President's Message

 

Dear Friends:

 

The year is starting out to be a great success.  We have many talented people who are working hard to meet your needs.  Please make sure that you review KCMPI's event calendar on www.kcmpi.org to take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that we have in store for you! 

 

Kudos to KCMPI's Membership Committee for putting together "Lucky at Lidia's" at Lidia's Loft in the Freight House District. It was an evening full of fun and surprises. In addition, Jenny Wheat of Wheat Photography shared her new initiative with Rose Brooks Center, Worth a Thousand Words, which KCMPI has adopted as its '08-'09 community project. The first annual Ladies Fall Fashion Show was held on Sept. 25 at Wheat Photography Studio to raise money for this project. Please be sure to read about this spectacular event under News and Notes. 

 

I would also like to congratulate KCMPI's Golf Committee Chair Janice McClain CMP and her committee for another successful golf tournament! Despite the clouds and periods of rain, everyone had a great day. Check out the details and pictures of the tournament under the Events section of this newsletter!

 

KCMPI's first educational program of the year "No More Excuses" – How to Succeed in a Slow Economy was held on Oct. 16, 2008, at Renee Kelly's at Caenen Castle with keynote speaker Sam Silverstein, MBS, CSP. This sold-out program is the outcome of hours of work by lead person Debora Renken and our talented Program Committee. Thank you for your continued efforts!

 

It is my hope that I'll see many of you at our chapter fundraising special event ~ Field to Table: a Locally Grown Dining Experience at Wolfe Farm in Camden, Mo., on Oct. 30. Thank you to Director of Leadership Diane Wolfe and her husband Kurt for hosting this unique experience! 

 

I also want to say a special thank you to our administrator, Cheryle Grinter. She has put in numerous hours over and above her responsibility. Her assistance behind the scenes and her knowledge about our organization is essential to keeping our chapter moving forward.   

 

As President of KCMPI, I am very proud to have such a high caliber of professionals involved in our chapter. If you are a new member, please get involved as it's the best way to make the most of your membership. I have no doubt that you will enjoy new friendships as well as the strong educational programs our chapter has to offer. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Vickie Brawley

vbrawley@theqhotel.com

News & Notes

NEW MEMBERS

 

Michael James Owen            

Student Member

University of Kansas

Sales Manager, Bring It On/Dallas

 

Krystal L. Zeh

Student Member

Johnson County Community College

 

Denice MCajigas, CMP

Operations Manager

Crop Insurance Research Bureau

                       

Jenna Cather

Student                                                                                     

Kansas State University

 

Kathy Faring

Event Coordinator

McCormick Schmick's

 

ANNIVERSARIES

 

A special congratulatons to Brad Plumb of Overland Park Convention and Visitors Bureau who is celebrating 25 years as a member of MPI!   

 

 

ONE YEAR

Kim Shawd                

Association of Unity Churches International

 

Lori Leigh Turec

FIVE STAR Speakers

 

Kimberly A. Watson

Teva Neuroscience

 

Ken A. Hamm

Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa

 

Lisa A. Ruedisueli

 

Hal Wood

Advisory Management Services, Inc.

 

Debbie S. Arbo

The Wellington Group

 

Pam Burton

Dave & Buster's          

 

Emily Dalbom             

 

Andrea Foulkes

Holiday Inn NE

 

Bryon D. Huber

Conference Technologies, Inc.

 

Debbie Jo Philpott

Branson Lakes Area CVB                

 

Cara P. Roberts

 

TWO YEARS

 

Angel Lee

 

Debora A. Renken

HelmsBriscoe             

 

Lauren N. Gray

SWANK Audio Visuals                     

 

Cathy Jackson

MO Division of Professional Registration                      

 

Rob Wilson

Meeting Sites Resource                   

 

THREE YEARS
 

 

Sue E. Parsons

Embassy Suites Hotel-Overland Park

 

Lisa Summers

Sprint            

 

Beth A. Aussem

Walsworth Publishing                        

 

Laura E. Reschke

Sheraton Overland Park                    

 

FOUR YEARS

Jeffrey L. Clampitt   

Starwood Hotels & Resorts

 

 

Laura M. VanZante

The Wellington Group

 

Crystal G. Chapman                         

 

FIVE YEARS

Karen Hoch                

People to People International        

 

 

SIX YEARS

Dan Veglahn, CMP 

Visual Aids Electronics

 

 

EIGHT YEARS

Kathy A. Kelley

Assurant Employee Benefits

 

TEN YEARS

Lorie Scott, CMP

HelmsBriscoe

 

ELEVEN YEARS

Sue Heley

A-S-K Associates, Inc.

 

TWELVE YEARS

Kimberley A. Walker                      

Its All About Meetings                       

 

 

THIRTEEN YEARS

Jeanne M. Burris

Overland Park Convention & Visitors Bureau


TWENTY YEARS!

 
Alton M. Hagen

Agenda: Kansas City, Inc.

TWENTY-ONE YEARS!

Francine Liem Cobb  

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS!!

Brad Plumb               

Overland Park Convention and Visitors Bureau           

 

                       

Without their generosity, we would not be able to provide high-quality educational and networking opportunities for our chapter members. Please remember to BUY KCMPI when seeking suppliers and meeting planning consultants! You can find a list of KCMPI members in your 2008-2009 Membership Directory that hit mailboxes this month!

 

September Board of Directors Meeting

Thank you to VP of Education Shari Hockenbery, CMP and the Francis Foundation for hosting KCMPI's September Board of Director's Meeting!

 

Annual Golf Tournament

We thank the following generous sponsors for Annual Golf Tournament and silent auction!

