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JOIN IN ON A CHAPTER EVENT!The Heartland Chapter offers educational and idea exchanges on a regular basis. Please take the time to check out our calendar of upcoming events on the website. In addition to offering excellent educational programming, these meetings also offer an outstanding opportunity for networking with other industry professionals. We look forward to seeing you soon!

GET HOOKED UP WITH SOCIAL MEDIA!The PCMA Heartland Chapter now has groups setup in both LinkedIn and Facebook. If you are a member of either (or both) please join us! If you aren’t a member sign-up! We have started posting discussion items to LinkedIn and hope to have as many members as possible participating. We look forward to you being a part of taking our chapter communication to a whole new level!

GET INVOLVED ON A COMMITTEE!One of the biggest benefits of your PCMA membership is the people you will meet! And, the more involved you are in the chapter, the more people you’ll meet! So consider joining one of several committees, and volunteer for a community service activity that provides an environment of networking and fun, while giving back to the community. Contact Vicki Comegys at vcomegys@desmoinescvb.com to get more information on the committees that PCMA offers!

STAY IN THE KNOW WITH THE CHAPTER NEWSLETTER! The Heartland Chapter publishes its own newsletter, The Heartland Beat, 3 times per year. Take a look at the Heartland Beat tab on the website for copies of recent newsletters. Would you like to advertise or get involved with producing the Heartland Beat? Do you have something you would like to include in the next issue? Contact Jennifer Bergsieker, Communications Chair at jennifer.bergsieker@fourseasons.com.

Getting the most of your PCMA Heartland Chapter MembershipBy: Jennifer Bergsieker, Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis

Are you a new member to the Heartland Chapter in 2012 and want to get the most of your membership?

Are you an existing member that has not taken advantage of what your membership has to offer?

We’ve all been there. You filled out the necessary paperwork, finally submitted your application for membership, paid your dues and now you are a new or renewed member of the PCMA Heartland Chapter!

CONGRATULATIONS! NOW WHAT???Take a look at the various ways that you can get the most of your membership below!! We look forward to hearing from you!

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2012 Heartland Chapter Board of DirectorsPRESIDENT Mary Ryan Convention Sales Manager Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

PAST PRESIDENT Robin O’Connor Director of Sales and Services Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau

PRESIDENT-ELECT Vicki Comegys Vice President of Sales & Services Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau

TREASURERRonda Vaughn, CMP Director of Meeting Services Optimist International

SECRETARY Marilyn Koehler Director of National Accounts Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau

DIRECTORS Joe TuckerExposition Management, Inc(thru 12/31/12)

Sherie L. Howell, CMP, CMM Conference Manager A-S-K Associates, Inc. (thru 12/31/12)

Amy Harper, CMP Senior Meeting Planner National Association of Insurance Commissioners (thru 12/31/12)

Kristen Kimbrel, CMP Sr. Meeting Planner American Academy of Family Physicians (thru 12/31/13)

Jennifer Lion, CMP Meeting & Event Manager Experient (thru 12/31/13)

Rose DuemingAssociate Director, ConventionsAmerican Optometric Association(thru 12/31/13)

CONTACT INFORMATION heartland.chapter@pcma.org

913.402.7102

President’s MessageBy: Mary Ryan, Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association

It’s hard to believe that 2012 is upon us and my PCMA Presidency term is in full swing. I cannot begin my term as President without extending a special thank you to Robin O’Connor, our 2011 Chapter President. She, her board and committees did a wonderful job and our chapter had one of its most successful years ever.

I am honored to begin my 2012 roll as your Heartland Chapter President. We have a very exciting year in place, full of wonderful educational programs and some new ideas we are rolling out for the first time. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful and dedicated team in place for 2012.

Our program committee is led by Sherie Howell this year. The Program Committee has created a wonderful year of programs. I am particularly excited about our May 7th event at the Holiday

Inn Coco Key Resort. We are planning a half day, hands-on Technology Boot Camp. It will be a wonderful interactive learning session and hopefully technically challenged participants like me will be able to walk away a little savvier in the smartphone world. We have paired this event up with the Hospitality Day at the K. Please plan to make a day of it and join us at the tailgate and baseball game. Help us cheer on our Kansas City Royals against the Boston Red Soxs with all your Heartland friends.

We have secured some wonderful sponsorships and locations for our events, thanks to our fantastic Sponsorship Committee. As we have done for the past few years, we are bringing a few programs on the road. This is a great opportunity to attract some of our membership that does not have the convenience of having Heartland Chapter programs in their area regularly. Please check out all of our programs and dates on the Heartland Chapter website. We are always excited to see new faces and meet new friends at our meetings.

After coming off of a record breaking year for membership last year, we are anxious to see what 2012 will bring. Once again PCMA Headquarters has a competition in place for the member that brings in the most new member recruits. Start recruiting early; it’s always a wonderful prize. You too can be like our very own B Waldo, PCMA 2011’s Membership Drive award winner.

I am most excited about the chapter’s Community Service efforts this year. As in years past we will have the annual Day at the Farm and August Bowl-A-Thon. Every year in November PCMA has a Service and Sync community service week. The Heartland Chapter is putting a new twist to this event this year. We are asking our members to submit a community service project for a charity or organization that they would like for the Chapter to select as our Service and Sync project this year. The Community Service committee will select a winner from the applications and the member will work directly with the committee for this event. You will find more information on this in the newsletter; we have already received some wonderful submissions.

The Emerging Leaders, Awards and Scholarships, and Communications committees are off and running and have a busy year planned. The Awards and Scholarship committee did a fantastic job with the awards for 2011, at the Awards and Installation dinner in January. Congratulations to all of our winners. Our Emerging Leaders committee will continue their involvement with our student chapter at Kansas State University. We are always looking to expand our student chapters to area Universities, so any suggestions or ideas are greatly appreciated. This newsletter, in fact, would not be possible if it was not for our wonderful Communications committee. The Communications committee’s collaboration of volunteers that submit topic suggestions, articles and photos are instrumental in how we receive information about our chapter and our membership. I’m sure they would welcome any personal photos, topic suggestions, or inspiring writers that would love to donate their talents.

My goal for 2012 is to increase membership involvement and encourage our younger members to volunteer and grow into our chapter’s future leaders. As you can see we have an exciting year planned for 2012. I would love to have everyone make a commitment to get a little more involved in the Heartland Chapter this year. All of our committees would welcome volunteers, no matter how much or how little time you have. Or, if volunteering is not possible, please come out and join us at our events. We would love to see you. Please feel free to even invite a possible new member or current member that we have not seen for a while to join you. We have a wonderful little chapter and fantastic members, I look forward to serving as your president and a successful 2012.

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Welcome New Members!Inge K. Hafkemeyer Account Manager & PlannerADI Meetings & Events

Emma J. Leighton Director of Education and Meetings American Society of Clinical Hypnosis

Peggy A. Pryor, CMP Senior Meeting PlannerSociety of Exploration Geophysicists

Margie Marble Director of SalesDes Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau

Aubrey Branch Director of Meetings International Association of Assessing Officers

Shura A .Garnett, CFEGeneral Manager/Regional Vice PresidentSt. Charles Convention Center/Global Spectrum

Pam Grisafe Director of Business Development MeetingTrack Inc.

Amy Vanderwell StudentKansas State University

Mark Rath Supervisor of Convention SalesOmaha Convention & Visitors Bureau

Jori M. Graf StudentKansas State University

Donna Veatch Managing MemberThe Donna Veatch Group

Kerry L Kerr Manager, Global AccountsHelmsBriscoe

Tara Houx Sales Manager Global Spectrum

Jessica Dotson Sales & Marketing ManagerAGENDA: Kansas City, Inc.

Priscilla Noland Senior Meeting PlannerSociety of Teachers of Family Medicine

Heather M. Chatlos Conference & Events SpecialistAAPA

Tonja Britt Meeting PlannerApplied Measurement Professionals

Barbara L. Tanner Meeting PlannerApplied Measurement Professionals

Melinda J Souders, CMPVP Sales and Operations - Event ManagerPartners In Planning

Ashley M. Broockerd Director, National EventsNational Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administration

Judy Kirchmann National Account ManagerConferenceDirect

Bobbi Jo Martin Vice President, MarketingCambridge Investment Research, Inc.

Shelly R. Barmby Meetings CoordinatorNational Association of Insurance Commissioners

Brenda G Shaver Manager of MeetingsAmerican Public Works Association

Dee L. Wolfe Director National Business Development Bartha

Katie Waldrip StudentUniversity of Arkansas

Stephen Baldridge StudentUniversity of Arkansas

2012 Heartland Chapter Committee Chairs

AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPCo-Chair - Lauren Harlan

International Association of Assessing Officers

Co-Chair - Marilyn KoehlerLittle Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau

EMERGING LEADERSChair – Robin O’Connor

Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau

Co-Chair - Kristen Kimbrel, CMPAmerican Academy of Family Physicians

COMMUNICATIONSChair – Jennifer Bergsieker

Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis

COMMUNITY SERVICEChair – Brian Arscott, CMP, CMM

National Association of Insurance Commissioners

Co-Chair – Stephanie DeelMarriott International San Antonio

MEMBERSHIP

Chair – Vicki ComegysDes Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau

PROGRAMSChair – Sheri Howell, CMP, CMM, CGMP

A-S-K Associates, Inc.

SPONSORSHIPChair – Teresa Hellman

Experient, Inc.

PAST PRESIDENT’S TASK FORCECo-Chair - Belinda Waldo

Associated Luxury Hotels International

Co-Chair - Dale Shuter, CMPElectrical Apparatus Service Association

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2012 Convening Leaders Meeting in San Diego - Recap! Convening Leaders Warms the Bones, the Brains and the Heart

By: Maria Arnone, Ascend Integrated Media

Dshiao: Why to attend pcma12 in person: San Diego greets visitors with lots of sunshine and palm trees A few days basking your bones in the sun of San Diego in the depths of winter is never a bad idea, but do you want a better idea? How about basking your brain in the warmth of stimulating company at the same time? PCMA’s annual meeting — Convening Leaders — was a great idea on all counts as more than 3,000 meeting professionals shrugged off the holiday blahs to network with peers, stimulate their imaginations and relax with friends in an environment that was emotionally, intellectually and physically warming Jan. 8-11. Before PCMA officially started, dozens of members gathered at San Diego’s Community Coaching Center, a nonprofit program serving children and adolescents diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, to spiff up the building with fresh paint and art. That warmed yet another part of the anatomy — the heart — a common theme among community-minded members. It continued throughout the meeting with other events, such as the Party With a Purpose on the historic USS Midway, now a naval museum anchored in San Diego Harbor. The party supported the PCMA Education Foundation. Convening Leaders did push work into the brains of attendees, starting with the opening General Session that quickly got to the point — get to the point. Speaker Dr. John Medina cut to the chase: “The human brain processes meaning before it processes detail. It’s never the other way around. You give the full thing first if you want to be successful at information transfer.”

dwheeler11: “Introductions happen in 9 seconds – people now have the same attention span as that of a goldfish” – Sally Hogshead

Other speakers, including Sally Hogshead, told meeting planners that attendees don’t want events purely for education. Instead, attendees “want to fall in love with an idea, with a moment, with an experience,” she said. So, Convening Leaders threw out ideas from every angle, like hockey players launching slap shots at a goalie. Ideas came from general sessions and education sessions. “Optimism is powerful. As soon as you believe that there are opportunities there, opportunities open up. When you don’t and you become pessimistic, your opportunities narrow,” said general session speaker Bert Jacobs, CEO of The Life is good Co. The ideas also came from a huge Learning Lounge that had official and unofficial presentations galore about innovative ways to use technology. More ideas were spread with tweets and numerous hallway conversations.

• “I think the most inspiring thing I learned was in the Opening General Session — the idea of the short presentations. I thought that was fantastic. It really touches on the changing way we’re doing business and learning,” said attendee Mary Ciambrone. • “Want a green meeting idea? Create QR codes for attendee name badges; attendees don’t need 2 bring business cards,” tweeted neenjames.

Ginaschreck: I am still in geek heaven here at #pcma12 (@ PCMA Convening Leaders w/5 others) Appropriately, Convening Leaders closed with an innovator talking about innovation. Richard Saul Wurman, the mind behind the TED conferences, told everyone to stop using the word “innovation” and to focus on growing and improving. “Most of the time what they’re proposing is a better version of what we’re already doing,” he said. “It’s not innovation. It’s a better version.”

SPEAKER WHO TRAVELED THE FURTHEST

Jenny Salsbury (Planning a Successful Meeting in China) who came from Beijing, China # OF HARD BOILED EGGS CONSUMED AT CONTINENTAL BREAKFASTS (MON/TUES/WED COMBINED)

2963 – new items this year at continental breakfasts were hard boiled eggs and cheese displays each morning to add protein options to continental breakfasts. # OF MICROPHONES USED IN 13 CONCURRENT SESSION ROOMS (INCLUDING MASTERS SERIES)

73 # OF VEGETARIAN/VEGAN/GLUTEN FREE/KOSHER MEALS SERVED (MON/WED LUNCHEONS COMBINED)

249 # OF SIGNS/BANNERS

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Fun Facts on Annual Meeting

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As you prepare to meet with your company’s executives to best understand how to align meetings with corporate goals, the following preparations may be helpful. We should strive to understand all the aspects of our organization - going outside the world of meetings and learning about all the departments of your company and what they do. Find out if there is a way you and/or the meetings can help other departments or if they have any resources that you can use to improve the meetings. The next suggested step is to put together a portfolio of all your meetings. What is the purpose and value of each meeting, is each meeting necessary; are you hitting the same audience with multiple events; can you reduce those or combine meetings? Have you created an ROI or ROV for each of the meetings, if not, do you have a plan of action to create one? Some type of measurement of success for meetings is vital when proving their necessity.

The panelists gave us several other pieces of advice on what is personally necessary to become a strategic partner. Communication is vital; develop skills to present and converse and be aware of your non-verbal communication through facial expressions and body language. Have a consultative attitude - become the internal consultant to your CEO. Listen more, if you are talking you are not learning. Analytical and financial skills were also discussed as being very important. Finally, two of the most critical aspects you need as a meeting planner and strategic partner are leadership and management. Have a point of view or plan of action, own your responsibility, be a collaborator and focus on solutions not problems. Understand the needs of your audience and don’t be afraid to bring other staff into the planning process to help. Let go of your ego if necessary, and use the resources available to you within your own organization.

This was just a brief overview of some of the great ideas shared during this session. I would encourage all meeting planners to learn more about becoming strategic partners within their companies as well as with their sponsors and exhibitors.

Becoming a Strategic Partner Within Your OrganizationPCMA Convening Leaders Session

By Lisa Miller, Television Cooperative, Inc.

One of the best sessions I attended at this year’s PCMA Convening Leaders conference in San Diego was the session on how to become a strategic partner within your organization. The panelists for this session were Susan Lictenstein, Director of Finance, Cisco Systems and Jeff Singsaas, GM Events & Studios, Microsoft Corporation. The speakers provided insights on how we as meeting planners can become more involved in our organization’s strategic plan and how to make our meetings an important part of reaching corporate goals. As my own company has been going through a change in leadership, I felt the timing for this session was perfect. The key takeaway was to make sure that meetings in our company become part of the overall corporate strategy and not just an afterthought, or something we do simply because we’ve always done meetings.

Meeting design is also something you should prepare before talking with the executives. How does each meeting or event affect your organization’s missions, goals and objectives? How is the meeting bringing the organization’s message to its members/attendees? Be open to change and suggestions, but show them that you have a plan of action and are ready to move forward. Finally, advanced logistics is another area you want to be well versed on. Be sure you have the details with you on which meetings have already been promoted, which locations have already been selected and which vendors are already under contract. Once you have all this information together you should be ready to approach your Senior Executives with facts and confidence.

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Another annual convention has come and gone for PCMA, but the future is looking bright. This year our largest student chapter : Kansas State University was able to take 11 members to Convening Leaders, in thanks largely to the generous donation of $1000 from the Heartland Chapter. The students ranged in age from 18 to 25 and show the promise of budding talent for meeting and convention planning. When asked what their favorite part of the trip the answer was unanimous “meeting all those professionals and having the opportunity to learn from them.”

Already, this trip has resulted in 3 internship positions for the students and a growing connection to other student chapters. “I’m very excited for the possibility of organizing more student-directed activities at next year’s convention,” says Tracy Green, student chapter president. “Just because I graduate in May doesn’t mean that I’ll stop being involved with PCMA or KSU. I hope to have a position where I can give back to an organization that had taught me so much!” The students have already begun budgeting and planning for Convening Leaders 2013: Orlando.

The KSU student chapter wishes to express their gratitude and appreciation for the Heartland Chapter. Without them, the students would never have these amazing opportunities. Thank you!

KSU Chapter Article - 2012 Annual Convention

 

Already, this trip has resulted in 3

internship positions for the students and

a growing connection to other student

chapters. “I’m very excited for the

possibility of organizing more student-

directed activities at next year’s

convention,” says Tracy Green, student

chapter president. “Just because I

graduate in May doesn’t mean that I’ll

stop being involved with PCMA or KSU.

I hope to have a position where I can

give back to an organization that had

taught me so much!” The students have

already begun budgeting and planning

for Convening Leaders 2013: Orlando.

The KSU student chapter wishes to

express their gratitude and appreciation

for the Heartland Chapter. Without

them, the students would never have

these amazing opportunities. Thank you!

Convening Leaders

2012: San Diego

KSU s tudent chapter

Professional Convention Management Association

Another annual convention has come

and gone for PCMA, but the future is

looking bright. This year our largest

student chapter : Kansas State

University was able to take 11

members to Convening Leaders, in

thanks largely to the generous

donation of $1000 from the Heartland

Chapter. The students ranged in age

from 18 to 25 and show the promise

of budding talent for meeting and

convention planning. When asked

what their favorite part of the trip the

answer was unanimous “meeting all

those professionals ad having the

opportunity to learn from them.”

About 35 chapter members gathered at the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City and the Cheshire Inn in St. Louis on Wed, Jan. 4th for the 2nd annual Past-President’s Kick-Off reception. It was a great opportunity for us to kick-off 2012 and get prepped for another great Convening Leaders in San Diego. The Past-President’s thank you for attending and wish everyone a successful 2012.

Past President’s 2012 Kickoff Reception in Kansas City and St. Louis!By: Missy Johnson, CMP, Lockton Companies, LLC and Jennifer Bergsieker, Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis

By: Tracy Green, KSU

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The banquet room at the DoubleTree Overland Park never looked better with bright new carpet that matched the chair covers and special table linen. It was an evening of elegance combined with movement. Not only did we enjoy a 4 course meal, but the event held on February 9th was also the Heartland Chapter Annual Awards Banquet, installation of officers plus live and silent auction.

The goal was to make the meeting special without the feeling of a three ring circus. It’s tricky when everyone goes the extra mile to make their part of the evening a success and we all want every piece of the meeting to do well. As emcee I did my best to close the sections of the silent auction between courses. (Section one was somewhere between the portabella mushroom ravioli and the granny smith apple, bleu cheese and cranberry salad.) With the goal of the silent auction to raise money not only for the Chapter, but to support the kids at Operation Breakthrough it was important to keep the excitement high. Also very important to the almost 100 attendee’s was to have an uninterrupted meal as much as possible.

The live auction was interwoven between Immediate Past President, Robin O’Connor’s remarks and incoming President, Mary Ryan’s induction. Those receiving special recognition that night included:

CONTINUED CHAPTER INVOLVEMENT AWARDTeresa Hellman, CMP

Teresa has been a huge asset to our chapter in all aspects. She has served as a Chair on several committee’s and is a Past President. She has increased sponsorship to our chapter over 100% and has organized a committee that will be able to take over with a completely smooth transition. Teresa has a genuine care for the fate of our chapter and her time and dedication she extends to the chapter show’s her passion for the industry. Congratulations, Teresa!

MAKES IT HAPPEN! AWARD“B” Waldo

B has been instrumental to the success of our Chapter for several years. She is always someone you can count on to assist in every way. B has been a chair on committee’s (even when she didn’t really want to) and has taken over programs that no one seemed to have the time to plan. All have been outstanding successes! She is always visible and able to lend a helping hand at all of our events. Congratulations B!

HEARTLAND CHAPTER SUPPORTER AWARDThe St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission(Dale Schuter, CMP accepted the award)

The St. Louis CVC has supported the Heartland Chapter through the years with sponsorships and by allowing their employees to be active members of the chapter, serving on committees and boards. They have supported the reception at the Annual meeting for years and help promote PCMA in the St. Louis area. Congratulations, St. Louis CVC!

CHAPTER MEMBER OF THE YEARRobin O’Connor

Robin, too, has been a huge asset to our chapter and has been instrumental to its success for many years. She is a unique and wonderful leader and works hard to inspire and support chapter members, particularly in their effort towards community services. One of Robin’s nominator’s had this to say: “She personally inspired me to want to do more for the chapter and I am looking forward to any opportunity to doing more for Heartland Chapter.” What more could we ask of our President and our 2011 Chapter Member of the Year? Congratulations, Robin!

PAST PRESIDENT ROBIN O’CONNOR HONOREDSherie Howell with the Extra Effort Award Elizabeth Huston with the President’s Award

ALSO RECOGNIZED FROM THE LECTERN WERE: Bobby Riggins, Agenda Kansas City (slide presentation)Phil Alamang, National Premium (awards)Leroy Burke, LBJ Marketing (photographer)Bob Hite, Doubletree Overland Park (dinner)

Veteran member Roger Sherwood installed the 2012 board and made some humorous and poignant remarks regarding the Heartland Chapter and how it has evolved over the years. The attendees were generous and the auction raised over $10,000. Auction Chairperson, Ronda Vaughan and her committee received special thanks for a job well done. The meal, the venue, the speakers, the auction and great conversation with friends all added up to a banquet celebration not soon forgotten. Congratulations to everyone that made this meeting a resounding success!

Heartland Chapter Annual Banquet Celebration By: Brad Plumb, CMP, Overland Park CVB

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ARKANSAS - The Natural StateNamed by Travel and Leisure ….”One of the hottest destinations to visit in 2012.”

Rogers - The 2012 Walmart FLW Tour is scheduled to be held at the beautiful Beaver Lake in Rogers, AR and April 28 – 29. John Q Hammons Center will host the FLW Outdoors Expo. This premier fishing tournament features the world’s best bass anglers competing for a top award of $125,000. JQH will offer fishing and hunting exhibits from top companies, boat displays and FREE family activities.

KANSAS – The Sunflower StateWichita - Take a closer look at Wichita and you’ll see a $20 million renovation at the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center upgrading facilities for convention attendees and theater goers. Within the last year, there have been major renovations to the Hyatt Regency Wichita, Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview and all hotels within walking distance of Century II. In addition, the Wichita area is celebrating the opening of the Kansas Star Casino.

IOWA – The Hawkeye StateDes Moines - The $42,250,000 renovation to transform Veterans Memorial Auditorium into a beautiful new Convention Center (Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center) is now complete. Meeting planners, will be able to host successful events in a beautiful environment. The arena floor was transformed into meeting and exhibit space during the renovation. The arena bowl, transformed into 20 meeting rooms connected through movable walls. The grand stairs overlook the pre-function area and the ballroom entrance of 13,000 square feet. The 28,638 square foot ballroom space is accentuated by a sophisticated lighting design that has flexibility to be brightly illuminated or reduced to a twilight setting, where the ceiling emulates a night sky.

MISSOURI – The Show Me StateKansas City – KC ended 2011 with a bang, garnering several high-profile rankings from the national media. Among the accolades were “America’s Best Downtowns” (Forbes), “America’s No. 1 Affordable Getaway” (Travel + Leisure) and “America’s next great culinary destination” (Saveur). Learn more about Kansas City at MeetKC.com.

NEBRASKA – The Cornhusker StateOmaha – The Joslyn Art Museum (http://www.joslyn.org/egypt/) is featuring the Living Forever in Egypt collection.

Omaha - This year Omaha will host the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the NCAA Division 1 Men’s College Basketball Championships, the NCAA Men’s College World Series – 62 years and counting, the US Olympic Swim Trails, for the 2nd time, The International, a first-time equestrian event, the NCAA Division 1 Women’s Volleyball Regionals, and the US Figure Skating Championships are set for January 2013

OKLAHOMA – The Sooner StateOklahoma City - Project 180, a four year, $160 million redesign of downtown streets, sidewalks, parks and plazas to improve the appearance of the central core and make it more pedestrian friendly, is well into its second phase and will be completed in 2014. A site has been chosen for the new convention center, coming in 2018. And the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s comprehensive collection of glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly has reopened with a fresh look.

AROUND THE REGIONIf you have events happening in your city, please email them to Cheri Jones, CMP at cjones@vistaprod.com. We would love to highlight exciting things happening in your town.By: Cheri D. Jones, CMP, Vista Productions, Inc.

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE ANNUAL BANQUET CELEBRATION

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KC Meeting Industry Council Speakers Showcase Big Success By Brad Plumb, CMP, Overland Park CVB

Maybe one of the hardest decisions a meeting planner has to make is booking the speaker. You can see the hotel room, and taste the food, and ride on the bus. But how do you know that the speaker that looked good in the brochure or sounded great on the video is going to “wow” your audience? Recommendations are valuable, especially from a source that you trust, but nothing compares to being in the audience and seeing that speaker live and up close.

The challenge facing this year’s KCMIC’s showcase committee was to come up with an even stronger program than last year. By all indications it was “mission accomplished” as all speakers did a great job. Notables included the ‘voice of the big 12’, Dave Armstrong and former FBI agent, Jeff Lanza. Professional speaker and emcee, Ms. Kelly Tyler kept the meeting moving at a fast pace. Each speaker got 10 minutes to demonstrate their best work. The audience had a smorgasbord of talent and topics from a very professional group. All of the speakers other than the keynoter were from the Kansas City area which has great advantages when booking talent.

By a lucky coincidence, the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association was bringing in a nationally known speaker for their annual banquet on the same day. Branding expert, Bruce Turkel spoke for 30 minutes on how to brand your meeting and he even had time to play the harmonica for us.

The Overland Park Marriott presented a wonderful breakfast to start the day. Our Anchor sponsor, The San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau shared a video on the advantages of booking a meeting in their beautiful city. They closed the event with a stay-and-play door prize to the Rancho Bernardo Inn and venues throughout the city worth $1500! Meeting planner, Gwen Knight must have been feeling lucky that morning as she was the grand prize winner.

If you hire speakers and trainers, want to know about the best speakers in the region, or just want a good dose of positive attitude and humor, consider the Meeting Industry Council’s Speakers Showcase in 2013.

Elizabeth Huston: Recipient of the 2012 President’s AwardBy: Jennifer Bergsieker, Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis

The Heartland Chapter would like to congratulate Elizabeth Huston as the recipient of the 2012 President’s Award! Robin O’Connor chose Elizabeth for many reasons, but she specifically mentioned that right off the bat, Elizabeth was eager to get involved with various committees. Furthermore, she was instrumental in helping with the October membership event at the Kansas City Speedway. Elizabeth is such a great representative for the Heartland Chapter. Let’s get to know her a little bit more!

What are your primary job responsibilities? I represent the fabulous city of Indianapolis! My daily focus is working with Corporations and Associations from Mid-West to West Coast in the mid-market to bring their meetings to Indianapolis. What is your educational/professional background? Attended Indiana University, GO HOOSIERS! (class of 2007). Studied Sports Marketing and Communication What has your involvement been within PCMA? 2011 was my first year involved with PCMA. What characteristics do you think aided you to be the recipient of this award? My husband and I moved to the Kansas City area for his position at the Kansas Speedway in December 2010. Representing Indianapolis from a remote position was a new experience for me and I knew in order to be successful I needed to get involved with the local industry. My first PCMA event was the 2011 Installation Dinner were I met Robin O’Conner and many other PCMA Heartland members who played a big role in helping me get involved.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those who aspire to win the President’s Award like you? My words of wisdom would be “Get involved!” Even if your schedule does not allow for you to serve on a committee, ask to get involved in other ways. For my first year with PCMA Heartland I offered my time helping with anything I could. From registration, writing articles for Heartland Beat newsletter, and assisting with existing committees. Being involved outside of just attending events has really helped me learn valuable trade skills for our wonderful industry. What is one goal you hope to achieve this year in relation to PCMA? Continue to be involved as much as possible. I am officially serving on our 2012 Sponsorship Committee and look forward to all I will learn from serving on this committee. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband Zach and our dog Peyton (yes, Peyton is named after our beloved Indianapolis Colts Peyton Manning). I also am an avid music fan, and enjoy anything from Miles Davis, Dave Matthews Band, to Lady Gaga. Running is another one of my favorite past times and I will competing in my first half marathon this March!

Name: Elizabeth Huston Official Title: Sales Manager, Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association How long have you been in the industry? 12 years

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A Story of the Heartland Chapter by Numbers By: Jennifer Bergsieker, Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis

Ever wonder about the breakdown of our Chapter?

Take a look at the story of the Heartland Chapter by numbers!

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES & TOTALS 201276 Professional2 Associate Professional74 Supplier Partner6 Associate Supplier Partner1 Emeritus2 Faculty18 Student45 Additional Chapter Members (Those whose primary chapter is outside of the Heartland Chapter)

224 TOTAL MEMBERS 2012

MEMBERSHIP RATIO49% Professional51% Supplier

RETENTION 2011-2012(Number of dues paid divided by renewals sent)

107 Goal106 Received99%! Retention Percentage82% Retention Goal

NEW MEMBERS 201223 Professional2 Associate Professional16 Supplier Partner2 Associate Supplier Partners

NEW MEMBERS 2012 43 TOTAL

DROPPED MEMBERS 2012(Members who have not renewed their membership within the grace period)

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MARCH 27The Evening Variety Show- That’s KCMPI Entertainment!(Sponsored by KCMPI)5:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m.Location Uptown TheaterKansas City, MO APRIL 12Meetings and the New ADA Rules11:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m.Iowa Events CenterDes Moines, IA MAY 7Event Technology Boot Camp11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.Holiday Inn Kansas City-SECoco Key Water ResortKansas City, MO

JUNE 7 Operation Breakthrough “Day at the Farm”Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead10:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.Overland Park, KS

JULY 12PCMA – KC MPI Joint MeetingJoan Eisenstodt - We Won’t Judge You! Your Employer or Clients Might: Ethics in Today’s Workplace©4:30 p.m.—7:00 p.m.Marriott DowntownKansas City, MO

Upcoming Chapter Events

Make sure to check out all of the upcoming events online at http://www.pcma.org/Chapters/Heartland.htm For this issue, we wanted to highlight the upcoming “Meetings and the New ADA Rules” at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines!

As the meeting planner for your organization are you ready to adhere to the updated 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and Title II Regulations that become FULLY EFFECTIVE on March 15, 2012? As a supplier, are you ready to accommodate your planners in their efforts to adhere to these and is your venue ready? Do you know that you need to allow each wheelchair 1 place for the wheelchair and 3 additional chairs for their guest. Do you know that service dogs are allowed at any event and this isn’t just for visually impaired attendees. What can you do to make sure you accommodate all guest?

On April 12, 2012 you had the opportunity to hear from Jim de Jong, Executive Director of the Great Planes ADA Center. de Jong is also a meeting planner with his annual event hosting 700 people. De Jong has served on the U.S. House of Representatives Task Force on the Rights and Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities, the group that developed and steered the Americans with Disabilities Act through the U.S. Congress with Senator Tom Harkin. He is the co-founder of the ADA National Network linking the ADA Centers with Washington D.C. policy makers in an effort to provide constant information on emerging issues and regulations related to ADA implementation.

De Jong shared with us how the regulations impact you as a planner and a supplier. He offered insight that will keep your organization operating within Federal Guidelines. Once the session is over, De Jong will continue to be available to help you and your organization continue to reach your accessible goals.

By: Stephanie Deel, Mariott International San Antonio

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PCMA Heartland Service N Sync – Sign Up Now!!It’s time for you to make an impact on a charity close to your heart. The PCMA Heartland Chapter wants your input on our 2012 Service N Sync Project.

Service In Sync® (SIS) is a program encouraging all PCMA members nationwide to come together and give back to their local communities on behalf of the meetings industry, during the first week of November.

The Community Service Committee will be collecting nominations from all members through April 30, 2012. We will then determine which charity will benefit from the resources of our Chapter. If your event is chosen for our Service N Sync project, you must be willing to be a team leader for the event or have someone who is willing to be the team leader for you. You will have the members of the Community Service Committee assisting you in all aspects of planning and executing the event.

Please complete the attached Nomination Form by April 30, 2012.

NOMINATION FORMMEMBER CONTACT INFORMATION

NAME

EMAIL PHONE

CHARITY / CAUSE INFORMATION

CHARITY / CAUSE NAME

WEBSITE

BRIEF DESCRIPTION WHY THIS CAUSE IS IMPORTANT TO YOU

RECOMMENDED CHAPTER ACTIVITY (include options for multiple cities – St Louis, Kansas City, Tulsa, Des Moines, Omaha etc.)

PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION YOU FEEL IS IMPORTANT

If your event is chosen for our Service N Sync project, you must be willing to be a team leader for the event or have someone who is willing to be the team leader for you. You will have the members of the Community Service Committee assisting you in all aspects of planning and executing the event.

Thank you for your nominations! Please return submissions by April 30, 2012 to: Stephanie.deel@marriott.com

Congrats!