Carolina Blitz April-Mary 2021

Carolina Blitz April - May 2021

Annual Meeting The Beaufort Hotel | Beaufort, NC May 16-17, 2021

CAROLINAS CHAPTER

NESTLED

IN

NATURE

CaesarsMeansBusiness.com | 855-633-8238

in this issue...

features MPI-CC Annual Meeting Education . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Annual Meeting Duty of Care . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17

in every issue Our Annual Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Our Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Monthly Meeting Planner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MPI-CC Board & Committee Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Photo by Travis Rupert from Pexels

Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2021 |

1

MPI-CC THANKS OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS! We Appreciate Your Support!

Platinum Sponsor:

Diamond Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

2

| Carolina Blitz | April - May 2021

our members Welcome New Members!

Membership Engagement would like to welcome all of our new members who have joined us recently. Please plug in to the chapter, volunteer and engage! We welcome your questions and will connect you with an ambassador once you have registered for your first meeting.

However, if you would like an ambassador before you attend your first meeting, just let us know. We are here to help and make sure you are right where you would like to be with your membership! Please reach out to Mica Parekh, Director of Membership Engagement at mica@ iwpphotography.com or Alicia Miller, Chair of Membership Engagement at amiller@raleighchamber.org. We look forward to hearing from you and meeting you soon!

Please welcome the following new members from the March 1 – April 30, 2021 period. n

Mica Parekh, CMP IWP Photography Director of Member Engagement

MPI-CC Anniversaries

Amy Banks, CMP Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP amy.banks@dhg.com Christina Bellagamba Student - UNCC chrissybellagamba@gmail.com

Loán Lake mslclake@yahoo.com Kristen Mabina Student - UNCC mabina.kristen@gmail.com

Amanda Brown barkerbrown73@gmail.com

Lacey Miller Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP lacey.miller@dhg.com

Kizzy Brown kenyak2@gmail.com

Shannon Nelms theheartofthings@gmail.com

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Chatman BCD Meetings & Events jackie.chatman@bcdme.com

Damon Phillips Live Events Media Group (LEMG) damon.phillips@liveeventsmg.com

Kristie Goodman kristie.goodman@syneoshealth.com

Kim Schoeffler kim.schoeffler@crestlinehotels.com

Erin Hicks averyhicks1000@gmail.com

Charly Solomon Ashfield Event Experiences charly_solomon@yahoo.com

Carey Jones The Production Source, Inc. carey@theproductionsource.com Hyunsu Kim HYUNSU@email.sc.edu

Sherida Sullivan msulliv28@yahoo.com Lizzie Taylor Middle C Jazz ltaylor@middlecjazz.com

CALLING ALL WRITERS Do you dream of being a published author?

20 Years Chris Hendrix, CMP Charleston Area CVB 5 Years Amy Bruns, CMP, HMCC A-S-K Conference Management Group

Congratulations to each of you for reaching a milestone in MPI!

If so, the Blitz is looking for you! While we’re not the Wall Street Journal, getting published in the Blitz is a great way to share your ideas with fellow MPI-CC members and earn points toward your CMP certification. The Blitz is always accepting original articles and great topic ideas. To submit your articles or ideas, please contact Cathy Mauldin, CMP, at CathyMauldin@gmail.com or submit via our website at www.mpi.org/carolinas.

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2021 |

3

monthly meeting planner

May 16-17, 2021

Annual Meeting

The Beaufort Hotel | Beaufort, NC

July 8-9, 2021

Asheville Crowne Plaza | Asheville, NC

September – Coming soon!

November 4-5, 2021 BrianAJackson/iStock/Thinkstock

SpringHill Suites Greenville Downtown | Greenville, SC

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, May 28, 2021.

Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to Editor-In-Chief Cathy Mauldin, CMP, at cathymauldin@gmail.com.

Socially distant but here to ensure your meeting needs and safety are a top priority!

DISCOVER A NEW WAY TO HOLD

MEETINGS IN MORGANTON

Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

828.322.1355 | visithickorymetro.com

4

| Carolina Blitz | April - May 2021

Your Safety is Our Priority

president’s message Reunite. Stronger. Together.

Greetings MPI-CC, While we continue to meet virtually, we are grateful for the opportunity to keep members connected through education, social networking, and an interactive game of Piccles during our March meeting. We appreciate all the attendees, speakers, and event partners who participated in our March education meeting.

From Building a Brand through Social Media, Engagement During Hybrid Meetings, Diversity & Inclusion in the Events Industry, Meetings Mean Business Update, and finally Tips for Starting a New Business, the March event was one you did not want to miss. I hope that we delivered relevant and timely education that will increase your personal and professional development. We know many of our members continue to face challenging times right now, and we want to stay Amelia Hodges, CMM, CMP in constant contact to keep you connected to job opportunities, resume support, North Carolina Association and financial support from MPI Global. If you have recently changed jobs, please of CPAs, Morrisville, NC be sure to update your email address with us so you are receiving the latest chapter news and job opportunities. Please be sure to join us at our upcoming Annual Meeting on May 16-17 in-person at the beautiful Beaufort Hotel! During our annual meeting, we will be recognized for our hard work and dedication in 2020 and share our stories as we rebuild the meeting industry. And on behalf of our board of directors, committee volunteers, and management office, we appreciate your continued support in helping us keep our chapter alive so we can deliver high quality content, career opportunities, and networking for our chapter.

I would also like to remind you of a few benefits from MPI Global below: MEMBERSHIP RELIEF: There are several relief packages available if you are suffering a financial hardship due to the Covid-19 crisis. We encourage you to please email help@mpi.org for support so you can remain an MPI member and be a part of our chapter.

EDUCATION: The MPI Academy has compiled a strong collection of relevant programming to our community –– members and non-members. Live webinars are being added regularly so continue to check this link for more information and to register. Also, be sure to register for WEC on June 15-17, 2021 at the Caesars Forum Las Vegas.

MPI MEMBER RESUME SUPPORT: Did you know that MPI members have access to complimentary resume critique through our career center? Members will need their MPI username/password to access this free service. Check out the MPI Career Center at https://careers.mpi.org/ for an updated list of featured jobs.

EQUALITY AND JUSTICE: Driven by MPI’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, these group of leaders serve to help meeting and event professionals empower members of the MPI community to create diverse and inclusive meetings and events. If you are interested in contributing to the conversation by offering resources, feedback, concerns or testimonials, click here to complete the form. Also, you can find additional podcast, articles, webinars, and books here.

Thank you MPI Carolinas members for your continuous support and allowing me the opportunity to serve with you. If you have any suggestions or questions, please don’t hesitate to connect with me personally at ahodges@ncacpa.org. Your hard-working Board of Directors and committee leaders are here to listen and support you.

Be great and share a smile! n

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2021 |

5

MPI-CC 2020-2021 Board of Directors and Committees Leadership President Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM North Carolina Association of CPAs 919-469-1040, ext. 128 ahodges@NCACPA.org

President-Elect Ricardo Hicks Tech Factory 336-686-6895 rhicks@techfactoryproductions.com

Immediate Past President Nicole Keshler Greater Raleigh CVB 919-645-2682 nkeshler@visitraleigh.com

Director of Professional Development Brandon Crumpton Key Signature Entertainment 704-568-1968 brandon@keysignatureonline.com

Leadership & Volunteer Development Chair Rachel Whitten Greenville-Pitt County CVB 252-329-4200 RWhitten@greenvillenc.gov

Chapter Administrator Christine Irwin, CMP The Management Office 704-377-5648 Christine@ themanagementoffice.com

Publications Committee Chair Cathy Mauldin, CMP DESA, Inc. Onsite at CDM Smith 803-917-1871 cathymauldin@gmail.com

Social Media Committee Chair Sarah Casella McGill & Hill Group 704-323-4155 sarah.casella@mcgillhillgroup.com

Education Committee Cathy Carpenter Visit Mooresville 704-799-2400, ext 205 cathy@visitmooresville.com

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Jessica Garrett, CMP Cisco 984-216-4857 jegarret@cisco.com

Communications VP of Marketing and Communications Ashelyn Roberts ConferenceDirect 336-880-7024 Ashelyn.roberts@ conferencedirect.com

Education VP of Program Development Nicole Filippo, CMP Elon University 336-278-6091 nfilippo@elon.edu

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Tessa Barrier, CMP MHI 704-714-0000 TBarrier@mhi.org

Finance VP of Finance Jamie Frydlo jfrydlo@gmail.com

Director of Special Events Najauna White 919-680-8305 najauna.white@gmail.com

Tradeshow Committee Chair Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM 919-461-8698

Auction Committee Chair Needed

Member Engagement VP of Member Engagement Deanna Griffith House, CMP, GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCM, CMM Charter Spectrum Reach 704-941-3482 deanna.k.griffith@gmail.com

Director of Member Engagement Mica Parekh, CMP IWP Photography 919-270-2510 mica@iwpphotography.com

Member Engagement Committee Chair Alicia Miller, CMP Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce 919-664-7090 amiller@raleighchamber.org Awards Committee Chair Beth Tanner Duke Cancer Network 919-681-9869 beth.tanner@duke.edu

6

| Carolina Blitz | April - May 2021

safely

Wonderfully eclectic meeting spaces served with a side of fun

Visit Mooresville

When you meet in Mooresville, rest assured that your safety is our top priority. Ample spacing, meticulous cleaning, and certification through the Count On Me NC health initiative are just a few ways we are striving to do our part to keep everyone safe.

And because meetings can’t be all business, delight your attendees with unique, fun breakout experiences and after hours entertainment. Exotic animal encounters, water sports on Lake Norman, craft breweries, and so much more.

@VisitMooresville

#MeetMooresville

Cathy Carpenter, Director of Sales | 980-447-0666 | cathy@visitmooresville.com Carolina Blitz | April - May 2021 |

7

MPI-CC Annual Meeting Education Presented by

From Information to Application: Evolution of Empathy 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. (in person and virtual)

Beginning in the mid 1980’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion or DEI has become a buzzword. Defining the terms has been elusive and agreeing on how to implement actionable, measurable and sustainable methods has been a challenge.

Using our simple CADAZO Method we’re doing training differently. We’re on a journey to help leaders learn what they don’t know, discuss the uncomfortable topics, discover resources and gain competitive advantage through a strategic commitment.

CADAZO Consulting Group is a women-owned business that is evolving the hospitality, meetings and events industry through facilitated Equity, Diversity & Inclusion training, workshops and consulting.

•

Learn how the CADAZO Method is helping leaders approach Equity, Diversity & Inclusion innovatively.

•

Discuss and comprehend three techniques to navigate uncomfortable dialogue in your personal and professional lives

•

Discover how you can participate and be a part of our Think Tank

•

Gain a community, consultant and support

Beyond the Badge

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. (in person and virtual) In 30 seconds or less, we have observed, formed opinions, and shaped judgments to determine how we will engage with others. Although name badges are intended to

8

| Carolina Blitz | April - May 2021

distinguish and recognize fellow professionals at industry networking events, we intentionally, or inadvertently default to our biases. To avoid hindering the success of engagements this workshop is intended to help professionals identify how to leverage interactions not solely for economic benefit but for the enrichment of building relationships beyond the badge.

•

Learn how to recognize and describe the five primary biases to deepen workplace relationships

•

Discuss and comprehend the five Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies to improve workplace culture and develop diverse partner ecosystems

•

Discover the value of every social interaction to aid in growing an expansive network across all dimensions of diversity.

•

Gain new resources and tools to implement three strategic methods for cross-cultural opportunities.

Partnering with Authenticity

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. (in person and virtual) In the last several years we have seen a cultural shift that has taken place in the meetings, events and tourism industry. Event planning heavily involves the site selection process to determine venue, transportation, vendors and suppliers. Common practice for corporate planners is to rely on their existing rolodex rather than leveraging local relationships and partnerships.

This workshop will equip professionals with the tools to not only find resources but establish sustainable collaborations which support the local economy while providing their out-of-town guests with authentic experiences.

•

Learn how to challenge three preconceived notions about working with small business owners

•

Discuss and develop innovative ideas for planning memorable events

•

Discover and describe three processes that improve hiring and contracting as they shift toward equity-driven practices and procurement procedures

•

Gain resources to aid in implementation and measurement of Return on Investment (ROI)

Rapid Fire: Intersectional Dialogue

3:30 - 4:00 p.m. (in person and virtual) Learn and discuss how to have effective dialogue.

This session is meant to be casual and intimate.

Onsite, we will be holding this outside of the ballroom. The virtual audience will have a separate breakout room to hold this intimate conversation online.

Total CE Hours available: 3.5

MPI-CC is a CMP Preferred Provider. The program(s) identified with the CMP Preferred Provider logo meet the requirements to receive continuing education (CE) credit for the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential.

