Carolina Blitz April - May 2017

Carolina Blitz April - May 2017

New Member Spotlight Gray Henderson Page 8

DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern – Riverfront New Bern, NC | May 10-11, 2017

in this issue...

features Volunteer of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Unified is Better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16 Earning Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

in every issue Our Annual Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Our Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Monthly Meeting Planner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MPI-CC Board & Committee Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 New Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13

Medioimages/Photodisc/Thinkstock

Board Meeting Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2017 |

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

Diamond Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

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| Carolina Blitz | April - May 2017

our members Welcome New Members!

Kathryn Atkinson NC Academy of Family Physicians Katkinson@ncafp.com

Vernon Gambill Black Tie Transportation, Inc. laura@blacktietransportation.net

Tessa Barrier Dentsply Sirona tessa.barrier@dentsplysirona.com

Tasha Hamilton UNC Charlotte tasha.tibbs@gmail.com

Matt Bigg SERC Reliability Corp mbigg@serc1.org

Nick Hancock Durham Convention Center nick_hancock@comcastspectacor.com

Brad Bishop Private Employer jbradbishop@icloud.com

Gray Henderson Greater Raleigh CVB ghenderson@visitraleigh.com

Chelsea Vinton MicroMass Communications chelsea.vinton@micromass.com

Abigail Campbell Global Knowledge abigail@eloeventmanagement.com

Dana Hrubik Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel Dana.Hrubik@sheratonmyrtlebeach.com

Susan Walters SC Restaurant and Lodging Association susan@scrla.org

Astri Kollme astrikollme@gmail.com

Najauna White Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau najauna@durham-cvb.com

Ashli Campbell Carolinas HealthCare System Ashli.Campbell@Carolinas.org Collene Clarke Student - Ashworth College collenejanay@outlook.com Kimberly Davis Graylyn International Conference Center kdavis@graylyn.com Jennifer Dotson NACUBO jennydots30@gmail.com

Alicia McKee Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau alicia@visitcabarrus.com Becky Pinion Belk becky_pinion@belk.com Kristina Richardson kckellyirish@yahoo.com

MPI-CC Anniversaries 20 years Ava Pope Greensboro Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 10 years Molly Johnson, CMP Wilmington and Beaches CVB

Jessica Smith Double Tree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront jessica.smith6@hilton.com Linda Toro UIDP linda@uidp.net Lauren Velasco laurenv4@live.com

Rachael Wile Spartanburg Marriott rachael.wile@marriott.com Charles Wofford Chetola Resort charlesw@chetola.com

First Timers and New Members at the March Mixer

10 years Yolanda Hamer, CMP BCD M&E Onsite at Cisco Systems 5 years Jeanette Keys Greenville Convention Center Kelly Owens, CMP

Erin Mellen Charleston Convention & Group Services, Inc. Congratulations to each of you for reaching a milestone in MPI!

Left to right: Gray Henderson – VisitRaleigh; Melissa Murray – Mosaix Group; Ray Berrouet – King Charles Inn; Wendy Jeffries – HelmsBriscoe; Najauna White – Durham CVB; Leigh Comis – Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront; Jessica Smith – DoubleTree by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront; Rachael Wile – Spartanburg Marriott; Christopher Salyer – Cavalier Hotel Carolina Blitz | April - May 2017 |

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monthly meeting planner May 10-11, 2017

September 28-29, 2017

Annual Meeting

Raleigh, NC

New Bern, NC

Raleigh Marriott

DoubleTree by Hilton

Crabtree Valley

New Bern – Riverfront

November 9-10, 2017 June 19-22, 2017

Greensboro, NC

MPI WEC

Grandover Resort &

Las Vegas, NV

Conference Center

BrianAJackson/iStock/Thinkstock

MGM Grand

July 27-28, 2017

Winston-Salem, NC

Graylyn International Conference Center

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, May 19, 2017.

Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to Editor-In-Chief Ginny Fountain, CMP, CMM, at Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com.

