A Morning Program Packed with Powerful Information

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By Gretchen L. Miles, CMP

Taking time away from work can seem like a negative choice during these busy times. However, that is a dangerous plan. All of the people who attended the March Educational Program on Disaster Planning and Management for the Meetings Industry gained invaluable knowledge that will remain pertinent throughout their career and could save lives.

The Kansas City Marriott Downtown prepared a fantastic breakfast buffet for all to enjoy while networking with peers before the panel began their presentations. Dawn McKenney-Maxwell, moderator from EffectUs, Inc., introduced our experts and kept the program running smoothly. Bill Spano, Kansas City Marriott Downtown Executive Chef, shared his personal experience with a foodborne illness outbreak (that turned out to be the Norwalk virus instead) that affected meeting attendees at his hotel. Gwen Knight, Independent Meeting Planner, shared numerous emergency scenarios she has experienced while on-site at conventions, as well as her involvement in local organizations where she helps to train others in disaster management. 

The second half of the program was a highly engaging presentation given by Katja Morgenstern about the importance of having an emergency plan in your organization and what elements are needed to construct an efficient one. Katja also provided every attendee a CD with her PowerPoint presentation and emergency plan templates. This was not only a great benefit for everyone to be able to take back the CD and start their own plan immediately, but it was also in support of the KCMPI Green initiative.

The March Educational Program could not have happened without the support of our gracious sponsors:  Kansas City Marriott Downtown, SWANK Audio Visuals, FIVE STAR Speakers & Trainers, Meeting Consultants, Inc., EffectUs, Inc., and Overland Limousine Service. Please consider them when holding your own events. Thank you to everyone who attended this powerful program and I look forward to seeing you again at future KCMPI events.

Check out these pictures from the event!

(Gretchen is a Meeting Planner for the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. She can be reached at gmiles@accp.com).