Carolina Blitz August-September 2015

Carolina Blitz August-September 2015

Sheraton Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC | September 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 Focus, Focus, Focus!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Defensive Much? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 How to Say No and Stay Productive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

in every issue Our Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 New Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13

Top Photo Corporation/Top Photo Group/Thinkstock

Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Carolina Blitz | August - September 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 Publications Committee Chair/ Editor one week after the meeting. Send to Ginny Fountain, CMP - Ginny.Fountain@ ncemcs.com EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE Director of Marketing Brittany O’Shaughnessy • Francis Marion Hotel Editor Ginny Fountain, CMP • North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives Contributing Writers Christian Schroeder, Visit Winston-Salem; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Company; April Ferguson, CMP, BCD M&I onsite at Cisco; Will Curran, Endless Entertainment; Lindsay Myers, Caesars Entertainment; Denise Ryan MBA, CSP, Firestar Speaking 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; Connie Hayes, Student; Elizabeth Lyons, CMP, TD Convention Center 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 Jordan • Kistin Jordan [Graphic Designer] • 704-724-9188 MPI-CC Web Site: 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 (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)

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

2 | Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015

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 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!

our members

Welcome New Members!

Danaka Bunch The Fair Barn of Pinehurst & Village of Pinehurst dbunch@vopnc.org Gary Curry DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern gary.curry@hilton.com Linda Eisan, CHSP, CGMP Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau leisan@visitvirginiabeach.com Jessica Kokos American Cleft PalateCraniofacial Association jessica.kokos@acpa-cpf.org

Robbi Ott Corning Optical Communcations ottrk@corning.com Candice Pinocci, CMP Bayer CropScience candi.pinocci@bayer.com

Vernice Whitaker DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront vernice.whitaker@hilton.com

C. Christian Schmidt II PRG schmitty@prg.com TJ Scott University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill scott.teej@gmail.com

MPI-CC Anniversaries 15 years Elizabeth Lyons, CMP TD Convention Center

Ashley Squier Student - Durham Technical Community College p.ashley.squier@gmail.com

Joyce Worrell University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill joyce_worrell@unc.edu

First Timers and New Members

Alyce Kelly, CHSP Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Garth Saunders Atlas Production Group 10 years Scotti Corley, CMP National Golf Course Owners Association 5 years Sherri Stockner Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Front Row (L to R): Barbara Coley, Blockade Runner; Brea Fisher, Showtime Events Raleigh; Jemeria Lawson, Raleigh Marriott

Catron Horton Salix Pharmaceuticals

City Center; Monica Shreve, Homewood Suites Crabtree;

Jovita Mask Association Executives of North Carolina

Vernice Whitaker, DoubleTree Atlantic Beach

Kelsey Stafford, Homewood Suites Crabtree; Back Row (L to R): Natasha Shah, Rocco Forte Hotels; Gary Curry, Doubletree New Bern; Sabrina Cangelosi,

Congratulations to each of you for

Millennium Hotel Durham; Geoff Stephens, Great Wolf Lodge

reaching a milestone in MPI!

Concord; Shannon Green, Marriott International.

Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015 | 3

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

Diamond Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

4 | Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015

president’s message

Being a Continuous Learner

by Christian Schroeder, Visit Winston-Salem | 2015-2016 MPI-CC President

New book bags, folders, pencils, laptops, tablets, and yellow buses on the roads are all indicators that students are back to school and the beginning of autumn is approaching.

I have great memories of this time of year and recall learning through multiple channels: teachers, peers and through participation in extracurricular activities such as team sports and volunteer opportunities. Meeting Professionals International provides us an opportunity to learn from all three of these channels and be a continuous learner.

Outstanding education is one of the many MPI member benefits and leads to both personal and professional development. Our education department uses member feedback to determine future topics and formats. Multiple channels of learning and education formats Christian Schroeder Visit Winston-Salem 2015-2016 MPI-CC President

were on display at our July meeting in Durham.

Holly Sullenger presented a session on the intergenerational workplace and how to more effectively communicate with one another. We also had the opportunity to learn from our peers who participated in our Generational Rumble panel facilitated by Shawna Suckow.

More and more our chapter has taps into our members’ expertise so that we can to learn from each other through panel discussions and campfire chats. Thank you to the meeting participants for providing questions and to Sandie Holley, Myron Jones, Farrah Staub, Christina Gibbons, Keri Epps-Rashad, Neelam Patel, Kelsey Zwick, and Keri Cross for serving on the panel and sharing your perspectives.

