MPIKC Times

Dear KCMPI Members and Friends,

     One night this past July, I was watching the 2012 Summer Olympics and desperately trying to get the number in my email inbox below three digits. Among thouse hundreds of emails there might have been one or two or fifty about KCMPI.  Emails about upcoming events, board meeting, the membership directory, the next issue of the KCMPI Times, the audit report, fundraising ideas and so much more. I felt amazed at what our chapter accomplishes.

     As I took a break to watch yet another gold meda awarded to a talented and dedicated athlete, I could not help but think about our very own talented and dedicated KCMPI volunteers.  While it would be easy to compare some of what we do with KCMPI to some of the Olympic sports - hurdling over obstacles, diving into changing times, running marathons for each event and every CMP credit - it is more important that we compare those dedicated, driven and talented gold medalist to our very own dedicated, drive and talented KCMPI volunteers....our gold medalists!

     So, although the Olympics are over for now, there is a lot we can emulate from these amazing athletes. No Olympian has ever medaled in an event they did not love and our KCMPI gold medalists are no different.  Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something!

     Please congratulate these gold medalists for doing something, for making KCMPI their chapter and for loving what we do!

Lorie Salts, CMP - CMP/CMM Study Group Chair

Jill Davis - August 2012 After 5 Event Lead

Leslie Sargent - 2012-2013 Audit Committee Chair

Brent Raymond - Chief's Fundraiser Lead

Kathleen Murray - July/August 2012 KCMPI Times Newsletter Editor

Cheryle Grinter - Field 2 Table 2012 Lead

Diane Wolfe, CMP - Field 2 Table 2012 Committee Member

Ken Hamm - Field 2 Table 2012 Committee Member

Michelle Lizak, CMP - Field 2 Table 2012 Committee Member

Tracy Orpin, CMP - Field 2 Table 2012 Committee Member

 Anne Dillon - Field 2 Table 2012 Committee Member

Who will be the next KCMPI gold medalist?  Will it be you?  Look for more gold medal winners in the next issue of the KCMPI Times newsletter.

In hospitality,

Kara Brady
KCMPI Chapter President, 2012-2013

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Readers,

I grew up in a country where the weather was not necessarily a big topic of conversation since we only had two choices — wet or dry. In this country, however, we have the luxury of seasons changing from Winter to Spring to Summer to Fall. Each season just comes at the time when we are ready for a change in weather. Keeps life interesting!

Interesting indeed...is our goal with the KCMPI e-Newsletter which is YOUR newsletter. We hope that every issue stays interesting to you. We are thinking of ways to keep you engaged and looking forward to every issue. Every now and then you will see new sections added or removed. One thing that we have added, starting with this issue, is the "Ve-News" section which will allow our Supplier Members to provide current updates on the Venues they represent. We will also be adding a "Reader's Feedback" section where we welcome your honest positive and not so positive feedback. Yes, we will share your comments with all our readers but you will have the option of letting us publish your opinion either in anonymity (from "Planner" or "Supplier") or with your full name and company.

Don't be shy...tell us...

• What did you like/not like about this issue?
• Did you not agree with one of the articles?
• Any incorrect submissions?
• Could the format be better?
• Any items you would like to see included in future issues?

Email me and/or Michelle Lizak, CMP, KCMPI's VP Communications. We want to hear from you. Remember, this is YOUR e-newsletter! YOUR feedback matters!

Finally, what is your most creative fall-themed centerpiece that you have used for an event?

Enjoy the Fall weather and Happy Hallooooooooween!

Always at your service,

Maria

 

 

The 4th Annual Field 2 Table event was held on Thursday, September 20, at the Circle S Ranch in Lawrence, Kan. More than 65 members and guests attended this signature chapter event. Watch the video clip of memorable moments from Field 2 Table 2012 on KCMPI's YouTube channel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=079Wg226Mts&feature=youtu.be

 

 

     KCMPI is hosting a Member Appreciation and Trivia Night on Thursday, November 15 so start putting a team together.  Test your knowledge or just make lucky guesses.  Topics will cover a wide range of subjects. (Hint: start thinking about the holidays.) Start studying now so you or your team can claim the top prize.

     KCMPI members will enjoy special perks that evening. In addition to trivia, we will be showcasing some new vendor partners, as well as new KC event space.  Watch your email in October to sign up yourself and/or your team.

     This event is a fundraiser for KCMPI so registration is open to everyone, not just members.  Encourage everyone you know to join us for a night of fun and games. Sponsorships are still available, contact kcmpi@kcmpi.org if you are interested.

 

By: Jill Davis

     KCMPI held its first After 5 networking event on Wednesday, August 29, at Buca di Beppo on the Plaza. These networking events are a new addition to the chapter and offer you a way to get to know everyone better. If you're looking to network and meet fellow KCMPI members then these events are for you! The new After 5 receptions offer you a chance to mix and mingle after work; we've designed them as something you can attend on your way home from the office without cutting into your evening.

     We'd like to give a huge thank you to our generous sponsor, Buca Di Beppo, for hosting the August 29^th event. Members dined on delectable Italian treats in one of the seven private spaces offered. Not only was it a great location, but the atmosphere of Buca di Beppo would be tough to beat!

     While enjoying the Italian fare, KCMPI members could enter a chance drawing for Chief's tickets. The lucky winner of the night was Alison Lalumia, from the Argosy Hotel & Spa! Congratulations, Alison!

     This event was a hit and we're excited to bring you more After 5 events in the coming months. Watch your email for announcements for on upcoming KCMPI After 5 events. We look forward to seeing you at the next After 5!

 

 

     KCMPI is offering (5) scholarships for the fiscal year 2012-13. Additional information and application forms are available at http://www.kcmpi.org/.

Membership renewal* scholarship application deadlines and award dates:

*Scholarship is for membership renewals only. Current membership must expire between 7/1/12 and 6/30/13 to qualify for a membership renewal scholarship in 2012-2013. Scholarship must be used during same fiscal year that it is issued, no carryovers will be allowed.

Membership** scholarship application/nomination deadline and award dates:

Application/nomination deadline 1/15/13 (Awarded on March 1)

**Membership scholarship may be awarded for a renewal or a new member. Scholarship must be used during same fiscal year that it is issued, no carryovers will be allowed.

CMP/CMM*** scholarship application deadlines and award dates

Application deadline 1/15/13 (Awarded on March 1)

***Total value of scholarship is $675.00. See scholarship information page for full rules/criteria. Scholarship must be used during same fiscal year that it is issued, no carryovers will be allowed.

 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The Convention Industry Council announced on Sept. 12 the beginning of the development process for a healthcare subspecialty to the Certified Meeting Professionals program. Development will begin in the next 60 days and it is expected that in the summer of 2013, CMP will have the opportunity to pursue the industry's first healthcare meetings certification.

"The once niche area of healthcare meeting management is growing and CIC is prepared to meet the demand with the creation of a healthcare certification," said Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP®, Chief Executive Officer of CIC. "Over the next year, CIC will undertake a rigorous development process that includes an in-depth job analysis, assessment of professional qualifications, selection of continuing education requirements and the creation of an examination."

Candidates interested in pursuing the exam must first obtain their CMP. The certification will be built upon the CMP foundation and general meeting planning knowledge is a prerequisite. The new certification will not repeat information included in the CMP, but will test only on those aspects of planning particular to healthcare meetings.

More information regarding qualifications and exam dates will be become available in early 2013, once the development process is well underway.

 

 

 

New Curriculum to be available in 2013

Alexandria, VA (October 8, 2012)—The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)—the voice of the global business travel industry—and Meeting Professionals International (MPI) — the meetings and events industry's largest and most vibrant global community— are pleased to announce a new joint venture. The two organizations will work together to co-create new industry-leading education and training opportunities.

"This is the first and only broad association partnership that GBTA has entered into since forming the GBTA Academy. GBTA believes MPI is the right partner to reach the meetings management industry and marketplace," said GBTA Executive Director and COO, Michael W. McCormick. "Our collective members will be reaping the benefits of this partnership for years to come."

An LLC is being formed with an executive steering committee to operate and manage the new curriculum which is expected to be available in 2013. Both organizations are bringing together their expertise and research prowess to develop and deliver these new educational and training offerings.

"We continually hear from the community that they want associations to work together and provide opportunities for improving their career skills. The collaboration with GBTA will deliver the single most essential management training program in the industry, creating a new standard for excellence," said Cindy D'Aoust, COO and interim CEO for MPI. "The result is enhanced value for both our members and the industry."

The new senior level education will be available to both MPI and GBTA members. While both current designations will continue to be recognized by MPI and the GBTA Academy, this new educational program is being derived from the best of GBTA's Strategic Meetings Management Certification (SMMC) and MPI's Certificate in Meetings Management (CMM) program.

GBTA is the world's premier business travel and meetings organization whose 5,000-plus members manage over $340 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. MPI is the meetings and events industry's largest global community comprised of more than 21,000 members representing 84 countries worldwide.

For more information, please visit http://www.gbta.org/Education/Pages/Academy.aspx or http://www.mpiweb.org/Education/CMM.

 

     The KCMPI Board of Directors has updated the chapter bylaws in accordance with the required MPI minimum bylaws. This update was put to the KCMPI membership for approval and with more than 27% of the membership voting, the new bylaws have been approved. These new bylaws will go into effect immediately. Please visit http://www.kcmpi.org/ and click on the Leadership tab to view the new updated bylaws.

 

The results of MPI's first Hybrid Meetings Research project, the most comprehensive study conducted on hybrid meetings, have just been released. Hybrid meetings are an emerging medium and they're taking the industry in a whole new direction. Access the research and tools on mpiweb.org/hybrid. Funded by MPI Foundation and mediasite by Sonic Foundry.

 

Who hasn't had a crisis or gaff at an event? Here a few ideas to help you muddle through your next event mishap.

Last week, 6,000 individuals attended Tony Robbins "Unleash the Power Within" 4-day event in San Jose, California. Part of the program in overcoming their own fear is to walk on hot coals. However, this time things went very wrong and at least 21 individuals needed to be treated for 2nd or 3rd degree burns on the soles of their feet.

Below are the 4 flubs from the event that Reuters News Agency reported and the fixes that any event meeting services organization can utilize when they face such a challenge.

Flub #1: Tony Robbins could not be reached for comment. What?!? Tony Robbins is simpatico with is his seminars. How could this be?

Fix #1: He should have had an instantaneous comment and extended sympathy to the victims.

Your team can rent iPads for the next event and use Google+ hangout, Twitter hashtag, or email as a way to instantaneously discuss what the senior level manager for your event is going to say and do. Given today's viral abilities to post video and photos instantaneously, it is equally important that the team monitor social channels and respond appropriately.

Flub #2: Robbins Research International defended the "firewalk" as a regular part of the Unleash seminar. 21 people were just treated at your seminar and you preach "business as usual"? Defensiveness never wins people over, it just makes you look like you don't care.

Fix #2: Sorrow, re-evaluation of techniques, and revamp.

This is not the time to defend any of your current practices. It is a time to express sorrow for any pain the victims felt and to assure all current and future participants your organization is in the process of re-evaluating and revamping your procedures so something like this can ever happen again.

Flub #3: Fire and emergency personnel were not on hand.

Fix #3: If you are going to try something that is risky, have emergency personnel onsite.

Having fire, police, and/or EMS onsite in case something goes awry is always the safest method during a risky process and saves a lot of time. Most of the time, you will have a 10- or 15-minute delay before emergency personnel show up.

Flub #4: Event organizers for the Robbins event did not know how many people participated in the firewalk.

Fix #4: Know your numbers.

If 2,000 individuals participated in the firewalk, Tony Robbins could have stated that he was so sorry that 1% of his firewalking attendees were hurt. This low percentage takes the wind out of the media's sales. One of the easy ways to capture numbers is to have everyone pre-register for the optional adventure, such as a firewalk, on a touch panel kiosk. That way you not only know the total number of individuals participating, but you also have their names and email addresses.

This article was written by Dee Dee Mulligan and posted July 27, 2012. She is a blogger for AV Event Solutions, a California meeting equipment provider that rents ARS, iPads, video walls, and more.

 

By:  Patti Gaughan, CMP

I came across an article last month during the Olympics that targeted the AV/technology arena. After reading it, I thought the ideas expand beyond the realm of technology and apply to all meeting professionals and encompass KCMPI.

The original article was written by Dee Dee Mulligan and posted August 1, 2012. She is a blogger for AV Event Solutions, a California meeting equipment provider that rents ARS, iPads, video walls, and more. I decided that her ideas were broader than just technology so I have applied my ideas to her article.

Now that the Olympics are over, we often marvel at the way things change every four years. Athletes seem to get faster and more powerful. Technological advances in equipment, clothing, and shoes allow them to go just that millisecond faster. So what can professionals in the meetings industry learn from these powerful professional athletes? Plenty.

Here are the four things anyone involved in meeting planning can take away from the games:

1. Olympians train, train, and train some more.

They are constantly perfecting their sport and usually they train in a facility and with a group of like-minded athletes.

So, what about your training? Are you a member of one or more professional organizations and going to the educational conferences? Are you reading professional publications? Or are you planning meetings the same way you did four years ago? KCMPI provides ongoing education and training to all its members through programs, newsletters and networking with other industry professionals.

