Blitz Dec13-Jan14

Carolina Blitz October - November 2013

It’s Here to Stay...

Stay and Play 50 ½ Ways to Get the Most Out of Your MPI Chapter Membership What Role Does Seating Play in Meeting Productivity?

Bidding for Good

Omni Grove Park Inn Asheville, North Carolina | November 21-22, 2014

© 2013 Pinehurst, LLC

Pinehurst’s most popular gathering spots are actually indoors.

W hile you may know us for championship golf, you’ll find meetings at Pinehurst are just as award-worthy. Our 60,000 square feet of premium meeting space will inspire groups of 10 to 1,000. Add to that the surrounding New Englandstyle village and the gracious southern hospitality of our staff, and you can see why folks have been gathering here for more than one hundred years.

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

in this issue...

features It’s Here to Stay...Stay and Play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 50 ½ Ways to Get the Most Out of Your MPI Chapter Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 What Role Does Seating Play in Meeting Productivity?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Bidding for Good . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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 EducationLite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 MPI-CC Board of Directors Meeting Highlights . . . . . . . . . . 19 Coming Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

REGISTER NOW!

November 21-22, 2013 MPI-CC EducationPlus Meeting Omni Grove Park Inn Asheville, NC

Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013 |

1

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 Louise Paul, CMP, CMM BCD M&I onsite at Cisco 919-392-3729 lopaul@cisco.com 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 John Sneed, CHSP Wilmington & Beaches CVB 910-332-8757 jsneed@wilmingtonandbeaches.com

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 Andrea Giorno, CMP Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel 704-395-6193 andrea.giorno@sheratoncharlotte.com

Director of Publications Myron Jones • Fayetteville Area CVB

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

Editor Ginny Fountain, CMP • North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives Contributing Writers Andrew Schmidt, CHME, MPA, Greenville CVB; Erin Moye, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club; Tarshi McCoy, TMP, DoubleTree New Bern Riverfront; Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP, Marriott Columbia; Michelle Castro, Maggiano’s Little Italy; Melissa Klingberg, TH Management, Inc.;Neva Fanelli, A&N Awards & Promo; Louise Paul, CMP, CMM, BCD M&I at Cisco; Mike Martucci, AFR Event Furnishings Photographer Rich Gorberg, Freeze-Frame Photography 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 Printing/Design Paul Summerville • Spectrum Graphics, Inc. • 704-533-0225 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.

2

| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013

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

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

Gold Sponsors Colonial Williamsburg Greater Raleigh CVB Kingsmill Resort

Silver Sponsors Visit Charlotte New Bern/Craven County CVC NC Association of Electric Cooperatives Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island Greenville-Pitt County CVB

our members Welcome New Members!

Jennifer Beranek The Franklin Hotel jennifer@franklinhotelnc.com

Nicole Litteral Student, University of South Carolina litteran@email.sc.edu

Rhodean Simone Collman Institute for Emerging Issues rccollma@ncsu.edu

Maddie McCue Student, University of South Carolina mccueml@email.sc.edu

Carolyn Ent Elon University cent@elon.edu

Saiyidah Morris Student, University of South Carolina morriss4@email.sc.edu

Barbara Evans Burroughs Wellcome Fund bevans@bwfund.org

Melanie O’Bryan Biltmore mobryan@biltmore.com

Olivia Figary Student, University of South Carolina figary@email.sc.edu

Brianna Piddington Student, University of South Carolina bmfpiddington@gmail.com

Meeta Gandhi mmg12391@gmail.com

Gloria Refinati A&V Company grefinati@avcompany.com

Carrie Grieger Student, University of South Carolina cgrieger18@gmail.com Lynette Gulledge EPRI lgulledge@epri.com

Sharon Sparrow Lawyers Mutual Liability Insurance Company sharon@lawyersmutualnc.com Marla Svoboda Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center marla.svoboda@augustamarriott.com

Selah Havard, TMP Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau selah@visitcabbarus.com

Leah Winstead APEX Analytix lwinstead@apexanalytix.com

Yeon Ju Kim, CMP ni2hao3@hotmail.com Liesl Klotzbach Student, University of South Carolina liesl.klotzbach@gmail.com

Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach NASCAR Hall of Fame Marriott Columbia Wilmington Convention Center Sea Trail Resort & Conference Center

MPI-CC Anniversaries 15 Years Joyce Weyersberg, CMP Advanced Mission Systems 10 Years Cara Cartee, CMP MED-EL Corporation

Visit Winston-Salem

5 Years Debbie Wood Jack Henry & Associates

Fayetteville Area CVB

Congratulations to each of you for reaching a milestone in MPI! Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013 |

3

Our only success is yours.

At Great Wolf Lodge® and Conference Center, you’ll always find competitive room rates, full-service catering options, and configurable meeting space with integrated audio visual solutions.

