Carolina Blitz - December 2018 - January 2019

Carolina Blitz December 2018 - January 2019

Volunteer Spotlight Nicole Filippo, CMP Page 8

CAROLINAS CHAPTER

JB Duke Hotel January 24-25, 2019 Durham, NC

in this issue...

features Customer Service, how do you rate?. . . . . . . . . . 15 YOU Spoke and WE Listened. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 FUN-Raising Needs You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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 Volunteer Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Creative Market | TruElegance Photos

Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Board Meeting Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019 |

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

Diamond Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019

our members Welcome New Members!

Shani Black shaniblc@yahoo.com

Brenda McKay UNC Charlotte BrendaDMcKay1@gmail.com

Kristin Cosby Mylestone Productions, LLC kristin@ mylestoneproductions.com Belinda Dublin UNC Charlotte belinda.dublin@gmail.com Lisa Duncan UNC-Charlotte lduncan12@carolina.rr.com Wayne Kearney Beaufort Hotel wayne.kearney@ concordhotels.com

Claudia Mitchell UNC Charlotte claudiakmitchell@ gmail.com Dalia Perna dperna123@gmail.com Raquel Tanon Hilton North Raleigh/ Midtown rtanon@ hiltonraleighnh.com Danielle Welsh TIAA danielle.welsh@tiaa.org

Alicia Lopez-Hilinski InterContinental New York Barclay alicia.lopez@ihg.com

First Timers and New Members at the November Mixer

Najauna White Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau najauna@durham-cvb.com

MPI-CC Anniversaries 15 Years Deborah Bowman Accents on Asheville 10 Years Emelyn Pagel Think Up Consulting 5 Years Heide Roland Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Lori Dobbins Greensboro CVB Carrie Sepesy The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel Congratulations to each of you for reaching a milestone in MPI!

Back row – Derek Noll, Pinehurst Resort; Steven Foster, CMP, Foster+Fathom, LLC; Todd Dunlap, CITE, CMP, Landry & Kling Global Cruise Events; Seth Macchi, Live Events Media Group, Inc. Front row – Caroline Grant, The Village at River Landing; Meagan Lanier, The Village at River Landing; Melinda Cole, Greensboro-High Point Marriott Airport; Karen Williams, Crowne Plaza Greenville, SC; Brenda McKay, UNC Charlotte

OUR HELPING HAND WINNER: Jamie Frydlo!

Congratulations to Jamie Frydlo for winning our MPI-CC November Helping Hand award. While Jamie has only been a part of the membership committee for a few months, he has already made a positive impact.

We appreciate his willingness to step in and help with all aspects of the chapter, including the Planners and Presidents Breakfasts, Carolinas’ XCHANGE exhibitor check-in and new member presentation. Thank you and congratulations, Jamie!

Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019 |

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monthly meeting planner January 24-25, 2019

July 18-19, 2019

Chapter Meeting Durham, NC JB Duke Hotel

March 28-29, 2019

September 19-20, 2019

Chapter Meeting Charlotte, NC Crowne Plaza Executive Park

May 19-20, 2019

BrianAJackson/iStock/Thinkstock

Chapter Meeting North Charleston, SC North Charleston Marriott

Annual Meeting Asheville, NC Renaissance Asheville Hotel

Business Exchange Cary, NC Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Research Triangle

November 7-8, 2019

Chapter Meeting Charlotte, NC Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is February 1, 2019.

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

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019

president’s message Share Yourself!

by Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP

I just returned from the MPI-CC midyear board retreat in Spartanburg, SC, where Steven Foster had an eye-opening impact on how I view and think about our chapter. Of course, I know that MPI-CC is full of some of the best that our industry has to offer. I also know that I have been blessed with some of the most amazing colleagues and friendships that I’ve had in my life. Until this retreat, I had always viewed my MPI membership as something that brings value to me. But, what I hadn’t considered was our duty and obligation to bring value back to the chapter in return. Steven made a comment about it being our responsibility to show up and get involved with the chapter. As soon as he said that, a light went off in my head and I realized that it truly is our responsibility to one another to be engaged, involved and active in this chapter. That doesn’t mean you have to show up to every meeting (although that would bring me more joy that you know), but instead means you should grab your membership by the proverbial horns and make it all that you can. We owe it to one another to give MPI-CC the best that we have to offer.

What does that entail, you might ask? The short list includes: BUY MPI! Buy services from one another, helping your peers to show their companies and bosses the value of their membership. SHOW UP! Come to our chapter meetings. Network, learn and have a lot of fun doing so. GET INVOLVED! Volunteer. We have so many opportunities to volunteer within our chapter, both for those who can attend the chapter meetings as well as those who can’t. Whether you have an hour or 10 hours to give, we have something for you. It’s so much fun and truly is the fast track to meeting other chapter members and giving back to your membership.

So, I ask you to SHARE YOURSELF with us. Buy from one another, show up when you can and get involved.

Share your stories, laugh until you cry. Build each other up, make everyone feel welcome. You won’t regret it – I promise!

Alison

Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019 |

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MPI-CC 2018-2019 Board of Administration President Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM AENC 919-461-8698 Alison@aencnet.org

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

Immediate Past President Alyce Kelly, CHSP alycek1@gmail.com

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

Marketing Committee Chair Needed

Director of Meeting Planning Deanna Griffith House, CMP, GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCM, CMM Charter 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 Ricardo Hicks Tech Factory 336-686-6895 rhicks@ techfactoryproductions.com

Education VP of Education John Cruz, CMM Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC 301-889-1143 john.cruz@bcbsnc.com

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@

Silent Auction Committee Chair Needed

wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com

XCHANGE Committee Barbara Dragan VisitGreenvilleSC 864-421-0000 bdragan@visitgreenvillesc.com

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

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019

Director of Leadership & Volunteer Development Nicole Filippo, CMP Elon University 336-278-6091 nfilippo@elon.edu

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

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

Member Engagement Committee Jamie Frydlo Hotel Indigo Raleigh Durham Airport @ RTP 919-294-9873 jfrydlo@bluegrasshotels.com

f Directors and Committees

Advocacy Committee Chair Christian Schroeder Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4218 Christian@ visitwinstonsalem.com

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

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Farrah Staub, CMP Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley 919-571-5319 farrah.staub@marriott.com Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Jennifer Kist, CMP MHI 704-607-1454 jkist@mhi.org

Leadership & Volunteer Development Committee Jemeria Lawson

The Durham Hotel 919-768-8837 jlawson@thedurham.com

Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019 |

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volunteer spotlight Volunteer Spotlight: Nicole Filippo, CMP

by Amelia Hodges, CMM, CMP

Nicole Filippo, CMP

Have you ever wondered why you should volunteer in MPI-CC? Well, our current VP of Member Engagement, Amelia Hodges, sat down with our chapter’s Director of Learning & Volunteer Development, Nicole Filippo, to get the inside scoop on why she became active in the chapter.

[Education Committee Member 2011-18; Publications Committee Member 2013-14]

AH: Let’s discuss how your journey began within MPICC! So, tell me how long you’ve been active in MPI-CC? NF: I joined MPI in 2006 and began volunteering in 2011.

My first volunteer roles involved writing articles about education sessions and member spotlights for the Carolina Blitz. I was able to meet new people, learn more about the chapter and practice my writing and proofreading skills.

attending a chapter meeting, and/or participating in our President’s and Planners’ Breakfast.

AH: Agreed. As a planner, I’m grateful for the opportunity to network with suppliers on site during education meetings. I’ve also made many new meeting industry friends turn family in the chapter! Has serving on the board benefited you professionally?

NF: I’m very grateful for the education, networking opportunities, and professional development advances made during my service in the chapter.

AH: Nicole, I’ve had the honor of working with you for the past three years in Education and currently Volunteer Development. Given your role as Director of Leadership & Volunteer Development, you identify, encourage and develop leaders within the chapter and we’re grateful to have you serve on the board. Until next time my friend! n

Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM North Carolina Association of CPAs VP of Member Engagement

AH: So, it sounds like you hit the ground running! What made you decide to become active in the chapter?

NF: I wasn’t able to regularly attend chapter meetings, so I wanted to find another way to meet members and connect with the chapter. I also saw through my former job at an association how vital volunteers are to an organization’s success. The Carolina Blitz, chapter meetings, education and professional development opportunities, and more, are managed by volunteers in service to MPI-CC members and our industry.

AH: You’re absolutely correct, volunteers play a HUGE role in our chapter’s success, and we appreciate all of their service. How long have you served on the board of directors?

NF: I’m new! I joined in July of 2018.

It’s been wonderful getting to know the other board members and having a role in the direction of the chapter. If you want to play a part in shaping our chapter’s future (and develop relationships and your professional skills), get involved by joining a committee,

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019

Make a Difference

Volunteer Today

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 www.mpi-cc.org or email Director of Leadership & Volunteer Development Nicole Filippo at nfilippo@elon.edu for more information on getting involved.

Dear Superhero, (that’d be you)

When something is unexpected and remarkable, people talk. You’ve seen what they’re saying about Greenville, SC. Expectations are high. The pressure is on. (Surely you know a thing or two about that.)

The next time you need to save the day and rescue mankind from “been there, done that” … just find the nearest phone booth. You know who to call. We’ll arrange a personalized site visit faster than the speed of light. Yeah, THAT Greenville. (Capes optional.)

We realize you have endless options when it comes to planning your next meeting or event, but you’ll find more than a destination in Greenville, SC. You’ll find the extra dose of mojo you need to accomplish something truly super.

800.351.7180

Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019 |

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education MPI-CC Education November Recap

by John Cruz, CMM

Full-Throttle Leadership: The Power of You Well the November meeting started off with a bang … literally. Our presenter Steven Foster shared some powerful insights on the value of focusing on our goals and driving to achieve them. The session began with a unifying activity that showed everyone how to effectively high-five each other. This exercise generated excitement and increased the energy in the room. Then, everyone had an opportunity to reflect and document those things in our lives that are positive and those things that are roadblocks in our lives. These were written on wooden slabs and folks had the opportunity to share their writings. The similarities were interesting and created an environment that allowed folks to unite in a common cause. The session came to end with some volunteers using their newly acquired focus and drive along with their newly improved high-five skills, to actually break their board in half. A simple analogy yet a powerful and memorable one.

Full-Throttle Goodness Our presenter Steven Foster continued our journey from the day before transitioning us to focus on our “ride” or journey in both the workplace and in life. The group had the opportunity to become more aware of the power in working together or being part of a “tribe.” The lessons taught and learned in this session were applicable for all and they inspired the group to look at MPI-CC as our Tribe or Family and see the true value and power in being an active part of that tribe. The ride came to an end with a wonderful session on taking this newly acquired focus on volunteering or contributing as a “tribe” to the next level. All attendees spent quality time on brainstorming and developing an event that would benefit a charity utilizing all our tribe’s skill sets and once again bringing awareness to the reward and value to giving back and paying it forward. The tribe left feeling inspired realizing that we all have skills and talents to contribute to a higher cause… a true Thanksgiving gift. n

MPI-CC Education January – Michael Shannon

by John Cruz, CMM

I am very excited to share that our January meeting will have Michael Shannon presenting to us on ethics.

With the start of a new year and all the challenges that may arise this powerful reminder and focus on staying on course and doing what is right is perfect timing for all of us to meet. I have had the opportunity to Michael Shannon hear Michael present and attendees are engaged and always leave with some new bits of knowledge on this topic that is so important to all of our organizations and to our own careers. I knew Michael when he was Director, Global Sales for MGM and he is currently Director, Business Development, Northeastern US for Business Events Canada. I consider Michael a valued colleague as well as a good friend. I hope you can make the meeting and his presentations. Here is a summary of what he will be sharing: Everyday Ethics for the Meetings Professional Now more than ever, meetings professionals and hospitality partners are facing ethical challenges in every

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Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019

aspect of their jobs – right and wrong is not always black and white. This session will provide relevant information that will aid them in making professional choices and understanding the impact of their choices. Walk through ethical dilemma examples and personal reactions to situations that have happened to your fellow meeting professionals and prepare yourself for future ethical conflicts that may arise.

Learner Outcomes: • SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act) and its impact • Recognizing real choices we face as planners and suppliers • Industry Standards of Excellence • “Red Flags” • Implementing a policy

John Cruz, CMM Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC VP of Education

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We’ve spent over 300 years preparing for your meeting

Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019 |

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Look Who We Spotted at...

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019

... The Marriott in November in Spartanburg, SC! Photography by Mica Parekh – IWP Photography

A WHOLE NEW VIEW ON MEETINGS It Comes Naturally.

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Energize your meetings and attendees with a well-crafted experience in Hickory, North Carolina. As an organization, we are grounded in the steady pulse of our supercharged service — a positive staple that our clients and customers count on. With advanced technology offerings, renovations throughout the facility, and a metro-wide commitment to community enrichment, we have the power you seek to amp up your next event!

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“All of the staff was very helpful and exceptional to work with – best venue staff I have ever worked with!”

– Sharnese Ransom, Executive Director

NC Association of County Directors of Social Services

Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019

800.576.1585 • KiawahResort.com/Expansion

NEW OCEANFRONT HOTEL OPENING SPRING 2021 G ROUP FACILITIE S TE AM- B UILDIN G 5 G OLF COU R SES 1 0 - MILE B E ACH VILLAS TH E SAN CTUARY LE SS TH AN 3 0 MILE S F ROM H ISTORIC CH ARLESTON

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Creative Market | salmon.black

Customer service, how do you rate?

by Mary G. Mora

When it comes to customer service, it can either rate high or it can rate low. What you teach your employees is what will keep customers coming back or having them looking and going to someone else.

I recently had an experience that triggered frustration and reminded me of what makes me stay with a supplier.

I had questions about an issue that needed a reply. I felt that the quickest way was to send an email to the person that could give me an answer. I sent the email. I did not hear back from them. Since it was not an urgent matter, I waited a week to forward the original email, in case the original had not been received, still NO REPLY. I had heard that they would be busy for a few days after I had sent my second email, so I allowed for a few days to hear from them, still NO REPLY! I decided to follow up with a phone call. Three weeks after my initial email, I called.

Guess what? When the person answered, they did not apologize. All that I was told was that my emails had been received and read, but they had been super-busy working long days! No apology given!

My response was that “Courtesy, or the lack thereof, for not acknowledging my emails was unacceptable. The fact that the emails had been received and read without a quick and brief ‘Sorry, but we will have to get back to you in a few days’ would have been appreciated.”

Lo and behold, that same afternoon I received an email with the issue explained and handled. But it took two emails and a phone call from a frustrated customer to receive a reply! As far as I am concerned, they will not be receiving referrals from me.

Long days are no excuse for lack of acknowledgment. Not having an answer to the question is no excuse for not responding. Send a quick note to confirm receipt of the email. Let the customer know that you will get back to them with the answer, and then do it!

When you show you care, respect others, and treat everyone the way you would like to be treated, you will grow your business and rate high in the referral scale.

Courtesy and Integrity, both internally and externally, should be the guidelines for how you run your business Here’s to a great 2019 year! n Appeared 11/2/2015 in MGM Speakers Bureau’s Blog.

Reprinted with permission.

Mary G. Mora Abundant Talent Connector/Owner MGM Speakers Bureau

Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019 |

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YOU spoke and WE listened.

by Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM

The MPI-CC Planners’ and President’s Breakfasts were a SUCCESS and more are coming soon! The MPI-CC Office of the President (OOTP) started a new initiative this year to learn more about what our Planner members want from our chapter. Sure, we send surveys and talk with you at networking events, but we wanted to come to YOU and have some casual conversations about what we as a chapter can do better. First, we stopped in Raleigh at the Sheraton Imperial in August then made our way to Charlotte in October to meet at the Ritz Carlton.

Here is a taste of what we talked about.

Education topics:

Meeting Formats: • More regional meetings* Both education and informal networking opportunities • Road shows – move the speakers and education around NC and SC* • Multiple tracks for members to choose from* • MPI-CC teambuilding event* • One day vs. two day events

(All have been shared with the VP of Education) • Planner specific and supplier specific options • Hottest new trends in the upcoming year • Panel discussions with legal experts and hoteliers • Deep dives into meeting basics • Hands on education – (ex. develop a risk management plan while at the meeting) • Negotiating hotel contracts • Revenue management • RFP 101 from a supplier perspective • WEC takeaways • Newest technology for meetings

Miscellaneous: • Provide an option on registration forms for members to elect to be paired up with another member at the upcoming meeting* • Planners want more planner only events at our full chapter meetings* • Most people don’t want to travel more than three hours for our meetings* Thank you to everyone who participated and be on the lookout for upcoming Suppliers’ and President’s events! If you are interested in hosting one of these events, please contact Christine Irwin with the Management office.

Christine@themanagementoffice.com. n *indicates items that were suggested at the P&P Breakfasts and have already been discussed by the Board of Directors, with action being taken to deliver.

• MPI-CC 101* What the board does to run the chapter How do members get more out of their memberships?

Updates/information on scholarships

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Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019

Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM AENC MPI-CC President

Orig inality without reservations Vanvisa and Vansana Nolintha have poured their beliefs and passions into Brewery Bhavana. Their newest gathering place blends inspired dim sum with craft beer, flowers and well-curated books in a space that celebrates creativity. It’s the kind of establishment you’d only find in Raleigh, where talked-about chefs and some of the country’s most original restaurants are thriving.

A meeting in Raleigh is an opportunity to go beyond the conference room to discover unique experiences and find greater inspiration.

Find the Top 25 Reasons to Meet in Raleigh, N.C., at visitRaleigh.com/top25.

Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019 |

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019

board meeting highlights Board of Directors Meeting Minutes November 8, 2018 | Spartanburg, SC

by Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office

Attendees: Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP; Ricardo Hicks; Maureen Donovan; Mica Parekh, CMP; Nicole Filippo, CMP; John Cruz, CMM; Deanna Griffith-House, CMP, CMM; Nicole Keshler; Christine Irwin, CMP Excused Absences: Alyce Kelly, CHSP; Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM; Michelle Castro; Selah Bideau Financials: Maureen Donovan presented the October 31 P&L. These financials were reviewed in-depth at the mid-year board retreat. Maureen called attention to line items to watch carefully for the remainder of the year.

Motion: Maureen Donovan made a motion to approve the October P&L and balance sheet as presented.

Second: Mica Parekh, CMP Vote: Approved Minutes: Nicole Keshler presented the minutes from the September 20, 2018, Board of Directors Meeting.

Motion: Nicole Keshler made a motion to approve the September 20, 2018, Board of Directors Meeting Minutes as presented.

Second: Deanna Griffith-House, CMP, CMM Vote: Approved Office Report: Christine Irwin, CMP, reviewed the agenda and meeting room locations. All of the metrics, global updates, etc were reviewed at the mid-year board retreat.

Consent Agenda: Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP, asked that everyone review the consent agenda.

Motion: Deanna Griffith-House, CMP, CMM, made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Second: Maureen Donovan Vote: Approved Helping Hand Award: Nicole Filippo, CMP, presented the two nominations for the Helping Hand Award this month.

We will carry the second nomination to the January meeting.

Meeting Planning: Deanna GriffithHouse, CMP, CMM, requested a chair for the meeting planning committee / Annual meeting.

Maureen recommended Teresa Palmieri.

Volunteers: Nicole Filippo, CMP, requested the board let her know of any volunteer needs they may have on their committees.

Nicole will also be submitting a social media campaign to communications for volunteer recruitment.

September Survey Results: John Cruz, CMM, reviewed the results from the September meeting and addressed feedback with the board. John will be moving forward with booking the January, March and May speakers after discussion at the mid-year board retreat.

Silent Auction: After discussion at the mid-year board retreat, Maureen Donovan is looking for volunteers for the auction committee. We will be revamping the Annual Silent Auction evening, so there will be little day-of set-up required in the commitment.

Monthly Team Calls: Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP announced that we will start monthly departmental calls.

We will send out a doodle poll to determine the best day of the week for each department and it will be on ongoing appointment every month. This will help us check in with each other during the months we do not have a board meeting. Look for the doodle poll from Christine in the coming weeks.

Next Board Meeting: The next board meeting will be held on January 24, 2019, at the JB Duke Hotel in Durham, NC. Meeting Adjourned. n

Jamie Frydlo is the winner of the November Helping Hand Award.

Social Media: Mica Parekh, CMP, requested more social media content from the Board.

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

Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019 |

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MEET AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL. 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.

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| Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019

visitgreensboronc.com

Donate to MPI-CC Bidding For Good Online Auction to take place January 23 – February 4

If you were offered complimentary ad placement, guaranteed to reach a targeted audience of more than 350,000 people, wouldn’t you take advantage of it? MPI-CC is doing just that with our online auction, hosted on the Bidding For Good (BFG) website, www. biddingforgood.com. Travel packages and hotel stays are the MOST popular items on BFG, giving you another way to promote your hotel or destination to a new, diverse audience.

Last year, winning bidders of the MPI-CC Online Auction were from Seattle to Florida – even Canada-- and of course our own MPI-CC members. Each donation of at least a twonight stay gets a custom web page with your logo, four pictures and a description.

Please support your chapter by donating a two-night stay for this online fundraiser. We ask all donations be in by January 4, 2019. If you miss the deadline, send it in anyway; we have another online auction scheduled for March! If a two-night stay is not practical, consider donating a one-night stay to the Special Raffle to take place at the annual seeting in Asheville….details to follow.

The FUN-raising Committee appreciates all those who donate to and participate in our chapter fundraisers. We will be available at the January meeting to answer any questions you might have regarding these opportunities and of course donations will be graciously accepted. Donation forms are available on the MPI-CC website.

If you need additional information, contact; Maureen Donovan VP of Finance 910-344-6805 mdonovan@wrighsville.holidayinnresorts.com Funds raised at the auctions and with raffles go to enhance member education, member opportunities, and meeting agendas.

Carolina Blitz | December 2018 - January 2019 |

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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 Mica Parekh, CMP - IWP Photography 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 bi-monthly basis and nominations are accepted all the time! Please send your nomination to April Ferguson, CMP, CMM at aprilferguson10@gmail.com.

Thank you for helping recognize your fellow members!!

Contributing Writers Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM, Global Knowledge; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Company; John Cruz, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina; Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM, North Carolina Association of CPA; Nicole Filippo, CMP, Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; Maureen Donovan, Holiday Inn Resort - Wrightsville Beach, NC; Mary G. Mora, MGM Speakers Bureau Photographer Mica Parekh, CMP - IWP Photography Proofreaders Kathy Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office; Teresa Palmieri, Sheraton Imperial; Myron Jones, Fayetteville CVB; Lynn Rich, CMP, American Express Meetings & Events; Nancy Lowe, CMP, NC Medical Society; Ginny Fountain, CMP, CMM, NC Association of Electric Cooperatives; Melinda Mowry, DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern - Riverfront 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-cc.org

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.

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.

January 24-25, 2019 JB Duke Hotel | Durham, NC

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-cc.org for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities!