News

• The Auction is open!
  The Bravo auction is open for bidding. KBC's annual gala and fundraiser are also open for registration!
• The MidAmerica Conference Auction is online and live!
  Help support MAC by checking out the MPI MIdAmerica online auction, powered by BiddingForGood.
• FSA to produce a new Bourbon-themed event in March
  A bourbon lover's dream event is coming later in March. There is also a special MPI Member discount for those interested in attending.
• Galt House Ballroom Undergoes Renovations; New Restaurant is open
  The Galt House has a lot of news to share.
• DO YOU NEED A MINI-VACATION? Win an overnight stay at 21C Cincinnati.
  Win a complimentary 1-night stay at the 4-Diamond 21C Hotel located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati’s Backstage District (across from the Aronoff Center for the Arts and next to the Contemporary Arts Center). How? Participate in the KBC MPI Membership Contest. Refer a friend for an MPI membership. The KBC MPI member (in good standing) with the highest number of new referral memberships from the prior month’s meeting until the current month’s meeting wins the prize.
• CWT SMM Checklist Part 3
  CWT SMM Checklist - Part 3 of a 3-part Series from September's Speaker. Nikki McLain, CMP, SMMC wraps up the SMM Wheel discussion with key points regarding Payment/Expense Reconciliation, Data Analysis/Reporting and Technology.
• CWT SMM Checklist Part 2
  CWT SMM Checklist - Part 2 of a 3-part Series from September's Event Speaker, Nikki McLain, CMP, SMMC Nikki discusses the 3 important pieces of the SMM Wheel - Approval, Sourcing/Procurement and Planning/Execution.
• CWT SMM Checklist Part 1
  September's Speaker Nikki McLain, CMP, SMMC first article of a 3-part series to provide a checklist of do’s and don’ts of starting SMM, referencing the SMM Wheel. Part 1 addresses Strategy, Policy and Registration
• More Information About Our September Host, Sullivan University
  There is a National Center of Hospitality Studies located in Louisville. Here are some of the things you should know about it.
• Synergy Discussion Group - Louisville
  The first Synergy Discussion Group met in Louisville at Interactive Media Lab on September 12. The lively discussion was enjoyed by all in attendance.
• KBCMPI Board of Directors Approves Program Fee Increase
  In order to bring you the highest quality educational programming at our monthly luncheon meetings, your KBC MPI Board has approved a new feestructure to attend monthly education programs. Effective immediately the new fee structure will be the following:
• Member News - August
  Eight of the city's top chefs create a once-in-a-lifetime meal benefiting scholarships and a chapter member company wins business plan contest.
• MPI MidAmerica Conference - You Can Help Create and Execute the Event!
  The 13th Annual MPI MidAmerica Education Conference will be held in French Lick, Indiana at the French Lick Resort, March 17-19, 2013. Make plans now to be a part of this two-day event with education and networking for all!
• Synergy Group Discussions
  The Kentucky Bluegrass Chapter of MPI is excited to begin a new programming initiative to enhance the member experience for our membership all around the state.
• KBC MPI Committee Fair at August Meeting
  The Chapter will host its COMMITTEE FAIR during the networking reception at the August meeting at the Ali Center in Louisvile. This is an excellent opportunity to get involved in the chapter. We have opportunities for every schedule and skill level.
• Meetings in a Hybrid World Is Topic for August Meeting
  Our sizzling hot summer of education continues as the Muhammad Ali Center and Bristol Catering host our monthly luncheon program on Thursday, August 16. You will not want to miss the blend of networking, our KBC MPI Committee Fair (complete with prizes!), the exciting MPI International Proprietary Speaker, Chris Meyer, all with the backdrop of the Muhammad Ali Center’s grand spaces, The Bristol’s delectable food, and each organization’s commitment to excellence.
• A Great New Year of Connection
  Your Education Committee is excited about the myriad ways we as a Chapter can maximize our shared vision: to become more effective, engaged professionals in the meetings and event industry. The Committee will be offering real-time, real-world solutions to challenges each of us face – through our monthly program offerings, newly-designed “Synergy” groups for dialogue, our MidAmerica Conference preparations and through robust offerings to learn more about industry certifications such as the CMP and CMM.
• Chapter Award Winners for 2012
  The KBC MPI Chapter Awards were presented at Bravo! on June 21. Click here to see who won.
• MPI Announces Global Volunteer Leaders for 2012-2013
  Meeting Professionals International (MPI) announces its 2012‐2013 Board of Directors, MPI Volunteer Chairs and MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees, for the fiscal year July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.
• High Performance Networking and Education at July Meeting
  Please join us on Thursday, July 19 for high-performance networking and education at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green.
• Member News - June
  New catering options at the Palace and the new Marriott Louisville East opens its doors.
• Member News - May
  Petty has a new position and the HI Lakeview's Atlantis Waterpark.
• Meet the New Board
  KBC MPI Announces its 2012-2013 Board of Directors.
• Member News - April
  JWill goes east, Molly welcomes her first-born, Kat gets a new gig, the penguins march to Lexington and Sway at the Hyatt Regency Louisville.
• Member News - March
  Jennifer Williams heads east and the Palace is offering free space.
• Member News - February
  There is a ton of member news this month, including a TV gig for DebbieDoesStuff, a new home for Bristol Catering, free meeting space at the Palace, new staging elements at Axxis, a new honor for West Baden and a couple of new babies for a member. All this plus a special promotion from the Louisville Ballet.
• Member News - January
  Open house at the Palace, Hawes retires and R&R gets a new Mercedes!
• Member News - December
  Hawes retires, recognition for ShaFox, Weekend Wedding Warrior Launch Party and something new at Axxis.
• NewbieRama Extended to December 31st
  From now until December 31, 2011, for every new member you sign up, your name automatically goes into a raffle to win a free membership renewal! That's right...a free membership renewal. We are calling it our NewbieRama.
• Member News - November
  Essential Details welcomes a new event manager, designer and wedding coordinator.
• Member News - October
  On Stage experience at the Louisville Palace and big changes for the Hyatt Louisville.
• Member News - February 2011
  News about KBC MPI members: Crystal Chism welcomes new baby, Brian Doty has a new position and CMP news.
• Member News - January 2011
  News about chapter members from January 2011. Read about Jennifer Jones and R&R Limo.

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Planner Spotlight

Marianna (LaHood) Boyd, Events Coordinator, Whayne Supply Company

Marianna recently joined MPI upon moving to Louisville in January.  A recent marriage (4/13/13) and a new job at Whayne Supply Company led her to the area and the desire to become a member of MPI in order to connect and network with people in the industry right away. 

Marianna was born and raised in Peoria, IL where upon graduating from the University of Illinois in 2000, spent the last 13 years in the event planning industry.  From event planning on Peoria’s riverfront to planning events for Caterpillar, one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of earthmoving equipment, Marianna has had her hand in meeting/event planning one way or another for most of her career. 

Some of her greatest achievements include 40 Leaders Under Forty Award Winner (2010), Chair of Community Leadership School (2011), Distinguished Young Business Professional of the Year (2012), Committee Member and Social Chair for the Young Professionals of Greater Peoria (2008-2012).    

Marianna is looking forward to a new chapter, as she starts her own family here in Louisville.  “Being involved with the community I live in, is very important to me,” she states.  Leaving behind a large Lebanese family and community in Peoria only inspires her to jump right in and continue her passion of connecting with people and embracing the resources MPI has to offer.      

Supplier Spotlight 

Lauren Brown, The Catering Company

Lauren Brown is the Sales and Events Manager for The Catering Company based in Louisville, KY.  Lauren has been with The Catering Company for over 13 years. The Catering Company offers catering for multiple sectors including Corporate, Non-Profit, and Special Events, along with Weddings and other private events. Lauren oversees all of the events managed by The Catering Company, but focuses on Corporate and Non-Profit event production. 

Lauren is active in many other local organizations including Junior League of Louisville, Louisville CVB, One Southern Indiana Chamber, and BNI (to name a few). 

Lauren is married to her husband (Dan), and has two sons (Benson & Eli). In her spare time she enjoys activities with her kids, playing volleyball, and being outside.