Carolina Blitz April-May 2015

Carolina Blitz April - May 2015

Brent Lancaster Helping Hand Winner Page 11

Charleston Marriott Charleston, SC | May 17-18, 2015

Greenville, South Carolina – one of the fastest growing destinations in the Southeast – has quickly become that Greenville. The one with an award-winning downtown set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The one with a growing reputation as the South’s next big culinary hotspot. The one with countless things-to-do diversions and an incredibly diverse venue mix from big boxes to innovative and unique alternatives. The one more and more planners and organizers are choosing to hold their events. Yeah, that Greenville.

Learn more online or call us at 800-351-7180.

in this issue...

features Our Chapter’s Future Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Making It Personal with High Tech . . . . . . . . . 20 Common A/V Mistakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Dude! Where is My Meeting Data?. . . . . . . . . 24

in every issue Our Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 New Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Helping Hand Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

Hramovnick/iStock/Thinkstock

Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015 | 1

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 Director of Publications/Editor one week after the meeting. Ginny Fountain, CMP - Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE Director of Publications Laura Barnes, CMP • Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort Editor Ginny Fountain, CMP • North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives Contributing Writers Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Greater Raleigh CVB; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office; Lindsay Myers, Caesars Entertainment; Christian Savelli, Meeting Professionals International; Nicole Robinson, Greater Raleigh CVB; April Ferguson, CMP, BCD M&I onsite at Cisco; Andrew Schmidt, CHME, MPA, GreenvillePitt County CVB; Kathy Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre; Peggy Duncan, The Digital BreakThroughs Institute; Erin Moye, Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club; Corbin Ball, CMP, CSP, Corbin Ball Associates

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!

Contact us today to find out why you should be meeting in Hickory, NC where meetings are well crafted! hickorymetro.com | 828.322.1355

Photographer Micah Parekh - IWP Photography Proofreaders Kathy Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office; Cathy Mauldin, CMP, DESA, Inc.; Melanie O’Bryan, Biltmore; Teresa Palmieri, Sheraton Imperial; Myron Jones, Fayetteville CVB; Connie Hayes, Student Publisher Vince Chelena • The Management Office 704-377-5648 • Fax 704-333-6927 • staff@themanagementoffice.com Advertising Amy Johnson • Courtyard by Marriott, Carolina Beach Oceanfront and Fairfield Inn & Suites, Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach • 910-458-2617

FYV-473c-Events-Ad-3.5x4.75-FINAL-[021615]-RW.pdf

3

2/16/15

2:54 PM

Design Kistin Jordan • Kistin Jordan [Graphic Designer] • 704-724-9188 MPI-CC Web Site: www.mpi-cc.org

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

WE’VE HOSTED MEETINGS OF ALL SIZES, INCLUDING ONES THAT SHAPED OUR COUNTRY. Beyond our deft hand for well-run assemblies, Cumberland County offers an impressive array of venues, amenities and attractions to enhance anyone’s meeting scope. So turn to the region that’s hosted meetings that helped shape history–let our dedicated staff shape a proposal for you. Give us a call at 1-888-98-HEROES to get started.

VISITFAYETTEVILLENC.COM

Fayetteville, NC was the only namesake city visited

by Lafayette.

2 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015

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 (7 1/2”W x 9 1/2”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 6 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, 1800 Camden Road, Suite 107, #213, Charlotte, NC 28203 Christine@TheManagementOffice.com • Fax: 704-333-6927 For more advertising information contact Amy Johnson at amy.johnson@crestlinehotels.com or 910-458-2617.

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

our members Welcome New Members!

Nathan Kittrell VisitGreenvilleSC nkittrell@visitgreenvillesc.com Debra Lucenti Debra Lucenti dlucenti@triad.rr.com Michaelina Antahades NASCAR Hall of Fame michaelina.antahades@ nascarhall.com Laura Bowden American Express laura.bowden@aexp.com Lori Williams, CMP BASF lori.williams@basf.com

Leslie Kelson Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council leslie.kelson@cvmsdc.org

Brandi Delany, CMP American Society of Echocardiography bdelany@asecho.org

Staci Carnahan The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel SCarnahan@wyndham.com

Marjory Dury UNC Charlotte artgalmed@aol.com

Alicia McKee Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte/Concord alicia.a.mckee@hilton.com

Marty Brooks Core Staging, Inc. marty@corestaging.com

Maria Meidanis UNCC mmeidanis@hotmail.com Heather Coggins University of North Carolina Charlotte heatherccoggins92@gmail.com

Carrie Sims BizBash Media csims@bizbash.com

MPI-CC Anniversaries 25 years Brenda Taylor Asheville Conventions & Visitors Bureau

Jonathan Casals Winwood Hospitality Group Jonathan.Casals@hilton.com

Megan Jackson Core Staging, Inc. megan.jackson@corestaging.com Liza Edgerton Charleston Marriott Hotel liza.edgerton@marriott.com

First Timers and New Members

15 years Debra Furr Hilton Charlotte University Place 10 years Katherine Wilder SAS Institute Inc. 5 years Tonya Miller Embassy Suites Greensboro Sarahbeth Derrick, CMP Aladdin Travel & Meeting Planners Kate Marcus, CMP Student, California Miramar University Congratulations to each of you for reaching a milestone in MPI!

Megan Jackson, Core Staging; Leah A. Winstead, Apex Analytix; Liza Edgerton, Marriott Hotels; Scott W. Luczywo, CSSGB, BCD M&I; Staci L. Carnahan, The Mills House; Alex Nicyper, GMR Marketing; Lauren Deese, GMR Marketing; Michaelina Antahades, Nascar Hall of Fame Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015 | 3

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

Diamond Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

4 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015

president’s message WHAT IS YOUR ROI?

by Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE | 2014-2015 MPI-CC President

I have been a member of MPI-CC for nine years. I joined because “my boss told me too” and I am glad he did! Being a part of MPI has truly been beneficial for me, and I am not saying that because of my current volunteer role. Some of you know my story…have heard my spiel: you get out what you put in. My story isn’t unique…there are so many in our chapter who feel the same.

I was asked to serve by Tim Miron, a seasoned member of our chapter. He drove to Raleigh from Charlotte, and asked me to volunteer. I was honored to be asked and he bought me lunch so, of course, I said yes! From there I started my journey. My path wasn’t clearly defined, because remember, I joined because my boss told me to. It began as a Return on Investment (ROI) that my boss wanted for our company. I find that to be the story quite Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Associate Director of Sales, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau; 2014-2015 MPI-CC President

often, whether you are a planner or supplier…when you join an industry organization, our first focus is what’s in it for me or my company? The good news is that there is room for both to benefit.

So often we join an organization expecting an immediate return. I challenge you to customize your MPI benefits to suit you. Look beyond the surface and determine what your

ROI looks like. Ask yourself, I will know MPI-CC was the right choice when…

My ROI has evolved into relationships, idea sharing, professional development, leadership training and yes, business for my company. And, each and every benefit is connected. I could not have one without the other.

Here are a few ways you can enhance your membership: •

Volunteer! The best way to build your network is to connect peer to peer.

•

When attending a chapter meeting, connect with at least one person you don’t know….and keep in touch.