2. Olympians have a coach and are in constant feedback mode.

A coach outlines their training program for the week, reviews their competition video, and is constantly tweaking their training program. A coach is also a person who provides inspiration and constructive criticism.

Do you have a coach or mentor in the industry or your organization? Someone you can go to for feedback and help? If not, you can find a coach and/or mentor through KCMPI,

3. Olympians invest in the latest technological advances.

They have the best swimsuits, track outfits, sunglasses, shoes and helmets. These athletes keep trying new things, even when they may be out of their comfort zone.

Are you up to date with the latest trends and tools? Are you providing the best and most current content possible or are your events stuck in a training rut? Are you avoiding trying new ideas because they are out of your comfort zone? If you want to gain the competitive edge, become an active member of KCMPI and keep abreast of current trends. Learn from other members what's working and what's not. Gain new ideas to rejuvenate your events and make your job easier.

4. Olympians focus on their niche or area of expertise

These elite athletes do not try and be masters outside of their event circle. Yes, gymnasts compete in eight or 10 different events, but they do it within the world of gymnastics. They aren't going onto the track to run the 100-meter dash or jumping into the pool to swim freestyle.

Is your organization focused on your target market or is it trying to be everything to everyone? By delivering content at your conferences that is "right on" with your attendees, makes you a more valuable education partner to your participants. However sometimes you need an expert or information from outside your niche. That's where KCMPI can help. You can find any vendor, resource or referral you might need to support your entire event.

KCMPI can help you meet all your Olympic training needs. If you are a member, become an active participant – attend programs, joint a committee and increase your competitive edge. If not a member, then join today and become a winner!

 

By: Andrayana Getchell, CMP

     Looking for a way to connect with KCMPI members and make the most out of your membership? Two areas of KCMPI, Membership and Communications, are great opportunities to volunteer your talents and connect with fellow KCMPI members.

     If directly interacting with members of KCMPI is of interest, one of the following KCMPI Membership Committees may be a perfect fit: Job Bank, Member Retention, New Member or Scholarship. For more information about any of these committees, please contact Chris Aquino, Vice President of Membership at aquino@kansascityic.com.

     If assisting with the publication of the KCMPI Times, posting to Facebook, creating media releases or spotlighting involved KCMPI members, one of the following KCMPI Communications Committees may be the area for you: Directory, Marketing ("I am MPI, I love what we do"), Newsletter, Public Relations, Social Media or Website. For more information about any of these committees, please contact Michelle Lizak, CMP, Vice President of Communications, at michelle.lizak@sprint.com.

     Please do not hesitate to contact Andrayana Getchell, CMP, Director of Leadership, at agetchell@drugfreesport.com or 816-285-1402 with questions or if you would like additional information about volunteer opportunities within our KCMPI Chapter.

 

Name: Cathy Easton, CGMP

Title: Meeting Planner

Company: MO Division of Professional Registration

Membership Years: 6

"When I can make a meeting, I love the networking with the suppliers. You never know when you are going to need that person's services. My membership is important to me for theeducation, networking and the friends you make. I have proved my membership to my supervisor each year Ihave been in. If it wasn't for KCMPI, I would be lost in what I do."

 

 

Name: Maria R. Davis, CMP

Title: Director of Sales

Company: The Resort at Port Arrowhead

Membership Years: 16

Sixteen years ago, when my Director of Sales in my very first Hotel Sales job in the United States signed me up for KCMPI, he said to me, "Don't just be a member, be an active member!" You can say I took this to heart. Through the years I raised my hand for various tasks with the Membership, Program, Nomination, Budget Committees and as a past Board Member establishing KCMPI's initial Scholarship Guidelines, past e-Newsletter Chair, reached out to various local Universities to determine the parameters of an effective Student Member Recruitment Program which resulted in a Supplier of the Year Award -- which I am truly proud of. And now, once again, as KCMPI Communications Committee's e-Newsletter Chair. But all these would not have been possible without the guidance and professionalism of fellow KCMPI members I have met along the way who have generously shared their time, thoughts, and opinions with me; fellow members who believe in both the value and purpose of what we do and the talents within every single member; fellow members who have become both friends and business partners. THESE are why I continue to be an active member. These are why I am KCMPI and I love what we do!

 

Tony Ballard - Program Coordinator
Kansas State University - Division of Continuing Education
1615 Anderson Ave., Ste 154
Manhattan, KS 66502
tballard@k-state.edu / Ph: 785-532-2402 / F: 785-532-2422
Website: http://www.dce.k-state.edu/

Tony currently serves as a program coordinator in the conference and non-credit programs department of the Division of Continuing Education at Kansas State University. For KSU, Tony coordinates the conferences put on by the College of Education and conferences of numerous external clients including the Great Plains Network and the American Society of Mammalogists.

Prior to his staff appointment at KSU, Tony was the first director of the newly renovated C.L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City, KS. In his role there, he oversaw the day to day operations of a multi-million dollar performing arts center. The Opera House was home to a long running community theatre organization, the community band, and an annual series of national performing arts shows ranging from stand-up comedy, to traveling musicians, to Broadway style theatrical productions. Prior to directing the Opera House, Tony served as the Director of Bands in the Riley County (Kansas) school district and the Director of Bands and Choirs in the Stafford Community (Kansas) school district.

Outside of work, Tony enjoys his time with his wife, two beautiful daughters, and dog Bela. He enjoys watching college sports and spending his free time fishing, woodworking, traveling and playing in the park with his family.

 

 

koehlert@nueterra.com / Ph:913-387-0616

Kristen Oehlert has eight years of event planning experience, and she is currently the Event Planner for Nueterra in Leawood, Kansas. In her role as the Event Planner within the Global Marketing Department, Kristen is responsible for planning Nueterra's domestic conferences, international symposiums and internal events as well as assisting in the implementation of all strategic marketing plans.Kristen has been a member of KCMPI since June 2012. She most recently worked at Heartland Kidney Network where she planned, managed and executed one of the largest annual educational conferences hosted by an End-Stage Renal Disease Network in the country. Some of her favorite hobbies include: spending time with her husband and 18-month old son, playing volleyball, and relaxing with friends and family. Her favorite sports teams include: KU, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Blues and all collegiate volleyball.

 

jblubaugh@hotmail.com / Ph:913-205-5410

Jessica Blubaugh has been working in the nonprofit events industry for the past ten years. Currently the Director of Events for Teach For America, she oversees the organization's event marketing in collaboration with 46 regional offices and four national partner teams. Prior to her current role, Jessica served as Senior Events Manager at the Women's Sports Foundation, after getting her start right here in Kansas City with the Kansas City Sports Commission & WIN for KC. Her event experience includes multi-million dollar galas, various runs and races, collegiate sports events, youth sports clinics and private fundraisers.

A native Kansan, Jessica grew up in Manhattan and attended the University of Kansas. Her hobbies include playing sports, finding excellent local restaurants and tapping into the local music scene whenever possible. Having recently moved back to KC from New York with her dog Lola, she can't wait to get reacquainted with the city.

 

amandaneuner@gmail.com

"I grew up in mid-Missouri and attended Missouri State University in Springfield majoring in Entertainment Management with an emphasis in event planning. Kansas City has been my home for the last six years. In my current role as a Marketing Specialist for FishNet Security (nearly three years now!), I cover all event planning and execution, as well as any marketing needs for the company's Central and Federal sales teams. In my spare time I work at the Terrace on Grand downtown and travel as often as possible."

 

 

 

 

Ph: 816.701.3387 / M: 316.992.9152

Allie Caffrey is a marketing specialist for FishNet Security, a Kansas City-based IT security company. She has over six years of experience in meeting and event management, strategic marketing planning and community relations. Outside of her career, Allie enjoys shopping and anything K-State related – GO CATS! Allie resides in Lawrence, KS, with her husband.

 

 

 

 

I am a recent graduate from the University of Central Missouri, major in Tourism, focusing on special events and public relations. I just finished up my internship and am living a slow paced life right now with my new husband. My hobbies consist of watching Nebraska football, St. Louis Cardinals games and playing with my new puppy. I come from a large family, so I always have some sort of sporting events to attend. I'm very energetic and keep myself busy! I want to eventually be an event coordinator.

 

 

 

Congratulations to KCMPI's VP of Membership, Chris Aquino, on his recent promotion! Chris is now the Director of Group Sales at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza. As Director, Chris will be responsible for driving group revenue and supervising the other group sales managers. He was previously Sales Manager at the InterContinental Kansas City. Chris can be reached at caquino@kansascityic.com / Ph: 816-303-2994.

 

 

 

Michelle Lizak, CMP recently changed positions at Sprint. She is now on the Compensation and Revenue team within the Customer Management organization. As the new Recognition Project Manager, Michelle will be leading efforts on recognition programs for customer management. This includes managing the entire Customer Care organization's main recognition program, Crown Recognition. Michelle was formerly on the Sprint Strategic Events Marketing team, where she project managed cross-functional teams and corporate events. Michelle can be reached at michelle.lizak@sprint.com / Ph: 913-439-3717.

 

 

Congratulations to Tricia Clement, CMP, on her new job as Global Sourcing Manager for Bishop-McCann. In her new position, Tricia will review bids, negotiate contracts and manage the site selection process for Bishop-McCann, a brand experiences agency. Tricia can be reached at tclement@bishopmccann.com / Ph:816-423-2030. Contact Tricia Clement, CMP, for any of your needs with Bishop McCann or go to http://www.bishopmccann.com/.

 

 

By: Patti Gaughan

     Thank you for your support of KCMPI! Our Chiefs ticket sales project was a huge success. We sold over 95 tickets, with the chapter netting over $950. Unfortunately, the Chiefs unexpectedly changed our ticket sales deadlines so we had to end sales earlier than expected. If you are interested in more tickets or future games, please contact Brent Raymond at braymond@swankav.com. We cannot promise anything, but if we receive enough interest we can call the Chiefs and try for more tickets.

Watch for this opportunity again next year.

 

The KCMPI 2012 World Education Congress (WEC) Volunteer Recognition Complimentary Registration Recipient is...Mandy Petzold!

To honor KCMPI's outstanding volunteers, each dedicated 2011-2012 KCMPI volunteer was entered into a drawing to win a complimentary registration to the MPI World Education Congress (WEC). Congratulation to Mandy Petzold, the recipient of the WEC complimentary registration that attended the World Education Congress! This KCMPI Leadership's recognition incentive was approved by the 2011-2012 KCMPI Board of Directors to honor and inspire the dedicated volunteers of the Chapter. A drawing was conducted at the June 7 KCMPI 30th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting. Names were placed in the drawing based on the following four criteria: Served as a committee member and have attended at least one education or social KCMPI event; served as a committee chair or co-chair; received a nomination for Leader of the Quarter; selected as Leader of the Quarter.

Mandy joined others from the KCMPI Chapter at WEC July 28-31 in St. Louis. When asked about her experience, Mandy said, "I had a great experience at MPI WEC in St. Louis. I enjoyed hearing the latest meeting trends and came away with some out of the box ideas that I can use for future events. Most of all, I appreciated the chance to network with MPI members from across the globe and to get to know members of our own Chapter a little better." KCMPI Leadership and Board of Directors thank Mandy and all our outstanding volunteers for their endless time and dedication to our Chapter. We would not be a great Chapter without each of you!

If interested in serving on a KCMPI committee or as a committee chair, please contact Andrayana Getchell, Director of Leadership, at agetchell@drugfreesport.com or 816-285-1402.

 

Rosen Hotels & Resorts, with three convention properties in Orlando, announces additions to the 1,334-room Rosen Centre Hotel, adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center. This fall, the hotel will be unveiling more than 18,000 sq. ft. of new meeting space, as well as expanding and rebranding its spa, to be called The Spa at Rosen Centre, which will now have seven treatment rooms. Sister properties 1,500-room Rosen Shingle Creek will be opening the new Mi Casa Tequila Taqueria and 800-room Rosen Plaza has renovated its luxury suites. For more information, please contact Patty Herder, Rosen Hotels & Resorts,sales@rosenhotels.com.

The Courtyard Marriott and the Adams Pointe Conference Center in Blue Springs has added a lobby lounge with the opening scheduled for October 1. The lobby lounge will features a full bar with daily drink specials. Menus items include soups, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, pizza, wings and other favorites to appease any appetite. The lounge is open every evening Monday thru Saturday. Enjoy a casual relaxing atmosphere while watching your favorite game or simply enjoy comfortable conversations with your friends. For more information, please contact Tom Lufft, Courtyard Marriott and Adams Pointe Conference Center, tlufft@adamspointecc.com.

Tan-Tar-A Resort and Golf Club has recently changed management.  The new management company is Driftwood Hotels . The company is scheduling updates and renovations for the property. For more information, please contact Rosa Powell, Tan-Tar-A Resort and Golf Club, rosapowell@tan-tar-a.com.

 

Bishop-McCann has once again been recognized as one of North America's largest and most influential agencies by Corporate Meetings and Incentives Magazine. Here's a link to the 2012 CMI 25 -- http://meetingsnet.com/cmi25/2012-cmi-25.  Congratulations to the Bishop McCann team!