 

SITE HOST

Mr. Kyle Hurst

Tournament Director & Golf Professional

Tiffany Greens Golf Club

6100 NW Tiffany Springs Parkway

Kansas City, MO 64154

Site host

 

RECEPTION SPONSOR

Mike Wallace

On the Border Catering

8340 NW Roanridge Rd.

Kansas City, MO 64151

 

Silent Auction and Raffle Prize Donors

Mr. Mark Ravenscraft

General Manager

Marriott Overland Park

 

Ms. Marcia Lutz

Hyatt Regency Bethesda

1 Bethesda Metro Ctr.

Bethesda, MD 20814

 

Dena Ramos

Associate Director of Sales

Holiday Inn

3321 S 72^nd St.

Omaha, NE68214

 

Mr. Michael Capps

Director of Sales

Hilton

Branson Convention Center Hotel

200 East Main St.

Branson, MO 65616

 

Ms. Celeste Burks

Communications Coordinator

Ameristar Casino Kansas City

P.O. Box 33480

Kansas City, MO 64120

 

Brenda Pfeifer

Sales Manager

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate

1500 Masters Blvd.

Champions Gate, FL 33896

 

Ms. Anne Deuschle

Director of Marketing

Destination Crown Center

2405 Grand Blvd., Ste. 200

Kansas City, MO 64108

 

Ms. Melody Thuss

Mary Kay Cosmetics Consultant

1516 Blue Skye Lane

Raymore, MO 64083

 

Ms. Kathy Thompson

Bushnell Outdoor Products

9200 Cody

Overland Park, KS 66214

 

Ms. Deb Skiles

Director of Sales

Westin Crown Center Hotel

One Pershing Rd.

Kansas City, MO 64108

 

Janice McClain, CMP

Classic City Events & Meetings

204 W Wall St.

Harrisonville, MO 64701

 

Doug Bowe

Director

Disney Premium Resorts

2415 Raven Croft Court

Orlando, FL 32837

 

Lodge of the Four Seasons

P.O. Box 215

Lake Ozark, MO 65040

 

Sheraton Sports Complex

9109 E 39^th St.

Kansas City, MO 64133

 

Shannon Christopher

Hilton President Hotel

1329 Baltimore

Kansas City, MO 64105

 

Kara Brady

Sales Manager

Great Wolf Lodge

10401 Cabela Drive

Kansas City, KS 66111

 

Scott Carson

Sales Manager, Group

Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey

4375 Admiralty Way

Marina del Rey, CA 90292

 

Danielle Jodts

Sprint

 

JoAnn Chamberlin

Sales Manager

Mount Pleasant Winery

3125 Green Mountain Drive

Branson, MO 65616

 

Lidia's

101 W 22^nd St.

Kansas City, MO 64108

 

Alton Hagen, CMP

AGENDA: Kansas City, Inc.

5290 Foxridge Drive

Mission, KS  66202

 

 

WEATHER SPONSORS (* also donated to Silent Auction)

Phil Allemang

Promotion & Event Advisor

CAM, Inc.*

9221 Flint

Overland Park, KS 66214

 

Deb Lilla

President

Spa for the Spirit*

14522 West 92^nd St.

Lenexa, KS  66215

 

Andrea Foulkes

Holiday Inn Kansas City Northeast

7333 NE Parvin Rd.

Kansas City, MO 64117

 

Tina Persinger

Chateau on the Lake

415 N State Hwy. 265

Kansas City, MO 64105

 

Marcus Dudley

TeamSynergy

901 Kentucky, Ste. 106

Lawrence, KS 66044

 

Tracey L. Nolll, CMP

The Eldridge

701 Massachusetts

Lawrence, KS 66044

 

Robin L. Charles

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites

8787 Reeder Rd.

Overland Park, KS 66214

 

Rebecca Sprague

Aladdin Boutique & Spa Hotel

1215 Wyandotte St.

Kansas City, MO 64105

 

Debbie Ball, CMP

Association of Unity Churches International

401 SW Oldham Parkway

Lee's Summit, MO 64081

 

HOLE SPONSORS (* denotes those who also donated to silent auction or raffle prizes)

 

Mr. Adam Kelly

Sales Manager

InterContinental Hotel*

401 Ward Pkwy.

Kansas City, MO 64112

 

Mr. Jerry Cook, President

Jeannie Burris, Sales Manager

Overland Park Convention & Visitors Bureau*

9001 W 110th St.

Overland Park, KS  66210

 

Mr. Rod Kopischke

Director of Sales & Marketing

Sheraton Overland Park Hotel*

6100 College Blvd.

Overland Park, KS 66211

 

Bill Bohde

Andrea Cowsar

Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

1100 Main St., Ste. 2200

Kansas City, MO 64105

 

Craig Deel

Kansas City Marriott Downtown*

200 W 12^th St.

Kansas City, MO 64105

 

Mr. Shane Somer

Area Director of Marketing

Marriott Kansas City Airport*

775 Brasilia Ave.

Kansas City, MO 64153

 

Tim Giddens

HelmsBriscoe*

4670 Lansdowne

Kansas City, MO 64105

 

John Kirby

SWANK Audio Visuals

200 W 12^th St.

Kansas City, MO 64105

(also weather sponsor)

 

Oscar McGaskey

Kathleen Keens

Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities

301 W 13^th St.

Kansas City, MO 64105

 

Lynne Fleenor, Sales Manager

Laurie Pavlik, Director of Sales

Sheraton Suites Country Club Plaza*

770 W 47^th St.

Kansas City, MO 64112

 

Michelle Pokaluk

Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa

777 NW Argosy Pkwy.

Riverside, MO 64150

 

Jeff Clampitt

Starwood Hotels & Resorts

320 N Dearborn St.

Chicago, IL 60654

 

Doug Peterson

Prestige Resorts & Destinations, Ltd.