•

Use the following tools on www.mpiweb.org: •

When traveling to another state, use the MPI Global membership directory for suggestions and referrals – BUY MPI!

•

Planning to take the CMP exam? Track your CEU’s, and take complimentary member exclusive CEU approved webinars.

•

Use the MPI-speaker tool to find your next presenter.

•

Get cash for referring a friend to MPI!

•

Browse the Research and tools tab to view whitepapers, best practices and more.

I encourage you to take your membership to the next level, embrace your ROI and what it means to you. n

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015 | 5

MPI-CC 2014-2015 Board of Directors and Committees EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President

Vice President of Finance

Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE

Alyce Kelly, CHSP

Greater Raleigh CVB

alycek1@gmail.com

919-645-2668 mharrell@visitraleigh.com

President-Elect

Vice President of Membership

Christian Schroeder

Tarshi McCoy, TMP

Visit Winston-Salem

Greenville-Pitt County

336-728-4218

Convention & Visitors Bureau

Christian@visitwinstonsalem.com

252-329-4200 TMcCoy@greenvillenc.gov

Vice President of Education

Immediate Past President

Barbara Dragan

Erin Moye

The Westin Charlotte

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

704-335-2114

919-313-2160

Barbara.Dragan@westin.com

emoye@wdigc.com

DIRECTORS Awards/Recognition

Strategic Partnerships

Lindsay Myers

Amy Johnson

Caesars Entertainment

Courtyard by Marriott

919-628-8836

at Carolina Beach

lmyers1@caesars.com

910-458-2617 amy.johnson@crestlinehotels.com

Marketing/Community Outreach

Meeting Planning

Alison Jenkins

Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMM, CMP

The Umstead Hotel & Spa

Burroughs Wellcome Fund

919-447-4122

919-991-5105

Alison.Jenkins@theumstead.com

lhedrick@bwfund.org

6 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015

DIRECTORS (continued) Auctions

Education

Diane Weems

Tonya Miller, CMP

NC Aggregates Association

Embassy Suites Greensboro-Airport

919-782-7055

336-668-4535

Diane@ncaggregates.org

tonya.miller@jqh.com

Exhibits

Publications

Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP

Laura Barnes, CMP

Marriott Columbia

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

803-744-6922

843-341-8010

Karolyn.stone@marriottcolumbia.com

lbarnes@omnihotels.com

Membership

Management Office

Jeanette Keys

Christine Irwin, CMP

Greenville Convention Center

The Management Office

252-321-7671

704-377-5648

jkeys@greenvilleconventioncenter.com

Christine@themanagementoffice.com

COMMITTEES Awards Wendy Bassett, CMP HelmsBriscoe 843-243-0554 wbassett@helmsbriscoe.com Business Exchange John Cruz, CMM Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC 919-765-1334 John.Cruz@bcbsnc.com Buy MPI Linda Ilsley, CMP LPI Events 919-322-4996 lpievents@aol.com CMP (Co-Chairs) Sarah Sharkey, CMP Ernst & Young LLP Sarah.sharkey@ey.com Amelia Hodges, CMP North Carolina Association of CPAs 919-469-1040, ext. 8 ahodges@NCACPA.org

Community Outreach Chair needed Education Chair needed Hospitality Karen Knox, CMP, CMM Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4213 KKnox@ visitwinstonsalem.com Leadership & Volunteer Development Alison Harding, CMP Global Knowledge 919-461-8698 Alison.Harding@ globalknowledge.com

Marketing Sandi Owen Embassy Suites Columbia 803-744-8134 sandi.owen@jqh.com Meeting Planning Molly Nelson Spartanburg Marriott 864-591-3113 Molly.Nelson@marriott.com Member Care Selah Havard Cabarrus County CVB 704-456-7970 selah@visitcabarrus.com Publications Ginny Fountain, CMP NC Association of Electric Cooperatives 919-875-3050 ginny.fountain@ncemcs.com

Recruitment Kimberly Harrelson Kingsmill Resort 757-253-3980 Kimberly.harrelson@ kingsmill.com Scholarship Liz Guertin Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4231 liz@visitwinstonsalem.com Silent Auction Kathy Flowe, CMP Alabama Theatre 843-272-5758 kflowe@alabama-theatre.com Strategic Partnerships Chair needed

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015 | 7

new member spotlight New Member Spotlight: Kai Zander

by Lindsay Myers

I recently had the opportunity to learn more about Kai Zander, Site Services Manager at Rally Software, and our New Member Spotlight for this issue of the Blitz. Kai is a wonderful addition to MPI-CC and I’m excited for our chapter to get to know her. Kai – thank you for joining MPI-CC! How long have you been working Kai Zander

Hooray for Google searches! I was not involved in the MPI community in NYC or LA but when I moved to North Carolina, I knew I wanted to meet people who were driven and passionate about creating memorable meetings and events! As far as enriching my life and career, the people I have met so far at MPI-CC make me excited to do what we do.

The energy is electric. It’s the surge I need to get me through challenging times. Also, this group is made up of some of the nicest individuals I have ever met. I was so nervous being the “new kid” but I was quickly embraced. Thanks guys!

at Rally Software and what do you

do there?

I’ve been at Rally for two amazing years! I have the privilege of working on employee programs and events for our 500+ global employees! I also work closely with our R&D teams on creating opportunities to reinforce our corporate culture, team engagement and community involvement. I have a pretty sweet gig!

What does Rally do?

Rally Software is a leading global provider of cloud-based solutions for managing Agile software development.

The Rally Agile application lifecycle management (ALM) platform transforms the way organizations manage the software development lifecycle by closely aligning software development and strategic business objectives, facilitating collaboration, increasing transparency and automating manual processes. Companies use Rally to accelerate the pace of innovation, improve productivity and more effectively adapt to rapidly changing customer needs and competitive dynamics.

Give us a brief explanation of your professional experience.

Before Rally, I held positions in event planning at MTV, sales for VOGUE magazine and was Event Director for a company that owned nightclubs and event spaces all over Hollywood.

I’ve taken a few breaks from event planning, (including a short stint as an actor…spoiler alert: I was terrible), but it never took long before I realized that creating engaging, memorable experiences for people is what I love to do. It’s not always easy (or rewarding . . . or lucrative) but there’s nothing like overhearing “This is awesome!” about an event or program that started as just a crazy idea in my imagination!

How were you introduced to MPI-CC and how do you feel it will enrich your life and career?

8 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015

What event or experience has made the biggest impact on your life and why?

Professionally? My first event for my first job (at MTV) was insane, chaotic, stressful, scary, and tears were definitely shed. However, I’d never had so much fun working in my entire life! Personally, it was November 25, 2006 – the day I got my dog, James Bond! For the first time in my life I had to worry about the well being for someone other than myself. It was a game changer. Plus, that little 4-legged creature would fast become my best bud, so it was a pretty big day.

If you were able to meet anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

Salvador Dali. Not just because he was an amazing artist but anyone who had an ANTEATER for a pet is someone I’d like to shake hands with.

What is your ultimate professional goal?

“Ultimate” is an intimidating word! If I have the opportunity to combine event planning with enhancing the employee experience – I’m a happy camper. I’ll leave it to the Universe to figure out how I’m going to do that for the rest of my life.

What advice would you give to someone considering a hospitality or meetings & events profession?

My first boss once asked me my strengths and I said, “I’m good at thinking up ideas – the ‘big picture’ stuff.” Her response is advice I repeat at least ten times a year: “There’s no such thing as the big picture. The big picture is made up of the details. Be good at the details.” Be good at the details, kids. And floss. n

Lindsay Myers Caesars Entertainment MPI-CC Director of Awards and Recognition

www.s e a t ra i l .co m

At Sea Trail, VACATIONING is a way of life! Three award-winning, championship golf courses. Our Convention Center and Meeting space totals more than 40,000 sq ft., with 16 separate meeting rooms and rst class catering for almost any size function or event.

B

eautifully designed on more than 2,000 acres of lush coastal land.

Villa-style suites ranging from one to four bedrooms, most equipped with a full kitchen, living and dining areas, wi access, and washer/dryer, await your arrival. Golf clinics from PGA learning Center for team building activities. Casual dining at Magnolia’s Lounge and Brassie’s Pub.

Villas and Suites

Village Activity Center

Convention Center

More than just swimming, our Activity Center oers tness and yoga classes, bicycle rentals, even a Jacuzzi. Driving range, two clubhouses, two golf shops, and snack bars. Minutes away from the beautiful shores of Sunset Beach.

Villa-Style Suites

Indoor and Outdoor Pools

Meeting Space

Learn more about Sea Trail Resort at: Sea Trail® Resort has something for everyone. Golf www.seatrail.com 75A CLUBHOUSE RD, SUNSET BEACH, NC 28468 800.726.0252 facebook.com/seatrail

It’s All in the Numbers 170,000-Square Feet of Meeting Space

Cohesive meeting space in one central location. That’s what you get with Twin City Quarter’s Benton Convention Center, Marriott Hotel and Embassy Suites.

An affordable destination rich with features and amenities - Wi-Fi, restaurants, cafes, lounges, spa and salon, Starbucks and fitness centers. Conveniently adjacent to Fourth Street’s Restaurant Row and the Arts District with galleries, dining and shops.

The only number you’ll need for one-stop-shopping: 877.888.9762

5th and Cherry Streets • Winston-Salem NC 27101 336.725.3500 • www.twincityquarter.com

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015 | 9

News You Can Use The meeting and incentive travel subscribers of Corporate & Incentive Travel magazine have voted the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau as a winner of the 2015 Award of Excellence. This award recognizes those hotels, resorts, conference centers and convention and visitors bureaus that have demonstrated their overall commitment to excellence. See more information on the link below. Congrats GRCVB! http://www.themeetingmagazines.com/corporateincentive-travel/cit-awards/awards-excellence/ On April 16 and 17, the Sheraton Greensboro Hotel and Koury Convention Center, hosted an exclusive behind the scenes media tour, that showcased the results of a massive, 22-month, $30 million renovation. Additionally, the tour provided a first-hand look at how this unique facility operates to serve large-scale conferences and conventions while also providing guests a wide range of accommodation choices. Members of local and regional media, trade publications and well-known food, hospitality and tourism bloggers had access to operational areas that typically go unseen by the public eye. Attendees were encouraged to engage in social media activity throughout the tour, including posting of facts and photos on Twitter and Instagram at hashtag: #SheratonGSO. Congratulations to Elizabeth Peeler, CMP, for passing the CMM exam! She thought we would find it more exciting than her cat did…

And more exciting news-congratulations go Elizabeth Peeler to John and Kristy Sneed on the birth of their precious baby daughter, Savannah Grace. I bet she’ll be a beautiful, southern bell one day.

Savannah Grace Sneed

The Greater Raleigh CVB is pleased to announce that Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, will become the Director of Sales for the GRCVB, effective June 1, 2015.

Malinda is replacing Jana Rae Oliver who is retiring from this position on May 31st.

Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE

Tourism Industry with extensive experience in operations, service, reservations, and sales. Her current role is Associate Director of Sales at the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau and she serves on the Board of Directors for the Carolinas Chapter of Meeting Professionals International as President. She has volunteered in various leadership roles as an active member in the Georgia Chapter of Meetings Professional International and also Association Executives of North Carolina, including previously serving on the board of directors. Malinda has been awarded several top honors in this industry, including AENC’s Patsy B. Smith Award and MPI-CC’s Tomorrow’s Leader and Supplier of the Year Awards.

She will continue to assist meeting planners that require the Raleigh Convention Center from Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee along with planners requiring 30+ rooms from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Malinda is the youngest of six brothers and sisters and was raised in the small town of Tarboro, North Carolina. In 1991 she moved to Raleigh – “The Big City,” to start a new chapter in her life. Malinda enjoys spending her free time reading, traveling and spending time with her husband Greg, their four children, three grandsons, friends and extended family. She looks at each day as an opportunity to live her favorite quote by Gandhi: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Also on June 1st, Loretta Yingling, CMP, will take over the Midwest and Western U.S. markets and the majority of the religious organizations that require 30 hotel rooms and more, including the Raleigh Convention Center.

Nicole Robinson has been promoted from Sales Coordinator to Sales Manager for the GRCVB. She will handle groups from Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee that require 30 hotel rooms and more and who will be using meeting space other than the Raleigh Convention Center.

Congratulations ladies!!!

Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, is a 20+ year veteran in the Hospitality and

If you have news we can use, please send to ginny.fountain@ncemcs.com.

10 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015

Loretta Yingling, CMP

Nicole Robinson

MPI-CC is proud to present the Helping Hand Award to Brent Lancaster, CCM, CMP

by Lindsay Myers

Brent was nominated by Linda Ilsley, CMP, LPI Events, who wrote the following words about him:

published author? If so, the Blitz

Brent is such an asset to the Buy MPI team. He truly

is looking for you! While we’re

believes in what our committee is promoting and the value of Buy MPI. Brent has been instrumental in assisting with onsite presence at meetings and organizing the prize options. He has shared his time, talent, and his charming self to generate awareness of Buy MPI. Brent Lancaster, CCM, CMP Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)

Do you dream of being a

not the New York Times, getting published in the Blitz is a great way to share your ideas with

Congratulations Brent!

Thank you for your dedication to MPI-CC!

fellow MPI-CC members and

*The Helping Hand Award is given out at each chapter

earn points toward your CMP

meeting and recognizes individuals who give a little extra time and attention to their MPI-CC duties. To nominate a fellow MPI-CC member for the Helping Hand Award, please email Lindsay Myers at lmyers1@caesars.com. n

certification. The Blitz is always accepting original articles and great topic ideas. To submit your articles or ideas, please

Lindsay Myers Caesars Entertainment MPI-CC Director of Awards/Recognition

contact Ginny Fountain at Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com

Know a Helping Hand?

Know anyone that has lent a helping hand?

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

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015 | 11

s

“

OM

S. FR

5 HR

ton shing

Wa

D.C. ro

nsbo

Gree S.

5 HR

FROM

nta

Atla

ree

VisitG

Successful is an understatement.

Winston-Salem was near perfection!

— Dr. Linda H. Gilliam, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

m

C.co

roN nsbo

“

oms tel ro o h t rges area st’s la ,000 6 a 1 e r h e ut • Ov e So of th centers e n • O vention eum s colis con t rant ates a stau terst 0-se e 0 n r I 5 r , 0 0 • 23 majo an 5 re th om 3 r o f s M s • ce sy ac • Ea

urse lf co o g ip ls ionsh s, festiva amp m h u C e A mus • PG class ent ld r • Wo tertainm port & en al air n io t erna • Int

®

• More than 4,800 hotel rooms • 100,000+ square feet of meeting space downtown • Over 100 restaurants and shops within walking distance of Convention Center complex • A Forbes’ Top 10 Best Downtown • Centrally located in the state FOR DETAILS, CONTACT: Christian Schroeder, Director of Sales and Services Christian@VisitWinstonSalem.com 866-728-4200 main • 336-728-4218 direct Karen Wall, Sales Manager Karen@visitwinstonsalem.com 866-728-4200 main • 336-728-4210 direct VisitWinstonSalem.com

12 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015

THE GREATEST GIFT THIS LIFE CAN BRING IS WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AND KNOW YOU WERE LOVED...

— You Were Loved by Whitney Houston

Look Who We Spotted at the...

14 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015

... March Chapter Meeting in Charlotte!

Photography by Mica Parekh – IWP Photography

education Recap of March Education Plus Meeting

by Nicole Robinson

Thank you to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority for

and Performing Arts Complex moderate a panel discussion

hosting our reception on the first night of MPI-CC’s March

on the latest trends going on right now. Panelists included

meeting. The NASCAR Hall of Fame was the perfect

Tilman Nadolski, GM of Heirloom Restaurant, Kristi Martin,

location for networking, mixed with fun. Attendees were

Owner/Operator of Feast Food Tours, Jason Coperine,

able to use the race simulator to get a real taste of what it

Executive Chef at the Westin Charlotte and Chef Luca,

would be like on the big track. What a blast!

Executive Chef/Owner of Passion8. These trends are often

After a night of racing, Johnson & Wales University hosted our panel education sessions on Emergency Management and Food and Beverage Trends. Both of these hot topics sparked some great questions from attendees. David Conrad, CFPS from the Charlotte Fire Department and Dustin Prudhomme from T.L. Consulting, LLC, lead our Emergency Management Session. We may think we know all there is to know about fire alarms and inclement weather alerts, but these gentlemen took it to the next level. Meeting professionals need to be prepared for all kinds of emergency situations, even if they never happen.

At the end of the day, attendees may not remember when an emergency was handled correctly, but they will certainly remember if something goes wrong. Something

influenced by runway fashion, foodie TV, and even interior décor. Keeping sources local and sustainable is a huge trend right now. Attendees want to know the story behind the meal that has been prepared for them. Creating an “ecosystem” by supporting local purveyors allows that story to be created right there on the plate. Keeping a meal comfortable and simple brings you back home. Good food that is done well has that feeling of being at home and eating a simple meal around a table of friends and family.

Our panelists also noted that the overall experience is very important in their eyes. Invoking all the senses during a meal allows the food to energize and uplift an attendee. A meal can be just as important as an education session or learning experience while attending a conference.

as simple as announcing the emergency exits and plans

Thank you, again, to everyone who was a part of our March

at the beginning of any meeting should be standard.

meeting. We look forward to seeing you all in May for the

Being prepared ahead of time is key.

Annual Meeting. n

Food and Beverage trends are all the rage in our industry.

Planners should always be on the lookout for what is new and fresh in meetings and events when it comes to F & B. We were lucky enough to have Kate Jansen with Centerplate Catering at the Raleigh Convention Center

16 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015

Nicole Robinson Greater Raleigh CVB MPI-CC Education Committee Member

Anatoliy Babiy/iStock/Thinkstock

Put Your iPad to Work

by Peggy Duncan

When I purchased my iPad, I thought I’d just use it to

First, I’ll walk you through a scenario on how you can

read ebooks, watch Netflix, monitor email, and hang

use the iPad to plan a successful event with less stress,

out on Facebook. Boy was I wrong! Once I started

from gathering ideas to relaxing when it’s over (the

digging, I kept learning more. Then I wanted to know

WOW). Next, I’ll show you some of the step-by-step

everything!

tips on how I did all that (the HOW). I’ll also share my

My goal was to be able to work on my iPad almost as efficiently as on my laptop...at least when I’m on the go. I examined how I work on my laptop and set out on

iStuff: gadgets and gizmos that make working on the iPad easier.

See you Sunday in Charleston!

a mission to get as close to that as I could on my iPad, including using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

The iPad seminar on Sunday is a WOW and HOW session and is not just a listing of a bunch of apps you won’t use!

Peggy Duncan Personal Productivity Expert Founder and Lead Trainer The Digital BreakThroughs Institute

REDISCOVER ASHEVILLE at RENAISSANCE ASHEVILLE HOTEL

ReDiscover how simple planning a meeting can be!

DO THIS * Book your next meeting between April 1, 2015 and July 31, 2015 * Event to take place by March 31, 2016 * Valid for groups with 15 or more room nights for 2 or more nights

EARN THIS Your Choice of Two: * Welcome Amenity for up to 4 VIP’s * Double Marriott Reward Points * 10% off 2015 Published Catering Prices * 10% off Audio Visual

Renaissance Asheville Hotel 31 Woodfin Street, Asheville, NC 28801 828.252.3006 www.renaissanceasheville.com

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015 | 17

2015 MPI-CC Silent Auction

by Kathy B. Flowe, CMP

Sunday, May 17th in the Topaz Room at the Charleston

Yes, it’s almost here!

Marriott. All tables will open at 7:00 PM and will close in

The last Bidding for Good (BFG) for 2014-2015 will be posting on May 11, 2015, and it will close on Monday, May

15 minute increments.

22, 2015. We will have designated tables with laptops set

The forms for both BFG and the Silent Auction are on our

up at the Silent Auction during the Annual Meeting so you

website (MPI-CC.org), or you may contact anyone on the

may bid on these items.

Silent Auction Committee and we will be happy to forward

Our regular Silent Auction will take place at the Charleston Marriott in Charleston, SC on Sunday, May 17, 2015. Thank you to everyone who has

Carl Leonard Harris II/iStock/Thinkstock

US

you the forms. We are still accepting donations, but we’ll be sending out the list of auction items in advance, so get your donations in as soon as possible!

already donated items! Proceeds

We will also have an obstacle course of tires and cones for

from this auction go to support

lots of fun! There will be a place for door prizes where you

the MPI-CC Nancy B. Holder

may purchase raffle tickets, so please bring some cash.

Scholarship Fund. This year’s

Let’s all work together to make this the best year ever for

Silent Auction will kick off our

raising funds for MPI-CC Scholarships. Remember, these

MPI-CC Technology Boot Camp,

funds are for you! n

so come in “Boot Camp” style, dressed in your camo and show Kathy B. Flowe, CMP Alabama Theatre MPI-CC Silent Auction Committee Chair

support for the annual event.

