2017 ANNUAL REPORT
In 2017, the convention center, in partnership with Visit OP (Visit Overland Park) & the Sheraton Hotel, teamed up on marketing efforts to make an even greater impact on our city's economy. Focusing on the destination overall, together we brought millions to the City of Overland Park.
The image (right), shared to social media for National Milk Day, helped us win a new client, bring in $280,794 locally & added some fun to an already beautiful day.
Clockwise, left to right: Overland Park Convention Center Sales Manager, Amy Worden; Overland Park Convention Center Director of Sales, Tracy Roberts; Sheraton Sales Manager, Rita Moss; Visit OP Senior Sales Manager, Brad Plumb
TOTAL INCOME
TOTAL EXPENSE
TOTAL REVENUE
ATTENDANCE
NUMBER OF EVENTS
$757,953
($11,094,195)
$11,852,148
372,539
288
2017 ACTUALS
ROOM NIGHTS
INCOME
EVENT MIX
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Generated an operating income of $757,953
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Reached record breaking survey scores overall as a facility including Audio Visual & Events
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Became one of two venues nationally selected by the event industry to pilot the Exhibitions & Meetings Safety & Security Initiative (EMSSI)
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Created customer experiences that continue to receive rave reviews & awards
The 2017 Overland Park Convention Center staff was a seamlessly integrated team of partners. This year, the convention center team, in partnership with our city officials, clients, visitors & the hospitality community of Overland Park have:
MAYOR OF OVERLAND PARK
GENERAL MANAGER
Mayor Gerlach reflects on Overland Park's national accomplishments & local successes.
GM Mitchell voices passion for keeping the convention center's core mission strong & our commitment to guest experiences.
We are the Overland Park Convention Center. We are an all-encompassing event resource for our clients and partners—our team creates experiences through personalized customer service and innovative ideas in all areas of our facility.
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Executive team (clockwise, left to right): Director of Events, Scott Riesterer; Director of Finance, Jeanne Kanoy; General Manager, Brett C. Mitchell; Director of Operations, George Middleton; Director of Food & Beverage, Lori Kennedy; Director of Sales & Marketing, Tracy Roberts
LEADERSHIP MATTERS
SURVEY SCORES
In 2017, our staff achieved an overall record of 4.79. On a scale from 1 to 5, our surveys are based on a number of factors and distributed to all of our clients to ensure a superior level of service is met and to create an even better experience for their next event with us.
OUR TEAM
"Event Planners have many different duties when it comes to making sure that everything goes off without a hitch. The team at the Overland Park Convention Center seems to always be one step ahead of me. From pre-planning to event production, I know I have a reliable partner who is as interested as I am in making the event a success for everyone involved."
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- Blish Connor, Blish Mize | , 2017
"The OPCC team makes our event run smoothly. They continually check on us while onsite to make sure everything is going well. It's nice to have that level of service."
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- Kim Good, Lineman's Rodeo | Nov. 14, 2017
"This is absolutely my favorite place to hold an event in the KC area. Location and parking are good, but the OPCC team is absolutely the BEST!"
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-Daniel McCarroll, UMKC | May 4, 2017
"Everyone was absolutely wonderful!​"
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- Jennifer Eilers, Honeywell
| Dec. 8, 2017
SIGNATURE EVENTS
ABOVE: The 2017 Mustang Grand National hosted by the Mustang Club of Greater Kansas City included representatives from 36 states & 3 countries with 490 new to late model cars on display inside & outside of the convention center. The economic impact for the City of Overland Park was $807,505 with 1,516 room nights.
RIGHT: Valu Merchandisers provides merchandise, health & beauty products, & specialty foods to over 3,800 stores in more than half the states in the US in addition to a growing international retail base, including stores in the Caribbean, Central America & South America and the Middle East. With two trade shows held at the convention center annually, the economic impact for the city in 2017 was a combined $4,423,279 with 3,762 room nights.
LEFT: The Shriners took the streets of Overland Park in a parade before the main event at the convention center. During the summer the Shriners brought in $1,752,793 for the local economy with 1,893 room nights.
LET'S GET SOCIAL
Our social media feeds are full of rave reviews from clients and attendees alike. Check out just a few here.
Thank you @OverlandParkCC for another year! If you love the OPCC as much as we do, follow them & see what other cool events are happening!
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NakaKon | March 14, 2017
The food service was first class!
Richard T. Bryant | Aug. 26, 2017
The venue is beautiful and easy to get in and out of. The OPCC staff is very professional and eager to help in any way. The food is delicious and service is fast, impressive when there are 800 attendees. Also the staff is flexible and able to problem solve alongside us at the event.
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Greenseeds | Sept. 17, 2017
The Overland Park Convention Center is the perfect place for big groups and large parties. I went to a big company party for Garmin and have seen that the center can pretty much accommodate everything. From aerial acrobats to loud bands to casino tables in their smaller room, the Convention Center can pretty much cover it. Also, the Boy Scouts taking coats was a nice touch this year.
If you have a smaller group, there are smaller rooms and areas to set up your group there instead of renting out the whole building.
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Alicia Allison | Jan. 15, 2017
Sales & Marketing
BRIDGING
THE GAP
ABOVE: Midwest Meetings Magazine spring 2017 joint marketing ad with Visit OP & the Sheraton Hotel
ABOVE: Shared social media marketing efforts with Visit OP
Audio Visual & Events: Best Year Ever
WIRED FOR SUCCESS
Our Audio Visual & Events team had its biggest year ever with the entire department reaching their highest survey scores in convention center history! With just under $1.1 million in Audio Visual revenue & the bar set high for a superior level of service, it's no wonder this department continues to get better & better year after year.
5 STAR EMPLOYEES
A SAY 'YES' ATTITUDE
WINNING SMILE
A HEART FOR THE CLIENT
ALWAYS PROFESSIONAL
AN EXTRA PAIR OF
COMFORTABLE SHOES
Event Manager, Ashley Guthier received all 5's on her client surveys for the entire year! That's an Overland Park Convention Center individual record. What does it take to be a five star employee? Click on Ashley to find out what makes her (& our entire team) so wonderful at what they do.
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Getting Fresh in the Kitchen with Food & Beverage
FRESH NEW TASTE
"As always, the entire event was awesome!"
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- Laural Carlson, Burns & Mcdonnell |
Dec. 8, 2017
Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg & vanilla in medium bowl with electric mixer
Gradually add milk until well blended
Add cut bread & berries, toss well
Pour mix evenly on 1 - 2 inch bread pan & let sit for 30 minutes
Bake at 300° F for 30 - 40 minutes or until cooked & golden brown
Remove from the oven & sprinkle with powdered sugar
Serve warm
BLUEBERRY BREAD PUFF RECIPE
As if our food wasn't delicious enough, in 2017 we started the yummy task of redoing our entire menu! Of course you can still request your Overland Park Convention Center favorites, but these new dishes will entice you to try something new & take your event experience to the next level. Just try our new, signature Blueberry Bread Puff for yourself!
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In 2017, the Overland Park Convention Center became one of two venues nationally selected by the event industry to pilot the Exhibitions & Meetings Safety & Security Initiative (EMSSI).
LEADING THE INDUSTRY
RIGHT: Get all of the local stakeholders involved in the conversation to effectively secure a plan. Rather than review current smart practices in-house, the Overland Park Convention Center invited the City of Overland Park’s emergency manager, police & fire representatives, as well as the local Department of Homeland Security protective security advisor.
LEFT: Once EMSSI smart practices are rolled out, convention centers can tailor the guidelines to address the unique challenges they face within their specific venue & destination. Topics ranging from location demographics & social environment to infrastructure and staffing should yield plans & methods that work best for each specific destination.
3. TAILOR A DESTINATION SPECIFIC PLAN
With violent attacks seemingly happening on a daily basis, the EMSSI was created to protect the millions of people who work, exhibit & attend meetings, conventions & exhibitions every day. EMSSI later formed the Industry Security Council to align smart practices and guidelines as a resource to organizations who are exploring methods to better enhance security operations. The Overland Park Convention Center was honored to be selected by IAVM (International Association of Venue Managers) & the event industry to pilot these practices & guidelines to help improve security for convention centers throughout the United States.
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1. LOGIN & LEARN
LEFT: The IAVM website portal (www.iavm.org) will be available for convention centers to sign up to stay on top of all EMSSI initiatives & the latest information concerning best practices for venue safety.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM EMMSI
Pictured left to right: Al Shenouda, Keyway Group; Matthew Dimmick, Keyway Group; Kyle Burns, Emergency Manager, City of Overland Park; Bill Koehn, Crime Prevention Officer, Overland Park Police Department; Mark Herrera, Director of Education IAVM; Brett C. Mitchell, General Manager, Overland Park Convention Center; George Middleton, Director of Operations, Overland Park Convention Center; Randy Pommenville, Risk Manager, Overland Park Fire Department; Chuck Clanahan, Department of Homeland Security; James Mooney, Security Manager, Overland Park Convention Center
2. CREATE A DESTINATION SAFETY NETWORK
Building a Stronger Community
GIVING BACK
The Overland Park Convention Center is proud to serve not only our local community, but the greater Kansas City area. Each year, we strive to make a positive impact for children, veterans, continuing education & other causes that we hold dear to our hearts.
