Save Your Seat!

Leadership Experience

  • Kansas City, Kansas

  • December 3-5, 2025

  • Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City

Smart Meetings Hosted Buyer Experiences are 100% complimentary for qualified meeting planners.

Save Your Seat!

Elevate Your Event Experience at Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City

Discover a whole new dimension of meetings and events at Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City! This vibrant property, situated in the Heart of America, features over 14,000 square feet of dynamic indoor and outdoor gathering space. With a range of adaptable layouts and state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, the hotel is perfect for everything from intimate meetings to grand celebrations.

Step out of the boardroom and into relaxation at the hotel’s LandShark Bar & Grill or unwind by the resort-style pool. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, exceptional dining, and a host of nearby attractions for a complete experience. The Margaritaville state of mind awaits you—join your fellow planners and experience a refreshing take on how meetings and events can be both productive and enjoyable!

INNOVATIVE IDEAS

Candy Whirley

Candy is a nationally recognized speaker and event partner who uses humor, heart, and real-world insight to bring people together and spark meaningful change. Known for getting even the most reserved participants engaged, she customizes every experience to connect with audiences in a way that’s personal, practical, and unforgettable. From breakout rooms to big stages, Candy equips leaders with tools they can use immediately—plus a new cheer, a fresh mindset, and proof that connection, collaboration, and a little fun can go a long way.

It Takes 4 to Tango

Discover how understanding personality styles can improve communication, boost collaboration, and strengthen leadership. In this engaging session, Candy shares her 4C’s of Leadership—Confidence, Communication, Creativity, and Change—and how they apply in real workplace situations.

You’ll also explore the basics of Emotional Intelligence and learn practical tools to manage emotions, deliver effective feedback, and connect with others more authentically.

Key Takeaways:

  • Identify and adapt to different personality styles

  • Apply the 4C’s to lead with confidence and creativity

  • Use emotional intelligence to stay calm under pressure

  • Communicate and give feedback with clarity and impact

  • Shift your mindset: people aren’t difficult, just different

Learn More

Michael V. Ivanov

Michael is a motivational speaker and best-selling author who has inspired millions with his never give up attitude. Michael Ivanov uses humor, authenticity and powerful storytelling to help leaders reconnect with what matters most. His practical success principles give audiences the tools to face fear, lead boldly and pursue their dreams with clarity and urgency. Born in the former Soviet Union and the grandson of a Siege of Leningrad and Dachau camp survivor, Michael’s story is one of grit, hope and proof that impossible dreams can come true.

Harnessing The Extraordinary Power of Purpose

In an age of relentless pace, distraction, and uncertainty, even the most driven leaders can lose their sense of purpose and direction. This session is a wake-up call for high performers to reconnect with what truly matters, reignite their inner fire, and lead with courage, clarity, and conviction. Through storytelling, research-backed insights, and practical tools, Michael empowers audiences to break free from burnout and rediscover the joy of living and leading fully alive.
​Keynote Objectives:
  1. Rediscover their personal and professional purpose by reframing how they see their current challenges.
  2. Learn to use intentional language and self-talk to influence outcomes and culture.
  3. Transform fear and uncertainty into fuel for growth and innovation.
  4. Leave with a renewed sense of energy, vision, and tools to sustain high performance under pressure.
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AUTHENTIC CONNECTIONS

You Belong Here

Leadership Experience Schedule

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 - All Times Local Standard Time

Thursday, December 4, 2025 - All Times Local Standard Time

Friday, December 5, 2025 - All Times Local Standard Time

The Details

Smart Meetings Hosted Buyer Experiences are 100% complimentary for qualified meeting planners. Hotels and Destination Partners, please contact our sales team at [email protected] for your best available rate.

We use a sophisticated software to custom match our planners with premier properties and destinations that fit your business needs, region, budget and venue preferences. As the event nears, planners and suppliers will have the opportunity to select their appointment preferences to ensure their highest attendee satisfaction.

A qualified Meeting Planner can attend (1) one hosted buyer experience annually based on business needs. Hotels and destination partners may attend unlimited events. Contact our Sales Team for more information at [email protected]

Kansas City International Airport (MCI)

Updates From the Event

PARTNERS

HOST SPONSOR

ANNUAL SPONSORS

EVENT SPONSORS

Supplier-Partners can learn more here:

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