BOOT CAMP

Preview of the silent auction items will start at 6:30 PM on

N OT MANY STATE - OF - THE - ART

73426

DIRECTIONS TO CONFERENCE FACILITIES

start with:

‘ T A K E A L E F T A T T H E S T O C K A D E S .’

9951537

~ B O O K

F O R A

A

R E V O L U T I O N A R Y

R E V O L U T I O N A R Y

W

M E E T I N G,

K I N D

O F

~

P L A C E.

ith 67,000 square feet of modern event space, Colonial Williamsburg can accommodate any group gathering. You’ll also find a world-class spa, golf, dining and shopping.

And the stockades. If you should need them. To book, visit colonialwilliamsburg.com/meetings or call 1-800-822-9127.

18 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015 1771A0001 MtgsREV_7.25x4.75_1.indd Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

Zoonar RF/Thinkstock

Our Chapter’s Future Leaders!

by Erin Moye, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

I am happy to announce that the 2015-2016 Board of Directors has been elected and approved by our membership. Please join me in congratulating this new Board for stepping up to the challenge and leading our chapter next year. We look forward to their installation at the Annual Meeting in May, and to them continuing a

Directors for a two-year term. Term expires June 30, 2017: Amelia Hodges, CMP NC Association of Certified Public Accountants Nicole Robinson, Greater Raleigh CVB

legacy of success on July 1, 2015.

Brittany O’Shaughnessy, Francis Marion Hotel

Our 2015-2016 Board is as follows:

Maureen Donovan, Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach

Officers, Term expires June 30, 2016

We have a great team to lead us and I know they are going

President: Christian Schroeder, Visit Winston-Salem President-Elect: Barbara Dragan, Westin Charlotte Vice President of Finance:

to represent the interests of our members and MPI-CC well.

Best of luck to you all in the coming year.

I also would like to take a moment and thank our Nominating Committee for all of their expertise and help in the process of selecting our board slate to present to the membership. Your time and dedication to this important

Amy Johnson, Crestline Hotels & Resorts

process is very much appreciated.

Vice President of Membership:

Tim Miron, The Ritz Carlton Charlotte

Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, Global Knowledge Vice President of Education: Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMM, CMP Burroughs Wellcome Fund Vice President of Communication: Alyce Kelly, CHSP Immediate Past President: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Greater Raleigh CVB Directors completing their second year as a director.

Term expires June 30, 2016: Jeanette Keys, Greenville Convention Center Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP Marriott and Courtyard Columbia Downtown

Teresa Palmieri Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center Nancy Lowe, CMP, NC Medical Society Loretta Yingling, CMP Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau Erin Moye (Immediate Past President) Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club Christian Schroeder (President Elect) Visit Winston-Salem n

Erin Moye Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club MPI-CC Nominating Committee Chair & Immediate Past President Carolina Blitz | April - May Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015 | 19

Making it Personal With Mobile Tech 20 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015

VLADGRIN/iStock/Thinkstock

by Andrew D. Schmidt, CHME, MPA

The hospitality industry is a personal industry. For our customers, it’s all about the experience that they have while visiting our destinations AND facilities, as well as their overall meeting experience.

Much of those experiences hinge on the services that we provide to them, which is often done through human interaction. This interaction (also known as customer service opportunities or “moments of truth”) is often our best attempt to make service personal. While it is my contention that human interaction will remain the cornerstone of the hospitality industry, there is more than enough room for technology to play a role in making an attendee’s experience more personal and satisfying.

Technology is allowing for a more personal experience for our meeting attendees before, during, and after our meetings, while increasing efficiency at the same time.

All you have to do is pull out your smartphone.

According to the latest research, 74 percent of Americans have, use, and rely heavily on their smartphones every day, and this number will do nothing but go up. Hospitality meeting and lodging providers are keying in on this and have developed some excellent ideas to improve the overall hospitality experience of attendees by providing key information to smartphone users. The development of meeting apps has made connecting with our peers, friends and clients much easier. These apps allow us to connect with other attendees, set appointments with clients and arrange outings with friends long before we ever get to the meeting site and destination. It is allowing for a personal connection to be made before we even get into range of another person. Mobile meeting apps also allow us to stay informed on the latest regarding the meeting itself. All of us know last minute room or program changes are part of life in the hospitality industry. Creating a mobile app for our attendees is like having a personal concierge letting us know about any deviations from the original plan. The mobile app keeps attendees on track and personalizes our choices when it comes to program content that is best for us.

Another “mobile tech trend” that is becoming more frequent is the option for mobile check-in. Hotel team members can meet guests anywhere within the hotel to welcome them to the property, hand them their guest key and convey any pertinent information that they may need to know about the property. Mobile check-in apps are often designed to allow the user to request additional services at check-in as well.

For example, a family can schedule a bell hop to be available at their check-in point, arrange for a crib in the room or request the concierge representative to join the front desk staff at the check-in point. Research has already shown

that an option, such as mobile check-in, increases the competitive edge that hotels have over those that do not offer such an opportunity for their guests.

I also must mention the impact that smartphones have had on the ability for its users to disseminate the information for decision-making purposes. The average American now looks at between seven and eleven pieces of information before making a decision involving a significant purchase.

Coming soon to some of our hotels, will be the ability to get specific information on the property before we arrive. One such real-time app will allow hotel guests to access the hotel’s floor plan, view available rooms and choose which room they would like to occupy in the hotel all before they arrive. Just think about it. You are an avid fitness guru with limited free time on your trip. Having the ability to choose a hotel room close to the exercise facility just might allow you to get your full workout in before the big meeting. Although there is no human interaction involved in this scenario, it is still personal because the app is accomplishing something that is personal and important to the user. The result will be an overall enhanced and happy experience with the lodging entity.

I have done it many times although I have been warned not to by front desk staff. I put my hotel room key next to my cell phone which promptly demagnetizes the key, and I end up locked out of my room. (Yes, I know….nobody’s fault but my own.) The good news for me is that this scenario could be a thing of the past as more hotels consider utilizing technologies that will allow your smartphone to be used as a room key. The many benefits of using smartphones as the tool to access your room include better security and less waste for the environment.

Technology for our smartphones is ever-changing and certainly makes things easier for us. The above examples are just some of the smartphone technologies that are available either now or will be in the very near future for our customers in the hospitality industry. As hospitality professionals, I think it is our job to consider each new technological idea to see if it is something that will benefit our customers but not embrace them simply because it makes our jobs easier. We must always remember to keep a personal aspect in what we do, and one should never choose convenience for ourselves or our organizations over service to others. n

Andrew D. Schmidt, CMHE, MPA Greenville-Pitt County CVB ECU School of Hospitality Leadership Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015 | 21

Federico Caputo/iStock/Thinkstock

COMMON A/V MISTAKES

by April Ferguson, CMP

As meeting planners, we are expected to know a lot more

assured me that I was awesome and none of these things

than we often do about the Audio Visual (AV) aspect

applied to me (naturally) – here’s what they had to say.

of our programs. We must have an in-depth knowledge of what our program requires to be successful and then we have to communicate it clearly to our AV provider.

Sometimes those needs are not properly communicated (either to us from our clients/speakers or from us to our AV provider) and things fall through the cracks, getting fixed on the fly while we hope no one noticed.

Q: What have clients forgotten to tell you that hugely affected their budgets?

A: Clients often forget that some services are exclusive to the property or location they are hosting the event in; rigging, power distribution and internet services are often carried exclusively by the in-house team and those costs

After the fix is made and we apologize endlessly to the

are not always considered by clients and their external AV

technician who has scrambled to make us look good,

providers. Those costs, as well as the importance of those

we stop and think – what went wrong? What did I miss?

services, are significant. (Jean-Phillipe Nault, Director of Event

How could it have been avoided? Then, we get the invoice

Technology for PSAV at Hyatt Regency Montreal)

and realize we’ve gone over the AV budget by 20 percent because of all the last-minute adds and onsite changes.

That’s not good, either.

A: Audio visual is often considered as an afterthought during the planning process. We are not always kept in the loop with room changes and room turns for an event.

Over the years I’ve been in my share of tricky situations

Clients might have a room set up for a lunch or dinner and

and the same people always save the day – my AV techs

then expect the room to be changed for a general session

and sales managers. They work with hundreds of planners

in a short period of time or overnight. This causes us to call

and have definitely seen it all. So I reached out to some of

in more technicians or have our technicians stay longer

my trusted advisors and asked for their insight. After they

than anticipated. The result is additional labor or overtime

22 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015

charges tacked on to the client’s bill. (Justin Ebron, Sales

A: Reach out as early as possible (three to four months in

Manager for PSAV at the Westin Stonebriar)

advance)! Equipment is always based on availability at

A: Power needs can hugely affect a budget. We don’t typically provide power or have much inventory of power equipment - we only have enough power for our gear and a few extra power strips for registration. When a client asks us onsite to power an entire meeting room, this adds

the time of creating the order. The AV manager will have more flexibility with equipment if he or she is sure that the equipment will be available and easy to find at the time of your event. Also, it allows the AV team to schedule the best technicians available for the event. (JE)

a couple hours of additional labor and can push back the

A: If you already have them on hand, bring equipment such

operations team quite a bit on their schedule. We always

as laptops, clickers, and laser pointers with you. These

try to be prepared for onsite changes, but powering tables

easily transported items can add up on an AV order. (CG)

up in an entire room or multiple rooms can get tricky. The task is labor intensive and is possibly the least flexible in pricing because of the hard cost the department will absorb. (Carl Gilbert, Sales Manager – Event Technology for

A: Be organized! If you plan and communicate well the intentions you have regarding your meeting, you will allocate greater resources to what really matters and

PSAV at the Hyatt Regency Miami)

what has the most impact. A lot of times, the simple

Q: What are some common misconceptions your clients

same importance as meals and every other part of your

have about AV and how do you educate them?

meeting) is key. (JN)

A: I can admit AV pricing can be somewhat of a shock.

Q: Do you have any great examples of issues you’ve had

Often the pricing is based on the service order in its

to resolve at the last minute that could have been avoided

entirety. Some clients may get hung up on specific items

with more detail/information from your clients?

and the associated prices without knowing the labor or the availability of the gear. My best practice to educate would be to get AV specifications as early as possible. That gives us the opportunity to reserve labor and equipment without getting hit with rush charges or booking over-qualified technicians for simple orders. Where we can save, we can

consideration of your AV needs early (and giving it the

A: Our most recent issue involved a client who had hired multiple coffee brewers to an event. They had machines that pulled a lot of power and were tripping circuits all over the building. If we had been given the information of the vendors and their power needs ahead of time we could

share that savings with the client. (CG)

have strategically placed them throughout the property

A: Most commonly clients are confused as to what services

would have saved the vendors, engineering and the AV

fall under AV. It will vary from location to location if the AV

technicians a couple of hours trying to troubleshoot the

office services power, internet, rigging, business centers,

issue as the event was going on. (CG)

and staging. I feel that it should be a best practice to inform the AV representative of all aspects of the event as if they were the catering manager. This reduces the chance

rather than having rooms drop out of the power grid. It

A: We once had to drive back to a remote location to change all the projection screens at midnight, as our

that items will be missed. (JE)

clients missed our appointment and had not clarified the

A: Besides obvious small technical misconceptions that we

at 10 pm, they were not happy. We had to switch them

sometimes see (microphones need a mixer and speakers,

during the night to make sure the meeting was going to be

screen needs projector, etc.), I think that, in general, some

flawless. (JN)

clients do not fully realize the time and effort it takes to install, service and uninstall certain items and the man power and organization that goes behind it. For example, some are shocked to pay labor charges for an LED TV as the purchase cost is not that high anymore in an electronics store. However, they do not consider the stand, the transport, the cabling and the expertise to troubleshoot any eventual problems, the installation and maintenance.

screen format and use; when they arrived at the room

In summary, communication is the key. There is no such thing as too much information when discussing your event with your AV provider. Give it to them early and often.

They are there to help, but can only work with what you give them. Transparency, organization and full disclosure of all details will result in a strong relationship with your vendor, an accurate budget and a spectacular event. n

Taking the time to explain the value of what we do is more effective than justifying the price of an item. (JN) Q: What are some tips you can offer your client as ways to save on AV spend?

April Ferguson, CMP BCD M&I onsite at Cisco MPI-CC Publications Committee Member Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015 | 23

by Christian Savelli

For those of you just tuning in, I love data, as long as it is

validate that our session approach was working well and,

data that helps me understand trends and allows me to

as a result, reaction to the education material from the

drive the decision-making process. While at Maritz Travel,

targeted segments was positive. We use these findings—as

I dealt with a lot of data, mostly aggregate meeting spend

we also discovered areas that needed adjustments—to

and eRFP information from thousands of meetings per

refine our offering at our events.

year. I was dealing with meetings at the commodity level.

Now that I work for MPI, I have the opportunity to explore how to interpret data at the meeting level, for example, at the World Education Congress and the European Meetings and Events Conference. I am getting closer to the heart of meetings—what worked, what didn’t and what can

But this is not supposed to be big data; it is “only” data for a meeting. Why is it so complicated?

Unfortunately, it is going to become more complex before it becomes easier. Mobile application providers are in a unique position to capture key attendee behavior data

improve.

for meetings through movement tracking mechanisms,

I was at first surprised by how complex it is just to look at

even more data than we currently have, making meeting

the whole data environment for one meeting (budget and

analysis more complex, but also much more fun and

spend, registration, scanners, surveys, session profiles,

interesting.

social media, mobile applications), which consists of information provided by different tools, in different

live polling, surveys and more. We are going to capture

Meeting technology suppliers will need to provide tools

formats. What a puzzle!

that help meeting planners analyze data as a whole, not in

The most complex task in making sense of all this

people like me who are trying to build their own toolbox.

knowledge was to ensure that all the data sets, captured by different providers or tools, were “talking” to each other.

Once I combined the data into a common data discovery

separate silos. Perhaps, then, there will be less of a need for

But there will be a whole new area of meetings to explore by then. n

environment, I was able to detect trends and findings that would have been impossible to extract looking at each data set individually.

