KCMPI Times

The Newsletter of Meeting Professionals
International Kansas City Chapter (KCMPI)
KCMPI Times
May-June 2006
Message from the President
by Jill Quinn
Dear KCMPI Members,
This is the last column I will write as your
President and I wanted to take this
opportunity to thank all of you for your
support this past year. It has been a fast
year and I am honored to have served
such a great chapter. I particularly want to
thank the Board of Directors, Committee
Chairs, Past Presidents and the
volunteers who served on committees
throughout the year. I sincerely appreciate
your hard work and dedication to KCMPI.
Creating Sensational Events
That Sizzle
by Regine Scheck-Seberger
The Kansas City Chapter of Meeting
Professionals International is excited to
welcome Richard Aaron to Deer Creek
Golf Club on May 18th.
Stage innovative special events which
build the element of surprise into each
one. Hear the hottest themes designed
to WOW and match the challenges to
bring excitement. Award winning event
producer
Richard Aaron brings this
presentation alive as he identifies the
As we look forward, I am filled with
confidence and excitement about the year hot new trends and the freshest ideas
to help you weave these concepts into
ahead. Our leaders have been working
diligently to plan for the coming year, look your planning. You will leave this
session inspired with the latest vivid
for new ways to build on our successes
ideas in how to work more closely with
and continue to strengthen our chapter.
suppliers in building a team.
Our 2006-07 Board of Directors led by
incoming President, Tanya Zuckerman,
CMP, is talented and committed to the
future of KCMPI. I encourage all members
to get involved in the chapter and
consider participating in leadership roles.
Richard Aaron CMP, CSEP has been
called “The Event Guru” by Meeting
News Magazine, “A Visionary” by
Events Solution Magazine and “The
Impresario of Ideas” by Special Event
Magazine truly establishing him as one
of the most respected names in the
I hope you will plan to join us on June 6
meeting and event industries. Richard
th
for the Awards Dinner and 25
currently serves as president of BiZAnniversary Celebration. I look forward to Bash Media, founded in March 2001,
honoring our outstanding chapter leaders and as president of ISEF (International
and commemorating a quarter century in Special Event Foundation) overseeing
industry scholarships. BiZBash hosts
Kansas City. It will be a great time to
connect with your KCMPI family, toast the tradeshows, publishes magazines and
operates a dynamic website covering
past and look to the future.
the New York event scene. Prior to this
Many, many thanks for a great year!!
Richards produced thousands of
events for corporations and associations nationwide as president of
Jill Quinn
Mallory Factor Inc. Having received
President
numerous awards and having served
on several advisory boards, Richard is
WANTED:
a sought after lecturer at industry conInternship Opportunities
ferences. He also teaches event manNeed help? Short on volunteers?
agement and event marketing as an
Students majoring in HRM and Meeting associate professor at New York UniPlanning-related courses are looking for versities’ Hospitality School.
hands-on opportunities. If you have
internship opportunities within your
company or hotel, please contact the
Membership Committee – Student
Program: Maria Davis at
mdavis@theresortatportarrowhead.com
2005-2006 Officers
Jill Quinn, President
Jeanne Burris, Immediate Past
dent
Presi-
Tanya Zuckerman, CMP, President Elect
Patti Gaughan, CMP, VP of
Communications
Diane Wolfe, CMP, VP of Finance
Sherie Howell CMP, VP of Education
and Programs
2005-2006 Directors
Brad Plumb, CMP
Bob Easton
Inge Hafkemeyer
Miya Macken, CMP
Cynthia Patterson, CMP
Vanessa Kane, CMP
Chapter Administrator
Cheryle Grinter
Inside this issue:
President’s Message
1
CELEBRATE IN SILVER
awards banquet
2
Student and Faculty Profiles 3
KCMPI Educational
Conference pictures
4
KCMPI Educational
Make time and join us for lunch on
Conference reviews
th
Thursday, May 18 at Deer Creek Golf
Club, our host for the day’s activities!
Student Activities
5
Walk the Block recap
6
6
Page 2
Networking & Meeting New Friends
by Miya Macken, CMP
The Webster House provided the perfect setting to
Celebrate in Silver!
by Toni Maderia
network, meet new friends and just have FUN! On
Tuesday, March 28, the Member Care committee
hosted a complimentary networking reception for
KCMPI members, potential members and friends. The
event was a roaring success with approximately 100
people in attendance.
Mark your calendars for June 6th. This year’s annual
awards event is about recognizing the outstanding
contributions that our members have made to the
Kansas City chapter and meeting professionals
industry. However, this year is special, we will
CELEBRATE IN SILVER. It is the 25th Anniversary of the
The elegance and charm of the Webster House echoed Kansas City MPI chapter.
a welcome unlike any other venue. It is a unique
The Radisson Hotel – Lenexa/Overland Park is
location that offers private function space and public
sponsoring this year’s event. The evening will begin
dining for lunch. The Special Event Sales Manager,
with a reception and cash bar along with background
Kathy Done, was a wonderful host and sponsor for the music performed by the Bill Meynier and Wes Knowles
event. The attendees enjoyed complimentary beer and duo. The awards program will take place during a
wine at the historic bar, while an impressive array of
leisurely dinner. Wine will be complimentary with our
hors d’oeuvres were served in an adjacent room.
wonderful meal, thanks to Troy Keenan and Standard
As attendees arrived they were greeted by members of Beverage Corporation. The program will conclude with
the introductions of our KCMPI Board for 2006-2007
the Member Care committee and Board members.
and induction of the new officers.
They were presented a complimentary Starbucks gift
card and a warm welcome. As they proceeded upstairs Not only will we recognize our award winners that night,
they could take in the elegant décor and historic
but our Member Program Attendance prize drawing will
ambience of the Webster House.
be held. Three grand prizes will be given away for the
members attending the most programs during the
Registration provided a name tag as well as an ice
breaker for attendees to mingle. Each attendee had a 2005-2006 year and an outstanding year it has been.
“word” on the back of their name tag which would
“match or partner” with someone else’s name tag.
Examples of the matches were: “salt & pepper”, “Ross
& Rachel”, or “Sonny & Cher.” Attendees were asked
to mingle and find their match during the evening.
Jill Davis, Member Care Committee Chair, and Miya
Macken, CMP, Member Care Director, were emcees
for the event. They also gave away many gift card
prizes during the evening. The ice breaker game
provided some of the prizes winners. Tickets were
given out at registration which produced more prize
winners. Jill and Miya also tested the audience with
some fun questions like: “Who has the most pets?”,
“Who is the most recent KCMPI member?”, etc. Once
they located an answer to the questions, guess what,
they gave away another gift card.
The evening was a fun, relaxed way to get to know
each other better and build wonderful relationships.
We wish to thank the Webster House for their gracious
hospitality and sponsorship.
Buy
MPI!
Please join us as we recognize our honored award
winners, nominees, contributors, and sponsors as we
CELEBRATE IN SILVER!
Building Blocks To Excellence
KCMPI Education Programs
2006 Calendar
May 18, 2006
Lunch: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Golf: 1:30-4:00 p.m.
The Building Blocks of Special Event Planning
Deer Creek Country Club
June 6, 2006
Reception/Cash Bar: 5:30 p.m.
Seating for Dinner: 6:45 p.m.
Dinner and Ceremony: 7:00 p.m.
CELEBRATE IN SILVER
Radisson-Lenexa/Overland Park
Student Profile
Faculty Profile
Name: Jackie Gaughan
Name: Julie A. Hosmer
University: University of Missouri-Columbia
(Mizzou)
University: University of Missouri –
Columbia
Course: Communication and Sociology with
a minor in Hotel and Restaurant Management
Department Name: Hotel & Restaurant
Management
Year of Graduation: May, 2007
Describe your Dream Job: Special Event planner in a major
city.
Favorite Summer Job: Dive Coach for Blue Hills Country Club
Least favorite Job: Filing papers at a law firm University Club
Memberships: Mizzou Meeting Planners Association
(MMPA), Pi Beta Phi sorority, PR Club, STRIPES sober
driving program, Student Organization Allocation Committee,
Circle K International
Hobbies/ Interests: Working out, being outside, trying and
learning new things, traveling everywhere I can, hanging out
with friends, and taking pictures.
Page 3
Subjects Taught: Human Resources, Conference & Event
Planning, Special Events, Professional Development, Casino
Management, and Introduction to Hospitality Management
Student Body size: 385
Years in Position: 4.5
Previous Jobs Held: Director of Human Resources at Adams
Mark Hotel St. Louis, Staffing Manager for Taco Bell
Hobbies/ Interests: Riding my motorcycle is my favorite
hobby. I am completing War College (I am a member of the
Army National Guard) as well as my Ph.D. in Communications so by default they have become my hobbies.
Professional Affiliations: CHRIE for Hospitality Educators
Internships taken (if any): I’m currently looking for one right
now for this summer.
In your opinion, what can KCMPI do to encourage Student
participation/involvement in the local Chapter? Invite them.
Give them responsibility. Make events affordable – student’s
definition of affordable.
In your opinion, what can KCMPI do to encourage Student
participation/involvement in the local Chapter? Tell us about
your events!!!! Students are itching to get involved and would
LOVE to volunteer or help out in any way we can !!!
In your opinion, what can KCMPI do to encourage Faculty
participation/involvement in the local Chapter? Keep faculty
informed of events. Pass along any research opportunities
that will benefit both parties.
Professional Affiliations: Student member of KCMPI
Page 4
Education Conference at a Glance
Jill Quinn, KCMPI President welcomes
conference attendees
Janice McClain and Rick Weaver provided lots of information
and many laughs as emcees
Kitty Ratcliffe, VP of Sales and Marketing
for the New Orleans Convention and
Visitors Authority spoke about New
Orleans and crisis management
Kansas City Convention and Visitors
Authority exhibited in the exhibit hall and
presented the “new” look for Kansas City
in their booth
Students from K-State we acknowledge
and invited on stage during the opening
general session
Brenda Ridgnal wins a gift basket
during a prize drawing
Marketplace for planners
Fabulous panel and breakout sessions!
Amazing ice sculpture at the
reception sponsored by Sheraton
Overland Park Hotel
Eric Harshbarger reveals the Lego
mosaic of the Downtown Kansas
City Library
Interactive supplier session
Attending the Kansas City Chapter Education
Conference
by Brenda Ridgnal
Page 5
Kansas City Chapter Educational Conference
Comments
From embracing relationships to building solid partnerships, it
is all relative in the lives of planners and suppliers. The 2006
MPI Educational Conference was a motivating reminder that
building relationship currency is crucial to maintaining lifelong
partnerships.
As Kitty Ratcliffe so eloquently spoke of the Katrina disaster
in New Orleans, she also shared the fascinating experience
of having solid partnerships that survived the storm. While
many events required immediate relocation; those with future
dates maintained their loyalty and commitment to the city of
New Orleans. As we are reminded that time is pressure and
time is precious, we must be sensitive to the human element
of our business.
As we honor relationships we must seek to embrace a variety
of cultures and diversity of our clients. We should strive to
speak the same language through the art of negotiation; as it
is critical for planners to properly communicate the needs of
their clients, while suppliers need to have the presence of
mind to anticipate client needs based on the nature of the
program.
We were inspired by the challenge to create relationship
currency by acquiring positive reputation capital, and building
professional net worth. As a result we develop new skill sets,
build a discipline follow-up plan and capitalize on diverse
relationships. Realizing that everyday we are surrounded by
pivotal relationships that shape our lives.
The unveiling of the Lego mosaic was a perfect
demonstration of how a million little pieces, cohesively set
together by planners and suppliers can result in a beautiful
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this year’s
Educational Conference. The KCMPI chapter is one of
the best in the country. You all did such an outstanding
job of putting together two days of great education,
networking opportunities and FUN.
Rick and Janice were more entertaining than Pat and
Vanna. All of the Keynote Speakers were very interesting,
and so diverse.
The educational sessions were some of the best I have
ever attended in my 23 years of being in this business.
Most importantly, coming in from Chicago, it is the people
of the Kansas City Chapter that are always so friendly
and welcoming. I truly feel I had a great opportunity for
“Building Partnerships”.
Congratulations to all involved on such a successful
event.
Tyrie James
Krisam Group
What a wonderful job the committee did with the
Ed Con. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of
it! I really enjoyed my part and look forward to the
next opportunity to work together.
Janice McClain, CMP
J McClain and Associates
Thank you so much for the opportunity to work
with you on the KCMPI Ed Con.
Rick Weaver
Lifeteacher.com
Thank you for putting on the amazing conference.
That has been the most helpful and influential
thing I have experienced throughout my 5 years
at KSU.
Makenzie Smith
K-State Student
Many thanks for all your hard work and
dedication on the Ed Con. It was a great
conference and the committee did a fabulous
job.
Jill Quinn
KCMPI President
Once again, great job on the KCMPI event
last week.
Susan Tatalick
Orlando/Orange County Convention &
Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part
of your Educational Conference. I really had a
great time meeting everyone and being able to
present two programs.
Colleen Rickenbacher, CMP, CSEP
Colleen Rickenbacher, Inc.
Gwen Knight, CMP Enlightens KSU Meeting
Industry Students
by Maria Davis
Page 6
Walk the Block: Downtown Renaissance
by Karen Hoch
February 21, 2006, Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS
was graced with Gwen Knight’s presence through her presentation about Meeting Planning. Gwen spoke to more than 4050 student members of the Hospitality Management Society
and the Public Relations Student Society of America.
KCMPI’s March program Walk the Block: Downtown
Renaissance was extremely well attended by more than 80
planners, suppliers and guests. The first stop was a visit at
the Cordish Company to view their models of the ‘future’
downtown Kansas City, as well as to see the construction in
progress from their 13th floor location in Town Pavilion.
She covered topics such as “What is a Meeting Planner”
“Different Types of Meeting Planners” “Why we need to know Presentations were given by Margaret Doughty, a
representative of the Cordish Company; John Robinson,
who they are and what they do”, etc. Gwen also took stacks
Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism; and Rick
of trade journals which she shared with the students and
emphasized how important it was to “read, read, read…” and Hughes, President & CEO of the Kansas City Convention and
Visitors Association. Each of the speakers provided their
stay up-to-date on Industry trends no matter how much
perspective on the development project and how it will overall
experience a planner has. Membership and participation in
affect meeting professionals and the tourism industry in
trade organizations such as MPI was also greatly
general.
emphasized.
Gwen noted that majority of the male students were focused
on the Food Service Industry while majority of the female
students were focused on Event Planning. A big thank you to
Gwen Knight for sharing your experience with the future
workforce of the Industry !
Those who were brave enough to face the wind ‘walked the
block’ with Rick Hughes to the newly renovated Hilton
President Kansas City where a fabulous spread of
hors d’eouvres greeted us. After enjoying ample food and
cocktails, the friendly Hilton President sales staff took groups
for tours through their historic property.
A huge thank you to our sponsors: The Hilton President
Kansas City, The Cordish Company, and Overland Limousine
by Miya Macken, CMP
Service who provided the shuttle transportation between the
The KCMPI student program has been growing this year. We two venues.
should offer many thanks to Maria Davis for taking on this
effort through the Member Care Committee. Maria has been
diligent in contacting universities and faculty. She has been
spreading the word about KCMPI and the benefits to the
student population as well as to university curriculum.
College of the Ozarks Invites KCMPI Members
Through Maria’s contacts she has been approached about
to be “Professors For A Day”
KCMPI attending various university career fairs and sharing
by Maria R. Davis
information with students. Miya Macken, CMP and Kari
Ziblut, CMP attended the Kansas State University career fair March 7, 2006, Scott Doonan (Tan-Tar-A Resort) and myself
on February 16 and hosted a booth on behalf of KCMPI.
had the opportunity to become “Professors For A Day” at The
Approximately 35 exhibitors attended the career fair from a
Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO.
wide range of companies. Traditionally the fair has been an
The day started with lunch at the student-run Dobyns
event students can attend to secure internships for the
Restaurant which we enjoyed with Jerry Shackette coming summer. Therefore, the attendance of a KCMPI
Associate Professor/HRM Program, Christina Burgess – The
booth was little different to the format.
Keeter Center/ Event Coordinator, Meredith Schlup –
Many students visited the KCMPI booth and learned how the President/ HRM Society, and 5 HRM students.
KSU Career Fair
organization could help them prepare for a career in the event
industry. They were given insight on how involvement could
enhance their resume and give them real world experience.
The benefits of surrounding themselves with professionals
who already work in the industry are endless. Most of the
students were not aware of KCMPI and were very interested
in “what the organization could do for them.” They were also
interested to learn about how they could give back to the
organization by being involved in programs and committees.
Essentially they were able to see how benefits and
relationship building occurs on both sides of the coin.
Students that show an interest or pursue a major in the
events industry represent the future. As members of KCMPI,
it is our responsibility to help nurture and support our future.
Please help support our student program efforts by offering a
warm welcome at a meeting, inviting a student to attend a
program or helping host a career fair.
After lunch, we made a presentation to 45 students and
faculty members. Scott and I shared information on topics
such as how we got started, length of time in the industry, job
responsibilities, what a “typical” day was like for a hotel/resort
Sales Manager, what makes our industry different from other
Industries, benefits of being actively involved in industry
associations, and words of wisdom for students starting in
the industry.
Information was also shared about KCMPI along with its
membership benefits to students. A big thank you to Mr.
Jerry Shackette, at the College of the Ozarks who provided
this opportunity. To learn more about The Keeter Center and
the College of the Ozarks, go to www.cofo.edu and
www.keetercenter.edu.