The Elms Hotel &

SPRING 2021

COVER STORY FOOD AND BEVERAGE ANNOUNCEMENT The Elms Hotel & Spa Restaurant Meetings and Events – An Elegant Blend Restructuring – How are Changing – And So of Productivity and One Organization is Missouri Meetings Personal Wellness Transformed its Food & Events Service Model FEATURE Vaccine Distribution – The Extent of its Impact on Group Functions Reconnect, Renew and Recharge It’s why we meet.

Central Missouri’s The Lake Is Where It Happens • Missouri’s Top Attendance Meeting Destination • Accommodating Groups From 10 to 3,000 • Voted Best Recreational Lake in the Nation by the readers of USA Today & 10Best • Over $55 Million In Hotel Renovations • A ordable Centralized Location • Unique Team Building Activities Let our sta assist you with all you planning needs. • 14 Championship Golf Courses [email protected] | www.funlake.com/meetings-conventions | 800-Fun-Lake Missouri Meetings Fall.qxp_Layout 1 7/28/20 3:32 PM Page 1

Reconnect, Renew and Recharge It’s why we meet. Oh ManVISITMANHAhaanTTANKS.ORG! 785-776-8829

Our conference center has expanded! Check our website for expansion details or give us a call.

SPRING 2021

As the first quarter of 2021 signifies

the one-year marking of large shifts Publisher/Editor Joseph W. Clote

within the meetings and events in- Graphic Designer Cris Delli-Zotti dustry and business as a whole, many Contributing Editor Kaitlyn Wallace organizations have made long-term Featured Columnists GBTA St. Louis Chapter reconfigurations to their processes. Contributing Writers Scotty O’Brien These strategic adaptations – that Olivia Orman Kaitlyn Wallace were originally thought to be tem- Astrid Zeppenfeld

porary – are here to stay, and the last Bookkeeping Karen Spain

issue known as “Missouri Meetings & Office and Event Manager Olivia Orman Events” highlights how meeting plan- Circulation Coordinator Jacqueline Ogina ners, venue/service suppliers, and in- Online Coordinator Janet Mulwenge dustry affiliates are responding to these pivotal times. Account Managers Joseph Clote During a period where meetings and events have been more Victoria Matthews infrequent than previous years, the Elms Hotel & Spa promot- Intern Tanneko Ross ed itself as a destination for productive and leisurely face-to- face functions. “Meet and Retreat”: The Elms Hotel and Spa’s Approach to Stress-Free Meetings and Events (pages 8-11) il- lustrates how this property is well-equipped for holistic group Missouri Meetings & Events Missouri Meetings & Events is published quarterly business and has implemented ample measures to safely do so. by Publishing Concepts LLC With the Summer 2021 issue marking Missouri Meetings & Advertising Inquiries: Events’ 20-year anniversary, Missouri Meetings & Events will Joseph Clote • [email protected] be rebranded as as MEET Missouri. Meetings and Events are 6590 Scanlan Avenue • St. Louis • Missouri • 63139 Changing, and So Are We (Page 25) provides a glimpse of ex- Phone 314-781-8880 • Fax 314-781-8848 www.MissouriMeetingsAndEvents.com citing new subject matter MEET Missouri will be editorializing in upcoming issues, while still serving as the go-to resource for Regional Editorial Offices regional meeting and event planners. For editorial submissions & inquiries only: Joseph Clote • [email protected] Other companies that contribute to the meetings and events 6590 Scanlan Avenue • St. Louis • MO • 63139 industry have, additionally, made lasting changes that will stay in place following the industry’s rebound. The Paradigm Shift Postmaster: Send address changes to: Missouri Meetings & Events in the Restaurant Industry (Pages 20-21) provides insight into 6590 Scanlan Avenue how So Hospitality Group successfully pivoted its standard op- St. Louis, Missouri 63139 erating procedures over the last year and offers motivation for Copyright 2021 Publishing Concepts LLC Printed in U.S.A. other organizations to implement longstanding business ap- All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be proaches as well. reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission. Unsolicited manuscripts submitted to Missouri Meetings & Events also analyzed what role vaccina- Missouri Meetings & Events will not be returned. tion plays in reviving face-to-face group functions. Injecting Face-to-Face Meetings Back into the Industry (Pages 14-15) conveys how meeting and event planners will need to account Citizen of the Osage Nation, a federally for a variety of decision factors aside from the vaccine that are recognized tribe. Internships available for shaping attendance preferences and attendee comfort levels. American Indian and Alaskan native students. Though the road to our industry’s recovery is long, innovative thinkers – as shown above – have already put solutions in place to encourage and help groups gather safely. It is up to meeting and event planners and venue/service suppliers to take action for the professionals and organizations that shape the industry Follow us on: as we know and knew it. Are you ready to embrace the change?

Joseph W. Clote Group Publisher [email protected] MOMeetings_Spring2021_StCharles.pdf 1 1/26/21 4:34 PM

CMY

K contents SPRING 2021

FEATURES

COVER STORY: “MEET AND RETREAT” FOOD AND BEVERAGE: THE PARADIGM SHIFT The Elms Hotel and Spa’s Approach to IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY Stress-Free Meetings and Events. by Olivia Orman by Kaitlyn Wallace 8 20 TECH TALK: DIGITAL MARKETING AND FACILITY FOCUS: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE CYBERSECURITY: THE LATEST PLATFORMS AND Castle Ridge “Paves” New Standards for RESOURCES Meetings, Events, and Teambuilding . 12 22 by Olivia Orman FEATURE: INJECTING FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS ASSOCIATION NEWS: THE GBTA ST. LOUIS CHAPTER BACK INTO THE INDUSTRY ANNOUNCES EVENT PLANS FOR 2021 The Impact of a COVID-19 Vaccine by Mattie Yallaly, GTBA St. Louis on the Meetings and Events Industry. Chapter Member by Kaitlyn Wallace 14 24 DESTINATION FOCUS: SMALL TOWN FEEL WITH BIG CITY MEETING OPPORTUNITIES Cape (Girardeau). by Astrid Zeppenfeld 16 DEPARTMENTS FEATURE: EVERY PRICE COMES WITH A PRICE PEOPLE UPDATE Upholding Your Company’s Service Rates 26 in Times of Crisis. INDUSTRY UPDATE by Scotty O’Brien 28 18 DIRECTORIES

MM&E MARKETPLACE On The Cover: The Elms Hotel & Spa 29 30 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX & WEB ADDRESSES Zero 0Attrition Book with confidence in Springfield, Missouri

1 Zero attrition for new business booked by Plus… December 31, 2021. A ﬁ nancial incentive for new business booked 2 by December 31, 2021.

Bring your family and enjoy discounts at 3 attractions and restaurants.

Springﬁ eld companies have the technology to 4 help you produce your next hybrid meeting.

Upgraded hotel cleanliness/safety standards 5 to meet or exceed American Hotel & Lodging Association Safe Stay requirements.