For example, aligning registration, session profiles, scanner and survey data helped me gain a better understanding of session impacts on key attendees segments. I was able to

24 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015

Christian Savelli, Sr. Director Business Intelligence & Research Meeting Professionals International (MPI)

mareandmare/iStock/Thinkstock

Dude, where is my meeting data?

Find yourself in good company in Greenville, NC

Ask about our 2015 Retreat Packages

ART of the RETREAT MEETING AT SANDERLING

The meeting of minds is always enhanced in an aesthetically pleasing environment, and Sanderling, set amidst the complex beauty of the Atlantic seascape, brings the retreat to the level of art. Offering

stunning sound and ocean views, private and productive meeting facilities, and the resort’s renovated four-diamond amenities, Sanderling is the natural choice for your meeting, event or reunion.

Meetings executives find themselves well attended to in Greenville, North Carolina. Planners enjoy unmatched event services and visitors find themselves the absolute center of attention in our two hospitality areas: the newly-expanded facilities of the Convention Center District, and the Uptown Greenville District hub for dining, arts and recreation opportunities.

Point your meetings in our direction. You won’t find better company!

GREENVILLE-PITT COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

www.visitgreenvillenc.com • 800-537-5564

1461 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949 l Phone 855.578.8890 l www.sanderling-resort.com

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015 | 25

The Internet of Things and its Impact on Tradeshows and Events

Hundreds of billions of sensors are deploying quietly. They will track our every move and monitor almost everything with which we interact.

The Internet of Things (IOT) will transform society and will have a significant impact on tradeshows and events. As everything links with everything else, this will be the next big technology revolution!

by Corbin Ball Associates

IOT Defined IOT is the connection of objects and people to transfer data over a network without the need for human interaction.

Sensor chips in a myriad of “things” (appliances, thermostats, door locks, TVs, watches/bracelets, cars, buildings, roads, power grids, dams, livestock and more) will provide unprecedented efficiency and convenience. A broader term, the Internet of Everything (IOE), is perhaps a more descriptive term for this revolution that will be affecting us all in the near future.

Our Bodies Most of us are already carrying a very sophisticated set of sensors and a sensor control panel in our pockets – our smartphones. They can track our every movement and can interact with a greatly increasing assortment of things. Other wearable devices (smart watches, NFC rings (requiring no batteries), smart belts, activity monitors, health monitors (via bracelets/phones/watches), smart clothing, and much more will monitor our location, activity, health and interact automatically with other devices.

Our Home Homes are a big target for IOT with connected sensors coming in thermostats, door locks, lights, TV/ entertainment systems, security systems and appliances.

Sensors will recognize us as we approach our homes to automatically unlock/open the door, turn on the lights, and start entertainment systems based on our preferences. Thermostats will recognize our patterns and control the heat accordingly. Appliances will have sensors to alert of pending equipment failures, proper use and even if we are running short on milk. Small items such as baby bottles, toothbrushes and bathroom scales track VLADGRIN/iStock/Thinkstock

efficiency and health. It will be likely that, eventually, even mundane items such as a chair will have chips to track inventory and purchase details.

26 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015

The World Our bodies and homes are just the start. Connected cars, transportation systems, roadways, parking lots, buildings, power grids and city infrastructure systems are seeing similar explosive growth of sensors to increase efficiency in improve the experience of humans using them.

Applications for Meeting Venues Indirect results of IOT are coming soon in a wide range of attendee experiences.

The hotel room will become “smart” with mobile guestroom door locks and sensors to determine presence for AC adjustment/lighting. Smart TVs are already in many rooms. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) sensors including iBeacons can track attendee movements throughout a meeting facility and local area to provide a wide range of assistance such as location-aware information and directions. The San Diego Convention Center and the downtown Gaslamp district is a great example of how this will develop.

Smart watches and other wearables will likely help event participants to: • receive GPS directions • receive directional indoor way-finding through a convention facility/exhibition hall • open guestroom doors • make e-wallet transactions that are faster and more secure than credit cards

On a broader basis, hotels and other meeting venues will become more efficient as sensors help to manage lighting, signage, AC, parking, elevators, loss control, security, and crowd control. Smart lighting, in some cases, tune to any color with varying intensities with much lower energy consumption. A convention center, for example, could “paint” the exact show colors of the current conference on the bulding exterior using connected LED lighting.

Applications for Tradeshows and Events In the way that smartphones are already transforming the attendee experience at tradeshows and events, other wearable smart devices will bring a new level of convenience avoiding the “fumble factor” of digging out phones from our pockets and purses.

Smartphones have changed society greatly in the past seven years. In the next seven years, IOT will take this change to a completely new level affecting many aspects of day-to-day life, hotels, meeting venues, events and tradeshows. n

Reprinted courtesy of Corbin Ball.

Corbin Ball, CMP, CSP is a professional speaker and consultant focusing

• receive conference alerts • exchange contact/ lead retrieval information • use as admission tickets • make audience polling responses • access hotel rooms • record and track continuing education unit (CEU) credits and much more

on meetings technology. With 20 years of experience running international citywide technology meetings, he now helps clients worldwide use technology to save time and improve productivity. He can be contacted at his extensive web site: Corbin Ball Associates – Meetings Technology Headquarters and followed on Twitter: @corbinball: www.twitter.com/corbinbal Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015 | 27

board meeting highlights Board of Directors Meeting Minutes March 17, 2015 | Charlotte, NC

by Christine Irwin, CMP

Prior to the start of the meeting, a moment of silence was

made, particularly

observed in honor of Corey Bizzell.

to the committee area.

Attendees: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Christian Schroeder, Barbara Dragan, Lori Hedrick, CMP, CMM, MHA, Tarshi McCoy, TMP, Jeanette Keys, Alison Jenkins, Amy Johnson, Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Vince Chelena, Christine Irwin, CMP, Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP, Laura Barnes, CMP, Diane Weems, Brittany O’Shaughnessy, Nicole Robinson, Lindsay Myers.

Excused Absences: Tonya Miller, CMP, Erin Moye.

Minutes: Alyce Kelly, CHSP, presented the minutes from the January 21, 2015, Board of Directors Meeting and made a motion to approve.

Motion: Alyce Kelly, CHSP, made a motion to approve the January 21, 2015, Board of Directors Meeting Minutes as

Attendance for the March meeting is currently 106.

Christine reviewed the March meeting agenda and locations of each function.

Consent Agenda: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda.

Motion: Tarshi McCoy, TMP, made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Second: Jeanette Keys Vote: Approved President: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, reviewed items from the mid-year retreat that were tabled for further action as well as the 18-month event calendar.

presented.

In late February, we received information on the North

Second: Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP

American Meetings Industry Day (NAMID) that CIC is

Vote: Approved

partnering with Meetings Mean Business on. MPI (Global)

Financials: Alyce Kelly, CHSP, presented the February P&L Statement, Balance Sheet and Aging Report. The aging report is in good shape and no write offs were recommended at this time.

Motion: Alyce Kelly, CHSP, made a motion to approve the financials as presented.

