Blitz febmar2014 final

Carolina Blitz February - March 2014

A Healthier Appetite: Using Food to Engage and Energize Your Audience Why 2014 WILL BE Your Best Year!

GBTA and MPI Launch New CMM Designation Program The Non-Glamourous Side to Our Industry

Media Relations: A MUST Do You Have a Disaster Back Up Plan?

DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia, South Carolina Ask | March 2014 this20-21, expert‌

© 2013 Pinehurst, LLC

Meetings were held here long before clubs.

Pinehurst may be known for twosomes and foursomes, but we were welcoming groups of all sizes before our first golf course was ever built. We’ve been hosting successful meetings and events for companies large and small since 1895.

And we’d love to host yours. Consider Pinehurst for your next corporate function.

You’ll find our meetings as legendary as our golf.

Kimberly Bryan, Senior Director of National Accounts Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina • 910.235.8732 • pinehurst.com

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in this issue...

features Why 2014 WILL BE Your Best Year! . . . . . . 14-15 The Non-Glamourous Side to Our Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Do You Have a Disaster Back Up Plan?

Ask this expert… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

in every issue Our Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 New Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Five Minutes with. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 EducationPlus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 MPI-CC Board of Directors Meeting Highlights . . . . . . . . . . 18

©istock.com/ooyoo

Coming Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014 |

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MPI-CC 2013-2014 Board of Directors and Committees BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee President Erin Moye Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club 919-313-2160 emoye@wdigc.com

President-Elect Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE Greater Raleigh CVB 919-645-2668 mharrell@visitraleigh.com Vice President of Administration Vice President of Communication Corey Bizzell Durham CVB 919-680-8315 corey@durham-cvb.com Vice President of Education Christian Schroeder Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4218 Christian@visitwinstonsalem.com

Vice President of Finance Scott Crotty Asheville Renaissance Hotel 336-992-8717 scott.crotty@wcghotels.com Vice President of Membership Alyce Kelly, CHSP Hampton Inn Morehead City 252-240-0775 alyce.kelly@hilton.com Immediate Past President Kathy Flowe, CMP Alabama Theatre 843-272-5758 kflowe@alabama-theatre.com Directors Awards/Recognition Michelle Castro Maggiano’s Little Italy 919-572-0076 Durham.Banquet@maggianos.com Marketing/Community Outreach Alison Jenkins The Umstead Hotel & Spa 919-447-4122 Alison.Jenkins@theumstead.com Strategic Partnerships Lindsay Myers Caesars Entertainment 919-628-8836 lmyers1@caesars.com Meeting Planning

Auctions Diane Weems NC Aggregates Association 919-782-7055 Diane@ncaggregates.org Exhibits Amy Johnson Courtyard by Marriott at Carolina Beach 910-458-2617 amy.johnson@crestlinehotels.com Membership Tarshi McCoy, TMP DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern Riverfront 252-638-0304 tarshi.mccoy@hilton.com EducationPlus Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP Marriott Columbia 803-744-6922 Karolyn.stone@marriottcolumbia.com EducationLite Laura Barnes, CMP Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort 843-341-8010 lbarnes@omnihotels.com Publications Myron Jones Fayetteville Area CVB 800-255-8217 mjones@visitfayettevillenc.com Management Office Christine Irwin, CMP The Management Office 704-377-5648 Christine@themanagementoffice.com

COMMITTEES Scholarship Liz Guertin Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4231 liz@visitwinstonsalem.com Silent Auction Maureen Donovan Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 www.wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com

Trade Show Dr. Kevin Snyder Inspir-Active Solutions, Inc. 919-633-9931 kevin@kevincsnyder.com Charlotte EducationLite Barbara Dragan Westin Charlotte 704-335-2114 barbara.dragan@westin.com Columbia EducationLite Chair needed Triangle EducationLite Nicole Robinson Greater Raleigh CVB 919-834-5900 nrobinson@visitraleigh.com

EducationPlus Brittany O’Shaughnessy Francis Marion

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 the editor or appropriate associate prior to the next MPI-CC meeting. Ginny Fountain, CMP - Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com

Brittany.Oshaughnessy@thefrancismarion.com

EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE

Hospitality Chair needed

Director of Publications Myron Jones • Fayetteville Area CVB

Recruitment Jeanette Keys Greenville Convention Center 252-717-4021 jkeys@greenvilleconventioncenter.com

Editor Ginny Fountain, CMP • North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives

Membership (Co-Chairs) Melissa Riggle New Bern-Craven County CVC 800-437-5767 mriggle@cravencountync.gov Rick Cammer The Ballantyne Hotel 704-248-4033 rcammer@theballantynehotel.com Publications Ginny Fountain, CMP NC Association of Electric Cooperatives, 919-875-3050 ginny.fountain@ncemcs.com Meeting Planning Beverly Stewart Pinehurst-Southern Pines-Aberdeen CVB 910-692-3330 x 237 bstewart@homeofgolf.com Leadership & Volunteer Development Alison Harding, CMP Global Knowledge 919-461-8698 Alison.Harding@globalknowledge.com CMP Molly Johnson, CMP Hilton Wilmington Riverside mollyj@wilmingtonhilton.com 910-343-6173 Awards Wendy Bassett, CMP HelmsBriscoe 843-243-0554 wbassett@helmsbriscoe.com Strategic Partnerships Chair needed Marketing Sandi Owen Embassy Suites Columbia sandi.owen@jqh.com 803-744-8134 Community Outreach Beverly Abraham HPN Global babraham@hpnglobal.com 919-368-7351