 

Julie Nicolazzi, CMP

ScottsdaleCVB*

4343 N Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 170

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

 

Robin O'Connor

Baltimore, Fort Worth & Sacramento CVB's

P.O. Box 3803

Ballwin, MO 63022

 

Melanie Volkers

Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino

10438 N Fort McDowell Rd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85264

 

Casimiro Ramirez

Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts

1124 River Rock Drive

Kennedale, TX 76060

 

Carla Springer

Big Cedar Lodge*

612 Devil's Pool Rd.

Ridgedale, MO 65739

 

 

SIGNAGE SPONSOR

Richard Wills

IKON Office Solutions, Inc

8050 Marshall Drive, Ste. 150

Lenexa, KS 66214

 

 

DONATED BAG ITEMS 

Dorothy Miller

Picture Perfect Speakers

 

Katie Dean Bartnett

Tan-tar-a Resort

494 Tan-Tar-A Rd.

P.O. Box 188TT

Osage Beach, MO 64065

 

Liz Vinsand

National Sales Manager

Vail Resorts & Rock Resorts

1314 Culpepper Ridge

St. Louis, MO 63021

 

 

October Educational Program

 

Special thanks to our sponsors for KCMPI's October Program ~ No More Excuses – How to Succeed in a Slow Economy

 

Renee Kelly's at Caenen Castle

  

Picture Perfect Speaker

Contact: Dorothy Miller

 

Overland Limousine

Contact: Meredith Clarkson

 Meredith@kclimo.com

 

Marriott Overland Park

Contact: Shane Somers

shane.somers@marriott.com 

 

Congratulations to Cathy Ewing, CMP (Exec Mgr Corporate Meetings & Events, Bayer CropScience & Environmental Science) for the arrival of her new grandson ~ Broderick Samual Farmer on Sept. 7, 2008. 

 

Congratulations to the following that took part in KCMPI's CMP Study Session and passed their CMP Exam!

• Michelle Lizak, CMP, Sprint
• Pamela Simpson, CMP, Onyx Meetings and Events
• Heidi Elser, CMP, GCSAA
• Judy Schelar, CMP, GCSAA
• Diane Miller, CMP, Church of the Nazarene
• Lacey Spallitta, CMP, MAC Meetings and Events

CMP Committee Chair, Dan Veglahn, CMP attended the CMP Conclave in Canada in July 2008. Please contact Dan at dveglahn@vaecorp.com if you have any questions or are interested in KCMPI's next CMP Study Session!

 

 After17 years at the Sheraton Suites, Lynne Fleenor has resigned and accepted a new job as the Director of Sales for the Aloft Hotel, which will open in the early Spring.  Congratulations to Lynne! 

 

Congratulations to chapter member Katherine (Phipps) Hubbard with People to People International who recently got married to Josh Hubbard. We wish you a lifetime of happiness!

 

Congratulations to the following recipients of Best of Business Awards from Ingram's Magazine.   

 

Best Event Planner

AGENDA: Kansas City – Silver

EPIC Entertainment – Bronze 

Best Ground Transportation

Overland Limousine – Gold

AGENDA: Kansas City – Bronze

Best Corporate Retreat

Big Cedar Lodge – Gold

Lodge of Four Seasons – Silver

Best Dessert

McCormick & Schmicks – Gold

Best Casino

Argosy Casino – Silver

Best Weekend Getaway

Lake of Ozarks – Gold

Best Hotel

Intercontinental – Gold

Hotel Phillips – Silver

Best Meeting & Conference Facility

Overland Park Convention Center – Gold

Bartle Hall - Silver

 

 

Do you have news to share with your KCMPI peers? Please send to Karen Hoch at karenh@ptpi.org!

 

WATW First Annual Ladies' Fall Fashion Show

Congratulations to Wheat Photography and The Rose Brooks Center for the success of their first Fall Fashion Show, which benefited Worth a Thousand Words (WATW). Thank you to the many KCMPI members who attended and volunteered at the special event! CLICK HERE to see a slideshow of the evening! 

 

Message from Jenny Wheat ~

We are so truly appreciative of the entire group from KCMPI. I mean, really almost all of the really critical volunteer jobs (putting baloons all along the route, taking in ALL the money, tending the bars, modeling, etc.) were manned by KCMPI members! I seriously don't know what we'd have done without you guys! I never gave one thought to the ticket taking and the bars because I knew that experienced event people were ON IT!

Your group REALLY came through for us. 

Again, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

Jenny Wheat 
Web site: www.wheatphotography.com 
Email: photogurl32@yahoo.com 
Studio/Cell Phone: 816-695-9542 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Events

By Jenny Forsythe

 

 

Lucky at Lidia's was the perfect theme for the KCMPI Membership Reception on Wednesday, August 20.  From the fantastic location and wonderful food to the great prizes and lottery tickets, everyone enjoyed the event.  The Membership Committee members were easy to spot in their bright green t-shirts and pockets overflowing with play money.

 

Lidia's Restaurant did a fantastic job with both the atmosphere and the food. Built in 1892, the former telegraph office building is 500 feet long and at one time housed Schlitz beer. The upper level banquet space features old world charm with brick walls and arched windows. The chandelier is the crown jewel of the room and glowed with swirls of color.  The loft can accommodate as many as 100 people and is perfect for mingling.  Flowers in vases on the windowsills add a splash of color and give a welcoming feel. Restrooms are handy, and an auxiliary kitchen makes serving a seamless production.

 

The staff is amazing and they are celebrating Lidia's 10^th Anniversary in Kansas City. Their presentation of the food was classy and appealing. They offered everything from sliced meats and fresh breads to mussels salsa verde, garbanzo bean dip, breaded shrimp, Italian cookies, Nectarine Marscapone on spice cake, and tiramisu.

 

Jenny Wheat of Wheat Photography and Cori Gilbert of The Rose Brooks Center gave a brief presentation about the "Worth A Thousand Words" (WATW) event that Wheat Photography hosted on Sept. 25. WATW provides clean white shirts, a photo album and a large portrait of the family for women and their children who have escaped abusive relationships and found shelter at the Rose Brooks Center. The shelter helps these families start new lives and shed the pain of the past. KCMPI has committed to supporting the project, so please contact Wheat Photography for more information or go to http://www.wheatphotography.com/on how you can help.

