Name: Cathy Ewing CMP
Title: President
Company: Cathy Ewing Event Consulting LLC
Membership Years: Since 1994
Being a meeting professional is a wonderful career. You know what I mean... All your friends are envious of your exotic travel destination, lavish cuisine and road warrior experiences. No matter how many times I’ve explained the complexity of my programs, it falls on deaf ears and their eyes glaze over seeing palm trees and sandy beaches.
We all know that as meeting managers we do so much more than the title indicates. We are constantly increasing our meeting knowledge and striving for "event perfection". That is where I applaud Kansas City Meeting Professionals International! Thank you for providing educational programs that allowed me to elevate and develop my career as a corporate planner. I can honestly say MPI changed my life in so many ways. MPI is an invaluable tool if used correctly. Don’t just join - be an active member on a committee – the more you invest of yourself the more you reap the benefits of this organization.
Since 1994, my membership needs really changed over the years – from planner to having my own firm. MPI has grown with me and continues to supply recommendations in the industry that I can consult and connect with around the world. Whether it’s a hotel contract, insurance, or a supplier in another city or country, people in our industry are so friendly and outgoing – it’s one of the genes we all have in common. MPI is a great organization and the Kansas City is the best chapter – I’m so proud to be a longtime member and past president.
Name: Belinda Waldo
Title: Midwest Director of Sales
Company: Associated Luxury Hotels International
Membership Years: Since 1991 (21-year member)
I will never forget my first KCMPI meeting. At the time I was living in Dallas and was in Kansas City for sales calls, the meeting was at the NCAA offices (which has since moved to Indiana). I met Gwen Knight and Alton Hagen and they were my welcoming committee to Kansas City and KCMPI. I cherish their friendships to this day along with many of the friends I have made along the way due to KCMPI.
We are all blessed to be in this industry, I absolutely love what I do and the company I work for. KCMPI has opened so many doors for me both personally and professionally. However I must say you have to get involved to get these doors to open. The Kansas City Chapter has many long term dedicated and loyal members, for the newer members take advantage of the experience and knowledge of these individuals and reach out to them.
Thank you KCMPI for the education and networking you have provided all these years!