Blitz June-July 2014

Carolina Blitz June - July 2014

2014-2015 Board of Directors

Buy MPI MPI Annual Awards How to Have the Best Summer EVAH!

Keep it fresh. Meet in My Durham…really.

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

The Cotton Room at Golden Belt

Food Trucks in Downtown Durham

Durham Convention Center

RDU International Airport

My Durham, NC is a creative, diverse, colorful, and entrepreneurial destination that is easily accessible with an international airport just 11 minutes from Downtown, an affordable selection of over 7,500 hotel rooms, and the home of the world-famous Research Triangle Park.

My Durham is also unique. It’s not like

Rizzo Conference Center

Where great meetings happen

NORTH CAROLINA

everywhere—or anywhere—else; there is no location amnesia here. You will know you have been to a unique city that literally has something new for your attendees – fresh daily!

Come see what My Durham is all about!

Corey D. Bizzell Vice President, Group Sales & Business Development

in this issue...

features Buy MPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 MPI Annual Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 How to Have the Best Summer EVAH! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19

in every issue Our Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 New Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 MPI-CC Board of Directors Meeting Highlights . . . . . . . . . . 20 Coming Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

©istock.com/ leonid_tit

On the cover: Front Row: Christian Schroeder, Erin Moye, Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Corey Bizzell Second Row: Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Diane Weems, Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMM, CMP Third Row: Jeanette Keys, Amy Johnson, Lindsay Myers, Tonya Miller Fourth Row: Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP, Tarshi McCoy, TMP, Laura Barnes, CMP, Barbara Dragan

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 |

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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 Director of Publications/Editor one week after the meeting. Ginny Fountain, CMP - Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE Director of Publications Laura Barnes, CMP • Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort Editor Ginny Fountain, CMP • North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives Contributing Writers Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Greater Raleigh CVB; Tarshi McCoy, TMP, DoubleTree New Bern Riverfront; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Manaement Office; Denise Ryan, MBA, CSP, Fire Star Speaking; Brittany O’Shaughnessy, Francis Marion Hotel; Linda Ilsley, CMP, LPI Events; Wendy Bassett, CMP, HelmsBriscoe Photographer Mica Parekh – IWP Photography Proofreaders Kathy Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre; Melissa Haycock, Raleigh Marriott City Center; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office; Cathy Mauldin, CMP, DESA, Inc.; Melanie O’Bryan, Biltmore; Teresa Palmieri, Sheraton Imperial; Myron Jones, Fayetteville CVB Publisher Vince Chelena • The Management Office 704-377-5648 • Fax 704-333-6927 • staff@themanagementoffice.com Advertising Amy Johnson • Courtyard by Marriott, Carolina Beach Oceanfront and Fairfield Inn & Suites, Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach • 910-458-2617 Design Kistin Jordan • Kistin Jordan [Graphic Designer] • 704-724-9188 MPI-CC Web Site: www.mpi-cc.org ADVERTISING RATES AND DEADLINES AD SIZE FREQUENCY MEMBER NON-MEMBER

RATE RATE Quarter Page 1X $220 $290 (3 1/2”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $200/issue $270/issue

6X $160/issue $230/issue Half Page Horizontal 1X $420 $550 (7 1/4”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $400/issue $530/issue

6X $360/issue $490/issue Half Page Vertical 1X $420 $550 (3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 3X $400/issue $530/issue

6X $360/issue $490/issue Full Page 1X $640 $840 (7 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 3X $620/issue $820/issue

6X $580/issue $780/issue Full Page Insert 1X $700/issue $910/issue

3X $680/issue $890/issue

6X $640/issue $850/issue (Produced and provided by advertiser) There are 6 issues of the Blitz 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, 1800 Camden Road, Suite 107, #213, Charlotte, NC 28203 Christine@TheManagementOffice.com • Fax: 704-333-6927 For more advertising information contact Amy Johnson at amy.johnson@crestlinehotels.com or 910-458-2617.

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Visit our website at www.mpi-cc.org for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities! | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

our members

Welcome New Members!

