Media post: "Interested in joining MPI? Use this code "Facebook2014" when you join online to waive $50 off your new membership. Join the largest association for meeting and event professionals. www.mpiweb.org."

Future Projects:

Refer a Friend voucher in next month’s edition of The Meeting Professional and on the Chapter Leader Resource site. A new tool to help you encourage members to refer friends will be launched in early September. A current member who refers a new member will receive a $25 credit off a renewal and the new member receives a $50 discount on new membership. Watch for more details on how our members can waive the $50 admin fee for any new member. A PDF document will also be loaded to the Chapter Leader Resource site for you to print off Refer a Friend vouchers to use at a future chapter event.

 
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5 Lesser-Known Email Etiquette Rules You Might Be Breaking

Can we have a moratorium on "gentle reminders?"

By Alison Green

In the two decades since email began saturating most American workplaces, most people have come to agree on some basic etiquette rules, such as don't reply all when you don't need to and avoid using all caps unless you're screaming at someone.

But there are finer points of email etiquette that aren't as universally acknowledged but can make you a far more effective emailer. Here are five lesser-known email etiquette breaches that you might still make.

1. Waiting to respond to an email until you know the answer – even if it takes days. Here's what this often looks like: You receive an email asking you for a specific piece of information. You won't be able to get that information until next week, so you put the email aside until you have it. But you don't email the sender back to let them know that that's the situation, since you're figuring that you'll just respond when you have the answer they're looking for. This is problematic, because the sender is left wondering whether you even received the message, whether you've forgotten about it, and what's taking so long. In some cases, they'll become annoyed.

Do this repeatedly, and you'll create a reputation for yourself as slow to get back to people. The solution is easy: Send a quick email saying, "I should be able to get back to you about this by early next week." That takes 10 seconds, and then you haven't left anyone hanging.

2. Assuming that you don't need to respond if you're more junior than others receiving the email. If you're relatively junior, this might sound familiar: A co-worker sends an email to you and your boss, with a straightforward question that either of you could answer. You figure that since your boss is more senior, it's most polite to defer to her. In reality, though, your boss might appreciate you handling the query and saving her time – and might be concerned if she notices that you never chime in when you could be fielding routine queries. This is a case of "know your manager," of course, but if you're unsure if your manager falls in this category, it's worth asking.

3. Sending out "gentle reminders." You've probably noticed the trend of including the phrase "gentle reminder" in the subject line of emails that are, well, reminding the recipient of something. But to many recipients, the phrase conveys, "I think you might be offended by a normal workplace interaction and so I am approaching you very gingerly." There's no need to announce that you're softening the message, and that kind of tiptoeing will tick off many colleagues.

4. Responding to a serious or sensitive email with only "OK." Sometimes answering emails with a simple "OK" is completely fine; for instance, if your co-worker emails you about the new location of the copier paper, a longer reply isn't needed. However, if your manager emails you about a problem with your work and you write back nothing more than "OK," you'll likely come across as inappropriately flippant or curt.

It can be especially tempting to send this two-letter reply if you're emailing from a phone, where typing a longer reply is more difficult – but some situations warrant waiting until you're back at a computer (or can talk in-person, which remains an option!). Emailing from a phone doesn't absolve you of your responsibility to think about how your message will come across.

5. Sending emails that are too long or aren't clear about what action you're requesting. If your emails read like a stream of consciousness or include every detail of a situation when your recipient only needs the upshot, chances are good that you're trying people's patience – and at this point in email's evolution, you might even come across as not understanding how most use email.

Effective emails in the workplace are usually short – meaning just a few short paragraphs, or a bulleted list if you're including lots of details. They're also crystal clear about what you'd like the recipient to do (approve something/give input/take action) or whether it's just an FYI. Bury that information, and your recipients are far less likely to do whatever it is you're asking of them.

Alison Green writes the popular Ask a Manager blog, where she dispenses advice on career, job search and management issues. She's the author of "How to Get a Job: Secrets of a Hiring Manager," co-author of "Managing to Change the World: The Nonprofit Manager's Guide to Getting Results" and the former chief of staff of a successful nonprofit organization, where she oversaw day-to-day staff management.

