1. travel
2. tourist destinations
3. national parks

Annual Report 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 Statement of Purpose
4 Message from General Manager
5 Message from Mayor
6 Message from City Manager
7 Summary of Accomplishments
8 Signature Events
11 Market Segment Results
12 Financial Performance
13 Facility Overview
14 Capital Projects
15 Our Partners
17 Our Sponsors
18 Community Involvement
19 Testimonials
21 Customer Surveys
22 Our Team
24 How You Doin? Program
25 Future Outlook
The mission of the Overland Park
Convention Center is to “Serve,
Satisfy, and Smile”
Global Spectrum’s goal at the
Overland Park Convention Center is
to send guests and clients home with
a pleasant and satisfying experience,
while generating a significant economic
impact for the City of Overland Park
and the surrounding community.
The OPCC team believes that every
client is unique in their own way, and
we go above and beyond to make
sure each event is as special as those
attending. With the ability to tailor
any event detail uniquely, we promise
our guests will be impressed with the
exceptional experience we are proud
to offer. As always, the OPCC team is
anxiously awaiting the opportunity to
provide a memorable stay.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
3
CONVENTION CENTER
January 2015
Bill Ebel
City Manager
City of Overland Park
8500 Santa Fe Drive
Overland Park, Kansas 66212
Dear Bill,
The past year has been a time of exciting events, record accomplishments, and impactful transformation. In
2014, we were honored to host the National Forensic League National Speech and Debate Tournament. This
was the largest convention to date for Overland Park, generating an economic impact of over $ 4.7 million
dollars. Working closely with our friends at the Overland Park Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and Sheraton
Overland Park Hotel, we aided in the generation of 48,482 room nights for Overland Park hotels. The year
also ended with record revenues, topping $ 10.6 million dollars in gross sales, surpassing last year’s record
revenues by over a million dollars.
In an ongoing effort to improve service and provide better value to our clients, we took the audio visual
department in-house and experienced a dramatic increase in customer satisfaction. We launched a new
mobile app and redesigned our website to offer clients and attendees expanded resources with a modern
presentation. With the facility now 13 years old, it was time for a new interior look as well. In August
we closed our doors for three weeks, adding new carpet and color schemes giving the facility a change of
atmosphere with a warmer feel.
All of these efforts could not happen without our exceptional staff that works so hard to maintain the Overland
Park Convention Center, as well as, the continued support of the City of Overland Park, the Convention and
Visitors Bureau, and community partners. We are looking forward to another successful year in 2015, reaching
new heights and generating business for the community.
Sincerely,
Brett C. Mitchell
General Manager
Overland Park Convention Center
LETTER FROM THE GM
4
January 2015
Brett C. Mitchell
General Manager
Overland Park Convention Center
6000 College Boulevard
Overland Park, Kansas 66211
Dear Brett:
Overland Park is a great city to call home. With nationally ranked schools, premier dining and unique shopping,
great parks and recreational facilities, the City of Overland Park is thriving.
I am proud to include the Overland Park Convention Center as one of the City’s great attractions. The center
has made Overland Park a prime destination for conventions, trade shows and large corporate meetings.
Ingram’s Business Magazine rated the convention center the “Best Meeting and Conference Facility” for the
12th year running. We were also recognized in KC Magazine’s “Best Of” for corporate venues. These honors
reinforce Overland Park is Above and Beyond. By Design.
In June 2014, the OPCC team volunteered to host the 4th annual Touch-a-Truck, a free family event celebrating
Johnson County families. My sincere thanks for the time and efforts your staff made to create a free event that is
safe, fun and educational. The 3,200 attendees helped donate enough food to provide 6,800 meals to Harvesters
- the Community Food Network! With events such as Touch-a-Truck, I understand why Overland Park was
ranked “No. 1 city to raise children,” according to mylife.com.
Thank you to the Overland Park Convention Center for another great year! I have no doubt that 2015 will be
nothing less than exceptional.
Best regards,
Carl Gerlach
Mayor
LETTER FROM THE MAYOR
5
January 2015
Brett C. Mitchell
General Manager
Overland Park Convention Center
6000 College Boulevard
Overland Park, Kansas 66211
Dear Brett:
On behalf of the City of Overland Park, I would like to thank the staff at the Overland Park Convention Center
for such a magnificent year. We were thrilled with the center’s revenue performance, sustained customer
service standards, and execution of the large capital projects in 2014. The convention center results were
certainly “Above and Beyond. By Design.”
Building lasting relationships with clients, community leaders, the Overland Park Convention and Visitors
Bureau and other hospitality partners translated to success for our destination as a whole. Due to remarkable
teamwork, an estimated economic impact of $13.6 million was generated within the City of Overland Park in
2014.
Following the August renovations, I was pleased to receive numerous compliments on the building’s new
carpet and color scheme. It is evident the staff upholds the Overland Park Convention Center to the highest of
standards in its efforts to maintain the venue’s status and prestige.
Congratulations! I look forward to the coming success of 2015.
Sincerely,
Bill Ebel
City Manager
LETTER FROM THE CITY MANAGER
6
The Overland Park Convention Center received high accolades including,
Best Meeting and Facility for the 12th year running in Ingram’s Business
Magazine. KC Magazine’s Best Of voted OPCC Best Corporate Venues and
OPCC received KC Business Journal’s Top Banquet Facilities. Social media
for the OPCC was taken to the next level in 2014. Focusing on our online
audience reflected in some national attention. The OPCC and the American
Heart Association of Kansas City teamed up to present an onsite “Selfie
Station” at the annual Go Red for Women event. The hash tag #KCGoesRed
was nationally trending on April 25. On June 19th, The National Speech and
Debate Association broke the world record for the most people sending a
text message simultaneously. The National Speech and Debate Associations
National Convention was the largest event the OPCC has held year to date.
Technology was a large focus for the OPCC, in 2014 a new website and mobile
app were launched to enhance the customer experience online and in the palm
of their hands. Along with all other accomplishments the OPCC has another
record setting revenue year with over 10 million in event revenue.
SUMMARY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
7
National Speech and Debate Association National Forensic
League Tournament
The National Speech and Debate Association held Overland Park’s largest Convention to date. An estimated
3,300 high schools came to compete for a week long competition for prestigious recognitions in the field of
debate. Through social media, their organization broke a world record for the most people sending a text
message simultaneously.
National Speech and Debate Association National Forensic League Tournament had
13,000 attendees and 17,000 room nights for the City, with an economic impact of this event was $4,739,600.
Naka Kon
Naka Kon is an Overland Park based Japanese anime organization. This convention celebrates Japanese
anime and culture by bringing together over 7500 participants over a weekend in March each year. The
Naka Kon convention was once hosted in downtown Kansas City, but moved to the OPCC in 2011. They
are contracted through 2017 and bring an estimated 1,000 room nights to the Overland Park area and an
economic impact of 278,800.
Narrow Gauge
The 34th Annual National Narrow Gauge Convention was held at OPCC on September 3rd – 6th 2014.
The 60,000 square feet of exhibit space was full of miniature model trains for attendees to admire. The
convention offered specialty clinics and a model and photo contest during their 4 day event. 3,600 were in
attendance and with 865 room nights, the economic impact of this event was $444,686.
8
SIGNATURE EVENTS
Lineman’s Rodeo
The Lineman’s Rodeo attracts the best linemen from around the world to compete in events based on
traditional lineman tasks and skills. The first Lineman’s Rodeo was held in 1984, with twelve participating
teams from Kansas and Missouri. The Rodeo has grown to over 200 teams and 250 apprentices, with an
economic impact of $878,220 for the City and 3,150 room nights.
Benedictine
Benedictine College held their 43rd Annual Scholarship Ball for the first time at OPCC in 2014. Benedictine
is a co-educational University located in Atchison, Kansas. The contributions raised will help fund scholarships
for nearly all the students who apply.
BlishMize
Blish Mize was founded in 1871 and is located in Atchison, Kansas. It’s a leading distributor for home centers,
lumber yards, and hardware and paint store retailers. They have held two trade shows each year at the
convention center since our doors opened in 2003. Their economic impact for the City of Overland Park for
2014 was $363,834 with 1305 room nights.
Cerner
Cerner is the leader in healthcare technology design and equipment. Cerner was founded in Kansas City
over 30 years ago and is headquartered in North Kansas City. They are growing at a rapid pace, expanding
into three different area facilities. They house their annual technology training conference with the OPCC.
Cerner DevCon is a two day conference attracting more than 2,700 people each day.
SIGNATURE EVENTS
9
Kiewit
Kiewit is an employee-owned engineering company located in Lenexa, Kansas. It’s separated into two major
divisions; Kiewit Power Constructors and Kiewit Engineering. Each year they combine forces to bring us our
largest Holiday Party of the season. Every December, our Exhibit Hall is transformed into an amazing holiday
atmosphere with specialty lighting, décor, and lounge furniture to help over 5,000 Kiewit employees and
spouses celebrate.
Automotive Services Association – Midwest (ASA)
The VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo, hosted in March by Automotive Services Association - Midwest, is THE
event for automotive service professionals. With 120 vendors, this tradeshow will showcase the industry’s
latest equipment, materials and technology along with training and continuing education. The economic
impact of this event was $400,078 with 1,435 estimated total room nights for the City.
NCRS
The National Corvette Restorers Society held their annual convention July 13 – 17 at the OPCC. 150
Corvettes filled the 60,000 square foot exhibit hall. The mint condition vehicles ranged in year from 1953 –
1996 and were judged on their condition based on how comparable to the original vehicles they have been
maintained. During the NCRS event the 2015 Z06 was unveiled to the public. 2,448 Corvette enthusiasts
and collectors attended this event. The economic impact of this event was $557,600 with an estimated 2,000
room nights.
10
SIGNATURE EVENTS
EVENT MIX
6%
NET INCOME
ROOM NIGHTS
3%
40%
65%
10%
14%
10%
1%
10%
5%
16%
30%
16%
14%
28%
25%
6%
1%
Meeting
Banquet
Special Event
Trade Show
Consumer Show
Convention
Meeting
131
40%
$2,065,117
30%
5,787
14%
Banquet
82
25%
$1,873,685
28%
283
1%
Special Event
54
16%
$436,776
6%
1,927
5%
Trade Show
32
10%
$1,058,431
16%
5,910
14%
Consumer Show
21
6%
$681,903
10%
595
1%
Convention
11
3%
$662,623
10%
26,552
65%
TOTALS
331
100%
$6,778,538
100%
41,054
100%
MARKETING SEGMENT RESULTS
11
2014 ACTUALS
Number of Events .................................................................... 331
Attendance ..............................................................................
344,367
Total Event Revenue ................................................................
10,512,926
Total Event Expense ................................................................
(3,774,390)
Total Event Income .................................................................. 6,738,536
Indirect Expenses ....................................................................
(6,365,297)
Total Other Revenue ...............................................................
139,653
Net Income .............................................................................. 512,893
12
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
The Overland Park Convention Center opened in November of 2002 on a 26acre site in the heart of Overland Park, the largest suburban city in the Kansas
City metropolitan area. Adorned with over 60 original works of art and equipped
with state-of-the-art communications systems, the 254,000 sq. ft. complex
features a 60,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall connected to a 25,000 sq. ft. ballroom and
15,000 sq. ft. of meeting room space. Natural light radiates throughout the
unusually spacious (44,000 sq. ft.) pre-function and registration areas.
The Overland Park Convention Center is adjoined by the newly renovated
Sheraton Overland Park Hotel, a beautifully-appointed property with 412
thoughtfully designed guest rooms and 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event
space, including two divisible ballrooms. The convention center and hotel were
designed to complement each other architecturally, and are connected by a
covered walkway on the upper level.
13
FACILITY OVERVIEW
PROJECT
TOTAL
Carpet Replacement
$750,000
New carpeting and paint scheme throughout the OPCC
Pipes Room Upgrades
$14,129
Technology enhancements to our Executive Conference Room
CCTV Security
$248,773
Enhanced CCTV system that improves coverage and interfaces
with OPPD
A/V Equipment
$249,932
Equipment needed to operate Audio Visual Service in-house and
provide greater value and service with the latest technology
Central Plant BAS
$105,000
Automation System for the central plant that will provide greater
energy savings
14
CAPITAL PROJECTS
GLOBAL SPECTRUM
Global Spectrum (global-spectrum.com) manages the Overland Park Convention Center, as well as more
than 120 other public assembly facilities around the world. Nearly 24-million people attended more than
15,000 events in Global Spectrum venues last year. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Global Spectrum is part of
Comcast-Spectacor, one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment companies. Comcast-Spectacor,
which operates in 48 of the 50 United States, also owns the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey
League, Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage services provider, Paciolan, the leading provider of
venue establishment ticketing, fundraising and marketing technology solutions, Front Row Marketing Services,
a commercial rights sales company, and Flyers Skate Zone, a series of community ice skating rinks.
ARAMARK
Aramark delivers experiences that enrich and nourish people’s lives through innovative services in food,
facilities management, and uniforms. United by a passion to serve, our more than 270,000 employees
make a meaningful difference each day for millions of people in 22 countries around the world. Aramark is
recognized among the Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE and the World’s Most Ethical Companies by
the Ethisphere Institute. Here at the OPCC, Lori Kennedy and her team achieve another record breaking
revenue year. They strive daily to enhance the customer expierence by providing world class customer
service, innovative food displays and signature dishes.
HOTEL COMMUNITY
Overland Park Hotel Partners offer visitors nearly 1,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Center,
3,000 rooms within five minutes, and more than 5,200 rooms altogether in the City. There is an excellent
choice of brand-name hotels in Overland Park with comfortable guest rooms, state-of-the-art amenities, and
complimentary parking for travelers from budget-conscious to luxury.
OUR PARTNERS
15
OPCVB
The Overland Park Convention & Visitors Bureau (OPCVB) provides promotion and marketing of
conventions, group meetings, and tourism services for the City of Overland Park. In 2014, the OPCVB
achieved a record-setting year generating almost 31,524 future room nights for OPCC!
STUDIO DAN MEINERS
The Overland Park Convention Center is proud to introduce STUDIO Dan Meiners as the center’s private
design team. During 2014, STUDIO Dan Meiners applied their amazing talents as design consultants to every
aspect of our newly renovated space including carpet, color schemes, fabric selections, interior landscaping,
centerpieces, food and beverage décor, and Christmas decorations. With this unique partnership we are
honored to offer custom event designs for any budget, from Kansas City’s Premier Floral and Event Design
Company.
16
OUR PARTNERS
GEORGE FERN
Fern Exposition & Event Services is a leading national service contractor serving more than 1,000 expositions
and events held annually throughout the United States and Canada. Many of their corporate clients include
Fortune 500 companies such as Sprint, Procter & Gamble, Ford, General Electric, Toyota and others. George
Fern is the recommended service provider for the Overland Park Convention Center. George Fern designs
the themed entry arches that greet event participants, as well as providing a full range of services for our
clients and exhibitors.
PEPSI
Pepsi is the “Official Beverage Provider” of the Overland Park Convention Center. Guests enjoy soft drinks,
fruit juices, sports drinks, waters, and other Pepsi products which are available at concession stands, the
Cyber Café and through catering services.
FIORELLA’S JACK STACK BARBECUE
Kansas City’s largest restaurant-based catering company, Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, is once again OPCC’s
exclusive barbecue caterer, ensuring each meal will be of the finest quality. Jack Stack has been recognized
as the country’s best barbecue by the prestigious Zagat survey and has been featured by several national
television shows and publications, including the NY Times, Men’s Health Magazine, The Today Show and the
Food Network.
17
OUR SPONSORS
Global Spectrum Charities is dedicated to making a positive impact on the communities that Global
Spectrum serves, including Overland Park, Kansas. In 2014, OPCC supported many opportunities
to give back including Cerner ‘s First Hand Foundation which directly funds health-related needs
for individual children when insurance and other financial resources have been exhausted and the
Muscular Dystrophy Association Serving Up Cures annual banquet which raises money in support
of muscular dystrophy research and sending children with disabilities to summer camps. In March
the OPCC turned the icon tower blue, along with having staff wear blue in support of colon cancer
awareness. OPCC was nationally recognized in support of National Colon Cancer month. For twelve
years the OPCC has been involved in the Boy Scouts of America by allowing local scout troops to raise
donations through organizing coat checks for events at the center. In addition to supporting some
great causes, the OPCC, Global Spectrum, and ARAMARK support the Johnson County College of
Culinary Scholarship program. This allows future students of the hospitality management industry to
have the tools to be successful in their futures. In June 2014, the OPCC hosted Touch-a-Truck. This
family friendly event allows families to spend the afternoon getting up close and personal with their
favorite trucks and enjoying educational fun attractions and games. Families get in free with canned
good donations that are collected to support the Harvester Community Food Network. In 2014, 6,800
meals were donated. During the season of giving, the Convention Center annually serves as a donation
site for the Marine Corps League Toys for Tots, collecting toys for children who are less fortunate
during the Holiday season.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
18
“All needs and last minute requests were met. The event manager made it seem
flawless and no bother. I truly appreciated the hands on approach. My team
was very satisfied with the event.”
“As always the service provided by everyone at the convention center was
outstanding.”
“The Event Manager and Catering Sales Manager were so beyond excellent
that I can’t even begin to tell you how much they did for me and how great they
made my event! Great job everyone!!”
“The Event Manager and Catering Sales Manager were great. Always reachable
and were on top of anything I needed throughout the day.”
– Gerry Ellis, DeVry University
– Stephany Dungey, Ericsson Services Inc.
– Jeannie Gardner, Staples Promotional Products
“Everyone was wonderful. I felt like we had a very cohesive “team effort.” The
communication was excellent and all concerns were always addressed in a very
timely manner. The event staff seemed to be one step ahead of me and I felt
100% confident in their advice and abilities. We were thrilled with our event.”
– Brenda Sanders, Rodrock Foundation Auction
“I had lots of questions and lots to learn. The Event Manager and Catering Sales
Manager were AMAZING! They were both so helpful and responsive to my
questions. They helped get me through a few rocky situations with food and set
up and they were always willing to help and very quick to act. The AV gentlemen
were also extremely helpful as we walked through the whole process. We also
receiving WONDERFUL feedback on the meal/dessert that was served. Guests
loved the bold flavors in the salad and the lightness of the dessert. THANK YOU
for helping us have our best year yet! “
– Lyndsay Bruns, Saint Luke’s Foundation at Saint Luke’s South Hospital
“Best place in the City to hold events. Thank you for helping our event to be
successful and for making me look good! You all are rock stars! ”
– Daniel McCarroll, UMKC School of Law
TESTIMONIALS
– Kaitlin Burden, ADI Expo
This is our second Major event with this facility. The staff was easy to work with
and the facility is one of the best. If your considering a facility for an event, look
no further.
– Thom Ryan, WPS Medicare
“Everything went off without a hitch this year! I want to congratulate the entire
staff at the OPCC. We want you to know you helped to make our conference
a big success! Thank you very much for remembering to put signs on the bars
requesting no tipping!”
– Karen Freeman, VSR Financial Sales Conference
Great experience! The food was amazing! Everyone was very helpful!
– Mari L Peck, BNSF Kansas Division
I want to thank especially the Event Manager and Catering Sales Manager. They
were patient and accommodating with our ongoing suggestions and requests.
They wanted to make sure we had everything we need to make our event a
success and it was – thank you!
– Tish Bennett, Go Local Interactive
19
20
TESTIMONIALS
CUSTOMER SURVEYS
Faci
lity
Ave
rage
rall
Rati
ng o
f
Ove
f AV
lity o
Qua
(2) FAIR
ion
Tech
nolo
gy
rma
t
Faci
lity
Set
(3) GOOD
Clea
nline
ss
Com
fort
of
Acc
urac
y of
F&B
Serv
ice
Ove
rall
Rati
ng o
f
Qua
lity o
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GOOD
Info
F&B
(4) VERY
d Pr
esen
tatio
n
Foo
Qua
lity o
f
Cou
rtes
y
Resp
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vene
ss
Eve
nt M
gt
F&B
Sale
s
king
Boo
(5) EXCELLENT
(1) POOR
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
21
Deputy City
Manager
Global Spectrum
Regional VP
General Manager
Executive Admin
Assistant
Director of Food
& Beverage
Executive
Chef
Sous Chef
F&B Sales
Managers (2)
Director of
Event Services
Director of Sales
& Marketing
Sales
Managers (4)
Marketing
Manager
Director of
Operations
Operations
Assistant
AV Manager
Banquet
Manager
Banquet
Supervisors (5)
OUR TEAM
Staff
Accountant
AV Technician
Chief
Engineer
Engineers (2)
Controller
Senior HR/
Accountant
Director of Finance
& Admin
Event
Managers (3)
Tech Services
Manager
Security
Supervisor
Security Staff
Housekeeping
Supervisors (2)
Housekeepers
(3)
22
Executive Team (left to right):
Lori Kennedy, Director of Food & Beverage; Tracy Roberts, Director of Sales & Marketing; Jessica Corona, Director
of Events; Brett C. Mitchell, General Manager; George Middleton, Director of Operations; Jeanne Kanoy, Director
of Finance & Administration
Led by Global Spectrum as facility manager, the 2014 OPCC staff was a seamlessly integrated team of in-house partners.
Together we served the needs of our City officials, clients, visitors and the community of Overland Park.
OPCC provided a consistently clean and comfortable facility with personalized service, exceptional food, world-class
amenities, and loyalty from repeat customers, and the appreciation of our industry colleagues.
23
OUR TEAM
Top 10
Customer First
Positive Attitude
Use all resources available to
serve internal and external customer
interactions.
Solve problems creatively by making
decisions that positively impact the
entire organization.
Golden Rule
24-Hour Rule
Treat co-workers and customers
with complete respect, fairness
and courtesy.
Act with an appropriate sense of
urgency when responding to
any and all requests.
Listen
Everybody Sells
Ask open-ended questions, be
attentive and clarify understanding
to improve accuracy of responses.
Suggest and implement new
ways to drive and improve our
business.
Think “YES”
Enthusiasm
Consistently demonstrate
a can-do approach in thoughts
and actions.
Work with a passion towards
achieving individual, team and
organizational growth and success.
Encourage others to do the same.
Be Professional
Represent the organization in an
ethical and positive manner with
all interactions.
Do It Now
Deliver on the things you have
committed to doing and are
accountable for producing.
Global Spectrum’s “how YOU doin’?” is a company-wide customer service program designed to
ensure that clients and visitors are welcomed enthusiastically and served with the best customer
service throughout their event and their stay in the City of Overland Park. The program encourages
staff to go the extra mile to make every guest’s first and last impression positive.
Once a month, OPCC holds an All-Staff meeting and draws three HYD Cards that employees
have earned from clients or coworkers. These staff members are awarded prizes, along with the
Employee of the Month and Year.
24
HOW YOU DOIN’ PROGRAM
We are proud of our accomplishments in 2014 and look forward to another successful year in 2015.
The OPCC will remain focused on assisting with booking room nights and running a profitable
convention center, but are looking forward to the continued renovation coming in 2015.
New in 2015
Continued Renovation Work
•
•
•
•
Cyber Café
Outdoor Landscaping
Lobby Furniture
Air wall Coverings in all meeting and exhibit space.
New Cooking Demos from Chef Gunny
• Making our catering menu interactive
In House Audio Visual
• Expanding latest technology inventory to reflect our commitment to providing full event
production capabilities.
25
FUTURE OUTLOOK