Second: Jeanette Keys Vote: Approved

Chapter Office: Christine Irwin, CMP, reviewed the February metrics report. Most metrics we are tracking are trending in the positive direction. We’ll know more about the financials as we get closer to year-end because of the cash flow trends throughout our fiscal year. The website numbers for February are skewed because we could only track the visits to the new website now, which launched halfway through the month. We no longer have access to the old websites statistics. Since the new website has officially launched, Christine asked the board to review the site and let her know of any changes they see need to be

28 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015

is requesting that we support it on the local level and are encouraging us to host a function during that week.

We would like to host it in three different cities (Raleigh/ Durham area, Charlotte, and a city in SC) on April 16, which is the official North American Meetings Industry Day. This is a quick turnaround, so the Meeting Planning team has requested that everyone send recommendations for unique venues to the Lori Hedrick, CMP, CMM, MHA, by next week.

At the mid-year retreat, we came up with an idea to potentially hold a Women’s Golf Clinic in June this year (and every year moving forward) as a fundraiser for the chapter. The finance team will own this function and will put together a poll to send to the women of the chapter to figure out what the best location, price point, day of the week, etc., will work best.

The 2015 Education & Business Exchange is quickly approaching. The Finance team will have a call with the President and the Management Office next week to discuss the next steps.

President-Elect: Christian Schroeder announced that he will be sending out the bylaws and policies for the Board’s review. He asked that the Board send him any requested revisions by Easter weekend. This will allow us to review the revisions at the Board Retreat April 30 – May 1 if need be and vote on the revisions at the next Board meeting May 17 at the Annual meeting.

The Virginia chapter of MPI has approached Christian

on Sunday, May 17, 2015, at 4:30pm at the Charleston Marriott in Charleston, SC. Meeting Adjourned. n

Christine Irwin, CMP The Management Office

about Carolinas Chapter members attending their annual meeting in August and partnering with their membership on the September Education & Business Exchange in Chapel Hill. It would give us the opportunity to market the exchange as a two chapter event. As more details are confirmed on this partnership, Christian will let the Board know.

Membership: Jeanette Keys encouraged the Board to attend the New Member Mixer at the NASCAR Hall of Fame this evening.

Education: Barbara Dragan reviewed the results from the January Meeting survey and addressed feedback with the Board.

Next Board Meeting: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, announced that the next board meeting would be held

May 17-18, 2015 May Annual Meeting Charleston, SC Charleston Marriott

SUBSCRIBER MEMBERSHIPS TO MPI-CC Are you currently a member of another MPI Chapter and want to become a member of the Carolinas Chapter at the same time? It is possible through a Subscriber Membership with the Carolinas Chapter!

Supplier or Planner Subscriber Memberships are available to those individuals who are currently a member of another MPI chapter and want to join the MPI Carolinas Chapter. As a subscriber member, you will receive all the benefits of being a member of the Carolinas chapter including member rates to all meetings, listing in the membership directory as well as access to our online and printed directory, bi-monthly chapter newsletters and member rates for all forms of advertising opportunities within the Carolinas Chapter.

Annual dues are $125.

To print out a Subscriber Membership form, click here http://mpi-cc.org/form.php?form_id=17&c=1.

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015 | 29

by Greg Murtha

Virtual travel, once in the realm of science fiction, is now becoming a reality. Expanded bandwidth combined with new geocoded media technologies are resulting in the real life version of your kids gaming experience and creating a new genre of content marketing for hotels and venues.

An excellent example is XplorIt, a company seeking to replicate virtually the first-person travel experience.

Onsite visitors can see a fly-over of a city such as Chicago Northwest to gain a sense of geospatial location. These new tools provide a richer, more fulfilling experience that helps bring destinations to life, creating a multimedia environment that provides content while replicating the feeling of first person virtual travel.

space at the Los Angeles Convention Center or to walk through the Anaheim Hilton or an attraction like the Kennedy Space Center or Yosemite National Park.

Throughout the interactive experience, the user can go where they want and see what they want to see. The platform uses cutting-edge technology and delivers it in a responsive design that is mobile-friendly. It includes a Facebook Studio application to access at home, or on the phone while at a destination. Additional functionality includes closed captioning for the hearing impaired or language translation, mapping, social networking, ecommerce, PDF’s, live camera feeds, and geospatial positioning all delivered within one elegant content delivery system.

Large convention and meeting hotels seek to differentiate themselves through the quantity and quality of their meeting space, amenities and proximity to local attractions. Aside from the traditional site visit, the only way hoteliers had to convey there property’s offering to a meeting planner was with text, still photography, maps or a video. Now, planners can “fly” to various destinations such as the Renaissance Hotel Schaumburg and Meet Chicago Northwest to see the Improv Comedy Club, Arlington Park Raceway and other attractions throughout the region. They can check out the lay of the land from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport or Downtown Chicago. These visitors can explore the destination and get a unique aerial perspective of the hotel. Additional options include a map or street view and the ability to book a room or dinner reservation, submit an RFP for a meeting, buy tickets to a show or the racetrack or wine from a local vintner.

As these improvements in virtual travel and site inspections tools continue to advance, web visitors will see increasingly realistic, informative and immersive ways of exploring hotels and venues. n

Advertising Age recognized XplorIt with the Media Vanguard Award, calling it “groundbreaking… so immersive that it feels like a gaming experience.” The game-like platform allows a visitor to explore meeting

XplorIt creates the world’s richest multimedia virtual travel experiences. Innovative player technology drives multiple media formats engaging viewers in self-selected discovery all while selling, educating & entertaining the user in a game-like experience

30 | Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015

Reprinted courtesy of Corbin Ball.

Corbin Ball, CMP, CSP is a professional speaker and consultant focusing on meetings technology. With 20 years of experience running international citywide technology meetings, he now helps clients worldwide use technology to save time and improve productivity.

He can be contacted at his extensive web site: Corbin Ball Associates – Meetings Technology Headquarters and followed on Twitter: @corbinball: www.twitter.com/corbinbal ©2015 Greg Murtha, President/CEO, XplorIt

Fanatic Studio/Thinkstock

New Options for Virtual Site Inspections and Virtual Travel

Keep it fresh. Meet in Durham…really.

Durham, NC is a creative, diverse, colorful, and entrepreneurial destination that is easily accessible with an international airport just 11 minutes from Downtown, an affordable selection of over 7,500 hotel rooms, and the home of the world-famous Research Triangle Park.

Durham is also unique. It’s not like everywhere—or anywhere—else; there is no location amnesia here. You will know you have been to a unique city that literally has something new for your attendees, fresh daily!

Come see what Durham is all about!

Carolina Blitz | April - May 2015 | 29

monthly meeting planner

May 17-18, 2015

August 1-4, 2015

May Annual Meeting

MPI World Education Congress

Charleston, SC

San Francisco, CA

Charleston Marriott September 17-18, 2015

Education & Business Exchange

June Breakfast Meeting

Chapel Hill, NC

Durham, NC

Sheraton Chapel Hill

June 3, 2015

Burroughs Wellcome Fund November meeting July meeting

information coming soon!

information coming soon!

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is May 25, 2015. Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to Editor-In-Chief Ginny Fountain , CMP, at Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com.