A Southeastern Meeting Destination That’s Easy to Get to But Difficult to Leave From the mountains to the beach our southern hospitality and well crafted style are sure to impress! Convenience and affordability aren’t the only things we have going for us!

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| Carolina Blitz | April - May 2017

president’s message

Growing Our Chapter through Volunteering

by Barbara Dragan

We are more than halfway through our fiscal year, and we should give a shout out to our chapter volunteers. Year-to-date, 102 of our members have given their time to grow in their careers and give back to the chapter. That is one-fourth of our membership volunteering in membership recruitment, meeting planning, member recognition, education, fundraising, business exchange and much more.

Barbara Dragan Visit Greenville SC 2016-2017 MPI-CC President

Our members show their pride and passion for the hospitality industry by serving as volunteers. Non-members should take note and become new members! What a testament to our organization for those that recognize what our volunteers do and become involved because they want to learn how our volunteers have become so connected with our chapter members.

We recognize our volunteers in many forms such as the Helping Hand Award, where individuals are recognized at chapter meetings for their work. We also have annual awards (Volunteer of the Year, Supplier and Planner of the Year, Tomorrow’s Leader, and Hall of Fame) where members make the nomination and the recipients of these awards are announced at the Annual Meeting held in May each year. Not only do we recognize volunteers with awards, but we also express an ongoing “Thank you” at all chapter meetings.

To each of our current 102 volunteers, thank you for what you do for our membership.

Moreover, to each member, take the time to recognize a volunteer with a nomination or just a “thank you.”

oculo/iStock/Thinkstock

If you want to be involved, search out any one of our volunteers or a board member.

For volunteer opportunities check out the volunteer page on our website: http://mpi-cc.org/Volunteer_Opportunities. n

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MPI-CC 2016-2017 Board of Administration President Barbara Dragan Visit Greenville SC 864-421-0000 bdragan@visitgreenvillesc.com

President-Elect Alyce Kelly, CHSP The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores 252-241-8402 gm@theinnatpks.com

Immediate Past President Christian Schroeder Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4218 Christian@ visitwinstonsalem.com

Director of Marketing Brittany O’Shaughnessy Francis Marion Hotel 843-937-8690 Brittany.OShaughnessy@ thefrancismarion.com

Marketing Committee Farrah Staub, CMP Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley 919-571-5319 farrah.staub@marriott.com

Director of Meeting Planning Deanna Griffith House, CMP, GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCM, CMM Spectrum Reach 704-941-3482 deanna.k.griffith@gmail.com

Education Committee Mallory Middleton, CMP Raleigh Convention Center 919-996-8514 mallory.middleton@ raleighconvention.com

Director of Strategic Partnerships Maureen Donovan Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach 910-256-2231 mdonovan@ wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com

Strategic Partnerships Committee Chair Needed

Director of Fundraising Molly Nelson Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau 828-258-6121 mnelson@exploreasheville.com

Business Exchange Committee Co-Chair John Cruz, CMM Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC 919-765-1334 John.Cruz@bcbsnc.com

Director of Leadership & Volunteer Development Ricardo Hicks American AV 919-361-1151 rhicks@aavevents.com

Awards Committee Co-Chair April Ferguson, CMP, CMM BCD M&E Onsite at Cisco Systems (502) 468-6084 april.clark1@gmail.com

Director of Membership Selah Bideau 980-221-7637 selahbideau@gmail.com

Hospitality Committee Co-Chair Karen Knox, CMP, CMM Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4213 KKnox@visitwinstonsalem.com

Communications VP of Communications Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMP, CMM, CSEP Burroughs Wellcome Fund 919-991-5105 lhedrick@bwfund.org

Education VP of Education Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM North Carolina Association of CPAs 919-469-1040, ext. 8 ahodges@NCACPA.org

Finance VP of Finance Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM Global Knowledge 919-461-8698 Alison.Harding@ globalknowledge.com

Membership VP of Membership Nicole Robinson Greater Raleigh CVB 919-645-2682 nrobinson@visitraleigh.com