 
CAMPUS NOTES
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JCCC recently completed a $13-million, free-standing, culinary academy. This is a tremendous investment that greatly benefits the culinary talent in this town. The new academy houses seven kitchens: five culinary labs, an innovation kitchen and a demonstration kitchen in a theater that seats 75. The facility serves up to 900 students enrolled in the college’s nationally recognized hospitality management program. And here’s food for thought: A community sponsorship program, "Friends with Taste," offers memberships to the public, ranging from $100 to $500, that provides first dibs on cooking classes, special dinners, tour and events at the center.

Membership or not, you can try out food prepared by the academy students at Café Tempo on the campus. This foodie haven is housed inside The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. You can also drop by on Friday afternoons at 3 p.m. to buy baked goods from the pastry case right inside the front door of the HCA.

The chef apprenticeship program at JCCC is sponsored by the American Culinary Federation, the Greater Kansas City Chef’s Association and the U.S. Department of Labor. The three-year program consists of 6,000 hours of training under an American Culinary Federation chef member as well as formal coursework. It is the first program in the United States to receive American Culinary Federation Educational Institute accreditation. More than 100 local Kansas City restaurants use talent from JCCC in their kitchens.

Foundation Supports JCCC’s New Hospitality & Culinary Academy

The Hospitality and Culinary Academy is officially open for classes, and the public dedication was last October 2013.

The one-story building, located directly south of the Regnier Center parking garage and easily visible from both College Boulevard and Quivira Road, will serve the 700-plus students in JCCC hospitality management programs and allow the college to offer more continuing education classes for the general public.

The building cost $13 million, about $3.2 million of which was raised by the JCCC Foundation. The project was launched with a $750,000 challenge grant from former Kansas State Sen. David Wysong and his wife, Kathy. Other leadership gifts include support from the following:

 

  • Ball Family Charitable Foundation
  • Barton P. Cohen Community Series
  • J.D. and Anne Hodgdon Family Foundation
  • The Hotel and Lodging Association of Greater Kansas City
  • ACF Kansas City’s Chef Association
  • Kirk Foundation
  • Missouri Restaurant Association - Greater Kansas City Chapter
  • Maron Lorimer Moore
  • I.A. O’Shaughnessy Foundation
  • Victor and Helen Regnier Charitable Foundation
  • The Roasterie, Inc.
  • George and Patricia Semb
  • Standard Beverage Corporation
  • The Sunderland Foundation

 

The 36,000-square-foot building houses seven kitchens: five culinary labs, an innovation kitchen and a demonstration kitchen in a culinary theater. A soaring 18-foot high lobby will make the building feel much larger than a one-story building, said Lindy Robinson, dean, business.

Innovation kitchen: This glass-walled space, located to the left of the lobby, gives visitors a chance to see the college’s award-winning culinary team in action as they practice for competitions. Currently, the team practices in kitchens in the Office and Classroom Building, tucked away from public view. Visiting chefs also will be featured in the innovation kitchen, Robinson said.

The Wysong Family Culinary Theatre: The 75-seat culinary theater, located to the right of the entry, is equipped with a modified kitchen and back room preparation area for cooking demonstrations. A video production room and equipment allows demonstrations to be taped and aired on the college’s cable channel. The tiered theater will become home for entry-level classes and will allow those classes to grow to 40 students, Robinson said.

Culinary labs: Two labs will be used for professional cooking classes, one for pastry classes, another is the Ball Family Garde Manger Culinary Lab, or cold foods kitchen, and the last of the five labs is a restaurant kitchen.

The restaurant kitchen will adjoin the Regnier Family Dining Room on the east end of the building that will be used for Thursday hospitality luncheons and other events.

The Regnier Family Dining Room also will be available for other events. In fact, with the lobby area and an outdoor patio on the east side of the building, the academy could be host to a number of events, Robinson said.

The Ball Family Garde Manger Culinary Lab is designed so that it can be used for meat fabrication, she said, with tracks in the ceiling that can be used to hang a side of beef. While JCCC student chefs may not have to do their own butchering, they need to know where cuts of meat are from and how that affects the cooking method used.

Meat fabrication possibilities don’t end with JCCC student chefs, Robinson said. The lab would allow the college to offer continuing education classes for butchers entering the field. Other continuing education classes could feed the hunger to learn about cooking fueled by the growth of the Food Channel.

"People want to take our entry level cooking classes, but we can't do that now," she said.

With the new building, those classes could become a possibility, along with summer cooking classes for kids, which have been requested by parents for years.

Hospitality management faculty and staff will be housed in the building as well, with an office suite that accommodates 15 or more people. The building also contains classrooms, workspace for adjunct instructors, a conference room and the Maron J. Moore Hospitality Library.