The use of the CMP Preferred Provider Course logo is not an endorsement by the Events Industry Council of the quality of the session. For more information about the CMP credential or CMP Preferred Provider Program, please visit www.EventsCouncil.org.

To register, review the day’s events or learn more about the speakers go to here.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Speaker Info CADAZO Consulting Group is a women and minority owned business that is evolving how equity, diversity & inclusion training is facilitated in the hospitality, meetings and events industry. From information to application, we are helping leaders become strategically committed to measurable and sustainable change that influences their partner ecosystem, vendor supply chain, event design and workplace culture.

Carolynn Santos

(She, Her, Hers) Strategic Experience Creator, CEO Carolynn Santos started her career managing her family’s automotive business, learning every aspect of the business from working with the customers, scheduling the staff, researching and negotiating with suppliers and vendors, invoicing, and learning to do automotive work so she could pitch in on busy days. Today with a knowledge of combustible engines and having completed many oil changes herself she can hold her own when talking to mechanics.

Dawn Bennett

(She, Her, Hers) Equity Builder & Consultant, CFO Dawn Bennett is a speaker, pastor, author and family mediator. Through her public platform DawnBennettSpeaks, she is known throughout the Deep South as a conduit for gaining education and experience on the topic of inclusion & diversity.

Zoe Moore

(She, Her, Hers) Inclusive Event Strategist & Consultant, CMO Honorably discharged from the United States Army following 12 years of service, Chiriga Moore, affectionately known as Zoe (pronounced ZOH) completed an M.S. in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism then started LB Alliance an event planning & resource company in Oakland, CA. Learning that inclusion, diversity and equity were not prioritized in the meetings, events and tourism industry, she became an advocate to help improve dialogue and action in the areas of supplier diversity, organizational culture and diverse representation in leadership.

education January Education Recap: Debunking the Myths of Human Trafficking

by Nicole Filippo, CMP

Human trafficking is among the world’s fastest growing criminal enterprises in the world.

The Department of Homeland Security reports traffickers often take advantage of the privacy and anonymity accessible through the hospitality industry.

“If we were connected in person today, there would be a high probability that there was a Malinda Harrell CMP, CASE perpetrator or victim nearby,” said Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, director of sales at the Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, during an MPI-CC virtual meeting on January 28.

During Harrell’s presentation, “Debunking the MYTHS of Human Trafficking and what we can do to FIGHT it,” she explained the two types of perpetrators – exploiter and trafficker – and that a person can be both a trafficker and an exploiter. An exploiter buys sex from a trafficking victim, and a trafficker compels another individual to perform labor or a commercial sex act, often by means of force, fraud and/or coercion.

Harrell, who serves on the MPI Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, also addressed common myths about human trafficking, including the following: MYTH: Only women and girls can be victims of sex trafficking.

10

| Carolina Blitz | April - May 2021

REALITY: Men and boys are also victimized by sex traffickers.

The International Labor Organization estimates that there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally. In the U.S., the common age of entry into trafficking is 13 for girls and 11 for boys. Targeted victims include LGBTQ youth, sexually abused youth, runaways and homeless youth.

MYTH: Traffickers target victims they don’t know through use of a violent crime, like kidnapping.

REALITY: Traffickers use psychological means, such as tricking, defrauding, manipulating and threatening victims.

Many survivors have been trafficked by romantic partners or family members.

MYTH: Victims are locked up and held against their will.

REALITY: While that is sometimes the case, people in trafficking situations often stay for reasons that are more complicated. Some lack the basic necessities to physically get out – such as transportation or a safe place to live. Some are afraid for their safety. Some have been so effectively manipulated that they do not identify at that point as being under the control of another person.

What can we do? Harrell offered the following advice:

ADD THE NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE TO YOUR CONTACTS LIST in your phone to contact law enforcement: 1-866-347-2423.

ASK QUESTIONS. • Do the companies I’m contracting with understand their influence? Do they practice corporate social responsibility or community engagement? Do they include human rights of sustainability in their RFPs?

VOLUNTEER YOUR SUPPORT AND DONATE TO ORGANIZATIONS FIGHTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING. “Most charities are understaffed and underfunded,” Harrell explained. “There’s plenty of organizations that can let you help remotely also.”

•

USE YOUR VOICE AND USE THE POWER OF DEMOCRACY. Write to and call your senators, legislators and other leaders about the importance of fighting human trafficking in your state and community.

Additional myths and facts can be found here.

Is my company involved with fighting human trafficking? Does my company do any employee training on human trafficking? Is my company a member of The Code, a multi-stakeholder initiative with the mission to provide awareness, tools and support to the tourism industry to prevent the sexual exploitation of children?

VISIT THE MPI ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING page for resources, including sample anti-human trafficking language RFP and contract language.

DOWNLOAD THE TRAFFICKCAM APP, which uses crowdsourced snapshots of hotel rooms to help law enforcement locate victims and prosecute sex traffickers.

LEARN MORE about human trafficking.

CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA. “Research and choose a few anti-trafficking organizations with strong social media content to follow,” Harrell said. “When something is on your feed about slavery, which is human trafficking, it grabs your attention and it reminds you about the global issue. When you share the content with your online community, add a personal message talking about why you care, and use your influence to remind these people about the things that matter.” n

WE’RE READY FOR YOU. VisitGreensboroNC.com Carolina Blitz | April - May 2021 |

11

Jonathan Corbett

We’ve missed hosting meetings—and we can’t wait to welcome back groups of all sizes when possible. In the meantime, venues in Raleigh like the Raleigh Convention Center, which received GBAC STAR™ accreditation for facility preparedness, are doing everything in their power to protect the health and safety of visitors. As for those meetings yet-to-come, we’re ready to start planning whenever you are.

visitRaleigh.com/wishmeetings

Work has never looked so

NETWORKING UPTOWN STYLE

Another hidden gem

Plan your next event at our newly renovated facility and you’ll find all the amenities you need for a new way of doing business.

Beyond our modern meeting spaces and networking-friendly hotels, you’ll discover legendary Eastern NC whole hog BBQ and a vibrant Uptown District. We’re ready to host your corporate event, trade show or reunion whenever you are.

NC’s Emerald City is filled with countless hidden gems.

203 S Front Street New Bern, NC (252) 637-1551 www.RiverfrontConventionCenter.com 12

| Carolina Blitz | April - May 2021

See you soon at VisitGreenvilleNC.com

education January Education Recap: Building Resilience in Turbulent Time

by Nicole Filippo, CMP

You have to be able to lead yourself before you can lead others.

Patrick Nelson, founder of Loyalty Point Leadership, shared timely advice for developing resilient behaviors during his presentation, “Building Resilience in Turbulent Times,” at the MPI-CC chapter meeting on January 28.

The ability to be resilient in the face of adversity is a vital characteristic of high performing leaders. Nelson urged the audience to be mindful of their energy management, monitoring their body, emotions, mind and spirit.

He recommended the following practices: •

Recognize what you enjoy about your job and do it as much as you can.

•

During time off, do things you enjoy.

•

Change the stories you tell yourself. Shift your perspective by changing your language. Instead of “I have to work today” say “I get to work today.”

•

Spend a week going to bed earlier than usual.

•

Make good choices when it comes to diet and exercise. Start with one choice.

“Resilient leaders have the ability to sustain their energy level under pressure to be able to cope with disruptive changes and adapt to them,” Nelson said.

He explained, resilient leaders bounce back from setbacks, view failures and setbacks as learning opportunities. They also respond instead of reacting in situations. They’ve learned to override the automatic, emotional, visceral reaction, and focus on solving the issue with a forwardlooking accountability mindset.

Developing resilient behaviors does not make the adversity go away, he explained. However, it does create an opportunity for collaboration and the development of new ideas and improved processes.

“Leaders help others prepare mentally,” Nelson shared.

“We help make them feel safe. Struggles are a way of life and we have to learn how to confront them. Sometimes the most challenging things can hold the greatest opportunity for success.” n

Nicole Filippo, CMP Elon University MPI-CC VP of Program Development

MPI has 70 chapters and clubs around the world, offering the most powerful—and localized— meeting and event industry network.

Join MPI today at mpi.org/join and discover the global impact of your local chapter.

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2021 |

13

Instagram posts

PRISTINE

Post text:

by nature

MPI members lean on each other, learn from one another and are committed to guiding our profession back to the center of economic growth in a post-COVID world. Join MPI today and help shape the future of meetings and events.