Poker chips, play money and glittery stars decorated the tables and set the stage for the many prizes of the evening. The KCMPI Membership Committee was the big winner for the evening with two committee members winning the 50/50 drawing. Sally Bennett and Kara Brady each took home $125 cash. The other $250 went directly to the KCMPI fund. Other winners like Karen Hoch of People to People International won a Lidia's gift basket. Susie Mogren of Vista Productions won a gift certificate for dinner for two at Lidia's.  She was thrilled and although she had never been to Lidia's before, she knows she'll come back again and again. John Perlick (Quest Events) won a $100 Target gift card.

 

Terri Denman (KC Downtown Marriott), Tara Rezen (Independent planner), Tyler Adkins (Dallas CVB), Kristy Mathes (George Fern Company), Michell Lizak (Sprint), Sally Bennett (Extended Stay Hotel Overland Park), Tipton War (CBiz) and Greg Madden (Sheraton Sports Complex) all won $50 gas cards to Quick Trip. Michelle Lizak of Sprint was "surprised and delighted because that is my favorite place for fountain sodas."  When asked about her experience at Lidia's, Kristy Mathes of George Fern commented that "there is not a more lovely place to foster relationships between meeting professionals".

 

Rosemary Hall (Robstar Group) and Jill Quinn (Economic Development Corporation) both won gift cards to AMC Theaters. Rosemary said that the reception was "a fantastic event. This is a great facility and anyone who missed this missed out on a great event!"

By Tish Bennett

  

 

KCMPI's Annual Golf Tournament was held Sept. 11, 2008, at Tiffany Greens Golf Club. Although it was a cloudy rainy day, you would have never known it. The participants were not scared away with threats of rain. To the contrary, spirits were upbeat and a friendly, competitive mood was apparent. Many participants were in town for Monday's Meetings & Events show that was held at The Sheraton Hotel and they were finishing their week with a little fun and relaxation on the golf course. Even though the weather was not picnic weather, the day started with a "picnic" style lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs, allowing our stomachs to be fooled into thinking it was a beautiful sunny day. Janice McClain emceed the lunch event beginning with a moment of silence in honor of Patriot's Day. Next on the agenda, a raffle sparked excitement, and a silent auction raised additional money. After lunch, Kyle Hurst with Tiffany Springs Golf Club gave us an updated weather report and sent the golfers on their way. In their golf carts, golfers were greeted with a bag of goodies from sponsors. Golfers began play with a scramble – style tournament and the weather cooperated "most" of the day. Following the tournament, the evening was capped off with an award reception and dinner provided by On the Border Catering. 

 

Thank you to all the sponsors that helped make KCMPI's Annual Golf Tournament a success. Please visit the sponsor article for a complete list!

 

 

And a special thank you to the 2008 Golf Tournament Committee:

 

Debbie Ball, CMP – Association of Unity Churches

Jeanne Burris – Overland Park Convention & Visitors Bureau

John Kirby – SWANK Audio Visuals

Laura Reschke – Sheraton Overland Park Hotel

Judy Schelar – Golf Course Superintendents Assn.

Janice McClain, CMP – Chair-Classic City events & Meetings

And a very special thanks to Chapter Administrator, Cheryl Grinter

 

Check out these pictures from the event!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Debora Renken

 

KCMPI was proud to kick-off the year in Educational Programs with chef extraordinaire, Renee Kelly, at the beautifully renovated Caenen Castle on Johnson Drive in Shawnee Mission, Kan. The program started with a delicious breakfast buffet immediately followed by an advanced course in surviving a slow economy led by entrepreneur, author and the President of the National Speakers Association, Sam Silverstein, MBS, CSP.

 

Chef Renee Kelly welcomed KCMPI members and guests to Caenen Castle, an expertly restored structure built in 1907, which exudes old-world charm from the sweeping grand staircase to the barrel-ceiling wine cellar, gated patio and beautifully manicured grounds. Three hand-carved European fireplaces flank the main hall and sumptuous tapestries drape 22-foot tall limestone walls.

 

Following a delectable dining experience, Sam Silverstein showcased the educational programming through the use of humor, a little sarcasm and a heavy dose of truth. Silverstein helped attendees realize that they alone are responsible for their own choices, actions and results – despite the state of the economy. Accountability is at the core of all achievement. Only when people learn how to focus on the four critical areas of accountability will they be free to leverage the tools available, embrace change and, ultimately, achieve their very best!

Creator of The Strategic Business System^TM, Silverstein speaks internationally and consults with companies on growing their business, leadership and personal development. After 25 years, he has discovered that the No. 1 reason people succeed in their personal and professional lives – they do not make or accept excuses!

 

Renee Kelly's at Caenen Castle is located at 12401 Johnson Drive in Shawnee Mission, Kan. Please consider Caenen Castle for a future event!

 

Registration is open for KCMPI's Special Event
Field to Table: a Locally Grown Dining Experience

KCMPI is hosting a "Field to Table Dining Experience" featuring a leisurely four course, farm-style dinner at a harvest style table set in a scenic spot at Wolfe Farm. Dinner is accompanied by live music, wine, sunset and conversation. The event will feature Chef Aristo Camburako, CC, CFBE, with host farmers Kurt and Diane Wolfe of Wolfe Farm.

 

Aristo Camburako, CC, CFBE, is owner/chef of Ari's Greek Restaurant in Olathe. Aristo is a Certified Chef and a Certified Food and Beverage Executive. He has extensive management and culinary experience in many different food organizations including casinos, hotels and restaurants. He brings more than 17 years of food and beverage experience to the restaurant and earned his culinary degree from Johnson County Community College. He has been very involved with culinary programs, working with and training apprentices, and competing and placing in many food competitions. Aristo's passion is to create a memorable dining experience for all.

 

WHO:       KCMPI Members, Family and Friends!

 

WHAT:     Field to Table Dining Experience

 

WHEN:         Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008

AGENDA:     
4:30 p.m. – Shuttles depart for Wolfe Farm located in Camden, Mo.
5:15 p.m. – Reception
5:30 p.m. – First course will be served
8:30 p.m. – Shuttles leave the farm

 

COST:            $95 – Includes transportation, meal, beverages and all gratuities

 

ATTIRE:        Causal dress, layered clothing with closed toe shoes

 

REGISTRATION:  For more information and to register online visit http://www.kcmpi.org/.

 

 

SAVE THE DATES!

 

 

 

Registration is now open for KCMPI's November Educational Program on Nov. 6, 2008, at 4 p.m. with the topic Corporate Social Responsibility. Guest speaker is Elizabeth Henderson, CMM, CMP, M.E. Des, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for MPI in Calgary, Canada. This event will be held at the Athenaeum located in Historic Hyde Park. Register today at www.kcmpi.org!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You also won't want to miss KCMPI's Annual Holiday Party on Dec. 18, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center.  Be sure to put the date on your calendar. Additional details will be coming soon!

 

 

Corporate Social Responsibility

By Michelle Lizak, CMP

 

The 2008 World Education Congress was an event packed full of education, experience and knowledge. In addition to all the sessions, networking and idea infused café's MPI also provided each attendee with a firsthand look at how events can be not only "green" or sustainable, but socially responsible ... even for such a large and diverse attendance as the World Education Congress.

 

The city of Las Vegas, MPI and the WEC host committee implemented more than 50 socially responsible steps to make this event as sustainable as possible. These steps were divided into several categories: energy reduction, minimizing waste, practicing environmentally responsible purchasing and community service.

 

This event implemented all three of the P's when it comes to CSR ... People, Planet, Profit.

 

Below is a full listing of all the items that were implemented at the 2008 WEC, this listing was provided in the WEC program in Las Vegas:

 

Energy Reduction

• The buses used for the shuttle transportation to the WEC Opening Reception feature high efficiency engines, special exhaust filters and low sulfur to reduce CO2 emissions. They also use bio-diesel fuel.
• Many exhibitors selected to use a connection spot rather than their own booths during the trade show. This eliminated the shipping of their booths, which in turned saved on the emissions and energy that would have been used in the shipping process.
• Mandalay Bay and THEhotel offer linen reuse programs. In Mandalay Bay guest rooms, housekeeping closes drapes and sets A/C to 72 degrees Fahrenheit after cleaning the room to help conserve energy.
• At Mandalay Bay, more than 70,000 incandescent bulbs have been replaced with fluorescent bulbs. This has led to a 4-percent reduction of electricity usage over last year.
• Lighting in the exhibit halls in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center is reduced to emergency lighting when the halls are not in use.
• During load in, the lighting level will be turned on to 50 percent, increased to 100 percent during show hours and reduced back to 50 percent for load out.

 

Minimize Waste

• Water coolers will be placed throughout the convention center so attendees can refill their re-usable water bottles compliments of the Las Vegas CVA. This eliminates the extra waste of using individual, single serve water bottles.
• No Styrofoam (polystyrene No. 6 plastic) will be used at WEC food and beverage functions. Juice, ice tea, coffee and water will be served in pitchers or large containers rather than in individual containers.
• The banquet department will not pre-set any beverages at food and beverage functions.
• China service or biodegradable disposable service ware will be used rather than paper or plastic service ware
• Condiments will be served in bulk containers when possible to eliminate wasteful packaging.
• Cloth napkins will be used at food and beverage functions whenever possible. Any paper napkins used will be made of post-consumer recycled paper.
• At Mandalay Bay, all scraps and left over food from food and beverage functions is sent to a composting center.
• Any untouched food is donated to the Mandalay Bay Employee Dining Room.
• Any extra or donated registration bags will be donated to Boys Hope Girls Hope of Nevada after WEC. The bag donation program was made possible by the support of the Mexico Tourism Board.
• The plastic name badge holders will be collected at the end of WEC and recycled, thanks to the support from the Mexico Tourism Board.
• The number of items in the registration bag has been limited to five to reduce the amount of wasted materials.
• At Mandalay Bay, phone books are now on request and are not placed in guest rooms.
• Digital Signage will be used when possible to reduce the use of paper and cardboard.
• Mandalay Bay uses e-Billing for convention groups, which has drastically reduced paper usage.
• Internal paperwork at Mandalay Bay is shredded and used as packing filler in the Business Center.
• In accordance with MPI's commitment to corporate social responsibility and in an effort to reduce paper consumption at WEC, MPI will offer only one print station at WEC, which will be located in the Global Village. The print-on-demand feature of the print station allows attendees to access and print session handouts at their convenience. 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper will be used at the print station and in MPI onsite offices that have printers.
• Mandalay Bay recycles torn and worn guest room linen, by making housekeeping and EVS cleaning rags out of it.
• Mandalay Bay features motion-sensitive, water-saving faucets in more than 80 percent of its restrooms.
• Mandalay Bay features a large, back dock recycling center. All recyclables are sorted on the docks-from the convention center, guest rooms and casino. The total yearly average of commodities that Mandalay Bay recycles is about 3,048 tons or 122 semi-trucks at 50,000 pounds per truck. If the trucks were end-to-end on Las Vegas Boulevard, they would begin at Mandalay Bay and end at Planet Hollywood (approx. 1.6 miles).
• The WEC exhibitor service kit was available online only, significantly reducing paper waste.
• At WEC, donation bins will be placed on the tradeshow floor at end of event for exhibitors to donate extra exhibitor giveaways rather than throw them away. The items will be donated to a local Las Vegas charity. WEC exhibitors were discouraged from bringing printed handouts. They were encouraged to bring other types of giveaways, especially items that are more eco-friendly or can be donated at the end of the trade show. Exhibitors were also encouraged to use Logon and lead retrieval to send virtual brochures.
• Freeman has created a unique manufacturing partnership resulting in the recycling of more than 12,000 yards of aisle carpet for WEC. This successful and innovative industry program recycles used carpet into drainage pipe for septic systems, dramatically reducing landfill waste. This carpet is not only recyclable, but actually is recycled in quantities that have a true impact.
• Freeman uses modular structural systems made of recycled aluminum, which can then be recycled and extruded back into new components after use. The volume of aluminum that is recycled into new components has increased dramatically at WEC due to connection spot concept.

 

Environmentally Responsible Purchasing

• At food functions during WEC when plastic service ware must be used, we will use biodegradable, disposable service ware. The cutlery is called Spudware and is made from 80-percent vegetable starch and 20-percent soy or other vegetable oils. It is high-heat tolerant, biodegradable and compostable. The cups and plates are made from sugar cane, high-heat tolerant, biodegradable and compostable.
• The Mandalay Bay Convention Center only uses Boyd coffee, which is 100-percent sustainable, organic and certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
• Mandalay Bay banquet menus now feature sustainable menus and sustainable items on the menu marked with an icon. Currently 80 percent or more food is sourced within 500 miles.
• WEC attendees will receive reusable water bottles to use during the conference. The water bottles are 100-percent free of biphenyl-A (BPA) and have been donated by the Las Vegas CVA.
• The plastic badge holders used at WEC are a thin version, which uses less plastic than other badges. The name badge stock used for WEC name badges is all recycled paper.
• The WEC registration bags are made from 100-percent recycled polypropylene and can be re-used after the event. Bags are provided to you by PC nametag, Inc. and supported by the Mexico Tourism Board.
• MPI staff uniform shirts are made from an innovative cotton-bamboo blend. Bamboo naturally adds softness and breathability.
• All paper bathroom supplies in the convention center are a minimum 35-percent post-consumer recycled content paper. If paper napkins are required for any WEC food and beverage events, they will be made from 35-percent post-consumer recycled content paper. The onsite daily paper is printed on paper that contains 10-percent post-consumer recycled content and the ink is soy-based. The printer is Forest Stewardship Council-certified. The conference guide is printed on paper harvested through sustainable forestry practices with 10-percent post-recycled domestic stock. The ink is 100-percent plant-based with no petroleum (mostly soy oil and a little linseed oil) and features a water-based aqueous coating on the cover.
• During the trade show, booths will have a cardboard-style wastebasket made of recycled natural products, instead of plastic wastebaskets.
• Back of house flooring in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center has been replaced with a 100-percent sustainable natural rubber product from the Hevea tree, which is not harmed and continues to grow.
• The carpet and wood floor cleaners used at Mandalay Bay are Green Seal certified. Also all CO2 aerosol products used at the resort are being converted to non-aerosol, and 30 percent of its kitchen and bathroom cleaning supplies are green seal approved.
• The carpet cleaning machines at Mandalay Bay are all Green Seal certified.
• The Las Vegas volunteers will be wearing shirts made from 50-percent recycled polyester150 percent eco-carbon. Eco-carbon is a natural fiber derived from reused coconut shells or bamboo plants. Recycled Polyethylene Terapthalate (R.P.E.T) Polyester is derived from post-industrial and post-consumer resources such as recycled plastic bottles and plastic packaging. Using this type of polyester diminishes the reliance on virgin polyester (derived from petroleum) and keeps plastic bottles out of landfills.

 

Community Service

• The Community Service project at WEC this year will take place at Opportunity Village, a not-for-profit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities by providing them with vocational training employment and social recreation services that make their lives more productive and fulfilling. WEC volunteers will help clean up and refurbish the organization's thrift store. With MPI's help to complete this project, Opportunity Village employees will be free to work on more contracts during the week, increasing their pay rates and helping them live more purposeful lives. Additionally, WEC volunteers will help paint a mural on a large wall within the thrift shop.
• Mandalay Bay employees can participate in the MGM MIRAGE Voice Foundation. The Voice Foundation invites employees to give through payroll pledge deductions or one-time contributions. Donations go further because 100-percent of every dollar pledged goes directly to the charitable organization or cause designated. MGM MIRAGE absorbs 100 percent of all administrative costs associated with donations. The employees choose where their donations go. The following are some of the charitable organizations that the Voice Foundation supports:

-         Voice Community Funds

-         Individual charity of choice

-         Local United Way Affiliate

-         Children's Medical Support Fund

-         Employee Emergency Relief Fund

 

 

Hat's off to the 2008 host committee, the city of Las Vegas and MPI for providing the meeting and events industry with a solid example of corporate social responsibility in action! The CSR: Spotlight is on you!

 

NOTE:  Starting with the November/December edition of KCMPI Times, KCMPI CSR Task Force will nominate a different local business for the CSR: Spotlight to showcase their accomplishments in the local community. If you would like to nominate a local business or yourself for this special honor, please contact Michelle Lizak, CMP at michelle.a.lizak@sprint.com.

 

By Michelle Lizak, CMP

 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), it's a hot industry buzzword, but what does it really mean to you and your role as a meeting professional?

 

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding CSR: 

• What is CSR?
• What can CSR do for my company?
• What do I need to consider when developing and implementing my CSR plans?

CSR is defined by Webster's online dictionary as a concept whereby organizations consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, communities and other stakeholders, as well as the environment.  According to MPIweb.org, "CSR is the recognition that an organization is inextricably intertwined with society and earth and must take responsibility for its actions in regard to the "triple bottom line" of people, planet profit."  

 

People, planet, profit or the three P's of corporate social responsibility give easy definition to the core components of social responsibility. In order to begin being socially responsible, one must understand the underlying goals of this movement. To be socially responsible, means to understand the effects that your organization or event has socially, environmentally, and economically on the community that surrounds it. Hence, the phrase - people, planet, profit.

 

Organizations, associations, corporations and individuals can benefit in multiple ways from adopting good socially responsible practices. A company's socially responsible actions help build brand awareness, reputation and industry perception, a socially responsible organization/company helps to strengthen the local community which thereby helps increase the marketplace. The bottom line is the driving force for many organizations, but being socially responsible can also provide a cost savings or cost benefits.

 

For many, CSR is already a part of their daily lives and they don't even realize it. A large number of businesses in the Kansas City metro area have been practicing some level of social responsibility for years. The big question is: What can you, as meeting professionals, do to implement these practices into your daily routine?

 

Do research. Find out what your company is currently doing to be socially responsible. Many large companies will post annual reports on their CSR initiatives. Talk to your managers or others with in your company and community about CSR. Find a key initiative that your company is already doing and implement this into your events. For example, does your company recycle? Try to incorporate a recycling policy into your next event.

 

Get involved. Join local task forces within your company, volunteer within the community, attend local green events. Surround yourself with others that are in the same situation as you. 

 

Plan ahead. Develop a list of CSR goals for yourself as a meeting professional. Do you want to focus just on "going green"? Or do you want to tackle some of the more socially or economic impacts? What are the potential benefits to your company by implementing these goals?  

 

ROI, ROI, ROI. Keep records of all your socially responsible actions. How do these translate into ROI for your events? Cost savings, brand awareness, perception, reputation are examples of ROI – don't discount your efforts!  

 

Blog. Join the MPI CSR group space and tell your story! Others will learn from you and you will learn from others! There is a wealth of knowledge in sharing ideas!

 

Additional CSR Resources:

MPI - CSR resource page

http://www.mpiweb.org/cms/mpiweb/mpicontent.aspx?id=19682

 

Join the MPI Corporate Social Responsibility Group Space

http://www.mpiweb.org/cms/mpiweb/community/commhome.aspx?commid=97

 

CSR Newswire – Weekly Newsletter on the pulse of the CSR industry

http://www.csrwire.com/

 

Bridging the Gap

http://www.bridgingthegap.org/

Industry Information

MPI's Web Site

WWW.MPIWEB.COM  has changed!  MPI has launched a new, fresh look to their Web site.   This was in response to members' requests for a Web site that more effectively delivered the content and provided connections that support successes. Be sure to check it out!

 

 

 

Meetings without Borders

MPI recently announced a new educational opportunity for professionals responsible for organizing meetings outside the United States. They've assembled a faculty of seasoned international planners who are keen to share their insights and experiences. Their stories will make you laugh and inspire you as they prepare you for the challenge and satisfaction that comes with conducting international meetings. Click here to learn more!

By Michelle Lizak, CMP  

 

MPI's 2008 World Education Congress (WEC) drew in more than 4,500 meeting professionals in Las Vegas, making it the largest event in MPI's history! The Kansas City Chapter did its part in making an impact - 27 local chapter members attended this event.  

 

Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps, was the 2008 WEC host city and host MPI they did! The opening night began with a gala welcome reception and dinner at Caesar's Palace. The evening was surely fit for a king!   Guests were greeted outside the casino with a red carpet entrance.    Several members of the Kings' Court were on hand to greet each guest as they entered the venue. The massive ballroom was wrapped completely in pipe and drape, dividing it into several sections. Floral arrangements and shelves holding hors d'oeuvres were suspended from the ceiling. Giant ice sculpture bars hosted sushi and other raw bar items. And let's not forget about the delicious pomegranate martinis! With music and visual objects and scenes streaming constantly, it was party for the senses. 

 

The overall theme for WEC was "Your Future is Showing." The theme focused on harnessing the power of each attendee's diverse perspective and skill set to help create and define their future. This notion gave each attendee the opportunity to shape their career and life direction as they saw best represented their needs and wants.

 

The General Session kicked off with Bruce MacMillan and other MPI leadership discussing the MPI vision and outlook for the 2008-2009 year. Larry Luteran was introduced as the new Chairman of the Board for this coming year. Corporate Meeting and Incentives Magazine summarized Larry Luteran's key milestones as follows:

 

• A new MPI awards program. The MPI RISE (Recognizing Industry Success and Excellence) Awards will be launched in phases, with the first award to be presented at MPI-WEC 2009 and the rest rolled out at MPI-WEC 2010 in Vancouver. The new program — developed by a volunteer committee of MPI members and staff — will feature a simplified submission process and, for the first time, non-members will be eligible for some of the awards.
• Two new MPI member groups. The association plans to launch the Future of Meetings Taskforce, which aims to identify goals for meetings of the future, and the Meetings Executive Advisory Council, which will advise MPI leadership on the direction of the association.
• A Community Knowledge Plan. The project will outline seven milestones for pursuing a career in the meetings industry. Each milestone will be marked with a certification or educational opportunity to encourage career development for members.
• A revamped Global Certification in Meeting Management program.

(To read the full Corporate Meetings and Incentives article CLICK HERE. 

 

Katie Callahan-Giobbi and Rita Plaskett, CMP reminded the attendees at the event of the importance of the MPI Foundation and it's accomplishments during the 2007-2008 year.   

 

Keynote speaker and respected futurist, Patrick Dixon, enlightened the audience with his keen vision on the meeting and events industry. Dixon explored the future of corporate events, conferences, workshops and seminars. He explained to the audience that events and conferences are on the brink of change, and forced everyone to ask the question: "Is my current company or organization's meeting format stuck in a time-warp?" Both wacky and informative, Dixon's presentation drove home the fact that in a ROI driven world, there is always to be a growing need to prove tangible value and measurable benefits to your individual executives and the organization as a whole.

 

The MeetingPlace once again was a new and fresh concept showcased by MPI. Gone were the rows of booths and in their place was an interactive environment that invited exploration and conversation. The Connection Spots from PEC 2008 were once again showcased through out the tradeshow floor. Connection Spots were free-standing, circular towers that divided into quadrants by side panels. The MeetingPlace was made up of more than 600 exhibitors ranging from hoteliers to DMCs to venues to entertainment to promotional items.

 

Café Conversations were cornerstone of the Knowledge Sessions this year. Café Conversations were an opportunity for roundtable discussions where the topics and the moderators are not pre-determined. Anyone was free to host a discussion on a topic of this choice, as long as it was with in the theme of the individual café session. These Café Conversation sessions allowed attendees to engage the knowledge of their industry peers.   These sessions created productive dialog and allowed for idea sharing on various topics.

 

The final night of the event was a true Las Vegas-style event. The Beach at Mandalay Bay was transformed into an adult playground. As the sun set on Las Vegas, the visual splendor began!  The evening showcased restaurants from the MGM, Mirage, and Mandalay Bay, featuring some of the finest chef specialties in the city. Colorful, lit stages were set up all around the beach for various performers, musicians, dancers, professional look-alikes to entertain the crowds. The evening capped off with a special private concert by none other than 1970s rock band, Styx who rocked the night away in-front of an international audience of 4,500 meeting professionals.

 

The city of Las Vegas, including all the host venues, sponsors and contributors embraced the need to make this entire week-long production a sustainable event. The host committee put together an extremely successful and highly sustainable event and actively worked to engage the individual attendees in their monumental task. Be sure to read the first installment of the new article KCMPI Times CSR: Spotlight to see a full listing of all efforts put forth by the host committee to make this event socially responsible!

 

I am sure I join the 4,499 other WEC attendees in saying ... JOB WELL DONE to the city of Las Vegas and the host committee! Click here to visit MPI's WEC Web page.

 

FIVE STAR Speakers invites you to join in our 20^th Anniversary celebration at our annual Fall Speaker Showcase!

FIVE STAR is returning to The Ritz Charles in Overland Park, Kan., where dozens of meeting planners will preview 16 speakers live! We are featuring a mix of entertainment, motivation and content speakers, including several rising stars! We have specifically focused on bringing great value ... speakers fees are within reach of most budgets. Admission is $30 for the first attendee, $20 for the second attendee, and $25 for each additional attendee. This includes your Showcase Resource Guide, networking continental breakfast, lunch with the speakers, and free copies of many of the speakers books. There is no charge for parking.

FIVE STAR Speakers & Trainers continues to be the only motivational speakers bureau that brings you LIVE Speaker Showcases annually to four U.S. venues. For more information about the Fall 2008 Speakers Showcase contact Sarah Whitten at 913-648-6480 or e-mail swhitten@fivestarspeakers.com

Click HERE to register!

PLEASE NOTE! You can place holds on speakers calendars on-site. Attendees can also earn CEU credits.

Location:
Ritz Charles
9000 West 137th St.
Overland Park, Kan. 66221

Time:
8 a.m. ~ Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ~ Showcase (lunch will be provided)

Member Profiles

 

Janice McClain, CMP

Partner

Classic City Events & Meetings, LLC

 

 

Job description:  

My associate and I assist clients with any and all aspects of planning their events and meetings — from site selection to the finite details as full-service meeting planners. 

 

Years involved in KCMPI:
12 years, and before that I was a member of the Chicago Chapter for eight years.

 

KCMPI committees I have served on: 

Chairman of Strategic Alliance  (two years),  Board of Directors (two years), VP of Communications (two years), Chairman of the Annual Golf Tournament Committee (three three years), and returned to the Board of Directors this past June.  

 

What I enjoy best about the hospitality industry: 
The wonderful people, the travel and the fantastic events you are able to attend or be a part of orchestrating.

 

Activities I enjoy outside of work: 
Golf, gardening, flying, travel and a home accent and decor shop I recently opened with three other gals in Harrisonville, Windy Ridge, Ltd. Lately that takes up ALL of my spare time! 

 

 

Kristy L. Mathes

Corporate Event Services

George Fern Co,

 

Job description:

I work for a full-service event and trade show company. My role is to sell event programs and manage them from start to finish. I am an internal liaison that coordinates the fulfillment process from ideation through to execution and on to billing. I work closely with clients on creating event experiences and often actively participate in the physical construction of event sets. I'm responsible for budget development, event documentation, staffing, billing and overall execution of assigned accounts/events as well as on-site lead manager for assigned events. I'm also the liaison between the client and other Groups within Division. I know the department very well and provide input on improving business practices for Division. My job is the kind where I may be in a suit presenting concepts to clients one day and in jeans setting up an event the next. I am also the lead on many marketing and organization initiatives. I have tenure, special management/staff responsibilities and special skills.

 

Years involved in KCMPI:
Currently in my first year with KCMPI.

 

KCMPI committees I have served on:
I recently accepted the position of Chair of Strategic Alliance.

 

What I enjoy best about the hospitality industry:
Knowing that every day, every event is going to be different, present new challenges, keeps me on my toes. The people in the industry are wonderful, very open and willing to network.

 

Activities I enjoy outside of work:
I am an ambassador for HALO, Helping Art Liberate Orphans, a non-profit organization providing for eight orphanages across the globe. I truly enjoy working with the volunteers on producing new fundraisers/events, knowing that we are helping out children's future with clothing, food, education and art. I also love to travel, try new experiences in new cities and revisit old treasures in familiar cities.

 

Editor's Notes

We want to hear from you! Please send any comments, news, updates, articles or pictures to karenh@ptpi.org! The submission deadline for KCMPI's next e-newsletter is Nov. 15, 2008.