Contributing Writers Erin Moye, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club; Tarshi McCoy, TMP, DoubleTree New Bern Riverfront; Melissa Klingberg, TH Management, Inc.; Louise Paul, CMP, CMM, BCD M&I at Cisco; Wendy Bassett, CMP, Helms Briscoe; Julie Prine, CMP, Premier, Inc.; Brittany Woods O’Shaughnessy, Francis Marion Hotel; Tracy Stuckrath, CSEP, CMM, CHC; Dr. Kevin Snyder, InspirActive Solutions; Molly Johnson, CMP, HIlton Wilmington Riverside; Randi Sullivan, DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia; Photographer Myron Jones, Fayetteville Area CVB Proofreaders Kimberly Bryan, Pinehurst Resort; Kathy Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre; Tracy Geiger, Graylyn; Melissa Haycock, Sonesta Resorts; Lori Hedrick CMP, CMM, Burroughs Wellcome; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office; Cathy Mauldin, CMP, DESA, Inc.; Melanie O’Bryan, Biltmore; Teresa Palmieri, Sheraton Imperial Publisher Vince Chelena • The Management Office 704-377-5648 • Fax 704-333-6927 staff@themanagementoffice.com Advertising Lindsay Myers • Caesars Entertainment • 919-628-8836 Design Kistin Jordan • Kistin Jordan [Graphic Designer] • 704-724-9188 MPI-CC Web Site: 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 (7 1/2”W x 9 1/2”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 6 issues of the Blitz printed 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.

Camera ready art is due to the publisher within 10 days after deadline for space reservations.

SEND MATERIALS TO: Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office, 1800 Camden Road, Suite 107, #213, Charlotte, NC 28203 Christine@TheManagementOffice.com • Fax: 704-333-6927 For more advertising information contact Lindsay Myers at lmyers1@caesars.com or 919-628-8836.

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| Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014

Visit our website at www.mpi-cc.org for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities!

our members Welcome New Members!

Crystal Bryant North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association chbryant01@gmail.com

Julia Feakes Student - East Carolina University feakesj11@students.ecu.edu

Delmarcia Mitchel, CMP Student - University of North Carolina niseejm@aol.com

Meghan Callahan Student - East Carolina University megha.callahan.2012@gmail.com

Connie Hayes Student - CPCC cmelbright@gmail.com

Heide Roland Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) hroland@epri.com

Victori Clark Student - East Carolina University Clarkvi11@students.ecu.edu

Devin Kane Student - East Carolina University kaned11@students.ecu.edu

Carrie Sepesy, CMP The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel csepesy@theballantynehotel.com

Tremain Cooper, PHARM.D., BCACP Dr. Tremain Cooper, LLC drcooperthepharmacist@gmail.com

Susan Kennedy, CMP The Sanderling Resort & Spa SKennedy@Sanderling-Resort.com

Julia Criscione Student - East Carolina University julia.criscione@yahoo.com

Bernadette Linden Student - Duke University bernadettelinden@earthlink.net

Lori Dobbins Greensboro CVB ldobbins@visitgreensboronc.com

Alexandra Lorenz Student - East Carolina University axlorez@icloud.com

Judey Evans Holiday Inn Greensboro Airport judeylevans@gmail.com

Natalie Lyndes Student - East Carolina University natalielyndes@yahoo.com

Leah Stevens Explore Gwinnett Convention & Visitors Bureau leah@exploregwinnett.org Kristyn Walecka Student - East Carolina University kwalecka1@yahoo.com Ashley West Student - East Carolina University westa11@students.ecu.edu Mary Ann Willingham Travel Leaders Corporate, LLC mwillingham@traveleaders.com

MPI-CC Anniversaries 20 Years Pamela Eyring The Protocol School of Washington Dana Ciccarelli, CMP The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa 10 Years Mandy Lowe, CMP, CMM North Carolina Association of Realtors Linda Nelson, CMP To Plan Ahead LLC 5 Years Tammy Harrison House of Blues Myrtle Beach Karen Lawrence, CMP It’s My Affair, LLC Susan Losurdo, CMP, LES

Left to Right: Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Hampton Inn Morehead City, MPI-CC Vice President of Membership presents anniversary pins to Corey Bizzell, Durham CVB, MPI-CC Vice President of Communications and Randi Sullivan, DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia who reached their milestones in December/January.

Congratulations to each of you for reaching a milestone in MPI! Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014 |

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

Platinum Sponsor:

Gold Sponsor:

Silver Sponsors:

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| Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014

president’s message

Change is Good!

by Erin Moye

As I sit here writing this article, it’s hard to believe that half of our fiscal year is gone. It seems like this year just started. I remember in May at our annual meeting when the Board met for the first time and laid out all of our plans for the new year-the main theme for this year was refresh, renew, and change. At the Erin Moye, last chapter meeting, the Board of Washington Duke Inn, Directors held their mid-year retreat.

2013-2014 MPI-CC President We had the opportunity to reflect on the annual meeting and all those plans. We were able to see how far we have come and what we still have to do to meet the goals we set for this year.

and grow with their peers. RISE meetings are to be held at each chapter meeting before the main reception.

• Board applications were updated and there is no longer a point system. This allows all members an equal opportunity for success.

• Scholarship and Annual Award applications have been revised to focus on member achievements for the current year.

• A Task Force was put in place to provide the Board with feedback and ideas in order to become more focused towards member needs and satisfaction and to gain a different perspective on the association’s financial goals.

I want to take this opportunity to share the changes the Board has been working on the past six months, and what is in store for the remainder of the year. There have really been some exciting new things.

• EducationPlus meeting attendees now receive a personal welcome message from the chapter president on the hotel guest room voice mail.

These are things we are currently working on:

• We now offer a Twitter handle for all of the EducationPlus meetings. Please engage with us on our social media pages.

• Onsite registration is now formatted like a hospitality room, as opposed to a registration table. We are asking our hotel partners to give us a room for registration, when possible, so that we can have space for greeting each other at arrival. Our Hospitality Committee members join with the management office staff to greet members as they arrive.

• The Blitz One and the meeting agenda have been combined into one easy-to-read format and are available at registration when you check in.

• The business meeting has been shortened to only necessary announcements, so we can focus more on the educational presentation. All upcoming event announcements are now in the Blitz One. • New Member orientation is now the New Member Mixer and it has had a complete facelift. The new members and first timers are greeted with a less formal room set up; there’s more mingling and a quicker presentation.

• Plans are underway for a RISE program (Rising Industry Students and Executives). This is an opportunity for our student and young professional members to network

• A suggestion box is now available in the registration room at every meeting. It takes everyone to keep our ship moving forward; if you have any thoughts or comments, we would love to hear them. The only way an organization can grow and become stronger is to hear from all of our members.

Events to come the remainder of the year: We will be beta testing a new EducationPlus meeting format in July. We have heard your requests, and are testing new meeting formats in upcoming locations. We are hoping to find a new format that works best for a majority of the members.

The chapter will be moving towards an electronic format of our Blitz newsletter. This will allow our chapter to be more environmentally friendly and make our newsletter more accessible to the members from anywhere.

We have partnered with CVENT on a CrowdCompass App for mobile devices. This will allow us to create an app for ____________________________________________________ Continued on page 7 Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014 |

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member spotlight New Member Spotlight: Dr. Tremain Cooper, Pharm.D., BCACP

by Tarshi McCoy, TMP

Dr. Tremain Cooper, Pharm.D., BCACP is a native of Columbia, SC, and he currently resides in Charlotte, NC. He is the youngest of many siblings and fondly looks up to the guidance of his adoptive parents, Veronica Paige and Robert Elam, today for his success. “My mother was the sweetest woman I’ve ever known in my life. She was an amazing teacher and taught me to love everybody. My Dr. Tremain Cooper father was the most insightful man I’ve ever known and he helped me to understand my identity. They taught me that even though we were in the hood, I should pray for prosperity and think big” – says Cooper. Although his parents are deceased, Dr. Cooper carries their wisdom and insight with him every single day as he embarks upon his personal journey to provide individuals with the best health strategies available.

Dr. Cooper attended the University of South Carolina and earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy Degree. He has established a successful career in pharmacy and public speaking over the past thirteen years and currently serves as a Pharmacist-In-Charge for the Mecklenburg County Health Department and CVS Pharmacy in Charlotte, NC. His mission is to see that patients have access to top notch proven medical services by empowering them with the best available evidence-based treatment strategies, methods, and education. His vision is to become the master provider for patients and clinicians seeking advanced medication therapy management services that lead to optimal health. In 2013, Dr. Cooper successfully earned the highly regarded Board Certification in Ambulatory Care from the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties.

Dr. Cooper is heavily vested, dedicated, and committed to the pharmacy community and is an affiliate of the American Pharmacists Association. Dr. Cooper is an active community pharmacist in good standing, licensed

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| Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014

to practice pharmacy by the Board of Pharmacy in North Carolina and South Carolina. He has dispensed and been responsible for more than 50,000 prescriptions to a diverse patient population. He serves as a drug information resource and provides expert advice for treating common ailments and diseases. He is often the first point-ofcontact and a person of last resort for patients seeking direction for changes in their current health status.

His work has revealed ideas for promoting to patients the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the value of being adherent with medication therapy.

Community integrity and being able to bridge the gap between community affairs and the medical society is a top priority for Dr. Cooper as he makes sure to stay abreast of the latest trends and developments in healthcare. He serves on the Executive Board and is Chairman of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee for the Charlotte Medical Dental Pharmaceutical Society. Among his long list of affiliations, he is a current member of Meeting Professionals International.

Dr. Cooper heard about MPI over the internet through personal research. “I joined because I want to surround myself with open-minded and like-character people to build personal and professional relationships.”

With his medical vision and mission at the forefront of his entrepreneurial spirit, Dr. Cooper seeks to establish himself as an urban intellectual resource for corporate America in 2014. Dr. Cooper, The Pharmacist, is now available for speaking engagements, product endorsements, and drug therapy recommendations. By sharing some of his ideas on how we can help patients get the best results out of their prescription drugs, Dr. Cooper, The Pharmacist, is on his way to changing the healthcare community one patient at a time. n

Tarshi McCoy, TMP DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern – Riverfront MPI-CC Director of Membership

member spotlight Five Minutes with John Sneed 5 Minutes With…features an MPI–CC member who has been with the association for five or more years.

by Melissa Klingberg

If you have not had the pleasure of meeting John Sneed at an MPI-CC event, you’re missing out! John, Director of Convention Sales for the Wilmington and Beaches CVB, is always wearing a smile—wouldn’t you be smiling if you were living at the beach?

With 15 years’ experience with hotels and CVB’s, John has been a member of MPI since 2004. The year he moved to North Carolina, John Sneed he was introduced to MPI by simply inheriting a membership.

Fast forward a few years and he’s serving on the MPI-CC Board of Directors. When asked his favorite thing about MPI, John feels the networking aspect of the organization is the most beneficial.

What’s John’s advice to new members? “We may look like a clique from the outside, but MPI-CC is very friendly and open. So if you see a group in a circle having a conversation, jump right in the middle. We’ll talk to you and we might even buy you a drink!”

When not working, John is spending his time with the “most beautiful woman in the world” (his wife, Kristy) and their three boys, 18, 11 and 8 years old. Off the clock, you can find him golfing, making mead, surf fishing, and being at the beach (he’s hoping for a kayak). He has also enjoyed spending time as an extra in several TV series filmed in the Wilmington area. So far, his favorite celebrity encounter has been with Dean Norris while he was in town filming “Under the Dome.”

John is looking forward to the rest of 2014—he recently inherited acreage in the mountains and is planning to clear an area out to build a cabin. The next time you’re at an MPI-CC meeting, say hello to John—he’s a fun person to know! n

Melissa Klingberg TH Mgmt., Inc Education Committee Member

Continued from page 5

Change is Good! every event and give you the most up-to-date information as it occurs right on your mobile device.

Plans are coming together for a format change for the next tradeshow. Get ready to see more information about our reverse tradeshow.

Sponsorship packages are being revamped. Contact our sponsorship director, Lindsay Myers, for more details.

Remember “Buy MPI?” Every member could have a piece of business to refer your way at one time or another, supplier or planner.

So as you can see, your board members are working very hard to make small and large changes that will impact the success of our chapter. We are all committed to making our chapter the best it can be. At the mid-year retreat, we also reviewed the chapter survey results and will be looking forward to receiving the results from the international survey. We use all of the chapter members’ comments and evaluate how we can incorporate them into what we are doing. Please feel free to contact any of your board members at anytime; we are all here to assist you and answer any questions you might have. n

We are working with MPI to increase attendance and participation overall.

Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014 |

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Know a Helping Hand?

Know anyone that has lent a helping hand?

Committee Chairs, please nominate one of your members that has volunteered their time and efforts this month and thank them for helping to make your goal possible. Let me know who they are and how they went above and beyond for your committee.

Please send nominations to Michelle Castro at durham.banquets@maggianos.com.

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| Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014

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New Member Mixer at the January Meeting Left to right, back row: Patricia Abate Lisa Tennison Heide Roland Regan Brenner Tremain Cooper Olivia Jeffries Connie Hayes Front row: Anna Howard Brandi Arena Sara Keating Hanna Streetman

Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014 |

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Look Who We Spotted at the...

January MPI-CC EducationPlus Meeting in Charlotte!

Photography by Myron Jones

educationplus

Goal-setting Doesn’t Work!

Dare to be Different in 2014!

by Brittany Woods O’Shaughnessy

Pack your bags and an open mind, and join us in Columbia, South Carolina for the next EducationPlus Meeting on Friday, March 21, 2014 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia. As we approach the end of the first quarter, many people are frustrated because they or their team are falling short of their personal or professional goals for the year. In fact, without doing things differently, they Jan Horton Spence are setting themselves up for another season of disappointment and frustration for the rest of the year. Join us for this interactive, highenergy session to uncover the missing link and learn how traditional goal-setting may be setting you and your staff up for failure. You’ll learn tangible new ways to empower yourself and your team members to get rid of unnecessary roadblocks, focus on what makes you successful and then capitalize on these new methods as you move forward. As a professional speaker & trainer, Jan will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter and moved to tears with this powerful program that is meaningful both professionally and personally. Jan uses her vast experience helping organizations and individuals explore their full potential so that you walk away with a tangible “how to” plan for a different approach to planning in 2014. Participants are encouraged to bring to this workshop their most pressing challenges, goals or projects that they have struggled to accomplish. They will immediately begin applying new principles individually and in groups to help resolve these issues.

Attendees can expect to apply what they’ve learned in order to: 1.

More effectively develop mission statement, goals and objectives of a meeting event or project

2.

Establish different ways to specify actions, time frames & performance measurements needed to achieve goals

3.

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Reinforce techniques to monitor and adjust a strategic plan

| Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014

Jan Horton Spence is an international consultant, speaker, trainer and business coach. Her contagious charisma and zest for life make her an excellent motivator and leader, the Georgia native has used her vast knowledge in sales, marketing, and business operations to help numerous clients including Pillsbury, Walmart, and Frito-Lay. A graduate of Mercer University (Macon, Georgia) with a BBA in Business Administration, Jan became Vice President of Business Development for Sandler Training in 2001, and was quickly celebrated for her unique ability to help people implement attitude, technique and behavioral changes to increase their profitability. While assisting other business owners in growing their companies, Jan and her husband, Mitch, decided to pursue an entrepreneurial venture and launched the second FiltaFry franchise in the US in 2003.

As CEO, Jan built such a successful operation, that they were awarded the “2005 Franchisee of the Year” by the International Franchise Association. Meeting their fouryear plan, they sold the business in 2007. Since then, Jan has circled the globe as a trainer, consultant and guest speaker for franchisees, non-profit organizations and other companies.

Jan is one of those unique individuals who can lead, organize and motivate to make a difference in the lives of those around her. As a member of the National Speakers Association, Jan combines her business experience with her desire to see people live out their God-given purpose and speaks to small and large groups about goal-setting, sales, priorities, and financial freedom. Known for her highly interactive, entertaining & inspirational style, she recently taught in Switzerland, Romania and Uganda. Jan is active in her home church of Beach United Methodist in Jacksonville, Florida. She and her husband enjoy traveling the world when not at home attending Jaguars football games and cultural events. n

Brittany Woods O’Shaughnessy Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston MPI-CC EducationPlus Chair

educationplus A Healthier Appetite: Using Food to Engage and Energize Your Audience

by Tracy Stuckrath, CSEP, CMM, CHC

When we meet we usually eat…but not very well.

Eating is a major life activity. The food we eat fuels our bodies and minds. It is vital for our survival and performance. Meetings are vital too, but in a different way. They provide opportunities to learn, collaborate, and conduct business.

Until recently, we didn’t think much about the food we served at events. A hotel banquet menu from Des Moines looked just like the ones from Washington DC, San Diego, Dallas and Las Vegas. Our main consideration was making sure we didn’t serve the same thing we served the day before.

Maybe Michael Pollan said it best in Food Rules, http://michaelpollan.com/books/food-rules, “Eating in our time has gotten complicated.” Countless experts tell us to eat this not that, shun carbs, cut back on red meat, dodge grains, reduce sodium, avoid high-fructose corn syrup, and eat more plants.

At events, these practices make providing food and beverage even more complicated. From accommodating guests’ conflicting diet regimens and food allergies, to sourcing locally and feeding participants’ brains, it is hard to determine what to serve and to whom.

©istock.com/ewastudio

Putting the major issue of dietary restrictions aside, let’s look at what we’re feeding mainstream attendees. Are there really “brain foods” we should be serving?

Will they help improve participants’ ROI?

Most research about how food affects learning focuses on kids and school lunch programs, but the leap to adults isn’t hard to make. In “How Diet and Nutrition Impact a Child’s Learning Ability,” http://www.publicschoolreview.com/articles/28, education researcher Grace Chen says that many of the “widely available and popular foods in schools today are actually hindering children’s abilities to learn, because they are loaded with sugars, caffeine, chemicals, and sodium.”

Think about that banquet menu you just ordered — pastries, egg sandwiches, cream sauces, white and refined breads, fried foods, dual entrées, sugary and salty snacks, and sodas.

Couldn’t you say the same thing about your menu?

These foods are not only “leaving kids tired, unfocused, jittery, and sick,” they are doing the same for our meeting participants. These side effects not only impact energy levels and mental performance, but they also influence behavior and affect moods today, tomorrow, and weeks later.

Even though we aren’t in elementary school, shouldn’t we focus on providing the proper food to fuel our participants in order to get the most out of our time together? n

Tracy Stuckrath, CSEP, CMM, CHC

Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014 |

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Why 2014 Your Best Year!

by Dr. Kevin Snyder

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Šistock.com/ WillSelarep

Did you know that by February of each year, 85% of those individuals who set a New Year’s resolution have either given up or not yet set a committed action plan toward achieving it?

Read more to learn now and avoid this common reality!

It is an unfortunate statistic to read, but the reality is that for the majority of us, a goal set for the new year takes less than thirty days to become a distant memory. This article will outline two essential recommendations for how you can accomplish any goal in 2014 and make this your best year ever!

#1: Expectation Our lives have a tendency to live up to the expectations we set. Therefore, 2014 WILL BE the best year of your life simply because you choose, and expect, for it to be. Realizing you have an intentional choice is the first step! Simple. Step #1 done. What you think about – you bring about.

The most extraordinary goals ever achieved were not defined at the time they were conceived; rather, they were just an idea: Convince the Wright brothers you do not have any money – neither did they, but they invented man-powered flight through determination and investing every dime they had from a bicycle shop.

Tell J.K. Rowling you don’t have time or money – neither did she while writing Harry Potter on welfare as a single mom.

Persuade Walt Disney that you can’t live your dream – a dream is all he had when others thought he was crazy.

#2: Find Your PASSION

Need more examples? I’ve got dozens on my blog, but I’m hoping you already get the point!

Once you truly believe that 2014 will indeed be your best year, brainstorm what excites you most and gives you enthusiasm about your life. Reflect on the blessings in your family, why you do the work you do, what you’re good at, etc.

Pursue and incorporate those passions in your life like never before.

From my experience, I see people getting in their own way constantly. They creatively find more reasons why they ‘cannot’ do something as compared to why they can – or should. Remember this phrase – ‘REASONS or RESULTS!’ The best way to do something is simply to start doing it!

As a motivational speaker, PASSION is the #1 call-toaction step in every keynote presentation. I have spoken to hundreds of audiences in all 50 states and the one leadership topic that people are most intrigued by is how to live a more fulfilled, passionate life. I believe the source of leadership and achieving what makes you happy in life is knowing your PASSION and integrating it in your life – daily.

If you can’t integrate your passion in your work, then you probably should think about why you’re doing it. Period.

“When you have passion for something you find a way to make it happen – this is the panacea to success.”

Most people do not set a goal or resolution they are passionate about. Rather, they pick a goal that sounds positive or perhaps this goal is something they think they want or that is good for them. No wonder it’s a dead goal by February, they weren’t committed from the start.

“To make a life change, you must choose to make a ‘lifestyle’ change.”

Some of you might be wondering ‘But Kevin, how do I follow my passion when I have so much responsibility and so little time?’ Or you might be thinking, “I don’t even know what my passion is,” or “I don’t have the money or support right now to do this,” or “I’m not even sure where to start!”

In order for you to manifest any change in your life, you first have to know what the change looks like - 80% of achieving any goal is simply knowing what that goal is.

Then, simply get started. One step at a time and learn every step of the way.

For me, my worst keynote presentation was my first keynote presentation. Now speaking is my full time career – and I LOVE IT. Trust me, I am a walking testimony. You would not have wanted to see me 14 years ago on stage speaking. Besides my Price is Right story, it would have been painful.

2014 is your BEST YEAR because you choose, and expect, for it to be. Now share this article and magazine with someone else who needs to read it and be The RIPPLE EFFECT! Author Bio: Dr. Kevin Snyder is a motivational speaker and author with a passion for helping individuals take action to lead successful and fulfilling lives. He also held a career in university student affairs and most recently served as the Dean of Students for High Point University.

He is an On-Call Faculty member with the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) and is a motivational speaker with over 800 keynotes in all 50 states. His website is www.KevinCSnyder.com where you can download free motivational resources, read his blog, hear sample soundtracks from his new instrumental music CD, and download complementary Ebooks.

Kevin can be reached at Kevin@KevinCSnyder.com or text him your thoughts on this article at #919-633-9931!

Dr. Kevin Snyder Inspir-Active Solutions MPI-CC Tradeshow Committee Chairperson

Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014 |

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The non-glamorous side of our industry Sex trafficking is happening right in our backyards

by Molly Johnson, CMP

When the January 28th MPI Pulse email arrived in my inbox I was excited to see an article on human trafficking.

You might be asking, “How can she be ‘excited’ about human trafficking?” Because this is an issue that I have been working to bring awareness to over the last year and it has finally reached our global meetings community.

Like most of you, I had no idea that sex trafficking was happening right in our backyards. I discovered that North Carolina ranks #7 in the United States for sex trafficking, my very own Wilmington ranks #1 in the state due to its proximity to the ports, highways and the amount of tourism, and South Carolina is also in the top 10. As a mother of two daughters I was very disappointed in the lack of attention that this horrific crime receives.

After doing some online research, I discovered a local organization, The Centre of Redemption (COR), and I immediately started volunteering with them. The Centre of Redemption operates a community outreach center for victims as well as a safe house for victims with children.

Because the majority of trafficking occurs in hotels and motels, the COR has created a hotel outreach program where volunteers like me will go out to the local hotels, train the staff on signs of possible trafficking, and provide them with the toll free anonymous number to report any suspicious activity.

The average age of a trafficked victim is 12-14 years old.

It is estimated that a girl can be sold for sex 14-40 times in a single night; therefore, a trafficker could earn up to $200K a year on each victim he holds in bondage. Because a person can be sold over and over, this horrifying business is growing at an alarming rate.

My reason for writing this article is to spread awareness.

Before I was aware of what was actually going on, I was guilty of thinking that prostitution was a choice. I had no idea that these girls were trafficked at such a young age; many are lured online or at the mall. These girls deserve every opportunity in life as do we all. I’m not asking you to volunteer or donate (unless you want to), just spread awareness if you feel so inclined. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if this was no longer an issue in our industry or our society?

I’m proud to announce that the Hilton Wilmington Riverside won a $5,000 grant for the Centre of Redemption through the Hilton Worldwide Travel With Purpose program; we were one of 25 properties globally that won grants for local charities in our communities.

For more information please visit www.polarisproject.org n

©istock.com/ iJacky

Molly Johnson, CMP Hilton Wilmington Riverside MPI-CC Chair of CMP Study Group

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| Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014

Do you have a Disaster Back-up Plan?

Ask this expert…

by Wendy K Bassett, CMP and Julie Prine, CMP

Wendy: Think you’re prepared….maybe not…

Julie Prine, CMP, Event Planner at Premier, Inc., successfully managed an event last June in San Antonio at the Grand Hyatt that is an example of excellent coordination. Julie shared her story with me and I wanted her to share that story in her own words. We can all live and learn from her experience.

©istock.com/ adamjit

Julie: Picture this: “The most prominent annual event that I orchestrate every year, an elite awards dinner for 450 foodservice healthcare professionals. Hospital chefs’ recipes are selected and then judged by the attendees, and many other awards are given--it is the highlight of the year. The ballroom of 12,986 square feet of space is set and decorated perfectly for 450 attendees. All staging and audiovisual are perfectly in place.” I was with AV staff reviewing our music selection 45 minutes before the event began. The lights began flickering in the service hall as the hotel staff were setting the tables and I voiced my concerns to AV about losing electricity during the show. I was assured that the ballroom was on a different circuit. All’s well, I thought. All of a sudden a strange thumping sound was heard and then a loud “whoosh.” I saw the cameraman rush to the front of the room and everyone was scrambling around. When I heard “water” my first thought was, “God, please don’t let anyone get electrocuted,” since AV had taped cables to the floor at the entrance. My second thought was, “Can I go home now?” As I made my way to the excitement, all I saw was gallons and gallons of water flooding through the walls into the ballroom.

The water was already at mid-ballroom and ankle-deep by the time I got there. Hotel staff immediately jumped into action – mops, towels, buckets, etc., appeared from nowhere.

There was no way to possibly save this room for the dinner.

I found my client out in the prefunction area for the reception, and at first we looked at each other and broke into nervous laughter. Then we started to search out all options on how to save this event. We walked around the prefunction area where the reception was being held, trying to look calm and collected, coming up with ideas for a stage, tables, and

buffets. I might add that the day before this, I had cancelled some appetizers for the reception due to the reception only being 30 minutes; that was now regretful because we were asking the hotel staff to set out some more appetizers or any food until we figured out how to save the dinner. Sometimes it’s not worth it to save a little money.

Next door, there was a partial ballroom available (4,300 sq ft) that had some rounds already set. Hotel staff began moving in as many additional rounds (with my beautiful centerpieces) and chairs as would fit. We probably broke every fire marshal rule there was when it came to the maximum number of people in a room, but who was thinking about that? AV set up a quick corner stage and screen. The hotel staff set-up buffets in the prefunction room and we started service about an hour or so later.

Since the food had been sitting in hot boxes for so long, we decided not to “judge” the recipes; every chef was a winner that night.

Thanks to the Premier, Inc., partners who had been invited to the dinner (they decided to forgo their attendance so the foodservice members could be accommodated in the smaller ballroom), I knew everything would be okay. My client climbed up onto her small stage, and with a smile on her face she started with, “We are all foodservice professionals and we all know….” And like it was rehearsed, ____________________________________________________ Continued on page 20

Wendy K Bassett, CMP Director Global Accounts HelmsBriscoe

Julie Prine, CMP Event Planner Premier, Inc.

Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014 |

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meeting highlights Board of Directors Meeting Minutes January 23, 2013 | Charlotte, NC

by Louise Paul, CMP, CMM, BCD Attendees: Erin Moye, Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Christine Irwin, CMP, Christian Schroeder, John Sneed, CHSP, Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP, Laura Barnes, CMP, Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Lindsay Myers, Diane Weems, Myron Jones, Alison Jenkins, Kathy Flowe, CMP, Corey Bizzell, Louise Paul, CMP, CMM, Scott Crotty, Michelle Castro, Amy Johnson Excused Absences: Tarshi McCoy, TMP

Second: Alison Jenkins Vote: Approved Meeting Planning: Christian Schroeder made a motion to send out the RFP for the July meeting to beta test new meeting format in planner heavy markets.

Second: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE Vote: Approved

Guest: Jeanette Keys

Unfinished business: None

Minutes: Louise Paul, CMP, CMM presented the minutes from the November 2013 Board Meeting and asked for a motion to approve.

New Business: None

Motion: Alison Jenkins made a motion to approve the November 2013 Board Meeting minutes.

Second: Kathy Flowe, CMP Vote: Approved Louise Paul, CMP, CMM asked board members to send any policy revisions or updates to her prior to March 15th. Policy changes will be reviewed at the March Board meeting.

Financials: Scott Crotty presented the December P&L, balance sheet and aging report and asked for a motion to approve.

Motion: Scott Crotty made a motion to approve the December P&L and balance sheet as submitted.

Second: Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP Vote: Approved Chapter Office: Christine Irwin, CMP reviewed the agenda for the January meeting. As of Thursday evening there were 108 people registered for the meeting.

Consent Agenda: Erin Moye asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda.

Motion: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE made a motion to approve the consent agenda.

Second: Scott Crotty Vote: Approved Items Removed from Consent Agenda: VP of Communications: Corey Bizzell made a motion to take the Blitz electronic to $1450/issue.

Second: John Sneed, CHSP Vote: Approved Motion: Corey Bizzell made motion to engage with Crowd Compass regarding an event app once agreements are reached and cancellation clause added to the contract.

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| Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014

Meeting Adjourned

Louise Paul, CMP, CMM, BCD M&I at Cisco MPI-CC Vice President of Administration

Fast-growing, quality-driven Destination Marketing Organization in the Southeast U.S. is looking for sales talent.

Proven-successful Senior Sales Manager will be responsible for growing market share within assigned market segments. Great, supportive team already in place. Looking for “right fit� individual--with appropriate background--who also excels in high energy level, assertiveness, socialbility, management skills, positive attitude, decisiveness, accommodating approach, independent thinking, and objective judgment skills. Sense of humor is an absolute must.

Great quality of life location. Cool offices. Competitive compensation package. Apply in-confidence to salestalent2020@gmail.com.

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Book your meeting in Winston-Salem before June 30, 2014 and Wake Up To An Extra $3,000

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FOR DETAILS, CONTACT: Christian Schroeder Director of Convention Sales Christian@VisitWinstonSalem.com 866-728-4200 main 336-728-4218 direct VisitWinstonSalem.com Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014 |

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Find yourself in good company in Greenville, NC Meetings executives find themselves well attended to in Greenville, North Carolina. Planners enjoy unmatched event services and visitors find themselves the absolute center of attention in our two hospitality areas: the newly-expanded facilities of the Convention Center District, and the Uptown Greenville District hub for dining, arts and recreation opportunities.

Point your meetings in our direction. You won’t find better company!

GREENVILLE-PITT COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

www.visitgreenvillenc.com • 800-537-5564

REGISTER NOW! April 15, 2014 Triangle EducationLite Chapel Hill, NC Siena Hotel

CALLING ALL WRITERS Do you dream of being a published author? If so, the Blitz is looking for you! While we’re not the New York Times, 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, please contact Ginny Fountain at Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com

Do you have a Disaster Back-up Plan? Ask this expert… ___________________________________________________ Continued from page 17 the entire room says in unison, “S**t happens!” When I heard that, I knew they were happy. The program continued with the other various awards being given out. Upon departure from the event, I even had one attendee tell me that “this was the best dinner ever!”

I’m lucky to have such a great, understanding group of people that I work with and work for. The hotel staff, the AV staff, Premier, Inc., staff, and even one of the finalist hotel chefs, chipped in and helped make a bad situation into a memorable dinner. Believe me, I will never forget this dinner!

Wendy Bassett, my HelmsBriscoe partner, said that due to the great service I’d given them and the rapport I’ve had with this group throughout the years, they took all of this in stride and made light of the situation. Thankfully, and most importantly, no human life was endangered and the event continued.

Further taking advantage of the 2013 experience, the group has decided on a water theme for 2014.

This experience just proves that having a true back-up plan is ideal. And, talking through the ‘what-ifs’ with conference services manager prior to your event can give you a head start, enabling you to react quickly and save the day! n

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| Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014

coming attractions DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia, South Carolina

by Randi Sullivan, Senior Sales Manager

DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia, South Carolina, is the newest Hilton product in Columbia. The hotel’s newest feature is the Hilton Honors Lounge with concierge services, but it also offers over 22,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, complimentary Wi-Fi in guestrooms, and Columbo’s Restaurant and Lounge. We look forward to hosting MPI-CC in March and hope to see you there! n P.S. We will have warm famous DoubleTree by Hilton chocolate chip walnut cookies waiting for you at check in!

Randi Sullivan Senior Sales Manager DoubleTree by Hilton, Columbia, South Carolina

Carolina Blitz | February - March 2014 |

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monthly meeting planner

March 20-21, 2014 March Chapter Meeting Register Now Columbia, SC DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia

April 15, 2014 Triangle EducationLite Register Now Chapel Hill, NC Siena Hotel

May 18-19, 2014 May Chapter Meeting Register Now Concord, NC Embassy Suites Concord

September 18-19, 2014 September Chapter Meeting & Tradeshow Register Now Durham, NC DoubleTree by Hilton

November 20-21, 2014 November Chapter Meeting Register Now Southern Pines, NC Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club and Mid Pines

July 17, 2014 July Chapter Meeting Register Now Cary, NC Umstead Hotel & Spa

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is March 28, 2014. Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to Editor-In-Chief Ginny Fountain at Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com

Carolina Blitz Word Search Print this page and find the hidden words associated with this issue of the Carolina Blitz

X D I A S T E R B A C K U P P L A N

Diaster Backup Plan

A O J D R F P K E Q P NM A V A G B

DoubleTree

T U X O E D L UW S A S N S C A I E

Best Year

I B C C H A N G E I S G O O D D N S S L K A E N I E S D S H Y F O C K T D E P F O E S P U S I V I OMO C Y WT L G A O O N P E O B F O D L O E

Passion Food John Sneed

D R C O O P E R E I N N C N E U P A

Dr. Cooper

Z E M J Y E WK J E L K S F UM L R

Change is Good

I E C O L UM B I A D I A G I C M A

Columbia