Carolina Blitz, Fall 2023

Carolina Blitz Fall 2023

November Chapter Meeting Ritz Raleigh | Raleigh, NC November 1-2, 2023

CAROLINAS CHAPTER Carolina Blitz | Fall 2023 | 1

WH E R E M O D E R N WOND E R S M E E T TH E WO ND E R S O F O UR WO R L D.

MAKE YOUR MEETINGS

Boricua [boh-ree-kwah] is more than a word to identify a person from Puerto Rico.

It’s a way of life that means f inding inspiration wherever you look and sharing it with whomever you meet. From our ultra-modern convention center to our incredible beaches, history and culture, every attendee will be as inspired as we are.

Learn more at DiscoverPuertoRico.com/meetings.

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In This Issue FEATURES Engage to Entertain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 August Education Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 November Continuing Ed Highlights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

IN EVERY ISSUE Our Annual Sponsors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Our Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Monthly Meeting Planner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MPI-CC Board & Committee Chairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

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Carolina Blitz 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.

The Carolina Blitz is the official publication of the Carolinas Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and is published quarterly. All contributions, articles, and photographs should be submitted to Publications Committee Chair/Editor.

Send to Cathy Mauldin, CMP - CathyMauldin@gmail.com EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE VP of Marketing and Communications Melanie Mason, CMP • EnsembleIQ Editor Cathy Mauldin, CMP • DESA, Inc. Onsite at CDM Smith Contributing Writers Najauna White, CMP, CDE®, Miles Partnership, MPI-CC President; Lynne Krekelberg, Windsor Hospitality Group; Lori Hedrickm Burroughs Wellcome Fund; Malinda Harrell, Visit Raleigh; Rachel Whitten, CMP, Greenville-Pitt County CVB Photographer Mica Parekh, CMP Proofreaders Molly Pusateri, The Management Office; Melanie Mason, CMP, EnsembleIQ; Peggy Anderson, CMP, Anderson & Company 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

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, CMP, MPI-CC Vice President of Membership, rwhitten@greenvillenc.gov for more information on getting involved.

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ADVERTISING RATES AND DEADLINES AD SIZE FREQUENCY MEMBER RATE Quarter Page 1X $220 (3 1/2”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $200/issue 6X $160/issue Half Page Horizontal 1X $420 (7 1/4”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $400/issue 6X $360/issue Half Page Vertical 1X $420 (3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 3X $400/issue 6X $360/issue Full Page 1X $640 (8 1/2”W x 11”H) 3X $620/issue 6X $580/issue Full Page Insert 1X $700/issue 3X $680/issue 6X $640/issue (Produced and provided by advertiser)

NON-MEMBER RATE $290 $270/issue $230/issue $550 $530/issue $490/issue $550 $530/issue $490/issue $840 $820/issue $780/issue $910/issue $890/issue $850/issue

There are four issues of the Carolina Blitz published yearly.

Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall NOTE: Rates are published as of January 2023, and are subject to change without notice. All published rates are net non-commissionable. 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!

THANK YOU

TO OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS We Appreciate Your Support!

Platinum Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

Carolina Blitz | Fall 2023 | 3

UNPARALLELED MEETINGS WITH UNIQUE OPTIONS FOR ALL Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is the perfect place to hold your meeting.

Big or small, we’ll make sure your attendees are taken care of. Our talented culinary team is ready to create a tailored group dining experience to delight your guests. With a full-service spa and world-class dining options, Kalahari has everything you need, and the amenities your guests want, to ensure your event is successful.

KalahariMeetings.com | Call 855-411-4605 to learn more | Follow Us:

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› 200,000 square feet of flexible event space › Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking › Easily accessible for the public. Just two hours or less from major cities › Diverse team-building options available on-site › Nearly 1,000 guest rooms & suites at all locations | ©2022 Kalahari Management Co. LLC

Engage to Entertain The Laughter and Joy of Being an Active MPI Carolinas Chapter Member New and old friends of MPI-CC, are you ready for a rollercoaster of laughter and insight? Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of MPI-CC and exploring why it's absolutely crucial to be an engaged member of this dynamic organization. But hey, who says we can't have a little fun while we're at it?

Laughter is the Best Networking Icebreaker Picture this: You walk into an MPI-CC event, and everyone seems to know everyone else. It can be intimidating, right?

