Carolina Blitz October-November 2018

Carolina Blitz October - November 2018

New Member Spotlight Ashley Womble, PMP Page 8

CAROLINAS CHAPTER

Spartanburg Marriott Spartanburg, SC November 8-9, 2018

in this issue...

features Hurricane Florence Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The 2018 Carolinas' XCHANGE . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19

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 New Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13

Ga-Joe Photography

Board Meeting Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Carolina Blitz | October - November 2018 |

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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 | October - November 2018

our members Welcome New Members!

Melinda Cole Greensboro-High Point Marriott Airport melinda.cole2@ marriott.com Pearl Hall-Blount AARP phall@aarp.org Bonnie Kirby Sonic Automotive bonnie.kirby@ sonicautomotive.com

Molly Nelson Holston House Molly.Nelson@hyatt.com

First Timers and New Members at the September Mixer

Pauline Stephens Appalachian State University stephenspl@appstate.edu Bridget Yoak East Carolina yoakb17@students.ecu.edu

MPI-CC Anniversaries

Melinda Cole - Greensboro-High Point Airport Marriott; Ashley Womble, PMP - Linen & Glass Executive Events; Jason Berry - Raleigh/Crabtree Valley Hilton Garden Inn; Sam Pollack - Daytona Beach CVB

20 Years Joyce Weyersberg 15 Years Michelle White-Sukala Associated Luxury Hotels International 5 Years Ricardo Hicks American AV Tammy Jeffries Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau Congratulations to each of you for reaching a milestone in MPI!

FREE, FREE, FREE!

Who wants a FREE MPI-CC membership?

Who wants FREE gas?

We will have drawings onsite at the chapter meeting November 8-9, 2018 at the Spartanburg Marriott to give away a one-year MPI-CC membership renewal as well as TWO $50 gas cards. All you need to do is check in at the registration desk when you arrive. We will do the drawings at the Business Meeting Friday morning.

Good luck and see you in Spartanburg!

H O P, S K I P, and a

JUMP visitgreenvillenc.com/meetings

We’re not out of the way. We’re out of the ordinary.

Andrew Schmidt CHME, MPA Executive Director 252-329-4200 andrew@visitgreenvillenc.com

Carolina Blitz | October - November 2018 |

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monthly meeting planner November 8-9, 2018

July 18-19, 2019

Chapter Meeting Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg Marriott

January 24-25, 2019

September 19-20, 2019

Chapter Meeting Durham, NC JB Duke Hotel

March 28-29, 2019

BrianAJackson/iStock/Thinkstock

Chapter Meeting North Charleston, SC North Charleston Marriott

Chapter Meeting Charlotte, NC Crowne Plaza Executive Park

May 19-20, 2019

Annual Meeting Asheville, NC Renaissance Asheville Hotel

Business Exchange Cary, NC Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Research Triangle

November 7-8, 2019

Chapter Meeting Charlotte, NC Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is November 16, 2018.

Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to Editor-In-Chief Cathy Mauldin, CMP, at cathymauldin@gmail.com.

MEET AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL. Greensboro offers the perfect combination of small town charm and big city appeal.

See what’s new in Greensboro! You will be surprised by all it has to offer.

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| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2018

visitgreensboronc.com

president’s message Be the circle, not the straight line!

by Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP

Hello out there to the most loving and supportive MPI family a gal could ever hope to have! I want to start this message by thanking everyone who came to the September Business Xchange and chapter meeting. 134 of us showed up to support our chapter as well as those affected by Hurricane Florence. I am honored and humbled by this organization over and over. You should be proud to call MPI-CC your family.

I know I am!

So what does “Be the circle, not the straight line!” mean?

Circles are better than rows – we GROW in circles, not standing by ourselves

Being the Circle – Come Join Us! (Front row) Alyce Kelly, CHSP; Nicole Keshler; Mica Parekh, CMP; Michelle Castro; John Cruz, CMM; Maureen Donovan; Chris Chassagneux, CMP; (Back row) Ricardo Hicks; Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM; Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP; Selah Bideau, TMP; Christine Irwin, CMP.

or in a line. We GROW in community, showing support, guidance and love for one another. We GROW by showing up and being there for one another, whether that’s personal or professional.

I know some of us aren’t especially comfortable in crowds. I’m personally not a huge fan of making small talk just so I’m not standing there alone, looking like a deer in head-lights. But it’s so important that we gather as a group and reach out to those around us. You never know when that person you missed talking to could be the best piece of business you’ve secured all year. Or maybe he/she will end up being a friend for life. If you don’t join the crowd, you will never know.