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f Directors and Committees

Advocacy Committee Co-Chair Linda Ilsley, CMP LPI Events 919-322-4996 lpievents@aol.com

Advocacy Committee Co-Chair Molly Johnson, CMP Wilmington & Beaches CVB 910-332-8747 mjohnson@ wilmingtonandbeaches.com

Publications Committee Ginny Fountain, CMP, CMM NC Association of Electric Cooperatives 919-875-3050 ginny.fountain@ncemcs.com

Social Media Committee Mica Parekh IWP Photography 919-270-2510 mica@iwpphotography.com

Meeting Planning Committee Molly Johnson, CMP Wilmington & Beaches CVB 910-332-8747 mjohnson@ wilmingtonandbeaches.com

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Farrah Staub, CMP Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley 919-571-5319 farrah.staub@marriott.com

Business Exchange Committee Co-Chair

Silent Auction Committee Kathy Flowe, CMP The Alabama Theatre 843-272-5758 ext 4450 kflowe@alabama-theatre.com

Kathleen Van Geluwe Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes 843-692-3712 kathleen.vangeluwe@ marriottsales.com

Awards Committee Co-Chair Lindsay Myers Caesars Entertainment 919-628-8836 lmyers1@caesars.com

Leadership & Volunteer Development Committee Christy Marcinkowski, CMP christymarcinkowski@gmail.com

Hospitality Committee Co-Chair Alicia Miller, CMP State Employees Association of NC 919-833-6436 aclapp@seanc.org

Member Care Committee Chair Needed

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

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Jennifer Kist, CMP MHI 704-607-1454 jkist@mhi.org

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2017 |

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new member spotlight New Member Spotlight: Gray Henderson

by Nicole Robinson

MPI-CC friends, please join me in welcoming Gray Henderson to our chapter.

How long have you been in the hospitality industry and how did you get your start?

I graduated in the PRTM (Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management) program at NC Gray Henderson State University in 2010 and fulfilled an internship with the Greater Raleigh CVB’s services department prior to my graduation.

Where do you currently work and how long have you been there?

I began working at the Greater Raleigh CVB as convention services coordinator in January 2011, and have been in my current position as convention services manager since July 2015.

Tell me about your job and the organization you work for?

As a convention services manager, my job is to make sure that meeting planners and their convention attendees have the best experience possible during their time in Raleigh. The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau is a one-stop-shop for meeting and event professionals looking to host their meeting in the Raleigh area.

What are your hobbies and what do you do for fun?

I’d say the two things I’m most passionate about are traveling and music. Anything involving the outdoors and adventure, I’m into it. I’ve played guitar since 8th grade and have been in bands for a little over 12 years.

Why did you join MPI-CC? After hearing so much positive feedback from my colleagues who are members, I decided it would be a great opportunity for me to learn more about the industry and to continue my educational credits towards getting my CMP.

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If you were able to meet a famous person, alive or passed away, who would it be and why?

I’d want to meet Santa Claus and ask him how he delivers so many presents in such a short amount of time.

What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a career in our industry?

Go big or go home. n

Nicole Robinson Greater Raleigh CVB MPI-CC Vice President of Membership

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Volunteer of the Year 2015-2016

by Linda Ilsley, CMP

I was very fortunate to receive the first Volunteer of the Year Award for MPI-CC 2015-2016.

I feel honored knowing that many members also deserve to stand with me in receiving this award.

MPI-CC has so many seasoned and new members that participate on different levels to move the chapter forward. It does take a village and it is great to see past presidents and past board members of MPI-CC continuing to be active in the chapter. It is also great to see new faces volunteering, maximizing your membership, and getting involved.

Volunteering your service because you want to and for the common good of our chapter will bring you surprise benefits. It connects you to others, can assist in advancing your career or learning a new skill. You will also make new friends and expand your network. If you have a small amount of time, the smallest task makes a differrence. If you have volunteered and find you do not have as much time, speak up and contact your committee chair. We want this to be a positive and comfortable experience for you. Leadership development and your Board of Directors are always available to you for questions or discussion.

