Ben Carrick, President
With 12 years in the hotel industry and 9 years in the incentive travel and meeting planning business, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience and a true passion for the industry. This enthusiasm and dedication has culminated in the opening of Meeting Excellence, Inc. Having the opportunity to apply my professional skills and abilities in a job that I love is truly rewarding. Striving for distinction is at the core of my professional values. Competence, trustworthiness and excellence are key characteristics of a successful meeting planner. Providing meeting planners and on-site directors that my clients can confidently rely upon to ensure excellent planning and execution, while also making the experience fun and enjoyable, was my top priority in recruiting the Meeting Excellence team. Let us help you “Meet your expectations of Excellence”.

Jill Frost
Jill joins our team with remarkable experience. In addition to a BS in Hotel/Restaurant Management, Jill has an eclectic knowledge and expertise gained from more than six years in the hotel industry, including Front Office, Banquets, Restaurants, Catering/Event Services and off-premise catering. In her nine years in the Incentive travel industry, Jill has organized incentive trips, directed program management teams, and served as Lead Director on-site for programs. With her impeccable leadership skills in concert with her unparalleled eye for detail, Jill is an invaluable member of the Meeting Excellence team.

Sue Schlimme
Sue has 13 years experience in the corporate incentive travel industry. Her background prior to joining Meeting Excellence includes climbing the corporate ladder at Landmark Incentive Marketing in Chicago, advancing from Program Manager to Operations Manager. Prior to moving to Kansas City Sue’s high standards and attention to detail earned her accolades as Director of Operations. Sue’s worldwide travel experience as Travel Director for Maritz Travel in St. Louis, is a strong asset to the inherent global perspective of Meeting Excellence, Inc. Sue has a Business degree with honors from the University of Missouri in Columbia. She is a member of Delta Sigma Pi, Professional Business Fraternity and was recognized with Student-Athlete honors during her four years as a scholarship gymnast.

Gina Grigaliunas
As a Certified Meeting Planner with 13 years of experience in the industry including 9 years hotel experience and 6 years operational, Gina is a natural leader who possesses the vital attributes of insight and resourcefulness. Gina is well versed in domestic and international travel, visiting more than 50 countries for business and pleasure across her career. Gina’s impressive resume speaks to her expertise and true passion for people and travel. Gina acquired extensive management experience as the Midwest Sales Manager for Hyatt International Hotels, followed by nine years freelance work as Lead Travel Director overseeing meetings and incentive travel. As lead travel director, Gina supervised corporate hospitality programs for two Olympic Games, in Sydney and Salt Lake City. Most recently, Gina served as Account Manager supervising pre-opening sales and operations teams for Hard Rock Hotel’s first urban endeavor, which opened its doors in Chicago on January 8, 2004. In addition to her broad experience, Gina is a skilled mediator, understanding the value of collaboration and teamwork in connecting clients and suppliers. Gina’s amazing success in the industry is undoubtedly due to her talent for the development and maintenance of strong professional relationships, ensuring exceptional program execution.

Gregory DuPont
Gregory joined Meeting Excellence in 2008 and brings with him a marketing background from the professional services industry. Developing customer relationships through impeccable service, attention to detail, planning and executing marketing strategies, Gregory has also planned incentive outings, meetings and travel. He has managed projects requiring a high degree of attention to detail and scheduling. We are glad to have him aboard.

Brian Van Norman
As a meeting and event planner with 15 years of experience, Brian has managed the logistics for programs ranging from 10 – 8,000 attendees. Brian has a diverse background in association and non-profit management having served in meeting planning, program management, operations and executive management positions.
He has served as the meeting director for annual meetings and workshops and managed the logistics for a number of special events including golf tournaments, black-tie galas and auctions. Brian focuses on building relationships with clients by working together to determine the needs and desired results.

Brian holds a B.A. in Organizational Communications and Business Administration and is a Certified Association Executive. In 2008 he was bestowed the Professional Excellence of the Year Award by the Kansas City Society of Association Executives He is an avid supporter in the community working with children’s and health care charities.