2023 Annual Meeting Recap

MPI Carolinas hosted its 2023 Annual Meeting

February 5-6 at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Day 2

Located in the perfect location to combat the winter doldrums – beachside – we started off the morning session with a wholesome way to rise out of winter in a wellness and self-care reset with National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches Rosy Crumpton, owner of Sophrosyne Wellness, and Debbie Brinckman.

Given the opportunity to assess one’s personal health inventory, attendees answered questions in a wheel of health, personalized their wellness journey and set meaningful goals for fast tracking to their ideal health.

We were then given the opportunity to choose a topic we felt best suited our main focus and broke out into groups for a deeper discussion.

What resulted were so many shared takeaways and ideas, and ways to regularly evaluate progress. Each group chose a lead person who would organize a weekly or bi-weekly check-in with everyone in their group. All groups were determined to set forth and succeed.

Armed with purpose, the session came to a close in a most peaceful and enlightening way – with Crumpton’s calming voice and peaceful demeanor, she led the group through a mini-mindfulness/meditation practice with “Leaves on a stream,” reflecting, letting go and looking forward.

Day 1

The meeting began with a riveting session from lawyers Matt Villmer, Villmer Caudill, PLLC, and Lori Keeton, Lori Keeton Law, discussing hot topics in the new world of contracting in meetings and events. Topics covered included risk management tools, business entities and insurance.

Villmer is a business and litigation attorney with 14 years of experience representing clients in the hospitality and events industry. Keeton is an award-winning attorney who has been named one of the top 50 female lawyers in North Carolina.

After the session, we enjoyed a reception at the new restaurant and tap house Black Drum Brewing, which features a tap list including 40 taps, showcasing local breweries from the Carolinas. The delectable catered event was exclusive for our attendees.

Storyteller, sales trainer and positive thinking strategist Gina Trimarco then revved up the energy in the room with her “Oh Yes You Can!” keynote address.

With whimsical interaction from the group, Trimarco showed the group how to maneuver through the most trying of times with humor, agility and the power of improvisation.

After lunch, in another fascinating session, Villmer and Keeton took the attendees through more contract hot topics: the changing labor market, contract negotiations and a changing regulatory landscape. They provided many thought-provoking comments and tips.

Cathy Carpenter

Le Meridien Sheraton Charlotte MPI-CC VP of Program Development