I have been so fortunate, MPI -CC has given so much to me on many levels and I have so enjoyed the different roles of volunteering.

I truly believe people buy from people. Buy MPI supports each other and the benefits are so rewarding. This is YOUR MPI. Maximize your membership. n

Linda Ilsley, CMP LPI Events MPI-CC Advocacy Committee Co-Chair

Thought you knew us?

Meet the new us.

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Contact Christian@VisitWinstonSalem.com or visit ReinventYourMeeting.com.

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Carolina Blitz | April - May 2017

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education Looking ahead at Education: MPI-CC Annual Meeting

by Nicole Filippo, CMP

This year’s Annual Meeting education sessions will focus on leadership development and event safety. Attendees will learn about advocacy, branding, innovation, cyber safety and custom safety action plans during the May 1011 meeting at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New Bern Riverfront.

The meeting will kick off on Wednesday with the leadership seminar “Redefining the Hero.” Attendees will explore advocacy success, which involves harnessing passion through an effective strategy. Karen Moore, founder and CEO of Moore Communications Group, will share her roadmap for advocacy, as well as stories about everyday people who changed the world for the better. Attendees will explore how to create and mobilize champions, speak with a unified voice, collaborate with allies, and build relationships with elected leaders.

strengthening a brand over time.

Moore’s insights in advocacy, integrated communications and crisis communication have been published in dozens of publications. She has also addressed more than 250 organizations on topics such as leadership, entrepreneurship, advocacy, crisis communications, marketing and networking.

From advocacy success to branding to risk management, the Annual Meeting education sessions will be full of valuable, timely information. See you in May! n

Nicole Filippo, CMP Elon University MPI-CC Education Committee Member

On Thursday, Michael Owen, a meetings industry activist will present how to create a cyber-safe environment in “Cyber Safety for Meetings & Events: Is Your Head in the Cloud?” Attendees will identify the targets of attackers, the attacks that are currently facing meetings and events, and approaches to reduce risk.

Owen will also facilitate two breakout sessions. “A Look at Risk in a Changing World” will guide planners through steps in creating customized action plans depending on a variety of components that comprise an event. He will also lead an open space learning session in which attendees decide the agenda and what will be discussed.

Owen has decades of experience as a provider of entertainment and event management services. His company, EventGenuity, LLC, produces business events throughout North America, providing event and meetings management and corporate entertainment capabilities to corporate and association clients.

Moore will lead two additional breakout sessions. In “Keep Your Eyes on Your Own Paper,” she will discuss how attendees can strengthen their competitive positioning by focusing inward rather than chasing the competition. Attendees will learn about creating an environment that fosters innovation, meeting customers’ demand for corporate social responsibility, and developing benchmarks for success. During “Racing to the Red,” she will share strategies for developing a successful brand, as well as review assessing a brand, engaging stakeholders to help shape a brand, and Carolina Blitz | April - May 2017 |

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Look Who We Spotted at the...

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| Carolina Blitz | April - May 2017

... March Meeting in Myrtle Beach!

Photography by Mica Parekh – IWP Photography

Unified is

better

Jacob Ammentorp Lund/iStock/Thinkstock

by Andrew D. Schmidt, CHME, MPA

Eventually, a decision that you make, a business strategy that you undertake, or policy that you support, will likely not be popular with all of your stakeholders or even your employeeS. There is an old saying that I believe goes way back to the caveman days. If momma’s not happy, then nobody’s happy. So in this particular scenario, your business strategy would be pretty simple. Do what you need to do to make momma happy! However, in the world of hospitality, both planners and suppliers know that we have way more than one person or group of people that we need to try and make happy. In other words, we all have multiple stakeholders that we deal with on a dayto-day basis. We obviously want to meet their needs and expectations. However, there is also another old saying which I believe is true…you can’t make everybody happy all of the time. Eventually, a decision that you make, a business strategy that you undertake, or policy that you support, will likely not be popular with all of your stakeholders or even your employees.

