By Sally Bennett, KCMPI Director of Membership and Sales Manager, KC Marriott Country Club Plaza

As a supplier and a member of the KCMPI Board of Directors, I frequently hear, "I need to see more ROI to justify my membership to my company, my boss and/or myself." But what does this really mean? At a recent meeting we ended up talking about what this means to us, and what it came down to was very simple: more business.

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 Kansas City. Inge provides them with a list of locations she thinks will work best for what they want to accomplish. This conversation usually leads to questions about whom to contact for catering, transportation, etc. Also, she receives e-mails from MPI members throughout the U.S. and Canada on recommendations. Inge's first response for these CVBs and members is always our KCMPI suppliers.

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!