Carolina Blitz December 2020 - January 2021

Carolina Blitz

Photo by @joshddurham on Unsplash

December 2020 - January 2021

CAROLINAS CHAPTER

Ever Changing.

Never Changing.

When you meet here, you’re meeting the soul of a city and community ready to connect.

The pandemic may have changed our way of life, but it doesn’t change our commitment to you. As you press play on life after months stuck on pause, we invite you to come engage with us. Safely connect with our roots, and uncover new experiences. The spirit of Durham is still here, as is the opportunity to rediscover an ever-changing, never-changing destination.

All are welcome.

Engage with us:

discoverdurham.com/meetings

in this issue...

features CMP Bootcamp - Feb. 10 & 11, 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . 11 CMP Bootcamp Scholarship Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Ready, Set, Resume. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

in every issue Our Annual Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Our Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Monthly Meeting Planner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MPI-CC Board & Committee Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Watch Us Recover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Photo by Flo Dahm from Pexels

Board Meeting Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Carolina Blitz | December 2020 - January 2021 |

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

Platinum Sponsor:

Diamond Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2020 - January 2021

our members Welcome New Members!

Membership Engagement would like to welcome all of our new members who have joined us recently. Please plug in to the chapter, volunteer and engage! We welcome your questions and will connect you with an ambassador once you have registered for your first meeting. However, if you would like an ambassador before you attend your first meeting, just let us know. We are here to help and make sure you are right where you would like to be with your membership! Please reach out to Mica Parekh, Director of Membership Engagement at mica@iwpphotography.com or Alicia Miller, Chair of Membership Engagement at amiller@raleighchamber.org. We look forward to hearing from you and meeting you soon!

Please welcome the following new members from the November 1 - December 31, 2020 period.

Kim Biggs USLuggage kbiggs@usluggage.com Larry Harper, Jr. larryharper@gmail.com Katie Kathman Steak 48 katie@steak48.com Nancy Kwon nkwon1221@gmail.com Joanna Marson joannamarson@my.tridenttech.edu Lindsey McQueary Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor Mt. Pleasant lindsey.mcqueary@hilton.com Brenda Redmon BRedmon@DaytonaBeach.com

Mica Parekh, CMP IWP Photography Director of Member Engagement

MPI-CC Anniversaries 20 Years Erin Moye Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park

Kathy Flowe Alabama Theatre 15 Years Amanda Wright

Alison Harding Association Executives of North Carolina (AENC) Malinda Harrell Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau 5 Years Kathryn Stachowicz Hendrick Automotive Group Jessica Garrett BCD M&E Onsite at Cisco Systems Allison Locke Omni Grove Park Inn Randy Danison Great Wolf Resorts - Concord Joe Capone Amber Howard Hickory Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau Evan Carroll Attended Events

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

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.org/carolinas.

Carolina Blitz | December 2020 - January 2021 |

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monthly meeting planner January 28, 2021

Virtual

February 10-11, 2021

CMP Bootcamp | Virtual

March 11-12, 2021

The Rizzo Conference Center | Durham, NC

May 16-17, 2021

Annual Meeting The Beaufort Hotel | Beaufort, NC

July 8-9, 2021 BrianAJackson/iStock/Thinkstock

Asheville Crowne Plaza | Asheville, NC

September – Coming soon!

November 4-5, 2021

SpringHill Suites Greenville Downtown | Greenville, SC

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, February 5, 2021.

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

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

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

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2020 - January 2021

Volunteers are the heart of our organization.

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

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

president’s message Reunite. Stronger. Together.

Greetings MPI-CC, While we have not met face to face for many months now, we have been able to keep members connected through virtual education, networking trivia, tradeshows, silent auctions, and spark sessions. We appreciate all the attendees who participated in our Spark Sessions on December 3, 2020. I hope that we delivered relevant and timely education that will enrich your personal and professional development. The importance of high-quality education continues to be the foundation of our chapter and that will continue in new, innovative formats as we move forward. As a chapter, we continue to focus on member relationships, promote career opportunities, advocate for our members who need financial support from global, and keep our chapter in business. It is also Amelia Hodges, CMM, CMP imperative during these current times, that we utilize the tremendous influence North Carolina Association and impact of our meetings and events industry to bring about social and of CPAs, Morrisville, NC economic transformation. Together, we must amplify our voices to affect positive change, given what is happening in the world today. Thank you all, our fellow MPI-CC chapter members, for your trust and faith in this board to continue to lead this chapter in the coming year. This is a role we take with pride. Our board of directors and I are honored to be stewards in advancing the future sustainability and success of the chapter.

