Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- After 30 plus years in the corporate market, Jeff Wolfe has accepted the position of director of conferences and noncredit programs for Kansas State University's Division of Continuing Education. Wolfe began the position at the start of fall semester.

The conferences and noncredit programs office provides conference and event planning for the university as well as outside companies and corporations around the nation. Each year it coordinates more than 120 programs spanning local, regional, national and international audiences.

"The most interesting and exciting part for me has been becoming part of a university," Wolfe said. "I've really learned a whole new aspect of conferences. In the past I've planned conferences within the for-profit sector for insurance companies, telecommunications firms, corporations, the pharmaceutical industry -- and that's all very different than what we do here within the nonprofit sector. I'm learning how to best utilize my background and my experience to help shape our team into further growth."

Originally from Syracuse, N.Y., Wolfe graduated from Syracuse University's School of Management with a degree in human resources. He began his career in the hospitality industry working as a reservation agent and supervisor for American Airlines before becoming an account manager for the airline service. He then became the vice president of sales for a large travel agency, developing corporate travel services and group travel for the local business community.

In 1982, Wolfe founded Executive Meetings & Incentives, a meeting planning and incentive marketing company in northern New Jersey. In 2001, he moved to South Florida and founded Conference Partners, his second meeting and incentive company, where he worked closely with insurance clients while assisting them with a strategic meetings management program.

"Jeff brings a wealth of experience from the conferencing and event management industry," said Sue Maes, dean of continuing education at Kansas State University. "His years of leadership in client development and retention, sales and marketing, finance, and contract negotiation for national and regional corporations adds to the depth of skills found among the conference and event planning staff at K-State."

One of Wolfe's goals as director is to help his team of event coordinators and registration staff challenge themselves to try new things. This helps keep the university at the forefront when it comes to conference planning.

"I want them to expand their horizons," Wolfe said. "If we can revisit the way we've done some things through an exchange of ideas, we can keep making improvements to better the team and the conferences we coordinate."

Wolfe's main vision for conference services is to continue building the university's brand while increasing awareness about the services his team can provide to the campus. Professional conferences and noncredit program staff can assist Kansas State University faculty throughout all aspects of their event -- from conceptualization through evaluation.

"We have a great opportunity to use our knowledge and experience in event planning and coordination to serve the K-State community," Wolfe said. "It's exciting to be part of the university and play a role in helping provide educational and professional experiences to those in Kansas and beyond."

Learn more about conference services at http://www.ksuconferences.com.