Carolina Blitz
Annual Meeting, Awards Gala & 2026 Board Installation
Beaufort Hotel | Beaufort, NC
November 2-4, 2025
CAROLINAS CHAPTER
THE CHAT BOT
NATALIE ENNIS
Carolina Blitz
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 MPI-CC Publications Chair. Send to Rachel Mintel - mintel.rachel@gmail.com.
EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Publications Chair and Editor Rachel Mintel, UNC Chapel Hill
Contributing Writers
Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University, MPI-CC President | Rachel Whitten, CMP, Visit Greenville, NC, MPI-CC VP of Education | Alex Morales, Kessler Collection, MPI-CC VP of Member Engagement | Star Robertson, Parks Hospitlity Group, MPI-CC VP of DEI | Floyd Isley, Atrium Hospitality The North Carolina Collection | Deanna Jones, Harmony LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce | Candice Batts, CMP, Medical Leverage | Maria Lopez, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau
Proofreaders
Melanie Mason, CMP, EnsembleIQ | Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University | Rachel Mintel, UNC Chapel Hill | Margo Ginsberg, CMP, Duke University
Publisher
Elizabeth Pike, CMP and Toni Floback Greiner Treeline Associates - info@mpicarolinas.org
Advertising
Elizabeth Pike, CMP and Toni Floback Greiner Treeline Associates - info@mpicarolinas.org
Design
Kistin Creative Studio • 704-724-9188 • kistincreative.com
MPI-CC Web Site: www.mpi.org/carolinas
ADVERTISING RATES AND DEADLINES AD SIZE FREQUENCY
Quarter Page 1x/year
(3 1/2”W x 4 3/4”H) 4x/year
Half Page Horizontal 1x/year $420 $550 (7 1/4”W x 4 3/4”H) 4x/year $400/issue $530/issue
Half Page Vertical 1x/year $420 $550 (3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 4x/year $400/issue $530/issue
Full Page 1x/year $640 $840 (8 1/2”W x 11”H) 4x/year $620/issue $820/issue
(Produced and provided by advertiser)
There are four issues of the Carolina Blitz published yearly. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.
NOTE: Rates are published as of February 2025, 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.
For more advertising information contact Treeline Associates - info@mpicarolinas.org Visit our website at www.mpi.org/carolinas for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities! Share your feedback with
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: Elizabeth Pike, CMP and Toni Floback Greiner Treeline Associates - info@mpicarolinas.org PO Box 879, Lake Orion, MI 48361
Platinum Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
President’s Message
The Power of Community
Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University MPI-CC President
It’s been an honor to serve as Chapter President this year . I’ve truly valued the chance to learn, grow, and lead alongside so many of you .
When I look back, it’s not only the milestones and accomplishments that stand out, but also the moments that made this journey so meaningful—warm hugs from friends I’ve made through the chapter, laughing together over drinks during receptions, singing karaoke late into the evening, and yes, even wearing the wolf ears at the Great Wolf Lodge. Those are the memories that remind me of the joy and connection this community brings.
I’m deeply grateful to our Board of Directors, whose commitment and leadership have helped guide the chapter forward. To our volunteers, thank you for sharing your time and talents so generously. And to our sponsors and partners, thank you for your unwavering support, which makes it possible for us to deliver education and create opportunities to build relationships.
Though this is my last note in the Blitz, it is not a goodbye. I look forward to staying engaged, supporting our next leaders, and continuing to connect with many of you in the months ahead.
While change is always part of the journey, one thing remains steady: the power of community. I encourage you to keep finding ways to engage with the chapter— whether that’s volunteering on a committee, reaching out to someone new at our next event, grabbing coffee (virtually or in person) with a fellow member, or joining us at the Annual Meeting in Beaufort, NC. Each touchpoint strengthens the supportive network we share.
Our Members
New Member Spotlight
Courtney Meyer
Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association (PALTmed)
Where do you currently work and how long have you been there?
Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association (PALTmed) since May 2025.
Tell me about your position and the organization you are with.
At the time of writing this, I've been at PALTmed for 2 weeks as their Coordinator of Meetings & Events. PALTmed is a member organization that represents medical directors, physicians, and other practitioners working in skilled nursing facilities, home care, hospice, and other post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) settings. PALTmed provides education, resources, and advocacy to empower clinicians to provide person-centered care across the post-acute and long-term care continuum. In my role, I oversee and manage the registration process for chapter meetings and the annual conference. At the annual conference held every March, I will be the lead of registration onsite, prepare materials, and coordinate shipments. For the annual conference, I am also involved in preparing the prospectus, setting up the exhibitor management system, and providing support to exhibitors/sponsors.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading, traveling, volunteering in my community, and going to dog or pug-specific events with my pugs Maggie and Cole. I am new to the Durham, NC area, just moved in March with my husband and our two pugs. I've been getting to know the area by trying out new restaurants, bars, and attending different local events (e.g., Brewgaloo NC Craft Beer Festival 2025!). To fuel my passion for being involved in my community, I'm also a member of the Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties. The league's mission is to advance women's leadership by impactful community projects through volunteering, collaborating, and training. So far, I've had the opportunity to serve food to unhoused individuals and families at the Urban
Ministries of Durham and be a greeter at one of the gardens featured at the 2025 Hillsborough Garden Tour. Each year in the League we are assigned a "placement" where we pick our top 3 committees that we want to serve on. For the 2025-26 year, my placement is on the Event Planning Committee, where I'll assist with coordinating and planning the League's general monthly membership meetings and other core league events throughout the year.
Why did you join MPI Carolinas Chapter?
With being new to the area, I wanted to meet other people locally who are in the industry and build connections. I also joined for the professional development opportunities and to keep up with changes within the industry at the local level.
What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a career in our industry?
That you can gain experience in events and meetings without having an "official" title that has the words meeting, events, and conferences in the title. The job I currently have is the first job I've had with the "official" words in the title, but I have gained skills, knowledge, and experience in coordinating events and conferences over the past ten years that has led me to where I am now. I've done that by creating opportunities for myself (hey, why don't we do a conference about____next year!) and volunteering to be a part of the team that manages events/conferences/meetings at previous jobs.
What is your ideal vacation/vacation spot?
My ideal vacation spot is somewhere on a secluded beach, sitting in a beach chair with a few good books.
Welcome New Members!
Gray Allen
Nancy Bowman Visit High Point
Christian Brown Kingston Resorts
Patti Casas
Wedding & Event Planner
DoubleTree by Hilton Greensboro Airport
Jessica Cutler
Melissa Durham
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront
Marc Eder DayOf
Amy Lucia Cvent Inc
Zoe Macinsky Chainlink Labs
MPI-CC Anniversaries
August - October 2025
20 Years
Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University
15 Years
Alyce Kelly, CHSP The Beaufort Hotel
10 Years
Tracie Garrett, CMP, CEM North Carolina Home Builders Association
5 Years
Shannon Blinn Wells Fargo
Christine Patterson
Charles Mack Citizen Center
1 Year
Kim Bradford, CIS The Set Collection
Travis Brisbon
Triangle Corporate Coach
Christian Brown
Kingston Resorts
Brandon Duff Beat The Bomb
Marc Eder DayOf
Tammy Gosselin
Megan Johnson
Andrea Pelletier Strayer University
Rah-mah Pelzer-Elue
Jazmine Reaves
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Tara Spencer
San Diego State University, L Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism
Frank Thompson AVMetro, Inc.
Kristina Wheeless
June 27 - September 5, 2025
Sarah Moore
JoAnne Oncea HelmsBriscoe
LaTonya Richardson
Unitarian Universalist Association
Sharonica Smedley
Treeline Associates, Inc
Frank Thompson AVMetro, Inc
Meet The
Member
Angie Rodgers
Marriott Winston-Salem and Benton Convention Center
My guilty pleasure: Ordering McDonald's "because my son wanted it."
Favorite Vacation Spot?
For relaxation, Kure Beach, NC. For family, I go every July 4th to Dayton, Ohio to see all of my relatives. I have plenty of travel aspirations and am lucky enough to get to go on some adventures through work.
What's your favorite part of being a member of MPI-CC?
It's like a little hospitality family reunion every few months, and also a great opportunity to catch up with people, network, and meet new members. I also enjoy experiencing new places in the Carolinas. And honestly, where else are you going to see a group of grown professional men do Backstreet Boys karaoke?
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
An inviting meeting destination that sparks collaboration and success.
From unique meeting places to vibrant public spaces, everything in Winston-Salem is designed to inspire, uplift and engage.
At the heart of our Forbes Top 10 downtown is the Benton Convention Center, featuring 150,000-square feet of contemporary design and flexible spaces, perfect for gatherings ranging from intimate meetings to large-scale conferences. The Benton is walkable to more than 1,200 hotel rooms and directly connects to the Winston-Salem Marriott and Embassy Suites. Once done, meeting attendees can stroll right from their rooms into one of more than 100 downtown restaurants, shops, breweries, and bars.
Our sprawling city includes hundreds of one-of-a-kind venues, from historic estates and scenic vineyards to creative, Instagram-able settings. Let our seasoned sales and service team help you plan your next gathering in Winston-Salem, where inspiration is always in season.
We look forward to welcoming you to our city.
Unlock Your Member Power:
Tech Tools & Profile Strategies for MPI Carolinas Members
Joining MPI Carolinas is more than a membership . It’s access to cutting-edge tools, a dynamic network, and opportunities to lead and grow . Leveraging the chapter’s tech-enabled resources and optimizing your mpi .org profile amplifies these benefits . Here’s how to make the most of MPI-CC’s digital experience:
1. Stay Connected with Member-Centric Tools
Account Dashboard & News Feed
• Your news feed is your digital front door—home to chapter updates, upcoming events, and blog posts .
• Customize your mpi .org Account Settings to receive communications that resonate with your interests and professional growth goals .
Midweek Member Minute (MMM)
• Delivered bi-weekly, the MMM keeps you looped in on event opportunities, spotlights, and news flashes .
Carolina Blitz Newsletter & Member Spotlights
• Feature your insights in Carolina Blitz, MPI-CC’s quarterly newsletter, edited and curated by the Publications Committee
• Introduce yourself in the New Member or Meet the Member Spotlight to showcase your role to peers— the fastest route to visibility
2. Rest Easy with Affiliate Membership Tools
• Member Directory Access—find or be found by peers and partners .
• Discounted Events & Educational Access score member pricing
• Volunteer Opportunities—join a committee and grow your network through service
3. Amplify Your Profile & Visibility
Member Directory Inclusion
Ensure your member listing is robust—clearly state your role (planner, supplier, student), expertise, and contact preferences Your visibility directly supports MPI’s collaborative ecosystem . Update your profile at mpi .org .
4. Engage Through Online Volunteering
MPI-CC’s committee structure offers many remote, highimpact ways to serve—while advancing your visibility and adding leadership to your resume Some options include:
• Marketing & Communications Manage social media
• Member Engagement Participate in the Ambassador Program, member outreach with renewals .
• Volunteers & CSR Integrate volunteer opportunities into events .
• Publications Committee Shape the quarterly Carolina Blitz content .
• Education Committee & Certification Committee Curate session topics and certification prep programs . Joining aligns you with leadership, skill-building, peer connections, and recognition—all accessible through your chapter account and interest forms
Conclusion: Own Your MPI-CC Experience
MPI Carolinas offers more than networking—it offers tools to learn, lead, and leave your mark . By leveraging your digital profile, actively engaging in communications, and serving virtually, you’re not just a member—you’re a measurable difference-maker .
Alex Morales
Kessler Collection - Grand Bohemian Charlotte MPI-CC VP of Membership
Monthly Meeting Planner
October 20, 2025
New Member Lunch ‘N Learn
Virtual
November 2-4, 2025
MPI-CC Annual Meeting, Awards Gala & 2026 Board Installation Beaufort Hotel Beaufort, NC
December 8, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
January 23, 2026
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
January, 28, 2026
New Member Lunch ‘N Learn
Virtual
February 20, 2026
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
February 26-27, 2026
Planner Partner Forum & Chapter Meeting
Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Research Triangle Cary, NC
March 25, 2026
New Member Lunch ‘N Learn
Virtual
March 27, 2026
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
Spring 2026
Chapter Meeting
Dates to be announced
April 24, 2026
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
May 5, 2026
Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID)
May 29, 2026
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
June 26, 2026
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
July 31, 2026
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
August 27-28 ,2026
Chapter Meeting Graylyn Estate Winston-Salem, NC
September 25, 2026
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
October 30, 2026
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
Fall 2026
Annual Meeting
Dates to be announced
November 20, 2026
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
December 18, 2026
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, December 12, 2025. Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to MPI-CC Publications Chair Rachel Mintel at mintel.rachel@gmail.com.
MPI-CC 2025 Board of Directors and Chairs
Leadership
President Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University nicole.filippo@gmail.com
President-Elect
Seth Macci LEMG seth.m@lemg.live
Chapter Administrator
Elizabeth Pike, CMP Treeline Associates info@mpicarolinas.org
Communications
VP of Marketing and Communications
Melanie Mason, CMP EnsembleIQ Melanie.mason35@gmail.com
Education
VP of Education
Rachel Whitten, CMP Visit Greenville, NC RWhitten@greenvillenc.gov
Education Committee Chair
Ebony Loadholt Urban Sustainability Directors Network ebonyloadholt@usdn.org
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Finance
VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Star Robertson Parks Hospitality Group star.robertson@parkshotels.com
Social Media Chair
Samantha Green Ewald Visit Charlotte samantha.green@visitcharlotte.com
Director of Meeting Planning
Gineen Cargo, CMP Cargo & Co. LLC gineen.cargo@gmail.com
Immediate Past President
Najauna White, CMP, CDE Miles Partnership Najauna.white@gmail.com
Chapter Administrator
Toni Floback Greiner Treeline Associates info@mpicarolinas.org
Publications Chair
Rachel Mintel UNC Chapel Hill mintel.rachel@gmail.com
Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair
Tessa Barrier, CMP MHI TBarrier@mhi.org
Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair
Tarshi McCoy, CMP, CHSP, TMP Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County tmccoy@cravencountync.gov
Open 2026 Leadership Positions
• President Elect
• Director of Fundraising
VP of Finance
Karen Wall Visit Winston-Salem karen@visitwinstonsalem.com
Member Engagement
VP of Member Engagement
Alex Morales Kessler CollectionGrand Bohemian Charlotte alex.morales@kesslercollection.com
Director of Fundraising
Kathryn Short Visit Raleigh kshort@visitraleigh.com
Director of Volunteer Engagement Wonderland Dawson 3D Hospitality, LLC wddawson3@gmail.com
Planner Partner Forum Committee Chair
Floyd Isley Atrium Hospitality floyd.isley@atriumhospitality.com
Member Engagement Committee Chair
Ariana McGill, CMP, DMCP Destination South Meetings + Events ariana@destinationsouth.com
Volunteer Engagement Committee Chair
Maria Lopez Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau mlopez@visitraleigh.com
Look Who We Spotted...
at the August Chapter Meeting
Looking to Get Involved?
BOARD OF DIRECTOR OPPORTUNITIES:
n President Elect
n Director of Fundraising
JOIN A COMMITTEE:
Volunteer Engagement Committee
n Recruit and retain member volunteers
n Community/corporate service projects
n Volunteer recognition and awards
FUNdraising Committee
n Sponsor solicitation
n Silent Auction
n 50/50 Raffles
Marketing & Communications (MarComm)
n Content social media platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn)
n Graphics in Canva
n Midweek Member Minute e-newsletter
Publications Committee
n Produce quarterly digital publications (Carolina Blitz)
n Writing, editing, and proofreading articles
VOLUNTEER AND BE PART OF OUR VIBRANT COMMUNITY!
Volunteer Interest Form
Making a Difference Together:
MPI Carolinas Partners with Pat’s Place
The Volunteer Engagement Committee helps to include corporate social responsibility activities in each of our meetings. Our August Chapter Meeting in Concord, NC included education regarding human trafficking and how we can each make a difference in combating it, so our chapter chose to further assist this mission by partnering with Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center.
Pat’s Place is a nonprofit organization in Mecklenburg County that coordinates the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse, including those coming out of trafficking situations. They provide an environment where a child’s well-being is the top priority, providing the healing services that children need, including forensic interviews, medical care, advocacy support, counselling, and more. They coordinate between community agencies and professionals involved in the system of child protection.
Pat’s Place also provides educational resources for children, parents/guardians, and professionals working in this field.
At the time of our meeting, Pat’s Place was focused on school supply donations to help prepare children for the upcoming academic year, a practical but powerful way to offer stability and encouragement. Thanks to the heartfelt generosity of our members, we were able to gather a substantial collection of much-needed items. It was truly inspiring to see our community come together and offer support that will make a real difference in the lives of these young survivors.
All together, the MPI Carolinas Chapter gathered the following:
School Supply Item Qty. Notes/Comments
Notebook paper 7 pks
Ruled composition books 13
Pencils 10 pks
Erasers 3 pks (1) 24 ct bx,
Highlighters 5 pks
Crayola markers
Crayola colored pencils 7 pks (1)
Crayola crayons 11 bxs (1) 64 ct, (7) 24 ct, (2) washables, (1) 8 ct
Glue sticks 9 stks/ 2 btls (1) 30 ct bx, (1) 3 ct, (4) 2 ct, (3) singles, (2) btls
Tissue Boxes 10 bxs
Paper towels 4 pks
Disinfectant wipes 1
Hand sanitizer 7 btls (1) lg, (4) med, (2) sm
Stickers 2 pks
Other/misc . 2 pks Mondo Llama markers
Other/misc 12 pks Toidy colored pencils
Other/misc . 2 pks Mondo Llama colored pencils
Other/misc 12 pks Trail Maker crayons
Other/misc . 1 pk Bic pens
Other/misc . 9 Spiral ruled notebooks
Other/misc 4 Pocket/pronged folders
Thank you to everyone who participated and we look forward to partnering with more service organizations in our future meetings!
Maria Lopez Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau
August Chapter Meeting Recap
Great Wolf Lodge
Charlotte/ Concord | August 21-22, 2025
There’s something special about being in a room full of people who just get it — the challenges, the passion, the purpose behind what we do in the events industry . That’s exactly what the MPI Carolinas Chapter Meeting delivered this August in Concord . From the moment registration opened to the final DEI Connects lunch, the energy was high, the conversations were real, and the learning was unforgettable .
We Talked Politics — and It Was Powerful
In a time when political and cultural shifts are reshaping how and where we gather, the session “Politics & Planning: Navigating Industry Changes in a Shifting Political Landscape” was exactly the conversation we needed. Najauna White and Deanna Jones didn’t shy away from the tough stuff — they leaned in.
Deanna reminded us that change is inevitable, and the best planners are the ones who adapt quickly and lead with intention. We explored the tension between DEI values and risk management, and how sustainability-minded attendees are often the same ones impacted by exclusionary policies. The message was clear: stay informed, stay curious, and listen to the stories of others.
Deanna closed with a TED-style talk that left the room in thoughtful silence — the kind that only comes after hearing something that truly resonates.
We Rewrote the Script — Literally
Georgia Homsany’s session on reframing negative self-talk was a crowd favorite — and not just because it was interactive (though it definitely was). She walked us through a real-time exercise to identify and rewrite the unhelpful narratives we tell ourselves.
We laughed, we reflected, and we learned that saying “sorry” all the time isn’t humility — it's a habit. Georgia gave us tools to shift from self-doubt to self-support, and she wrapped it all up
with a “morning mocktail” ritual we’ll be taking home:
1. Name three things you’re grateful for
2. Speak a positive affirmation
3. Play your favorite song
It was the kind of session that sticks with you — not just professionally, but personally.
We Faced Hard Truths — and Took Action
The session on “Understanding Human Trafficking in the Events Industry” was sobering, but necessary. Led by Pam Strickland of NC Stop Human Trafficking, we learned how real — and close to home — this issue is, especially in North Carolina.
While the topic was heavy, the session was empowering. We walked away with practical tips on how to recognize red flags, respond appropriately, and use our roles as planners and suppliers to create safer environments. It was a reminder that awareness is action — and we all have a part to play.
We Connected — and It Mattered
Whether it was the New Member Mix & Mingle, the lively networking reception, or the DEI Connects lunch at Tacos 4 Life, the opportunities to build community were everywhere. These weren’t just surface-level chats — they were real conversations that sparked ideas, collaborations, and friendships.
Next Stop: Beaufort — Don’t Miss It
If you felt the FOMO reading this, good. That means you need to be at our 2025 Annual Meeting, happening November 2–4 at the beautiful Beaufort Hotel in Beaufort, NC.
This is our biggest event of the year — and if August was any indication, it’s going to be something truly special. More education, more connection, more moments that remind you why you do what you do.
Beaufort Hotel
November 2–4, 2025 info@mpicarolinas.org
Add it to your calendar. Book your room. Bring a colleague. You won’t want to miss what’s next.
Candice Batts, CMP Medical Leverage
Looking Ahead:
Set Sail for Growth and Connection: MPI-CC Annual Meeting
Every MPI Carolinas meeting is special, but our Annual Meeting in November is the one that truly shines. This is where we come together not only to learn, but also to celebrate, connect, and cap off the year with a memorable experience. You will not want to miss the swashbuckling good time we have in store.
Our Education Committee has put together a powerful lineup of sessions designed to strengthen your skills and spark fresh ideas. This fall, you will gain practical insights in:
• Securing Sponsorships That Deliver Value
• Weaving Sustainability and Social Impact Into Events
• The AV Trap: How to Protect Your Budget Without Compromising Your Show
• Simplifying Your Event Life: Leveraging ChatGPT to Save Time and Reduce Stress
And while the education is top-notch, our Meeting Planning Committee is also keeping things fun. With a theme of “Take Off Your Cool,” we are encouraging you to come as you are, relax, and get ready to chart fresh courses in learning.
Of course, no Annual Meeting would be complete without our banquet and awards celebration and the induction of our 2026 Board. This tradition always reminds us why our community is so strong and why MPI-CC continues to thrive. It is sneaker ball energy all the way.
And let us not forget the setting: the Beaufort Hotel in Beaufort, NC. Nestled right on the water, it is the perfect place to recharge between sessions. Whether you are joining a tour, shopping in the charming downtown, or simply soaking up the view from the hotel, you will find plenty of ways to enjoy your free time.
Registration is open! This will be the perfect mix of professional growth, personal connection, and a touch of playful adventure.
Rachel Whitten, CMP
Visit Greenville, NC
MPI-CC VP of Education [Assisted by ChatGPT]
Experience Excellence at the 2026 Planner Partner Forum
The Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
Carolinas Chapter is set to celebrate another milestone event on February 26-27, 2026, with the Planner Partner Forum held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Research Triangle.
This highly anticipated forum will run alongside the Chapter Meeting, building upon the success and innovation of the refreshed format debuted in 2025 The event promises to bring even greater value to both planners and suppliers, thanks to direct feedback from last year’s attendees and an energetic MPI community eager to collaborate and grow
Premier Venue in the Heart of the Triangle
Ideally located between Raleigh and Durham and just 15 minutes from RDU International Airport, the Embassy Suites Raleigh Durham Research Triangle has long been a preferred site for impactful events and memorable gatherings The property’s award-winning history of partnership with the hospitality and meetings community is evidenced by its reputation for professionalism, flexible space, and attentive service MPI is excited to return to this venue, after hosting the November 2024 Chapter Meeting and Awards Dinner here—a gathering that showcased the hotel’s commitment to creating welcoming, productive environments for industry leaders .
Building Connections: The Value of the Planner Partner Forum
The true strength of the Planner Partner Forum lies in its ability to foster meaningful partnerships between planners and suppliers Through dedicated networking sessions, collaborative discussions, and tailored educational offerings, attendees will gain new insights, expand their professional networks, and discover innovative solutions to common challenges . The format encourages direct engagement, ensuring every voice is heard and every participant leaves with actionable ideas to elevate their meetings and events .
Get Involved in Planning!
MPI Carolinas seeks enthusiastic members to join the planning team for the 2026 Planner Partner Forum If you’re interested in shaping one of the year’s signature events, please reach out to any Board Member or Committee Member to learn more about available opportunities
Registration Details: Why You Should Participate
Participating in the Planner Partner Forum offers planners and suppliers unique advantages: access to the latest industry trends, the opportunity to build genuine relationships, and a platform to share expertise and learn from one another . Whether you are an experienced planner, a new supplier, or an established partner, your involvement will bring lasting benefits to your career and your organization . Stay tuned for more information about registration, including special incentives for early sign-ups that will help you make the most of this dynamic forum
JOIN
US in Cary on February 26-27, 2026, and experience why the Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Research Triangle is a top choice for planners, partners, and hospitality leaders across North Carolina and beyond .
Floyd Isley
Atrium Hospitality The North Carolina Collection
MPI-CC Planner Partner Forum Committee Chair
When Politics Meets the Events Industry
Why Location Matters More Than Ever
As president of the Harmony NC LGBT+ Allied Chamber and as a consultant focused on inclusion, I’ve seen how politics have reshaped the events industry. Hosting a conference isn’t just about booking a ballroom anymore—it’s about safeguarding the dignity and safety of every person who walks through the door.
In 2025, federal and state rollbacks of DEI programs and LGBTQIA+ protections have changed the calculus for planners. Laws that erase gender identity, weaken Title IX, or restrict honest conversations about equity don’t just affect campuses or agencies. They ripple outward into convention centers, boardrooms, and hotel corridors. Attendees ask if they’ll be safe. Sponsors hesitate. Organizers wonder if they can program content honestly without fear of backlash.
Yet the industry hasn’t folded. I’ve watched venues and associations stand firm, refusing to soften their commitments. I’ve seen organizers make allyship visible in design choices: gender-neutral restrooms, inclusive registration forms, diverse voices on stage, zero-tolerance harassment policies, and trained staff ready to intervene. These aren’t nice-to-haves anymore—they’re the scaffolding of trust.
Why Red States Still Dominate
Conferences continue to flock to Florida, Texas, and Las Vegas. The reasons are practical: sprawling convention centers, endless hotel rooms, easy flight access, lower costs, and decades of tradition. From a logistical perspective, these places are built to host.
But what they offer in convenience, they often lack in climate—political climate. For organizations that value equity, holding events in states dismantling DEI or passing hostile laws toward LGBTQ+ communities sends a troubling signal.
Why Blue States Deserve a Stronger Look
Blue states—and progressive cities in red states—bring advantages that go beyond square footage. They offer:
• Stronger protections and safer environments for marginalized groups, minimizing reputational risk.
• Richer attendee experiences with diverse, progressive communities that reflect organizational values.
• Greater freedom of content, where topics like equity, sustainability, and justice can be programmed openly without political roadblocks.
• Partnerships with local ecosystems—universities, nonprofits, and civic leaders who strengthen the mission rather than undermine it.
• Sponsor confidence, since funders and corporate partners are increasingly cautious about tying their brand to exclusionary policies.
Here in North Carolina, for example, anti-DEI measures on public college campuses have created a chilling effect. Faculty worry about hosting conferences on “divisive concepts.” Administrators hesitate to greenlight events for fear of scrutiny. Some gatherings that once happened on campuses have now shifted into private venues—or left the state entirely. And yet, in cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Durham, private partners and nonprofits are stepping in to create the kinds of inclusive events higher education is retreating from. The map may be narrowing in some places, but with intention and courage, we can redraw it.
Time for a Rebalance
No one disputes the practical draw of Orlando or Las Vegas. But conferences aren’t just logistical puzzles— they are symbolic choices. Where you gather tells a story. It signals what kind of community you’re inviting people into.
The future of this industry will depend on balancing convenience with conscience. Expanding the map to include more welcoming, progressive cities isn’t just about politics—it’s about aligning values with action. It’s about ensuring that every attendee, every sponsor, every speaker can step into a space where they know they truly belong.
Deanna Jones President of the Harmony LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
