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

• Find a mentor, then become a mentor.

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

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

DISCOVER A NEW WAY TO HOLD MEETINGS IN MORGANTON

Your Safety is Our Priority

Work has never looked so

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.

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

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

visitRaleigh.com/wishmeetings

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

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

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

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

Wonderfully eclectic meeting spaces served with a side of fun safely

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