The personal and professional development received through volunteering and serving on a committee is a fantastic way to learn from others and through experiences. Your service will provide opportunities to share your talents while developing new skills that you can use outside of the chapter. Our membership department can assist you with getting started on a committee.

Just before the autumn season officially begins, our Business Exchange will blend all three learning channels. The September 17-18 meeting will be an excellent opportunity to learn from our presenter and our peers through extracurricular participation in the Business Exchange. We have learned that the color red, music and new planners are part of this year’s event. Will you make plans to participate and learn more at this year’s Business Exchange?

Being a continuous learner gives us the opportunity to excel so that we might better serve. n

Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015 | 5

MPI-CC 2015-2016 Board of Administration President Christian Schroeder Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4218 Christian@ visitwinstonsalem.com

President-Elect Barbara Dragan The Westin Charlotte 704-335-2114 Barbara.Dragan@westin.com

Immediate Past President Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE Greater Raleigh CVB 919-645-2668 mharrell@visitraleigh.com

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

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

Communications VP of Communications Alyce Kelly, CHSP Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville 242-241-8402 Alyce.kelly@hilton.com

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

Director of Meeting Planning Amelia Hodges, CMP North Carolina Association of CPAs 919-469-1040, ext. 8 ahodges@NCACPA.org

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

Finance VP of Finance Amy Johnson Courtyard by Marriott at Carolina Beach 910-458-2617 amy.johnson@ crestlinehotels.com

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

Strategic Partnerships Committee Chair Needed

Director of Fundraising Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP Marriott Columbia 803-744-6922 Karolyn.stone@ marriottcolumbia.com

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

Director of Leadership & Volunteer Development Nicole Robinson Greater Raleigh CVB 919-645-2682 nrobinson@visitraleigh.com

Awards Committee Wendy Bassett, CMP HelmsBriscoe 843-243-0554 wbassett@helmsbriscoe.com

Director of Membership Jeanette Keys Greenville Convention Center 252-321-7671 jkeys@ greenvilleconventioncenter.com

Buy MPI Committee Linda Ilsley, CMP LPI Events 919-322-4996 lpievents@aol.com

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

6 | Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015

f Directors and Committees

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

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

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

Social Media Committee Sandi Owen Embassy Suites Columbia 803-744-8134 sandi.owen@jqh.com

Meeting Planning Committee Molly Nelson Spartanburg Marriott 864-591-3113 Molly.Nelson@marriott.com

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Sarah Sharkey, CMP Ernst & Young LLP Sarah.sharkey@ey.com

Fun-Raising Committee Ricardo Hicks American AV 336-686-6895 rhicks@aavevents.com

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

Leadership & Volunteer Development Committee Christy Marcinkowski NC Sustainable Energy Assoc.

919-832-7601 ext 11 christy@energync.org

Scholarship Committee Liz Guertin Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4231 liz@visitwinstonsalem.com

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

Member Care Committee Selah Havard Cabarrus County CVB 704-456-7970 selah@visitcabarrus.com

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Jennifer Kist 704-607-1454 jeakscot1@yahoo.com

Recruitment Committee Kimberly Harrelson Kingsmill Resort 757-253-3980 Kimberly.harrelson@ kingsmill.com Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015 | 7

new member spotlight

New Member Spotlight: Stacy Pegg

by Lindsay Myers

I recently had the opportunity to

a career in the Hospitality Industry but knew after one

learn more about Stacy Pegg, Sales

summer that I loved it. I transferred to WCU for my junior

Manager for Harrah’s Cherokee,

year to major in Hospitality Management and took a job with

and our New Member Spotlight for

Winston Hospitality in Raleigh after graduation. While with

this issue of the Blitz. Stacy is a

Winston, I became a Task Force Manager and transferred

wonderful addition to MPI-CC and

to different properties within their portfolio throughout

I’m excited for our chapter to get

the Southeast to assist with vacancies in key positions. I

to know her. Stacy – thank you for

eventually became the General Manager of the Hampton

joining MPI-CC!

Inn in Boone, NC and from there came home to Cherokee to

How long have you been working at Stacy Pegg

Harrah’s Cherokee and what do you do there?

I have been at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort for 4 ½ years. I was the Front Office Manager of the hotel for 3 ½ years before moving to Group & Convention Sales in September 2014. I was asked to temporarily fill in as the

work for Cooper Hotels and then Marshall Management and served in a regional capacity for their hotels in Cherokee.

I was with them for 16 years before coming to Harrah’s Cherokee in 2011 as Front Office Manager. Now, I am in the Meetings Industry and I think I have found my true home!

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

Property Sales Manager but loved sales so much that I

I was introduced by some of my colleagues within Caesars

decided to interview for the job permanently and assumed

Entertainment. I have already enjoyed great connections in

my new role in January 2015! I LOVE what I do and the

my short time in MPI-CC both personally and professionally.

team that I work with!

I am a lifetime learner and thrive in an environment of

Tell us about Harrah’s Cherokee!

I cannot say enough great things about Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort! Our hotel is the largest in the Carolinas with just over 1,100 guest rooms and we feature 195,000 square feet of casino floor. We have over 44,000 square feet of meeting space including our Event Center, a multi-use facility where we have hosted A-list entertainment such as Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw, Alabama, Alicia Keys,

motivated people sharing common goals. I have found this mix within MPI-CC. Everyone has been warm and welcoming. The relationships I am building now are for life. While my background has been primarily in Hotel Operations, MPI-CC is providing an avenue for me to craft and develop the meetings side of my career.

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

and Tony Bennett to name a few, in addition to a variety of

Aside from meeting my husband and having my 3 beautiful

comedians and other entertainment. Sequoyah National

children, taking the step to move from Hotel Operations to

Golf Course is located very close to the hotel, as is the

Sales has made the biggest impact and provided the best

opportunity to zipline, white water raft, or simply lay by

quality of life for my family and myself. I believe that I work

our beautiful outdoor pool which is surrounded by our

harder in the role that I am in now but also that I am in

majestic mountains. I am always thrilled to show Harrah’s

control of my success. I love the entrepreneurial approach

Cherokee. It is a true gem!

to our business and the endless possibilities of success by

Give a brief explanation of your professional experience.

While I was in college at UNC-Chapel Hill, I took a summer job as a Front Desk Clerk at Holiday Inn in Cherokee. While

connecting with others.

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

there, I met interns majoring in Hospitality Management

Hmmm…that’s a tough one. I am fascinated by people in

from Western Carolina University. I had never considered

general and believe that everyone who crosses my path

8 | Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015

does so for a reason. I think I would have to say, my

my office via cell phone, tablet or any means I determine

great-grandfather who passed away before I was born.

necessary to do my job. If I need to come in for a site visit

He left Cuba as a nine year-old boy with an American

on a weekend day, or stay late at night, I simply adjust my

soldier who snuck him into the country in his “tow sack”

schedule for some downtime later. My husband is also in

(as my grandmother tells it) to come to this country for

the Hospitality Industry as our National Casino Marketing

a better life. He wasn’t an orphan. His mother wanted

Manager at Harrah’s Cherokee. Our priority is our family and

this opportunity for him. I am fascinated by both him

we juggle our work schedules to make sure we are at events

and my great-great grandmother for the courage it must

for our children and our parents as much as we can.

have taken to make this step. I am forever grateful for the sacrifices they made. My life may have been very different

What advice would you give to someone considering

otherwise.

hospitality or meetings & events profession?

Give some detail about your personal life and how you

No job is too small! Learn them all so that you know every,

balance that with your professional life. How do you

single element that goes into the big picture. And…do

achieve a work/life balance?

what you love. Find people to surround yourself with who

I have a Masters Degree in Entrepreneurship. I say this

joining MPI-CC! n

inspire and motivate you. I think I’ve found just that by

because I view my role in Sales as Entrepreneurial and because of this, I tend to work when I need to work without an on or off switch, just like any business owner. I am fortunate to work for a company that doesn’t require us to be tied to a desk 9-5, Monday-Friday. I am able to

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

work remotely from home, in an airport, on property in

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 | August - September 2015 | 9

Make your CEO proud and your CFO grateful.

Here, you’ll find the best of all worlds – 67,000 square feet of meeting space with technology support in-house from a nationally recognized audio-visual company. On-site hotel rooms at various pricing levels to accommodate groups as large as 1,000. Plus free Wi-Fi, complimentary self parking and no resort fees in a convenient mid-Atlantic location.

