Carolina Blitz December 2017 - Januarty 2018

Carolina Blitz December 2017 - January 2018

New Member Spotlight Adelle Heinz Page 8

Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown Charlotte, NC | January 18-19, 2018

in this issue...

features 5 Unique Ways to Make Your Event Eco-Friendly Beyond Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

in every issue Our Annual Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Our Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Monthly Meeting Planner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MPI-CC Board & Committee Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 New Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 See MPI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Fundraising News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Zoonar RF/Thinkstock

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

Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018 |

1

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

Diamond Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018

our members Welcome New Members!

Robert Coleman

Kate Jasen

Megan Smicklas

Livingstone College

The Raleigh Coonvention Center

East Carolina University

robert.coleman854@gmail.com

kate.jansen@raleighconvention.com

smicklasm16@students.ecu.edu

Meredith Dillon

Keith Kershaw

Lizzie Sodoma

DoubleTree by Hilton

KeithAKershaw@gmail.com

Relias

meredith.dillon@hilton.com

lsodoma@reliaslearning.com Brian McArtan

Katie Elder

Your Conference Connection

Grace Williams

Overlook Barn

brian@teamycc.com

Appalachian State University

events@overlookbarn.com

14gwilliams@gmail.com Samantha Ravin

Sharon Elder

NCCU

Garrett Wood

About Entertainment

ravin.samantha@gmail.com

Cabarrus County

selder@about-entertainment.com

Convention & Visitors Bureau Linda Roberts

Lisa Frierson Staggers

garrett@visitcabarrus.com

cielaroberts@gmail.com

lisaafrierson@gmail.com

MPI-CC Anniversaries 15 Years Susan Kruse Duke Energy

First Timers and New Members at the November Mixer

Melissa Barney Schaufler bioMerieux, Inc. 10 Years George Fenich East Carolina University 5 Years Stacy Shatterl Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel

Left to Right: Katie Elder, Sarah Small, Katelyn Blair, Garret Wood, Sonja Pasko,

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

Adelle Heinz, Fiona Messex, Karen Townsend, Petrina Lawrence, Eli Kahan Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018 |

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monthly meeting planner January 18-19, 2018

July 19-20, 2018

Chapter Meeting Charlotte, NC Embassy Suites

by Hilton Charlotte Uptown

March 15-16, 2018

Chapter Meeting Raleigh, NC The StateView Hotel

May 16 -17, 2018 BrianAJackson/iStock/Thinkstock

Chapter Meeting Winston-Salem, NC Marriott Twin City Quarter and Benton Convention Center

September 20-21, 2018

Education & Business Exchange Charlotte, NC The Westin Charlotte

November 8-9, 2018

Annual Meeting

Wilmington, NC

Hilton Wilmington Riverside

Chapter Meeting Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg Marriott

June 2-5, 2018

World Education Congress Indianapolis, IN

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, January 26, 2018.

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

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME. Greensboro offers the perfect combination of small town charm and big city appeal. See what’s new in Greensboro!

You will be surprised by all it has to offer.

visitgreensboronc.com

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018

president’s message

Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving

by Alyce Kelly, CHSP

I wanted to take this opportunity to give you, the membership, some nuts & bolts about your chapter finances. The MPI-CC Board of Directors has done an incredible job of being financially responsible for the well-being of your chapter.

Your auction donation helps our chapter create better educational opportunities and event experiences at our meetings. The Board of Directors is committed to building planner attendance at the meetings and providing more networking opportunities for our suppliers.

Alyce Kelly, CHSP The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores MPI-CC President

• Meeting registrations bring in $46,000 in revenue. Our hotel meeting expenses alone are $44,200. The credit card fees to process meeting registrations are $3,500.

• We spend an additional $15,350 on speakers and another $17,500 on member communications.

• None of this accounts for fees by our administrative team to plan, organize and execute our events.

• Member dues go to MPI Global and the Chapter receives approximately $58 in rebates per member.

Our mission is to improve planner involvement through education, including bringing fresh ideas to our events. We cannot do that without supplementary income like auctions.

Your participation through donations and/or Bidding for Good goes a long way to helping us continue to bring top education to your MPI-CC chapter meetings.

In January 2018, we will be at the new Embassy Suites Uptown Charlotte. Our speaker, Lynne Wellish, will attract planners and suppliers alike. I hope to see you in the Queen City!

I hope everyone has a safe and warm holiday!

n

Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018 |

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MPI-CC 2017-2018 Board of Administration President Alyce Kelly, CHSP The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores 252-241-8402 gm@theinnatpks.com

President-Elect Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM Global Knowledge 919-461-8698 Alison.Harding@ globalknowledge.com

Immediate Past President Barbara Dragan Visit Greenville SC 864-421-0000 bdragan@visitgreenvillesc.com

Director of Marketing Ricardo Hicks American AV 919-361-1151 rhicks@aavevents.com

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

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

Education Committee Co-Chair Alison Flaig Genworth Mortgage Insurance Alison.flaig@genworth.com

Communications VP of Communications Nicole Robinson Keshler Greater Raleigh CVB 919-834-5900 nkeshler@visitraleigh.com

Education VP of Education Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM North Carolina Association of CPAs 919-469-1040, ext. 128 ahodges@NCACPA.org

Education Committee Co-Chair Wendy Jeffries HelmsBriscoe wjeffries@helmsbriscoe.com

Finance VP of Finance Maureen Donovan Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach 910-256-2231 mdonovan@ wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com

Special Events (Auctions) Mica Parekh, CMP IWP Photography 919-270-2510 mica@iwpphotography.com

Silent Auction Committee Chair Needed

Special Events (Trade Show) Mallory Middleton, CMP Cheers Years 828-467-7943 mallory@cheersyears.com

Business Exchange Committee Co-Chair Chris Chassagneux Relias Learning cchassagneux@reliaslearning.com

Director of Leadership & Volunteer Development Molly Nelson Explore Asheville CVB 828-258-6121 mnelson@exploreasheville.com

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

Director of Membership Michelle Castro Siena Hotel 919-918-2539 mcastro@sienahotel.com

New Member Committee Chair Alicia Miller, CMP Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce 919-664-7090

Membership VP of Membership Selah Bideau, TMP Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte 704-409-3547 selah.bideau@hilton.com

amiller@raleighchamber.org

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018

f Directors and Committees

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

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

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

Social Media Committee Tenessa Moore Moore Creative Ink, Inc. 704-542-4814 tmoore@moorecreativeink.com

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

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

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

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

Business Exchange Committee Co-Chair Allison Gore My Girl Friday allison@mygirlfridayinc.com

Leadership & Volunteer Development Committee Jemeria Lawson

The Durham Hotel 919-768-8837 jlawson@thedurham.com Member Care Committee Mary Mora MGM Speakers Bureau 336-775-9661 maryg@mgmspeakersbureau.com

Recruitment Committee Chair Needed

Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018 |

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new member spotlight New Member Spotlight: Adelle Heinz

by Selah Bideau, TMP

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

I am a Meeting and Events Planner for Wells Fargo Bank supporting the Wealth Investment Management line of business. I have worked for the bank for over 16 years. I was originally hired on as a Senior Communication Consultant for the Insurance line of business Adelle Heinz but was moved into Meetings and Events as a Planner in 2005.

I spent the first 6 months as a planner just trying to move out of event planning--I knew how detail-oriented a planner needs to be in order to be successful and that scared me. But after a while, I came to realize that I have a talent for planning. It is a position that allows me to utilize all my skills and experience in communications, marketing and hospitality.

Tell me about your job and the organization you are with.

Wells Fargo Meetings and Events delivers impactful, best-in-class customer and team member experiences by strategically planning and executing world-class programs that drive business results.

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

Golf and cooking are my hobbies. My husband and I play a lot of golf and belong to a couple’s league. I tend to keep my golf clubs close wherever I am because you never know when someone is in need of a fourth!

I love to cook and love to eat! I recently switched to a plant-based, vegan diet which in turn has pushed me to learn new and healthy recipes. It has also made me a better planner—I am much more conscious of providing plenty of healthy options for my attendees!

Why did you join MPI-CC? After 13 years of planning meetings, I decided I wanted to get my CMP designation and ingrain myself more in the meeting planner community. What better way than to join MPI-CC.

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018

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

I would want to meet Evangeline Cote. She was Henry Ford’s mistress and mother of his illegitimate son. She was also the first woman to have a pilot’s license in Michigan, the overseer of the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan and she was my great cousin! I grew up in a multi-generational home with my great Aunt Rena. She used to tell us that her first cousin, Eva, curated many of the artifacts seen in Greenfield Village from my great grandmother’s home. I never met Eva that I can recall—she died in 1979. I would love to spend an evening with her drinking wine and listening to the stories she could tell!

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

Make sure you are the type of person who truly enjoys helping people. You have to have a lot of patience, a strategic mind, and be strong and confident enough to lead people to ensure a successful, memorable and safe meeting experience. n

Selah Bideau Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte MPI-CC VP of Membership

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

Wait, what?

The New York Times ranks Greenville, SC #12 on the list of “52 Places to Go in 2017.” That’s #12 in the whole wide world and no, it’s not a typo. Billed as possibly “the next Charleston” and “the next major food destination,” Greenville is rubbing shoulders with world-class destinations like Madrid, Marrakesh, Osaka and The Great Barrier Reef.

So, surprise yourself. Book a site visit. Think of it as discovering a lost civilization. You’ll be dumbfounded at what you didn’t know, and applauded for what you reveal when you return.

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

800.351.7180 Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018 |

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education November Education Recap

by Nicole Filippo, CMP

Change management expert Mike Hourigan shared insights and advice about working with the Millennial generation during the November MPI-CC meeting held at the Grandover Resort and Conference Center in Greensboro, N.C. In the session “How Generational Change Affects Association Membership,” Hourigan explored how perceptions of associations have shifted over time, as well as how associations can connect with Millennials.

Now that people have easy access to information through the Internet, associations need to look beyond providing information as the main reason for people to become members. Associations should consider how they are viewed by different generations, so they can better understand how to engage Millennials to become active members and bridge the generational gap to

maximize member involvement, Hourigan explained. To be successful, associations should evaluate their value messaging with Millennials in mind.

Hourigan further reviewed generational characteristics during the session “Millennials, Management & Me.” He explained each generation has their own set of values and perspective on work. Attendees discussed the values, perceptions and attitudes associated with the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millennials. With Millennials becoming first-time managers and working alongside Boomers and Gen X members, it is important for organizations to translate expectations and values into a common language, Hourigan noted. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Continued on page 16

Meetings.

Well Crafted.

visitgreenvillenc.com 800-537-5564

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Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018

Looking Ahead at January 2018 MPI-CC Education

by Alison Flaig

January 18-19 Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown Don’t miss your opportunity to walk away with valuable, practical ways to enhance your role and your organization when you join MPI-CC for its first educational sessions of the new year on January 18-19, 2018, at the modern, centrally located Embassy Suites in Charlotte, N.C. Between the Thursday afternoon and Friday morning education sessions, you will learn more about ways to improve your client relationships, and how to work through some situations that can often be uncomfortable to manage.

The Thursday session titled “Could You Just Do One More Thing” will be led by well-known hospitality industry educator and consultant Lynne Wellish. In this session, attendees will to learn how to set boundaries with both internal and external clients to avoid the dreaded “scope creep.” Learn how to establish clear goals and objectives upfront to control the extent of your obligations and better set yourself up for success. Walk away with five new resources to assist you for those times when your “to-do” list continues to expand.

On Friday, Lynne will kick off the last education session titled “I Love My Client; They Just Have This One Annoying Habit!” In this collaborative session, attendees will voice their greatest pet peeves (unanswered emails and phone calls? incomplete RFPs? chasing down information?) and work as a group to identify solutions to ease stress and anxiety while solving those challenges.

You’ll walk away with new tips and best practices that you can add to your personal toolbox as well as practical ways to strengthen supplier and planner relationships.

From better defining goals and expectations with clients to learning ways to overcome challenging client situations, the January MPI-CC meeting will deliver on some timely, relevant issues, all while you enjoy the modern Embassy Suites in Uptown Charlotte! n

Alison Flaig Genworth Mortgage Insurance MPI-CC Education Chair and Marketing Communications and Events Leader

MEEt

on vine time 30 MILES NORTH OF SAN FRANCISCO

Complimentary, professional assistance for meeting planners includes RFP distribution, site tours and expert program planning.