But our true difference is that with us, you’ll partner with a team that will collaborate with you on every detail. A team fully vested in the complete success of your meeting or event.

• Located in Concord, NC, just 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte • 20,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space • Six separate and configurable meeting rooms • Full-service catering options • 402 spacious guest suites

Start the conversation at 704.979.3343 or concordsales@greatwolf.com. greatwolf.com/meetings

10175 Weddington Road • Concord, NC 28027

GROUPS & MEETINGS

PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE Meeting & Event Planning Certificate Program

Now Enrolling ▪ Spring Program Begins February 7, 2014 Complete the Meeting & Event Planning Certificate Program in 4 weekends!

February 7 & 8 ▪ February 21 & 22 February 28 & March 1 ▪ March 14 & 15

Free Info Sessions:

December 11, January 8, January 22 ▪ 6-7 p.m.

UNC Charlotte Center City 320 E. 9th St. ▪ Charlotte, NC 28202 Program designed for Meeting & Event Planners, Travel Agents, Hoteliers, Hospitality Professionals & those considering a career change.

704-687-8900 ContinuingEd.uncc.edu/mep 4

| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013

president’s message Education Wins!

by Erin Moye

Erin Moye, Washington Duke Inn, 2013-2014 MPI-CC President

You all know where it begins; those trips in the car with the curious preschool aged children playing a game of “why is the sky blue” or “what is 100 plus 100.” The thirst for knowledge has begun, and for most of us, that continues through our lives. We go on to higher level education, and then to the workplace. Even in the workplace, we find opportunities to engage with associations in our industry that will assist us with continuing education opportunities.

MPI understands the need for higher education opportunities for its local chapters. In anticipation of this need, two years ago they introduced a new process for booking speakers called the Chapter Content Database. This database contains a multitude of speakers on a variety of topics. We are able to see other chapters’ recommendations after they use the speaker database or speakers within the database, allowing us to get a better sense of whether or not the speaker and topic will be a good fit for our chapter and better serve your needs.

The membership reimbursement money that we receive from MPI on a monthly basis now goes 100% to education.

With the Chapter Content Database and the negotiated prices of the speakers in the database, we are able to afford more

speakers for more educational sessions. We are pumping up our EducationPlus and EducationLite programs with quality speakers that you want to hear! We are really doing some great things and are starting to get recognition for them.

In fact, because of our continuing education program, our chapter was nominated for the Tourism Excellence Award for Business Organization in honor of G. Lynn Nisbet. This is an award that is given at the North Carolina Tourism Leadership Conference in conjunction with the Destination Marketing Association of North Carolina and the North Carolina Travel Industry Association. I am proud to say our chapter WON! We were nominated because we serve a vital segment of the hospitality industry and have for more than two decades.

We do an excellent job of training new meeting planners and we work to keep professional planners current in a quickly evolving industry. We work hard to elevate the position of meeting planner to a respected profession, and we conduct sessions where different areas of the industry can meet and learn together. We should all be proud of our chapter and what we have accomplished!

“Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.” Robert Frost n

Kathy’s New Adventure

by Louise Paul, CMP, CMM It is with a heavy but happy heart that I announce that Kathy Norris, CMP, CMM, has chosen to begin her well-deserved retirement in November. The time she has been on the Cisco account, she has touched and successfully completed every type of program I threw (sometimes literally) at her!!!

Kathy is a native of West Virginia and has lived in North Carolina since 1990.

Kathy has been a customer service manager, an association executive, an event planner for the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, and most recently a corporate meeting planner for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. She has experience planning a wide variety of meetings, conferences and events and has earned both the CMP and CMM credentials. Kathy currently serves as a member of the Education Committee for MPI-CC and is a past board Kathy Norris, CMP, CMM

member. She was named the chapter’s 2010 Meeting Planner of the Year and her work on the education committee earned her the chapter’s Pat on the Back Award.

Kathy’s family includes husband Danny, son Joe & wife Sara, and daughter Katy & husband Bill along with five grandchildren. She is looking forward to increasing her volunteer activities with the U.S.O. of NC, the North Carolina Theatre and in the schools which her two youngest grandsons attend. Yard work, meeting friends for lunch, performing in community theater productions and all around “goofing off” are in her future. We all wish Kathy best wishes for a bright and busy retirement! n

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

Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013 |

5

member spotlight New Member Spotlight: Debi Neal Sales manager for the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort

by Tarshi McCoy, TMP

Debi Neal

Welcome new member Debi Neal, sales manager for the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort. Many of you had the opportunity to speak with Neal at the September meeting in Durham. Neal has been in her current position since June 21, 2013. My first encounter with Neal was when I called to welcome her to the Chapter. She answered the phone and said, “About time you called.” So when you see Neal, ask her about our first meeting.

Grand Cayman Islands are home to about 56,000 people representing over 124 nationalities. The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa is located on the beautiful Seven Mile beach. You can see the beautiful pools and ocean beyond the lobby windows making the resort a unique setting.

Neal has been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years and a member of the GAMPI chapter for many years. Upon her return to the Southeast territory for her new position, she wanted to explore additional chapters within the area.

She attended the July event in Charlotte and was very impressed with the friendliness and professionalism of the group. Neal is hoping to meet many new people and develop new relationships, as well as benefit from the educational opportunities offered.

Neal told me that she would love to meet Oprah Winfrey, because she has overcome many obstacles and thrived in spite of them. Also, now deceased – her father – to thank him for teaching her to be independent and survive in a (former) man’s world. “Life deals us a hand of cards and it is up to us how we play the hand.” Someday she hopes to write a book and the title will be, “Life……what happens when we are busy making other plans.”

When asked how she finds balance between her personal and professional life, Neal said, “What is that? It’s a continuous struggle.” She has been told many times that she is a workaholic. Neal acknowledges, “We have a very demanding industry and sometimes a full commitment is required to keep up.”

Neal wants to share some advice, “Never give up. It’s your life – own it.” The one constant that she believes will never change is the power of relationships and she states, “In this world of technology and social media, remember that people will forget what you say and do, but never forget how you made them feel.” n

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

Membership Update!

by Alyce Kelly, CHSP

Hey Ya’ll! (Can you tell I’ve been in Texas?)

I just returned from the MPI Chapter Business Summit in San Antonio representing you, the Carolinas Chapter, as your VP of Membership. It was a jam-packed two days of information, tools and education that I am excited to bring back to you!

There are lots of exciting changes that will be taking place in regards to membership. Mainly, we will be re-branding our new member orientation--it will now be called our “New Member Mixer.” So if you are new or just want to meet new members, please come and check out the membership information offered and network with some new faces.

We are also working on implementing a group called RISE (rising industry students and executives). This is a group that

6

| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013

will focus on member engagement for our student members and will include suppliers and planners that have been members for 1-3 years. If you are interested in getting involved with this group, please contact me at alyce.kelly@hilton.com or Tarshi McCoy, your Director of Membership at tarshi.mccoy@hilton.com.

It’s a great time to be a member of MPI-CC. Stay tuned for information on other ways to develop your brand and build your potential! n

Alyce Kelly, CHSP Hampton Inn Morehead City MPI-CC VP of Membership

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

by Melissa Klingberg | TH Mgmt., Inc.

Nicole Filippo

Nicole Filippo manages events and communications for Elon University’s Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and has been a member of MPI since 2006. Nicole is a graduate of Elon University and has been working in her current position for the last two years.

She returned to her alma mater after spending five and a half years working as the education and meeting planner for the National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA).

She was first introduced to MPI by her manager at NHFA, who not only recommended she join the association, but also attend the MPI Institute, a five-day higher education program.

Currently, Nicole serves on the Education and Publication committees. Her advice to new members, “While it may sound cliché, it is true that you get out of it what you put into it; so attend meetings, join committees, read the newsletter and get involved!”

When Nicole isn’t working, listening to hits from the 90’s, traveling with friends or checking Instagram, you can find her reading books such as Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg and/ or watching her favorite shows, Breaking Bad, Scandal and The Mindy Project. n

Melissa Klingberg TH Mgmt., Inc Education Committee Member

YOU CAN’T DEBATE A FOUNDING FATHER

BUT YOU CAN DECLARE YOUR BEST MEETING EVER Creative thought flows in this inspiring riverside setting, with its elevated southern style and freshly refurbished rooms and suites. Rally the team, liberate your greatest ideas and reach those lofty goals. Pursue your success!

800.982.2892 • Kingsmill.com/meetings

©2013 Xanterra Kingsmill, LLC. All rights reserved.

Publication: MPI CC Size: 7.25 x 4.75” Job#:703-3136

Run Date: Oct/Nov 2013

Dana Communications 609.466.9187 Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013 |

7

September’s Helping Hand Award Recipient: Kevin Snyder

by Michelle Castro

Kevin Snyder

Kevin Snyder has won the Helping Hand award for September!

Congratulations Kevin! This is what MPI peers are saying about him: Kevin explodes energy! After he attended his first meeting, he hit the ground running. He started volunteering before his membership officially started. He, along with others on the committee, devoted countless hours in preparing aggressive plans for the tradeshow.

As a team player, he has shown creativity and motivation to promote a great event for MPI-CC. n

Michelle Castro Maggiano’s Little Italy® MPI-CC Director of Awards & Recognition

Know a Helping Hand?

Where the East Meets

Know anyone that has lent a helping hand?

Greenville-Pitt County in the heart of the Coastal Plain is a fast growing destination easily accessible from all points within the state. City visitors enjoy two hospitality areas: our 32-acre Convention Center District campus featuring 74,000 sq ft of meeting space plus 433 sleeping rooms on site, and the Uptown Greenville District hub for shopping, dining and cultural opportunities. You are important and appreciated in Greenville, the place to meet and greet in the East!

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.

Nominations are due to Michelle Castro at durham.banquets@maggianos.com by November 15.

8

| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013

North Carolina

Greenville Convention Center www.greenvilleconventioncenter.com Greenville-Pitt County Convention & Visitors Bureau www.visitgreenvillenc.com Call Us! 800-537-5564

MPI Foundation Releases First-Ever Meeting Design Study Research and Toolkit to Help Planners Reduce Costs and Increase Value Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Foundation has published the first comprehensive research study on meeting design and will share the research today during the “How To Transform Your Meeting: The 5 Principles of Meeting Design” session at IncentiveWorks 2013 in Toronto, Canada.

• Assessment & Evaluation • Experience • Distributed Learning • Collaboration • Meaningful Engagement

As the industry undergoes a paradigm shift in how it defines, plans and executes meetings and events, the Meeting Design Study and the tools that accompany it provide both a framework and a bridge between the state of meetings today and the future.

“Given the ‘new normal’ facing all meeting professionals to do more with less, Meeting Design represents one of the few opportunities to actually reduce real costs while simultaneously increasing value,” Nawn says.

“Meeting Design is about reducing a meeting or event down to its most essential elements and directing increasingly limited resources toward what matters most--your attendees,” says John Nawn, founder of The Perfect Meeting and lead researcher of the study.

The tools created as a result of the study will provide guidance on how planners can design more effective meetings and undertake new approaches to create breakthrough experiences. The Meeting Design toolkit includes how-to guides, worksheets and case studies as they relate to the following principals.

In addition to debuting the study at IncentiveWorks, the research was shared during an educational discussion on meeting planning at IMEX America in October.

The research was conducted by Association Insights and The Perfect Meeting, and sponsored by Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, PSAV Presentation Services and Omni Hotels & Resorts. The information culled from this study is immediately applicable and will be a rich resource to the meeting and business event industry. The Meeting Design toolkit will help professionals remain relevant and valuable strategic assets to their organizations.

To access the full research study and toolkit, visit www.mpiweb.org/FOM.

It’s All in the Numbers 170,000-Square Feet of Meeting Space

Cohesive meeting space in one central location. That’s what you get with Twin City Quarter’s Benton Convention Center, Marriott Hotel and Embassy Suites.

An affordable destination rich with features and amenities - Wi-Fi, restaurants, cafes, lounges, spa and salon, Starbucks and fitness centers. Conveniently adjacent to Fourth Street’s Restaurant Row and the Arts District with galleries, dining and shops.

The only number you’ll need for one-stop-shopping: 877.888.9762

5th and Cherry Streets • Winston-Salem NC 27101 336.725.3500 • www.twincityquarter.com

Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013 |

9

Look Who We

New Members (left to right): Carolos Cruz, American AV; Barbara J. Evans, Burroughs Wellcome Fund; Gloria Refinati, A&V Company; Marla A Svoboda, Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center; Selah Havard, Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Lindsay M. Johnson, Student; Mamie Bush, Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront/Downtown; Nancy Coleman, Nancy Coleman Events; Malisa Bellamy, Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa; Debi Neal, The Westin Grand Cayman Mile Beach Resort & Spa; Kahla Hartman, Greensboro Marriott Downtown; Tera L. Robinson, RTNR Designs Events & Meetings; Gillian Dobbins,High Point CVB

September MPI-CC Education

Spotted at the...

Plus Meeting and Tradeshow Photography By Freeze-Frame Photography

educationplus Breakthrough Ideas for 2014 Do you seek fresh direction each year to add new excitement for your events or meetings attendees?

by Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP Plan to attend this not-tobe-missed workshop on Friday, November 22, 2013 in Asheville, NC at the Omni Grove Park Inn Resort.

Discover ideas that will influence your meeting and event design for 2014 as you work in teams to collaborate on fresh ideas! Discover why the whole industry is buzzing about this exciting speaker and topic.

Join Richard Aaron, President of BizBash NYC, as he delivers keen insights into the latest forces in meetings that will be shaping new creative strategies for your meetings and events in 2014. Richard will also spice up this session with the latest BizBash Magazine discoveries in design, rentals, and themes to help you create the most memorable event experiences. Discover the top thought leadership concepts in this session that separates the fads and trends for planners. Find what you need to Richard Aaron

know to keep up with change around you on brain food, activations, experiences, 3D video mapping, social media, décor, entertainment trends and oh so much more.

Richard is “The King of Edutainment” as he delivers and engages you in relevant content with a high-energy approach guaranteed to inspire you as well as increase your Event IQ for 2014.

This former Broadway musical actor is acknowledged as one of the foremost experts in pioneering the modern event industry.

Often called the “King of Edutainment” for his high-energy presentations, he is a much sought-after presenter. Currently president of BizBash Media, Richard manages tradeshows, conferences and award shows annually in nine markets for the organization. n

Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP Marriott Columbia MPI-CC Director of EducationPlus

educationlite Triangle EducationLite Recap

by Christy Marcinkowski, CMP On August 20th, the brand new Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh/Crabtree Valley hosted the Triangle EducationLite meeting with lunch from Catering by Design. FireStar’s Denise Ryan, MBA, CSP, shared ideas on how to better manage time with two main strategies: maintaining a master list and minimizing interruptions. What’s one of the worst interruptions? Email, of course! One suggestion by Denise is to limit the number of email checks during the day by setting specific times to check email. We also learned what type of communicator we are and how to recognize and communicate with the three other types. Thank you Denise and Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh/Crabtree for a wonderful event!

Christy Marcinkowski, CMP NC Sustainable Energy Association EducationLite Committee Member

12

| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013

educationplus Dianne Sez! Practice the Art of Networking

Dianne’s 20 Tips to Pop a PILL! 1.

Take Care of You First – everyone loves a Winner. How you feel is how others feel around You!

2.

Know the Rules of the Game – what is the protocol, manners, expectations of the situation you are in

by Dianne Budion Devitt

3.

Expand your Network – join a special interest club, stretch your game to another level, join a club, play games

Ever hear the expression, you get out of life what you put into it? Well, networking is a perfect way to measure your own personal POP, the Power of Participation. Like a stone tossed into a lake, the ripple effect of your actions come back to you so when I tell you to Pop a PILL, I am telling you to Participate in Living Life!

4.

Value other people’s time

5.

Know that how and who you spend time with eventually defines you

6.

Know who you are; what are your strengths

7.

Read a new business book once a month

8.

Follow words that were told to me and be interested AND interesting

Networking is all about creating the ten to 12 connections in your life that will help to make you, as you help to make others, well-rounded. From a trusted Advisor, to a demanding Coach, to all those in between, we learn to grow, to nurture and most important, to give back and pay it forward to someone else.

9.

Cultivate a relationship first; first impressions occur within 7 seconds and people do business with people they like

Networking works when you work it and it’s not about friendship. If you’re fortunate, a friendship may develop, but remember networking is strategic, it is energy, it is doing your part and being the puzzle piece to complete someone’s effort to connect to someone to do something that will help many. n

10. Go the extra mile to make introductions, connections and valuable referrals 11. Be Active in an association 12. Write hand-written notes 13. Learn to Say No; so your Yes has more value 14. Earn Trust, Give Trust 15. Live IN Your Body – where else will you go? Be aware of hands – from movement to handshakes, eye contact, stance, smiles, listening, paying attention, hugging….

16. Dress appropriately – better to wear what is fitting as well as what fits 17. Breathe and be aware of your VOICE

Dianne Budion Devitt dianne@dndgroup.com o/212.279.9270 m/917.647.8757 Dianne welcomes hearing from you. She is available as a creative solutions consultant, Speaker and Producer.

18. Remember there is no Small Talk – review George Washington’s book: Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation 19. Choose receiving business cards wisely as well as giving yours out strategically 20. Have a plan to follow up and routinely keep connected – it’s all about energy

Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013 |

13

s

urse lf co o g ip ls ionsh s, festiva amp m h u C e A mus • PG class ent ld r • Wo tertainm port & en al air n io t erna • Int

oms tel ro o h t rges area st’s la ,000 6 a 1 e r h e ut • Ov e So of th centers e n • O vention eum s colis con t rant ates a stau terst 0-se e 0 n r I 5 r , 0 0 • 23 majo an 5 re th om 3 r o f s M s • ce sy ac • Ea

Have Someone Else Plan it for You.

ton shing

Wa

D.C. ro

nsbo

Gree S.

5 HR

FROM

nta

Atla

ree

VisitG

“

m

C.co

roN nsbo

“

Plan your meeting or event the good ol’ American way

OM

S. FR

5 HR

Successful is an understatement.

Winston-Salem was near perfection!

— Dr. Linda H. Gilliam, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

®

We’ll help you plan your meeting in a jiffy.

When you’re looking for help to plan the perfect event, you can find everyone and everything you need in greater Fayetteville. We have a 13,500 seat coliseum and a 60,000 square-foot expo center.

Hotels? We have over 5,300 rooms.

Golf ? We can book you a tee time at 20 great courses. We can make

We’ve been hosting meetings since the Revolutionary War so we’re pretty darn good at it. reservations at over 400 restaurants, to satisfy every appetite and budget.

How about history, culture and shopping? No problem. We can help arrange incredible excursions and tours to satisfy your group’s desires.

Give us a call today at 1-888-98-HEROES.

VisitFayettevilleNC.com

14

| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013

• More than 4,600 hotel rooms • 100,000+ square foot downtown Convention Center • Over 100 downtown restaurants and shops • Named a Forbes’ Top 10 Best Downtown • Centrally located in North Carolina

FOR DETAILS, CONTACT: Christian Schroeder Director of Convention Sales Christian@VisitWinstonSalem.com 866-728-4200 main 336-728-4218 direct VisitWinstonSalem.com

It’s Here to Stay...

Stay and Play

by Andrew Schmidt, CHME, MPA

Sports are a part of the American lifestyle.

We dress up in our favorite jerseys, faithfully watch our team on television or in person, and get together with friends to tailgate before and after the game. While it’s a great outlet and a lot of fun to be a part of, destinations see it as a tool to create a positive economic impact in their respective communities.

Even if your city does not have a professional, minor league or college team, the good news is that you can get in on the action by recruiting tournaments of all ages and event types to your hotels and destination.

The athletic market is one of the fastest growing markets in the hospitality industry today. Travel team participation is skyrocketing and for the first time in my twenty-three year history in this industry, young men and women that hope to play at the collegiate level are actually choosing their travel teams over their high school teams to attract the attention of recruiters. As a result, many corporate entities and individuals are getting into the tournament management aspect of the athletic market and making their living scheduling and managing showcase tournaments across the country. To make this an even more lucrative endeavor they have instituted something called the “Stay and Play” approach. This approach, which has its share of critics, has become more and more popular among the tournament managers and will likely continue to increase in popularity among this subset of people.

The “Stay and Play” approach is a simple concept that simplifies the job of the housing aspect of running larger tournaments. Here is an example of how this program works.

A large baseball tournament is coming to a destination. Over 100 teams are expected to attend so it will require hundreds of hotel rooms to be secured within the host destination. As one would expect, the tournament housing coordinator will negotiate rates among a number of hotels for the teams with a commission (usually 10% to 15%) going to the tournament for each room. Once the hotel contracts are signed, the hotel options are communicated to the teams wanting to participate in the tournament. There is also another stipulation that is in place. Teams that want to play in the tournament must stay at one of the hotels where there is a negotiated rate. If they do not, there are not allowed to play in the tournament even if they have paid the tournament registration fee. In short, the tournament organizers are controlling where teams can stay.

As one can imagine there is some controversy over this tactic.

Without a doubt, the tournament organizers are looking

at a more lucrative situation for themselves by using this approach. They receive the registration fees from participating teams and now commissions on each room. However, this is not the only advantage. This system simplifies keeping track of what teams are participating in the tournament, where the teams are staying, and keeps teams close to the playing venue which can condense their overall tournament schedules.

There is also the opportunity for the tournament organizers to establish relationships with hoteliers as most destinations will host three to four of these types of tournaments each year. Lastly, by choosing multiple hotels, there are different price points for teams and family members to choose from.

Critics of the “Stay and Play” program believe that the tournament organizers are hurting team participation which ultimately affects those who want to play in these tournaments. They feel hotels must raise rates to cover commissions which get passed on to teams and families making it less affordable to participate. There have been thoughts that tournament organizers look for higher end hotels with higher rates to increase their commissions.

Lastly, teams and families do not always agree with the hotel selection of the tournament housing bureau and dislike giving up control on where they would like to stay.

There are certainly a number of sides to consider when looking at the “Stay and Play” program and it’s easy to see why it can be controversial. The bottom line however is that it works for the tournament organizers and (please excuse the upcoming pun) the ball is in their court on where they want to host tournaments. The good news for teams that may not like the “Stay and Play” concept is that there are plenty of tournaments out there to choose from. They have a choice of where they want to play. n

Andrew Schmidt, CHME, MPA Greenville-Pitt County CVB ECU School of Hospitality Leadership

Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013 |

15

50 ½ Ways to Get the Most Out of Your MPI Chapter Membership

by Neva Fanelli

Neva Fanelli A&N Awards & Promo MPI-CC Publications and Awards Committee Member

16

| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013

What Role Does Seating Play in Meeting Productivity?

by Mike Martucci

Have you ever stopped to pay attention to where people sit in your meetings? Have you ever noticed how long people will remain seated before needing a break? Have you considered how the content and layout of your meeting can have an impact on its effectiveness?

Seating has a great impact on the productivity of your meetings and general sessions. The arrangement, the type of chair, and the configuration all play great roles in creating an atmosphere that can either help you, or work against the impact of your sessions.

For smaller meetings, there are three basic configurations to encourage maximum results: For problem solving, you want everyone facing each other.

Using Round tables with seating for 10 or 12 works well for this type of communication. Chairs should be comfortable with solid back support. If you don’t need a table to work on, then try using chairs in a circle with a large square or circular ottoman in the middle to create comfortable communication pods. The circle configuration fosters contributions from everyone.

Try a “U” configuration for training and instruction. This allows the trainer or presenter to interact with each person in attendance. To achieve this in a way that is more laid back than traditional school style tables, add some panache and comfort to the equation. The “U” helps to encourage open communication.

A rectangular set up works best when trying to come to a conclusion or make a decision. Having everyone facing inward allows conversation to flow back and forth. Use a Conference table and surround them with comfortable executive chairs. Allowing for comfort and ease in discussion is one of the oldest tricks in the book – and it still works.

Larger Meetings & General Sessions: Think about meetings and conferences where guests have to sit for many hours.

They may be squirming, uncomfortable and playing on their phones. One of the easiest ways to increase productivity

during long sessions is to use seating that is comfortable and placed for maximum view. Guests can see and absorb everything that is happening on the Stage.

Theatre seating is often considered the best way to maximize space and is used for conferences where there is not much interaction needed from the audience. A Chevron layout is another way for meeting planners to bring people closer together and maximize seating while allowing for more interaction. Let’s take it a step further and think comfort.

More and more planners are turning to alternative styles of seating. For a General Session, consider using Stage Chairs to create a configuration for VIP seating, which allows for comfort and keeps all eyes on the stage. Adding in branded pillows and accent tables, your conference can take a fresh and trendy direction, while reinforcing the Brand & overall theme of your event.

You can mix and match different furnishings to create an innovative layout for your meeting. In this configuration for MPISEC, their Meeting Forward arrow logo was implemented using white lounge sofas and chairs directly in the middle of the ballroom and recreated the meeting logo in an innovative way.

By considering many different alternatives and laying them out in optimal ways, you can create a more productive learning environment for attendees. Using new seating options for your meetings can pay dividends in how happy guests are and how well they pay attention. At the end of the day, isn’t a valuable return on investment what you want to deliver for your clients? The way you design your meetings directly impacts how you inspire guests! n

Mike Martucci Regional GM - AFR Event Furnishings Hospitality Committee Publications Committee Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013 |

17

community outreach Reaching Out!

by Beverly Abraham

Animal Protection Society of Durham Thanks to our generous members, I was able to deliver a station wagon filled to the brim with pet food, toys, office supplies, and $67.00 cash to the Animal Protection Society of Durham. The APS staff (and I’m sure the animals too!) were extremely grateful!!

1.800.509.2444 www.hickorymetro.com Convention Center with over 76,000 square feet of meeting space

Manna Foodbank In honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, we will support Manna Foodbank http://mannafoodbank.org/ during our November meeting in Asheville. Manna services the entire Western North Carolina Region with the mission of alleviating hunger in the area. With the recent spending cuts in both the State and Federal budgets, more and more people are in danger of starvation. We hope our members will once again show their generosity and help bring a happier Thanksgiving to those who are less fortunate.

Please bring canned food, other non-perishable items, cash, or check donations to registration at the November meeting.

Watch our chapter Facebook page for a list of their most needed items. Remember, every $1 donation feeds someone three meals! n

Beverly Abraham Hospitality Performance Network Global MPI-CC Community Outreach Committee Chair

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

Easily accessible off I-40

always accepting original articles and great topic ideas.

Free Parking

To submit your articles, please contact Ginny Fountain

Free

share your ideas with fellow MPI-CC members and earn points toward your CMP certification. The Blitz is

at Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com

18

Over 2,000 hotel rooms

| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013

wireless internet

meeting highlights Board of Directors Meeting Minutes September 17, 2013 | Durham, NC

by Louise Paul, CMP, CMM

Members Present: Vince Chelena, Scott Crotty, Diane Weems, Amy Johnson, John Sneed, CHSP, Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Christian Schroeder, Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP, Alison Jenkins, Myron Jones, Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Erin Moye, Kathy Flowe, CMP, Christine Irwin, CMP, Lindsay Myers, Michelle Castro, Louise Paul, CMP, CMM

Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP, made a motion to charge non-MPI-CC members $125 to participate in the MPI-CC CMP Study Group, with an optional $25 per person rebate going back to the promoting Chapter.

Second: Christian Schroeder Vote: Approved

Excused Absences: Tarshi McCoy, TMP, Corey Bizzell

Myron Jones updated the board that subtle changes will be made to the Blitz going forward.

Minutes: The President requested a motion to approve the July 2013 Board Meeting minutes.

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

Second: Diane Weems Vote: Approved

Financials: The June P&L, balance sheet and aging report were sent to the board prior to the board meeting.

Motion: Scott Crotty motioned approval of the financials P&L and Balance Sheet as submitted.

Second: Kathy Flowe, CMP

Motion: Scott Crotty motioned approval of the Aging report Second: Alison Jenkins Second: Christian Schroeder Vote: Approved

Chapter Office: Christine Irwin, CMP, reviewed the agenda for the September meeting. As of Wednesday evening, 125 attendees had registered for the meeting and 42 tradeshow booths were confirmed.

Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, updated the board with suggestions on ways to engage members more during the registration/reception to make them feel more welcomed and part of the event.

Unfinished business: Christian Schroeder and Scott Crotty presented their findings from the Meeting Structure Summit.

The areas that were addressed: Financial, Education, Membership Engagement and what the next steps are.

After discussions, a motion was made by Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, for the summit participants, with the help of Christian Schroeder and Scott Crotty, to pursue the suggestions that came out of the Summit.

Second: Louise Paul, CMP, CMM Vote: approved

New Business: The next board meeting will be held in Asheville on Thursday, November 21, at 2:00 pm.

Meeting adjourned. n

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

Motion: Myron Jones motioned approval of the consent agenda.

Second: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE Vote: Approved

Action Items and motions removed from Consent Agenda:

Kathy Flowe, CMP, made a motion to accept the

Nominating Committee as follows:

Kathy Flowe, CMP Kim DaRoja Kay Grant

Kathy Norris, CMP, CMM Heidi Walters Loretta Yingling, CMP

Second: Scott Crotty

Vote: Approved

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

Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013 |

19

coming attractions Omni Grove Park Inn Asheville, North Carolina | November 21-22, 2013 The Omni Grove Park Inn is a historic resort built along the Blue Ridge Mountains, just minutes from downtown Asheville, North Carolina. Upon entering you will find yourself in the Great Hall which measures 120 feet across and features 24-foot ceilings and two gigantic 14-foot stone fireplaces. The resort’s grand lobby is famous for the elevators hidden in the chimneys of the fireplaces, that transport guests to their rooms. The Inn showcases a spectacular collection of Arts and Crafts furnishings from Stickley and Roycroft throughout guest areas, guestrooms and suites harkening back to its opening just over 100 years ago.

ACCOMMODATIONS 513 guest rooms, 12 suites and 28 Club Floor Rooms CONFERENCE FACILITIES • 28 Meeting Rooms including some spectacular outdoor venues • Square Footage: 55,000 • Largest Meeting Room: 17,760 sq. ft.

The Spa at The Omni Grove Park Inn Our $50 million, 43,000-square-foot subterranean Spa features cavernous rock walls, arches, and tunnels, with 20 water features throughout the facility and 18,000-square-feet of amenity space.

Donald Ross Designed Golf Course Take in the views while playing an incomparable game of golf on our famed 18-hole Donald Ross course.

Sports Complex Our 50,000-square-foot Sports Complex is the home to indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a racquetball court, an indoor pool, a Fitness Club, a cardio room, table tennis and pool tables, a Tennis Pro Shop and lounges and locker rooms for guest use. The Sports Complex also offers fitness training, yoga classes, tennis clinics and children’s programs.

Visit us at groveparkinn.com or call 1.866.474.6110 to book your next meeting. n

20

| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013

BiddingForGood 45-64 years old

Carolina Blitz | October - November 2013 |

21

Meeting Professionals International Carolinas Chapter 1800 Camden Road Suite 107, #213 Charlotte, NC 28203 Forwarding Service Requested

monthly meeting planner November 21-22, 2013 | Asheville, NC

July 17-18, 2014 | Charleston, SC

MPI-CC EducationPlus Meeting

MPI-CC EducationPlus Meeting

Grove Park Inn

Charleston Marriott September 18-19, 2014 | Durham, NC

January 23-24, 2014 | Charlotte, NC

MPI-CC EducationPlus Meeting

MPI-CC EducationPlus Meeting and Tradeshow

Omni Charlotte

DoubleTree by Hilton RTP November 20-21, 2014 | Southern Pines, NC

March 20-21, 2014 | Columbia, SC

MPI-CC EducationPlus Meeting

MPI-CC EducationPlus Meeting

DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia

Pine Needles

May 18-19, 2014 | Concord, NC

MPI-CC EducationPlus and Annual Meeting

Embassy Suites Concord

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is December 2, 2013. Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to Editor-In-Chief Ginny Fountain at Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com