The bottom line? A flawless event.

W I L L I A M S B U R G

L O D G E

•

©2015 The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

10 | Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015

W I L L I A M S B U R G

I N N

•

W I L L I A M S B U R G

MEETINGS & CONFERENCES colonialwilliamsburg.com/meetings 1-800-822-9127 W O O D L A N D S

H O T E L

&

S U I T E S 5/15-SALE-10744926

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

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 | August - September 2015 | 11

Look Who We Spotted at the...

12 | Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015

... July Meeting in Durham!

Photography by Mica Parekh – IWP Photography

education

READY TO TAKE YOUR BOOKINGS & EVENTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL? Register now for “5 Critical Mistakes that Kill Productivity!” and “Communications: Is It Working in your Processes?”

High energy, interactive, and FUN workshops presented by Tonya Perry, MBA President and CEO of TRP Consulting LLC.

Learn: The importance of developing Systems, Solutions and Strategies to increase your efficiencies, and become more profitable.

How to Accomplish your Work and Enjoy your life!

The 5 Keys for Process Management and how to make them work in your business!

The Principles of Plan, Do, Act, Check and Repeat System.

AndreyPopov/iStock/Thinkstock

Register now!!! You Don’t Want to Miss It!

14 | Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015

PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE Meeting & Event Planning Certificate Program

Now Enrolling ▪ Fall Program Begins September 25, 2015 Complete the Meeting & Event Planning Certificate Program in 4 weekends!

September 25 & 26 ▪ October 9 & 10 October 23 & 24 ▪ November 13 & 14

Free Info Session:

August 13 ▪ 6-7 p.m.

UNC Charlotte Center City 320 E. 9th St. ▪ Charlotte, NC 28202 UNC Charlotte is a CMP Preferred Provider.

The Meeting & Event Planning Program meets the requirements to receive continuing education (CE) credit for the CMP credential.

704-687-8900 ContinuingEd.uncc.edu/mep GATHER BRILLIANTLY When it comes to putting together successful meetings and events, we’ve got you covered. No matter how unique or out-of-the-box your needs are, our dedicated staff can make it happen. After all, this is the event you want them talking about for years to come.

Our two main ballrooms and unique breakouts and boardrooms offer flexibility with a unique décor and innovative design. Your overnight guests will enjoy the comfort of freshly redesigned guest rooms with all of the luxurious Marriott amenities you trust.

Our hotel is the one spot where you can work and play, mix, mingle, connect and relax. That’s brilliant. That’s the Greenville Marriott!

• 13,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space • Full audio/visual equipment and technical expertise on-site • MG’s Grand Day Spa- on-site offers massage and facial services • Artisan- Featuring locally sourced menu items prepared fresh daily

GREENVILLE MARRIOTT 1 Parkway East, Greenville, SC 29615 P 864.297.0300 GreenvilleMarriott.com Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015 | 15

FOCUS! FOCUS! FOCUS!

by April Ferguson, CMP

16 | Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015

A recent statistic showed that office workers are interrupted—or selfinterrupt—roughly every three minutes, with numerous distractions coming in both digital and human forms.

the corner of my screen that announced new emails. The emails are still there, but I check them on my own (still somewhat obsessive) terms. They don’t interrupt me.

Turns out I love not seeing that little box.

I used to spend a lot of time getting my “paper world” organized. I’d have everything I needed for a program printed and organized neatly into a binder. But sometimes

As I sit here writing this article, I’m also checking email, replying to instant messages, eating some cherries and resisting the urge to check my Facebook page. I’m totally confident that I’m doing a great job tackling all those tasks at once. Sound familiar? If you are a fellow human being

the nature of my workload made it so hard for me to be organized on paper – there were too many events to print and not enough time to organize it all. This left me feeling frazzled and stressed. So, three years ago, I made the leap to being a paperless planner. I LOVE IT! I keep all of my

who thinks you are an excellent multitasker, think again.

files digital, print only when absolutely necessary (which is

According to MIT professor and neuroscientist Earl Miller,

my iPad. No more heavy binders to lug around the airport,

“People can’t multitask very well, and when people say

I’m still uber-organized and I am a lot less stressed.

they can, they’re deluding themselves.” He says that for the most part, we simply can’t focus on more than one thing at a time. What we can do is shift our focus from one thing to the next with astonishing speed (Type article. Check email.