We will make your meeting a success.

Ask about our $4,000 incentive.

1.800.576.6662

SonomaCounty.com/meetings

sonoma wine country Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018 |

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Look Who We Spotted at the...

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018

... November Meeting in Greensboro!

Photography by Mica Parekh – IWP Photography

COMING EARLY 2018

The Maxwell Regional Agricultural & Convention Center Goldsboro, North Carolina

WE’RE EVERYTHING BUT CONVENTIONAL With 44,900 sq. ft. state of the art convention space, you’ve got 44,900 reasons to choose Goldsboro: 4,750 sq. ft. of accommodating breakout rooms | 15,000 sq. ft. innovative assembly hall | 3,200 sq. ft. commercial grade kitchen 9,500 sq. ft. scenic outdoor patio | Over 600 parking spaces & modern office space available

visitgoldsboronc.com | 919-734-7922

PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE Meeting & Event Planning Certificate Program

Now Enrolling • Spring Program Begins February 16, 2018 Complete the Meeting & Event Planning Certificate Program in 4 weekends!

▪ February 16 & 17 ▪ February 23 & 24

▪ March 9 & 10 ▪ March 23 & 24

Free Information Session Session:

January 31 • 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 credits (CEUs) for the CMP credential.

704-687-8900 ContinuingEd.uncc.edu/mep 14 |

Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018

DESIGNED WITh YOU IN MIND Located in downtown Winston-Salem, the Twin City Quarter - home to the $20 million newly renovated Benton Convention Center - now showcases 175,000-sq. ft. of flexible meeting/banquet space in 55 rooms, including 6 ballrooms. For our client’s convenience - one sales and event planner contact for the entire complex.

Within walking distance to more than 45 restaurants and lounges and shopping on Fourth Street’s Restaurant Row and in the Downtown Arts District.

Convenient air service - 25 min. to Greensboro (GSO), 90 min. to Raleigh (RDU) and Charlotte (CLT).

Marriott’s Multi-Million Dollar Modernization Underway Unveiling Spring 2018 The city’s largest full-service hotel with 315 oversized guest rooms, we’ll soon feature walk-in showers, 55” mounted TVs, laminate floors, Serta® Perfect Sleeper Mattresses and the M Club Lounge*. Ideal for meeting functions up to 250 people. *Post renovation

5th and Cherry Streets, Winston-Salem NC 27101 • 336.725.3500 • info@twincityquarter.com • twincityquarter.com

Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018 |

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see mpi!

Connect Marketplace New Orleans, 2017 Most people want to avoid the heat and humidity of New Orleans, Louisiana. But back in August 2017, many MPI-CC members risked the weather and joined the multitudes of attendees there.

Connect Marketplace is a semi-annual event that brings together planners and suppliers for preset appointments, keynote general sessions, idea roundtables, and quality networking. But most importantly, are the representatives from hotels, CVBs, AV companies, and speaker bureaus that attend in an effort to present to hosted planners.

A reverse trade show allows this opportunity, but the afterhours joint entertainment also lets both sides meet and get to know each other in a more relaxed and comfortable setting. This year, Connect took everyone to the Mardi Gras World/River City where several notable MPI-CC members were spotted. The same members also

attended education sessions and were well-fed throughout New Orleans!

Lots of business gets started and some even ended at these helpful events. If you are interested in finding out more about such opportunities, ask an active MPI-CC member or Jean Travers, SEE MPI columnist, jtravers@helmsbriscoe.com

SPIN: 40 Over 40 SPIN: Senior Professionals Industry Network announced the 2017 recipients of the organization’s newly created recognition – SPIN: 40 Over 40 – created to acknowledge and honor veteran meeting planners in the industry who mentor, influence, and innovate. Our very own Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMM, CMP, CSEP, Lori Hedrick of Burroughs Wellcome Fund was among those honored. Honorees received complimentary registration for SPINCon 2017 and they will be recognized in a special ceremony. Congratulations Lori!

Jean Travers HelmsBriscoe MPI-CC Marketing Committee Member

____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Continued from page 10 This includes adjusting communication methods and trainings to provide the direction and communication skills Millennials need to become better managers.

It is the confluence of the generations’ different ideas, values and knowledge that will form the foundation for an exhilarating, sometimes exasperating, but nevertheless engaging work experience, Hourigan said. n

Nicole Filippo, CMP Elon University Education Committee

16 |

Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018

5 Unique Ways to Make Your Event Eco-Friendly Beyond Recycling

by Mallory Middleton

It can seem like just the act of hosting an event is bad for the environment. With any event, there are gas emissions from transportation, energy used on the lights, heating/air, and elements like audio visual within the event space--not to mention the possibility of food waste and favors/goodie bags that may never be used and end up in a landfill.

With more events being held each year the environmental impact also increases. However, I believe we have a chance to refine our planning process to put environmental awareness at the forefront. There are easy ways to plan an eco-friendly event beyond just offering recycling bins that minimizes waste, reduces costs, and still creates a memorable attendee experience. Here are five unique ways to make your next event more eco-friendly: 1 - Pick A Central Location For Attendees.

Event location should be the number one thought for planning an eco-friendly event. As we know, burning fossil fuels isn’t good for the environment. If possible, select an event location central to most of your attendees, that can have a major impact on gas emissions. BONUS - it will also make your attendees happy! Of course, there’s no way to make everyone’s travel equidistant, but it certainly helps if you can make it as central as possible for most attendees.

It’s understandable that this isn’t practical in every situation. However, if you take a more proactive approach to eco-friendly event planning, location selection should be a number one consideration.

2 - Pick A Venue That Requires Minimal Decoration.

I’m all about rustic and industrial venues, but if your organization’s vision for the event requires a lot of decoration and floral help to capture the theme or style, then perhaps you should consider another space.

Additional decor, lighting, and flowers create a surplus of waste after the event, and end up costing more money. Put in a little extra research to find venues that already match the event aesthetic you’re going for. During your venue search, walk into each space and mock the steps of your future attendees. Ask yourself: Does it capture the right mood we’re going for? Does it have that “wow” factor? This is by far one of the largest costs in hosting an event, so you want to make sure the space doesn’t require a complete transformation.

3 - Be Smart About Invites & Marketing: Consolidate, Use Eco-Friendly Materials, Or Be Bold and Go Paperless.

My first recommendation with invitations and event marketing materials is to consolidate. Do you really need paper announcements and flyers for your event? I would advise choosing only the most important piece of information for the announcement to print.

There are also a great variety of email templates available for announcing your event. You can even add an option

for people to immediately add the event to their Google or Outlook calendar - and we all live by our online calendars, right? I also like this option for RSVP’ing.

If you’re printing paper invites or announcements, there are gorgeous options out there made from biodegradable or recycled paper with soy-based ink.

4 – When possible, match the time of your event to the “in” season of your attendees’ favorite foods, then source local & organic catering.

Let’s face it; there are few things that event attendees will remember about most events after the fact. Great food, however, is one thing they don’t easily forget. The idea of matching your event date to the “in” season of your attendees’ or CEO’s favorite foods may seem odd at first, but it should click the more you think about it. Choose a date within the season of fruits and vegetables that go over well with your attendees and CEO. This will make everyone happy in two distinct ways; first, more of the foods they enjoy will be readily available to them and secondly, it will save money on your food and beverage expense line item.

Your food will have less distance to travel as your caterer can easily source the ingredients nearby, which is not only great for your final cost, but also the environment. Use your trusty Google search engine and websites like Field to Plate to determine when your favorite foods will be inseason near the venue.

5 - Rethink your guest favors or giveaway items.

This is an opportunity to be creative! Attendee goodie bags and giveaway items should be something that’s special to your organization. Think about all aspects of attendee giveaways from the actual items to the bags holding them.

Try to source bags made from recycled materials or organic cotton. Additionally, think about giveaways of real value to attendees so that they won’t trash it the next day. Some of the eco-friendly attendee favors that are trending include tiny succulents or seed packets with a custom message such as “Let opportunity and learning grow!” Those are truly gifts that will keep on giving and not quickly get tossed.

