Carolina Blitz June - July 2017
Graylyn International Conference Center Winston-Salem, NC | July 27-28, 2017
in this issue...
features Annual Meeting Award Winners . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Global Meetings Celebrated in MPI Carolinas Chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Silent Auction Success! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
in every issue Our Annual Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Our Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Monthly Meeting Planner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MPI-CC Board & Committee Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 See MPI! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13
vovan13/iStock/Thinkstock
Board Meeting Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-20
Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017 |
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MPI-CC THANKS OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS! We Appreciate Your Support! Diamond Sponsors:
Gold Sponsors:
Silver Sponsors:
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| Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017
our members Welcome New Members! Jamisha Breland Certified Limousine Service info@certifiedlimousines.com
Dee Gause Helmsbriscoe dgause@helmsbriscoe.com
Jorgia Parker Think Up Consulting jorgia@thinkupconsulting.com
Shelley Cromartie T.A. Cook Conferences srcromartie364@gmail.com
Christopher Gerhart Crescent Event Productions chris.gerhart@crescentevents.com
Debora Perlini BASF Corporation debora.perlini@basf.com
Lindsey Davis Aladdin Travel & Meeting Planners lindsey.davis@aladdintravel.com
Caroline Grant DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern Riverfront caroline.grant@hilton.com
Susan Saunders Wake Forest Baptist Health Sciences ssaunder@wakehealth.edu
April Dillon The Beach House Resort Hilton Head Island april.dillon@thebeachhousehhi.com
Geni Greiner Wake Forest University holmesgj@wfu.edu
Danielle Fletcher AIMCAL - The Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators danielle@aimcal.org
Rae Hawkins SYNNEX Corporation raem@synnex.com Jennifer King, CMP SYNNEX Corporation jenniferki@synnex.com
MPI-CC Anniversaries 15 Years
Jennie Sellers Verdesian Life Sciences jennie.sellers@vlsci.com Kristine Tew Millennium Hotel Durham kristine.tew@millenniumhotels.com Charlotte Turner Student- Ashworth College jansen43@aol.com
First Timers and New Members at the May Mixer
Lisa Royster, CMP
Randy Smith, CMP
Kessler Collection,
Visit Charlotte
The Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston
10 Years Keri Epps-Rashad
5 Years
NCAR
Amy Green-Welsh
Krista Bartlett Omni Hotels & Resorts
American Board of Pediatrics Alicia Miller, CMP
Left to right: Kristine Tew, Millennium Hotel Durham
State Employees
Najauna White, Durham CVB
Association of NC
Stephanie Atkisson, DoubleTree Columbia, SC Dayma Edwards, Wilmington Regional Association of REALTORS
Congratulations to each of you for
Kathryn Atkinson, NC Academy of Family Physicians
reaching a milestone in MPI!
Brad Bishop, Private Employer Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017 |
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monthly meeting planner July 27-28, 2017
November 9-10, 2017
Winston-Salem, NC
Greensboro, NC
Graylyn International
Grandover Resort &
Conference Center
Conference Center
September 28-29, 2017
January 18-19, 2018
Raleigh, NC
Charlotte, NC
Raleigh Marriott
Embassy Suites
Crabtree Valley
by Hilton
BrianAJackson/iStock/Thinkstock
Charlotte Uptown
Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, August 4, 2017. Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to Editor-In-Chief Cathy Mauldin, CMP, at cathymauldin@gmail.com.
s room st otel h large s a ’ t e r s a hea ,000 Sout rs • 10 the te f n o e ce • On vention eum s colis con t rant a stau 0-se e r 0 5 0 , 50 • 23 than m3 ore M ss fro e • c c sy a ates • Ea terst n I r o maj
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| Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017
hip ions p m ha AC rses • PG ms, o c u useu m nt golf s s inme -cla a t d r l r e t o •W & en ort vals i t s l airp e a f n o ti erna • Int 5 HRS. FROM
Washington D.C. Greensboro 5 HRS. FROM
Atlanta
VisitGreensboroNC.com #VisitGSO
president’s message
It’s a New Year! by Alyce Kelly, CHSP
Wow, what a fabulous annual meeting! The Doubletree by Hilton New Bern and the Craven County CVC really did a fantastic job! It was so exciting for me to see new faces and to have folks come up to me and tell me how excited they were and that they were looking forward to getting involved with the Chapter. Don’t let that enthusiasm end! We are always talking about getting involved, but I sincerely mean that you will get so much more out of your membership, and grow professionally as well as personally when you serve within the chapter. It truly only takes a little time each month to be a part of this exciting organization. Alyce Kelly, CHSP The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores MPI-CC President
I recently had the privilege to sit on a panel that was responsible for selecting students from the culinary program at Carteret Community College. These students are selected to travel to France to live, work, study with French Escoffier Chefs and immerse themselves in the French culture. It is so refreshing to see the excitement of the next generation of hospitality professionals. I got that same feeling at our annual meeting. You could feel the energy in the room, and the excitement was and still is contagious. We completed our annual board retreat in April. I felt that same energy from the incoming board members, which makes me so excited to serve as your 2017-2018 President and to see where that excitement leads our chapter. We have had some great successes this year. Our membership retention rate is up, our silent auction was a huge success and we were able to put additional funds back into the chapter reserves making our chapter more financially stable. Let’s keep the energy and excitement going this coming year! Remember, this is your MPI Carolinas Chapter.
a_Taiga/iStock/Thinkstock
I hope to see you July 27 & 28 at Graylyn in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
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MPI-CC 2017-2018 Board of Administration President Alyce Kelly, CHSP The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores 252-241-8402 gm@theinnatpks.com
President-Elect Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM Global Knowledge 919-461-8698 Alison.Harding@ globalknowledge.com
Immediate Past President Barbara Dragan Visit Greenville SC 864-421-0000 bdragan@visitgreenvillesc.com
Director of Marketing Ricardo Hicks American AV 919-361-1151 rhicks@aavevents.com
Marketing Committee Farrah Staub, CMP Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley 919-571-5319 farrah.staub@marriott.com
Director of Meeting Planning Deanna Griffith House, CMP, GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCM, CMM Spectrum Reach 704-941-3482 deanna.k.griffith@gmail.com
Education Committee Alison Flaig Genworth Mortgage Insurance Alison.flaig@genworth.com
Special Events (Auctions) Mica Parekh, CMP IWP Photography 919-270-2510 mica@iwpphotography.com
Silent Auction Committee Kristine Tew Millennium Durham Hotel 919-383-8575 Kristine.Tew@ millenniumhotels.com
Special Events (Trade Show) Mallory Middleton, CMP Raleigh Convention Center 919-996-8514 mallory.middleton@ raleighconvention.com
Business Exchange Committee Chair Needed
Director of Leadership & Volunteer Development Molly Nelson Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau 828-258-6121 mnelson@exploreasheville.com
Awards Committee Co-Chair April Ferguson, CMP, CMM BCD M&E Onsite at Cisco Systems 502-468-6084 april.clark1@gmail.com
Director of Membership Michelle Castro Siena Hotel 919-918-2539 mcastro@sienahotel.com
New Member Committee Chair Alicia Miller, CMP State Employees Assoc. of NC 919-833-6436 amiller@seanc.org
Communications VP of Communications Nicole Robinson Keshler Greater Raleigh CVB 919-834-5900 nkeshler@visitraleigh.com
Education VP of Education Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM North Carolina Association of CPAs 919-469-1040, ext. 128 ahodges@NCACPA.org
Finance VP of Finance Maureen Donovan Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach 910-256-2231 mdonovan@ wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com
Membership VP of Membership Selah Bideau 980-221-7637 selahbideau@gmail.com
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| Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017
f Directors and Committees
Advocacy Committee Co-Chair Linda Ilsley, CMP LPI Events 919-322-4996 lpievents@aol.com
Advocacy Committee Co-Chair Molly Johnson, CMP Wilmington & Beaches CVB 910-332-8747 mjohnson@ wilmingtonandbeaches.com
Publications Committee Cathy Mauldin, CMP DESA, Inc. Onsite at CDM Smith 803-917-1871 cathymauldin@gmail.com
Social Media Committee Tenessa Moore Moore Creative Ink, Inc. 704-542-4814 tmoore@moorecreativeink.com
Meeting Planning Committee Molly Johnson, CMP Wilmington & Beaches CVB 910-332-8747 mjohnson@ wilmingtonandbeaches.com
Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Farrah Staub, CMP Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley 919-571-5319 farrah.staub@marriott.com
Awards Committee Co-Chair Lindsay Myers Caesars Entertainment 919-628-8836 lmyers1@caesars.com
Leadership & Volunteer Development Committee Jemeria Lawson
Member Care Committee Chair Needed
Recruitment Committee Chair Needed
The Management Office Christine Irwin, CMP The Management Office 704-377-5648 Christine@ themanagementoffice.com
Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Jennifer Kist, CMP MHI 704-607-1454 jkist@mhi.org
The Durham Hotel 919-768-8837 jlawson@thedurham.com
Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017 |
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see mpi! NC Aggregates Association, Diane Weems, Manager & Planner by Jean Travers
In 2017, Diane Weems, planner for the North Carolina Aggregates Association and MPI-CC member, took her Mine Safety & Health Conference to Harrah’s Cherokee, where Stacy Pegg, property sales manager, is also an MPI-CC member. Diane has been doing this program in partnership with the NCDOL – Mine & Quarry Bureau since 2012 and this was the first time it was held at Harrah’s. It turned out to be the largest attendance ever, breaking all the previous attendance records for this one event! The hotel was fabulous and Diane has been asked to take the conference back there again. Hiking and fishing are two of the many outdoor adventures that are available in the area and Diane recommends taking groups to see the play “Unto These Hills.”
Have YOU booked an MPI-CC member hotel lately? It is commonly said that relationships are the key to booking successful meetings. Next time, use the MPI-CC directory and find YOUR next member hotel! n
Jean Travers HelmsBriscoe MPI-CC Marketing Committee Member
FYV-514s MYRON-AD-3.5x4.75-v3[10.12.16]-ms.pdf
LET US HELP PLAN YOUR NEXT HOMETOWN EVENT
In 2016, the same group went to Sea Trail, where MPI-CC member supplier, Donna Rabon, took exceptional care to make that conference successful. Diane Weems is a perfect example of true Buy MPI. She also booked MPI member Vernice Whittaker’s property, The DoubleTree Atlantic Beach, for 2018.
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The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (FACVB) would love to help plan your next event. From start to finish, our team will work with you to gather and present proposals according to your needs, arrange site visits and assist with promotional items and other resources, ensuring that your event goes off without a hitch.
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FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Myron Jones FACVB Director of Sales mjones@visitfayettevillenc.com 910.483.5311
V I S I T FAY E T T E V I L L E N C. C O M
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| Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017
10/12/16
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Thought you knew us? Meet the new us.
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NORTH CAROLINA
Reinvent your expectations. Reinvent your meeting. Summer 2017. Contact Christian@VisitWinstonSalem.com or visit ReinventYourMeeting.com.
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Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017 |
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education Education in Review by Mallory Middleton, CMP
On Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at the MPI-Carolinas Chapter Annual Meeting, Karen Moore, CEO of Moore Communications Group, kick-started the education session titled “Redefining the Hero” by encouraging the attendees to think like an entrepreneur. She also stated that in order for your clients, attendees, and counterparts to think more highly of you and your product or service, you should have someone else talk about it, versus ourselves. Moore said that in today’s market, it’s all about advocacy over marketing. This means that companies should spend more time building their network of champions with great testimonials rather than dollars spent in marketing ads and campaigns. The big question that today’s event attendees and consumers as a whole ask themselves before buying or doing anything is “why?” Moore said that people are no longer interested in the statistics (i.e., the number of hotel rooms and/or meeting spaces) when making a buying decision but rather, they care about why they should choose a venue, product or service of one company over the other. What do they offer that is different? What is their compelling story and how much do they care? The common saying, “the best business is the business you already have,” is taken even further with Moore’s outlook on turning existing clients into “champions” for you and your organization’s brand. This encourages longevity of the client relationship and serves as a testimonial and compelling reason for potential clients to become interested in working with us. Moore stated that the most successful companies have CEO’s that are thought leaders and that every person in the organization knows and actively demonstrates the organization’s mission statement and vision every day. Moore also relayed that every company needs to complete a “brand assessment” every 12 months. She said that branding has nothing to do with a company’s logo or letterhead, but instead how someone feels about your organization. Taking a deeper dive into brand defining elements that Moore suggests companies have, she laid out several key items; the first is a thirty-second elevator speech. Every person in the organization needs to be able to explain the following: who they are, what they do, and why anyone should care. She also suggests that all companies should have a twenty-second “infomercial” style video that they have on their website to explain who they are and why they’re the best at what they do. Video, as Moore explained, is the most popular way for consumers to gather information online. YouTube is the most searched website resource behind Google; therefore, it’s important
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Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017
that organizations have a YouTube channel with at least five to seven videos and eventually thirty or more, preferably in the twenty-second infomercial format. America is a “culture of threes,” Moore stated during her session, noting examples like The Three Musketeers and The Three Little Pigs. Since we are this culture of threes, Moore said it’s important that we have three success stories to share about our organization. Companies should also be represented on three various social media platforms that they are able to regularly post on and maintain. If your organization has a social media site that they are not active on, then Moore said to “get off!” Being inactive on a social media platform can be more damaging than not having one. Moore suggested having a social media content calendar that is maintained by someone within the organization. She stated that whatever social media platforms you choose to use, be consistent and post at the same time each day. This way, the followers know when to expect something from your organization. Moore left the attendees with the three things she wrote down on a napkin at Golden Corral the day after she quit her steady nine-to-five job: 1.) Do the right thing; companies should always act in the best interest of their employees and give back to the community every chance they can. 2.) Be innovative; avoid complacency and stagnant strategies, but instead always be learning, growing, and innovative. 3.) Have everyone else tell about how innovative and ethical the company is--don’t do it yourself. Build those brand champions and have them give testimonials. They can be your cheerleader to potential clients. If we, as employees representing our organizations, remember to do the right thing, stay innovative, and build our network of brand champions, then we can steadily gain true, long-lasting fans of our work. Looking in on what we can do to better our organizations and focusing on our existing clients to build our ambassadors will strengthen our processes and realign our outlook on marketing to successfully gain more business. Are we the hero, or our brand champions? Moore’s informative session was a great refresher of what companies can do, and what we can do both inside and outside of the organization, to redefine who the heroes truly are. n
Mallory Middleton, CMP Raleigh Convention Center MPI-CC Director of Special Events (Tradeshow)
Looking Ahead at July 2017 MPI-CC Education by Amelia Hodges, CMM, CMP
July 27 & 28, 2017 will bring a beneficial range of professional development sessions for MPI-CC to choose from while enjoying the summer weather. The meeting will take place at the Graylyn International Conference Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Between the Thursday afternoon and Friday David Rendall morning education sessions, there will be a variety of topics covered including a strategy session about creating innovation for your organization, and a session focused on discovering your unique characteristics in a positive way. The Thursday session titled “Surprising Strategies for Innovation and Differentiation” will be led by leadership extraordinaire David Rendall. In this session, attendees can expect to learn how to create a company that continually develops and implements new ideas, products and services. Attendees will learn that traditional approaches to innovation don’t work and might even make things worse. For planners and suppliers, David says to be successful, businesses need to embrace five unconventional strategies that challenge our current understanding of fear, failure, control and conformity.
On Friday, David will kick-off the last education session titled “The Freak Factor: Discovering Uniqueness by Flaunting Weakness.” Attendees will take a look at both sides to discover their strengths and weaknesses. David will also demonstrate how attendees can frame their unique characteristics in a positive way, find situations that highlight your positive qualities and maximize your self-control. This presentation will encourage attendees to become more of who they are, without turning into someone else. David says it’s about becoming more different and more unique, not more average and more mediocre. From creating innovation and differentiation in our careers and companies to building our strengths, the July MPI-CC meeting will be time well spent to gain useful information while enjoying a top-notch destination. n
Amelia Hodges, CMM, CMP NC Association of CPA’s VP of Education
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Look Who We Spotted at the...
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| Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017
... May Meeting in New Bern! Photography by Mica Parekh – IWP Photography
Annual Meeting Award Winners HALL OF FAME Christian Schroeder Director of Sales and Services at Visit Winston-Salem
Wendy Bassett presents to Christian Schroeder
Christian has been a member of MPI and active in the Carolinas Chapter since 2006. In recent years, Christian has been the face of MPI-CC as the President Elect, President and Immediate Past President.
Christian is truly a wonderful person to work with. He is positive, supportive and knowledgeable. He always captivates our attendees and lets them know how appreciated they are at each meeting. He has dedicated many years to MPI-CC and will continue to be a great resource for our membership even after his time on the board is completed.
PLANNER OF THE YEAR April Ferguson, CMP, CMM Event Logistics Manager for BCD M&E onsite at Cisco Systems April has been a member of MPI and active in the Carolinas Chapter since 2008. She has served as Editor of the Carolina Blitz and on various April Ferguson committees as Chair and/or Member. She is currently the Awards and Recognitions Committee Co-Chair. April also serves as an Advisory Board Member for MPI International’s publication “The Meeting Professional.” April remains active in the chapter even without regularly attending meetings and has remained professional in her commitments. She has the knowledge and experience from both sides of the industry, making her a versatile planner. She represents everything MPI stands for!
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR Maureen Donovan Director of Sales & Marketing for the Holiday Inn SunSpree Wrightsville Beach
Alison Harding presents to Maureen Donovan
Maureen has been a member of MPI and active in the Carolinas Chapter since 2006. She is currently serving as the Director of Strategic Partnerships. Maureen has contributed to MPI-CC by serving on committees and always
being there to help when needed. She is engaged and unwavering in her efforts to lead this chapter to success. She is impressive with her work ethic and her longevity at the Holiday Inn Wrightsville Beach. You won’t find anyone who is more dedicated to our chapter, her job and the meetings industry.
TOMORROW’S LEADER NOMINEES Mallory Middleton, CMP Corporate Sales Manager at the Raleigh Convention Center
Ginny Fountain presents to Mallory Middleton
Mallory has been a member of MPI and active in the Carolinas Chapter since 2015 and wasted no time jumping in and getting involved. She is currently serving as the Education Chair on the Education and Professional Development Committee.
Mallory is a perfect example of the type of young members our chapter needs – she is enthusiastic, outgoing and professional. She has raised the bar by working with the team to elevate the chapter in education. She leads but also knows how to listen to the advice of others. We are so glad to have Mallory as a future leader of our Chapter!
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Kathy Flowe, CMP National Sales Manager at The Alabama Theatre
Jemeria Lawson presents to Kathy Flowe
As a Past President, Kathy has served the chapter in various roles. She continues to be involved each year and currently serves on the Advocacy Committee and chairs the Silent Auction Committee.
Kathy has done many things deserving of this award, but mainly it is because she continues to give to the chapter by volunteering as a committee chair. She has served on the board for many years and has served as our chapter president. Before she was president, she was the chair of some of our most successful Silent Auctions and other fundraising events. Kathy is like the Energizer bunny— she keeps going and going and going. Our chapter is the recipient of many of her talents and much of her time. She is friendly and goes out of her way to speak to everyone. She is eager to help when needed and volunteers when no one else will. She is truly a special lady!
Tim has been involved with the MPI Carolinas Chapter and has given much time by serving on the Timothy Miron board of directors and is active in the committees of nominations, fundraising, awards, membership and more. Tim gives back to MPI with everything he has received. He is a mentor to many for those who are pursuing careers in areas of meeting planning/events or culinary arts. Tim shares his passion for meetings/events and he is an instructor for the UNC Charlotte Meeting and Event Planning Certificate program. In addition, Tim is the Immediate Past President of the board of directors for the Community Culinary School of Charlotte. He dedicates time to the students and school that provides Workforce Development training and job placement assistance in the food service industry for adults that gain long-term successful employment. Tim has been very successful and was part of the opening team of the Ritz-Carlton Charlotte. He also volunteer’s time with the ALS organization.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD Molly Johnson, CMP Director of Convention Sales at Wilmington and Beaches CVB Molly said, “One day you will be President of MPI-CC,” and asked again will you take the commitment to be “President” with all the confidence Barbara Dragan that I could. She has continuously presents to reached out as a friend and Past Molly Johnson President to see how we are doing, what can I do for you, how is (the department) working and was always willing to answer any question or listen to the thoughts I had. She would give sound advice on how to move forward or where to find that answer.
CHAPTER EVENT OF THE YEAR Raleigh Marriott Crabtee Valley The winner was chosen based on votes submitted by our Board of Directors along with post meeting (l to r) Christian Schroeder, Farrah Staub, Alyce Kelly and survey results. With voting Barbara Dragan happening in April, the candidates for this award are the May 2016 Annual Meeting through the March 2017 Chapter Meeting. The September 2016 Business Exchange at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree was the meeting that received the highest scores in “venue” and “welcome reception” on the post-meeting survey, thereby making it the “member favorite” for the year! Here is just some of the wonderful feedback that was received about the meeting: “Hotel was fabulous and did a great job on food & beverage, I enjoyed the set-up of the tradeshow, moving to each location with your group.” “The Marriott did a wonderful job with the reception. The food was fantastic and the atmosphere was perfect for networking.” “The hotel did an excellent job with the meeting as well as the food and beverage!”
COMMITTEE OF THE YEAR The Social Media committee members are: Mica Parekh – Committee Chair, Jean Travers, Neelan Patel, Tennessa Moore, Najauna White For teaching and raising the level of use in the world of social media and making it known that the various forms (l to r) Christian Schroeder, Jean Travers, of social media Mica Parekh, Najauna White, Alyce Kelly communication and Barbara Dragan is well received. And, for the energy and excitement that they bring to MPI Carolinas Chapter through all forms of social media. n
totallyout/iStock/Thinkstock
COREY D. BIZZELL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Timothy Miron Director of Catering Sales & Events at Ritz-Carlton Charlotte
MPI Carolinas Chapter Celebrates Global Meetings Industry Day by By Linda Ilsley, CMP
Industry professionals participated in the 2nd annual Global Meetings Industry Day on April 6, 2016. Leaders from across the meetings and events industry came together to bring awareness to the value of the industry. Meetings mean business—great things happen when people come together for face-to-face meetings. Business meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows, exhibitions and events play a critical role in connecting people and driving business results. The meetings industry is an economic engine, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, generating billions of dollars in revenue and supporting communities across the country. MPI Carolinas Chapter hosted three concurrent receptions on April 6, 2017. In Raleigh, NC at the Hyatt Place Raleigh West; in Charlotte , NC at the Ballantyne Hotel; and in Myrtle Beach, SC at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort and Spa at Grand Dunes. The celebration at each location featured a guest speaker and guests had the opportunity to network with first-time attendees and members of fellow professional organizations. The following guest speakers provided insight on the impact of our industry on the economy: Executive Director
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Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017
Whit Tuttle of Visit North Carolina spoke in Raleigh, NC; V.P. Community Relations Tim Hagler of Charlotte Motor Speed Way spoke in Charlotte, NC; and President-CEO Brad Dean of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce spoke in Myrtle Beach, SC. MPI Carolinas thanks the sponsors that contributed to the success of the events: Raleigh, NC: Hyatt Place West, Visit Raleigh, Freezeframe Greenscreen, and IWP Photography Charlotte, NC: Ballantyne Luxury Collection Hotel, Wilmington Area Hospitality Association Myrtle Beach, SC: Myrtle Beach Area CVB, ENVENTS, Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grand Dunes One Industry - One Voice. Meetings Do Mean Business! n
Linda Ilsley, CMP LPI Events MPI-CC Advocacy Committee Co-Chair
That’s when the unicorn showed up asking about a vegan menu. As the consummate professional, you imagine and prepare for anything and everything. You have a plan B, C, D and even yes, a unicorn plan. If there is a surprise, it’s because you planned it. And that’s where we come in. You got into this business to create remarkable moments and give people experiences they never expected in places they will never forget. Ready to work your magic in an unexpected destination that’s taking everyone by surprise? Plan your next meeting in Greenville, SC. Yeah, THAT Greenville. (Unicorns welcome.)
Plan your next meeting in the place where meeting magic happens. #yeahTHATgreenville
800.351.7180 Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017 |
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Silent Auction Success! by Kathy B. Flowe, CMP
We had 51 items for the 2017 Silent Auction and 24 items for Bidding for Good and many items for the raffle table. Our total dollar amount received from the silent auction is as follows: Raffle Ticket Sales, $220; Live Silent Auction Sales, $3,420; and May Bidding for Good Sales, $7,252 for a total of $10,892. Our budget this year was set at $14,000.00. The Management Office says that we (the membership) blew the budget out of the water and raised $20,456.44 for the year. YES WE MADE IT! I cannot say enough about all the hard work the Silent Auction Committee did this year. The MPI-CC Membership stepped up and donated so much this year to help us achieve our goal. Thank you for helping us meet and pass the budget. It is always wonderful knowing that each and every one of you will be able to reap the benefit of the funds collected through attending our educational programs. THANK SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP!!!!! n
Kathy B. Flowe, CMP Alabama Theatre MPI-CC Silent Auction Committee Chair
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- Bryan Blinson, NC Cattlemen’s Association
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| Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017
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hickorymetro.com | 828.322.1355
board meeting highlights Board of Directors Meeting Minutes May 10, 2017 | New Bern, NC by Christine Irwin, CMP
Attendees: Barbara Dragan, Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Christian Schroeder, Ricardo Hicks, Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMP, CMM, CSEP, Brittany O’Shaughnessy, Nicole Robinson, Deanna House, CMP, GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCM, CMM, Maureen Donovan, Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM, Vince Chelena, Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM Excused Absences: Selah Bideau, TMP, Molly Nelson Minutes: Christian Schroeder presented the minutes from the March 16, 2017 Board of Directors Meeting and made a motion to approve. Motion: Christian Schroeder made a motion to approve the March 16, 2017 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes as presented. Second: Alyce Kelly, CHSP Vote: Approved Financials: Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM presented the April P&L statement, Balance Sheet and Aging Report. She reported that we have put an additional $5,000 into reserves as of the March meeting. Motion: Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM made a motion to approve the April P&L and Balance Sheet as presented. Second: Nicole Robinson Vote: Approved Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM presented the 2017-2018 Budget for approval. Motion: Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM made a motion to approve the 2017-2018 Budget as presented. Second: Alyce Kelly, CHSP Vote: Approved Chapter Office: Vince Chelena reviewed the meeting agenda and meeting room locations for the Annual Meeting. Barbara Dragan reviewed the most recent metric report that was sent to her by Judy Webster. The report was presented as the Chapter Performance Standards and to date we are slated to receive 28 points, which makes us a “sustaining chapter.” Consent Agenda: Barbara Dragan asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda.
Motion: Nicole Robinson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Second: Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM Vote: Approved Communications: Brittany O’Shaughnessy reminded the Board that all Blitz items are due to Ginny Fountain, CMP, CMM no later than Friday, May 19. There will be communications committee members at the registration desk today to take headshots for the Blitz and help attendees download the meeting app. Mica Parekh will be teaching Nuts & Bolts on the meeting app this afternoon. March Meeting Survey Results: Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM reviewed the results from the March Meeting survey and addressed feedback with the Board. The July education is finalized and registration is now live on the website. The September program should be outlined and finalized within the next 30 days. Management Office Review: Barbara Dragan addressed the feedback from the review on The Management Office. All feedback was positive. Vince Chelena thanked the group for the feedback and encouraged feedback on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Barbara Dragan reviewed the terms of The Management Office contract presented to her by Vince Chelena. Barbara Dragan recommended that we renew the contract for two years, provided that The Management Office is listed as a preferred administrator once Global launches that program. Motion: Nicole Robinson made a motion to renew The Management Office contract for another two years as presented. Second: Alyce Kelly, CHSP Vote: Approved __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Continued on next page Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017 |
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__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Continued from previous page Next Board Meeting: The next board meeting will be held on July 27, 2017 at 3pm at Graylyn International Conference Center.
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January 2018 – Embassy Suites Charlotte Uptown
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March 2018 – Stateview Hotel, Raleigh (Pending proposal)
Barbara Dragan thanked the Board for their hard work and dedication to the chapter.
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May 2018 – Hilton Wilmington Riverside
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July 2018 – Marriott Twin City Quarter and Benton Convention Center
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September 2018 – Westin Charlotte (Contract has been signed)
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November 2018 – Spartanburg Marriott
Meeting Adjourned. Respectfully submitted by Vince Chelena and Christine Irwin, CMP MPI-CC Management Office
Second: Alyce Kelly, CHSP Vote: Approved
Email vote on 3/27/17 Motion: Barbara Dragan made a motion to move forward with contracting with the Westin Charlotte for the September 2018 Chapter Meeting and Business Exchange. Second: Alyce Kelly, CHSP Vote: Approved
Meeting Adjourned. n
Email vote on 4/13/17 Motion: Deanna House, CMP, CMM, GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCM made a motion to move forward with the following contracts for the 2018 calendar year –
COMING EARLY 2018
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| Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017
Christine Irwin, CMP MPI-CC Chapter Administrator The Management Office
Making Our Connections Smarter Director of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Emlyn Koster, Ph.D., is an insightful local mind, sharing his knowledge and network with meeting organizers from sciencecentric meetings and recently held research symposia as well as the upcoming Citizen Science 2019. Consider how a smart city’s pipeline of experts can help simplify planning, identify corporate partners and customize programming, impressing your most savvy attendees. Think Raleigh. Where science, innovation and education grow from the ground up. Learn more at visitRaleigh.com/smart
Carolina Blitz | June - July 2017 |
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Carolina Blitz The Carolina Blitz is the official publication of the Carolinas Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and is published every other month. All contributions, articles, and photographs should be submitted to Publications Committee Chair/Editor one week after the meeting. Send to Cathy Mauldin, CMP CathyMauldin@gmail.com EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE Director of Marketing Brittany O’Shaughnessy • Francis Marion Hotel
Know a Helping Hand? Know anyone who has offered a helping hand? Committee Chairs, please nominate one of your members who has volunteered her time and efforts this month and thank her for helping to make your goal possible. Let me know who he is and how he went above and beyond for your committee. Please send nominations to Lindsay Myers at lmyers1@caesars.com
Editor Cathy Mauldin, CMP • DESA, Inc. Onsite at CDM Smith Contributing Writers Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Inn at Pine Knoll Shores; Christine Irwin, CMP, and Vince Chelena with The Management Company; Kathy Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre; April Ferguson, CMP, CMM, BCD M&E Onsite at Cisco Systems; Mallory Middleton, Raleigh Convention Center; Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM, North Carolina Association of CPA’s; Jean Travers, HelmsBriscoe; Linda Ilsley, CMP, LPI Events Photographer Micah Parekh - IWP Photography Proofreaders Kathy Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office; Teresa Palmieri, Sheraton Imperial; Myron Jones, Fayetteville CVB; Lynn Rich, CMP, American Express Meetings & Events; Nancy Lowe, CMP, NC Medical Society Publisher Vince Chelena • The Management Office 704-377-5648 • Fax 704-333-6927 • staff@themanagementoffice.com Advertising Maureen Donovan • Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach • 910-256-2231 Design Kistin Creative Studio • 704-724-9188 • kistincreative.com MPI-CC Web Site: www.mpi-cc.org
July 27-28, 2017 Graylyn International Conference Center Winston Salem, NC
CALLING ALL WRITERS Do you dream of being a published author? If so, the Blitz is looking for you! While we’re not the Wall Street Journal, getting published in the Blitz is a great way to share your ideas with fellow MPI-CC members and earn points toward your CMP certification. The Blitz is always accepting original articles and great topic ideas. To submit your articles or ideas, please contact Cathy Mauldin, CMP at CathyMauldin@gmail.com or submit via our website at www.mpi-cc.org.
ADVERTISING RATES AND DEADLINES AD SIZE FREQUENCY MEMBER NON-MEMBER RATE RATE Quarter Page 1X $220 $290 (3 1/2”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $200/issue $270/issue 6X $160/issue $230/issue Half Page Horizontal 1X $420 $550 (7 1/4”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $400/issue $530/issue 6X $360/issue $490/issue Half Page Vertical 1X $420 $550 (3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 3X $400/issue $530/issue 6X $360/issue $490/issue Full Page 1X $640 $840 (8 1/2”W x 11”H) 3X $620/issue $820/issue 6X $580/issue $780/issue Full Page Insert 1X $700/issue $910/issue 3X $680/issue $890/issue 6X $640/issue $850/issue (Produced and provided by advertiser) There are six issues of the Blitz published yearly FEB/MAR, APR/MAY, JUNE/JULY, AUG/SEPT, OCT/NOV, DEC/JAN NOTE: Rates are published as of January 2011, and are subject to change without notice. All published rates are net non-commisionable. Any cost incurred by the BLITZ for art that is not fully press ready (e.g. reductions, halftones) will be billed to the advertiser, or art that is not press ready may be refused. DUE DATE: Due by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Artwork is due to the publisher within 10 days after deadline for space reservations. SEND MATERIALS TO: Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office, 1307 West Morehead St, Suite 207, Charlotte, NC 28208 Christine@TheManagementOffice.com • Fax: 704-333-6927 For more advertising information contact Maureen Donovan at mdonovan@wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com or 910-256-2231. Visit our website at www.mpi-cc.org for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities!