MPIKC Times
MPI - Kansas City Chapter
|
Dear KCMPI Members and Friends,
Ignite the Fire ... the theme for the year. Even one month into this 12-month journey, we are already seeing this take shape. The fire comes from the passion, dedication and drive of the active members. The 2013-2014 Board of Directors is leading the way in bringing the members together and forming committees. These committees are ensuring that all of the details are addressed to make KCMPI a leading resource in our community. Every time I receive an update about a new industry associate joining the chapter or another member getting involved, I feel the little spark of excitement. Each person in the chapter plays such an integral role in the chapter’s success, and I hope that each member finds a way to be an active part of our membership. Where does your passion lie? Social media, numbers, detail planning, education, communication, sponsorships, support, interacting and meeting new people? There is a place for everyone to be involved. I look forward to seeing where you decide to plug in. I cannot wait to see how the coming months will unfold.
|
|
Greetings, fellow KCMPI members! "You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Maria  Maria R. Davis, CMPKCMPI e-Newsletter Chair
Sales Manager
Embassy Suites Kansas City Int'l Airport
|
|
|
Six years ago the idea for the first Field 2 Table was presented with "wouldn't it be a great event ..." 
This year, sustainability is historic in the unique venue. The gardens are nestled in a very special valley rich in history. It is known as the Triple Creek Valley, where Coffee Creek and Wolf Creek come together to form the beginning of the Blue River. This sweet little valley is what the area called Blue Valley was named after. It was also the original campgrounds of the Black Bob Indian Chief, and the last reservation to close in Kansas. The Kelly Gallery has only been the second owner since it belonged to the Indians. Its mission is to preserve the natural beauty of the valley that is rich with wild edibles, medicinal plants and wildlife that are abundant in this valley. Its artwork, photography and simple celebrations always reflect a passion for the peace and tranquility nature represents. 
As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of Field 2 Table, we welcome you back, for those of you who are faithful to attend. |
Looking for a great way to end the summer, jump in to fall and catch up with your fellow KCMPI members? The next After 5 KCMPI networking event is just for you! The upcoming After 5 event will be held at the gorgeously renovated Courtyard by Marriott, Country Club Plaza on August 27, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This event is a great way to mingle with fellow industry colleagues, meet the 2013-2014 Board and learn about business opportunities, future partnerships and KCMPI Committees. |
|
Creating Brain Friendly Conferences by Jeff Hurt The Doubletree Hotel by Hilton in Overland Park, Kansas, also did a fantastic job with the post meeting reception, which was held on its outdoor deck and provided the perfect setting for great networking matched with comfortable weather, refreshing beverages and delicious hors d'oeuvres. For additional information on the program topic, Jeff Hurt can be reached at jeffhurt@velvetchainsaw.com.
|
|
It’s a steal! These tickets are heavily discounted just for KCMPI. Originally valued from $54 to $83, you can afford to bring the whole family! Tickets are limited and are on a first-come-first-serve basis! Tickets must be purchased two weeks prior to each game so we can do our best to provide you with seats together. Tickets are available for the following games. Watch your email for more information. We expect the Chiefs to open ticket sales for more big games later this fall. To purchase tickets, visit www.kcmpi.org. For more information, contact Brent Raymond at brent@uniqueavinc.com.
