You Asked, We Answered

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In December 2010 the KCMPI board of directors sent out a needs assessment, and here is how we have responded to your needs.

99% of respondents said education is an important element of your MPI membership. We received 17 topic suggestions and have planned programs on the following 11 topics:

• Contract negotiating (December 2011)
• Networking Tips (April 2012)
• Entertainment (March 2012, including a talent showcase)
• New Trends (F&B and Mobil Aps at PEC May 2012)
• AV Trends (March 2011)
• Budgeting and tips on saving money (PEC May 2011)
• Risk Management (PEC May 2012)
• Managing stress (PEC May 2011)
• Etiquette (April 2011)
• Industry Challenges (PEC May 2011)

90% of respondents said that networking is an important element of your MPI membership. We have hosted or will host the following networking events:

• Awards Banquet (June 2011)
• Dine Around (September 2011)
• Field 2 Table (September 2011)
• Membership Reception (March 2011 and November 2011)
• Holiday Party (January 2012)
• 30th Anniversary Party (June 2012)

You asked for continued communications via:

• Website – The website committee has been working on updating the current website and it will launch this spring.
• Newsletter – The newsletter committee has worked hard to collect industry relevant articles as well as updates on our members such as weddings, births, job changes and awards.
• Printed Membership Directory – The directory committee has committed to three more years of a printed directory and works each year to update all of the information.

94% of respondents said the golf tournament is not important, so we are not having one this year.

You asked if we could have events on days other than Thursday. This year we had events on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays so that those who cannot attend events on one day of the week can come to events on others throughout the year.

Sponsors asked for more recognition at monthly events. We added a special section to announcements to recognize all sponsors of that event and we created a PowerPoint to play during registration to showcase our sponsors.

In addition to these initiatives the 2011-12 board of directors has accomplished much more, here are a few highlights from our year so far.

Communication

• In conjunction with the MPI campaign "I am MPI and I love what we do," the KCMPI chapter launched a similar campaign and has featured local members sharing their story with us on the website and newsletters.

Finance

• Maintaining a balanced budget without raising program fees in spite of lowered membership and reduced funding from MPI headquarters.
• Audit committee reviewed the budget and gave the board several great ideas to focus on the long-term solvency and continued success of the chapter.

Leadership

• Enhanced the Leader of the Quarter initiative by creating a leadership incentive program where one lucky winner will receive a complimentary registration to WEC in St. Louis in July 2012.

Membership

• Launched an affiliate membership program where MPI members from other chapters can be members of our chapter as well.
• Is currently working on a survey to our seasoned members to look for new ways to increase engagement and strengthen our education sessions.
• Hosted an annual membership reception and auction exceeding their budgeted revenue for the year.
• Has welcomed 13 new members to the chapter since July 2011.

Programs

• In 2011-12 will host six educational programs including our annual Professional Education Conference.
• September's Field 2 Table event was attended by 75 people representing a broad range of the Kansas City community and raised more than $5,000 for the chapter budget. Featured in the September October issue of MPI’s One + magazine, KCMPI was recognized for our commitment to educating members and fellow citizens about sustainability and events.
• Our committee is creating a 30th anniversary celebration event in June 2012.
• KCMPI Past Presidents host an annual educational program with a focus on communication and sharing experiences. 

Fundraising and Community Service

• The chapter raised $500 with a fall 2011 fundraiser selling tickets to a Chiefs game. What a fun way to raise money and have fun with our fellow chapter members.
• The board of directors adopted a family at ReStart for Christmas.
• The chapter collected gloves at the January After Holiday Reception.

In March 2012 MPI headquarters will send you a chapter satisfaction survey. Excellent results from this survey often result in rewards for the chapters to pass on to their members such as membership renewal, WEC registrations, and speakers for events.

We ask you to:

• Take a few minutes to answer the survey and let us know how we are doing.
• Remember all of the great things the chapter and board of directors has accomplished in the past year.
• Rate us as high as you feel comfortable, so we can pass on the rewards to our members.

In hospitality,

Shana Hoy, CMP
2011-12 President - KCMPI

HUSCH BLACKWELL, LLP
4801 Main Street, Suite 1000
Kansas City, MO 64112
Direct:  816-983-8809
Fax:  816-983-8080
Shana.Hoy@huschblackwell.com