Recap: KCMPI's PEC - Red Hot Meetings

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KCMPI-PEC provides Educational Content and Networking Opportunities

By Ingrid Adel

Red Hot Meetings was the theme of KCMPI's 2009 Professional Education Conference (PEC). The event was held at the newly remodeled Overland Park Marriott on May 5 and 6 with about 150 meeting professionals attending the event between vendors, suppliers and speakers. A total of 27 exhibitors showcased their products and services during the conference.

This year's conference focused on providing the attendees the opportunity to learn more about "Keep America Meeting" during the difficult economic times. Featured keynote speakers included Jeff Tobe, David Zach, Kelly McDonald, Robin Getman, Richard Rowe, Noah Blumenthal, Marlys Arnold and Mary Flynn. 

Jeff Tobe kicked off the meeting by challenging the audience to unleash our innovative thinking skills and step outside our comfort zone by coloring outside the lines. 

David Zach shared with a down-to-earth look at what's going on today and where it seems to be going, giving the audience a better idea of where to invest our time, attention and attitudes about the future. 

Kelly McDonald talked to the attendees about the hottest new market segments and how they are shaping our culture; how to leverage key emotional drivers in marketing messages; and which group represents the largest opportunity for our business right now and which group will be our greatest opportunity tomorrow.

Robin Getman was our Master of Ceremony, as well as a speaker at one of the breakout sessions:  "Relax, Stress is not a Four-Letter Word." In this session, Robin shared stories and ideas that kept our fun meter on high and our stress meter on peak performance. Her humor and practical tips made this a lasting, positive impression on the audience.

Richard Rowe addressed how we affect those around us in a positive, negative or neutral fashion. Each of us has a ripple effect on people with whom we live, work, pray and play. Row demonstrated with fascinating true life stories how to do so in a dynamic, powerful fashion.

Noah Blumenthal's session: "Discover the Power to Fly Through Obstacles and Be the Hero," addressed issues that have become increasingly important in light of the current economic slowdown:  improving communication, responding to adversity, working more effectively, and building stronger, more productive teams. He encouraged the audience to make the choice to be the hero in any situation, not the victim.

Marlys Arnold taught us what the meetings industry is doing to stand up and defend itself with facts and guidelines that prove meetings build business. She also helped us explore how we can join the cause and Keep America Meeting!

Mary Flynn closed the conference by sharing some valuable insights on when and why an organization should change and the role of the leader in shaping a positive, sustainable change.

The second day of the conference, meeting planners had the opportunity to sit during lunch with representatives from the following partners: Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau, Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau, Newport Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau and the Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center, Cherokee Casino Resort, and Westin Crown Center. After lunch was served, attendees enjoyed multiple back-to-back infomercials promoting new hospitality services and venues. 

Attendees were able to experience wonderful speakers, visit exhibitors, network with colleagues in the industry and also win some wonderful door prizes which were given throughout the conference, including a two-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City, Kan.; a two-night stay at the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev.; and a two-night stay at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

KCMPI's PEC could not have happened without the support of our gracious sponsors: CAM Incorporated, Great Wolf Lodge, Display Studios, Haute Market, Integrite Salon, Intercontinental Kansas City at the Plaza, Excalibur Hotel Casino, Las Vegas, Missouri Meetings and Events Magazine, On the Border Catering, Overland Park CVB, Ready Talk, Sweet Perfections, LLC, T-Bones Baseball, Moana Surfrider A Westin Resort and Spa Waikiki Beach, The Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa Hollywood, Fla., Big Cedar Lodge, Bushnell Outdoor Products, HJF Promotional Products), ImageSpecialist, Mybadges.com, Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association, The Pryor Center for Leadership Development, Midwest Speakers Bureau, Overland Limousine, Up, UP and Away, Vista Productions, Inc., Five Star Speakers & Trainers, George Fern Company, Marriott Overland Park, Picture Perfect Speaker, RegOnline, Visual Aids Electronics and Disney Destinations. Please consider them when holding your own events. Thank you to everyone who attended this powerful program and we look forward to seeing you again at future KCMPI events.

(Ingrid is Director of Sales & Marketing Support for Fairbanks Scales. She is also the 2009 recipient of the KCMPI-PEC Scholarship. Ingrid can be reached at iadel@fairbanks.com).