Once an individual or group does not agree with your particular decision, policy, or business strategy, the questions, comments, and maybe even press inquiries are likely to begin from stakeholders. At this point, it’s paramount that the same message is communicated to all.

Recently, as the Executive Director of the Greenville-Pitt County Convention & Visitors Bureau, I went on record supporting the effort to allow the consumption of alcohol on our 25-acre Town Common (a public park) that runs along our scenic Tar River in the heart of Greenville’s Uptown District. Many of our meeting planners, special event planners and promoters have wanted to bring meetings, events and concerts to this beautiful outdoor area. Each site visit resulted in the same response. “What a beautiful place to hold an event.” When I would explain that there was a no alcohol policy, I also received the same response. “We need to be able to offer an adult beverage to our attendees should they want one.” The result was usually lost business. In my view, something had to change.

Our CVB was tired of seeing our Commons underutilized.

There were others in our community who shared our views, so we got together and developed a policy of allowing alcohol in the Town Commons for city-approved events. Those who would put on the events would need to be fully insured and go through the proper permit application with the ABC Commission. Lastly, we proposed a trial period of nine months so that we could monitor the successes of the new policy. Before I went on record supporting the new policy, I needed to ensure I had a unified voice behind me for those that supported the initiative. The following are our experiences as example strategies that can be utilized when taking

a stance on an issue that might be controversial or unpopular.

• Find out who is on board. In an issue like the above, it was important to find out who was in line with our current thinking. We knew that our hospitality partners (hotels, restaurants and businesses) would firmly support us on this issue. However, there was much ground to cover to find out who would solidly support our efforts outside the hospitality community.

The best strategy is to start with the top and work your way down. For my particular case, the City Manager’s views were obviously very important as was City Council’s. Knowing that the city’s Recreation and Parks Department would have to service events at the Commons, it was important to get their take.

(Could this be a positive or negative on their budget?)

The Uptown District Developers office was certainly interested in this initiative as well as businesses within the District. Finally, the residents within the city could certainly have an effect as they elect their City Council representatives. Never underestimate what a group of residents can accomplish when trying to influence policy.

• Craft a message and keep it simple. During the process of finding out who was on our “team,” it became clear who was solidly behind our efforts and who vehemently opposed our efforts. That left some of those who were undecided and could be influenced.

To educate those who were undecided, a message needed to be crafted. In my approach, I wanted to make sure that everyone knew that we were not trying to enact a blanket policy that would give anyone the right to take and drink alcohol at our city’s most loved public park. That is what those who were against our efforts wanted to believe would eventually happen.

The policy of allowing alcohol at the Town Commons would be only for approved events with a number of requirements that must be met before an approval was issued. We also wanted people to know that alcohol for approved events could only take place between noon and 10 pm. Lastly, that this policy would be enacted for a “trial run.” The trial run would expire on December 31, 2017, so community leaders could review its success or failure and adjust the policy.

• Educate “your” team. Consistency of a message is paramount. It is not only those who are directly involved who need to know the message, but also all who support it. In my immediate circle, my staff and my board of directors had to understand our message, and if any one of them were asked about the policy, they would say the same thing. If there is a risk of the inconsistency of message, it will lay with other supporters. All of our hospitality partners (hotels, Uptown District businesses and restaurants) needed to be educated on the message that we intended to share.

Any inconsistency in the message can lead to perceived fragmentation within the supporting group, and that can be harmful to your overall goal. Those who oppose your efforts will point out those inconsistencies leading to bad press and image.

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• Pick a spokesperson (or two or three) While those who support your cause should be educated and understand the message completely in case they are questioned about why they support the cause, it does not mean that you should have many different individuals running around doing interviews with media and speaking to groups. If possible, it is advantageous to pick a few individuals to be the spokespersons for your message. It is helpful to have two or three individuals who will handle interviews on the subject, speak to civic groups and present to elected leaders on why their viewpoint is beneficial to the overall community. Having only one spokesperson is not responsible. If that person is not available for an interview or speaking opportunity, then not only are you missing an opportunity to gain support, you are also allowing people to finish your story. Absence from an interview or speaking engagement can also relay the false message that your group does not care about the thoughts and suggestions of the group you were to have spoken to or the media outlet that you were to interview with.

• Monitor. During the debate and education process on this issue (in this example it was several months from conception to final vote by City Council), monitor the

reaction of those you are trying to educate and also the consistency of the message. Monitoring also includes making sure that all inquiries are answered from media requests to that one e-mail from a resident. An unanswered inquiry is usually taken as “my thoughts and feelings are not important on this issue.”

• Be unified (and gracious) in a win or a loss. In the particular example that I used for this article, we were successful in getting a new policy enacted for the Town Commons. Our hospitality community thanked those who supported us but also recognized those who did not. For those who did not support this initiative, our “team” recognized their concerns and invited them to be part of the process moving forward. The same is true if you find yourselves on the losing end of a debate. Your entire team needs to be gracious in defeat and offer any assistance moving forward. You never want to burn any bridges as there is always another opportunity on the horizon! n

Andrew D. Schmidt, CHME, MPA Greenville-Pitt County CVB ECU School of Hospitality Leadership

Donation Request for Silent Auction

by Kathy B. Flowe, CMP

The 2017 MPI-CC Silent Auction will be held at the Doubletree in New Bern, NC on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. We are asking all members to consider donating to the Annual Silent Auction with themed or local merchandise, pottery, travel packages, dining certificates, entertainment certificates, sporting event tickets and gift baskets, packages with hotel stays, dinner and/or golf.

You may access the 2017 Silent Auction & Bidding for Good form on the MPI-CC website: www.mpi-cc.org.

Please make sure your form is faxed or emailed to Kathy B. Flowe, CMP, Fax: 843-272-7748; email address: kflowe@ alabama-theatre.com no later than Thursday, April 20, 2017. You may mail your item(s) to The Alabama Theatre, Attn: Kathy B. Flowe, CMP, 4750 Highway 17 South, Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. If you would prefer to bring your item(s) to the Annual Meeting then just fax or email the form and that way we can get your item(s) on the auction list.

The funds that are raised from the Silent Auction help support the continuing education programs where CE credits may be earned to apply for your selected designations, like CMM or CMP, etc.

I also would like to thank each of you who attended the March meeting at Doubletree in Myrtle Beach and for participating in the Wine Raffle. We made $355.00 on the raffle.

As always any help will be greatly appreciated. I look forward to hearing from each of you! n

Kathy B. Flowe, CMP Alabama Theatre MPI-CC Silent Auction Committee Chair

Make a SPLASH in the MPI-CC Blitz at the Annual Meeting! We want to see your smiling face when you attend the Annual Meeting in May. All participants at the May meeting will have their photos appear in the July issue of the Blitz! The Communications Committee will be taking photos at registration and during the welcome reception.

When your photo appears in the Blitz, it gives both new and old members a way to remember faces that go with names. It is also a great way to remind you of the connections you made at the meeting. We can’t wait to see your smiling face!

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Carolina Blitz | April - May 2017

You may not know us yet, but you will.

From Finland to Morocco, Abu Dhabi to St. Kitts, we find ourselves keeping great company these days. Landing at #7, Greenville, SC is the only destination in the United States ranked one of the “10 buzzy destinations” to visit in 2017

by The Wall Street Journal. In fact, in their words, not ours, “The stars have aligned to make this Southern belle, Dream Town, USA.” These are just a few nice things the #1 U.S. newspaper in the country had to say about Greenville. So, next time the CEO asks, “We’re going where!?”…just tell them Greenville, SC. Yeah, THAT Greenville.

What are you waiting for? Plan your next meeting in the place that has everyone talking. #yeahTHATgreenville

800.351.7180 Carolina Blitz | April - May 2017 |

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Earning Leadership

by Christian Schroeder

Nancy B. Holder, MPI Carolinas Chapter Founder, said: “Leadership is something you earn, not something you are given. In order to be a good leader, you must first learn to be a good follower.�

Thank you to our Nominations Committee: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Linda Ilsley, CMP, Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Christy Marcinkowski, CMP, Tim Miron, and Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP for their service in this process.

