Recap of KCMPI's Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet

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By Phil Allemang, 2007-2008 Awards Committee Chair

KCMPI's 2008 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet "Spotlight on the Stars" was held on Friday, June 13, 2008, at our host hotel the Sheraton Kansas City Sports Complex Hotel with more than 100 members and guests in attendance.

Upon entering the hotel's reception area guests were greeted by white-gloved waiters with trays of champagne and delectable hors d'oeuvres. The Grand Ballroom doors opened promptly at 6:30 PM with swing music and professional swing dancers! A special thanks to professional dance teacher and national competitor Chrissy Bridgeman for providing this unique and tantalizing entrance.

Outgoing President, Inge Hafkemeyer, CMM, and emcee of the evening, Brad Plumb, CMP, eloquently welcomed attendees. Recognition and thanks were given to Sheraton's Chef Robert Harmel and Director of Sales and Marketing, Rick Oberdahlhoff.

In attendance was also Kimberly Fischer, CAE, from MPI Headquarters who inducted KCMPI's 2008-2009 Board of Directors: 

• Vickie Brawley ~ President
• Michelle Lizak ~ President-Elect
• Inge Hafkemeyer, CMM ~ Immediate Past President
• Sally Bennett ~ VP, Membership
• Karen Hoch ~ VP, Communications
• Shari Hockenbery, CMP ~ VP, Education
• Lorie Scott, CMP ~ VP, Finance
• Phil Allemang ~ Director, Marketing and Public Relations
• Andrea Cowser ~ Director, Member Care
• Danielle Jodts ~ Director, Special Education
• Janice McClain, CMP ~ Director, Special Events
• Cynthia Patterson, CMP ~ Director, Strategic Alliances
• Regine Scheck-Seberger ~ Director, Monthly Programs
• Diane Wolfe, CMP ~ Director, Leadership

Heartfelt thanks go to past Board Members whose terms ended this year: Tyler Adkins; Dan Veglahn, CMP; Cathy Ewing, CMP; Tanya Zuckerman, CMP; Miya Macken, CMP; and Toni Madiera.

Between courses of the spectacular menu awards were presented to the following outstanding KCMPI Members for 2007-2008! Congratulations to:

Rising Star: Danielle Jodts
Planner of the Year: Shari Hockenberry, CMP
Supplier of the Year: Phil Allemang
Employer Appreciation: Vista Productions & Sprint
Committee Chair of the Year: Andrea Cowsar and Janice McClain, CMP
Event of the Year: Shaping the Future ~ 2006-2007 Annual Awards Banquet; Committee Chair: Belinda Waldo

Committee Members: Tyler Adkins; Phil Allemang; Debbie Ball, CMP; Vickie Brawley; Mitch Collins, CMP; Mike Gehrs; Mike Garner, CTS; Inge Hafkemeyer, CMM; Rosemary Hall; Brad Plumb, CMP; Kathy Thompson, CMP; Kim Walker, CMP; and Dan Veglahn, CMP

Program of the Year: Leadership in the Changing World of Meeting Professionals ~ Debbie Ball, CMP
Catering of the Year: The Aladdin Hotel for KCMPI's February 2008 Program
CMP Designation: Marissa Schaffner, CMP

Throughout the evening, wine was bountiful as well as martinis, which flowed endlessly from a beautiful KCMPI ice sculpture! Entertainment continued with the dancers who wowed attendees with their precise and stunning grace. Attendees were then treated to a 20-minute dance lesson by professional dancer Chrissy Bridgeman. The evening ended with dancing to the Lonesome Hank and the Heartaches band.

Huge thanks go to the Awards Committee for their time and energy: Chair - Phil Allemang; Committee Members - Debbie Ball, CMP; Vickie Brawley; Mitch Collins, CMP; Mike Garner, CTS; Mike Gehrs; Inge Hafkemeyer, CMM; Rosemary Hall; Brad Plumb, CMP; Kathy Thompson, CMP; Belinda Waldo; and Kim Walker, CMP.

Thank you to Jenny Wheat of Wheat Photography for donating her time to capture the evening. Click here to enjoy a beautiful slideshow of the evening! We also thank our generous sponsors! Be sure to visit our Sponsor Page under News and Notes; without them this event would not have been possible!

Check out pictures of the event!