Johnson County Community College Culinary Scholarship Donation
2017 CHARITABLE INVOLVEMENT
Slice of Ag Program for Johnson County K-State Research & Extension
2017 National Marine Corps League Convention
Boy Scouts of America
STEMS: A Garden Soiree
Toys for Tots Annual Collection — 204 Toys Collected
Books & Boutiques benefiting Saint Luke's Hospital
Braden's Hope
Leadership Overland Park
Johnson County Community College Culinary Scholarship Donation
American Heart Association: Go Red for Women Luncheon and Expo
Marine Corps League: TopGolf Fundraiser
Meeting Planners International (MPI)
Frank Thompson Car Auction benefiting Saint Luke's Hospital
Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City
American Heart Association: Go Red for Women Luncheon
Toys for Tots annual holiday collection
Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
2017 National Marine Corps League Convention
LEFT: Over 650 Marine veterans & their spouses from all over the country came together in mid-August for the 2017 National Marine Corps League Convention in Overland Park. A week of sightseeing, charity work, official business, & fun & activities brought $1,127,256 to the City of Overland Park with 2,011 room nights.
RIGHT: The Brian M. Anselmo Foundation or BMA, is a 501 (c) (3) charitable corporation who host a yearly a Dancing with the Stars gala at the convention center. Proceeds & charitable donations provide educational opportunities and promote animal welfare in Brian's name.
Meet the convention center rich in CMP's @OverlandParkCC #eventprofs
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Connect Corporate | April 14, 2017
Beautiful facility....always great service!
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Donna Snelling | Dec. 2017
RIGHT: Facility Manager Magazine article, 'EMSSI Takes Off' featuring an interview with Overland Park Convention Center, General Manager, Brett C. Mitchell
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Ingram's Magazine 2017 Best Meeting & Facility (15th year)
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TripAdivisor 2017 Certificate of Excellence
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CV Magazine Best Meeting & Convention Center in Kansas
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2017 Global Excellence Award: Kansas's Most Outstanding
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Plus...
INDUSTRY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Kelly Mayerle, Wedding & Special Events Sales Manager
The CMP is achieved based on experience, education & a rigorous examination, & is represented by over 10,000 industry professionals in 55 countries globally. This distinguished credential recognized throughout the meetings, conventions, & exhibitions industry, demonstrates an individual’s comprehensive knowledge of meeting management as well as a commitment to the profession. In 2017, four of our employees held this accreditation.
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CMPs (left to right):AV Manager, Dan Veglahn; Sales Manager, Barb Silin; Director of Events & AV, Scott Riesterer; Event Manager, Ashley Flagler
CERTIFIED MEETING PROFESSIONAL
CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL EVENT & WEDDING PLANNER
CERTIFIED TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST
Dan Veglahn, Audio Visual Manager
Founded in 1983 as a program of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, LOP is a program of the Chamber’s educational foundation. LOP has graduated more than 850 alumni who provide leadership in Overland Park’s business community, as well as in private, public and non-profit organizations.
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LOP Graduates (left to right):Sales Manager, Barb Silin; Director of Sales Tracy Roberts; Sales Manager, Amy Worden
LEADERSHIP OVERLAND PARK
SPECIALTY RIGGING ACCREDITED
George Middleton, Director of Operations
Kirk Perry, Audio Visual Tech
Chase Stewart, Audio Visual Tech
Andrew Kletke, IT Manager
Darren Zarter, Audio Visual Tech
Kevin Anez, Audio Visual Tech
Matt Temple, Audio Visual Tech
Jared Cope, Audio Visual Tech
Ryan White, Audio Visual Tech
Tom Howell, Audio Visual Tech
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
"Tonya is my rock, I can always count on her to get the job done no matter what has gone wrong with the day. She works with an unknown work force on a daily basis and keeps everyone on task and productive. We would not be successful without her drive and loyalty to OPCC. I cannot say enough."
"Tonya, the head of our stewarding department, is the backbone of F&B operations. She has streamlined the stewarding tasks to increase efficiency and doing that with a new and different crew every week is a very impressive feat. Tonya is a fantastic employee and a very hard worker."
"She is the 'T' in team player."
“Your work ethic and fighting spirit speaks for itself - you are truly an inspiration for us all!”
"Tonya is a kind hearted person who is always willing to help. She is a great leader and people look up to her , even thru sickness, she shows up with a positive and caring attitude. I appreciate everything you do. Love you T ."
“Leads by example."
"She’s one of the strongest women I know and glad to call her not only a colleague in the business but a friend!"
F&B Stewarding Lead, Tonya "T" Wooten
What's Happening in 2018?
LOOKING TOWARD THE FURTURE
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A new website with a beautiful user experience
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An energy conservation initiative
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A delectable, new menu
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Further building upon a flourishing company culture
1/2 cup
Blueberries
10 slices
Egg Bread
1/2 cup
Cream Cheese
1/3 cup
Sugar
1 tsp.
Vanilla
1 whole
Egg
1½ cups
Milk
1 tsp.
Powdered Sugar
Marine Corps League TopGolf Fundraiser
HOVER FOR INGREDIENTS
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YUM!
Their staff is fantastic and attentive to detail, efficiency and quality. Events here go smoothly and effortlessly.
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Christopher B. | Aug. 30, 2017