Over the last few months, the Nominations Committee has reviewed board applications, interviewed candidates, and presented the 2017-2018 Board Slate. The committee presented individuals with the skills, dedication, and integrity to provide outstanding leadership to our chapter during their term of office. As a membership, we approved the 2017-2018 Board Slate and these leaders were presented to MPI global.

Our 2017-2018 Board are dedicated leaders with a strong passion for the chapter who have served the chapter in a number of ways.

Position

Name and Company

President

Alyce Kelly, CHSP, The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores

President Elect

Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM, Global Knowledge

Immediate Past President

Barbara Dragan, Visit GreenvilleSC

Vice President Finance

Maureen Donovan, Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach

Vice President Membership

Selah Bideau, TMP

Vice President Communications

Nicole Robinson, Greater Raleigh CVB

Vice President Education

Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM, North Carolina Association of CPAs

Director of Special Events

Mallory Middleton, Raleigh Convention Center

Director of Special Events

Mica Parekh, IWP Photography

Director of Meeting Planning

Deanna House, CMP, GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCM, CMM, Charter Spectrum Reach

Director of Membership

Michelle Castro, Siena Hotel

Director of Leadership & Volunteer Development

Molly Nelson, Asheville CVB

Director of Marketing

Ricardo Hicks, American Audio Video

As we build for the future, let us remember the words of our founder and become good followers and volunteers.

With your help, our organization can continue to excel and better serve current and future members. n

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Please congratulate the following members and make plans to attend the Annual Meeting in New Bern where these leaders will be installed during the awards banquet on May 11:

| Carolina Blitz | April - May 2017

Christian Schroeder Visit Winston-Salem MPI-CC Immediate Past President

board meeting highlights Board of Directors Meeting Minutes March 16, 2017 | Myrtle Beach, SC

by Christine Irwin, CMP

Attendees: Christine Irwin, CMP, Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Christian Schroeder, Nicole Robinson, Deanna House, CMP, GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCM, CMM, Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM, Brittany O’Shaughnessy, Mica Parekh, Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMP, CMM, CSEP, Maureen Donovan, Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM, Vince Chelena, Ricardo Hicks Excused Absences: Barbara Dragan, Selah Bideau, TMP, Molly Nelson Minutes: Christian Schroeder presented the minutes from the January 19, 2017 Board of Directors Meeting and made a motion to approve.

Motion: Christian Schroeder made a motion to approve the January 19, 2017 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes as presented.

Second: Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM Vote: Approved Financials: Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM presented the February P&L statement, Balance Sheet and Aging Report.

Motion: Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM made a motion to approve the February P&L and Balance Sheet as presented.

Second: Maureen Donovan Vote: Approved Chapter Office: Christine Irwin, CMP reviewed the meeting app and locations for all meeting rooms on the agenda.

She noted that we are very close to exceeding budgeted revenue for March meeting attendance and reviewed the February metrics report.

Consent Agenda: Alyce Kelly, CHSP asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda.

Motion: Deanna House, CMP, GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCM, CMM made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Second: Nicole Robinson Vote: Approved 2017-2018 Transition: Christian Schroeder reminded the board to be in touch with their chairs to find out if they will be continuing into the 2017-2018 year. Alyce Kelly, CHSP reported that she had a call with Tara Laischenko (the Annual Retreat facilitator) this week and the retreat transition email will be coming out next week. Christine Irwin, CMP reminded the group to be constantly reviewing

their board job descriptions as well as committee chair/ committee job descriptions so that they can pass on the updated descriptions to the incoming 17-18 board prior to their retreat in April.

Communications Form: Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMP, CMM, CSEP reminded the board to utilize the new Communications form for any type of communication you would like sent out. The team needs to know exactly what you want to say in your communication to the membership.