It’s the small details of planning an event that add up to a large environmental impact. I hope these five unique ideas will inspire you to create a more memorable and eco-friendly event. n

Mallory Middleton Cheers Years LLC MPI-CC Director of Special Events - Tradeshow www.cheersyears.com Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018 |

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B-I-N-G-O AND MPI was his name O!

by Mica Parekh, CMP

What fun it was to raise money for MPI-CC in

Your online Bidding for Good will be back in

November!

January with a brand-new list of exciting items

Instead of an online auction, we decided to go old school and bring out the bingo cards for a

and we will also have a fun way to win a raffle as well.

chance at some amazing prizes! The attendees

Our Silent Auction Committee is looking for

enjoyed it so much and it was great fun for

volunteers - please contact Mica at mica@

everyone that played.

iwpphotography.com if you would like to join this fun committee to help raise money for our

We at MPI-CC greatly appreciate any and all

awesome association!

donations to our raffles.

We want to thank the members below for their kind donations to our raffle: •

Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau

•

Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau

•

Pinehurst Resort & Spa

Mica Parekh, CMP IWP Photography MPI-CC Special Events (Auctions)

Meet.

Stay.

Play.

2017

Build Your Event Packages $10 Breakfast $25 Breakfast & Lunch $35 Breakfast, Lunch, & Breaks $89 Accommodations Complimentary Meeting Space/wifi

800-408-7245

(Call for details)

Just a stone’s throw from Sunset Beach, NC, Sea Trail is your one-stop destination with over 40,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space, full-service catering, all-suite accommodations, golf and entertainment.

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www.seatrail.com

| Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018

SeaTrail-MPI-August.indd 1

7/25/16 9:31 AM

board meeting highlights Board of Directors Meeting Minutes November 9, 2017 | Greensboro, NC

by Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office

Attendees: Alyce Kelly, CHSP; Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM; Barbara Dragan, CMP; Nicole Keshler; Ricardo Hicks; Selah Bideau, TMP; Vince Chelena; Christine Irwin, CMP; Deanna House, CMP, GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCM, CMM Excused Absences: Mallory Middleton; Maureen Donovan; Mica Parekh, CMP; Molly Nelson; Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM. Minutes: Barbara Dragan presented the minutes from the September 28, 2017, Board of Directors Meeting and asked for a motion to approve.

Motion: Selah Bideau, TMP, made a motion to approve the September 28, 2017, Board of Directors Meeting Minutes as presented.

Second: Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM Vote: Approved Financials: Vince Chelena presented the October P&L statement, Balance Sheet and Aging Report. Vince reported that we are in a good position so far and have already contributed the budgeted amount of $2,750 into reserves. We will look to contribute more as the year progresses. Alyce Kelly, CHSP, asked for a motion to approve the financials as presented.

Motion: Deanna House, CMP, GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCM, CMM, made a motion to approve the October P&L and Balance Sheet as presented.

Second: Barbara Dragan Vote: Approved Chapter Office: The metrics review was completed at the mid-year board retreat prior to this meeting.

Christine Irwin, CMP, reviewed the agenda and meeting room locations. We will be submitting an application for an education grant from the MPI Foundation early next week, thanks to Amelia for putting that together.

Alyce Kelly, CHSP, announced that she will be getting clarification from Holly Dotson (MPI Global) regarding the metric points for reserves total against budget numbers.

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

Motion: Nicole Keshler made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Second: Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP Vote: Approved Publications: Ricardo Hicks reminded the Board that all Blitz items are due to Cathy Mauldin no later than Friday, November 17th. Please support her in any way that you can by turning in articles and information to be published.

September Meeting Survey Results: Deanna House reviewed the results from the September Meeting survey and addressed feedback with the Board.

Next Board Meeting: The next board meeting will be held on January 18, 2018, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown in Charlotte, NC. Meeting Adjourned.

Motion made via e-mail on October 10, 2017 At the September Board Meeting Alyce Kelly, CHSP, announced that the Office of the President would be meeting to discuss how we would like to use the incentive points from our 2016-2017 metric goals. We have a total of six (6) points to use.

Motion: Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP, made a motion to use the six (6) points for one (1) free registration to the 2018 Chapter Business Summit.

Second: Barbara Dragan Discussion: This would allow us to send an additional representative to CBS next year. Most chapters are now sending their Chapter Administrator in addition to the appropriate Vice President and President-Elect positions.

Vote: Approved n

Christine Irwin, CMP MPI-CC Chapter Administrator The Management Office

Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018 |

19

Thought you knew us? Meet the new us.

CONVENTION CENTER WINSTON - SALEM

NORTH CAROLINA

With a multimillion dollar Convention Center renovation and more than $1 billion invested downtown, Winston-Salem is renovating more than buildings. We’re Reinventing the Meeting.

Contact Christian@VisitWinstonSalem.com, 336.782.4218, or Karen@VisitWinstonSalem.com, 336.728.4210.

®

ReinventYourMeeting.com FYV-570 Resize Myron ad 3.5x4.75-v1[10.11.17]bg.pdf 2

- LET US HELP PLAN -

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YOUR NEXT HOMETOWN EVENT

M

The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Y

(FACVB) would love to help plan your next event. We

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will work with you to gather & present proposals,

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arrange site visits & assist with promotional items,

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ensuring your event goes off without a hitch.

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For more information contact Myron Jones - FACVB Director of Sales mjones@visitfayettevillenc.com

(910) 835-5083 20

| Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018

11/16/17

11:

Collaboration that Makes Events Sing William Lewis dances to the beat of his own banjo. In his role as the executive director of PineCone in Raleigh, N.C., he preserves and protects blues, bluegrass and other forms of traditional music. And that’s not all. He helps nonprofits like the International Bluegrass Music Association make the most out of meetings and events.

Raleigh’s passionate locals maximize resources to create events that hit all the right notes, helping draw more than 200,000 fans to World of Bluegrass.

Learn more at visitRaleigh.com/meet

Carolina Blitz | December 2017 - January 2018 |

21

Carolina Blitz The Carolina Blitz is the official publication of the Carolinas Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and is published every other month. All contributions, articles, and photographs should be submitted to Publications Committee Chair/ Editor one week after the meeting. Send to Cathy Mauldin, CMP CathyMauldin@gmail.com EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE Director of Marketing Ricardo Hicks • AE Production Services Editor Cathy Mauldin, CMP • DESA, Inc. Onsite at CDM Smith

Know a Helping Hand?

We have so many active members who deserve recognition for their efforts! If you know of someone who is going above and beyond, share their name and volunteer accomplishments with us so we can give them a shout out. This person can be a board member, a committee chair or member or even a brand new MPI-CC member who has already started to shine.

Helping Hand Awards are given on a monthly basis and nominations are accepted all the time! Please send your nomination to April Ferguson at aprilferguson10@gmail.com.

Thank you for helping recognize your fellow members!!

Contributing Writers Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Inn at Pine Knoll Shores; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Company; Mallory Middleton, Raleigh Convention Center; Mica Parekh, IWP Photography; Selah Bideau, TMP, Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte; Nicole Filippo, CMP, Elon University; Alison Flaig, Genworth Mortgage Insurance; Jean Travers, HelmsBriscoe Photographer Mica Parekh - IWP Photography Proofreaders Kathy Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office; Teresa Palmieri, Sheraton Imperial; Myron Jones, Fayetteville CVB; Nancy Lowe, CMP, NC Medical Society; Ginny Fountain, CMP, CMM, NC Association of Electric Cooperatives; Melinda Mowry, DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern - Riverfront Publisher Vince Chelena • The Management Office 704-377-5648 • Fax 704-333-6927 • staff@themanagementoffice.com Advertising Christine Irwin • The Management Office • 704-377-5648 Design Kistin Creative Studio • 704-724-9188 • kistincreative.com 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 (8 1/2”W x 11”H) 3X $620/issue $820/issue

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

3X $680/issue $890/issue

6X $640/issue $850/issue (Produced and provided by advertiser) There are six issues of the Blitz published yearly FEB/MAR, APR/MAY, JUNE/JULY, AUG/SEPT, OCT/NOV, DEC/JAN

January 18-19, 2018 Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown Charlotte, NC

NOTE: Rates are published as of January 2011, and are subject to change without notice. All published rates are net non-commisionable. Any cost incurred by the BLITZ for art that is not fully press ready (e.g. reductions, halftones) will be billed to the advertiser, or art that is not press ready may be refused.

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

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