Amanda Barry The American Board of Anesthesiology amanda.barry@theaba.org Mary Bell Mountain Lodge & Conference Center mountainlodge2@aol.com Denise Ellis Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island dellis@sonesta.com

Laura Hill Kidde Fire Safety Solutions laura.hill@fs.utc.com

Whitney Spratt Blockade Runner Beach Resort whitney.spratt@blockade-runner.com

Nancy Link, CMP Link524@comcast.net

Donna Thompson SC Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) dthompson@sccadvasa.org

Mica Parekh IWP Photography mica@iwpphotography.com

MPI-CC Anniversaries 30 Years Dawn Penfold, CMP Meetingjobs, LLC 20 years Linda Ilsley, CMP LPI Events 15 years Linda Ekeland Chapel Hill Orange County & Visitors Bureau 10 years Dawn Thomas National Association for Campus Activities Ed Duncan Eastcoast Entertainment Suzanne LaBroad Hendrick Automotive Group 5 years Cheryl Mironczuk, CMP Cisco Systems, Inc.

Congratulations to each of you for reaching a milestone in MPI!

July 17, 2014 July Chapter Meeting Cary, NC Umstead Hotel & Spa Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 |

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

Diamond Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

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| Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

president’s message

I Change Lives

by Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE

Did you know that you change lives too? In our industry, it can be a challenge explaining to our family and friends about what we do for a living. Most people think we plan or attend parties all day. After years of trying to simplify my explanation, I realized that what I do is not simple at all.

However, I can state what I do in three words that make it easier for them to comprehend: I CHANGE LIVES! My job (and yours) affects the livelihood of many across the globe. When we bring people together to meet, whether we are a planner or a supplier, we create jobs. The obvious jobs would be the meeting planners, hotel sales people, banquet staff; but those not on the frontline are truck drivers who deliver the supplies, taxi drivers, airline attendants, pilots, laundry workers...the list can grow astronomically when you really dig deep to see the impact that the meetings industry has on the Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Associate Director of Sales, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau; 2014-2015 MPI-CC President

economy.

Jobs create opportunities to take care of families and loved ones. We create jobs, which is how we change lives.

Now that you understand how you are a life changer, I am sure you realize that this is not a task that we can take lightly. It is our duty to uphold the meetings industry and our chapter to the highest standard. I encourage you to be involved and advocate for your chapter because your voice makes a difference.

My favorite quote is: BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD by Mahatma Gandhi.

It takes something of great magnitude and states it in just a few simple words and those words remind me of my colleagues in the industry.

©istock.com/sidsnapper

WE CHANGE LIVES … One meeting at a time. n

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 |

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MPI-CC 2014-2015 Board of Directors and Committees EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President

Vice President of Education

Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE

Barbara Dragan

Greater Raleigh CVB

The Westin Charlotte

919-645-2668

704-335-2114

mharrell@visitraleigh.com

Barbara.Dragan@westin.com

President-Elect

Vice President of Finance

Christian Schroeder

Alyce Kelly, CHSP

Visit Winston-Salem

Hampton Inn Morehead City

336-728-4218

252-240-0775

Christian@visitwinstonsalem.com

alyce.kelly@hilton.com

Vice President of Administration

Vice President of Membership

Colleen Schwoerke, CMP

Tarshi McCoy, TMP

PlanIt Right

DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern

919-808-1902

Riverfront

colleen@planit-right.com

252-638-0304 tarshi.mccoy@hilton.com

Vice President of Communication

Immediate Past President

Corey Bizzell

Erin Moye

Durham CVB

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

919-680-8315

919-313-2160

corey@durham-cvb.com

emoye@wdigc.com

DIRECTORS Awards/Recognition

Strategic Partnerships

Lindsay Myers

Amy Johnson

Caesars Entertainment

Courtyard by Marriott

919-628-8836

at Carolina Beach

lmyers1@caesars.com

910-458-2617 amy.johnson@crestlinehotels.com

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Marketing/Community Outreach

Meeting Planning

Alison Jenkins

Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMM, CMP

The Umstead Hotel & Spa

Burroughs Wellcome Fund

919-447-4122

919-991-5105

Alison.Jenkins@theumstead.com

lhedrick@bwfund.org

| Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

DIRECTORS (continued) Auctions

Education

Diane Weems

Tonya Miller

NC Aggregates Association

Embassy Suites Greensboro-Airport

919-782-7055

336-668-4535

Diane@ncaggregates.org

tonya.miller@jqh.com

Exhibits

Publications

Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP

Laura Barnes, CMP

Marriott Columbia

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

803-744-6922

843-341-8010

Karolyn.stone@marriottcolumbia.com

lbarnes@omnihotels.com

Membership

Management Office

Jeanette Keys

Christine Irwin, CMP

Greenville Convention Center

The Management Office

252-321-7671

704-377-5648

jkeys@greenvilleconventioncenter.com

Christine@themanagementoffice.com

.

COMMITTEES Scholarship Liz Guertin Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4231 liz@visitwinstonsalem.com Silent Auction Kathy Flowe, CMP Alabama Theatre 843-272-5758 kflowe@alabama-theatre.com Trade Show Dr. Kevin Snyder Inspir-Active Solutions, Inc. 919-633-9931 kevin@kevincsnyder.com Education Brittany O’Shaughnessy Francis Marion Brittany.Oshaughnessy@ thefrancismarion.com

Hospitality Gloria Refinati ON Event Services 336-292-9700 grefinati@ oneventservices.com

Publications Ginny Fountain, CMP NC Association of Electric Cooperatives 919-875-3050 ginny.fountain@ncemcs.com

CMP Molly Johnson, CMP Hilton Wilmington Riverside 910-343-6173 mollyj@ wilmingtonhilton.com

Recruitment Chair needed

Meeting Planning Molly Nelson Spartanburg Marriott 864-591-3113 Molly.Nelson@marriott.com

Awards Wendy Bassett, CMP HelmsBriscoe 843-243-0554 wbassett@helmsbriscoe.com

Leadership & Volunteer Development Alison Harding, CMP Global Knowledge 919-461-8698 Alison.Harding@ globalknowledge.com

Strategic Partnerships Chair needed

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

Marketing Sandi Owen Embassy Suites Columbia 803-744-8134 sandi.owen@jqh.com Community Outreach Chair needed

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 |

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new member spotlight

New Member Spotlight: Colleen Briley

by Jeanette Keys

Colleen Briley is the Senior

Colleen believes that she has successfully achieved a healthy

National Sales Manager for

balance between her personal and professional lives. She

Visit Norfolk. Colleen joined

says that she has never been able to agree with the adage,

MPI January 2, 2014. The first

“I work to live, not, I live to work”. She says this is because

meeting she attended was the

she feels if you believe in what you do, it will flow through

March meeting in Columbia, SC

all parts of your life. Whether she is traveling for work or

March 20-21, 2014.

pleasure, or just conversing with someone locally, she can’t

Colleen learned of MPI while working at a destination

Colleen Briley

help but discuss all of the exciting activities and places to visit in Norfolk.

management company in

When asked if she had the opportunity to meet any one,

San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1993.

living or deceased, Colleen responded by saying “I always

She was encouraged to join

answer this question with a little trepidation as my

MPI because the owner of

generation and older always look at me like I have three

the destination management

heads. Honestly, I would love to meet our former President of

company attended conferences and he always returned

the United States, humanitarian, Nobel Peace Prize winner,

with new ideas and processes to help his company grow.

and author Jimmy Carter. I admire him for reasons I have

Colleen has been with Visit Norfolk for two years.

When asked what is unique about her destination she responded by saying, “The best way to see what is truly

already mentioned, but most of all for being so passionate about helping people from all walks of life, in the pursuit of world peace and bettering the human existence.”

unique about Norfolk is by coming to visit! We have a

Colleen’s advice to anyone with a position in hospitality, old

dynamic, diverse, and distinct city that offers all

or new, is to have a hospitable nature and enjoy meeting

walks of life opportunities to learn and enjoy.

new people. She says to be successful you need to possess a

Please visit us at www.visitnorfolktoday.com .”

passion to help others and the patience to do so.

n

Joining the American Legion Jr. Auxiliary when she was ten years old, made the biggest impact on who Colleen is today. Her involvement in this organization taught her to be a successful leader as well as the value of giving to the community through service. She later advanced to the

Jeanette Keys Greenville Convention Center MPI-CC Director of Membership

office of President for the department of Florida, attended Girls State, attended the Freedoms Foundation Leadership Conference, and subsequently presided over another service organization while attending high school.

When asked her opinion on the biggest challenge of our industry today, Colleen responded by saying, “ Changing the mindset of those in executive positions to understand that creating a culture where your employees are treated fairly, paid well, and are provided opportunities for growth and advancement [will] breed dedication, loyalty, and passion.”

CALLING ALL WRITERS Do you dream of being a published author? If so, the Blitz is looking for you! While we’re not the New York Times, getting published in the Blitz is a great way to share your ideas with fellow MPI-CC members and earn points toward your CMP certification. The Blitz is always accepting original articles and great topic ideas. To submit your articles or ideas, please contact Ginny Fountain at Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com

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| Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

Know a Helping Hand?

Know anyone that has lent a helping hand?

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

Please send nominations to Lindsay Myers at lmyers1@caesars.com

First Timers and New Members at the May Mixer

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

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

GREENVILLE-PITT COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

www.visitgreenvillenc.com • 800-537-5564

New Members: Molly Nelson, Sarah Davis, Kelly Heckler, Diane Patterson, Jennifer Edmund, Colleen Briley, Karen Wall, and Frank Fraser, CMP

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 |

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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

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| Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

©istock.com/Yuri

Buy MPI

by Linda Ilsley, CMP

People Buy from People!

Trust, respect, and the experience is more than just a

a hotel in the city they were going, whether they needed a single

signed contract.

room or were planning an entire convention, I was confident that

Buy MPI when your meetings and events take you to different areas. Call upon other chapters as a resource for your planning or supplier needs. Planners and suppliers share contacts and work as a team for resources to fulfill their needs.

If you’re planning an event or meeting in the Carolinas area use our MPI-CC Directory or contact the MPI-CC Management office. Support fellow chapter members.

Share your Buy MPI story, inspire others, and benefit from

my fellow MPI colleagues would take great care of them, this not only helped my client but it helped me as a sales person in building on the relationships I have with my clients. I also Buy MPI at my own property when in need of services from vendors such as linen, furniture rentals and a destination management company.

By Buying MPI myself, I found that more members are likely to recommend my property as well.”

Linda Ilsley, CMP, President LPI Events, Clemmons, NC and Raleigh

doing so. We believe in Buy MPI—show the benefit of your

“Buy MPI for a meeting outside the Carolinas. LPI Events produced

membership by sharing your experience.

a four-day meeting, for 400 guests, in Orlando in 2013. I contacted

Testimonials from Chapter and Committee Members: Brent Lancaster, CMM, CMP, Senior Meeting Planner, Electric Power Research Institute, Charlotte, NC “Buy MPI is being pointed in the right direction, and then cutting through red tape and making things happen. Buy MPI is also about quality, knowing you will be taken care of – trust! And best of all Buy MPI is about relationships and even lasting friendships.”

the management office for MPI Orlando and shared my vendor needs. I hired all of my vendors for the program using Buy MPI to include decor, entertainment, floral, and the photographer. The photographer provided me with an MPI discount. 2014 Buy MPI Nashville, I contacted the MPI Management office and again hired my vendors through referral from the MPI Chapter.”

MPI Chapter contacts are listed on the MPI International Website. If a management office is not listed, contact a board member. www.mpiweb.org n

Molly Johnson, CMP, Director of Group Sales, Hilton Riverside, Wilmington, NC “As a supplier, I have found many ways to Buy MPI over the years.

Numerous times I have had local clients traveling out of the area and I would just reach to my MPI directory to assist them in finding

Linda Ilsley, CMP President LPI Events Clemmons and Raleigh, NC

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 |

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Look Who We Spotted at the...

...May Annual Meeting in Concord!

Photography by Mica Parekh – IWP Photography

education

Recap of Annual Meeting Educational Session

by Kevin Snyder: “Ignite Your Engines!”

by Brittany Woods O’Shaughnessy

During our recent MPI-CC Annual

it could be done despite others telling him it was humanly

Meeting, MPI-CC member and

impossible. Roger believed enough in himself, and prepared

professional speaker Dr. Kevin

enough, to ultimately achieve that pinnacle accomplishment.

Snyder presented our educational

It didn’t happen overnight, but it happened!

session titled ‘Ignite Your Engines!’ During this interactive session we discussed not only the leadership principles that ‘ignite’ an extraordinary leader, but we also explored what ‘drives’ performance Dr. Kevin Snyder

and creativity.

As a value to attendees, this article will recap the most important concepts from the presentation. If you missed the opportunity to attend, you’re still in luck. Below are your complimentary Cliff’s Notes from an exciting program!

Principle #1: Extraordinary Leaders Show Up! “Opportunities are never lost; rather, they are just passed along to someone else.” It is impossible to benefit from an opportunity if you are not present to receive it. This opportunity could be in the form of a relationship, a new business connection, the timing of you literally sitting next to someone else that could be your next client, and/or you being simply noticed for showing up and doing what you said you would do.

All those who ‘showed up’ at the educational session received a complimentary copy of Think Differently, one of Dr. Snyder’s leadership books. If you’d like an E-copy, simply send an email to Kevin@KevinCSnyder.com and ask for a complimentary copy. It pays to show up!

Principle #2: Extraordinary Leaders Think Differently.

Extraordinary leaders have a mindset for success, not excuses. They view setbacks as setups and learn from each

Here is what is even more fascinating: within one year following Roger’s amazing accomplishment, dozens of other individuals broke the same four-minute mile record because they knew it could be done. Roger proved to the world that the four-minute mile barrier was only a mindset and boundary that could be broken. Roger thought differently than everyone else and resultantly achieved his dream and changed history.

By thinking differently, you can live your dream as well.

Principle 3: Extraordinary Leaders are Passionate.

The most extraordinary individuals who reached breakthrough achievements simply loved what they did.

Their passion, enthusiasm, and vision were so strong that they persevered through obstacles and naysayers despite the difficulties. On the contrary, individuals who didn’t have passion nor love what they did most often quit or moved onto something else.

Steve Jobs, Founder of Apple, once shared in an interview with Microsoft Founder, Bill Gates: “People say you have to have passion for what you are doing and it’s totally true. The reason is because it can be so hard, that if you don’t love it and you’re not having fun doing it, any rational person would give up.”

Knowing and continually integrating your passion helps you perform not only ‘what’ you do amazingly well, but more importantly, it connects you to ‘why’ you do it and ‘how.’

Whether your passion is a game show (Kevin’s was to be

mistake. Teachable moments are everywhere--the more risks they take, the more they expand their comfort zone

Continued to page 24

for success. “Everything you want in life is just outside your comfort zone.”

Remember the name Roger Bannister? Roger was an athlete who broke the four-minute mile record in 1954.

When Roger broke the four-minute mile record, he proved

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| Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

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

“Taking the Tiger By the Tail: Seizing Control of your Career Destiny”

by Brittany Woods O’Shaughnessy

Don’t let this summer heat keep

and listed in 2014 by CEOWorld Magazine as one of Top 25

you in the comfort zone of your air

Women To Follow On Twitter For Your Job Search.

conditioned office! Get out and plan a trip to join us and be inspired by our exciting upcoming speaker, Dawn Rasmussen, CTP, CMP. There is still time to register for the MPI Carolinas Chapter Education Meeting next month. You will not want to miss this session in Cary, North Carolina at The Dawn Rasmussen CTP, CMP Chief Résumé Designer

Umstead Hotel & Spa on Thursday, July 17, 2014.

The very nature of how we manage our professional career, from being an expert hospitality and meeting professional networker to being considered for promotions within your organization and even to going about finding new/additional work if you are down-sized, has radically shifted due to emerging technologies and constantly changing economic

Additionally, she has been a recognized career expert on Careerealism.com, which is a top ten world-ranked career advice blog, and Talentzoo.com as the Career Oxygen columnist. She is a regular contributor to the weekly TalentCulture.com’s #Tchat “meeting of the career industry minds” on Twitter. She has also been featured on Huffington Post Live and been quoted in the Chicago Tribune, CBSMoneyWatch, Christian Science Monitor, and Careerbuilder. com on career-related topics.

When Dawn isn’t writing career documents, teaching, or speaking, she enjoys hiking in Oregon’s spectacular outdoors with Brad, her husband, and their two dogs.

What you will take away from this event: •

Understand what ‘career management’ means. We

conditions. By being in career management mode, it means

are not staying in the same job for our entire work life

that you, as a professional, are making effective career

and need to be able to respond to changing conditions

decisions proactively to maintain value to your employer

and interests. Takeaways include understanding those

and enhance employability. Knowing where you want to

control points to manage one’s career.

go in your organization and in the meetings industry (and preparing accordingly) adds purpose and paves the way

•

Use your résumé as a career roadmap to build a forward-

to more fulfilling work. This session teaches you how to

thinking resume rather one that looks like an obituary.

become an expert networker while providing other career

This is a strategic, keyword rich document that is a

management tips that every professional needs to know.

career blueprint and helps you build a targeted job search.

Dawn Rasmussen, a Certified Advanced Résumé Writer, is the president of Portland, Oregon-based Pathfinder Writing

•

Building a ‘spiderweb’ of network contacts is an absolute

and Career Services and author of “Forget Job Security: Build

‘must’ for today’s job seeker, and is a critical part of

Your Marketability” which is the first-ever book that provides

a employment search arsenal; and to strategize by

a complete roadmap on how manage your career.

understanding the things needed to prepare proactively for job opportunities.

Clients from across the United States and Canada and from all career levels have benefited from Dawn’s highly-

•

Learning a way to rethink how we manage our careers

focused and results-oriented résumé, cover letter, and career

for internal promotions, salary increases, personal/

management coaching services. Many professional groups

professional growth, and adding value (especially if

as well as colleges and universities have appreciated the

economic conditions force staff cutbacks). Knowing

insights and expertise she shares during presentations on

one’s value and mindfully managing one’s career is a

career topics, and she is a frequently requested national

proactive process that can have positive impacts in a lot

speaker as a result. Dawn also has shared her knowledge

of different ways. n

as the official “Get the Job” columnist for MPI’s The Meeting Professional magazine which is distributed to over 26,000 people worldwide, and currently writes as a jobs expert for a job resource website for creative and marketing professionals.

Dawn has recently been recognized as one of the top 100

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

social human resource experts on Twitter by Huffington Post, Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 |

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Awards 2014

MPI-CC

The MPI-CC Annual Awards Banquet took place at the

The Planner and Supplier of the Year awards recognize

Embassy Suites Charlotte/Concord Resort and Spa on May

individuals from both sides of the negotiating table. These

19, 2014. Master of Ceremonies, Benny Williford, President

individuals have excelled in their profession, dedicated

of Pinnacle Speakers Bureau, presided over the beautifully

themselves to the betterment of their community and

appointed banquet hall.

industry, and unselfishly contributed their time to MPI with

At the awards banquet, outgoing chapter President Erin Moye, acknowledged the outgoing board of directors and welcomed the new board for 2014-2015. Wendy Bassett, CMP, Awards Chairperson, presented the awards in five separate categories. These were awarded to chapter members for continuous contributions to the meetings industry, MPI, MPI-Carolinas Chapter and their communities.

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| Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

positive effects. The Tomorrow’s Leader Award recognizes an individual with no more than five years of dedicated service and recognizes an individual who joined the chapter, and engaged quickly. The Legacy Award is given annually to an individual who exemplifies excellence and enduring service to MPI. The recipient must have dedicated at least ten years of service to MPI and demonstrated significant commitment and achievement to the Chapter.

Planner of the Year Diane Weems North Carolina Aggregates Association Presented by 2013 winner John Cruz, CMM - Diane received the Outstanding Service Award in 2009 from AENC. She also was an MPI-CC 2013 scholarship winner as well as being recognized in the December 2013 issue of Convention South Magazine as a Pro to Watch in 2014.

Diane has served on the Meeting Planning Committee and as Board Director for Auctions. She coordinates volunteers for the Rock Give-A-Way every two years – a benefit to over 700 Science Teachers in North Carolina.

Supplier of the Year Molly Johnson, CMP Hilton Wilmington Riverside Presented by 2013 winner Loretta Yingling, CMP - Molly has served in nine different leadership roles for MPI-CC including Chapter President 2010-2011. She has also served in numerous MPI international, regional and national roles. Outside of MPI, Molly is in involved with the Convention Industry Council, and Wilmington Area Hospitality Association. Molly has also written numerous MPI-CC Blitz articles and spoken at EducationPlus meetings. Her passion is the Centre of Redemption – a local organization that helps victims of sex trafficking.

Tomorrow’s Leader Kevin Snyder, Ed.D Inspir-Active Solutions, Inc. Presented by Wendy Bassett, CMP - Kevin was awarded the Helping Hand Award in January 2014 and serves as the 2014 Tradeshow Committee Chairperson. He is a member of the Triangle Chapter of International Special Events Society, AENC, various Chamber organizations and collegiate publications. Kevin was the

keynote speaker for the May 2014 MPI-CC chapter meeting presenting “Ignite Your Passion.” He also leads a charitable team for the Leukemia & Lymphoma society as well as serving as president of Toastmasters.

Hall of Fame K athy Flowe, CMP Alabama Theatre Presented by 2012 winner Andrew Schmidt, CHME, MPA Kathy served as MPI-CC President 2012-2013 and also served on the Board in various Director and VP roles from 2005 through 2014.

She received various MPI-CC awards while a member – Pat on the Back, Nancy B. Holder Scholarship, Supplier of the Year, and President’s Award. Kathy also held many positions on MPI’s international, state, and regional levels. She is a member of more than ten industry organizations and is involved in community service projects such as MADD, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Heart Association, and Habitat for Humanity.

President’s Award Lenore Donaldson Presented by 2013-2014 MPI-CC President, Erin Moye - Lenore is a long time member of the Carolina’s Chapter, and has served on many committees.

She was also a board member for many years, serving in many capacities. Most recently, she has served the Chapter notably as our Bidding For Good chair, assisting our fundraising team with their efforts towards the Silent Auction. Erin commented that, “Lenore personally has been there for me for over a decade, and helped me grow in my career as a professional. She is someone you can go to for advice or recommendations. She has been a good mentor for me, and helped me get to where I am today.” n

Wendy K Bassett, CMP Director Global Accounts, HelmsBriscoe MPI-CC Awards Committee Chair

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 |

17

How to Have the

best

Summer EVAH!!!

by Denise Ryan, MBA, CSP

1 2

Here are some tips for making this your most glorious summer: Stop trying to have it all, do it all, be it all. You can’t. You’re going to have to decide what you want the most and really go for it. Know what’s really important to you. Let go of the rest. You can’t be the world’s greatest mother, father,

strategy. I usually do something nice for myself on Valentine’s Day (see #5), but last year I had a boyfriend, so I figured he would do something.

When he didn’t, I was sad and disappointed. If I had been responsible for my own happiness,

Stop comparing yourself to others. This is a

I would have had a great Valentine’s Day. Most

losing battle. There will always be someone

folks have enough trouble with their own eggs

who has more of something than you do;

in their own baskets. Look after your own eggs

who is younger, richer, smarter – whatever.

People will be hitting the beach soon – will

Who cares? Are you ever going to see those people again? And guess what? You’ll never be younger than you are now – better enjoy it today!

Celebrate what you have. Be glad you can go to the beach. Some people don’t have the money, time or physical ability. Some people can’t see the sun sparkling on the water, they are blind. Some are deaf and will never hear the waves. Some are (GASP) allergic to chocolate!

Celebrate all you have – being sad about what

5

something to make you happy? This is a bad

give it your best.

much skinnier the girl in the red bikini is?

4

Waiting for your spouse, boss, child to do

wife, brother, or business person. Choose one,

you be having fun or worrying about how

3

6

Don’t put your eggs in someone else’s basket.

you don’t have is a waste of time.

Give yourself permission. It's okay to just blow off a day - to waste a whole day - or even a week - frolicking or lounging. The world won't end. You won't go to Heck. You might even find yourself more productive afterward. Stop being so hard on yourself.

It’s summer, make lemonade! Life is going to give you lemons, I guarantee it. What you do with them is what impacts your happiness.

Back in 2006, after a breakup, I was sad, but there was nothing I could do about it. I could throw a pity party (two of my last standing

and you’ll have a better shot at happiness.

7

Just do it! Often our unhappiness is caused by something we could fix – a job we could leave, a relationship we could end, a pile of clutter we could clean up, debt we could pay off, etc. But we’d rather agonize over it, worry about it, and let it steal our joy. Sometimes the best course of action is to suck it up and deal with it. Sit down one weekend and clean up the clutter or map out a plan to start paying off the debt and then do it. If you don’t, choosing instead the short term pleasure of doing something else or buying something else, the situation usually gets worse and you’re more unhappy.

Sometimes you have to trade short term pleasure for long term happiness.

And finally, remember that happiness means different things to different people – for some it may be spending time with family, for some it may mean travel, for some work. Know what it means for you and strive to add more of it in your life.

n

Author Bio: Professional speaker Denise Ryan, MBA, CSP has been called everything from a human fireball to Madame Chocolate. She has worked with meeting planners from a wide variety of organizations – ranging from the NC CPA Association to the Department of Homeland Security.

She also thinks the world would run much more smoothly if MPI members were in charge.

single girlfriends got engaged around the same time) or I could make lemonade. I decided to ©istock.com/david franklin

use this as the catalyst to finally book my trip to Australia. Living well is the best route to happiness. Something bad happens, you plan

Denise Ryan, MBA, CSP FireStar Speaking firestarspeaking.com

something good.

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 |

19

board meeting highlights

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes May 18, 2014 | Concord, NC

by Christine Irwin, CMP

Attendees: Scott Crotty, Amy Johnson, Diane Weems,

Timeline Document:

Lindsay Myers, Michelle Castro, Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Tarshi

Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE,

McCoy, TMP, Alison Jenkins, Corey Bizzell, Lori Hedrick,

requested that all timeline transition

CMP, CMM, MHA, Christian Scroeder, Karolyn Stone, CHSP,

documents be completed and returned

CMP, Kathy Flowe, CMP, Erin Moye, Malinda Harrell, CMP,

to her as soon as possible.

CASE, Christine Irwin, CMP, Vince Chelena Excused Absences: Myron Jones, Laura Barnes, CMP Minutes: Kathy Flowe, CMP, presented the minutes from the March 20, 2014 Board Meeting and made a motion to approve.

Motion: Kathy Flowe, CMP, made a motion to approve the March 20, 2014 Minutes as presented.

Second: Corey Bizzell Vote: Approved Financials: Scott Crotty presented the April P&L, balance sheet and aging report. All items on the aging report are projected to be collected, no write offs were recommended.

Motion: Scott Crotty made a motion to approve the April P&L, balance sheet and aging report as submitted.

Second: Kathy Flowe, CMP Vote: Approved Scott Crotty presented the 2014-2015 Proposed Budget.

Motion: Scott Crotty made a motion to approve the 2014-2015 Proposed Budget as presented.

Second: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE Vote: Approved Chapter Office: Christine Irwin, CMP, reviewed the agenda for the May Meeting.

Motion: Lori Hedrick, CMP, CMM, MHA, made a motion to have two plans for 2015 meetings: Second: Christian Schroeder Discussion: There is not enough information to make an informed decision for January and March based on proposed meeting format and venue changes. A revised RFP will be sent out to Charlotte and Raleigh for one-day meetings in January and March.

Vote: Motion Tabled Motion: Lori Hedrick, CMP, CMM, MHA, made a motion to take the 2015 Annual Meeting to the Charleston Marriott over May 18-19, 2015.

Second: Kathy Flowe, CMP Vote: Approved Unfinished Business: None Reported Erin Moye reminded the board that there is a discount code for any 2014-2015 Board members attending WEC this year. There is also a chapter challenge for WEC and that more communication will be sent out shortly.

Next Board Meeting: The next board meeting will be held at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, NC, on Thursday, July 17. The time will be sent out once an agenda is formed.

Meeting adjourned.

n

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

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

Second: Alison Jenkins Vote: Approved

20

| Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

Christine Irwin, CMP The Management Office

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6/6/2014 1:14:06 PM | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

21

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Pinehurst’s best courses might surprise you.

W hen you hold a meeting at Pinehurst Resort, you’ll find the same meticulous attention to detail that’s made our golf courses famous for more than one-hundred years. Our extraordinary staff goes to great lengths to ensure your gathering is a success – whether it’s a board meeting of ten, a dinner of 50 or a conference of 1,000. So you can actually sit down, relax and let us serve you for a change.

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22

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| Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

1/7/14 9:24 AM

monthly meeting planner

July 17, 2014 July Chapter Meeting Register Now Cary, NC Umstead Hotel & Spa August 2-5, 2014 World Education Congress Register Now Minneapolis, MN September 18-19, 2014 September Chapter Meeting Register Now Durham, NC DoubleTree by Hilton

November 20-21, 2014 November Chapter Meeting Register Now Southern Pines, NC Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club and Mid Pines May 18, 2015 May Annual Meeting Register Now Charleston, SC Charleston Marriott

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

Continued from page 14

Recap of Annual Meeting Educational Session

by Kevin Snyder: “Ignite Your Engines!” on The Price is Right) a hobby, your profession, family, etc.,

exercise wheel in the cage extremely fast but where is that

the key is to apply it daily. Perhaps exploring your passion

hamster actually going? That’s right – nowhere.

could be a passion until you know you’ve found it!

Principle #5: Plant Seeds. Be Patient.

“When you have passion for something you find a way to make it

Anything worthwhile involves an investment of time. You

happen – this is the panacea to success.” ~ Zig Ziglar

have to plant the right type of seed (or thought), water it, give

Principle #4: Extraordinary Leaders Are Strategic.

It is impossible to think your way to success. You have to take action and the more strategic your action is, the more

it the appropriate environment, and then … be patient as it grows. Most people give up before they ever get started or before their seeds begin to grow.

you will accomplish in less time. Kevin has a ‘Numbers’

During the educational session, we did just that – planted

activity on his website that showcases this example

seeds. Mine is already growing … just takes time when you

perfectly. When you have a plan for achieving a goal, you

plant the right type of seed. n

will be more successful with less expended energy.

However, the reality is, we often just ‘go, go, go’ without knowing the full plan. We are so focused on beating a deadline or anxious to get started that we do not fully develop a strategy beforehand. We immediately become ‘active’ but are we ‘prod-active?’ A hamster may spin that

Author Bio: Dr. Kevin Snyder is a motivational speaker and author with a passion for helping individuals take action to lead successful and fulfilling lives. Reach him at www.KevinCSnyder.com where you can download free motivational resources, read his blog, hear sample soundtracks from his new instrumental music CD, and download complementary Ebooks.

Connect with him on social media (KevinCSnyder) or text him your thoughts on this article at #919-633-9931!