A Message from the President's Message

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Dear KCMPI members:

Happy New Year! I am truly excited about the journey that we are about to embark upon these next 12 months. We as industry professionals are starting to pick up the pieces from the fallout of our industry and re-building our lives and businesses.

As we emerge out of the "Meetings Industry in Crisis" mindset we must now shift our current way of doing business. MPI President and CEO Bruce MacMillan was recently quoted as saying that "one of the most overused terms in our industry in 2009 has been 'crisis'." What we are now entering into is a shift in the natural business life cycle. A shift in our industry could come in all sorts of shapes and/or sizes. For instance, one such example of shift is that we become focused on driving business performance. No longer focusing so much on the down side of the economy and business revenues, but aligning ourselves with learning professionals and communication designers. This will elevate our story - which in turn will help drive revenue and results.

Sustainability, technology and ROI/success measurement will all also be part of this shift - so stay tuned!

Our chapter is currently shifting the way that we do things as well! This year one of our goals is to embrace technology and all the tools that it has to offer. Social media or Web 2.0 has moved onto the forefront of our industry. You cannot read an industry publication with out hearing about this effort in some capacity. This year to help our chapter embrace this new technology we are incorporating it into the way we do business. We've added a new chair position this year that will focus on putting our organization out into the social media realm. 

Social media is emerging in our industry as an excellent communication tool for events.  In this issue of the KCMPI Times, you'll see a re-post of a blog from Mike McCurry, CMP, the 2009 PCMA President for the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area. His blog is an excellent example of how social media can not only impact the attendees at your event, but how it draws in those other members that are sitting at home following it on Twitter or Facebook. I suggest that you go out on the Web and start researching some of the more popular forms of social media. KCMPI is already out there on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn just to name a few!

I am also pleased to introduce you to your 2009-2010 Board of Directors. Over the coming months, we'll provide opportunities for you to meet each member of the board. If you ever have any questions regarding the chapter, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Karen Hoch - President Elect
Vickie Brawley - Immediate Past President
Lorie Scott, CMP - VP Finance
Lori Turec - VP Communications
Andrea Cowsar - VP Membership
Dan Veglahn, CMP - VP Education
Danielle Jodts - Director Leadership Development
Janice McClain, CMP - Director Special Events
Kara Brady - Director Strategic Alliance
Phil Allemang - Director Marketing/PR
Andrea Brack - Director Member Care
Andrea Foulkes - Director Student/Satellite Membership
Tricia Clement, CMP - Director Monthly Programs
Shana Hoy - Director Special Education
Cheryle Grinter - Chapter Administrator

Finally in closing, I want to recruit you! Help our chapter shift the way we do things. Take your membership to the next level and serve on a committee or in a leadership role within the organization. Get involved today!

Warmest Regards,
Michelle Lizak, CMP