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

DECEMBER MEMBERSHIP PROMOTION: Because MPI is all about giving, you are getting $125 off new memberships and $75 off membership renewals of preferred or premier for planners and suppliers. Use Promo Code: GIFT20 through 12/31/20.

EDUCATION: The MPI Academy has compiled a strong collection of relevant programming to our community –– members and non-members. Live webinars are being added regularly so continue to check this link https://academy.mpiweb.org/mpi/pages/webinars for more information and to register. See pages 8 and 9 for links to informative media from MPI. MPI MEMBER RESUME SUPPORT: Did you know that MPI members have access to complimentary resume critique through our career center? Members will need their MPI username/password to access this free service. Check out the MPI Career Center at https://careers.mpi.org/ EQUALITY AND JUSTICE: Driven by MPI’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, this group of leaders serve to help meeting and event professionals empower members of the MPI community to create diverse and inclusive meetings and events. If you are interested in contributing to the conversation by offering resources, feedback, concerns or testimonials, click here to complete the form. Also, you can find additional podcasts, articles, webinars, and books here.

Thank you, MPI-CC members, for your continuing support and allowing me the opportunity to serve with you. If you have any suggestions or questions, please don’t hesitate to personally connect with me at ahodges@ncacpa. org. Your hard-working Board of Directors and committee leaders are here to support you as well. As we put this uneventful year to rest, we are excited about what we can do together and all the possibilities for the year ahead.

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful and Happy New Year.

Carolina Blitz | December 2020 - January 2021 |

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Sasha Armour, CMP Mass Mutual North Carolina 919-755-3085 SArmour@financialguide.com

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

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

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

Finance VP of Finance Jamie Frydlo jfrydlo@gmail.com

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

Tradeshow Committee Chair Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM AENC 919-461-8698 Alison@aencnet.org Auction Committee Chair Needed

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

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

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

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2020 - January 2021

Look Forward,

Meet Back in Winston-Salem

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

Proud to Partner:

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

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Karen Wall

Senior Sales Manager Karen@VisitWinstonSalem.com 336.728.4210

Christian Schroeder

Director of Sales & Services Christian@VisitWinstonSalem.com 336.728.4218

Learn more about our Travel Back Rewards Program

Carolina Blitz | December 2020 - January 2021 |

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Watch Us Recover...

Settling Into a New Normal & Looking Forward

Budgeting for Uncertainty The Pandemic Edition

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2020 - January 2021

Plexiglass, To-go food, Contact-free Coffee: Safe F&B at MPI’s WEC Grapevine

Coronavirus and Meeting Industry Response and Impact

Coronavirus Dialogue Series: Pivoting from Paralyzed to Productive; Taking Control of Your Narrative and Rewriting Your Reality Navigating 2021: Important Lessons from 2020 will Help Us All

...Stronger Together!

Photography by Mica Parekh, CMP – IWP Photography

H ARRAH ’S C H EROKEE

#UNTI LW E M E ETAGAIN

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CaesarsMeansBusiness.com | 855-633-8238

| Carolina Blitz | December 2020 - January 2021

CMP Bootcamp Feb. 10 & 11, 2021 CAROLINAS CHAPTER

Taking the CMP exam in 2021 but not sure where to start? Join MPI Carolinas and Molly Johnson, CMP, QAS, for a CMP Bootcamp! This is a two day virtual event, totaling 6 hours.

Molly Johnson CMP, QAS, has been in the meetings industry over 25 years. She served three years on the Event Industry Council Item Review Panel, helping to create questions on the current CMP exam. Molly has been teaching CMP Bootcamp, which she has done for multiple MPI Chapters and hosted buyer shows, since 2016.

SIGN UP FOR CMP BOOTCAMP

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

o

eensbor

Visit Gr

WE’RE READY FOR YOU .

VisitGreensboroNC.com Carolina Blitz | December 2020 - January 2021 |

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education ICYMI (In Case You Missed It): December Spark Sessions Recap

by Nicole Filippo, CMP

Spark Sessions, launched in spring 2020, are small online group discussions that provide an opportunity for participants to connect with industry peers, gain valuable knowledge and collaborate on solutions.

On December 3, MPI-Carolinas Chapter hosted a round of Spark Sessions on imposter syndrome, human trafficking, professional/career development, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Here are just a few of the takeaways: “Own Who You Are & Let Go of Who You’re Not” Facilitated by Kristin Frade, coach, speaker, trainer • Operate your top strength purposefully.

• Everyone has different experiences. You can’t compare apples to apples because no one’s journey is the same.