Dana Maugans, CDME Lisa Perez, CMP Melissa Evans, CHSE Contact us for more information. DMaugans@Springfi eldMO.org LPerez@Springfi eldMO.org MEvans@Springfi eldMO.org 800-678-8767 x. 111 800-678-8767 x. 113 800-678-8767 x. 107 Go to springfieldmo.org/zero-attrition for details A masking ordinance is in place for the city of Springfi eld. For details, visit Springfi eldMo.org. “Meet and Retreat” The Elms Hotel and Spa’s Approach to Stress-Free Meetings and Events by Kaitlyn Wallace

re you bored of bleak, boring, and outdated meeting spac- The “Meet” Aes? Do you find yourself stressed and tense after a long day The Elms Hotel and Spa offers 11,000 square feet of re- of presentations and networking, wishing you could find some- stored meeting space, which includes a grand ballroom, an where to relax? Or gazing out the window into a grim, corporate outdoor patio, an outdoor covered gazebo, and more. As Kara downtown? Harrington, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Elms Ho- Located in historic Excelsior Springs, the Elms Hotel and Spa tel, explains: “Our meeting options are more than just a ball- provides the perfect alternative to dull, stress-inducing confer- room with four walls. We have unique and unconventional ences as a venue ideal for mixing business and leisure. With spaces indoors and out, including our oval-shaped Grand Ball- 16 acres of outdoor grounds and a newly renovated expansive room featuring high ceilings, a center skylight, and beautiful spa, the Elms Hotel provides the space for guests to “meet and chandeliers. Our Regent Ballroom offers rustic elegance with retreat” in style, all while providing a vast array of meetings and hardwood floors, exposed timbers and a large stone fireplace. events support and amenities. The Elms’ focus on wellness, The huge windows and French doors offer an abundance of stress relief, and positive experiences provides a unique and re- natural light, as well as views of the grounds and a private laxing backdrop for all types of meetings and events. patio.”

8 MISSOURI MEETINGS & EVENTS SPRING 2021 COVER STORY: “MEET AND RETREAT”

These elegant spaces are accompanied by a wide range of The wide variety of spaces available for meetings and events meeting and events amenities such as on-site catering (which also allows for a sense of specificity and personalization that can customize menus, arrange tastings, and accommodate any is usually unavailable in typical corporate meeting and events dietary restrictions), audio-visual support, and arrangements spaces. Arielle Seabra, Chief Marketing Officer for Goodcents for off-site outings such as wine tastings and visits to personal- Deli Fresh Subs, said the following of her experience with the ly-owned eateries. As Maria R. Davis, CMP, Director of Meet- event space at the Elms Hotel: “We were able to really leverage ings and Partner Relations for Missouri REALTORS®, says of all of the spaces in the hotel. One of the things we really liked Missouri REALTORS®’ experience with the Elms Hotel and about the space was that there were two large breakout spaces Spa: “The staff is very accommodating with even last-minute that we could be in, so we could present in one room and have needs, including modifying menus for dietary requirements or our vendors in another. Recreationally, we also ended up really guest room location requests due to mobility challenges. We enjoying their Tavern area; that was a big hit as well.” appreciate their attention to detail.” The “Retreat” The historic hotel features a variety of luxury spa and relax- ation spaces including an expansive 25,000 square-foot spa, a private 5th floor Royal Lounge focused on wellness amenities, 16 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens, including an herb garden, and an indoor European lap pool. The spa offers a wide variety of services, including the Grotto (a modern twist on a Roman bath) a sauna, a steam room and a 24-hour fitness room. The Elms’ focus on “retreat” as a central aspect to their meetings allows a shift towards a more peaceful and inviting environment for meetings and events. Arielle Seabra emphasized this when speaking about the hotel, noting that “it’s a real strength of the Elms; it feels more personal and much less corporate. The retreat aspect definitely came through.” The combination “meet and retreat” approach allows the Elms Hotel and Spa to bring to life a variety of unique event

www.MissouriMeetingsAndEvents.com 9 COVER STORY: “MEET AND RETREAT”

visions; in the past, planners have taken advantage of the Elms Hotel’s many amenities and comprehensive support staff to incorporate into their meetings and conferences morning yoga on the lawn, wellness breaks with chair massages, an opening cocktail reception in the outdoor gazebo with nearby yard games, and desserts and drinks by the fire pits. Maria R. Da- vis, CMP, speaking of Missouri REALTORS®’ yearly Leader- ship Academy (a 5-meeting series which kicks off at the Elms Hotel and Spa), says of the experiences arranged through the Elms: “the Ghost tour is a staple in the agenda as a great ed- ucational and networking event. This allows our participants to appreciate the history of the Elms Hotel and Spa since our REALTORS® enjoy learning about historical landmarks in the communities they live and visit.” As Maria R. Davis, CMP, mentions, activities take place against the gorgeous background of historic Excelsior Springs. Located just 30 minutes from the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, Excelsior Springs brings a sense of historic tranquility to small-town feel… It gives a feel of a getaway without travelling the grounds of the Elms Hotel and Spa. As Kara Harrington ex- too far.” plains: “The town itself was founded upon mineral waters. Peo- ple flocked into the area to take in the mineral water’s healing 2021 and Beyond properties. The surrounding area includes quite a few unique It is also worth mentioning that the Elms Hotel and Spa mom and pop shops and antique shops. It’s a very quaint but has some of the most comprehensive COVID-19 measures on

10 MISSOURI MEETINGS & EVENTS SPRING 2021 COVER STORY: “MEET AND RETREAT”

record, including GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council) pansive grounds and arching meeting spaces, the Elms Hotel STAR certification, HVAC UV air purification, and sanitizing and Spa is uniquely situated to fulfill the needs of planners and foggers, as well as maintaining high sanitization, mask-wear- guests in the era of COVID-19. Social distancing is not only ing, and social distancing standards. Furthermore, with its ex- possible but incorporated with ease in spaces such as the Elm’s

covered gazebo, private patios, pool deck, lawns, and Grand Ballroom. This easy availability is a happy opportunity to re- duce planners’ and guests’ stresses about in-person meetings and health concerns.

Decoupling Stress and Business In today’s culture of efficiency and productivity, it is easy to associate business, and in particular, large-scale meetings and events, with stress. However, as the Elms Hotel and Spa shows us, this does not always have to be the case. In a time of rising mental health concerns and decreased immune responses due to stress, perhaps it is time to begin to shift the perspective of the corporate world away from pressure and intensity and move towards a future of low-stress (and high productivity) corporate meetings and events– and the Elms Hotel and Spa aims to do just that. MM&E

Kaitlyn Wallace is a contributing writer/editor from St. Louis.

www.MissouriMeetingsAndEvents.com 11 Tech Talk

Digital Marketing and Cybersecurity: The Latest Platforms and Resources

Mobile LED Billboards Rumble Engaging signage plays an important role in prompting at- A newer video platform alternative, Rumble has started tendees at an event or any target audience to follow a campaign’s picking up traction among its larger counterparts. Rumble is call to action. Billboards are just one promotion technique increasingly being used by content creators that have pointed marketers have used to place specific messaging in front of its their audience to this platform, which is, in turn, increasing intended market segment, and the digital capabilities through the user presence engaging with this social network. Businesses this advertising medium have enabled them to run more effec- may also decide to assess whether their intended demographic tive and creative campaigns in a variety of settings. is utilizing this platform as well to effectively stay in front of Whether stationary or on the go, mobile LED billboard them. trucks provide an interactive way to display marketing campaigns for event, brand, or product/service awareness. Can’t World Wide Web 2.0 Miss US, a mobile billboard advertising company in Missouri, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the computer scientist behind the displayed these media campaigns at conferences such as The World Wide Web invention, has unveiled his plan to launch a State of Black Educators Conference, Expository Preaching World Wide Web do-over. Through his new start-up company Conference - The Expositor's Passion, and the Annual Railroad Inrupt, Berners-Lee is developing a new web where users can Liability Conference. take control of their data and several organizations have already There are different ways planners can utilize mobile LED invested in this project. More information on this innovation billboard trucks for revenue generation and/or event promo- will be forthcoming. tion. As events recommence in 2021 – indoors or outdoors – planners may consider offering mobile LED billboard trucks “Too Late, You’re Hacked!” Cybersecurity Book as sponsorship opportunities. If the event is indoors, the truck Too Late, You’re Hacked! – Defending Your Small Business’ could be displayed near registration to be visible to attendees; Computers and Networks is written for companies with a limit- outdoors, multiple trucks could be sprinkled throughout a des- ed understanding of IT (Information Technology) that encoun- ignated event area. Planners may also choose to use these inter- ter cybersecurity challenges. Published by MM&E’s parent active media vehicles for drives around town to spread the word company Publishing Concepts, LLC, this book introduces crit- about their event. ical IT terms and concepts in today’s complex digital age, and it is intended for owners or professionals handling their business’ Alternative Online Platforms IT department with narrow expertise. Building an online presence has become an increasingly em- Businesses, as a whole, rely on computers to perform criti- phasized tactic for promoting upcoming functions or creating cal functions, and criminal hackers use this technological de- brand awareness. There are new social media platforms that are pendency against vulnerable businesses. Businesses may per- being more widely used and even more pivotal developments manently close within six months by failing to understand and that are underway, as an additional consideration for event implement proper cybersecurity defenses. planners and marketers going forward. To follow the release of this book, visit publishingconceptsllc. com for updates. Parler Though Parler is temporarily in limbo, this platform became About the Author one of the fastest growing social networks in the world. Com- Tony Zafiropolous is a systems computer expert of 10+ years who panies may consider looking into Parler as a marketing alterna- has managed 70+ computers for financial companies. A Certified tive once this platform is up and running again. When more Information Systems Auditor and Certified Ethical Hacker, Tony users are able to join Parler again, it may be important to assess uses his strong IT background to engineer secure systems for small whether your target audience is actively engaging with this new- businesses that protects their computers and networks against cy- er platform. berattacks.

12 MISSOURI MEETINGS & EVENTS SPRING 2021 Our wide range of services are sure to make your business stand out.

Ask about our online reservation and ordering apps Injecting Face-to-Face Meetings Back into the Industry The Impact of a COVID-19 Vaccine on the Meetings and Events Industry by Kaitlyn Wallace

n March of 2021, the US will have faced a full year of par- ropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA) says: “Making predictions Itial or complete COVID-19 lockdowns. The meetings and during COVID-19 is a losing proposition.” This has been an events industry has been hit particularly hard by these shut- adage for most professionals in past months. Especially in the downs, leading to many gatherings being cancelled, and many spring and summer, so little has been known about the virus and others being moved to an online platform. But with vaccine its transmission that planning for the future has been practically distribution underway, that might be about to change. impossible. However, as scientific research begins to catch up to COVID-19, this is beginning to change. Mauck knows this better Vaccine Availability than most, saying: “We are hopeful that by mid-late summer we As of now, vaccine distribution has been divided into stages will return to outdoor gatherings and that we will be able to host based on public health needs. The CDC defines these stages as our annual fundraising gala… This is of course subject to change follows: based on vaccine availability, as well as the percentage our community vaccinated. We are also watching the news about ongoing 1a: long-term care facility residents and health care personnel mutations of the virus that potentially could impact the vaccine 1b: persons 75 years or older and frontline essential workers effectiveness.” 1c: persons 65-74, persons aged 16-64 with high-risk medi- Like many other aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, new cal conditions, and other essential workers variants of the virus are presenting unique concerns for the meet- 2: all people aged 16 and older not in Phase 1 who are recom- ings and events industry. Unlike some other professions, such as mended for vaccination. healthcare, childcare, or other essential work, meetings and events professionals are unlikely to be at the frontlines of vaccination. What does this mean for the meetings and events industry? This means that industry professionals must keep a close eye on Though there is no current guaranteed timeline for the progres- vaccine efficacy and COVID-19 variant news. Do you have a plan sion of these stages, it does mean that it is time to start planning. if new mutations render the vaccine less effective? If they render What will we do when vaccinations become widespread? How will some vaccines effective, and others ineffective? Are you keeping meetings look different? And how will face-to-face meetings be track of your geographical proximity to new strains of the virus? “injected” back into the industry? There are a variety of other considerations that come with widespread distribution of the vaccine. As Mauck mentioned, Decision Factors for In-person Events many meetings and events professionals have been considering As Vicki Mauck, Executive Director of the Kansas City Met- the prevalence of vaccination in their surrounding communities

14 MISSOURI MEETINGS & EVENTS SPRING 2021 FEATURE: INJECTING FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS BACK INTO THE INDUSTRY

when planning ahead for in-person meetings. In the future, new events, the advantages of remote work for some might now factor questions will have to be considered: into their attendance. Planners must now be cognizant not only of pre-COVID-19 attendance decision factors and COVID-19 − What percentage of the attendees will be vaccinated? What attendance decision factors, but post-COVID-19 attendance fac- about the surrounding community? tors. We will need to ask ourselves what exactly has changed in − Will this event be held in an area with high risk of community people’s lives (and in the world at large) that can factor into meet- spread? Is the surrounding community known to have a higher ing attendance. What does meeting in this new world look like? In proportion of people over 65 or otherwise at risk? what specific ways can we use the possibility of remote attendance to our advantage? Taking into account your attendees’ preferences will be important as well. Though many are eager to return to in-person events, some might continue to feel cautious. As a solution to this, Mauck suggested that the meetings and events industry might perma- nently take on a hybrid meeting approach, which has advantages outside of COVID-19: “Although remote meetings prohibit familiarities many people long for, such as shaking hands, making real eye contact and having meaningful interpersonal connection, our meeting attendees (many of which bill by the hour) have appreciated the ability to connect without the commute. As a result, our meetings and continuing education attendance in 2020 on a remote platform far exceeded that of 2019 in-person. Eliminating the commute and other barriers to attendance for our routine meetings have led us to plan for hybrid events, even when it is deemed “safe” to meet in person… we anticipate that early hybrid meetings will incorporate required mask-wearing, social distancing and cleaning protocols– Looking Forward at all times in conformance with the prevailing health orders and As it stands now, vaccine distribution is not the only factor in recommended cleaning protocols.” the decision to bring back face-to-face meetings. It will, however, become increasingly important as vaccine distribution continues The Hybrid Approach to increase and community vaccination percentage increases with As Mauck explains, the future of the meetings and events in- it. It is everyone’s hope that this trend will continue linearly– dustry will be built on flexibility, as well as a variety of options. barring events such as mutations and distribution problems, the Successful events will need to work not only with attendees’ trans- meetings and events industry is on track to slowly begin introduc- mission concerns, but also with their schedules and other needs. ing face-to-face meetings in the coming months (especially into Remote work has been revolutionary for many industries, allow- the summer). And while factors such as the accessibility of remote ing increased productivity, a shift in the work-life balance, and work and the time efficiency of virtual meetings are important to greater freedom for independent work and creativity. Though some, the ability to meet in person is essential to many. As Vicki many, if not most, attendees are looking forward to in-person Muack notes: “We are sensing a swell of not only a desire, but a true emotional need, to congregate in person, as KCMBA has done for so many years. As a result, as soon as it’s safe, we anticipate hosting one heck of a party!” With safety and respect towards our surrounding communities in mind, we can all hope for the same: an emergence of a new and stronger meetings and events industry, more flexible and with more opportunities than ever before. The lessons that the industry has learned in the past year will carry us forward into a future where meetings and events can proceed effectively– in whatever way fits the needs and comforts of attendees. MM&E

Kaitlyn Wallace is a contributing writer/editor from St. Louis.

www.MissouriMeetingsAndEvents.com 15 Small Town Feel with Big City Meeting Opportunities Cape (Girardeau) by Astrid Zeppenfeld

ape Girardeau, Missouri, or simply “Cape” as Missouri- is currently under renovation, along with the Common Pleas Cans affectionately refer to the charming French settlement Courthouse, to become part of Cape Girardeau’s new City Hall from the 18th century, is one of Missouri’s favorite spots to complex. The Carnegie portion of the project will not be avail- meet, play, and just enjoy. Away from the hustle and bustle of able for business gatherings as it will be comprised of offices for major cities like Saint Louis and Kansas City, visitors appreciate our Development Services department. In a new addition that the small town feel with the big town amenities that Cape Gi- will connect the Carnegie Library and Common Pleas Court- rardeau has to offer. From strolling along the grand waterfront house, there will be some spaces that may be available for rent at the Mississippi River to looking at all the historic sites, such once construction is complete. The City Council Chambers as the Common Pleas courthouse, and then settling on a bench and a large conference room for training may be available for in historic Ivers Square for a little rest, your leisure time in this reservation by outside groups needing meeting space when not city never becomes boring. in use by city personnel. Construction will be complete in the Corporate meeting planners welcome the opportunity to host fall and we will be moving into the new facilities around Oc- their conventions in Cape Girardeau, in part due its central Mid- tober.” west location. The Drury Plaza Hotel Cape Girardeau Conference Brenda Newbern, Executive Director at Cape Girardeau Center beckons event planners to schedule large, company-wide Convention and Visitors Bureau, suggests exploring the website gatherings, while numerous other, beautiful hotels in the area offer keepcapestrong.com to find out how the city and its health de- additional options for any size events as well. partment, the chamber of commerce, and the CVB’s team are One of the - historic but newly-restored - event sites to take working together so meetings can continue and companies can advantage of later this year is the city’s Carnegie Library. Molly prosper, while minimizing any risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Mehner, AICP, ICMA-CM, is Deputy City Manager of the Even during the height of the pandemic, a few, socially distanced City of Cape Girardeau. She explains, “The Carnegie Library events by RV groups or fishing associations were made possible by

16 MISSOURI MEETINGS & EVENTS SPRING 2021 DESTINATION FOCUS: CAPE (GIRARDEAU)

this vigilance and teamwork, so planning your corporate events for 2021 and beyond in Cape Girardeau should be a breeze. Hotels have all put in place extra hygiene methods, so you can safely re- sume your business meetings in this city. To unwind after a long day of meetings, the Sportsplex is open for (masked) teambuilding activities. When planning your next convention in Cape Girardeau, don’t forget to mention to your environmentally conscious attendees the newly installed charging stations for their electric cars all around the city. Newbern muses, “Even though, due to the pandemic still raging, mostly individual travelers get to truly enjoy all that Cape Girardeau has to offer at the moment - with the vaccine rollout in place, we are looking forward to seeing our business travelers return as well. Truthfully, we can even conceive an increase in business travel to the area from before the pandemic, as so many recreational travelers have now been exposed to how conveniently located and great of a meeting place our small, big town is.” MM&E

Astrid Zeppenfeld is a writer and MM&E’s editor/business development manager from St. Louis.

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www.MissouriMeetingsAndEvents.com 17 Every Price Comes With A Price Upholding Your Company’s Service Rates in Times of Crisis by Scotty O’Brien

020 was nothing less than a challenging year for everyone in same exact services. St. Louis boasts a whopping average of $850 2the hospitality, live entertainment, and meetings and events per five-hour wedding gig. I firmly believe that start-ups wanting industries. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken such a sig- to make an easy couple of hundred bucks through their part-time nificant toll on our financial well-being, livelihoods, and the weekend gig rob the true professionals who built this once very market as a whole. talented industry from the ground up. I am 100% sure that this scenario is true around the rest of the country. An Overview of My Companies I own two companies: Sunshine Entertainment Group and Vi- Continually Lowering Prices sionwork Group. Being in the hospitality industry for 30+ years This last year, I went from having what was going to be a record has taught me a lot about people and clients, advertising and mar- year of over a million dollars on my books -which is a big deal for keting, and the rollercoaster nature of this industry. My companies my size of company- to living off of a government mandated sup- have been through many ups and downs, and I have personally plement. Besides learning about humility and the privilege that rebranded and rebuilt myself countless times to stay relevant. Cli- I had, I have also watched the already super low average of the ents are more demanding, expect more for less, and want only the St. Louis wedding mobile DJ industry price go down even more best. Some of that makes sense, but I am a strong advocate in an than it already has. That being said, mobile DJ companies are old saying that goes like this: “You get what you pay for!” fighting for breadcrumbs that are raked off the table and swept Starting as a wedding DJ company in 1997, I am relieved I ex- under the rug. panded into the corporate market as tremendous changes started So, what is degrading the value of the entertainment industry? happening in St. Louis. For a city of two million people, there The lack of concern for skill and talent that yields superior en- are currently 450+ mobile DJ companies, and many of these sole tertainment for once-in-a-lifetime events. Consumers are looking operators start and go out of business rather quickly. I have easily for the lowest price available, disregarding one of the most im- priced myself out of the extremely competitive wedding market in portant pieces of the puzzle. We are all guilty of doing it! Many St. Louis over the past 15 years or so, and I know that the prices groups now just hire whoever can deliver the lowest price without in this market are much lower than the rest of the country for the any concern to the quality of equipment, time spent in planning, or the skillset that it takes to move a dancefloor and rock a mic. The factors above, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, have calculated a skewed pricing formula that has misguided consumers even more so to believe that independent suppliers who do business with the hospitality, live entertainment, and meetings and events industries are desperate. If we, as an industry, want to make a comeback this year, we must stand our ground. Businesses aim to grow in profit year after year, not to go back 10-15 years!

Upholding Pricing Standards I will speak to my particular industry alone and exclude the companies that started up for small, supplemental income. In a

18 MISSOURI MEETINGS & EVENTS SPRING 2021 FEATURE: EVERY PRICE COMES WITH A PRICE

touch with your clients and industry friends, and do whatever else it takes. Remember, word of mouth will always be your best form of advertisement. The second is to stand your ground on when it comes to pricing. Remember why you, the real professionals, got into the industry in the first place. We are here because we love what we do! The cool thing is that you can make some great cash as a reward! We, as venue/service suppliers in the meetings and events and entertainment industry, will need to get creative in these times with how we continue to make a living. As your company inno- vates new ways to generate revenue, be mindful of how your tac- tics are impacting these industries as a whole. Find ways to retain your company’s value and make it clear to potential and current clients that you are ultimately in charge of setting your rates, not the other way around. This brings me to reiterate my three-word takeaway once more. Stand. Your. Ground. MM&E

Scotty O’Brien is the Owner of Sunshine Entertainment Group and the Visionwork Group. To learn more information, visit vision- workgroup.com or call (636) 207-9999. time when we are all hurting and struggling to survive; do your best to have pride in your industry and uphold it. Keep the pricing standards that the true professionals have worked for so many years and which are so hard to establish. My father-in-law told me a long time ago to buy the best that you can afford -on anything- at the time you buy it. As an industry, I plead with you to protect your company’s pricing; it will be hard to raise your rates if you show that you are willing to knock them down significantly. We can make it past this pandemic hurdle and come out ahead if we all stick together. Trust me, people are ready to party face-to-face! If you are only willing to offer a much lower price to an entertainment company to sign their contract, this will become the norm. You will, unknowingly or not, contribute to the devaluing of my proud industry, and that is not the direction that I want to see my or other companies’ business models head. Have some chutzpah and stand your ground. For the true professionals in business, do not settle to seal the deal. The client does not dictate your pricing; it is supposed to be the other way around. I guaran- tee you that Paul McCartney’s concert ticket prices aren’t going to drop just because of a crappy search engine or a whiny bride, and the live music industry ticket prices will not fluctuate. Why? Because people are willing to pay for real talent!

How Do We Solve This? The answer to this conflict is two-fold. Marketing and sales is the first key. Your first job is to get your face in front of the people that want and need your services. A very wise and rich business associate once told me to spend the most when the times are worst. That does not mean to not feed your family; it means to make wise investments in your advertising and future, staying in

www.MissouriMeetingsAndEvents.com 19 The Paradigm Shift in the Restaurant Industry So Hospitality Group Shows Leadership in Transforming Food Service Model by Olivia Orman

ver the last year, the restaurant industry has had to pivot to Question: Ocontinue doing business amid dining restrictions. Restau- “With the food ordering process being less person-to-person rants have taken many different approaches to reconfigure their over the last year, what do you project the “traditional” hospitality processes and revenue streams, and many of these establish- experience will look like going forward?” ments are still determining what business model changes they are going to implement long-term for financially sustainable Munsok: operations, along with their required resources. “The service aspect doesn't really change other than that our MM&E interviewed Munsok So, President and CEO of So customers are taking control of their ordering process. So we still Hospitality Group, to see just how his St. Louis and Kansas City have servers rotating through the dining rooms and providing a restaurants have adapted to these challenges and found success great experience. It’s just that servers are not parked there at the along the way. So Hospitality Group’s dining concepts, which tables, taking orders that might initially take a long time, as well as includes multiple Drunken Fish sushi restaurants, Kimchi Guys, reorders. One of the benefits for the customer is control over the Miss Java, and 612North Event Space + Catering, adapted a new ordering process. Guests can order and reorder when they want, food service model that enabled the company’s operations to be- and pay and leave when they want. come more efficient and cost-effective, even in one of the most I really think this is the new age of ordering and that this is a testing times for the restaurant industry. Continue reading to see better system. We've been implementing it for almost a year now. what So Hospitality Group changed to impressively work around This decision was really difficult for me at the time, but it has the situation at hand. worked out tremendously. Our guests are in line with using it because pretty much everyone has a phone on them these days. And Disclaimer: interviews have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Question: “What are the largest adaptations restaurants have made over the last year, and how have consumers responded to these modi- fications?”

Munsok: “We have made a conscious decision to go digitally within our company, giving our customers the ability to order on their phones for contactless ordering. We reached out to Toast, which is our POS-partner, to integrate a touchless ordering and payment process, which significantly benefited our company in terms of saving money on labor as well as creating efficiency around our operations. By this one change, we were able to save probably 7-10% in operational costs. I think that made a significant difference in the way we operated our restaurants because we had such a dip in sales initially, and we were trying to figure out a creative way to control our expenses. This turned out to be a great way to offset some of our expenses and help us sustain our business this last year.”

20 MISSOURI MEETINGS & EVENTS SPRING 2021 FOOD AND BEVERAGE: THE PARADIGM SHIFT IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY

if you have a small group of people that don't have phones, we're takeaway points are to make sure you're online, make sure you're able to take cash transactions for those customers. The majority of digital, and make sure people can order your products in a direct our guests are able to order easily, quickly, and efficiently through and easy way.” this contactless order and pay process, which ultimately saves on labor for the company. The tips generated are also very similar to, Question: and maybe even more, than pre-pandemic. So our team ends up “Evidently, consumer business will be the first to pick back up making a little bit more money. I think it's a win-win-win situa- under this paradigm shift. What differences are you projecting for tion.” restaurant group functions when they become prevalent again?”

Question: Munsok: “What does all of this mean as far as competition in the restau- “In the future, let's say 15 to 20 people come in to eat at a rant industry?” Drunken Fish. This table will now have an opportunity to order as a group on our digital platform, or order separately and pay Munsok: “The restaurant industry is more competitive than ever. If you're a restaurant owner who is stubborn in your ways, you're going to miss out on that competitive edge. I think the ability to forecast, maneuver, adapt, etc. is extremely important to sustain a business.”

separately. Before COVID, separating checks at large tables was both time-consuming and oftentimes confusing. That confusion has been eliminated now. My team and I are constantly asking Question: ourselves how we can make experiences better for our guests. How “Which adaptions over the last year do you think will be here to do we make things more convenient? How do we create processes stay, and what other methods can restaurants implement into their that work seamlessly? We actively provide feedback to our part- digital model to diversify and safeguard their revenue? ners, especially Toast. At the end of the day, we want to ensure the guest experience is excellent and memorable." Munsok: “I thought the ordering process was going to change within the Whether it is the restaurant or the meetings and events industry, next five to eight years, and I think the pandemic has accelerated organizations may find that they need to readjust their business this process. I truly do believe that after the pandemic, this whole models to continue operating in a feasible and supportive way process of contactless ordering and paying is going to stay, espe- for all professionals involved. This may mean implementing a cially since restaurant operations are becoming leaner right now. whole new systematic process with a similar leadership mentality One of the distinct advantages of going towards this digital process as So Hospitality Group. It is critical that our business models are is the ability to update menus instantaneously as needed. This also equipped for the unforeseeable circumstances that may throw a synergistically helps with our third-party delivery services. Once curveball at our organization otherwise. After all, who would have our Toast online menus are live, for both dine-in and take-out, this predicted that almost all industries would be faced with the exact menu can automatically sync with our delivery service partners, same operational predicaments at the same exact time? like Postmates, DoorDash, etc. This helps increase takeout capaci- MM&E ty, which is, in many ways, easier to operate than dine-in business. That's another way to be a little bit ahead of the game. My major Olivia Orman is a contributing writer from St. Louis.

www.MissouriMeetingsAndEvents.com 21 Building for the Future Castle Ridge “Paves” New Standards for Meetings, Events, and Teambuilding by Olivia Orman

estled in Centralia, Illinois, stands a castle that is already of 2,780 attendees. Castle Ridge has calculated how many at- Nreshaping how organizations approach group business. tendees each indoor space can accommodate cocktail -, theater-, Castle Ridge, an $18-million development with a vision just classroom-, and banquet-style, so please refer to the seating ca- as large as its investment, is making final preparations before pacity chart to view accurate counts for each configuration. its grand opening in spring of 2021. In addition to promoting This property also offers several options for outdoor events, its south-central destination for personal leisure, weddings, and which will yield one-of-a- kind experiences. The castle’s roof- outdoor exploration, Castle Ridge has also made specific addi- top event space is built along a scenic overlook of a 970-acre tions that make it a unique option for corporate and association lake, presenting a unique panorama for gatherings outside of functions. its Grand Hall and Conference Center while still offering Wi-fi and power capabilities. Meetings and events are not just limited Flexible Meeting Options to Castle Ridge’s scenic overlook, though. Three-phase pow- Castle Ridge provides several ways groups can effectively er is established all throughout the property’s 60 acres, giving meet indoors and outdoors, with its array of options accom- companies the ability to meet wherever they want outside and modating each group’s preferences, goals, and agendas. The fol- keep attendees spaced out. This could include gathering along lowing are different ways organizations can utilize the space at the lakefront or the property’s amphitheater with rearrangeable Castle Ridge. seating options. The possibilities are endless. For conferences, banquets, and breakout sessions, there are two large indoor spaces that can seat attendees in a variety of configurations, be divided into smaller spaces, and/or be con- solidated into one large space. The Grand Hall is 7,200 square- feet in total, can place a maximum of 1,200 attendees, and can be broken into 3,600 square-foot Grand Hall Ballrooms A and B using a moveable wall. The Conference Center is 9,480 square-feet as a whole, can seat a maximum of 1,580 attendees, and has 34 different room configurations for breakout space. When the Grand Hall and Conference Center are combined, the space amounts to 16,680 square-feet and seats a maximum

22 MISSOURI MEETINGS & EVENTS SPRING 2021 FACILITY FOCUS: CASTLE RIDGE

Room/Area Cocktail Standing Theater Classroom Banquet SQ Footage With & Seated Mezzanine

The Entire Grand Hall 900 1200 514 654 7200

Grand Hall Ballroom A 450 600 257 327 3600

Grand Hall Ballroom B 450 600 257 327 3600

Room/Area Cocktail Standing Theater Classroom Banquet SQ Footage & Seated

Entire Conference Center 1185 1580 677 861 9480

Smallest Breakout Option 77 103 44 56 619

Room/Area Cocktail Standing Theater Classroom Banquet SQ Footage With & Seated Mezzanine

The Grand Hall & Conference 2085 2780 1191 1516 16680 Center

Redefining Teambuilding Melissa Roach, Director at Castle Ridge, is positioning the In addition to its unique meeting and event space, groups property to show leadership in this area and believes in the last- meeting at Castle Ridge will have a diverse selection of team ing impact of leisure-like teambuilding activities. She states, development activities that they can choose to include in their “We really want to redefine what [teambuilding] is in 2021 and agenda. Some options Castle Ridge has considered include, but beyond. I think Castle Ridge will be on the forefront of decid- are not limited to, physical activities including kayaking, base- ing what that is going forward. And that’s kind of exciting.” ball/softball featuring the popular HitTrax system, for players and non-players alike, at Gaetti’s Sports Academy located on- More Concepts on the Horizon site, cooking classes with their restaurant’s executive chef, card- Though the castle at Castle Ridge will be holding its inau- board boat building and more. Additionally, the team at Castle gural events in March of 2021, the property has even larger Ridge is actively looking for other creative ways to partner with plans for its long-term development. One of these additions local talent and businesses in the region that would offer groups will include an area occupied with 6- and 8-room lodges. These new, out of the ordinary experiences while also supporting the shared spaces will be equipped for informal meetings with a community. Specific team development inquiries can be made smart TV in the common area so organizations can hold dis- for group outings. cussions from the comfort of their lodge and retreat to their rooms afterwards. There will be 50 rooms across these lodges in total. Castle Ridge continues to explore new ideas to bring ex- citement back to the meetings and events industry, encourage spacious travel and tourism, and bring more guests to Centra- lia. Keep an eye out for more property updates from Missouri Meetings and Events to see the latest happenings at South Cen- tral Illinois’ newest meeting and event property. MM&E

Olivia Orman is a contributing writer from St. Louis.

www.MissouriMeetingsAndEvents.com 23 ASSOCIATION NEWS The GBTA St. Louis Chapter Announces Event Plans for 2021 by Mattie Yallaly, GTBA St. Louis Chapter Member

he board of directors for the GBTA St. Louis chapter is in Games, this historic course has proven to be a superb location for Tthe process of planning membership meetings and other a grand experience. All aspects of this event intend to unite its events for 2021. The board is looking forward to a year with Chapter members for the purpose of networking and building re- the “new normal” underway so confidence in travel can be relationships around rolling greens, stately trees, and gentle breezes. built. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and more information will become available soon! Recap of January’s Virtual Meeting GBTA St. Louis’ first virtual meeting in January was a success. For more information regarding membership and benefits, con- Shane Downey, GBTA Vice President of Government and Com- tact [email protected]. munity Relations provided excellent information and insights, For sponsorship opportunities, contact development@stlbta. and the Chapter gives a special thank you for his contribution. org or [email protected]. He delivered accurate updates from the new administration, while also sharing knowledge relevant to his considerable experience working in the U.S. capitol.

Upcoming March Meeting The March meeting will hopefully bring beautiful flowers and the ability to meet in person. Depending on whether it is safe for GBTA St. Louis’ Chapter members to meet by then, it may be moved to April to ensure the safety of attendees. The Chapter is currently looking into a winery location that will allow excellent networking as well as delicious food and beverages. The date is still being finalized, so be sure to check stlbta.org for updates.

The Annual Golf Tournament The best golf tournament in the Midwest is coming back this year! This September, the GBTA St. Louis Chapter will be at Glen Echo Country Club. Home of the 1904 Olympic Golf

24 MISSOURI MEETINGS & EVENTS SPRING 2021 Meetings and Events are Changing, and So Are We. Since Summer 2001, Missouri Meetings & Events has established itself as the go-to regional trade publication for professionals in charge of planning their organization’s upcoming meetings, events, conferences, and conventions. MM&E continues to create an effective link between meeting planners and venue/service suppliers, and because its resources yield actual business bookings between both parties, it shows that this publication plays an important role in generating group business revenue and promoting organizations to meet face-to-face. Its function has proven itself effective over the years, and thus, the Summer 2021 issue will mark MM&E’s 20- year anniversary!

The meetings and events industry has evolved significantly over the last 20 years, but the industry has seen the most drastic changes as a result of COVID-19. MM&E continued providing relevant information on hotels and venues, regional destinations, food and beverage, tech innovations, and the latest industry news during the climax of the pandemic and remained one of few platforms that encouraged safe face-to-face gatherings. As this industry crisis forced many meeting and event vendors to reinvent themselves, MM&E not only focused on what adaptations it could make to individually survive, but also what resources it could provide to help the industry thrive again as well.

With MM&E’s second-decade anniversary taking place during a year full of pivots, it made sense to merge Missouri Meetings & Events magazine with the MEET (Meetings – Events – Entertainment – Travel) platform going forward. The Spring 2021 issue will mark the last issue of Missouri Meetings & Events and the very first issue of…. MEET Missouri MEET Missouri will be a brand-new print/digital meeting and event magazine launching in Summer 2021. Compact in size with a clean, easy-to-navigate layout, this premier publication will feature quick-read articles, additional topics relevant to group business, and more new separate resources coming later in the year.

While MEET Missouri will continue to heavily focus on meetings and events, it will also embrace entertainment and travel subject matter from the group business angle. MEET Missouri will continue to cater its resources to the planner who is in charge of coordinating their organization’s upcoming group outing, but its editorial focus will approach company functions from the leisure side as well. Coupled with coverage on entertainment and travel, MEET Missouri will also feature a wedding department for the first time that can be utilized personally or professionally.

If there is a particular topic(s) you would like MEET Missouri to cover that would specifically benefit you and/ or your organization, let us know by sending an email to [email protected]. We want our planner and venue/ service supplier readers to be part of our and the industry’s transition over the next year. Additional features will be forthcoming throughout 2021, so continue visiting our website, following us on social media, and subscribing to our free resources to stay in the know about this exciting transformation. MEET Missouri will continue creating pertinent resources for meeting planners and venue/service suppliers in these ever-changing times, and it will remain an active support system so both parties are able to endure future hurdles and stay part of one of the most hospitable and humanly connected industries for business. peopleupdate

Kelley Douglass Heather Brown Agenda: USA has announced the The Lake of the Ozarks Convention immediate addition of hospitality and and Visitor Bureau (CVB) welcomes events professional Kelley Douglass Heather Brown as the Interim Execu- as Director of Client Services. Dou- tive Director. Heather was employed glass joins Agenda: USA from New with the CVB for seven years and Orleans, Louisiana, where she worked has extensive knowledge in the op- since 2008 as an event producer in erations of the organization. Heather one of the premier convention cit- has a Bachelor of Science degree in ies, working with leading destination Communication with an emphasis management companies (DMCs) and in Public Relations and Marketing corporate clients. as well as, a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Upon Douglass has served on the board of MPI (Meeting Profes- graduating with her Bachelor’s degree Heather accepted the po- sionals International) and was featured in their national mag- sition of Marketing Assistant at the Beenders Walker Marketing azine in December 2019. She is quickly becoming involved Group, which was a stepping stone job that introduced her to in the local hospitality industry, joining several organizations. new opportunities including the relationship with the Lake of Douglass owned her own event planning firm while negotiating the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau. She started with the a move to Kansas City, working with events in both locations as Convention and Visitor Bureau as a Consultant and worked she transitioned. Prior to this, she was a sales manager for Audu- her way up to Director of Member Services before leaving the bon Nature Institute, the largest non-profit in Louisiana which company five years ago. Tourism and marketing have always represents the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium and Insectarium. been a passion for Heather and her relationships she already has As Director of Client Services, Douglass will oversee sales, established in the community makes this a great role for her. marketing and event production. “Agenda: USA is uniquely po- Heather’s background consists of marketing research, focus sitioned to be a market leader in the event production space. I groups, media planning, seminars, event planning, organiza- look forward to capitalizing on Agenda’s reputation for 30-plus tional alliances, social media marketing, digital marketing, pub- years of exceptional service, while also bringing new and fresh lic relations, budgeting, charity work, marketing consultations, ideas to our clients.” and relationship building. We look forward to Heather’s leadership over the next few months and her abilities to continue the Sean FitzGibbons daily operations of the CVB. In late December a new operations staff was hired. Sean FitzGibbons Rebecca Rupard joined the team as Executive Direc- Rebecca Rupard was named the tor. Originally from St. Louis, Sean new Tourism Director for the City comes to the Foundry from Pyramid of Lebanon, Missouri in November Hill Sculpture Park & Museum in 2020, and she accepted this new role Cincinnati, Ohio where he served as after serving as the Public Relations Director. Manager for the Lake of the Ozarks “I look forward to working with the Tri-County Lodging Association for City of St. Charles as the Executive 17 years. In her previous position, she Director of the Foundry Art Centre,” said Sean FitzGibbons. was involved not only in tourism, but “The Foundry has an important role as a cultural institution for with many events and organizations the community by providing a welcoming and creative environ- including the Special Olympics Missouri Polar Plunge, Lake of ment. I am excited at the opportunity to continue the Foundry’s the Ozarks Water Safety Council, Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, mission.” and the Can-Am Police-Fire Games. Rebecca is enjoying her Rounding out the team are Jessica Mannisi, Art & Exhibi- time in Lebanon and getting to know the community, and she tions Coordinator; Jenny Kettler, Education & Program Co- is looking forward to helping the area in their tourism efforts ordinator; Rachel McCalla, Special Events Coordinator; and by continuing to market their many assets which include the David Helling, Facility Coordinator. Historic Route 66 and Bennett Spring State Park.

26 MISSOURI MEETINGS & EVENTS SPRING 2021 peopleupdate

Alexandra Bobbitt Jolene Dempster The Jefferson City Convention and The St. Joseph, MO Convention & Visitors Bureau (JCCVB) is pleased Visitors Bureau announced in 2020 to announce its recent hire of Alexan- that Jolene Dempster has taken over dra Bobbitt, who will join the JCCVB the Convention/Meetings market team as the new Communications/ which also includes reunions and so- Film Manager. Bobbitt will lead the cial events. charge in marketing the Jefferson City Jolene graduated from the Nettle- area as a desirable convention and ton College, and since joining the tourism destination. industry, she has participated in the “The Convention & Visitors Bu- Executive Program in Destination reau is excited to have Alex join our JCCVB team,” said Ex- Management through DMAI and the Sales Academy for Des- ecutive Director Diane Gillespie. “Alex’s passion for travel and tination Selling. tourism will be a great asset in the marketing of the City of Previously, Jolene worked as the Group Tour Manager for the Jefferson to our visitors.” CVB. She has 22 years of tourism experience with destina- Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Manage- tion marketing and hospitality industry success. She also assists ment from the University of Central Missouri and comes to the in developing marketing plans that communicate and deliver JCCVB with experience in marketing, advertising, and tourism. tourism experiences throughout Northwest Missouri. Jolene is Most recently, she worked for the Missouri Division of Tour- the administrator for the Pony Express Region Tourism Com- ism, where she helped facilitate and monitor the cooperative mission. marketing programs for destination marketing organizations In her spare time, Jolene enjoys gardening, reading, and throughout the state of Missouri. This background has helped spending time with her family. She volunteers for various local Alex make an easy transition into her new role with the JCCVB. organizations and the American Red Cross.

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www.MissouriMeetingsAndEvents.com 27 industryupdate

MORE EVENTS HAVE HAPPENED, AND ARE HAPPENING AROUND THE REGION!

Face-to-face events are making a comeback at convention centers! At the time of publication, three public in-person events took place between Missouri and Kansas, and another function is taking place in Missouri soon. Continue reading to see what events were sched- uled at the St. Charles and Overland Park Convention Centers.

Center. This function featured the latest tion. Seminars and demos, activities such in cruisers, runabouts, performance boats, as archery and deer scoring, and daily door pontoons, ski boats, personal watercraft, prizes were components of this event as well. docks, lifts and boating accessories, all in one show.

Working Women’s Survival Show From February 19-21, the St. Charles Convention Center facilitated the Work- ing Women’s Survival Show. This event gave women an opportunity to go shop- St. Charles Home Show ping, grab a bite, and get pampered all in From April 9-11, the Home Builders one place, with their family and friends. Kansas Open Season Sportsman’s Expo Association of St. Louis and Eastern Mis- From March 12-14, the Overland Park souri is holding its annual show at the St. St. Charles Boat Show Convention Center facilitated the Kansas Charles Convention Center. This event From March 4-7, the Lake of the Ozarks Open Season Sportsman's Expo for the gives homeowners the opportunity to see, Dealers Association held the St. Charles very first time, with industry-leading com- learn about, and buy the latest home im- Boat Show at the St. Charles Convention panies exhibiting at this face-to-face func- provement products and services.

CIMP SAFELY HOLDS FACE-TO-FACE EXPO IN OKLAHOMA LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: FAVAZZA’S ON THE HILL

From February 10th-11th, Cannabis Industrial Marketplace Located in St. Louis’ Historic Italian neighborhood known (CIMP) facilitated Oklahoma’s second B2B Cannabis Industry as “The Hill,” Favazza’s is an award-winning restaurant that Summit & Expo face-to-face at the Central Park Hall. 400+ at- can accommodate different group sizes in its three indoor tendees and 60 exhibitors gathered to network and learn about banquet rooms and outdoor patio. This local business also the business of cannabis through breakout sessions, all while operates a separate banquet facility called The Rose on the taking safety precautions compliant with local advisory boards. Hill, that can seat and serve up to 500 attendees. Jen Wynn, Vice President of Expositions, explained how When planning a group function at Favazza’s or The Rose CIMP received positive input from those who attended the on the Hill, meeting planners can choose between various Oklahoma show. Wynn states, “We had a lot of really good banquet menus in the form of: sit-down meals, family style feedback. A few people that were there to talk to us afterwards meals, buffets, or appetizers. Groups may also choose to have said they loved the sessions and thought they were very edu- their food catered to them at their preferred location. cational. They were also impressed with the knowledge and To support Favazza’s, visit their website at favazzas.com to the new technology they learned from the presenters and ex- buy a gift card(s) for a company group or fellow colleagues, hibitors.” and to learn more about their banquet and catering services. Wynn’s advice to planners of upcoming expos is, “Follow whatever safety procedures are in place for the area that you're in. And the big thing is just making sure people feel safe. Taking extra precautions at this point is what made people comfortable, I think.” To learn about CIMP’s other upcoming expos, visit: cannabisi- mp.com/us-expos.