Eat cherry. Repeat). All of this shifting causes us to lose our focus, become easily distracted and as a result, our productivity level begins to suffer.

A recent statistic showed that office workers are interrupted—or self-interrupt—roughly every three minutes, with numerous distractions coming in both digital and human forms. Once thrown off track, it can take 23 minutes for a worker to return to the original task, says Gloria Mark, a professor of informatics at the University of California, Irvine, who studies digital

almost never) and load anything I need for onsite work into

Some distractions you just can’t get rid of – they are a part of your work or home life, so you have to learn to manage them. Got a big deadline? Put a “do not disturb” setting on your instant messages so coworkers have to send you an email instead of interrupting you right at that moment.

Once you’ve eliminated, reduced or managed your time bandits, the final step is to replace them with something that makes you happy. For instance, a lot of people snack or check social media when faced with something they don’t want to do (like maybe a budget). Neither of these activities is particularly beneficial to health or happiness. So instead, get up and take a quick walk. Drink a glass of water. The “break” you give yourself will probably still have the same

distraction.

result. You’ll get your mind off of it, do something GOOD

In this age of technology, there are SO many ways to get

budget. Getting the job done will not only make you happy

distracted. I will admit that I just clicked over to Facebook

you crossed it off your list, but your increased productivity

to check my news feed for probably the fourth time today

will make your boss happy too.

(I hope my boss isn’t reading this). Not to pick on Facebook – there are lots of other time-stealing culprits out there too. Our smartphones are filled with apps for shopping, social media and games. Our computers have those too, along with email, instant messaging and anything else the internet can offer. Then you have the real live distractions, like co-workers, family members and the UPS guy. When you really think about it, it’s amazing we get anything accomplished at all!

So how can we regain our focus, or at least some of it?

First, we have to identify the major time bandits in our lives. For me, the internet is probably the most tempting distraction (it’s right there in front of me!). Then there’s the

for you, and then sit back down ready to tackle that pesky

By practicing these steps, you’ll be able to train your brain to ward off so many of the distractions and time-stealers you face every day. Clifford Nass, a Stanford sociologist who conducted some of the first tests on multitasking, has said that those who can’t resist the lure of doing two things at once are “suckers for irrelevancy.” There is some evidence that we’re not just suckers for that new text message, or addicted to it; it’s actually robbing us of brain power, too.

What more recent studies show, however, is that it is possible to train yourself for distractions, even if you don’t know when they’ll hit. n

internal instant messages, email, coworker cross-chatter (I’m nosy) and general procrastination.

karelnoppe/iStock/Thinkstock

The next step is to eliminate, reduce or manage that time thief. Mindfulness and self-control are really big here, and so is the ability to organize and prioritize. For example,

April Ferguson, CMP BCD M&I onsite at Cisco MPI-CC Publications Committee Member

years ago I grudgingly turned off the little pop-up box in Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015 | 17

DEFENSIVE MUCH?

by Denise Ryan, MBA, CSP

Ever get defensive? I think we all do. Maybe it was

different or our metabolism slowed down. None of us

that time your Mom said you might be getting a

anymore. We think that means we are losers. Actually,

want to admit that our way might not be the best way we’re bigger losers if we don’t change and grow.

little heavy (GASP!) or when some new person at work suggested a different way of doing something

4.

Ask yourself what it is about their words that made you push back. Is it because what they’re suggesting

you’ve been doing since before they were born.

might be hard? Is it because you’ve taken something

I believe when we’re getting defensive, we need

personally when it wasn’t meant that way? I promise

to pay close attention. I think we get defensive

were completely insane, you wouldn’t get upset (the

you, there’s a takeaway there. If you thought they typewriter example). Maybe their timing was bad or

because we know there’s some truth there.

they phrased things poorly, but look for the nugget of insight.

Think about it – let’s say you are busily working away at your computer and someone comes up to you and says, “I really think you’d get more done if you used a typewriter.

You wouldn’t have to click print and then walk over to the printer. Think of the time you’d save!” Would you get defensive? Um, no. You might smile and thank them, but you wouldn’t change a thing. Now let’s say someone comes over and says, “I see that you constantly check e-mail. If you try checking it just a few times a day, I bet you’d get a lot more done.” I can see your defenses going up from here!

I see it with my audiences all the time – the ideas that could have the greatest impact on their work and their lives are the ones they resist the most. (And I’m the same

5.

