Carolina Blitz - Summer 2024

Carolina Blitz Summer 2024

Doubletree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Myrtle Beach, SC | August 22-23, 2024

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In This Issue FEATURES Sharing is Caring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 GMID 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Looking Ahead: August Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 DEI: Sustainability in the Meetings & Events Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

IN EVERY ISSUE Our Annual Sponsors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 President's Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Our Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Monthly Meeting Planner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MPI-CC Board & Committee Chairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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VOLUNTEERS

are the heart of our organization

Make a difference.

Volunteer today.

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.

___________

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS NEEDED Finance: Business Exchange (3 needed) Auction Committee Chair Committee Members (4 needed) Education: Education Committee Chair

___________ Visit mpi.org/Carolinas or email Rachel Whitten, CMP, MPI-CC VP of Member Engagement, rwhitten@greenvillenc.gov for more information on getting involved.

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Carolina Blitz The Carolina Blitz is the official publication of the Carolinas Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and is published quarterly. All contributions, articles, and photographs should be submitted to MPI-CC VP of Marketing & Communications. Send to Melanie Mason, CMP - Melanie.mason35@gmail.com EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE VP of Marketing and Communications Melanie Mason, CMP • EnsembleIQ Editor Melanie Mason, CMP • EnsembleIQ Contributing Writers Najauna White, CMP, CDE®, Miles Partnership; Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University; Rachel Whitten, CMP, Visit Greenville, NC; Molly Johnson, CMP-Fellow, SEPC, Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau; Kathryn Short, Visit Raleigh Photographer George Lainis • Catch Light Studio (GMID) Proofreaders Christine Irwin, The Management Office; Melanie Mason, CMP, EnsembleIQ; Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University; Rachel Mintel, UNC Chapel Hill Publisher Christine Irwin • The Management Office • christine@themanagementoffice.com Advertising Christine Irwin • The Management Office • christine@themanagementoffice.com Design Kistin Creative Studio • 704-724-9188 • kistincreative.com MPI-CC Web Site: www.mpi.org/carolinas ADVERTISING RATES AND DEADLINES AD SIZE FREQUENCY MEMBER RATE Quarter Page 1X $220 (3 1/2”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $200/issue 6X $160/issue Half Page Horizontal 1X $420 (7 1/4”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $400/issue 6X $360/issue Half Page Vertical 1X $420 (3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 3X $400/issue 6X $360/issue Full Page 1X $640 (8 1/2”W x 11”H) 3X $620/issue 6X $580/issue Full Page Insert 1X $700/issue 3X $680/issue 6X $640/issue (Produced and provided by advertiser)

NON-MEMBER RATE $290 $270/issue $230/issue $550 $530/issue $490/issue $550 $530/issue $490/issue $840 $820/issue $780/issue $910/issue $890/issue $850/issue

There are four issues of the Carolina Blitz published yearly.

Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall NOTE: Rates are published as of January 2023, and are subject to change without notice. All published rates are net non-commissionable. 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 at 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 at christine@themanagementoffice.com or 704-377-5648 Visit our website at www.mpi.org/carolinas for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities!

THANK YOU

TO OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS We Appreciate Your Support!

Platinum Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

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President’s Message Summer

Najauna White, CMP, CDE® Miles Partnership MPI-CC President

As we sprint toward the finish line of this year, with just four months left, our commitment to enhancing our chapter's offerings and increasing member engagement remains stronger than ever. We're looking to boost meeting attendance, engage more planners, and craft educational sessions that hit the mark—just what everyone needs as we wrap up another eventful year.

Annual Global Survey Our annual global survey is live until August 20th, and your participation is crucial. Here's why your feedback matters: 1. Guided Decision-Making: Your insights help steer the chapter's strategic direction, ensuring we focus on what matters most to you.

2. Tailored Programming: Your feedback directly influences our event and education lineup, helping us cater precisely to your professional development needs.

3. Continuous Improvement: Every piece of feedback, no matter how small, contributes significantly to our chapter's growth. Your honesty is invaluable, and we are committed to evolving based on your input, making you an integral part of our journey.

DEI Connects The DEI Connects series continues to roll out, offering invaluable opportunities to engage, share, and learn in a supportive environment. These sessions are a chance to deepen connections and broaden perspectives — join us for our next session, a lunch right after the Myrtle Beach meeting on Friday. It's an excellent opportunity to connect and share ideas in a relaxed setting.

We're also seeking members to write for our newsletter, especially if you're passionate about storytelling and change. Interested? Learn more and contribute here.

This is a great way to help drive meaningful discussions and change within our community.

August Chapter Meeting — Myrtle Beach Awaits!

If you still need to register or book your stay for our upcoming chapter meeting in Myrtle Beach, now's the

time. What better way to close the summer than with sun, networking, and strategic planning by the beach?

Secure your spot here!

Gratitude and Encouragement Lastly, thank you all for your active participation in our chapter meetings. We set a goal to reach at least 100 attendees per meeting, and thanks to you, we've not only met but exceeded this target every time since our annual meeting. Please continue to invite more planners and meeting professionals, and help us keep the momentum going.

Looking Ahead We are set on achieving all our goals this year, which include increasing meeting attendance, engaging more meeting planners, and developing education sessions tailored to what you, our members, need most. Your participation is crucial in shaping our future; we're making significant strides together.

• 2025 Calendar Coming Soon — We're fine-tuning the 2025 calendar, which will soon be available on our website. Get ready to mark your calendars and plan your travel budget to make the most of next year's meetings.

• Business Exchange — A Fresh Look for 2025 - Heard and noted! We're revamping the Business Exchange to better meet your expectations in 2025. Got ideas or want a behind-the-scenes role in the makeover? Reach out directly to karen@visitwinstonsalem.com, and let's chat about how you can contribute.

• 2025 Education Planning — As we shape our 2025 agenda, your input is more valuable than ever. Let the education committee know what topics, speakers, or trends you're interested in exploring. Your suggestions will help us create more engaging and relevant content.

• Thank You to 2025 Board Applicants — A big thank you to everyone who applied for the 2025 board. Your eagerness to serve is inspiring! If you're wondering how to get involved, email me at Najauna.White@ gmail.com. We'll find the perfect way for you to make your mark.

Thanks for your continued passion and participation!

Each meeting, each piece of feedback, and every volunteer hour you contribute fuels our shared success and builds an even stronger MPI Carolinas community.

Let's keep this momentum rolling—spread the word, bring a friend to the next meeting, and let’s keep growing together.

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Our Members New Member Spotlight Floyd Isley

Atrium Hospitality Where do you currently work and how long have you been there?

I currently work for Atrium Hospitality and have been in my current position for just under one year.

Tell me about your position and the organization you are with.

As an Area Sales Manager, I am part of the Atrium Hospitality National Sales Team. In my role, I focus on State Associations in North Carolina and represent our four NC Hotels: Hilton Charlotte Airport, Embassy Suites Concord, Embassy Suites Greensboro, and Embassy Suites Raleigh Durham - The North Carolina Collection. Atrium Hospitality owns and operates 79 hotels in 29 states across the country with over 20,000 guestrooms and almost three million square feet of meeting space. Previously I held positions of Catering Sales Manager and Director of Sales at our Charlotte property. I was on the opening team for our Embassy Suites Concord and held positions of Catering Sales Manager, Director of Catering, and Sales Manager.

Meet the Member Emily DeHont, CMP Visit Charlotte

My guilty pleasure I LOVE going to concerts and get major FOMO if one of my favorites is performing nearby and I'm not there :) Favorite Vacation Spot I've absolutely fallen in love with Cape Cod. Last summer, there were about 50 members of my husband's side of 6 | Carolina Blitz | Summer 2024

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy gardening and entertaining family and friends.

Why did you join MPI Carolinas Chapter?

MPI offers opportunities to grow professionally and meet new people.

If you were able to meet a famous person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

The Dalai Lama. I imagine that his compassion would inspire me, and his profound humility would keep me grounded.

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

Choose a good company. Network inside and outside your organization. Take calculated risks. Have fun. You will come to know some of the best people in the hospitality industry.

the family on the beach together every day for a week! (Honestly, put me on any beach and I'm happy.)

What's your favorite part of being a member of MPI-CC? Spending time with this wonderful group of people never feels like “work.” Everyone is so close and so personable, and they welcome you with open arms. Every meeting feels like a family reunion!

MPI-CC Anniversaries 30 Years Linda Ilsley, CMP LPI Events

25 Years Kimberly Bryan Pinehurst Resort & Spa

10 Years Patricia Byrd, CMP OneSpartanburg, Inc John Michael McCants Explore Charleston Karen Wall Visit Winston-Salem

5 Years

Maloree Burgin Society for Neuro-Oncology Mamie Bush Boeing Cathy Carpenter Le Meridien Sheraton Charlotte Shelley Cromartie AICPA Mendy Cunningham, CMP IIBEC Neil Curiel Discover Durham Jocelyn Davis Clayton Dennard Supplier GCT Going Coastal Transportation

Dorothy Bedor, CEM

Chandler Garnett Pastides Alumni Center

James Belmonte Hilton Durham near Duke University

Barbara Green Nash County Travel & Tourism

Kirah Brace

Samantha Green Ewald Visit Charlotte

Abigail Bridges

April 2024 - August 2024 Katelyn Harrian Kingston Plantation, A Hilton & Embassy Suites Resort Nolan Jack The American Board of Anesthesiology Angus Lamond Chetola Resort Pamela Lietz Red Dirt Oaks dba TapSnap Cheryl Massey Massey Marketing and Media

Elizabeth Nechio Gifted Travel Network Elizabeth Page UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel and Conference Center Jennifer Pradas Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. Casey Reynolds Turfgrass Producers International LaTonya Richardson

Delany May Advance Auto Parts

Melinda Shelley Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel

Mike Mincello AVEX Audio Visual

Olivia Terrell The Flat Iron Hotel

Rebecca Mittleman Visit Greenville SC

Sondra Warren Legacy Stables and Events

Cynthia Mohr, CFMP Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Rachel Whitten, CMP Visit Greenville, NC

Melinda Mowry DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern - Riverfront

Welcome New Members!

April 2024 - June 2024

Amy Amerson Empire Events

Alison Javier Zoetis

Hannah Phipps Ciena Corporation

Carrie Davenport Altria

Tim Kline Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

Mary Jane Reilly Reilly Resort Representatives

Jessica Grant BASF Corporation

Janal Kurincak Reposite

Josh Scovern American AV

Tamryn Gromley Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Anna Lake Ciena Corporation

Sasha Smith

Larry Harper, Jr. Coursera

John Lamb Streamlinevents

Donna Harris Indigo Road Hospitality Group

Heidi Nash

JurLonna Hermon TEW Experience Aundrea Hopkins AFR Furniture Rental

Ashley Owens Visit Greater Palm Springs

Tya Smith April Stahl Tracy Stuckrath Thrive! Meetings & Events Morgan Weinstein

Rakaiyah Pendergrass University Instructors - UNC-Charlotte

Pam Welch Wake Forest Baptist Health

Virginia Phelps Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants & Hotels

Leslie Wilson

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.

T E E M O T S E PLAC LAY. P PLACES TO STAY. PLACES TO

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED Convenient access off I-95. Plenty of activities. And all at a competitive price point. The Greater Fayetteville Area offers the meeting space you need in a place with more to explore.

FEATURES

To start planning, contact:

Isaiah Griffin, Convention Sales Manager (910) 835-5090 igriffin@DistinctlyFayettevilleNC.com

370 guest rooms & suites DistinctlyFayettevilleNC.com

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Located in the heart of Cary Crossroads Shopping Plaza; right off of I-40, just 15 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport and downtown Raleigh!

919-900-8858

6,000 sq. ft of meeting space

On-site dining options

cary@parkshotels.com

Sharing is Caring Building Out MPI Carolinas Community As we embark on the second half of 2024, filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and connection, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of sharing within our MPI Carolinas Chapter community. Sharing is not just about giving; it’s about creating a network where support, knowledge, and friendships thrive. This is the essence of the "Sharing is Caring" proverb.

One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to contribute to our community is by sharing MPI-CC’s social media posts. Every post, update, and announcement is crafted to keep our members informed, inspired, and engaged. When you share these posts with your network, you’re not only spreading valuable information, but also amplifying the reach of our collective voice. It’s a small gesture that can have a big impact.

Attending our events is always a rich experience filled with learning and connection. (Have you registered for our August meeting in Myrtle Beach yet?!?!) We encourage you to take this a step further by sharing a thing or two that you learned or loved about the meetings. Post-event reflections, whether a brief social media post on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram, help solidify the knowledge gained and spread it within our community. Your insights might spark a meaningful discussion or inspire someone else.

Inviting your contacts to join our events is another powerful way to foster community growth. Whether you are a supplier or a planner, you have a unique network of professionals who can benefit from what MPI Carolinas Chapter has to offer. Our events are not just about education and industry connections; they are about building friendships that enrich our professional and personal lives. Extending an invitation to a colleague or friend can open doors to new relationships and opportunities for all involved.

Remember, our strength lies in our unity and the diverse perspectives each member brings to the table. By actively sharing and inviting others, you contribute to a vibrant, supportive, and dynamic community. Let’s make the second half of 2024 a period where we all engage more deeply, learn more extensively, and grow more robustly as a collective.

Thank you for your commitment to MPI Carolinas Chapter.

Your participation, enthusiasm, and willingness to share are what make our community exceptional.

Rachel Whitten, CMP Visit Greenville, NC MPI-CC VP of Membership Engagement [Assisted by ChatGPT]

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Monthly Meeting Planner August 8, 2024 New Member Lunch n’ Learn Virtual via Zoom

November 4, 2024 New Member Lunch n’ Learn Virtual via Zoom

August 22-23, 2024 Chapter Meeting Doubletree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Myrtle Beach, SC

November 18-19, 2024 Chapter Meeting & Awards Gala Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh-Durham/ Research Triangle Cary, NC Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, September 27, 2024. Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to MPI-CC VP of Marketing & Communications, Melanie Mason, CMP, at Melanie.mason35@gmail.com.

Photo by 2hmedia on unsplash

September 18, 2024 CMP Boot Camp Rizzo Center Destination by Hyatt Chapel Hill, NC

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MPI-CC 2023-2024 Board of Directors and Chairs Leadership President Najauna White, CMP, CDE Miles Partnership Najauna.white@gmail.com

President-Elect Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University nicole.filippo@gmail.com

Immediate Past President Brandon Crumpton Key Signature Entertainment brandon@keysignatureonline.com

Chapter Administrator Christine Irwin, CMP The Management Office Christine@ themanagementoffice.com

Communications VP of Marketing and Communications Melanie Mason, CMP EnsembleIQ Melanie.mason35@gmail.com

Social Media Chair Samantha Green Ewald Visit Charlotte samantha.green@visitcharlotte.com

Publications Chair Rachel Mintel UNC Chapel Hill mintel.rachel@gmail.com

Education Committee Chair Needed

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Tessa Barrier, CMP MHI TBarrier@mhi.org

Meeting Planning Committee Anna Monroe AICPA & CIMA Anna.Monroe@aicpa-cima.com

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Tarshi McCoy, CMP, CHSP, TMP Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County tmccoy@cravencountync.gov

Education Interim VP of Education Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University nicole.filippo@gmail.com

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Kathryn Short Visit Raleigh kshort@visitRaleigh.com

DEI Committee Chair Star Robertson Parks Hospitality Group star.robertson@parkshotels.com

Finance VP of Finance Karen Wall Visit Winston-Salem karen@visitwinstonsalem.com

Business Exchange Committee Chair Floyd Isley Atrium Hospitality floyd.isley@atriumhospitality.com

Auction Committee Chair Nicole Keshler Visit Raleigh Nkeshler@visitraleigh.com

Member Engagement VP of Member Engagement Rachel Whitten, CMP Visit Greenville, NC RWhitten@greenvillenc.gov

Member Engagement Chair Olivia Terrell The Flat Iron Hotel oterrell@theindigoroad.com

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Look Who We Spotted...

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at Global Meetings Idustry Day Carolina Blitz | Summer 2024 | 13

GMID 2024 Recap More than 200 meeting professionals convened on April 11 at The Speedway Club at the Charlotte Motor Speedway to celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID).

Led by U.S. Travel Association’s Meetings Mean Business Coalition, the international day of advocacy was created to showcase the undeniable value that business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences, and conventions bring to people, businesses, and communities.

MPI Carolinas joined PCMA Southeast, SITE Southeast, IAEE Southeast, TEF NC, AENC, NCTIA, ILEA Greater Charlotte, Charlotte Area Hotel Association, NACE Charlotte, HSMAI NC, and DMA NC to host a GMID event in Concord, N.C. The Carolinas event was one of nearly 100 GMID events held across the globe.

The day’s education sessions included “Airlines and the Economic Impact of Group Travel” with Tracy Montross from American Airlines; a legislative updates session with Brian Lewis, a lobbyist

for North Carolina Travel Industry Association, and Senator Todd Johnson; “AI Revolution: Elevating Events with Smart Strategies for Planners and Suppliers” with Cynthia Barnes; and a planner/supplier panel discussion with Mitch Savoie Hill, SavHill Consulting; Deanna Griffith-House, EventMasters; Christa Hovis Harris, chief experience consultant; Kevin Holland, Richmond Region Tourism; Teddy Burgis, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA); and Seth Macchi, LEMG. Participants also enjoyed lunch and a reception hosted by CRVA and Explore Cabarrus.

Mark your calendars to join us for GMID 2025 on April 3, 2025.

Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke Center for International Development MPI-CC President-elect

We want to hear from

Share your feedback with the MPI-CC Board of Directors on ways we can enhance your membership at the chapter level. Visit our digital

suggestion box 14 | Carolina Blitz | Summer 2024

Welcome

SCHEDULE A HARD HAT TOUR WITH US TODAY!

The Gastonia Conference Center, located in the revitalized downtown and adjacent to the boutique Esquire Hotel, is a state-of-the-art facility providing 30,000 square feet of tech-savvy space accommodating groups of up to 450 and located only minutes from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

GoGastonNC.org

VisitHickoryMetro.com @visithickorymetro

Sarah D. Jones, CMP, TMP Director of Sales and Marketing 828-322-1335 • sarah@hickorymetro.com

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Wonderfully eclectic meeting spaces served with a side of fun

Cathy Carpenter, Director of Sales | 980-447-0666 | cathy@visitmooresville.com 16 | Carolina Blitz | Summer 2024

Inspiring Spaces

Igniting Greatness

Centrally located in North Carolina, Winston-Salem is a welcoming meeting destination with a history committed to reinvention and innovation. Named one of the South’s Best Cities on the Rise by Southern Living, Winston-Salem boasts the recently expanded 150,000-square-foot Benton Convention Center in the heart of our vibrant, walkable downtown. Elevate your next event in Benton South’s reimagined meeting space featuring the 24,000-square-foot Gallery Ballroom. Winston-Salem will have you looking forward to playing, meeting, and staying in our hip and historic city. To learn more, contact Christian Schroeder, Director of Sales and Services at Christian@VisitWinstonSalem.com, or Karen Wall, Senior Sales Manager, at Karen@VisitWinstonSalem.com, or visit VisitWinstonSalem.com.

5,300 HOTEL ROOMS

1, 200 Downtown

100+ DOWNTOWN

Restaurants & Shops

TRAVEL BACK REWARDS

Meeting Incentives

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Experience THE VIEW

GOT A MEETING?

BRING IT TO

Contact our professional and friendly staff at 252-637-1551 or visit us online at riverfrontconventioncenter.com

NOW BOOKING! Events | Weddings | Conventions Meetings | Military Balls

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MyrtleBeachMeetings.com

Looking Ahead Before summer wraps up, join MPI Carolinas Chapter at the Doubletree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront on Aug. 22-23 for our August Chapter Meeting.

Mastering Relationship Building – The Importance of True Connections and Jolt! Get Zapped into Intentionality to Rediscover and Believe in Your Inner Greatness Larry Long, Jr. Larry Long, Jr., CEO (Chief Energy Officer) of LLJR Enterprises, will lead sessions leveraging the power of community and how to level-up our approach to networking. Larry is dedicated to helping people, teams and organizations go from good to great, and has been coaching and training sales organizations for more than 16 years.

In “Mastering Relationship Building – The Importance of True Connections,” Larry will share communications and rapport-building strategies for cultivating relationships.

In “Jolt! Get Zapped into Intentionality to Rediscover and Believe in Your Inner Greatness,” he will guide us through creating action plans for prioritizing motivations and staying connected with others, as well as ourselves.

Anti-Human Trafficking

Education at the August Chapter Meeting Anti-Human Trafficking Q&A Panel discussion with Ryan Heise and Shelbia Wiley, moderated by Malinda Harrell

Following his presentation, Malinda Harrell, CMP Fellow, CASE, Director of Sales for the Greater Raleigh CVB, and member of MPI’s Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, will moderate a discussion with Ryan and Shelbia Wiley, Executive Director of Engaging Minds Services, Inc., a Myrtle Beach-based non-profit organization providing services to victims of human trafficking and abuse.

To help support those impacted by human trafficking in the Myrtle Beach area, we will be collecting items for Engaging Minds Services’ transitional housing for survivors of human trafficking and abuse. Items needed include toiletries, non-perishable food, feminine products, new clothing, and children’s books. If you’d like to contribute, please bring your donation to the registration table at the meeting.

See you in Myrtle Beach!

Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke Center for International Development MPI-CC President-elect

Ryan Heise We will also examine the role meeting professionals and our organizations can play in preventing and combatting human trafficking during the “Anti-Human Trafficking” session.

Ryan Heise, Management and Program Analyst at the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, will provide insight into the Department of Homeland Security’s work in the fight against human trafficking, along with discussing the indicators of human trafficking, myths about the crime, and available resources.

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DEI:

Sustainability

in the Meetings and Events Industry Sustainability has evolved quite a bit over the years, you may recall the three R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), but it’s now shifted to the three P’s (People, Planet, Profit).

Sustainability calls for the more efficient use of resources, and with efficiency comes savings. Sustainability for events means taking action towards preserving our natural environment; promoting a healthy, inclusive society; and supporting a thriving economy.

Events are important for driving innovation, strengthening opportunities, education and supporting the economy.

TOP 10

SUSTAINABLE EVENT PRACTICES •

Vegetarian menus

•

Allergy responsible menus

•

Water glasses and filling stations, don’t pre-pour water/tea on tables

•

Sorting recyclables

•

Local food sourcing

•

Diversity & Inclusion Policy – have a balance in speakers

•

Donation of event materials

•

Paperless meetings

•

Health & Wellness program

•

Food rescue program

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There’s no denying the power of face-to-face meetings. The events industry generates over $1 trillion USD in direct spending and 26 million jobs. Meetings and events are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions stemming from transportation, energy use, food choices and materials. Our industry has a big impact on the economy as well as the environment and the communities we meet in. Planning sustainable meetings helps to ensure that the impact is positive.

The United Nations Universal Sustainable Development Goals were adopted in 2015. This provides a blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet now and in the future. There are 17 sustainable development goals that recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand in hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth all while tackling climate change. Planning sustainable meetings will have a positive impact on all 17 of the sustainable development goals.

Creating sustainable events can be very overwhelming when just beginning but you can start by adding a few things at a time, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

Planners and suppliers need to work together on sustainability. Most hotels have sustainable practices in place so work with the resources that are already available.

Your CVB reps are your best resource in any destination, talk with them to find the best way to include sustainability in your event.

Please reach out to me anytime for a deeper dive, I’m happy to offer more tips and discuss the different certificate programs that are available.

Molly Johnson, CMP-Fellow, SEPC Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Power of Stories to Drive Change In today's world, the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in every sphere of life cannot be overstated.

These principles foster a more understanding, empathetic, and cohesive society. At MPI Carolinas Chapter, we recognize the importance of these values and believe that our platform can be a powerful vehicle for change. To that end, we are reaching out to our members with a special request: share your stories and perspectives through DEI articles, which will be published in the Carolina Blitz newsletter.

Personal narratives have a unique power to inspire and educate. When individuals share their experiences, they help dismantle stereotypes, build bridges, and promote a more inclusive environment. DEI articles can cover a broad range of topics, from coming out stories to the challenges faced by those with invisible disabilities. Each article can shine a light on the diverse experiences within our community, fostering greater understanding and empathy among us all.

For example, coming out is a deeply personal and often challenging experience. By sharing your journey, you can provide hope and guidance to others who may be on a similar path. Your story can highlight the struggles and triumphs, the support systems that made a difference, and the ongoing journey of living authentically.

Another example is invisible disabilities, such as mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, and learning

disabilities, which often go unnoticed and misunderstood.

Writing about these experiences can help raise awareness and foster a more inclusive environment. By sharing your story, you can educate others on the realities of living with an invisible disability, the importance of accommodation, and the need for greater empathy and support.

We invite all members of MPI Carolinas Chapter to contribute their stories. Whether you prefer to write a detailed article or a short personal reflection, your voice matters. To submit your piece, please send it to our DEI committee: kshort@visitraleigh.com or star.robertson@ parkshotels.com. Our team will review submissions and provide feedback to ensure your story is presented in the best possible way.

At MPI Carolinas Chapter, we believe in the power of stories to drive change. By contributing your story, you are teaching and helping to build a more inclusive and understanding community. Your experiences can inspire, educate, and empower others.

We look forward to reading your stories and continuing this important conversation together.

Kathryn Short Visit Raleigh MPI-CC VP of DEI

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UNPARALLELED MEETINGS WITH UNIQUE OPTIONS FOR ALL Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is the perfect place to hold your meeting.

Big or small, we’ll make sure your attendees are taken care of. Our talented culinary team is ready to create a tailored group dining experience to delight your guests. With a full-service spa and world-class dining options, Kalahari has everything you need, and the amenities your guests want, to ensure your event is successful.

KalahariMeetings.com | Call 855-411-4605 to learn more | Follow Us:

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› 200,000 square feet of flexible event space › Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking › Easily accessible for the public. Just two hours or less from major cities › Diverse team-building options available on-site › Nearly 1,000 guest rooms & suites at all locations | ©2022 Kalahari Management Co. LLC