Publications: Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMP, CMM, CSEP reminded the board that all Blitz items are due to Ginny Fountain, CMP, CMM no later than Friday, March 24th.

Social Media: Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMP, CMM, CSEP called attention to the social media chair, Mica Parekh, who has been doing an outstanding job building up social media for the chapter.

January Meeting Survey Results: Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM reviewed the results from the January Meeting survey and addressed feedback with the board. The Thursday education will begin later to close the gap between education and the welcome reception on Thursdays. Amelia presented the agenda for the May Meeting Education.

Membership Committee: Nicole Robinson announced to the board that Tarshi McCoy and Malinda Harrell will be starting their “encouragement cards” project. These cards will be sent out to the membership throughout the year.

They will fall under the Membership Committee.

Annual Board Retreat: The Annual Board Retreat will be held for the 2017-2018 Board on April 20-21, 2017 at the Bask Hotel at Big Rock Landing in Morehead City.

Next Board Meeting: The next board meeting will be held on May 10, 2017 at 3pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern - Riverfront in New Bern, NC. Meeting Adjourned. n

Christine Irwin, CMP MPI-CC Chapter Administrator The Management Office Carolina Blitz | April - May 2017 |

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LET US HELP PLAN YOUR NEXT HOMETOWN EVENT

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The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (FACVB) would love to help plan your next event.

From start to finish, our team will work with you to gather and present proposals according to your needs, arrange site visits and assist with promotional items and other resources, ensuring that your event goes off without a hitch.

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FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Myron Jones FACVB Director of Sales mjones@visitfayettevillenc.com 910.483.5311

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| Carolina Blitz | April - May 2017

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Making Our Connections Smarter Director of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Emlyn Koster, Ph.D., is an insightful local mind, sharing his knowledge and network with meeting organizers from sciencecentric meetings and recently held research symposia as well as the upcoming Citizen Science 2019.

Consider how a smart city’s pipeline of experts can help simplify planning, identify corporate partners and customize programming, impressing your most savvy attendees. Think Raleigh. Where science, innovation and education grow from the ground up.

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Carolina Blitz | April - May 2017 |

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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 Ginny Fountain, CMP, CMM Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE Director of Marketing Brittany O’Shaughnessy • Francis Marion Hotel

Know a Helping Hand?

Know anyone who has offered a helping hand?

Committee Chairs, please nominate one of your members who has volunteered her time and efforts this month and thank her for helping to make your goal possible. Let me know who he is and how he went above and beyond for your committee. Please send nominations to Lindsay Myers at lmyers1@caesars.com

Editor Ginny Fountain, CMP, CMM • North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives Contributing Writers Barbara Dragan, Visit Greenville SC; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Company; Kathy Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre; Christian Schroeder, Visit WinstonSalem; Nicole Filippo, CMP, Elon University; Linda Ilsley, CMP, LPI Events; Nicole Robinson, Greater Raleigh CVB; Andrew Schmidt, Greenville-Pitt County CVB Photographer Micah Parekh - IWP Photography Proofreaders Kathy Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office; Cathy Mauldin, CMP, DESA, Inc.; Teresa Palmieri, Sheraton Imperial; Myron Jones, Fayetteville CVB; Lynn Rich Willison, CMP, HelmsBriscoe; Nancy Lowe, CMP, NC Medical Society; Melinda Mowry, DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern-Riverfront Publisher Vince Chelena • The Management Office 704-377-5648 • Fax 704-333-6927 • staff@themanagementoffice.com Advertising Maureen Donovan • Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach • 910-256-2231 Design Kistin Creative Studio • 704-724-9188 • kistincreative.com MPI-CC Web Site: www.mpi-cc.org

May 10-11, 2017 DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern – Riverfront New Bern, NC

CALLING ALL WRITERS Do you dream of being a published author? 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 Ginny Fountain, CMP, CMM at Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com or submit via our website at www.mpi-cc.org.

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 Maureen Donovan at mdonovan@wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com or 910-256-2231.

Visit our website at www.mpi-cc.org for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities!