MPIKC Times
MPI - Kansas City Chapter
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Dear KCMPI Members and Friends,
While driving from one meeting to the next I heard a report that stated a whopping 70 percent of employees polled by Right Management in November and December said they did not take all the vacation due them in 2012 because they could not break away from their duties at work. This information really made me think about my own job and my own work-life balance and I am sure that many of you have the same thoughts. How do we achieve that work-life balance that we hear about but we definitely don't always have? In today's busy world, prioritizing between your work and your personal life can be a huge challenge. But studies show that a poor work-life balance can result in unhealthy levels of stress, unhappiness and even reduced productivity. Below are some tips outlined in an article on Salary.com by Dawn Dugan to help achieve that ever sought after work-life balance: Set your priorities Track your time Concentrate on one thing at a time Schedule one thing you look forward to each day Respect your private time Take a look at your personal habits and general lifestyle Ask for support Set boundaries Find a mentor Learn how to say "no" Evaluate your work-life balance on a regular basis Set aside some time once every other month or so to reflect on your current balance, what you would like it to be and what the plan is for arriving there. I hope these steps help restore your own work-life balance -- so you can enjoy both fully! In hospitality,
Kara Brady
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Greetings fellow KCMPI Members! "In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm... in the real world all rests on perseverance." — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe A great quote is always a good source of inspiration to me when thinking of what to write about in the Editor's Notes section. I am one of the privileged few that get to read (and edit) the profiles of our featured Planner/Supplier and New Members before they are released to the general membership. What always strikes me is how much enthusiasm these members feel --- for their selected professions, anticipated involvement with MPI and KCMPI, and for their personal hobbies/passions! I also see the enthusiasm in the photos that come with these profiles. New members mean new ideas. Let us then welcome and encourage each other to be involved as we strive thru various Committees to achieve the missions of KCMPI. In addition, I am sending out an invitation to the entire membership to try your hand at writing on any topic of your choice. We want to read about your viewpoints, learn of new information, and feature the diversity of our membership. As Dawson Trotman said,"Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through your fingertips." So let your fingers do the talking (and writing)! Have a great Spring (when it arrives) everyone and see you in our June issue!
Maria  Maria R. Davis, CMPKCMPI e-Newsletter Chair
Sales Manager
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Please congratulate these gold medalists for doing something, for making KCMPI their chapter and for loving what we do! March Shari Hockenbery(Francis Family Foundation) - Monthly Program Lead for March April 2013 Restaurant and Catering Showcase Committee(Renee Hultgren - Program Lead, Brandi Brumback, Sarah Snyder, Tony Ballard, Haley Hutchison, and Cheryle Grinter) Shana Hoy(Husch Blackwell)- Success Board Nominations and 2013-14 Slate Andrayana Getchell(Center for Drug Free Sport)- Reaching out to Volunteers for Membership Survey Newsletter Committee(Maria Davis, Rob Wilson, Michelle Lizak) - January/February Issue ofKCMPI Times Who will be the next KCMPI gold medalist? Will it be you? Look for more gold medal winners in the next issue of the newsletter.
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KCMPI Round of Applause is the Leadership active member initiative to recognize outstanding volunteers within our Chapter. Active members may be recognized by fellow KCMPI members, committee chairs or Board of Directors. Each nominee receives a certificate and token of appreciation. Once a member receives three nominations, he or she will receive a larger token of appreciation of his or her choice from a selection of items. Congratulations to the following members that have received their first Round of Applause for their outstanding time and support to our Chapter:
John Hatler
Marilyn Heathman
Molly Lieberknecht
A hearty congratulations to the following members for receiving their second Round of Applause for their outstanding time and continued support to our Chapter: Maria Davis, CMP
April Graham
Rob Wilson
A standing ovation to this members for receiving her third Round of Applause for her endless time and ongoing support to our Chapter: Renee Hultgren KCMPI is an outstanding Chapter because of our active members, thank you!
If you would like to become involved in a KCMPI committee, please contact Andrayana Getchell, Director of Leadership, agetchell@drugfreesport.com or at 816-285-1402. |
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May 2, 2013 (New Date!)
KCMIC Annual Education Conference & Trade Show
Kansas City Convention Center See the article in this month's issue of the KCMPI Times for more details or visit www.kcmic.org.
June 13, 2013
KCMPI's Annual Awards Banquet and Auction
Mark your calendars now for the KCMPI Annual Awards Banquet and Auction. More details coming soon! July 11, 2013
PCMA - KCMPI "Best in Class" Joint Meeting July 20 - 23, 2013
World Education Congress (WEC) Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas October 15 - 17, 2013
IMEX America Sands in Las Vegas |
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KCMPI hosted their first everCatering and Restaurant Showcase on Wednesday April 10, at K-State Olathe.
This was a project KCMPI wanted to host since the Town Pavilion in downtown Kansas City wasn't able to host it this year. We were hoping to offer members and other business leaders and meeting coordinators an opportunity to meet new caterers and hospitality vendors.
 Nearly 30 vendors participated and more than 150 guests were able to network, learn new industry trends and sample some great cuisine. Everyone thought the experience was wonderful and that the event was a huge success.KCMPI would like to thank the Olathe Convention and Visitor's Bureau and George Fern Exposition and Exhibit Services for serving as our partner level sponsors. Another big thank you goes out to K-State Olathe for hosting this year's event and providing such great facilities and amenities.
KCMPI would also like to thank our Friends of the Chapter sponsors who helped make this event possible. HyVee-Olathe, Keep Kansas City Beautiful, GTM Sportswear, Ambassador Hotel Collection, Kansas City, Piscatore Media, LLC and Bushnell. All of these sponsors donated services, products or prizes to the event which greatly added to the event. Vendors also donated prizes to attendees both at the Showcase and at the Educational program, so guests had many opportunities to walk away with some great schwag!  The Showcase took place over the lunch hour from 11am-1pm and guests were able to taste great menu samples such as burnt ends, cake bites, meatballs, chips and salsa, cheesy potatoes, bruschetta, fajita wraps, sushi and much, much more. No one went away hungry and many planners had new catering contacts and ideas for their next event. Attendees were also able to connect with other hospitality vendors such as hotels, transportation companies, equipment providers and other helpful organizations.Bryan Severns, the K-State Olathe Food Programs and Services manager also led a very enlightening educational program on Food Safety for Event Planners. He shared tips on what to look for and how to insure that the catering side of your event is safe and tasty!  As everyone was leaving people vendors expressed an interest in exhibiting again next year so they could continue to meet other KCMPI and other potential customers and guests were asking when the event for next year would be held."It was just so well organized and everyone I met will help me do my job.When's the next Catering and Restaurant Showcase? I can't wait!"(Jean Dory, Ceva Bio-mune)
The Catering and Showcase Committee comprised of Tony Ballard, Kara Brady, Brandi Brumback, Cheryl Grinter, Haley Hutchinson and Renee Hultgren did a great job putting this inaugural event together and KCMPI would like to commend them for all their innovative ideas and hard work! ARTICLE SUBMITTED BY: Renee Hultgren |
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No Snow — We are 90% Sure of It. You may have heard that the KC Meetings Industry Council Education Conference and Tradeshow on February 27, 2013 was cancelled due to a snow storm. Well, we have a new date and invite you to join us on May 2 — where we are 90% sure there will not be a snow storm. If you were registered for the program your registration has rolled to the new date. If you were unable to attend, check your calendar — we would love for you to join us. Join us for a cutting edge Hybrid Meeting on May 2, 2013 at the KC MIC Education Day and Tradeshow at the KC Convention Center.
Join the Kansas City Meeting Industry Council (KCMIC) for a real-live hybrid meeting on May 2, 2013 at the KC Convention Center AND on-line. The program features:
Don't miss out on the biggest hospitality industry event of the year. Can't attend the live event - Register for the on-line only event at -https://vts.inxpo.com/Launch/QReg.htm?ShowKey=12543 Follow us at As a member of KCMPI you are thereby also a member of a new umbrella organization known as the Kansas City Meeting Industry Council. (www.kcmic.org). Our Purpose is to strengthen the relationships among participating organizations through increased communication and partnership. Hundreds of industry professionals from PCMA, KCMPI, NACE, SGMP and KC SAE will attend the all-day education event. Even more local industry professionals will arrive for lunch as part of the Kansas City CVA Annual Meeting & Salute to Planners. |
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We have already received some wonderful silent auction items for our June 13, 2013 Annual Awards Banquet but are looking for a few more! If you are able to donate tickets, gift certificates etc. please contact Megan O'Keefe, CMP at megan.okeefe@hyatt.com if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support of KCMPI! |
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KCMPI is pleased to post local job offerings available to our members. To review these current opportunities, please visit our KCMPI.org Job Bank. Food and Beverage/Private Event Director District Supervisor of Events Event Sales Manager
Company Name Confidential
Posted on Gecko Hospitality: April 7, 2013 Director of Catering Hospitality Coordinator Event Coordinator Special Events Program Director Group Sales Manager Sales/Catering Manager Senior Manager, Conferences and Events Marketing Manager Marketing Manager Event and Meeting Planner
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The election results of our 2013-2014 Board & Officers are now official as voting closed at 5:00 pm, Friday, March 15, 2013. Chapter members confirmed the slate with 27% of our membership responding. In order to confirm the vote, we must have at least 15% of the membership participate in the election, so thank you to all that responded. Based on this information it is with great pleasure that I announce the 2013-2014 KCMPI Board of Directors. Congratulations! 2013-2014 Board of Directors Be sure to meet and congratulate all of them at the annual meeting and awards banquet on June 13, 2013 at the Westin Crown Center. Thank you to all members for your participation and the members of the Nominating Committee for giving your time to participate in this very important process. SUBMITTED by: Immediate Past President, Shana Hoy, CMP 2012 Nominations Committee Members: |
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I am sure that you all, at one time or another, have wondered where do our dues go or what is the financial status of the chapter. As members, we don't hear much about the fiscal workings of the chapter. I thought I would give you an update regarding the money matters of KCMPI. We set several fiscal goals this year that involved policies, reserves and fund-raising as well as general fiscal operations. Some of these have been easy to meet and others not so much. During this past year, the board has been conducting a review of the chapter's policies and bylaws. Part of the update to the policies has been the addition of a transparency/whistle blower policy. The policy basically states that we must provide a method for reporting fiscal abuse or inappropriate financial behavior/actions. Contact information for reporting fiscal concerns is found at the bottom of each page of the chapter website. A brief monthly financial report can be found within the board minutes. Full reports are available to all members at any time upon request or are located in our electronic files. We are required by MPI to set a balanced budget each year. As a board, we work hard to break even or turn profit each year. MPI also suggest we maintain reserves. In my 20 years of membership, the boards have worked very diligently to build and maintain the current reserve levels. We had to dip into reserves only a few times, and in most cases, have been able pay back the "borrowed" amount. Last year was one of those years and it appears we will not be able to pay back for quite some time. We still have several big events this spring, but it appears that we may still end up in the red because of reduced sponsorships and participation. Investing reserves is something the Audit Committees have been suggesting for several years. (Yes, the chapter has an audit committee that reviews the financials 3-4 times each year). We looked for investments that offered low risk, high liquidity and minimal penalty for early withdrawal. Budget Overview:
Policy review and investing were the easy parts of serving as Vice President of Finance this year. The real challenge is finding the money and resources to meet our annual expenses. This problem is not unique to KCMPI. All non-profit trade associations and agencies are facing similar challenges. We rely heavily on donations, both in kind and cash. We are all vying for the same dollars from the same audiences that have fewer dollars to give. As you well know, the competition is stiff! Budget Challenges:
The economy has not only impacted our sponsorship funds, but also our membership numbers. Many companies have reduced the number of members they will support, and in many cases, none at all. Chapters have a larger percentage of members paying their own dues and program fees. As a result, we have experienced a sizable reduction in members and program attendance and volunteer participation needed to support a chapter of our size. As you can see, chapters have faced a double whammy over the past couple of years with no real relief in sight. KCMPI is your chapter and it needs you now more than ever! The best thing you can do to support KCMPI is to become an active and involved member. The return on your investment is great if you make the effort.
Thank you for continued support and interest. Please feel free to contact me at pjogaughan@gmail.comif you have any questions, concerns or comments. SUBMITTED BY: Patti Gaughan, CMP, VP Finance |
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Anyone using telepresence systems on a regular basis knows the experience does not deliver a complete solution. SightDeck, an HD video system that allows users to interact with media, co-present with offsite presenters and record presentations now has a presence in Kansas City with SightDeck KC located in Union Station. This new, high tech product, developed by iMatte, is a fully integrated display system, camera system, compositing system, presentation system, full HD production system and broadcast studio; all in one system for one price. SightDeck's technology will wow meeting planners in its ability to take virtual meetings to the next level in distance collaboration of all types. The technology allows up to four attendees in different locations to appear in the same room and manipulate background graphics by touch, like a gigantic iPad.
Priced at $125,000 per unit--double that if you want a second system to actually conference with, it isn't cheap, but is certainly the wave of the future. CEO Richard Welnowski pursued bringing SightDeck to Kansas City in order to someday take full advantage of the new Google Fiber system. SightDeck KC is the first U.S. installation of the iMatte technology, Welnowski said. The product is already being used in Australia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. To learn more about SightDeck and see a video demonstration, visit www.sightdeckkc.com, or contact Richard Welnowski, CEO, at Richard@SightDeckKC.com, or 816-517-9701. Can you tell in this photo who is actually present in the room and who isn't? All were physically present except the gentleman on the right who was in Los Angeles. ARTICLE SUBMITTED BY: Jill Quinn, Past President |
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Let's celebrate our members who celebrate anniversaries in March and April: 25 Years! 21 Years! 18 Years! 17 Years! 12 Years! 11 Years! 10 Years! 9 Years! 7 Years! 6 Years! 5 Years! 4 Years! 3 Years! 2 Years! 1 Year!
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 Name: Ann D'eonTitle: President Company: Hotel Site Select and ADI Meetings & Events Membership Years: Many, many years!! (21 years) Why I enjoy MPI?
I have enjoyed the learning experience and relationships I have developed as a member of MPI. I most enjoyed being Program Chair of the Sunbelt Chapter as this role really introduced me and my company to the industry and members at large. It was fun work! Then, serving on the board of the MPI Sunbelt Chapter for several years and as Vice President helped me be an active participant at many national MPI events. I encouraged and supported my entire office team to attend, learn and participate at regular meetings. What's most important?
Relationships! I love all the networking and relationships I have developed as an MPI member. Inge Hafkemeyer, CMM, one of our top Consultants and Account Executive was introduced to me when she was Immediate Past President. She is one of THE BEST things that has ever happened to me and my company because of MPI!
MPI is OUR Professional Association and provides us with the respect and recognition warranted for our industry. How has membership affected me?
Serving and being an active member in MPI helped me grow both personally and professionally. Now with offices across the US from Boston, Kansas City, Denver, Austin, the Dominican Republic and Phoenix, we have expanded and continue to grow providing value matching planners and hotels to corporations globally! Thank you MPI!!
One of my first MPI meetings, I met a man who was just starting his transportation company. His name was Alton Hagen. That was a beginning of a 25-year long friendship. During my years as a member of MPI, I have developed many friendships from the planner side and the supplier side. As I look back over the past years each MPI Board brought something new and different to the membership. It is amazing what strong leadership we are blessed with year after year. What organization can you belong to and receive such a wonderful mix of education and networking opportunities? The answer is MPI! I value my membership!! |
Name: Susie Muchow|
We would like to welcome the following people to the KCMPI family:
 Ali Barber2201 SW Waterfall Drive Ali is a student at the University of Missouri, majoring in event and meeting management and minoring in marketing. She is currently taking a year off from attending school full-time to work and gain experience. She is still continuing her education through online classes.
Ali's future goal is to combine her love for sports and event planning, and become an event coordinator for a professional sports team.
She isa big football fan, specifically the Seattle Seahawks and Mizzou Tigers (of course), and hobbies include music, cooking, and being active.
She islooking forward to being a member of KCMPI and hopes to learn a great deal from this experience!
 Megan GialdeArea Sales Manager- Missouri & Kansas On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina 6002 NW 48th Terr. Kansas City MO 64151 816 686 9035 cell / 469 718 3585 efax Megan Gialde joined On The Border in 2011, bringing along over 8 years in Marketing, Sales and Event Management. Megan has a reputation for being efficient and organized, and for consistently exceeding expectations. She has expertise in creative and cost-effective menu planning and event design. Utilizing exceptional time-management and flawless attention to detail, Megan's passion for her work shows through in every event.
Megan is a member of NACE (National Association of Catering Executives), WING (Wedding Industry Professionals Group) as well as the Leawood, Overland Park, Lee's Summit, and Wichita Chambers of Commerce.
Outside of the office, Megan volunteers her time and planning expertise with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She also enjoys time with family and friends, loves traveling, shopping, and flower arranging. Megan, her husband Tom, and their dogs, Lola and Gigi, reside north of the river in Kansas City.
 McKenzie SchickStudent - Double Major in Management and Marketing Pittsburg State University 1908 S. Rouse Apt. 309 Pittsburg, KS 66762 Email:mckenzies@gus.pittstate.edu McKenzie constantly tries to stay involved on campus and in the community.
She has done three internships at the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Lamplighter Inn and Suites, and the Spring Hill Recreation Commission. Through these organizations, she has learned about marketing and event planning for corporations, kids camps, adult classes, weddings, formals, and much more."I love being involved and keeping myself busy. I am an extreme organizer and clean freak."
McKenzie loves to play sports, spend time with her family and friends, and scrapbook. She got engaged recently so she has been spending a lot of time planning a wedding and finding a job. McKenzie is originally from Olathe, Kansas where she attended Spring Hill High School. She plans to pursue a career in marketing and event coordinating.
McKenzie will be graduating early as a Junior this Summer 2013.
 Devin AmosStudent,Event Management Major, Minor in Business Kansas State University dlamos@ksu.edu| (913) 226-1785 Devin is currently the president of the KSU PCMA chapter and is a key player in KSU Travel and Dining Auction which raises about $35,000 in scholarship for Hospitality Management majors. She will be working at The Wellington Group as an intern this summer with plans to graduate in spring of 2014. "I thank you for letting me become a member of KCMPI and exploring what it means to be an Event Manager! It is such a fun, exciting and never-boring field that I cannot wait to be a part of."
Her hobbies include singing, songwriting and playing guitar which she loves to do outside of school.
"I am recently engaged and planning my wedding which is SO fun!"
Callie Cornell Gateway Canyons Resort 550 E. 12th Avenue, Unit 1402 Denver CO 80203 callie.cornell@gatewaycanyons.com Kyle Brown
The Parking Spot 12060 Northwest Prairie View Road Kansas City MO 64153 kbrown@theparkingspot.com |
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February 12, 2013 Board Meeting March 12, 2013 Board Meeting March 14, 2013 Meeting: Understanding the Business Hotel Model Today
Cash Partner Francis Family Foundation Contact: Shari Hockenbery Ph: (816) 531-0077 E-Mail:shari@francisfoundation.org URL:www.francisfoundation.org Host Venue Sporting KC Contact: Lauren Rios Ph: 913-387-3448 E-Mail:tadams@sportingkc.com URL:www.sportingkc.com In-Kind Friend Agenda: USA Contact: Bruce Adcox Ph: (913) 268-4466 E-Mail:badcox@agendausa.com URL:www.agendausa.com In-Kind Friend Hampton Inn-Village West Contact: Kara Brady Ph: 913-907-1954 E-Mail:kbrady@simonkonover.com URL:www.kchampton.com |
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Congratulations to Maria R. Davis, CMP on her new position as Sales Manager for the Embassy Suites and Homewood Suites, both located by the Kansas City International Airport. Maria will be responsible for generating New Business for the hotel from any region within the country. Both hotels are part of the John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Maria can be reached at 816/674-3569 or maria.davis@JQH.com.
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