Black Meetings & Tourism - KIM DOOLEY IS READY FOR KANSAS CITY TO SURPRISE YOU

Industry Briefs
KIM DOOLEY IS READY FOR KANSAS CITY TO SURPRISE YOU
Kim Dooley A member of Visit KC's convention sales team for nearly 30 years, Dooley works to bring multicultural and religious groups to the Kansas City Convention Center and venues across the area. She also books association and corporate business across the Southern region. She began selling the city in late 1997, returning from a role at the Park Hyatt Los Angeles to manage small market sales at Visit KC. Several years later, she stepped into a role pursuing larger groups as a National Account Manager. It's a position she still holds today, relying on deep relationships within the local hospitality community for continued success. Dooley's rich connections extend to the broader event and hospitality industry. She serves as chair of the nominations committee for the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals and is a member of NCBMP, RCMA and Visit KC's Diversity in Destination Management Committee. Her professional commitment has positioned her as an expert leader within the KC-area network of meeting professionals. As her responsibilities have expanded, she's been able to watch Kansas City grow with her. "The city has definitely changed from when I first started selling it," Dooley said. "When I moved here from LA, downtown closed at 5 o'clock. Now, we have a hotel package that can compete with other major markets and things to do within walking distance." She celebrates the contemporary amenities available within steps of the Kansas City Convention Center, including major lodging additions like the Loews Kansas City Hotel and vibrant attractions like the adjacent Power & Light District, anchored by two stories of restaurants, entertainment venues and a popular stage for live performances. Another highlight in Dooley's eyes is the chance to introduce visitors to the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District and a pair of culturally significant destinations that reside within the neighborhood: The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum. For meeting planners, Dooley says the institutions quickly move from a pleasant surprise to a must-have component of any event experience. "They can't believe Kansas City is home to two iconic museums that are housed together within one structure," Dooley said. "They start thinking, 'How can I incorporate this? What can we do in this venue?'" With decades of service representing the Heart of America, Dooley has seen the city flourish in recent years. She encourages meeting planners and travel professionals to take full advantage of the rich culture found in a community capable of offering more than meets the eye. "They would do themselves an injustice if they came to Kansas City and never got out and explored," Dooley said. "There is so much history. Immerse yourself in as much of the culture as you can, because I believe everyone will be surprised by what they find."

Industry Briefs

KIM DOOLEY IS READY FOR KANSAS CITY TO SURPRISE YOU

Kim Dooley

A member of Visit KC's convention sales team for nearly 30 years, Dooley works to bring multicultural and religious groups to the Kansas City Convention Center and venues across the area. She also books association and corporate business across the Southern region.

She began selling the city in late 1997, returning from a role at the Park Hyatt Los Angeles to manage small market sales at Visit KC. Several years later, she stepped into a role pursuing larger groups as a National Account Manager. It's a position she still holds today, relying on deep relationships within the local hospitality community for continued success.

Dooley's rich connections extend to the broader event and hospitality industry. She serves as chair of the nominations committee for the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals and is a member of NCBMP, RCMA and Visit KC's Diversity in Destination Management Committee.

Her professional commitment has positioned her as an expert leader within the KC-area network of meeting professionals. As her responsibilities have expanded, she's been able to watch Kansas City grow with her.

"The city has definitely changed from when I first started selling it," Dooley said. "When I moved here from LA, downtown closed at 5 o'clock. Now, we have a hotel package that can compete with other major markets and things to do within walking distance."

She celebrates the contemporary amenities available within steps of the Kansas City Convention Center, including major lodging additions like the Loews Kansas City Hotel and vibrant attractions like the adjacent Power & Light District, anchored by two stories of restaurants, entertainment venues and a popular stage for live performances.

Another highlight in Dooley's eyes is the chance to introduce visitors to the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District and a pair of culturally significant destinations that reside within the neighborhood: The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum.

For meeting planners, Dooley says the institutions quickly move from a pleasant surprise to a must-have component of any event experience.

"They can't believe Kansas City is home to two iconic museums that are housed together within one structure," Dooley said. "They start thinking, 'How can I incorporate this? What can we do in this venue?'"

With decades of service representing the Heart of America, Dooley has seen the city flourish in recent years. She encourages meeting planners and travel professionals to take full advantage of the rich culture found in a community capable of offering more than meets the eye.

"They would do themselves an injustice if they came to Kansas City and never got out and explored," Dooley said. "There is so much history. Immerse yourself in as much of the culture as you can, because I believe everyone will be surprised by what they find."