Well, fear not, because a well-timed joke or a hearty laugh can break the ice faster than you can say "event logistics.”

Engaging with fellow members through humor not only makes you memorable but also helps you form connections more effortlessly.

The Comedy of Learning MPI-CC offers fantastic educational opportunities.

Sure, the subjects might seem daunting, like event sustainability or data analytics, but hey, we've all been there! Engaging in these sessions with an open mind and a sense of humor can turn even the most challenging topics into delightful learning experiences. Remember, it’s all about “edu-tainment”!

"Who's That MPI Rockstar?"

The Inside Jokes Every organization has its share of inside jokes, and MPICC is no exception. From the infamous "Coffee Mishap of 2019" to the legendary "Fire Drill of 2023”, these moments are like comedy gold glue that ties us together with fun memories and stories to share. To truly appreciate them, you must be an active member who's been in on the action.

Who knows, you might even become the protagonist of the next chapter in our inside joke history!

The MPI Comedy Roast Now, who doesn't love a good roast? Engaged members often find themselves at the center of playful ribbing all in good fun. Being roasted by your MPI-CC family is a rite of passage: a testament to the bonds formed through engagement. Just remember, the roastee is often the one having the last laugh!

In the world of MPI-CC, engagement is not just about professional growth; it's also about finding joy in the journey. So, as you embark on this laughter-filled adventure, remember that being an engaged member isn't just a commitment; it's an invitation to join the comedy club of the event industry. Embrace the humor, cherish the connections, and prepare for a lifetime of memorable moments. Welcome to MPI-CC, where every day is a punchline waiting to happen!

Being an active member means you'll find yourself in various roles, from volunteering to leading committees.

These experiences can catapult you into the spotlight as an MPI-CC rockstar. And who doesn't want to be famous within our circle? So, embrace your inner comedian, and soon enough, people will be saying, "Hey, isn't that the person who gave that hilarious speech at the last MPI-CC event?"

Rachel Whitten, CMP Visit Greenville NC MPI-CC VP of Membership [with OpenAI, ChatGPT]

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Our Members Welcome New Members!

The Membership Engagement squad would like to welcome all of our new members! You should have, or should soon be, receiving a few things: • A welcome email from me, I serve as your VP of membership engagement.

• An email/phone call from your personal chapter ambassador to help you get connected with the folks who will help you get what you are looking for out of the chapter and help get you plugged into the right volunteer role.

Julie Hungate Corporate Travel Management julieh@goctm.com Lisa Krass Prestige | Global Meeting Source lisakrass00@gmail.com

• An invite to a virtual BYOLunch and Learn. This is a short intro to our chapter that happens about 2 weeks before each in-person event.

Pamela Lietz Red Dirt Oaks dba TapSnap PamelaL@TapSnap.net

As an organization that is relationship-fueled, and whose leadership is volunteer-based, we are excited to have you, your energy, your experience and your thoughts here!

Cheryl Massey Massey Marketing and Media clmassey@gmail.com

We look forward to learning more about you and answering any questions that you have! You can reach out to your chapter ambassador or me (Rachel@VisitGreenvilleNC.com) at any time* with questions or thoughts!

Until our next adventure, I hope you have an EPIC day!

Mike Mincello AVEX Audio Visual mike.mincello@goavex.com Melinda Mowry DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern - Riverfront

*there is also an anonymous suggestion box on our website that you can submit to 24/7!

Elizabeth Nechio Gifted Travel Network liznechio@gmail.com

New Members July 2023 - October 2023: Neil Curiel Discover Durham neil@discoverdurham.com

Elizabeth Page UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel and Conference Center elizabeth.page@ unccharlottemarriott.com

Sara Ellerbroek sara.ellerbroek@whitelodging.com

Lindsey Paige linds@paigepatisserie.com

Chandler Garnett Experience Columbia SC cgarnett@experiencecolumbiasc.com

LaTosha Smith Lenovo lsmith8@lenovo.com

LeAnne Giambrone leannegiambrone@outlook.com

Shayna Tiller CI-Group Shayna.tiller@ci-group.com

Jason Arnold JasonArnold@ExploreCabarrus.com Alex Bentzon North Carolina Football Club abentzon@northcarolinafc.com Abigail Bridges bridges.abigailg@gmail.com Katie Brown FORVIS KATIE.BROWN@FORVIS.COM Mamie Bush Boeing mamie.c.bush@boeing.com

Samantha Green Ewald Visit Charlotte samantha.green@visitcharlotte.com

Mendy Cunningham IIBEC mndy.hwrd@gmail.com

Jenna Heino Emburse jennamarie.heino@gmail.com

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Erin Whitsitt Kiawah Island Golf Resort Erin_Whitsitt@kiawahresort.com Jessica Wiitala High Point University jwiitala@highpoint.edu

Anniversaries 15 Years

DISCOVER YOUR NEXT EVENT DESTINATION Host up to 300 guests with ease

Tricia Endicott Tricia Endicott Events

10 Years Barbara Evans Burroughs Wellcome Fund Ricardo Hicks Tech Factory Productions Tammy Jeffries Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau Tiffany Joyner AICPA Sharon Sparrow Lawyers Mutual Liability Insurance Company Leah Winstead APEX Analytix

5 Years

We want to hear from

Caroline Grant CWT Meetings & Events Seth Macchi Live Events Media Group (LEMG) Linda Meunier Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits Najauna White Miles Partnership

Rachel Whitten, CMP Visit Greenville NC MPI-CC VP of Membership

Share your feedback with the MPI-CC Board of Directors on ways we can enhance your membership at the chapter level. Visit our digital

suggestion box

Carolina Blitz | Fall 2023 | 7

Work has never looked so

IS IN PROGRESS!

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.

46,194

SQUARE FEET WILL BE ADDED FOR MEETINGS, TRADE SHOWS & SPORTING EVENTS BY SUMMER 2024!

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

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Sarah D. Jones, CMP, TMP Director of Sales and Marketing 828-322-1335 • sarah@hickorymetro.com VisitHickoryMetro.com @visithickorymetro

SOME CONVERSATIONS ARE EVEN BETTER

When They’re Tabled

From intimate to grand, our meeting spaces and breathtaking views set the stage for connection and collaboration. Make moments count at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

844.958.0670 MeetatKiawah.com

SOUT C A R2023 O L I N A| 9 Carolina Blitz | HFall

Monthly Meeting Planner April 11, 2024 Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) February 2024 Annual Meeting Asheville, NC

Photo by 2hmedia on unsplash

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, December 15, 2023.

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

Meet over cocktails ...or spreadsheets.

YOU’RE WELCOME.

You’re welcome to work hard and play hard in Greensboro.

VISITGREENSBORONC.COM

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MPI-CC 2023-2024 Board of Directors and Chairs Leadership

President Najauna White, CMP, CDE Miles Partnership Najauna.white@gmail.com

President-Elect Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University nicole.filippo@gmail.com

Immediate Past President Brandon Crumpton Key Signature Entertainment brandon@keysignatureonline.com

Awards Committee Chair Chair needed

Chapter Administrator Christine Irwin, CMP The Management Office Christine@ themanagementoffice.com

Communications VP of Marketing and Communications Melanie Mason, CMP EnsembleIQ Melanie.mason35@gmail.com

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

Social Media Committee Chair Ebony Loadholt Urban Sustainability Directors Network ebonyloadholt@usdn.org

Education Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Jessica Garrett, CMP streamlineevents jessica.garrett@streamlinevents.com Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Tessa Barrier, CMP MHI TBarrier@mhi.org

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion VP Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Kathryn Short Visit Raleigh kshort@visitRaleigh.com

Finance VP of Finance Karen Wall Visit Winston-Salem karen@visitwinstonsalem.com

Tradeshow Committee Chair Christian Schroeder Visit Winston-Salem Christian@visitwinstonsalem.com

Auction Committee Chair Nicole Keshler Visit Raleigh Nkeshler@visitraleigh.com

Member Engagement VP of Membership Rachel Whitten, CMP Visit Greenville NC RWhitten@greenvillenc.gov

Member Engagement Chair Melissa Woodruff Maritz Global Events melissa.woodruff@maritz.com

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Look Who We Spotted...

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at the August Chapter Meeting Carolina Blitz | Fall 2023 | 13

August Education Recap > How to Leverage Vertical Video Content for Your Destination and Meeting Experience As TikTok Platform Manager at Miles Partnership, Hayden Pigott creates the company’s organic social media strategy for TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube Shorts. She presents to industry partners the value of social media and works with destination marketing organizations to craft content about their destinations. An average day finds her creating a social media content calendar, posting TikTok content for a client, editing a vertical video for an attraction, prepping her next presentation deck, researching the latest trends in social and crafting SEO-friendly captions. With over 50K followers across three personal accounts, TikTok is where Hayden spends virtually all of her time.

A University of Texas graduate, Hayden helped create the internship program at Miles Partnership for the Colorado office, and she is a member of the DEI committee and Team Green initiative. For the DEI committee, we successfully placed Black haircare products in hotel rooms for conference attendees at the 2022 Destinations International Annual Convention in Toronto

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to show that without even thinking about it, the travel industry can be biased toward travelers of color.

MPI-Carolinas Chapter August 2023 event kicked off with Hayden’s presentation on How to Leverage Vertical Video Content for Your Destination and Meeting Experience. She emphasized the importance of developing a social media strategy with TikTok being the 6th most used platform in the world today surpassing 1 billion monthly active users.

TikTok is a hub for viral trends and challenges such as songs, dances and other trends that quickly go viral as users share the content to other social media platforms. This then brings in new users who are enticed to either participate or follow the creators they like.

Why does all of this social media buzz matter to destination and meeting experiences? The answer is simple, every destination or meeting venue wants to be noticed, to stand out among the rest, to virtually show how much fun you will have/have had at their location. We used to have a saying, “keeping up with the times”, in today’s ever-changing market, social media offers a new and creative way to engage your audience on a platform they love to use.

Your brand can stand out if it pushes out highly entertaining content that resonates with the audience. https://influencermarketinghub.com/what-is-tiktok/ Did you know there are now 11% of TikTok users 50+ years old? The people using the platform are getting older & that is why it should be part of any marketing mix with 56% of global web traffic coming from phones!

> > > > > > > > > > > > > HOW TO GET STARTED: ■ Spend time on the platform and pay attention to how others are making it work.

■ Launch branded hashtag challenges to help you generate tons of user-generated content and gain visibility on the platform.

■ TikTok offers brands the option of running paid ads, this could be part of your overall marketing strategy to get your brand out in front of the right audience and attract potential customers.

■ Vertical video is on the move right now with so many cool options for editing, voiceovers, filters and effects, live stream and more. Pick a method you like and get practicing!

■ Have fun with it! Social media is meant to reach audiences around the world with fun, entertaining trends that capture everyone’s attention, build momentum, and ultimately become viral. Who wouldn’t want to be part of a viral trend these days?

The Power of Engagement, How to Succeed in Diverse, Dynamic Environments During the MPI-CC August meeting in Charlotte, Mitch Savoie Hill, CPC of SavHill Consulting delivered an impressive presentation titled "The Power of Engagement, How to Succeed in Diverse, Dynamic Environments."

Despite her small stature, Mitch was a dynamo on stage, captivating the audience with her insights. She began by discussing the three rules of engagement:

Lynne Krekelberg Windsor Hospitality Group

being present, connecting, and communicating.

She then delved deeper into each rule, providing practical advice on active listening, setting clear expectations, and understanding the four behavior styles of communication. The presentation was both educational and inspirational, with attendees on the edge of their seats throughout. For those who were unable to attend, Mitch's book, "VOLAR How to Turn Roadblocks Into Runways to Success," is available for purchase at www.volarnow.com.

To contact Mitch, visit her website at www.savhillconsulting.com or email her at info@savhillconsulting.com.

Lori Hedrick, CMM, CMP, CSEP Burroughs Wellcome Fund

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THERE’S MORE TO US SAVE THE DATE APRIL 11, 2024 #GMID2024 #MeetingsMatter JOHN POOLE 704.456.7968 • johnpoole@explorecabarrus.com

ExploreCabarrus.com

Welcome 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 16 | Carolina Blitz | Fall 2023

November

Continuing Ed Highlights

The next chapter meeting will find us at the Ritz Raleigh November 1-2 for networking, celebration and education opportunities.

Education sessions will cover hotel trends, AI, and tech tools. All courses have been approved by the Events Industry Council (EIC) as a Preferred Provider of the below-listed continuing education courses, which qualify for CMP continuing education credit.

For more information on the sessions, speakers, or the event please visit MPI-CC.

Hotel Trends and the Outlook for 2024 Presented by Daryl Cronk Wow! The hotel industry has been on a wild ride in recent years, from the depths of the pandemic to a soaring recovery!

And let me tell you, not all industry segments and destinations recovered at the same pace, but that's okay because the industry has experienced some significant shifts this year! During this session, you are going to learn about the latest performance trends in the hotel industry and the outlook for 2024, based on data extracted from the STR report. Get ready to be blown away!

Everything You Need to Know About Artificial Intelligence...

But Didn't Know to Ask Presented by Jim Spellos ChatGPT has revolutionized our lives since November 2022! Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already making a significant impact on the tasks and requirements needed for today's hospitality professionals. While some may fear that AI will replace the need for certain workers, including meeting planners, most organizations understand that this is not the case. However, the skill sets and tasks required to excel in the job are evolving.

Attend this session to stay up-to-date on the various tech tools that will impact your career now and in the future!

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After participating in this session, you’ll be able to: • Understand what generative AI means, and how that impacts the results received • Understand the essentials of ChatGPT usage, including constructing optimal prompts, usage of Plug-Ins, and other features • Identify 30+ AI tools that can support your work • Understand how current AI technology will continue to evolve

Your Essential Digital Toolbox: Making the Most of Tech Tools to Enhance Your Productivity Presented by Jim Spellos There are so many amazing tools and services out there for meeting professionals to use!

With thousands of apps, web resources, and digital shortcuts available, it can be tough to know which ones are the real lifesavers. But fear not! With a little bit of effort, you can build the ultimate digital toolbox that always has the perfect tool for every job. And the best part? Most of these tools are completely free! Whether you're looking to build an app (yes, you can do that for free!), optimize your organization's social presence, or simply make your work easier and more efficient, this session is an absolute must.

Get ready to supercharge your productivity and take your skills to the next level!

After attending this session, you’ll be able to: • Identify over 30 digital tools to enhance your productivity • Learn how to develop a conference app at no cost • Understand critical desktop shortcuts & advanced mobile tips • Use artificial intelligence tools to expedite your workflow

Molly Pusateri The Management Office

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DEI:

Why DEI is Important to Me

I have MS, but it doesn't have me!

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INVISIBLE – MY STORY 2006 The fear of the unknown has a way of hijacking your emotional and physical state.

On a Friday night, a friend and I were catching up at my house, listening to music. It was a fun time until I couldn’t move or feel my hands. At that moment it was one of the scariest things that I had ever experienced. I was startled and confused and couldn’t stop screaming, “I can’t feel my hands!” My first thought was that I was having a stroke. After she calmed me down a bit, she took me to the emergency room.

Have you ever heard any of these statements before?

But you look so well. You don’t look sick. You can't be that sick if you've managed to work this whole time. It could be worse. I’m also really tired, so I know how you feel. You are doing so much better than the others I know with (insert illness).

Spoiler alert: I HAVE and during what felt like some of the most confusing and terrifying moments of my life.

There is no one adopted medical definition of what an invisible illness is and there is a long list of conditions: these are generally chronic conditions with debilitating pain and fatigue symptoms that can’t be easily recognized just by looking at someone. Many people with invisible illnesses may look healthy on the outside not only to their friends, family and colleagues but also to trained professionals.

When we arrived, the triage nurse asked me if I had been drinking...well, I did have one drink, a Diet Dr Pepper. “That doesn't make your hands numb, does it?” I asked her. She didn’t find it amusing and they sent me home with no answers, numb hands and all. My friend and I had both realized that they had decided that I was intoxicated and did not believe me.

There are no words that I can use to describe the overwhelming sense of helplessness that I felt at that very moment. This was my first INVISIBLE experience. My friend looked at my hands (INVISIBLE) The nurses and doctors looked at my hands (INVISIBLE) I looked at my hands (INVISIBLE). But I knew it was REAL. Eventually I went to a neurologist, and after a couple of months I was finally diagnosed with a neurological condition called Transverse Myelitis. I know what you are saying ...What in the ...is that?! My thoughts exactly, long story short, it's a neurological disorder and my doctor told me that I had a 50% chance of developing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) because of it.

MS is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).

The doctor prescribed a medication for two weeks that I was told may or may not bring the feeling back to my hands. There are no words to describe the overwhelming sense of helplessness that I felt at that very moment.

However, thankfully after a few weeks the sensation came back to my hands. I was so appreciative that the medication worked! I had use of my hands again…I could FEEL!

2008 “IT” came back….

Malinda Harrell, CMP Fellow, CASE Visit Raleigh MPI-CC Past President

In some circles I was referred to as the “Queen of Sole” due to my love of stilettos. Along with some other symptoms, I started experiencing numbness and stinging in my arms, hands and my beloved stiletto-clad feet. So, walking in 5-inch heels proved to Carolina Blitz | Fall 2023 | 21

be, let me say...an express route to the floor! At that point I should have just worn flats, right? I am almost embarrassed to say, it wasn't until my feet were dragging the ground before I stopped wearing my strappy, slinky 5-inch sassy sandals. I knew I was being tested for MS among other things and I was scared, mostly of the unknown. But, when I couldn't wear my Stilettos anymore, or type an email, simply grasp an object without dropping it...it became REAL (again).

Happy Birthday –

YOU HAVE MS, THERE IS NO CURE. I had my diagnosis appointment on August 1, 2008, my birthday. My first reaction was, My life is over. Who is going to take care of my family? Who is going to take care of me?

Oh and of course, what about me wearing my STILETTOS? Ok, so I guess shoes should have been the last thing on my mind, but at five feet tall, heels had become sort of like an American Express card, I never left home without them.

My entire life changed, and nobody knew. The outer shell looked fine, (just shorter without the heels) I felt helpless and if I tried to explain, it just made me feel worse. So, I became famous for the "I'm fine," standard answer all the time, no one knew the difference.

I was relieved when I was finally diagnosed. Now at least I knew, if you know your enemy’s method of attack you know which weapons to use to fight back. I found out I had MS in 2008 and I am extremely fortunate because 30+ years ago

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that makes your immune system attack your own nerve cells disrupting the signals between your brain and body.

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MS can cause a variety of symptoms, such as vision problems, numbness, weakness, fatigue, pain, and cognitive difficulties, depending on which nerves are affected.

medication did not exist to slow down the progression of the disease.

When I was diagnosed, I spent years of treatment by injecting myself with a needle every day. It was definitely not my idea of a good time, and I still have scarring to this day. However, I was willing to do whatever it took to keep me moving.

A few years ago, I was able to switch my medications to pill form. It is encouraging to know that there are multiple options to treat individuals with MS, including other disease-modifying therapies like infusions. I have good days and days that could use a lot of improvement.

Regardless, I vow to be an example to others and myself in understanding and compassion.

For the children of a mother who passed away last year due to complications of MS, for those who use wheelchairs and assistive devices, those who live through the fatigue, the pain, numbness, loss of control and every "I'm fine," I am an advocate for US and a CURE.

I have MS, but it doesn’t have ME!

MS is unpredictable and varies from person to person. Some people have mild symptoms and few relapses, while others have severe disability and frequent attacks.

Still wearing Stilettos (In Spirit), Malinda Harrell, Queen of Sole

MS affects about 2.8 million people worldwide, and is more common in women, people of northern European descent, and those who live in temperate climates.

MS is not contagious, but it may have genetic and environmental factors that influence its development.

Researchers are working to find the causes, risk factors, and better treatments for MS.

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Our Latest Expansion

is a Work of Art

Centrally located in North Carolina, Winston-Salem is a welcoming meeting destination with a history committed to reinvention and innovation. Named one of the South’s Best Cities on the Rise by Southern Living, Winston-Salem boasts the recently expanded 150,000-square-foot Benton Convention Center in the heart of our vibrant, walkable downtown. Elevate your next event in Benton South’s reimagined meeting space featuring the 24,000-square-foot Gallery Ballroom. Winston-Salem will have you looking forward to playing, meeting, and staying in our hip and historic city.

5,300 HOTEL ROOMS

100+ DOWNTOWN

UP TO $3,000 IN

1, 200 Downtown

Restaurants & Shops

Meeting Incentives

Create your next meeting masterpiece at VisitWinstonSalem.com | Fall 2023 24 | Carolina Blitz