Practice managing this emotion. Let’s say you are 100% right about something. Your weight hasn’t changed one ounce in the past ten years! And here’s your Mom asking if you’ve “put a few on”! Before you rush to defend yourself, try letting it go. You might ask yourself what is going on with your mother – maybe she’s worried about her own weight. Maybe she needs new glasses. Maybe she’s jealous you’re young and beautiful and she’s aging. Who knows? Getting defensive usually means you lose. There’s a time and a place to defend yourself and a time to let it go.

And if reading this made you defensive, well……. n

way, believe me!) So what to do?

1.

Recognize when it’s happening. All of a sudden you start justifying your way or making excuses. Maybe your heartrate goes up or you start attacking the messenger. You might not even realize how defensive you were getting until later – in the heat of the moment all we think is that we are under attack.

Consider the other person’s motive. What is their

monticelllo/iStock/Thinkstock

2.

intention? As much as our Moms can drive us crazy, their intentions are good. Most people really don’t spend countless hours obsessing over what we’re doing so they can pick us apart. For the most part, they are just like us and want to help or be recognized for James Carman/Blend Images/Thinkstock

having good ideas. If they were really evil, they’d let you continue to do whatever stupid thing you’re doing, now wouldn’t they?

3.

Realize your resistance to change. It’s human nature.

We think, “I got this.” Yeah, maybe we had it 5 years

Denise Ryan, MBA, CSP Firestar Speaking MPI-CC Publications Committee Member

ago and now things have changed. Technology is Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015 | 19

HOW TO

SAY NO And Stay Productive

18 | Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015

We love people. It’s one of the big reasons why we got into event management. And they seem to love us back, judging by the number of calls, emails and back scratching invites we get.

2) If you are giving a reason, be brief and honest.

Okay, I said you shouldn’t give a reason, but let’s say you need to give one anyway. It might be because of the person asking: your boss, your top client or a favored coworker.

Or it might be due to the nature of the ask: a good deal or a great idea but one that doesn’t work for you, at least not right now.

If you must give a reason, make it short. Brevity gives less

But there comes a time when you need to just put your foot down and say no to all of these requests and favors. That time is now.

room for error. Some examples: • I love your proposal, but we’re already busy for the season.

• That’s great, but I’m afraid it’s outside my expertise.

• Thanks but, to be honest, we don’t need this product.

And yes: don’t lie! Believe me, the best askers will know

Sure, this all seems to be easy on paper (or screen unless

when you do. They can and will use your lies against you

you printed this post). In reality, we don’t know how to say

later. The reason you give should also be the only thing

no because it’s just too hard. Why is that?

that’s stopping you from saying yes. If you give a flimsy

Well for one thing, we’re all wired to help each other.

reason, it will fall apart like a house of cards.

Maybe we help so we don’t tick people off. Maybe we help because we like being important and we like the selfesteem boost it gives us. Or maybe we help because we

3) Give some options

feel that we’ll miss out on potential big opportunities if we

If you want to be really polite, you can offer some

don’t.

alternatives to the asker. Refer them to someone else who

On the other hand, saying no means you’re actually saying yes to being productive, taking more time for yourself and generally improving your life by having less to stress about. Here are a few things to help you learn how to say no more easily:

can help, maybe someone who can even do it better than you. Or if you’re saying no right now because you don’t have the time, maybe you can schedule the discussion at a later time.

Giving someone options not only puts you in the person’s good side, you’re also helping them actually solve their

1) Say no quickly and decisively.

Ever heard the saying, “The more you put things off, the

Rawpixel Ltd/iStock/Thinkstock

harder it becomes?” Well, the same goes for saying yes.

problem despite you saying no to them in the first place.

4) Be a bit selfish to get into the right mindset.

The more you say yes, the harder it is to learn how to say

When you think about it, many of the things you say yes

no to every little request. Saying yes to everything soon

to don’t benefit you. It’s the other party that has the most

becomes a habit which will eat away at your free time,

to gain. You’re actually selling yourself short when you do

your family time and your vacation time.

their request.

So the first tip is: say no and be over it. Be assertive when

You might not be losing money, but you’re losing

you say no and give no wiggle room. Don’t think too much

something more important: time. So take a step back, see

about your decision. There’s a sort of buyer’s remorse in

if the request makes sense for you. Will it give a 2x, 3x, 10x

you that will nudge you back to a yes. Be strong and fight it!

return on your time spent?

In any case, you can always say no politely. Just say,

Also, you’re not just spending time to do the extra work.

“No I can’t” or “This is a great idea but it’s not for

You’re also adding some stress to your already hectic

me.” Remember, don’t give a reason so that there’s no

schedule. You’re putting in extra effort to get your other

counteroffer to make you say yes. And don’t apologize to

work done. And you’ll surely lose sleep if ever this thing

make it a firm and resolute “no”.

goes sideways.

Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015 | 21

BONUS: Watch out for shady

persuasion techniques.

Some of the best askers are experts at getting a yes from people. Don’t feel bad if you say no to them since they surely won’t.

Some of the common techniques they use include: • Giving a gift to ensure you’ll say yes in return.

• Asking for a big thing then asking a smaller thing later as a compromise.

• Saying that other people like you have said yes as well.

• Pulling out the relationship card.

• Giving a limited time offer.

Now that we’re at the end, do you know how to say no already? Saying no is hard at the start, but like a muscle, you need to exercise it more often to get the most out of it. Don’t let the goals of others undermine your own goals.

Just say no! n

Will Curran Founder, Endless Entertainment www.helloendless.com As founder of Endless Entertainment, Will Curran has been named one of the 40 under 40 event industry leaders, 35 entrepreneurs under the age of 35, and Inc. Magazine’s Coolest College Start-up all before graduating college. From event logistics to business development to technical production, Will Curran has a diverse background in growing events and companies to the next level.

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

Do you dream of being a published author? If so, the Blitz is looking for you! While we’re not the Wall Street Times, 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 at Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com or submit via our website at www.mpi-cc.org.

22 | Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015

© 2014 Pinehurst, LLC

Meetings were held here long before clubs.

Pinehurst may be known for twosomes and foursomes, but we were welcoming groups of all sizes before our first golf course was ever built. We’ve been hosting successful meetings and events for companies large and small since 1895.

And we’d love to host yours. Consider Pinehurst for your next corporate function.

You’ll find our meetings as legendary as our golf.

Kimberly Bryan, Senior Director of National Accounts Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina • 910.235.8732 • pinehurst.com 14PNH163.CarolinaMPIAugSeptAd.indd 1

7/29/14 9:55 AM

Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015 | 23

board meeting highlights Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 13, 2015 | Durham, NC

by Christine Irwin, CMP

Attendees: Christian Schroeder, Christine Irwin, CMP, Barbara Dragan, Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP, Amy Johnson, Nicole Robinson, Jeanette Keys, Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Maureen Donovan, and Lori Hedrick, CMP, CMM, MHA, CSEP Excused Absences: Brittany O’Shaughnessy and Amelia Hodges, CMP Minutes: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE presented the minutes from the May 17, 2015 Board of Directors Meeting and made a motion to approve.

Motion: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE made a motion to approve the May 17, 2015 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes as presented.

Second: Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP Vote: Approved Financials: Amy Johnson presented the June P&L statement, Balance Sheet and Aging Report. These are

Unfinished Business Department Recap from Board Retreat: Christian Schroeder reviewed items that were tabled from the Board Retreat in May. • Unique Venues – Will be passed onto meeting planning team to review when discussing 2016 meetings.

• Volunteer Recognition o We would like to recognize volunteer birthdays.

Nicole Robinson will work on collecting the

birthdays and deciding the best way to address that

each month.

o We will begin to highlight a committee at each

meeting during the chapter announcements.

tentative year-end numbers, they have not yet been

o Volunteer of the month award – this will expand

reviewed by a CPA. We will have the final year end

upon the Helping Hand Award. Both awards will be

numbers ready by the next board meeting.

highlighted and recognized at the chapter meetings

and in the blitz.

Motion: Amy Johnson made a motion to approve the June P&L, Balance Sheet and Aging Report as presented.

o We will begin awarding a Volunteer of the Year

Second: Alyce Kelly, CHSP

Vote: Approved

Award at the Annual meeting.

May Meeting Survey Results: Lori Hedrick, CMP, CMM,

Chapter Office: Christine Irwin, CMP reviewed the June

MHA, CSEP reviewed the results from the May Meeting

Metric Report and July meeting app. She reported that the

survey and addressed feedback with the Board.

management office is working on making all of the updates to the website that are effective July 1 and all updates sent from Global over the past couple of weeks. TMO will be working with a designer to redesign all of our forms – sponsorship, advertising, etc. in the coming weeks to all

Mentor / Succession Planning Update: Christian Schroeder presented that we need to continue to think about who our successors will be in our individual positions and begin mentoring them now. As you have ideas, please make

have one cohesive look and brand.

Christian, Barb and Malinda aware as the Office of the

Consent Agenda: Christian Schroeder asked for a motion to

Document and identify potential candidates when it comes

approve the consent agenda.

time for nominations.

Motion: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Second: Alison Harding, CMP, GTP Vote: Approved

24 | Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015

President so that they can update the Leadership Pipeline

The Nominations Process will begin much earlier this year. Global is rolling out new bylaws and policies that will affect the Nomination process. After this year, each term moving forward will be a one year term.

It was brought up that we should identify some areas

week for a Board Call to review upcoming items. The Board

where we can help our Chapter not only grow our

conference call will be scheduled for Friday, July 24 at 2pm.

membership, but also retain more Board of Directors candidates. Ideas included: • Top 10 reasons to join – take what Global has already created and possibly make it more specific to the Carolinas Chapter

Next Board Meeting: Christian Schroeder announced that the next board meeting will be held on Thursday, September 17 at 10am at the Sheraton Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC. Meeting Adjourned. n

• Hold an education session on how to sell the value of an MPI-CC membership to your owners and bosses • Post Buy MPI testimonials online and in the Blitz

Christine Irwin, CMP The Management Office

Meeting Match: Christian Schroeder reviewed Meeting Match, which was brought forward to the Business Exchange team by the committee chair, John Cruz. After some discussion, Christian will go back to John to discuss a strategic way to implement meeting apps during the Business Exchange this September.

Communications Calendar: Alyce Kelly, CHSP asked all

September 17-18, 2015

for the next 6-12 months.

Education & Business Exchange

2016 Meetings: Lori Hedrick, CMP, CMM, MHA, CSEP

Chapel Hill, NC

Directors to turn in their communication calendar needs

reported that we received a very good response for our 2016 Meetings RFP that was sent out July 1st. A formal

Sheraton Chapel Hill

2016 location proposal will be presented to the Board at the September Board Meeting for a vote.

Leadership & Volunteer Development Committee: Nicole Robinson reported that the L&VD Committee has been diligently going through the volunteer list and sign up sheets from the Annual meeting to update all of your committee lists and place any new volunteers.

New Member Mixer: Alison Harding, CMP, GTP announced that the New Member and First Timer Mixer was going to look a little different moving forward.

How does aasmeeting go A We’ve citybest asspent old over New Bern The places to hold knows a thing or twobe from years good to great?

300 preparing meetings can often about hosting ameeting. meeting.

Justyour add water. for next the best kept secrets.

VisitNewBern.com

While still hitting all of the key points, the mixer will focus more on the tools that they need to become active within the chapter and guarantee satisfaction with their

a minor tweak. It will launch on July 1 and run through

Your nextthegreat Sometimes key to just ameeting successful is meeting issteps all in the menu. away.

December 31. The campaign this year will focus on

V Vi si isti N t Ne ewwB Be er n r n. c. o c omm

membership.

Grow More Earn More Campaign: The Grow More Earn More Campaign will be rolling out again this year with

retention, not just new member growth.

WEC Chapter Reception: Christian Schroeder is working on securing the Carolinas Chapter Reception during WEC. It will tentatively be held on that Monday beginning at 5:30pm. An evite will be sent out once a decision has been made.

Next Board Meeting Call: Christian Schroeder asked the Board for feedback on availability the following

Winner of the ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Award Voted as one of the 10 most beautiful towns in NC Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015 | 25

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

26 | Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015

monthly meeting planner

2016 Meetings Coming Soon!

September 17-18, 2015

Education & Business Exchange

Chapel Hill, NC

Sheraton Chapel Hill November 5-6, 2015

November Meeting

Carolina Beach, NC

Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach June 11-14, 2016

MPI World Education Congress

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is September 24, 2015. Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to Editor-In-Chief Ginny Fountain , CMP, at Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com.

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

3

2/16/15

Ask about our 2015 Retreat Packages

C

M

Y

CM

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.

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

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

Fayetteville, NC was the only namesake city visited

by Lafayette.

2:54 PM