DLR Group in Overland Park designed the building; J.E. Dunn was the general contractor.

New Culinary Building at JCCC Earns LEED Silver Rating

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The new Hospitality and Culinary Academy at Johnson County Community College has earned a LEED Silver certification.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a nationally recognized green building certification program that rates buildings based on their energy-saving and environmentally friendly construction. It is supervised by the U.S. Green Building Council. Buildings are rated by independent parties and accrue points in seven categories: sustainable site, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation and regional priorities.

The rating is based on the number of points scored out of a maximum total of 110 for the system used in rating the Hospitality and Culinary Academy; the academy received 51 points.

"The LEED rating is more than just a plaque on a wall for us," said Rex Hays, associate vice president for campus services and facilities planning. "It reflects the value we place on being good stewards of the earth and good stewards of taxpayer money."

The Hospitality and Culinary Academy is the third JCCC building to earn a LEED rating. Galileo’s Pavilion, a classroom building that opened in 2012, earned a platinum ranking and the college’s Olathe Health Education Center that opened in 2011 earned a gold ranking.

 
INDUSTRY NEWS
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When an airline loses your luggage, it can take hours or even days to get someone to tell you where it ended up – if it ever turns up at all. Wouldn't it be easier to hear from the luggage itself?

That's the promise of "smart luggage," in which GPS tracking chips are embedded in bags capable of transmitting their locations to travelers and even contacting airlines directly when they get lost.

The jumbo jet maker Airbus introduced a concept design for smart luggage at the Paris Air Show last year. The product, known as Bag2Go, can be tracked via a smartphone app. It also allows for self-service check-ins and can weigh itself to ensure that it meets airline requirements.

AT&T (T,Tech30) unveiled a similar concept at a demonstration of its "next-generation technologies" in May. The company envisions integrating the product with standard suitcases and bags – perhaps through an attachable tag – though it could also be built into suitcases directly.

The ultimate plan is for the luggage to work with airlines' IT systems, contacting the carriers directly and arranging for delivery to your home or hotel.

These products are still in the developmental stage and will need approval from federal regulators, but they're sure to find some grateful customers: U.S. airlines mishandled over 141,000 bags in April, according to government statistics, or about three bags for every 1,000 passengers.

 
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 KCMPI was well represented at MPI’s 2014 WEC. In fact our chapter was one of four to win the WEC Challenge sponsored by the Great Wolf Lodge. As a challenge winner, we will receive either $1,000 for our chapter or three WEC 2015 registrations. More to come on this in our next issue!

So what happened at WEC 2014? For starters, Minneapolis truly knew how to welcome participants and roll out the red carpet. They had countless volunteers working around the clock helping the more than 1,000 attendees and exhibitors. There was not a corner at the convention center without a warm Minneapolis smile.

Discovery was a constant word at WEC, which seemed to focus on the main areas of personal and professional growth; and technology. This was accomplished through three main styles of learning: general session, interactive breakouts, and peer-to-peer learning. It is impossible to cover every aspect of WEC, so following are a few of my highlights:

Opening remarks from MPI’s CEO Paul Van Deventer who shared the focus of MPI.

 

  • Simple and focused vision and mission.
  • The MPI Foundation, which has provided more than 1 million in grants and scholarships.
  • Investing in professional development.
  • Rebuilding the infrastructure of MPI.
  • Advocating for the meetings and events industry.

Dr. Deepak Chopra: Among many of his accomplishments, he has invested his talents and time to working with Delos Living to create Stay Well meetings. Look for more details in future publications as this trend continues to grow! Dr. Chopra shared with us a few interesting tips on how to live each day:

 

  • Don't multitask; it ruins your mind.
  • Set your intentions each day and live them with energy, compassion and likeness of mind.
  • Meditate.
  • Never suppress grief.
  • When speaking to someone ask yourself: Is it true? Is it kind? Have your conversations be ones that create joy in your listeners. Words can heal, harm, and kill. So be very careful with your word choice.
  • Have love and compassion.

Nolan Bushnell: The founder of Atari and Chuck E Cheese’s – and he hired Steve Jobs! He was a favorite because of his wisdom and simplicity. Some things to note:

 

  • Look for creativity, intensity and passion when looking for new hires.
  • Don’t be a ‘nay-sayer! Don’t be a "devil’s advocate," and don’t have them on your team.
  • Be willing to fail, but don't try to fail.
  • Experience the different.
  • Play the dice game. Come up with 11 things you want to do – think big. Roll the dice and that number is your focus for the year.
  • The more uncomfortable you are the better off you are. When you become comfortable with something it’s time to change.
  • Expose yourself to new things in life.
  • Technology will change beyond our own imaginations in the coming years!

Laura Schwartz: She was the White House Event Director under President Clinton. Hysterical and a ball of fire, she went deep into how to successfully network and create your opportunities. Her presentation was titled: Must be Present to Win!

 

  • When networking, ask yourself what you can do for the person vs. what they can do for you.
  • Look at attending an event as an opportunity not an option.
  • Do your homework. Read the news and know a little about a lot.
  • Define your goals and practice. It can be as simple as meeting two people or collecting two new business cards. Your networking confidence will grow.
  • Be on time!
  • Have the power of appearance: emotional and physical.
  • Listen!
  • Write down facts of people you meet in your contact info for future reference.
  • Answer this question: What makes you stand out? Find out what that is.
  • Follow-up.

 Each day, participants looked forward to the Flashpoint Idea Assembly at the General Sessions, which were short 15-minute previews of upcoming breakout sessions.

Campfire sessions were engaging 30-minute sessions with the ambiance of a campfire! These sessions covered topics anywhere from negotiations to health to partnerships.

Yoga Express Break! What better way to re-energize than a 30-minute gentle yoga class. WEC offered several opportunities to learn more about health and how to incorporate it into your meetings and everyday life. Look for more on this topic at a future KCMPI program!

 So much more information can be found on the WEC 2014 web pages. Be sure to check it out!

Save the dates for WEC 2015 in San Francisco 
July 25-28, 2015!

 
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CLEVELAND (May 21, 2014) – Proforma is excited to announce it has been named the No. 1 Top Distributor in the print and promotional products industry by Promo Marketing magazine with total sales of $464 million in 2013. Proforma has been named in the top two distributors for the sixth consecutive year. Your local franchise owner is Phil Allemang, CAS;, with Proforma US Marketing.

"We are very proud to once again be named the No. 1 Top Distributor by Promo Marketing magazine," said Greg Muzzillo, founder of Proforma. "We are grateful for the 750 Member Owners who are driving our sales to a half billion dollars and beyond. We are grateful for our 130 Support Center team members who are supporting our owners in accomplishing their dreams, and we are grateful for our supplier partners, without whom, none of this would be possible."

 


 
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MEMBER PROFILES
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Andrea Cowsar
KCMPI's VP of Communications

I’m the National Sales Director for the Midwest territory for the San Diego Tourism Authority. I work with meeting planners located in the Midwest Region and help them find a great hotel property in San Diego to host their meetings and conventions.

I love cheering on the Indiana Pacers during basketball season, being outside, live music, trying new restaurants, Greek food, cooking and hot yoga.

Favorite Quote: "When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." – Marcus Aurelius

Andrea Cowsar, CMP | National Sales Director-Midwest
San Diego Tourism Authority
13132 W. 88th Ct., #102 Lenexa, KS 66215
tel (913) 400-3655 | cell (913) 915-5249 | fax (619) 696-9371

Meet Other Board Members Lynn Gross, CMP & Tony Ballard here.

 
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PLANNER PROFILE:  Tony Ballard

















What Does KCMPI Mean to You?

For the past two-plus years, I have been a member of MPI. I have found great value in this organization by being involved on a couple of committees and now also being involved on the board. MPI at the national level and KCMPI at the local level have both helped me to make valuable connections to other planners and suppliers all around the globe. Educational and social events have given me the opportunity to interact with other professionals in my field and have given me the opportunity to be better in my professional life and in my personal life.

Tony Ballard
Program Coordinator
K-State Conference Services
Kansas State University
1615 Anderson Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66502
(785) 532-2402 – office
(785) 532-2422 – fax
tballard@ksu.edu


SUPPLIER PROFILE:  LYNN GROSS



Above photo taken during Hyatt Regency Reception in WEC Minneapolis. Thank you for inviting us Megan O’Keefe! (L-R) Karen Hoch, Lynn Gross, Tony Ballard, Kathryn Harthm and Charla Norquest.

What Does KCMPI Mean to You?

KCMPI has meant something different to me at different times throughout the last 3 years of my membership. When I first joined KCMPI, I was focused on attending programs to obtain CEUs and study for the CMP exam. The CEU hours came way easier than the knowledge needed to take the CMP exam. I finally took the test in November 2013 and passed!

KCMPI eventually meant volunteerism to me ... especially KCMPI’s connection to the Rose Brooks Center which the KC Chapter chose to support in conjunction with all of last year’s educational programs and again with this year’s programs.

For 2014-2015, KCMPI means growing our numbers, which I am glad to have the opportunity of achieving for our Chapter in my new role as Vice President of Membership. The Chapter Leader’s Forum in Minneapolis on August 2, held prior to the World Education Congress (WEC), allowed me to gain new and useful information to help me reach this goal.

Lynn Gross, CMP
Director of Operations
Distinctive Meetings Inc.
KCMPI member since June 2011

 
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ED KADY, Senior Sales Manager
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101, U.S.A.
619 / 358 6671
ed.kady@hyatt.com
manchestergrand.hyatt.com

I am originally from Akron, Ohio, and still to this day a loyal fan of the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians. I have made San Diego my home for the past 22 years and have been working for the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego for the past 11 years. Kansas City is one of my main territories to recruit meeting planners from that area who are interested in coming to San Diego. I am married and have a 20-year-old daughter. I enjoy golfing, mountain biking and watching all sport events.

 
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25 Years!
Bonnie Siegel, CMP – Ase Group/Access Kansas City


22 Years!
Miya Macken, CMP – BX Worldwide


19 Years!

Jeanne Burris – Overland Park CVB


15 Years!

Marline Heathman – Utilities Service Alliance
Sharon Richards, CMP–The Westin Crown Center Hotel


14 Years!

Judy Schelar, CMP – Golf Course Superintendents Association of America


10 Years!

Gretchen Miles, CMP – ACCP-American College of Clinical Pharmacy


9 Years!

Cheryle Grinter – KCMPI


8 Years!

Andrea Cowsar, CMP – San Diego Tourism Authority


7 Years!

Rebecca Elliott, CMP – Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association
Brooke Frazier – Waddell & Reed
Gina Goldstein – Waddell & Reed
Marissa Schaffner, CMP – Ase Group/Access Kansas City


6 Years!

Amy Groom – Craneware, Inc
Jill Kueser, CMP – Celgene Corporation


5 Years!

Kurt Dietz – Caesars Entertainment


3 Years!

Malinda Garza – Burgio, Cooney & Associates
Christine Pennel-Jones, CASE – Aruba Marriott
Carrie Stricker, CMP – The Wellington Group


2 Year!

Tony Ballard – Kansas State University
Jessica Blubaugh – Teach for America
Emily Bradford – Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Allie Caffrey – Fishnet Security
Amanda Renshaw – Fishnet Security
Kristen Oehlert – Nueterra


1 Year!

Elizabeth Fiser, CMP – Fishnet Security
Beth Follmer – UMKC
Morgan Koch

 
NEWS & NOTES
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Tony Ballard, program coordinator for Kansas State University Conference Services, received the Rising Star Award from Kansas City Chapter of Meeting Planners International (MPI).

This award recognizes a chapter member of less than three years who has contributed extraordinarily to the organization with his or her dedication, vision, enthusiasm, willingness to participate, volunteer efforts and commitment. Ballard works in conference services, part of Kansas State University Global Campus and teaches an event planning course on campus. In addition to the award, Ballard was elected vice president of education for the organization.

"Meeting Professionals International is the largest global organization for meeting professionals of all types," Ballard said. "As a member of the organization, I have access to some of the premier industry talent in all aspects of meeting planning. Organizations such as MPI help organizations like ours stay ahead of the rapid changes taking place in the meetings and events industry."

Skilled meeting professionals like Ballard help organizations use their time and financial resources efficiently and aid in accomplishing the objectives of their event in the most effective way.

"At the university level, a meeting professional allows each college to focus their personnel resources on the education of our students while the meeting professional focuses on the logistical aspects of producing a great event," he said.

Ballard accepted the award at the annual meeting and award ceremony June 19 at the Terrace on Grand in Downtown Kansas City.

"It was great to be a part of the 2014 award ceremony," Ballard said. "I am honored to even have been nominated for the award and am equally honored to have received it. It was a great evening for myself, for K-State conference services and Kansas State University as a whole."

 
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Top 3 Topics:

  1. Job Openings – 13%
  2. Recognition (News and Notes) – 8%
  3. KCMPI PEC "Ignites The Fire" by Jill Quinn AND I am KCMPI – tied at 7%
 
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