28 MISSOURI MEETINGS & EVENTS SPRING 2021 industryupdate

THE FOUNDRY ART CENTRE BECOMES A DIVISION OF THE GREATER SAINT CHARLES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

As we transition into the New Year, the Foundry Art Centre is Visitors Bureau. “The Foundry really is a gem in our region and undergoing its own transition. On January 1, 2021, the Greater we are looking forward to enhancing the offerings it will bring Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau, a department of to residents and visitors.” the City of Saint Charles, became the new operating manager For more information on the Foundry Art Centre, visit www. of the Foundry Art Centre. foundryartcentre.org. The Foundry becomes a division of the Convention & Vis- itors Bureau (CVB) after months of discussion amongst the Foundry Board and City leaders. This move will create opportunities for the Foundry to become more involved in events and programming in St. Charles, while continuing to be a vibrant home for the arts. Along with this transition, the Foundry has undergone staffing and leadership changes. “We are excited about this new chapter for the Foundry,” said Dan Krankeola, Director of the Saint Charles Convention and

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is written primarily for those who - is written primarily for those who - - Breaking the Code to Healthcare Compliance continues to be the primary resource - Breaking the Code to Healthcare Compliance Breaking the Code to Healthcare Compliance devote a major portion of their time to working in the healthcare industry. Whether devote a major portion of their time to working in the healthcare industry. Whether you are a manufacturer, physician, group purchasing organization (GPO), Physi book for the Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate (HMCC) program, you are a manufacturer, physician, group purchasing organization (GPO), Physi cian-Owned Distributorship (POD), or teaching hospital, or are involved in plan cian-Owned Distributorship (POD), or teaching hospital, or are involved in plan ning and reporting transparency and spend, having a basic understanding of the ning and reporting transparency and spend, having a basic understanding of the - who, what, where, and how of the Physician Payments Sunshine Act will enhance -- sponsored by Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Currently there are who, what, where, and how of the Physician Payments Sunshine Act will enhance - your knowledge and scope of reasoning. Breaking the Code to Health your knowledge and scope of reasoning. Breaking the Code to Health

“In today’s world, if anything is changing more rapidly than healthcare, it is the number of regu 1,300 HMCC’s worldwide and it has become the most recognized designation lations“In today’s that govern world,, theifis anythingan healthcare indispensible is changingindustry. resource morePat Schaumann’s for rapidly anyone than tasked book,healthcare, with navigating it is the—Donn number the complex H. of Herringregu , is an indispensible resource for anyone tasked with navigating—Donn the complex H. Herring carelations Compliance that govern the healthcare industry. Pat Schaumann’s book, care Compliance Attorney At Law / Health Care Practice Group international, federal, and state requirements that govern the healthcareAttorney Atindustry, Law / Health including Care Practice the Group meetingsinternational, held federal,by its members.” and state requirements that govern the healthcare industry, including the in the healthcare and life science meeting industry. The guide is a must for those meetings held by its members.”

—Hailing Wang —Hailing Co.,Wang Ltd. Co., Ltd. “With healthcare business increasing in China, compliance education will be important and this book who plan and arrange medical or healthcare meetings worldwide. Also used can“With be ahealthcare very good business resource increasing to those working in China, with compliance medical meetingseducation and will events.” be important and this book can be a very good resource to those working with medical meetings and events.” ” sheds light on a very dark and unknown aspect Executive Director of Present China / General Manager of America” sheds & Atlantic light Division, on a very Beijing dark Youth and Travel unknown Service aspect Executive Director of Present China / General Manager of America & Atlantic Division, Beijing Youth Travel Service by hotels, convention centers, audio-visual companies, trade show/exhibit —James Vachon Pat Schaumann “Breaking the Code to Healthcare Compliance Pat Schaumann Breaking the Code to Healthcare Compliance —James Vachon of“ this industry. Time moves forward and requirements are being defined and many of the people whoof this will industry. be impacted Time by moves this don’tforward even and realize requirements its happening. are being This defined book is and a wonderful many of the resource people towho help will navigate be impacted this changing by this don’troadmap.” even realize its happening. This book is a wonderful resource companies, restaurants, third party planning companies and other providers to help navigate this changing roadmap.” Associate Director, Events, Meetings and Conventions Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company Associate Director, Events, Meetings and Conventions Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company

—David Peckinpaugh, CMP —David Peckinpaugh, CMP of support products and services. The book is also a recommended resource “If there is one word that will dominate the landscape of the healthcare industryPresident /in Maritz the comingTravel Company years“If there it is is“compliance.” one word that If will you dominate want to have the landscapea full understanding of the healthcare of the ever-changingindustryPresident /in Maritz the landscape comingTravel Company years it is “compliance.” If you want to have a full understanding of the ever-changing landscape of governmental regulations, then this is the book for you.” - of governmental regulations, then this is the book for you.” - CMP, CSEP, DMCP, HMCC CMP, CSEP, DMCP, HMCC for the Events Industry Council’s CMP HC —Kristen Knauer, HMCC —Kristen Knauer, HMCC “Pat has helped our organization in understanding the complicated regulationsGlobal Sales of Director healthcare / Fogo de Chao meeting“Pat has compliance, helped our organizationand in turn we in supportunderstanding meeting the planners complicated more effectively.regulationsGlobal Sales Thisof Director healthcare has /signifi Fogo de Chao cantlymeeting increased compliance, our sales and in turnthe segment.” we support meeting planners more effectively. This has signifi (Healthcare) certification program. cantly increased our sales in the segment.” —Julie Hills, HMCC —Julie Hills, HMCC “This book shines a light on the ever-changing healthcare compliance landscape so you can steer clear“This of book the manyshines dangerous a light on andthe ever-changingexpensiveManaging landmines.” healthcare Director of compliance Corporate Group landscape Sales / Hilton so you Worldwide can steer Sales clear of the many dangerous and expensiveManaging landmines.” Director of Corporate Group Sales / Hilton Worldwide Sales

www.PublishingConceptsLLC.com www.PublishingConceptsLLC.com ISBN: 978-1-933635-29-3 ISBN: 978-1-933635-29-3

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS$89.95 / Hospitality, U.S. Travel & Tourism BUSINESS & ECONOMICS$89.95 / Hospitality, U.S. Travel & Tourism Pat Schaumann, CMP, CSEP, DMCP, HMCC, is senior director of healthcare compliance for Maritz Travel. She is a leader in the meeting management and healthcare meeting industries.

Order at: www.meetingcompliance.com

30 BreakingMISSOURI The MEETINGS Code 4th Ed_Half & EVENTS Page SPRINGHoriz_MeetMed.indd 2021 1 8/5/17 9:42 PM Your Productivity is Our Priority.

YourThe She Productivityrtons at Westport offer travelers a safe isand Our• Complimentary Priority. Airport Shuttle • Complimentary Parking convenient location to host events with full audio visual The Shertons at Westport offer travelers a •• IndoorComplimentary & Outdoor PoolAirport Shuttle support for scalable hybrid and virtual functionality. • 24 Hour 10,000 sq ft safe and convenient location to host events • ComplimentaryFitness Facility Parking with fullThe audio complex visual offers support 55,000 squarefor scalable feet of meeting • In-House A/ V with space and over 10,000 square feet of outdoor space. • Indoorplug in Virtual& Outdoor Options Pool hybrid and virtual functionality. • Full Service Conference Center Guests can walk to over 15 dining and entertainment • 24 Hour 10,000 sq ft Fitness Facility The complex offers 55,000 square feet of Sheraton Westport Hotel St. Louis venues, including the popular bar and gaming lounge, • Full Service Conference Center meeting space and over 10,000 square feet 191 & 900 West port Plaza Westport Social, with live music every weekend and St. Louis, Missouri 63146 of outdoor space. never a cover. 3Sheraton14.878.1500 Westport sheratonwes Hoteltport.com St. Louis Guests can walk to over 15 dining and 191 & 900 West port Plaza entertainment venues, including the popular St. Louis, Missouri 63146 314.878.1500 bar and gaming lounge, Westport Social, with sheratonwestport.com live music every weekend and never a cover.