• Let go: Be ok with disappointing people. Their disappointment is not your responsibility. You saying “no” opens an opportunity for someone else.

“Hidden in Plain Sight” Facilitated by Alexa Nagy, Lily Pad Haven • North Carolina consistently ranks as a Top 10 state for human trafficking.

• Human trafficking is the second largest criminal industry in the world.

• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 • Report suspicions and share hotline in venues’ bathrooms.

• Review MPI’s Anti-Human Trafficking resources.

“Journey of a Successful Event Planner” Facilitated by Nancy Lowe, CMP, FirstPoint Management Resources

• Take time to build relationships with new contacts.

Introduce yourself to new people at meetings.

• Take advantage of online educational opportunities and webinars, many of them free at Plan Your Meetings through MPI. “Start Here: Assessing Your Company’s Role in DEI” Facilitators: Tanida Mullen, CMP, CTE, TDM, co-chairs of MPI’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, & Zoe Moore, co-chair of MPI’s Diversity & Inclusions Committee • Assess your situation before creating a plan.

How did we get here? Why now? Understand stakeholders’ views and demographics before implementing initiatives.

• Before crafting a mission statement, ask how will you commit to actual change? How can your stakeholders hold you accountable?

• Be intentional with partnerships.

• Check out MPI Resources for Equality & Justice “These spark sessions are very informative and full of content as I could write a small novel about Nancy’s presentation as she hit it out of the park and was fantastic,” said Kevin Mullane, owner of Silver Oak Transportation, who participated in the session facilitated by Nancy Lowe, CMP. The chapter looks forward to continuing our learning journey in 2021!

If you’d like to volunteer to facilitate a future Spark Session or offer feedback, please send an email to nfilippo@ elon.edu.

• Find a mentor, then become a mentor.

• Take every opportunity to build relationships with hoteliers and other vendors.

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2020 - January 2021

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

Work has never looked so

DISCOVER A NEW WAY TO HOLD

MEETINGS IN MORGANTON

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

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

Jonathan Corbett

Your Safety is Our Priority

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

visitRaleigh.com/wishmeetings

Carolina Blitz | December 2020 - January 2021 |

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CAROLINAS CHAPTER

SCHOLARSHIP FUND Support a colleague in their professional journey by making a gift to the MPI-CC CMP Bootcamp Scholarship Fund. www.mpi.org/carolinas

MPI-CC CMP Bootcamp Scholarship Fund Support a colleague in their professional journey by making a gift to the MPI-CC CMP Bootcamp Scholarship Fund. 100% of the proceeds will be used to provide scholarships for attendees in future CMP Bootcamps. Gifts of all sizes are welcome as the cumulative impact can help fuel a member’s professional growth and earn their CMP credential.

The price to sponsor one full Bootcamp registration is $200. If you would like to sponsor someone specifically, please send an email to Christine Irwin.

DONATE HERE

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

NETWORKING UPTOWN STYLE

Another hidden gem

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

GoGastonNC.org 704-825-4044 | #GoGastonNC

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2020 - January 2021

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

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

See you soon at VisitGreenvilleNC.com

safely

Wonderfully eclectic meeting spaces served with a side of fun

Visit Mooresville

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

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

@VisitMooresville

#MeetMooresville

Cathy Carpenter, Director of Sales | 980-447-0666 | cathy@visitmooresville.com Carolina Blitz | December 2020 - January 2021 |

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board meeting highlights December Virtual Board Meeting Recap

by Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office

On December 14, the MPI-CC Board of Directors met for the last time in 2020. I want to start by saying I am SO proud of this resilient group of individuals. This year has easily been one of the most challenging times our industry has ever faced.

This Board is comprised of planners who had to rethink the way they held meetings, rebook meetings they had worked months and years to plan, and make last-minute shifts to a virtual world that was uncharted territory for most. This Board is comprised of suppliers who have had to endure cancellation after cancellation with the hopes that a group would simply rebook instead of canceling; suppliers who found themselves doing jobs in a hotel they’ve never had to do; and suppliers who have lived every day in fear of the dreaded “F” word... furlough. This Board is comprised of small business owners who exude the word “pivot” from every ounce of their being—working hard every day to keep their small businesses alive and keep their families afloat. Every single one of our board members has continued to show up. They are living the unimaginable right now--working from home with kids, working longer hours than ever before, attending Zoom meeting after Zoom meeting for their paying jobs, baking cookies into the early hours of the morning (get some of Mica’s Sweet Treats, y’all) and every single one of them continues to show up. They are working hard to serve the membership, keep the chapter financially stable, and continue to look toward the future.

Now, let me tell you about some wonderful things they’ve been working on!

Easily one of the most important things they have done to date is identifying the need for a 3-5 year strategic plan and the need for a 6-month plan to get us to a better place. During our mid-year retreat in November, the Board outlined areas of strength, areas of weakness, and areas of opportunity for the chapter. They outlined a few key initiatives they want to take on this year and then decided to identify three areas for each department to focus on for the next six months. Our hope is that

CarolinaBlitz Blitz| December | December 2020 2020 - January - January 2021 2021 16 | |Carolina

we’ll reengage our members, reignite our chapter’s passion, and, most importantly, recover as an industry.

Another important and difficult decision that the Board made is to transition our January meeting into a virtual event. We originally planned to meet at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree hotel, even if it had to be a hybrid event. However, with the way cases are trending and the proximity to another potentially high holiday case increase, the Board determined it was best to make January an entirely virtual event to focus solely on planning a virtual program. We will be partnering with Live Events Media Group and TechFactory Productions to bring you a program that you will not want to miss.

We intend to keep it a two half-day program over the original January 28-29 meeting dates. [Following minutes, event revised to one-day session on January 28.] I want to give a shout out to the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Hotel for working with us on this last-minute decision. Farrah Staub and her team have been nothing short of wonderful, which I know is not easy during this unsettled business climate. We have some REALLY exciting things planned for this event… mark your calendars!

Following our January chapter program, we will be holding our second virtual CMP Bootcamp with Molly Johnson, CMP, QAS, on February 10-11, 2021. Molly has donated her time and energy to the chapter’s success, and we are so thankful she has partnered with us again.

Her first Bootcamp was a huge success for attendees and our chapter and pairs well with our quarterly CMP Study Group led by Sasha Armour, CMP, and Tessa Barrier, CMP. On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our extreme gratitude for this team and their commitment to our chapter members’ professional development.

Last but certainly not least, I would like to give a huge shout out to our Annual Partners. Without their financial support, we would not be where we are today. Their support allows us to continue to serve our members, offer continuing education, and provide networking experiences. Words are not enough this year.

Platinum Sponsors Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort Visit Mooresville Diamond Sponsors Discover Durham Visit Winston-Salem Gold Sponsors The Beaufort Hotel Greater Raleigh CVB Live Events Media Group

ENGAGING

by nature

Silver Sponsors Burroughs Wellcome Fund Cabarrus County CVB Discover Burke County Fayetteville Area CVB Gaston County Greensboro CVB Hickory Metro CVB New Bern Riverfront Convention Center North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives Visit Greenville NC

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

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

SEASONAL BOOKING OFFERS NOW AVAILABLE

Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

828.322.1355 | visithickorymetro.com

800.576.1585 • KiawahMeetings.com Carolina Carolina Blitz Blitz | December | December2020 2020- -January January2021 2021| | 17

Ready, Set, Resume

by Nicole Filippo, CMP

During the 2020 MPI-CC Business XChange, Danielle Golinski, Associate Director of Career Services at Elon University, shared advice for updating resumes.

She recommends maintaining a master resume to collect all your professional experiences and accomplishments in one document. When applying for jobs, tailor a version of this resume to the job description. Customizing the resume includes incorporating skills and buzzwords relevant to the job description and industry.

When it comes to formatting, Golinski says to keep your resume clean and easy to read. Recruiters spend 7-to-10 seconds reading your resume, while application tracking systems, which are growing in use by employers, won’t be able to “see” creative design elements.

Golinski also suggests using T-charts to help you adapt your resume. “T-charts are a great way to connect the dots between you and the opportunity that you’re applying to,” she says.

To make a T-chart, create two columns. On the left “job” column, list what the employer is seeking in an ideal candidate. Reflect on what you’ve done in your career and what examples you can share in your resume to illustrate how you are the ideal candidate.

In the right “me” column, match your examples to the traits listed in the left column. Use these examples in your resume, cover letter and interview.

“You’re finding the connection points here,” Golinski said about using T-charts.

Other resume tips from Golinski: • For a work experience description, start sentences/ bullet points with action verbs, but don’t use the same verb more than once.

• Include quantifiable pieces of information in your work experience to help show the impact of your work.

• Keep references in a separate document.

• Include your education section at the bottom of the resume unless you’re just beginning your professional career.

For more career resources, check out the MPI Career Center, which includes complimentary resume critique for MPI members.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3X $680/issue $890/issue

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

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

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