One thing that I love so much about our chapter is how open and welcoming we are to everyone who blesses us with their presence. We ARE the crowd. We GROW together. We SUPPORT one another. We PLAY together. We WORK together. That’s what it’s all about.

So get out there and BE the crowd – you won’t regret it.

Alison

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MPI-CC 2018-2019 Board of Administration President Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM Global Knowledge 919-461-8698 Alison.Harding@ globalknowledge.com

President-Elect Nicole Keshler Greater Raleigh CVB 919-645-2682 nkeshler@visitraleigh.com

Immediate Past President Alyce Kelly, CHSP The Inn at Pine Knoll Shores 252-241-8402 gm@theinnatpks.com

Director of Marketing Mica Parekh, CMP IWP Photography 919-270-2510 mica@iwpphotography.com

Marketing Committee Chair Needed

Director of Meeting Planning Deanna Griffith House, CMP, GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCM, CMM Charter Spectrum Reach 704-941-3482 deanna.k.griffith@gmail.com

Education Committee Co-Chair Alison Flaig Genworth Mortgage Insurance Alison.flaig@genworth.com

Communications VP of Communications Ricardo Hicks American AV 336-686-6895 rhicks@americanav.com

Education VP of Education John Cruz, CMM Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC 301-889-1143 john.cruz@bcbsnc.com

Education Committee Co-Chair Wendy Jeffries HelmsBriscoe wjeffries@helmsbriscoe.com

Finance VP of Finance Maureen Donovan Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach 910-256-2231 mdonovan@ wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com

Special Events (Auctions) Selah Bideau, TMP Omni Charlotte Hotel

Silent Auction Committee Chair Needed

XCHANGE Committee Barbara Dragan VisitGreenvilleSC 864-421-0000 bdragan@visitgreenvillesc.com

Member Engagement VP of Member Engagement Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM North Carolina Association of CPAs 919-469-1040, ext. 128 ahodges@NCACPA.org

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| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2018

Director of Leadership & Volunteer Development Nicole Filippo, CMP Elon University 336-278-6091 nfilippo@elon.edu

Awards Committee April Ferguson, CMP, CMM BCD M&E Onsite at Cisco Systems 502-468-6084 april.clark1@gmail.com

Director of Member Engagement Michelle Castro Siena Hotel 919-918-2539 mcastro@sienahotel.com

Member Engagement Committee Jamie Frydlo Hotel Indigo Raleigh Durham Airport @ RTP 919-294-9873 jfrydlo@bluegrasshotels.com

f Directors and Committees

Advocacy Committee Chair Christian Schroeder Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4218 Christian@ visitwinstonsalem.com

Chapter Administrator Christine Irwin, CMP The Management Office 704-377-5648 Christine@ themanagementoffice.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 Chair Needed

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Farrah Staub, CMP Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley 919-571-5319 farrah.staub@marriott.com Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Jennifer Kist, CMP MHI 704-607-1454 jkist@mhi.org

Leadership & Volunteer Development Committee Jemeria Lawson

The Durham Hotel 919-768-8837 jlawson@thedurham.com

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new member spotlight New Member Spotlight: Ashley Womble, PMP

by Amelia Hodges, CMM, CMP

Ashley Womble, PMP

Why did you join MPI-CC? I joined MPI-CC because I love learning and meeting people. I want to soak up as much industry information as possible and develop relationships with others.

There is something about sharing a common career that makes for lasting relationships. And, of course, I would love to get tips from others on how to grow my business. I achieved all three of these in my first meeting and I am looking forward to the next.

What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a career in our industry?

If you are going to pursue a career in event planning, you have to be a hard worker. This is not a business where you put your feet up and direct people. Recently, I was trying to communicate my vision of how to set up banquet tables and when the end result was nothing like my vision, I ended up moving the tables myself. I was the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. And that was after a full day of networking and creating event plans. And be prepared to eat, drink, and sleep events. I had a dream the other night that the fire department was pumping natural gas into my event space because they wanted us to practice evacuating.....in the middle of an event! So, my advice would be to be prepared to work hard but also to reap the rewards of a very satisfying feeling after an event goes well.

What led you to the meeting industry?

I’m a Corporate Event Planner at Linen & Glass in Charlotte.

I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and started working with my dad in the dry cleaning business at age 12 just to spend some time with him. My dad taught me about hard work and instilled a work ethic in me that remains today.

After graduating from East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, I managed one of my father’s dry cleaners. Once my mother became very sick, they decided to sell the dry cleaners to spend more time with me, and I taught Spanish for a couple of years before working as a project manager for a large trucking company. I’m Project Management (PMP) certified and known for my organizational skills and attention to detail.

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| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2018

After being in the trucking industry for eleven years, my entrepreneurial spirit led me to think about what I enjoyed doing most and immediately I knew that I loved planning and wanted to start my own executive event planning business. I love planning events from baby showers and birthday parties to hackathons and corporate meetings, and even more special, I started this business on the anniversary of my father’s death as homage to him. I’m currently working on political events for the upcoming local elections as well as project management workshops and team building events.

What are your hobbies and what do you enjoy outside of event planning?

I have a two year-old daughter who takes up all the time that I am not spending on my business. She is wonderful.

And, my husband, my two dachshunds, and I are enamored with her.

If I do have a free second after she goes to bed and I am not catching up on emails and event plans, I enjoy reading and paper crafting. I really like making cards for people. I also have an industrial embroidery machine that I use for personalizing gifts for friends. n

Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM North Carolina Association of CPAs VP of Member Engagement

Make a Difference

Volunteer Today

Volunteers are the heart of our organization.

Help make a difference in our chapter and shape its future. Volunteering on a committee is a great way to elevate your membership, engage with fellow planners and suppliers, develop your leadership skills, and learn new professional skills.

Visit www.mpi-cc.org or email Director of Leadership & Volunteer Development Nicole Filippo at nfilippo@elon.edu for more information on getting involved.

Dear Superhero, (that’d be you)

When something is unexpected and remarkable, people talk. You’ve seen what they’re saying about Greenville, SC. Expectations are high. The pressure is on. (Surely you know a thing or two about that.)

The next time you need to save the day and rescue mankind from “been there, done that” … just find the nearest phone booth. You know who to call. We’ll arrange a personalized site visit faster than the speed of light. Yeah, THAT Greenville. (Capes optional.)

We realize you have endless options when it comes to planning your next meeting or event, but you’ll find more than a destination in Greenville, SC. You’ll find the extra dose of mojo you need to accomplish something truly super.

800.351.7180

Carolina Blitz | October - November 2018 |

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education MPI-CC Education September Recap

by Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM

Deborah Gardiner did not disappoint at our September chapter meeting that took place at the Westin in downtown Charlotte. We started on Thursday with a fun, interactive event called “MPI Feud.” This exciting, collaborative and educational event allowed attendees to get into teams to challenge one another on topics ranging from industry trends to fun facts about MPI. The winning team received Starbucks gift cards, generously donated

by Visit Charlotte.

Friday, we gathered to hear Deborah discuss, in detail, how our industry has evolved over the years. We looked at current industry news and had very interactive

conversations about challenges and solutions we are facing in our day-to-day jobs.

At the end of our session, we came to know Deborah on a more personal level, learning about her mother’s drive to continue learning and not letting time or age define her ability to continue to grow personally and professionally. n

MPI-CC Education November – Steven Foster, CMP

by Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM

We are beyond excited for the upcoming education at our November meeting in Spartanburg, SC. An award-winning speaker and writer profiled by CNN/Fortune as a Small Business Success, Steven knows that what he calls “Full-Throttle Goodness” creates powerful opportunities for meeting and event professionals Steven Foster, CMP to activate CSR programs that don’t just “feel good,” but also makes “bottom line, good business sense.” That’s not surprising, since he is BOTH a successful entrepreneur and a Harley-Davidson LIFE member. In 2013, Steven completed a solo motorcycle ride around the perimeter of the United States: a 32day, 34-state, 15,000-mile journey dedicated to raising awareness and support for veterans, active-duty military and their families which became the catalyst in transforming his own company to becoming a leading advocate.

Thursday, Steven will engage us to talk about Leadership, Being in a Tribe and the Power of YOU! Friday, Steven will talk about increasing brand awareness through giving back in a session called “Full-Throttle

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Carolina Blitz | October - November 2018

Goodness.”

This session focuses on ways giving back can influence loyalty, increase brand awareness and create profound engagement in the communities where we live, work and meet. Steven says it best; “purpose-filled work is not just another route to discovering personal satisfaction; it’s also the fuel that powers growth, relationships and influence, and that’s what meetings and events are supposed to do.”

How much more bottom-line, positive business impact could you generate at a meeting or event that gives back, changes lives, builds community, and educates and elevates everyone who participates in creating a real sense of purpose and meaning. n

Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM Global Knowledge MPI-CC President

MEEt

on vine time 30 MILES NORTH OF SAN FRANCISCO

Complimentary, professional assistance for meeting planners includes RFP distribution, site tours and expert program planning.

We will make your meeting a success.

Ask about our $4,000 incentive.

1.800.576.6662

SonomaCounty.com/meetings

sonoma wine country

RECHARGE YOUR MEETING EXPERIENCE IN HICKORY

Energize your meetings and attendees with a well-crafted experience in Hickory, North Carolina. As an organization, we are grounded in the steady pulse of our supercharged service — a positive staple that our clients and customers count on. With advanced technology offerings, renovations throughout the facility, and a metro-wide commitment to community enrichment, we have the power you seek to amp up your next event!

HICKORY METRO

Convention & Visitors Bureau

Meetings. Well Crafted.

828.322.1355 hickorymetro.com

“All of the staff was very helpful and exceptional to work with – best venue staff I have ever worked with!”

– Sharnese Ransom, Executive Director

NC Association of County Directors of Social Services

Carolina Blitz | October - November 2018 |

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Look Who We Spotted at the...

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| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2018

... The Westin Charlotte in September!

Photography by Mica Parekh – IWP Photography

Hurricane Florence Relief Thank you to everyone who donated at the September Business XCHANGE to support hurricane relief efforts for our friends down east.

We collected personal care items and those are being distributed to the Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle communities. Monetary donations are still the most important! Please consider skipping your morning latte or double shot espresso and text FLORENCE to “20222� to have $10 sent directly to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund. Or, go to RebuildNC to make donations online. The cleanup efforts are still under way and will be for quite some time. If you were affected by Hurricane Florence and need help, please reach out to a member of the office of the president. We are here for you now and in the future!

THANK YOU AGAIN!

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Carolina Blitz | October - November 2018

©2018 Pinehurst, LLC

Meetings were held here long before clubs.

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

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

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

Kimberly Bryan, Senior Director of National Accounts Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina • 800.659.4653 • pinehurst.com

18PNH018.CarolinasMPIFebMarch.indd 1

1/19/18 8:42 AM

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A WHOLE NEW VIEW ON MEETINGS

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We’ve spent over 300 years preparing for your meeting

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Call 800.576.1585 to schedule your site visit… and lead your team to success

EXPLORE OUR EXCITING NEW ISLAND-WIDE EXPANSION TODAY GR OUP FAC I L I TI ES T E A M -B U I L D I N G 5 G O L F CO URSE S 10- MI L E B E AC H VILLAS T H E S A N CT UA RY L ES S TH A N 30 M I L E S F RO M HI STO RI C C H A RL E STO N

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Run Date: April/May 2018 Dana | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2018 Communications 16Job#:142-8947

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Orig inality without reservations Vanvisa and Vansana Nolintha have poured their beliefs and passions into Brewery Bhavana. Their newest gathering place blends inspired dim sum with craft beer, flowers and well-curated books in a space that celebrates creativity. It’s the kind of establishment you’d only find in Raleigh, where talked-about chefs and some of the country’s most original restaurants are thriving.

A meeting in Raleigh is an opportunity to go beyond the conference room to discover unique experiences and find greater inspiration.

Find the Top 25 Reasons to Meet in Raleigh, N.C., at visitRaleigh.com/top25.

Carolina Blitz | October - November 2018 |

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E DUC ATE . E X PE R I E N C E . E NTE RTA I N .

THE 2018 CAROLINAS’ XCHANGE

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Carolina Blitz | October - November 2018

Over 35 meeting planners hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina to Charleston, South Carolina made their way to Charlotte to Experience the 2018 Carolinas’ XCHANGE. The conference started with Education from Deborah Gardner, “Family Feud”-style, and then we were off to the track with pit stops at more than 40 exhibits that Entertained us thoroughly! There were exhibitors from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida with our Race Track Directors guiding us along the way. And, every planner was a prize winner at the finish line!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS/EXHIBITORS: Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater CVB (Bag Sponsors) B Resorts – Disney Springs (Break Sponsor) AFR Furniture Rental (Furniture Sponsor) Events/com (AV Sponsor)

THANK YOU TO OUR EXHIBITORS: 21c Museum Hotel Durham

IWP Photography

Art of Living Retreat Center

Louisville CVB

B Resorts – Disney Springs

Marriott Columbia

Blue Diamond Transportation

Mosaix Group

Cabarrus County CVB

Nashville CVB

Carolina Inn

Oceana Resorts

Columbia Metro Convention Center

Pinehurst Resort

Discover Dekalb CVB

Raleigh Marriott Crabtree

Durham Convention Center

Rizzo Conference Center

Embassy Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista South

Sewa Beats

Experience Columbia SC

Sheraton Imperial

Explore Charleston

Spartanburg Marriott

Francis Marion

Steve Brogan & Company

GTR Meetings/Online-Reg.com

Virginia Beach CVB

Grandover Resort

VisitGreenvilleSC

Greater Raleigh CVB

Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater

Greenville Hospitality Partners

Visit Winston-Salem

Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort

Westin Charlotte

Hospitality of BlueGrass Management LLC

Wilmington & Beaches CVB WorkTrip

The success of the Carolinas’ XCHANGE would not have been possible without these exhibitors and the support of meeting professionals. Thank you for your time and attendance!

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2019 CAROLINAS’ XCHANGE SEPTEMBER 19, 2019, IN CARY, NC. Want to secure space now? Contact Christine Irwin, CMP, at christine@themanagementoffice.com

Barbara Dragan VisitGreenvilleSC XCHANGE Committee

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board meeting highlights Board of Directors Meeting Minutes September 20, 2018 | Charlotte, NC

by Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office

Attendees: Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP; Nicole Keshler; Nicole Filippo, CMP; Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM;, John Cruz, CMM; Deanna Griffith-House, CMP, CMM; Mica Parekh, CMP; Selah Bideau, TMP; Vince Chelena; Christine Irwin, CMP; Michelle Castro; Ricardo Hicks

board discussed moving the new board installation to the breakfast at the annual meeting so that the Awards Banquet is truly an Awards Banquet. There was a suggestion to the membership team to recognize anniversaries at the banquet as well.

Excused Absences: Alyce Kelly, CHSP; Maureen Donovan

Volunteer Update: Nicole Filippo, CMP, announced that there have been six new volunteers since July and we now have a total of 69 volunteers.

Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP, welcomed the group and thanked them for their support this week in dealing with Hurricane Florence.

Financials: Vince Chelena presented the August P&L, balance sheet and aging report. All revenues and expenses are in line so far and our long-term investments look good.

Motion: Nicole Keshler made a motion to approve the August P&L, Balance Sheet and Aging Report as presented.

Second: John Cruz, CMM Vote: Approved Minutes: Nicole Keshler presented the minutes from the July 19, 2018, Board of Directors Meeting.

Motion: Nicole Keshler made a motion to approve the July 19, 2018, Board of Directors Meeting Minutes as presented.

Second: John Cruz, CMM Vote: Approved Chapter Office: Christine Irwin, CMP, discussed Basecamp and how we will be moving full steam ahead now that everyone has had two months of testing it out.

Christine reviewed the year-end performance standards and metric goals.

Motion: Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP, made a motion to use our five metric points towards (1) complimentary new or renewal membership and (2) $100 towards a membership renewal or new member.

Second: Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM Vote: Approved Christine announced that she will be reviewing the new website in detail this month to make sure that all of our information is up to date and transferred from the old site.

Please let her know if you see any updates that need to be made.

Christine reviewed the agenda and room locations for the September meeting.

The May 2019 contract should be finalized this next week and that will be the last of the 2019 contracts. The

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| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2018

Membership Update: Michelle Castro announced that her team has been hard at work welcoming all of our new members this year.

Consent Agenda: Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP, asked that everyone review the consent agenda.

Motion: Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP, made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Second: Michelle Castro Vote: Approved Nominations Committee: Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP, presented the Nominating Committee on Alyce Kelly’s behalf.

Alyce Kelly, CHSP – Chair Nicole Keshler – President-Elect, automatic seat on the committee Tim Miron, Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte Ginny Fountain, CMP, CMM, NC Association of Electric Cooperatives Lori Hedrick, CMP, CMM, MHA, CSEP, Burroughs Wellcome Fund Karolyn Stone, CHSP, Marriott Columbia Barbara Dragan, VisitGreenvilleSC Motion: Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP, made a motion to approve the committee as presented.

Second: Selah Bideau, TMP Vote: Approved Education: John Cruz, CMM, announced that Steven Foster will be the speaker in November. John will be ramping up securing speakers for the 2019 meetings.

Planners and Presidents Breakfast: Alison Harding, CMP, CMM, GTP, and Nicole Keshler recapped the Planners and Presidents breakfast that took place on August 28th in Raleigh. The attendees were split 50/50 between members and non-members. We will hold our next one in Charlotte in October.

Board Reports: Christine Irwin, CMP, reviewed the board report procedures to ensure everyone has a full understanding moving forward.

Membership Recruitment: Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM, announced that the membership team is going to be doing a push to recruit student members at local colleges. They are the future of the chapter and the hope behind student memberships is that they will remain members once they join the workforce. Amelia’s committee chair, Jamie Frydlo, came up with an idea for company recruitment rather that just individual recruitment. They will be drafting up a process to approach companies/bosses to push for their employees to join MPI. Fundraising: Selah Bideau, TMP, announced that we will be doing December, February and May Bidding for Good auctions.

We will fill in the remaining meetings with fundraisers such as a 50/50 raffle, bingo, etc.

Next Board Meeting: The next board meeting will be held on November 8, 2018, at the Spartanburg Marriott in Spartanburg, SC, taking place directly following the mid-year board retreat that day.

Meeting Adjourned. n

Christine Irwin, CMP MPI-CC Chapter Administrator The Management Office

Thought you knew us? Meet the new us.

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Contact Christian Schroeder at Christian@VisitWinstonSalem.com, 336.782.4218, or Karen Wall at Karen@VisitWinstonSalem.com, 336.728.4210.

ReinventYourMeeting.com

®

Carolina Blitz | October - November 2018 |

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CAROLINAS CHAPTER

Call for Donations Hello MPI-CC! We are getting ready to have some amazing Bidding for Good auctions and some great raffle items coming up at our meetings and we need your help. You have helped us in the past and we know you have been waiting to see what we have this year to auction and raffle!

If you are new to MPI-CC or would like new ideas for donations, here is a small list of what we are hoping our members will donate: • overnight stays • overnight stays with breakfast • overnight stays with breakfast and a show in the area of the stay • travel packages that include a cool piece of luggage • gift basket with your area’s favorite treats • your swag in a cool tote These are just a few ideas that will definitely get our members bidding and buying raffle tickets!

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! We will have a 50/50 raffle at our November meeting and you won’t want to miss it. We have given away HUNDREDS of dollars and the holidays are coming!

Thank you again for your support of our chapter as you know we couldn’t do this without you. We are looking forward to several fun opportunities to raise money for our chapter!

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50/ RA 50 FFL E

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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 Mica Parekh, CMP - IWP Photography Editor Cathy Mauldin, CMP • DESA, Inc. Onsite at CDM Smith

Know a Helping Hand?

We have so many active members who deserve recognition for their efforts! If you know of someone who is going above and beyond, share their name and volunteer accomplishments with us so we can give them a shout out. This person can be a board member, a committee chair or member or even a brand new MPI-CC member who has already started to shine.

Helping Hand Awards are given on a bi-monthly basis and nominations are accepted all the time! Please send your nomination to April Ferguson, CMP, CMM at aprilferguson10@gmail.com.

Thank you for helping recognize your fellow members!!

Contributing Writers Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM, Global Knowledge; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Company; Selah Bideau, TMP, Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte; Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM, North Carolina Association of CPA; Barbara Dragan, VisitGreenvilleSC; Nicole Keshler, Greater Raleigh Convention Visitors Bureau; Nicole Filippo, CMP, Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; Mica Parekh, CMP, IWP Photography Photographer Mica Parekh, CMP - 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; Ginny Fountain, CMP, CMM, NC Association of Electric Cooperatives; Melinda Mowry, DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern - Riverfront; Sara Mordente, Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant Publisher Christine Irwin, CMP • The Management Office 704-377-5648 • Fax 704-333-6927 • Christine@themanagementoffice.com Advertising Christine Irwin, CMP • The Management Office • 704-377-5648 Design Kistin Creative Studio • 704-724-9188 • kistincreative.com MPI-CC Web Site: www.mpi-cc.org

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

November 8-9, 2018 Spartanburg Marriott Spartanburg, SC

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 Christine Irwin, CMP, at Christine@TheManagementOffice.com or 704-377-5648 Visit our website at www.mpi-cc.org for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities!