FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ∙ July 11, 2011
CVA Media Contact: Derek Klaus, 816-691-3849
CVA Convention Contact: Jenny Wilson, 816-691-3832
KC to host Silpada Designs, July 21-24
Lenexa-based Silpada Designs will hold its 2011 National Conference in Kansas City, July 21-24. The conference will bring approximately 4,800 independent sales representatives to the metro area. The company has selected Kansas City as the conference’s host city through 2013.
WHO
Founded in 1997 and based in Lenexa, Kan., Silpada Designs is one of the fastest growing direct selling companies in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. More than 33,000 independent sales representatives throughout the world offer Silpada Designs’ handcrafted sterling silver jewelry by bringing the boutique into the home in a relaxed party environment. Silpada Designs is a member of the Direct Selling Association.
For more information about Silpada Designs, visit
ECONOMIC IMPACT
The Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association (KCCVA) estimates the economic impact of this meeting at nearly $4.6 million. This is based on spending by the attendees and the company.
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
•Roughly 95 percent of the 4,800 attendees will travel from outside the Kansas City area.
•Approximately 60-70 percent of the attendees will arrive by air and 30-40 percent by auto.
•The heaviest arrival date is Thursday, July 21.
•The heaviest departure date is Sunday, July 24.
HOTELS & FACILITIES
Attendees will be housed at five hotels including Aladdin Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza Kansas City-Downtown, Hyatt Regency Crown Center, Marriott Kansas City Downtown and Westin Crown Center. The Marriott will serve as the event headquarters.
The Kansas City Convention Center & Entertainment Facilities will host meetings and events in Bartle Hall.
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
Silpada Designs has contracted with Kansas City Transportation Group to provide transportation to and from the airport.
SHUTTLE TRANSPORTATION
Silpada Designs has contracted with Kansas City Transportation Group to provide shuttle service between the Crown Center hotels and the Kansas City Convention Center.
MEALS
Attention restaurants: some of the conference attendees will be on their own for the following meals:
•Wednesday, July 20: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
•Thursday, July 21: Breakfast and Dinner
•Friday, July 22: Dinner only*
•Saturday, July 23: Dinner only*
•Sunday, July 24: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
*All conference attendees will receive a $70 VISA gift card to use as payment for dinner on these dates. Local restaurants should see a heavy influx of patrons on these evenings.
Note: Convention attendees are also expected to gather in local bars and shopping areas to spend a bulk of their evening free time.
SPECIAL EVENTS
•Silpada Designs will sponsor a Sterling Marketplace, July 21-23 at the Convention Center. About 70 vendors will sell items geared towards the group.
•Silpada Designs will host its Awards Ceremony on July 23 in Municipal Auditorium from 7 to 11 p.m.
•The conference’s featured keynote speaker is Jon Gordon, a motivational and leadership expert.
DID YOU KNOW …
As part of a special campaign called “Polishing Off Juvenile Diabetes,” Silpada Designs partnered with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in its mission to find a cure. For every polishing cloth representatives sold in home shows between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2011, Silpada pledged to donate $1 to JDRF.
MEDIA INFORMATION
The Silpada Designs media contact is Cori Kallenbach, Director of Communications. Kallenbach can be reached at or 913-851-7757 ext. 1169. For event-related questions, please contact Karen Williams, Manager of Events. Williams can be reached at or 913-851-7757 ext. 1066.
The KCCVA media contact for this event is Derek Klaus, 816-691-3849. The KCCVA convention contact is Jenny Wilson, 816-691-3832.
VISITOR INFORMATION
The KCCVA will staff a visitor information booth at the Kansas City Convention Center, Lobby 2200, during the conference. Hours of operation are as follows:
•Wednesday, July 20: 1 to 7 p.m.
•Thursday, July 21: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
•Friday, July 22: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
•Saturday, July 23: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.