LINK: mpi.org/join

June_ShapeFuture_campaign_1080x1080.jpg MPI members lean on each other, learn from one another and are committed to guiding our profession back to the center of economic growth in a post-COVID world. Join MPI today and help shape the future of meetings and events.

Welcome The Gastonia Conference Center, located in the revitalized downtown and adjacent to the boutique Esquire Hotel, is a state-of-the-art facility providing 30,000 square feet of tech-savvy space accommodating groups of up to 450 and located only minutes from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

NOW RESERVING WEST BEACH CONFERENCE CENTER

GoGastonNC.org 704-825-4044 | @GoGastonNC

14

| Carolina Blitz | April - May 2021

800.576.1585 • KiawahWBCC.com

Look Forward,

Meet Back in Winston-Salem

Centrally located in North Carolina, Winston-Salem is a welcoming meeting destination with a history committed to reinvention and

Proud to Partner:

innovation. Named a Forbes’ Top 10 Best Downtown, Winston-Salem boasts a vibrant, walkable city center, ideal outdoor meeting spaces, and

more

Meet with

than

5,000

comfort

hotel

and

ease

rooms—including in

downtown’s

1,200

downtown.

105,000-square-foot

Benton Convention Center, which—along with our hotel partners—have implemented

stringent

cleaning

protocols

and

hybrid

meeting

configurations to ensure your future meetings are safe, healthy, and successful.

Karen Wall

Senior Sales Manager Karen@VisitWinstonSalem.com 336.728.4210

Christian Schroeder

Director of Sales & Services Christian@VisitWinstonSalem.com 336.728.4218

Learn more about our Travel Back Rewards Program

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2021 |

15

16 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2021

Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels

Annual Meeting Duty of Care

We are so excited to see everyone at the 2021 Annual Meeting in Beaufort, NC! With the return of our first in-person event in over a year, we want you to know that the utmost care and attention will be taken regarding the health and safety of all attendees.

Following the CDC guidelines for meetings and events, we have several things we will be doing onsite to ensure everyone feels safe, stays healthy and ensure we are able to continue moving forward with in-person events.

First, we are asking all attendees to self-evaluate their own health before deciding to attend any MPI-CC event.

If you don’t feel well or are presenting any symptoms related to COVID-19, please choose to stay home. If you are already onsite, we will have a plan in place to ensure you make it home safely while keeping others safe as well.

Once attendees are at the onsite meeting, you will notice a number of precautions being taken, including: FACEMASKS: All attendees will be required to wear a facemask while not actively eating or drinking.

DAILY HEALTH CHECK: All attendees will be required to have their temperature taken during the MPI-CC meeting with a no-contact thermometer. Any attendee who records a temperature greater than 100.3 F will be asked to leave.

WRISTBANDS: All attendees will choose to wear a wristband that is red, yellow or green.

You can even take notes in the app about your interaction with an attendee to reference later!

MEETING SPACE / F&B: • Masks will be worn by all hotel staff.

•

The meeting space will be deep cleaned, including electrostatic spraying, before and after each meeting, each day.

•

To limit contact of hotel staff in the meeting space, linens will not be changed between functions.

•

Please follow guidelines around 1-way in/out of meeting rooms and aisles.

•

Touchless hand-sanitizing stations will be located outside of each meeting room.

•

All F&B will be individually wrapped or served by hotel staff from a shielded buffet.

•

MPI-CC events will be set up to account for social distancing and to limit contact between attendees and staff.

•

When possible, covered, outdoor space will be utilized.

Each wristband indicates the following: GREEN: I am happy to greet you with a fist bump!

YELLOW: I am okay with you being within 6 feet of me

but no physical contact, please.

RED:

Please do not come within 6 feet of me, we can chat while socially distanced!

NETWORKING: We are so excited to see you face-to-face! Please keep the following things in mind: Before greeting another attendee, make sure to notice the color of their wristband and proceed accordingly.

No handshakes or hugs. We know, it’s a bummer, but it won’t be like this forever. For now, please stick to fist bumps only when greeting each other.

Please refrain from exchanging business cards or other hard-copy materials. The meeting app will include contact information for all attendees, both in-person and virtual.

Please keep in mind these guidelines are not meant to be restrictive, but rather are meant to keep the safety and well-being of each attendee and staff as our top priority.

We want everyone to feel comfortable attending the onsite meeting, knowing that cleanliness and sanitation protocols will be taken seriously. There will be a virtual option as well if you still do not wish to travel onsite.

Thank you for your continued support of MPI-CC and we cannot wait to meet again!

Visit mpi.org/chapters/carolinas/dutyofcare for more information and updates.

Sarah Johnson MPI-CC Meeting Planner The Management Office

Carolina Carolina Blitz Blitz | April | April- -May May2021 2021| | 17

Carolina Blitz The Carolina Blitz is the official publication of the Carolinas Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and is published every other month. All contributions, articles, and photographs should be submitted to Publications Committee Chair/ Editor one week after the meeting. Send to Cathy Mauldin, CMP CathyMauldin@gmail.com

Volunteers are the heart of our organization.

Help make a difference in our chapter and shape its future. Volunteering on a committee is a great way to elevate your membership, engage with fellow planners and suppliers, develop your leadership skills, and learn new professional skills.

Visit mpi.org/Carolinas or email Rachel Whitten, Leadership & Volunteer Development Chair, at RWhitten@greenvillenc.gov for more information on getting involved.

EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE VP of Marketing and Communications Ashelyn Roberts • ConferenceDirect Editor Cathy Mauldin, CMP • DESA, Inc. Onsite at CDM Smith Contributing Writers Amelia Hodges, CMM, CMP, North Carolina Association of CPAs; Nicole Filippo, CMP, Elon University, Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office, Sarah Johnson, The Management Office Photographer Mica Parekh, CMP • IWP Photography Proofreaders Kathy Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office; Myron Jones, Fayetteville CVB; Nancy Lowe, CMP, FirstPoint Management Resources; Ginny Fountain, CMP, CMM, NC Association of Electric Cooperatives; Melinda Mowry, DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern - Riverfront; Peggy Anderson, CMP; Teresa Palmieri, Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport Publisher Christine Irwin, CMP • The Management Office 704-377-5648 • Fax 704-333-6927 • Christine@themanagementoffice.com Advertising Christine Irwin, CMP • The Management Office • 704-377-5648 Design Kistin Creative Studio • 704-724-9188 • kistincreative.com MPI-CC Web Site: www.mpi.org/carolinas

Nominate a Member Volunteer Do You Know a Volunteer of the Quarter?

We have so many active members who deserve recognition for their efforts! If you know of someone who is going above and beyond, share their name and volunteer accomplishments with us so we can give them a shout out. This person can be a committee chair or member or even a brand new MPI-CC member who has already started to shine. The Volunteer of the Quarter Award is given four times a year and nominations are accepted all the time! Please send your nomination to Beth Tanner at beth.tanner@duke.edu.

ADVERTISING RATES AND DEADLINES AD SIZE FREQUENCY MEMBER NON-MEMBER

RATE RATE Quarter Page 1X $220 $290 (3 1/2”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $200/issue $270/issue

6X $160/issue $230/issue Half Page Horizontal 1X $420 $550 (7 1/4”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $400/issue $530/issue

6X $360/issue $490/issue Half Page Vertical 1X $420 $550 (3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 3X $400/issue $530/issue

6X $360/issue $490/issue Full Page 1X $640 $840 (8 1/2”W x 11”H) 3X $620/issue $820/issue

6X $580/issue $780/issue Full Page Insert 1X $700/issue $910/issue

3X $680/issue $890/issue

6X $640/issue $850/issue (Produced and provided by advertiser) There are six issues of the Blitz published yearly FEB/MAR, APR/MAY, JUNE/JULY, AUG/SEPT, OCT/NOV, DEC/JAN NOTE: Rates are published as of January 2011, and are subject to change without notice. All published rates are net non-commisionable. Any cost incurred by the BLITZ for art that is not fully press ready (e.g. reductions, halftones) will be billed to the advertiser, or art that is not press ready may be refused.

DUE DATE: Due by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Artwork is due to the publisher within 10 days after deadline for space reservations.

SEND MATERIALS TO: Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office, 1307 West Morehead St, Suite 207, Charlotte, NC 28208 Christine@TheManagementOffice.com • Fax: 704-333-6927 For more advertising information contact Christine Irwin, CMP, at Christine@TheManagementOffice.com or 704-377-5648 Visit our website at www.mpi.org/carolinas for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities!