The Kansas Society of Association Executives held the Annual Expo in December. This association is the Association for Associations and this event is always a time to see and be seen.  The 2011 Conference theme coincided with the state’s sesquicentennial.  The Overland Park hospitality contingent always looks forward to the challenge of presenting the theme, but was at first baffled as to how to show off 150 years of Kansas statehood, especially in relation to the hospitality industry. 

That was until Sharon Bellinfante did some research on famous Kansan’s on the State Historical Society web site.  As it turns out, Kansas is home to the first millionaire restaurateur in the United States.  The story of Fred Harvey is too long to tell here, but by the time he died in 1901 he started and owned 47 Harvey House Restaurants, 15 Harvey House Hotels and 30 dining cars on the AT&SF Railroad.  What began as a need for inexpensive quality food and accommodations to the American traveler made Fred Harvey rich and became the foundation for many concepts still used in the hospitality industry today.

Harvey was successful because of his commitment to high standards. It was clear to us that the “Harvey House” theme would be perfect for Overland Park because we go above and beyond to provide a great experience for our visitors. At the six booths featuring Overland Park, we offered great food and drink as well as the wonderful hospitality that our Overland Park hotels are known for having.  We were able to visit with Kansas Association Executives in an unhurried casual environment and there were many compliments on our attire, which was authentic and personalized. 

Speaking of attire, I just want to give a shout out to our “Harvey Girls.” Part of Harvey’s commitment to high standards was how he chose his staff.  His “Harvey Girls” were required to be single, attractive, dressed in proper uniforms and have excellent customer service skills.  Although not politically correct by today’s standards, the staff made such an impression on Hollywood that in 1946 a movie aptly named “The Harvey Girls” starring Judy Garland, Angela Lansbury and Ray Bolger was made.  The distinctive aprons can still be purchased by the manufacturer by custom order.  Our “Harvey Girls” were all good sports and dawned these aprons that were both hard to get into and not necessarily flattering.  Thanks for taking one for the team, ladies!  The guys owe you one!  I think this unique touch added a great flare that provided lots of conversation, including more than one participant telling us that they were descendants of Harvey Girls. 

If Fred Harvey were around I am convinced that he would have approved of our effort and said that in Overland Park, we go above and beyond, by design.

~Brad

In the Photo (from left to right):
Jayne Hopkins, Director of Sales, Holiday Inn Convention Center, Karen McKallagat, Sales Manager Holiday Inn & Suites – OP West, Sharon Bellinfante, Director of Sales, Hilton Garden Inn Overland Park, Erik Barstow, Sales Manager, Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center, Tracy Roberts, Director of Sales, Overland Park Convention Center , Brad Plumb, Sales Manager, Overland Park Convention Bureau, Sherry Novick, Senior Sales Manager, DoubleTree Overland Park, Jesse Jordan, Director of Sales, Holiday Inn & Suites – OP West, Annette Rullman, Senior Account Executive, Marriott Overland Park