Happy New Year and Happy Valentine’s Day to all!

The start of the year always brings hope – for new beginnings, new jobs, new relationships, new goals, new dreams, new opportunities and new projects. The New Year is also a time for reflection on how to maintain and improve from the past year’s successes.

Your KCMPI Communications Team is excited to bring you the very first 2014 issue of The KCMPI Times, which is overflowing with "News." A variety of information fills this newsletter – from upcoming event information to MPI HQ’s latest Meetings Commercial video, new moms to new jobs, surveys to new forms, and much more. Mrs. Katie Steel Danner, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism, writes about the next buzz word: "bleisuring." I guarantee, there will be at least one piece of information in this issue that will be valuable to you either personally or professionally.

The "Meetings Move Us Forward" video is MPI’s initiative to educate the world that meeting face to face allows us to forge new connections and develop partnerships. In our business world, nothing can replace being able to shake one’s hand and look them in the eye after a meeting or share a meal during an event. The personal touches that virtual meetings do not offer.

Tweet it, LinkedIn it, Facebook it ... The KCMPI Times information is meant to be shared.

Hope you find something in this issue that will bring you great blessings in 2014!

Cheers to a Happy "New" Year!

 12/17/2013  –  2013-2014 Mid-Year Retreat

1/23/2014  –  After Five Event

With the growing number of student members, MPI members and companies alike have an increasingly large pool of potential hires, interns, social media experts and extra hands for events at their fingertips. These student members spread across the nation and across the world. Many of these student members are looking to get their foot in the door and experience under their belts. MPI student members are highly driven and possess the skills to fulfill all types of positions. While these opportunities encourage the student to grow in the industry, the employer also benefits. The employer gains flexibility for staff augmentation, lower labor costs and also gives a developmental opportunity to someone on staff to manage an intern. The employer is also given the opportunity to test run the student before hiring, helping them make an informed hiring decision.

Maybe you do not need to fill a full-time position? In that case, student members are a great resource for use on special projects or events, including social media. They infuse enthusiasm, energy, new ideas and new skills into the company. Instead of filtering through multiple resumes, why not consider the motivated student members who have already taken the initiative to join the MPI group! With the number of student members on the rise, it is highly likely that the perfect person is out there looking for the opportunity to contribute to your organization.

(Logan is a Kansas State University 2013 graduate who was featured in the August 2013 issue of The KCMPI Times New Member section. She is an event manager for Sprint Strategic Events. Logan can be reached at logan.keasling@sprint.com.)

NEED AN INTERN?

University of Missouri – Columbia, MO

The University of Missouri’s Department of Hospitality Management is seeking internship opportunities for its 144 students. Four areas of concentration are Conference & Events, Food & Beverage, Lodging and Sport Venue Management. If you have opportunities within your companies, please contact Amanda Alexander, Ph.D. at alexanderac@missouri.edu or (573) 882-3528.

Amanda is a faculty member at the University of Missouri, Department of Hospitality Management. She currently teaches courses within Conference & Events emphasis area and an Introductory Hospitality Management course.

College of the Ozarks – Point Lookout, MO

The Hotel & Restaurant Management/Culinary Arts programs at College of the Ozarks are looking for Summer 2014 student internship opportunities. The four-year bachelor’s degree programs offer three areas of concentration: Meeting & Special Event Management, Hotel & Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts.

For more information please contact Jerry J. Shackette at shackette@cofo.edu or (417) 690-2119.

Event Link: http://www.missouristate.edu/hra/31596.htm

Every semester, the Hospitality and Restaurant Administration Department holds a dedicated Recruiters' Fair. Companies from all over the country send recruiters (many of whom are alumni) to promote their companies to our students looking for internships and career opportunities after graduation.

We have made some updates and improvements to the registration process that we think you may like!

Online Registration and Credit Card Processing: You can now register for our Recruiters’ Fair online. No need to fax or email your form into us. Yes, we have finally moved into the digital age! We now have the ability to accept credit card payments when you register online. If you prefer to be invoiced, don’t worry you can still register online and we can facilitate your payments by check.

Spring 2014 Recruiters' Fair:  March 5-6

SCHEDULE

Day 1

Morning: Company Presentations (optional for recruiters)

Afternoon: Career Fair

Day 2 (optional for recruiters)

Recruiters conduct interviews with interested students

Sponsorship Opportunities: This year we have added sponsorship opportunities for you to promote your brand and get your company’s name in front of our students. There are four sponsorship levels in addition to our basic registration. Should you choose to be a Recruiters’ Fair sponsor, we will work with you to get your company’s logo properly displayed. Each sponsorship level receives basic registration, a 6-foot table with tablecloth and two chairs, as well as complementary lunch.

Sponsorship Options (can be chosen when registering)

Platinum – $2,500

Proud to Sponsor the 2014 Salute to Recruiters’ Fair at Missouri State University

Includes Basic Registration

Gold – $1,000

Recruiters’ Luncheon on Wednesday

Venue Sponsor

Includes Basic Registration

Silver – $750

Recruiters’ Hospitality Room

Recruiters’ Lunch on Thursday

Includes Basic Registration

Bronze – $500

Salute to Recruiters’ Programs

Salute to Recruiters Event Signage

Includes Basic Registration

Maroon – $250

Basic Registration Only

If you are a corporate recruiter and would like more information, please contact Tricia Yarckow at (417) 836-4409 or patriciayarckow@missouristate.edu.

While the 2013 word of the year nationally was "selfie," I would suggest the tourism industry’s transformative word of 2013 was "bleisure," a travel trend in which about two thirds of business travelers say they’re participating.

While not likely found yet in your dictionary, this word captures the blurring of business and leisure travel. It’s the tacking on of personal holidays to a business trip and it is growing in popularity.

Orbitz noted last year that 72 percent of 600 business travelers surveyed said they take extended business trips with a leisure component. And 43 percent said they had a significant other with them.

Count me in that category, as our family consistently takes bleisure trips while trying to compromise between our conflicting professional demands and treasured family time.

Plus, we maximize the value of the trip by extending our business stay with personal family time; our logic is we are already paying transportation costs to and from the destination for one of us. If our professional obligations take us to a desirable destination, why not stay a while and enjoy some quality vacation time?

This trend is good news for Missouri Tourism. We have myriad venues with amenities to meet business, professional and leisure interests of every industry and budget. With our family friendly attractions, you can bring the kids along on that business trip, reconnecting with your loved ones and creating new memories while also pleasing the boss.

Taking a business trip to St. Louis? Make it a family event that includes stops at the Gateway Arch, Saint Louis Zoo and the Saint Louis Science Center. St. Louis offers a budget friendly vacation, according to hotwire.com, which ranks it a Top 10 Value Destination.

Hosting an event in Kansas City? Encourage attendees to make it a couple’s getaway. Tout visits to Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Country Club Plaza, and remind visitors Kansas City ranks among the nation’s 10 most romantic cities, according to Livability.com.

Examples of great destinations to conduct business and have fun are found across the Show-Me State. Whether it’s a convention and live shows in Branson, a business meeting and basketball game at Mizzou in Columbia or conference and canoe trip in Salem, there are countless places to work and play in Missouri.

If you’re on the fence about the whole bleisure concept, it should be easy to convince yourself it makes sense. After all, in today’s always-plugged-in society, it’s a given you will perform some work-related task during your vacation. In fact, a study conducted last year by Harris Interactive found 61 percent of employed vacationers will work while on a leisure trip, up nearly 10 percent from 2012. These "bizcations" are becoming the new normal thanks to the evolution of technology and office approved communication devices.

Even when on a leisure trip, 38 percent of those surveyed expected to check work emails; almost 70 percent said they’d take a "work capable" device on their trip. And while they expect to get some work done, vacationers aren't thrilled with the prospect: 34 percent said they would do the work, but not happily, while 29 percent feel being compelled to work means the boss doesn't respect their time.

While looking for a venue that caters to these travelers, but also has options to take a respite from work, consider the following: 

• Connectivity: does the hotel or resort offer in-room wireless Internet? If so, is it free? Billed hourly? Billed daily? How accessible is any business center computer? What are the fees? What are the blocks of time that you can use the service? Do the computers have cameras to allow you to connect with colleagues – or family – that are not traveling with you?
  
  
• What are in-room options for refrigerators or other small appliances that can accommodate travel companions needs? How close might a snack shop or local luncheon option be located to the venue for your travel companion if you are involved in business meals for a few days of the trip?
• Depending on the length of stay, are there dry-cleaning services available? What about any washing machines/clothes dryers/ironing boards?
• Is there a separate work area from the sleeping area to accommodate different needs of the travel party? Can you take a work conference call without disrupting the in-room movie, video games, or the sleepy head you brought along?
• What public transportation options are conducive to flexible schedules depending on the work/play balance needs of the traveling party? Can you go out and explore on your own in a safe environment, with taxi fare, metro transportation options, or even by walking?
• Is the fitness facility family friendly or does it cater to a serious business clientele?
• Is there a continental breakfast option that has friendly hours to meet the needs of your work schedule and the casual needs of your companion?

 Keep in mind that in this evolving context, younger business travelers are showing different behaviors than their predecessors, according to a recent survey conducted by Expedia and its business travel arm, Egencia, with 8,500 travelers in 24 countries. Among some of the highlights:

• 18-30 year olds take more leisure trips (4.2 mean) than those 31-45 (2.9 mean) and 46-65 (3.2 mean).
• In North America, 54 percentof 18-30 year olds bring a significant other on a business trip, versus 36 percent of 31-45 and 16 percent of 46-65.
• Globally, 42 percent of 18-30 year olds say they would spend more of the company’s money on high-end meals, compared to 26 percent of 31-45.

Now that the Meetings, Incentive, Corporate & Events (MICE) segment of the travel industry tends to blur with more traditional leisure travel behaviors, needs and wants, how will hospitality stakeholders take notice and adapt their approach? Some meeting and convention sites find ways to entice business travelers by offering special incentives or activities for companions and families. As a quick example, a top hotel at one of Missouri’s leading destinations offers everything from spa services and "Chick Flick" parties in its on-site move theater to fishing trips, scuba lessons and nature hikes for guests of business travelers.

How can more destinations embrace this new reality and keep travelers longer, to spend their dollars with hotels, restaurants and other attractions within the city or resort?

There is certainly an opportunity here, and it will be interesting to see how this trend unfolds and which destinations make the most of it.

Knowing how to best meet your needs and exceed your expectations is important to your KCMPI Board of Directors and MPI HQ staff. We want to hear from you! Share your feedback with KCMPI and MPI HQ February 14-28. You should have received an email from MPI HQ with a link to a survey on February 14.

Out of respect for your time, International and Chapters have collaborated to only issue one satisfaction survey to the membership. This survey takes only 15- 20 minutes

Your feedback is important and enables KCMPI and MPI HQ to improve programs and services to better meet your needs. We will use your input to make adjustments, refine and deliver greater value to you.

We thank you in advance for taking the time to complete our survey! If you cannot find the original email sent to you, please contact kcmpi@kcmpi.org.

The notion of "hosted buyer" is steadily building buzz in the U.S.

Imported from Europe, a hosted buyer program in a nutshell, is a business vehicle that brings qualified meeting buyers and sellers together with a high likelihood to book real business with each other through pre-arranged face-to-face meetings at the show.

"Hosted" simply means that the show organizer picks up the cost of travel and hotel expenses if the buyer is qualified and has been accepted into the program.

Though the "hosted buyer" concept has been around overseas for many years, its introduction into the U.S. meetings market didn't start until 2011, when AIBTM was launched in Baltimore. AIBTM’s Hosted Buyer format quickly established itself as a popular alternative to the traditional trade show model, and has since been adopted by other meeting groups.

Sallie Coventry, portfolio director, meetings and events for Reed Travel Exhibitions, describes hosted buyer programs as "a significant part of the evolution of the meetings market."

"Now, more than ever, ROI in time and money is paramount," Coventry says. "The hosted buyer program provides highly efficient face time for business to happen."

Meeting Professionals International has also successfully conducted hosted buyer programs during WEC (World Education Conference).

Like AIBTM, they use matching software that automatically pairs up suppliers and planners based on their specific mutual needs and requirements.

"In the past, exhibitors who did not prepare properly, and as a result didn't get the anticipated business leads, would blame the show," she says. "But the hosted buyer model guarantees that each exhibitor will have appointments and thus justify their investment."

Small companies that exhibit can also benefit because it allows them to attend the show and get solid leads where they might not otherwise in the past due to budget constraints.

Participants are required to fulfill eight appointments per day over the two days of the trade show, which still allows five free hours each day to walk the show floor. The planners also take advantage of CEU (Continuing Education Units) accredited education sessions fueled by MPI, PCMA and others, and also enjoy a number of daytime and evening networking opportunities. All in all, the entire experience for the buyer meets all of their needs – business, education and networking.

Here’s a short list of advantages to a Hosted Buyer program:

SELLERS

• Buyers prequalified
• Schedule arranged through matching software
• Alternative to traditional trade shows where buyers are approached as they walk by
• Knowing which meetings are scheduled ahead of time helps to prepare
• Education and networking opportunities

 BUYERS

• One stop shop: exposure to multiple destinations/venues in short period of time
• Minimal commitment with little or no cost
• No registration cost
• Customized schedule arranged through software
• Education and networking opportunities

For more information about the AIBTM Conference in Orlando on June 10-12 and its Hosted Buyer program, visit www.aibtm.com.