|
KCMPI members, friends and family have the opportunity to attend any Kansas City Chiefs football game and raise money for KCMPI! For $35 each, you can watch the Chiefs on their quest for an AFC Championship. Watch the new players and coach and be a part of this exciting season. KCMPI gets $10 for each ticket sold! |
ASAE University has developed the Certificate Program in Association Management to help association and nonprofit professionals build the competencies they need to manage their organizations more effectively. The program includes five one-day courses that can be taken individually or as a group. The Certificate in Association Management Program is geared toward professionals with five or fewer years of experience; however, professionals at all levels will gain insight and immediately implement new acumen from the interactive sessions. Course topics apply to a wide range of associations and nonprofit organizations, including membership associations, trade associations, philanthropic organizations, advocacy groups and special interest groups. Presenters are seasoned association management professionals, and the collaborative environment provides the chance to discuss association best practices and learn from other attendees. HOW WILL THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM BENEFIT YOU? Program participants will have an opportunity to: • Review the meaningful role associations and nonprofits play within the industry, profession and society IT’S EASY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE ASAE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT. AMP Management Services, a Kansas City-based association management company (AMC), is a licensed provider of the ASAE University’s program in Kansas and Missouri and four other states. All five collaborative courses will be held in Olathe, Kansas, beginning in late August at a reduced price and aim to assist local professionals further explore the complexities of association and nonprofit management. Additional course opportunities will be announced over time. More information is available at www.goamp.com/pages/asae-cam.aspx. |
.jpg)
|
The season between commencement and back-to-school is one of those perks enjoyed by some college and university faculty members (myself included) and allows for a little relaxing, recharging and perhaps some preparation for the coming semesters. This Missouri summer was a little different in that a major hospitality education event came to St. Louis in July. The "2013 Annual Conference of the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education" chose the Doubletree Union Station Hotel as the site for its major professional worldwide get-together. With 400 leading hospitality academics and professionals sharing their ideas and research, the conference is an extraordinary learning opportunity, and I hope some of my observations from the gathering will be informative. • Student interest in the meeting and events industry has exploded on campuses across the globe. Enrollments are way up in programs with a major or emphasis in event planning, in many cases with double digit percentage annual growth in numbers of students. On the surface, this certainly looks like a positive indicator for both industry and schools but there is a challenging aspect. One college recruiter from a major hotel chain said she has 500 requests for event planning internships/employment for perhaps five openings in the company. This will make for some interesting times in selecting college grads for your organization. • Top executives from Sodexo, Inc., the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, and Cheddar’s restaurant chain shared industry keynote duties and their message was clear. Hospitality organizations need more than textbook understanding from their college grad job hopefuls. Candidates need demonstrated experience, passion and team leadership abilities for success. They might have been preaching to the choir because I was excited by the number and types of meeting and event experiential learning opportunities already in college programs. Internships, community celebrations, on-campus meetings and banquets, and event planning/support for not-for-profit organizations are just some examples of learning tools and activities used by faculty (again, me included) everywhere to make it "real" for students. • More and more schools are stressing awareness and the importance of professional certifications for graduates. All the industry professional association programs (including the CMM and CMP credentials) are being examined and utilized in classes. In many cases, the content of the certification is woven into the curriculum. "Cvent University" has also taken hold in many programs. Professors are adding the online learning opportunity, which results in students becoming "Cvent Certified" and you will see it on their resume. I believe these efforts are examples of the "first wave" as higher education joins industry in the move towards "learn anytime-anywhere" in an online delivery model. While these changes have profound implications for schools, it is an exciting time for everyone who values life-long learning. Now for me, I’m going to try and sort out four days of professional conference information overload but I guess it’s all part of that most exciting season ... "back-to-school". Right now I’m thinking I want to see who wins on "America's Got Talent," but I better follow my own advice. Go do your homework!
He can be reached at 417-690-2119 or shackette@cofo.edu. |
|
Chateau on the Lake Resort offers 19 meeting rooms, including the 32,000-square-foot Great Hall, and three corporate board rooms. The resort also features a private 54-seat theater for special presentations, high-speed Internet access in all meeting rooms, a 24-hour business center, on-site audio/visual service with state-of-the-art A/V equipment and technology, complimentary Wi-Fi in pre-convene areas, and exceptional banquet and catering services. "Featuring truly breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake and exceptional meeting facilities, Chateau on the Lake has long been a favorite with meeting planners and incentive specialists for meetings and events, both large and small," said David Hume, the resort’s director of sales and marketing. "We understand that changes are sometimes inevitable in the corporate sector and this ACE promotion is designed to remove any distractions or worries about attrition or cancellations due to last-minute changes or budget cuts, so that planners and decision-makers can focus in a calm and comfortable environment." Featuring beautiful vistas of picturesque Table Rock Lake, lush gardens and the surrounding mountains, the resort features 301 spacious guest rooms and suites. Each feature cherry wood beds, down comforters, tiled stone baths, dual-line telephones with data port, Wi-Fi access (at a nominal fee), iron and ironing board, coffee maker, in-room safes and in-room movies (at a nominal fee). Recreational options at the resort include the 14,000-square-foot Spa Chateau. The full-service European-style spa features 10 luxurious treatment rooms; customized body treatments; a soothing Infinity Tub that is filled from the ceiling; an opulent outdoor Roman Bath situated beneath a waterfall overlooking Table Rock Lake; a lake-view Movement Therapy Studio for Zumba, Yoga or Pilates; and a hair salon. The resort’s Chateau on the Lake Marina, open most of the year, offers more water sports activities than any other resort in the Midwest. Offerings at the full-service marina include an array of watercraft rentals, which includes ski boats, fishing boats, wave runners, catamarans, paddle boats, sea kayaks and canoes. Parasailing, guided fishing excursions, scuba diving and snorkeling are among the many other available options. Other recreational options at the resort include a fitness center, two lighted tennis courts, a year-round indoor pool, an outdoor (seasonal) pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, nature and biking trails, an indoor movie theater and full-service concierge. Golf at six area courses, which includes two of Missouri’s finest, also is available to guests. The resort’s dining options include the award-winning Chateau Grille, known for its elegant presentation and exceptional cuisine. Casual fare options include the Downstairs Deli, serving bistro-style sandwiches, hand-made pizza and "to go" box lunches; Atrium Café & Wine Bar, located in the lobby beside an indoor waterfall and stream; and The Sweet Shoppe, offering ice cream, baked goods, candies, and specialty coffees. Described as the "Live Music Show Capital of America," Branson offers more than 80 live shows per day during the season and a variety of impressive attractions. Among the recreational offerings in Branson, which celebrated its 100th birthday in 2012, is the acclaimed Titanic Museum Attraction and the popular Silver Dollar City. Among the other offerings are The Branson Landing in the heart of downtown Branson on Lake Taneycomo, just one block away from historic downtown, which features festivals, musical events, a variety of waterfront dining options, and 400,000 sq. ft. of shops, boutiques, galleries and specialty gift shops. Additional features at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa include an impressive 10-story sky-lit atrium that provides breathtaking vistas of the lake, lush gardens, and surrounding mountains, and which features meandering streams brimming with colorful Koi fish, as well as a charming library lounge with a great stone fireplace. Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center is owned and managed by Springfield, Missouri-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts. For more information, contact: |
The AAA Four-Diamond Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center, which sits on an Ozark mountaintop overlooking southwest Missouri’s scenic Table Rock Lake, is offering for new group programs the "Attrition-Free and Cancellation-Free" meeting offer for new meetings or events held at the resort July 1, 2013-March 15, 2014 and contracted by September 30, 2013. Widely considered one of the finest resorts in the Midwest, Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center features 301 guest rooms and suites and 43,500 square feet of meeting space all on one level, as well as many picturesque outdoor venues. It is Branson’s only AAA Four-Diamond resort.|
DETROIT – June 24, 2013 – MGM Grand Detroit, the city’s premier entertainment destination, has been named "Best Casino" in metropolitan Detroit by HOUR Detroit in its "2013 Best of Detroit" issue. DJ Captn20, aka Nick Haddad, the property’s resident DJ at V Nightclub’s Volume Saturdays, was named "Best DJ (non-radio)." |
|
Unique Audio Visual is offering for the months of September, October and November, a donation of 5 percent of the total invoice charged to the client to the organization of their choice in the customer’s name. If XYZ company holds a $10,000 event, Unique Audio Visual will donate $500 to the organization of the client's choice in their name. For more details please contact Brent Raymond at brent@uniqueavinc.com or 816-585-7373.
|
|
By Samantha Whitehorne, Deputy Editor of Associations Now Meeting planners may think the worst thing they could hear from their attendees is something along the lines of this: "Worst. Conference. Ever. I got nothing out of it." But something like, "It was just as good as the last two conferences," could be as discouraging. The reason: It shows that organizations are not upping the ante and creating those "wow" moments that will leave attendees wanting more. And in times where associations are competing for their members’ time and money (and also dealing with shrinking travel budgets), associations must think about how to deliver these a-ha moments throughout the conference planning process. According to Edith Bullard, senior vice president, marketing communications, for PCI, association meeting planners face three common challenges when it comes to their conferences: Getting people to attend, creating engaging programming and turning them into something of value to their members. Bullard, along with her colleagues Scott Lindley and Hal Schild, discussed how associations can tackle these challenges head-on by creating these "wow" moments during their session "Taking your Conferences from Good to Great" at yesterday’s 2013 Springtime Expo. (Full disclosure: PCI produces the general sessions at ASAE’s Annual Meeting & Exposition.) Here are seven things to think about or try as you begin your conference planning: 1. Ask yourself what your conference’s objective is. Sounds pretty easy and straightforward, but Bullard says most planners don’t think about it enough. "Have an overall goal for your conference," she said. "Is it about professional development? Is it about advocacy? Once that’s determined, it will dictate everything else you plan and execute." Also important early on is to identify your meeting’s so-called "sacred cows" and consider if and how they can be eliminated. 2. Give up some control. The meeting should be about your attendees, so consider crowdsourcing part of the meeting to them. For instance, ask for their input on speaker suggestions or design elements. Doing so is a good way to build community, generate goodwill, and build true member-focused programming. A few months back, I blogged about one group that used social media to pick a location for its November 2013 meeting. That’s probably out of the question for most associations, but consider something similar to what the American Historical Association did. When it asked members for session topics and speaker ideas, AHA received 550 recommendations to help develop its programming. 3. Shake up your conference environment. "If you make even the smallest of changes, it sends a different signal to your attendees that they can expect something different," Bullard said. She suggested hosting small events in nontraditional hotel spaces, such as the lobby or a lounge, and creating collaboration spaces where people can talk and engage. "You want to get people moving," she said. 4. Humanize your conference and your people. "Conferences are about people, not organizations," Bullard said. "You want to humanize your execs – the CEO, the board chair. Your members want to know the real people and know that they have a sense of humor and can take a joke." Another suggestion was to incorporate attendees into your larger sessions and let them tell the story of how their work helps move your industry forward. One additional piece of advice from Bullard: "Get somewhere between humor and cheesy; cheesy doesn’t work." 5. Maximize all of your show elements. Bullard says that a lot of conferences have a really great opening, but not as much attention is given to the rest. "Build a-ha moments in throughout," she said. "You want members thinking and excited about what’s going to come next." She says stage sets are one way to create a mood and that music can go a long way. 6. Make rehearsal a requirement. Nothing comes off worse than an unpolished speaker who doesn’t address your organization’s audience and its needs. One way to combat this is to require all speakers to attend a formal rehearsal before the conference. "They need to be rehearsed. It’s not an option," said Bullard. 7. Find unique ways to present education sessions. You don’t want your attendees always walking into rooms with the same setup: speaker in the front with rows of tables not conducive to conversation or interaction. "You need to engage members around programming, or the content won’t be remembered," said Bullard. |
|
Let's celebrate our members who celebrate anniversaries in July and August: 21 Years! 18 Years! 14 Years! 13 Years! 9 Years! 8 Years! 6 Years! 5 Years! 4 Years! 3 Years! 2 Years! 1 Year!
|
|
"I have been a member of MPI for more than two decades. I remember its early beginnings when I started my career in New York. After settling in Kansas City, I sought out other industry professionals. I studied for my CMP with three other local leaders and was in the second class that ever took the exam! Over the years, as ASE Group continued to grow and have a national presence, we always connected with our local colleagues to share insights and changes among the industry. MPI is a crucial organization for meeting professionals, and KCMPI continues to be the local voice for all of us dedicated to the growth and advancement of the field."
"The people you meet and the friendships you develop are a wonderful source of knowledge and support not only for business but in my personal life as well."
|
Name: Bonnie Siegel
Name: Jeanne Burris|
We would like to welcome the following people to the KCMPI family:
Danica Roth has been in the hospitality industry for 11 years. Danica began her career in sales and catering with Levy Restaurants at Arrowhead Stadium. During her time with Levy, she worked with many different types and sizes of events, trained sales managers at different Levy properties and worked task force for various venues throughout the country. Years later, Danica transitioned into the hotel industry at the Hilton Kansas City Airport, where she served on the Board of Directors for the Riverside Area Chamber of Commerce and was active in multiple organizations. After five years with the Hilton Airport, Danica chose to accept a promotion as senior sales manager at the Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown. Danica is currently responsible for the corporate, sports, education, social and fraternal markets. In her spare time, Danica follows her favorite college sports team, Mizzou, and her favorite NFL team, the Kansas City Chiefs. She also loves the arts, especially musicals and the ballet. "I love to relax outdoors." Her choice of beverage is Citron Press.
Elizabeth Fiser is a marketing specialist for FishNet Security, an Overland Park, Kansas-based IT security company. She has more than 10 years’ experience in meeting and event management, strategic marketing planning and community relations. Some of her favorite hobbies include renovating her house, spending time in the gym, mountain biking, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite sports teams are KU, the Kansas City Chiefs and Sporting KC.
Logan R. Keasling, is currently a student at Kansas State University with a graduation date of December 2013. Her background in the hospitality industry includes banquets at the Hilton Garden Inn hotel and Convention Center, suite catering at KSU sports games, an internship with Vista Productions assisting with events for Sprint, Payless, Walmart/Sams and Bushnell, and an internship with Sprint within its Experiential Marketing Department. Logan is also a certified wedding planner through the Bridal Society. She is a huge KU fan, born and raised in the Lawrence area. She enjoys weekends on the lake, working out, traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She has no set plans for after graduation but has not closed the door on relocating if the opportunity arose. Logan decided to join MPI to increase her networking potential and to meet with others in the area that shares the same passion for events.
Liz Martin |
Lauren Fiser, CMP
Logan Rene Keasling |
Along with that change, Abby has also started a new career with Cerner Corporation as a senior program coordinator. She handles all EMR/ABU client events for Cerner across the globe including Dubai, Arizona, Texas, Florida and local events in Kansas City. "The opportunity came at a time that I just couldn’t refuse. Cerner is an amazing company to work for and is only growing and changing everyday." Abby is looking forward to settling in to all the changes in her life. Abby’s new contact information is: Your KCMPI family congratulates and wishes you all the best in your new role as wife and Cerner’s senior program coordinator!
|
|
|
Please welcome Isla Marie Clement!! |
KCMPI: Are any of the characters or story lines based on real life people and experiences? KCMPI: Any plans of writing a romance novel about people in the meeting planning or hotel industry? To purchase a copy, go to www.Amazon.com or www.BarnesandNoble.com and look for "Janice Richards Detour." Books 2 and 3 are coming out sometime mid-fall and spring. Second novel teaser: The name of Vanessa Kane, CMP, CMM, manager, meetings and events for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, will be used as one of the characters in the second novel, "Danger: Curves Ahead." Her character, Dr. Vanessa Kane, is a sharp, witty Oklahoma veterinarian who is a high-school chum of the heroine.
Janice McClain, CMP (aka Janice Richards) can be reached at: |
KCMPI’s e-Newsletter Chair Maria R. Davis, CMP, recently interviewed Janice McClain, seasoned meeting planner and PCMA Heartland administrator, on how she decided to embark on her new endeavor – writing novels! 
Janice currently resides on her family’s farm south of Harrisonville with two handsome fellows, Jake, a black Lab, and Buddy, a border collie/Austrian sheppard mix. Between traveling and planning meetings, Janice writes, designs jewelry, dabbles in flower gardening and stands vigil for a special Marine Colonel currently serving in Afghanistan.
 Congratulations to new member Danica Roth on her new position as senior sales manager for the Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown. Danica will be responsible for the corporate, sports, education, social and fraternal markets. She can be reached at 816-460-6621 or droth@cpkansascity.com. KCMPI wishes Danica all the best on her new role! |
|
For your promotional product needs, Phil can be reached at 816-392-4246 or phil.allemang@proforma.com. |
Phil Allemang, CAS, has joined the Proforma network as owner of US Marketing. Phil has more than 20 years’ experience in the promotional industry. He chose to franchise with Proforma because it is the largest provider of promo products in the nation, and because of that he can offer the best pricing along with the service that clients want and need. He will still specialize in ideas and products that fit with meeting planners. Proforma also does about 40 percent of its business in the print media, so this opens up a new offering to his clients and reconfirms that Proforma and US Marketing can be your "One Source, Infinite Resources." 
