MPIKC Times

MPI - Kansas City Chapter

February 2016
Hilton President Kansas City
Camden on the Lake - Toad Cove Entertainment Complex
The Lodge of Four Seasons
President's Message

It’s been a year since Karen Hoch left for Boston and I was installed as the President. Time has flown; it has been a good year with more than plenty to do and manage. Thank goodness for such a great Board that I’ve been blessed to work with. Only about 6 months left in my extended term and we have been thinking and planning for the next year already. Here are some points to know:

 1.    We just finished our Mid-year Retreat hosted so kindly by the Old Kinderhook Lodge.
        Tara and Holly from MPI were great at leading us and training us. A big thank you to
        Gayla Welsh, Director of Group Sales at the Old Kinderhook Lodge!
 
2.    Event Cancelations: We take every event that we plan very seriously, with a large
       amount of planning and work going into each one. If inclement weather is about to
       happen, our most immediate concern is for the safety of our membership and all 
       registrants. Our January meeting was one of these that we felt was prudent to postpone.
       With it being a breakfast meeting it was felt that there was a high probability of slick and
       maybe dangerous streets. It was my decision to make and I felt it was what was best for
       all. I apologize to all for the late notice of the postponement but the weather did not
       happen nice and early in the morning, but rather late in the day. I hope that all of you will
       come out to the rescheduled meeting on Feb. 17.
 
3.    The 2016-17 Slate of Board of Directors will be coming to you. MPI has changed the way
       these are selected, but basically the Nominating Committee works to select the slate, it is
       then sent to the current Board to approve, and then that slate is sent to the membership.
       The membership does not have to do anything unless you disagree with any person
       serving on theBoard. You will have a period of time to send your position to the current
       Board. I think you will be very satisfied with the new Board.
 
4.    We have a full Spring with plenty of events to educate and to enjoy. Don’t forget the
       Catering Showcase, the PEC, the Awards Banquet, plus the After 5 and Bingo events.
       Check the web site, www.kcmpi.org, for dates, etc.
 
Only about 5 more months of having the privilege of serving KCMPI as your President. It is not too late to let me know any concerns you may have, or suggestions. We work for you and appreciate all your feedback. Have a wonderful day!
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Phil Allemang, CAS
President
 
Editor's Note

Time Flies


As I was entering the information into this edition of the Newsletter, I was pretty surprised to see my name in the 20 years column of anniversaries. That means I've been doing this career thing called "Meeting Planning" for 21 years. I stumbled into it by accident and am so glad I did. It's been an amazing journey so far.

Whether I was in my first year or my 21st, I must say it's been one of the most rewarding outlets of creativity, blood, sweat, and tears I could ever have had the pleasure of enduring. I hope if you're in this crazy hospitality industry you feel the same way!

 Here's to another 15 or so more years of the same!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caprice Caster, CMP

 
Awards & Recognition
From 21 years to 1 – check out who we're celebrating!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/kcm-nwl/articles/index-v9.asp?aid=361978&issueID=44053 to view the full article online.

 
St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission
Event Recaps

 

TOP GOLF - FEBRUARY 3, 2016  


We partied on at the KCMPI Membership Appreciation Reception at Topgolf on February 3rd, with many of our members staying past the original end time because everyone was having so much fun! Despite the cold weather, the large heat lamps and heated seats on the driving deck  along with a little vino — kept all the golfers nice and warm. There was great music, great food and great company and a chance for KCMPI to give thanks to our wonderful members. The night was closed out with our own Shari Hockenbery winning $100 from the 50/50 raffle!

Check out Topgolf for your next event, the staff is amazing!
 
Upcoming Events
This KCMPI fundraising event is open to non-members, so bring your co-workers, friends and family.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/kcm-nwl/articles/index-v9.asp?aid=361980&issueID=44053 to view the full article online.

 

2016 Catering & Restaurant Showcase


By: Corey Ringh

Mark your calendar for the Kansas City metropolitan area’s premier catering event of the year, being held at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) on Monday, May 16 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The 4th Annual Catering & Restaurant Showcase is hosted by JCCC and sponsored by KCMPI. This unique networking event is a perfect opportunity for restaurant management, caterers, florists, and hospitality industry suppliers and planners to rub elbows and explore a myriad of business opportunities. Participants will be treated to a variety of different food and drink samples provided by some of the area’s most sought-after restaurants and catering companies, so plan on skipping lunch and joining us for the day!

 An education program led by Janis Kliethermes, President of Etiquette Kansas City, will be held from 10:00-11:15 am in Room 145 in the Hospitality Culinary Academy at JCCC. The topic of this year’s educational program, "Dining: Why Deals are Made & Lost at the Table," will provide insight on how to ensure the best possible outcome when entertaining clients. It’s not just about the plates and forks! As busy professionals, many of us entertain clients all the time. We know the importance of a successful business dinner and how it must go perfectly! Janis will share the keys to achieving just that in order to build stronger customer relationships to improve your business. The education session will begin at 10:00 am at Johnson County Community College, followed by the delightful food samples of the best area caterers and restaurants.

 The 2015 Showcase closed to rave reviews about the opportunity to network with peers and taste great food. By attending as a guest or participating as a vendor, you can take advantage of all the benefits this popular event has to offer. Registration for both vendors and attendees is will be opening soon and can be accessed at http://kcmpi.org.

 Testimonial:

 "We participated in the Restaurant & Catering Showcase and it was a great way to get the word out about The Bistro, our new restaurant at the Courtyard as well as all of the new updates to our hotels in Shawnee, the Hampton Inn and the Courtyard! The traffic flow was excellent and we were able to introduce ourselves to many new customers and other vendors who attended the show. We will definitely participate in the Showcase again next year!" said JoLynn Brosnan, Director of Sales, Courtyard Marriott Shawnee and Hampton Inn Shawnee.

 
Career Development

 Job Bank

Event Coordinator Husch Blackwell LLP

Partner Opportunity, The Meetings Concierge

 

You can always find the latest postings at www.kcmpi.org

Have an opening? Post it here!  

 

 

 
Campus Notes
Member Profiles
New members for January and December

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/kcm-nwl/articles/index-v9.asp?aid=361986&issueID=44053 to view the full article online.

 
Meet Bibs N. Fletcher, CMP

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/kcm-nwl/articles/index-v9.asp?aid=363210&issueID=44053 to view the full article online.

 
This is a new program KCMPI has instituted to recognize members who have gone above and beyond! These individuals are chosen by the Board and have been recognized at our monthly meetings.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/kcm-nwl/articles/index-v9.asp?aid=364288&issueID=44053 to view the full article online.

 
News & Notes
Corey Ringh, VP of Communications welcomes newest family member

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/kcm-nwl/articles/index-v9.asp?aid=361988&issueID=44053 to view the full article online.

 
Share your great news with KCMPI!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/kcm-nwl/articles/index-v9.asp?aid=361989&issueID=44053 to view the full article online.