December 16, 2013

Dear MPI Chapter Leaders,

MPI is launching our Meetings Move Us ForwardSM grassroots effort this week, which includes the unveiling of a new section of our website and resources for promoting our industry. Our goal with this effort is to help teach members how to talk about the meeting and event industry in a consistent and meaningful way using a common language.

As you may recall, the grassroots communications effort began in July 2012 when MPI formed a task force to explore ways to tell our industry's story and promote the value it delivers in the U.S. That group determined it was critical to define our industry and show the diversity, breadth and impact, as well as the important role it plays in our economy. So, a core message platform was created, validated, refined and put into action by the MPI Marketing & Communications Team. Over the past year, we have integrated this core message platform into MPI publications, marketing and communications – all in an effort to tell our industry’s story.

Now, we are launching the Meetings Move Us ForwardSM grassroots effort so members can tell their own story and help garner recognition for our industry and the work we do. As part of this effort, conceptualized in late 2012, we have created a number of resources for our members and the broader meeting and event community, including the following:

? Brief Industry Documentary Video

? 1-Minute Television Commercial

? When We Meet, We Change The World Video

? Print and Web Ads

? Core Message Platform

? Fact Sheet

? Presentation

? Articles & Studies

? Relaunch of I Am MPI Initiative

? Storytelling Template

? Link to U.S. Travel Association

MPI invested $25,000 towards the production and distribution of the documentary and commercial, which will reach 60 million and 84 million households, respectively. An edited version of the documentary will be aired on public television in January 2014, with introductory and closing segments featuring award-winning actor Martin Sheen. The television commercial will air nationwide starting in January as well. We’ll share more details on the timing of these television appearances in the next couple of weeks.

In the meantime, we encourage you to check out the different Meetings Move Us ForwardSM resources online at www.mpiweb.org/forward. Also, we have created a presentation to help you promote the Meetings Move Us ForwardSM grassroots effort among our membership during chapter meetings. You can find this presentation as well as supporting talking points on the Chapter Leader Resources page in the Marketing & Communication section. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at (972) 702-3044 or cjohnson@mpiweb.org. As always, thank you for your support.

 Regards,

Caroline Johnson
Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
Meeting Professionals International

One country's dusty backyard is another country's dream vacation, according to Google's 2013 year-in-review list.

Read more by clicking here. 

At the end of your day you head home for dinner, a warm night of sleep, and peace and quiet. IMAGINE ... being one of the 800 women and children who escapes their violent, abusive home annually looking for safety and a future.

When the KCMPI board started discussions on what charitable contributions should be part of our focus this year, it was decided to focus our efforts on one group for more concentrated results. The decision was made to put our time, money and energy into Rose Brooks Center.

Over the course of the functions that we have had so far this year, you have read short descriptions regarding Rose Brooks Center ... how many women and children are affected, what happens to them once they are safely at Rose Brooks Center, and what needs they have that we can help satisfy.

Joan Dougherty, director of volunteers and community support at Rose Brooks Center, kicked off our October Education Program by explaining to the group what Rose Brooks Center is all about. She also shared a very touching story about how Paws Place – a shelter for the pets of the women and children who are at Rose Brooks Center – came to be in 2012.

What has KCMPI done so far? At our October Education Program, we collected toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant. When we met again in October for the After 5 AM, our focus was baby formula. November was our Trivia Night and the requested items were pajamas for both moms and children. More than 60 sets of pajamas were collected! At the December Education Program, we brought items for both women and children that would be good Christmas gifts. And for our January’s After 5 event, we requested children’s books (new and gently used). In February, we focused on Paws Place by bringing various pet treats and toys (new and gently used).

As we get rolling into 2014, let’s remember those who have been displaced from their homes due to violence. As KCMPI members, let us take the time to bring items that will help make a difference in the lives of these women and children!

Thank you for everyone's generosity! KCMPI, Rose Brooks Center and Paws Place appreciates your help.

For any questions or to ask how you can help, contact Lynn Gross, CMP (lgross@distinctivemeetingsinc.com) or Sarah Morrissey, CMP (smorrissey@distinctivemeetingsinc.com).

To learn more about Rose Brooks Center, visit www.rosebrooks.org.

The mentor program is available to all current and new members of the Kansas City Chapter. The program will match volunteer mentors with mentees for a six-month commitment. Mentoring is available to members at any stage in their career, seeking to develop new skill sets and make progress toward professional goals.

We are just starting this program so are in need of some mentors! If you are interested in becoming a mentor to someone, or if you want to join as a mentee, please contact Abby Tibbles at abby.tibbles@cerner.comto receive more information.

We hope to get this rolled out at the start of the New Year! Thanks in advance for volunteering or for testing out our program.

KCMPI Suppliers, do you have a special or discount that you’d like to share with the KCMPI membership? Submit your "deals and steals" to KCMPI Connections for inclusion in our monthly communication. If you have an item you’d like to submit for a future issue, please send to Michelle Lizak at michelle.lizak@sprint.com.

Contact VP Membership, Sarah Morrissey, smorrissey@distinctivemeetingsinc.com for more information on Membership Incentives.

New Member
LinkedIn (valid through December 31, 2014)
o Member of MPI LinkedIn Groups
o $50 discount
o Campaign Code: MPILinkedIn2014

Twitter2014 (valid through December 31, 2014)
o Follows MPI on Twitter
o $50 discount
o Campaign Code: Twitter2014

Facebook2014 (valid through December 31, 2014)
o MPI Facebook "fan"
o $50 discount
o Campaign Code: Facebook2014

Vicki Baker
Account Executive, Northern Mid-America Sales
Marriott International
(913) 660-6240
vicki.n.baker@marriott.com

Anthony Truhe

Anthony is Sales Manager at the Harrah’s North Kansas City. He is originally from Topeka, KS, and will be relocating this spring to Kansas City. He "can’t wait to cut down on my daily commute of 150 miles." In 2008, he graduated from Benedictine College in Atchison, KS, and is currently working on his MBA. Anthony loves to golf whenever he can find the free time. His wedding is coming up in July: "We’re officially inside the five-month mark and the days are flying by now."

Janet Gamble-Duff
Senior Marketing Specialist
DST Systems, Inc.
8121 Clearwater Pt.
Parkville, MO 64152
(816) 505-0919
jgamble-duff@dstsytems.com

Lynn Gross, CMP
Director of Operations
Distinctive Meetings
(816) 778-1403
lgross@distinctivemeetingsinc.com

Tracey Kemper, CMP
Communications Resource Manager
Corporate Communications and Brand Stewardship
HNTB Companies
715 Kirk Drive, Kansas City, Missouri 64105
(816) 527-2236
www.hntb.com

Other meeting planners who took KCMPI’s CMP class ... and passed!

• Tanya Lowery, CMP, American Academy of Family Physicians
• Meagan McClain, CMP, American Academy of Family Physicians
• Aubrey Moore, CMP, International Association of Assessing Officers 

If you are interested in more information regarding the CMP certification process, KCMPI’s CMP classes or the test, please contact Lorie Salts, CMP, at lsalts@helmsbriscoe.com.

In the latest edition of Collaborate (MPI magazine) Jeanne Burris was recognized as an Industry Leader (see page 16).






Congratulations to Kurt Dietz on his new position as National Sales Manager – Large Group for Caesars Entertainment. After spending nearly 10 years with Marriott International, Kurt has joined Caesars Entertainment Corporation. His main responsibilities will be focused on Las Vegas and Atlantic City hotels. Kurt will continue to reside with his family in Kansas City while providing an in-market presence and point-of-contact for Caesars Entertainment customers based in Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. He is very excited for this new venture and looks forward to continued partnerships with fellow KCMPI members. Kurt can be reached at (702) 236-5531 or at kdietz@caesars.com. KCMPI wishes you all the best, Kurt!

Congratulations to Maria R. Davis, CMP, on her new role as director, meetings and partner relations for the Missouri REALTORS, a not-for-profit association based in Columbia, MO. Maria has more than 20 years experience in local and international hotel/resort sales and operations and customer service. Her new role involves managing all meetings/events for the association. In addition, Maria will also be responsible for implementing the association’s sponsorship program and identifying business opportunities for the association. She will also be a staff liaison for certain groups within Missouri REALTORS. KCMPI wishes you all the best, Maria!

Congratulations to the Coates family on the arrival of their twins December 5 at 8:50 a.m. at 35 weeks!

Congratulations to the Bauer family on the arrival of Brock Gregory Bauer born December 27 to Rob and Andrea Bauer.  Baby Brock weighs 7lbs 12oz.  and is 20.6 inches long. Rob, Andrea and Brock are doing well!

Congratulations to the Hoy family on the arrival of Baby Jens, born at 8:44 a.m. on January 6, one of the coldest days on record (-10).  Baby Jens weighs 7 lbs. 7oz. and is 20.5 inches long.  Shana, Jens and Jason are all doing great!