Carolina Blitz - Winter 2024

Carolina Blitz Winter 2024

February Annual Chapter Meeting Embassy Suites | Asheville, NC February 8, 2024

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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.

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Meeting Incentives

In This Issue FEATURES Cultivating Lasting Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 November Education Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 February Continuing Ed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 DEI: Hey Ya'll, I'm Kesha. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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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Carolina Blitz 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.org/carolinas.

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 Publications Committee Chair/Editor.

Send to Cathy Mauldin, CMP - CathyMauldin@gmail.com EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE VP of Marketing and Communications Melanie Mason, CMP • EnsembleIQ Editor Cathy Mauldin, CMP • DESA, Inc. Onsite at CDM Smith Contributing Writers Najauna White, CMP, CDE®, Miles Partnership, MPI-CC President; Jason Arnold, Explore Cabarrus; Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke Center for International Department; Rachel Whitten, Greenville-Pitt County CVB Photographer Mica Parekh, CMP – IWP Photography Proofreaders Molly Pusateri, The Management Office; Christine Irwin, The Management Office; Melanie Mason, CMP, EnsembleIQ; Peggy Anderson, CMP 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.org/carolinas

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 mpi.org/Carolinas or email Rachel Whitten, CMP, MPI-CC Vice President of Membership, rwhitten@greenvillenc.gov for more information on getting involved.

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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, 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.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

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President’s Message Learn. Grow. Engage.

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

As we step into the new year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every one of you for contributing to the success of MPI Carolinas. This past year has been nothing short of an adventure, and thanks to your dedication, enthusiasm, and collaborative spirit, we have achieved so much together.

Our journey over the last 6 months has been a true testament to the resilience and leadership within our MPI Carolina’s community, especially my fellow board members; thank you. The strength of our network, depending on one another and having a shared goal became the roadmap we needed to be successful in 2023.

One of the most significant lessons I've learned is the power of asking questions, seeking feedback, and tapping into the wealth of wisdom from our members and past presidents. The insights shared by our predecessors and members who attend our meetings have provided invaluable guidance, shaping our decisions and contributing to the success of MPI Carolinas. Accepting and responding to feedback has been instrumental in our growth. Embracing constructive criticism has allowed us to refine our strategies, enhance member experiences, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Equally paramount is realizing the significance of caring for our board members. Acknowledging their dedication and providing the necessary support has been key in maintaining a cohesive and motivated team, propelling us toward shared goals, even throughout changes and challenges and our full time roles.

Looking into 2024, I am excited to share our continued vision for the future of MPI Carolinas. Our commitment to networking, giving you new experiences and your professional development remains, and we plan to roll out an array of tools and resources to empower current

and potential members. Recognizing that the landscape has evolved since 2019, we understand the need to redefine our benchmarks and look forward to the year ahead with fresh perspectives. As we discussed in our summer message, our priorities are:

• Continuous Learning • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion More DEI Connects coming!

• Making Mistakes • Member-First Approach - Developing FAQs and more resources for our members!

• Honoring Our History • Have a Good Time!

The priorities will continue to guide us. In 2024, we will build upon this foundation by introducing more speakers, organizing destination activations as we travel, and maintaining a steadfast focus on our "why" as a chapter. When considering your "why," remember that your experience and feedback are extremely important to us, and we recognize the significance of fostering open communication. The industry is evolving in various ways—across generations, demographics, job roles, functionalities, and interests. It is imperative that we, as a chapter, not only adapt to these changes but stay ahead of the curve and continue to be a welcoming chapter for everybody. We are not merely following trends but actively seeking ways to be innovative in our approach.

As you reflect on your own accomplishments and set goals for the new year, I invite you to take a step back celebrate your wins of 2023. The landscape we navigate is dynamic, and your input is integral to our continuous improvement. We welcome your perspective if you have thoughts on events, resources, the board, or the overall member experience. Reach out at any time; your voice matters, and we are eager to incorporate your ideas into our plans for the coming year - plus, I love to hear your voices and see your faces outside of chapter meetings.

I look forward to seeing you all in February in Asheville, NC, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown; registration is open!

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Our Members Welcome New Members!

New Members October 2023 - February 2024:

The Membership Engagement squad would like to welcome all of our new members! You should have, or should soon be, receiving a few things:

Rachel Berbec Live Nation

• A welcome email from me, I serve as your VP of membership engagement.

• An email/phone call from your personal chapter ambassador to help you get connected with the folks who will help you get what you are looking for out of the chapter and help get you plugged into the right volunteer role.

• An invite to a virtual BYOLunch and Learn. This is a short intro to our chapter that happens about 2 weeks before each in-person event.

As an organization that is relationship-fueled, and whose leadership is volunteer-based, we are excited to have you, your energy, your experience and your thoughts here!

We look forward to learning more about you and answering any questions that you have! You can reach out to your chapter ambassador or me (Rachel@VisitGreenvilleNC.com) at any time* with questions or thoughts!

Stacy Berlatt Varicent Jennifer Best AAE Speakers Bureau Brielle Bowcamp Whitney Britt Gineen Cargo Cathy Carpenter Le Meridien Sheraton Charlotte Candice Chuppa Scrum Alliance, Inc. Katie Clark Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau Chris Dahnke Jenny Friede Julie Garver Kay Grant, CMP DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront

Until our next adventure, I hope you have an EPIC day!

Kate Kay FIRC Group

*there is also an anonymous suggestion box on our website that you can submit to 24/7!

Jordan Leonard

Rachel Whitten, CMP Visit Greenville NC MPI-CC VP of Membership

Patty Medlin Raines Co Kali Parson Narsi Hotels Georgia Petritsis University of South Carolina Brian Rivers Cynthia Rodriguez, CMP Lauren Strange Wes Vanasek The Freeman Company Ana Wein Patrick Properties Hospitality Group Stephanie Wells

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Anniversaries 20 Years

Mandy Lowe, CMP, CMM North Carolina Association of Realtors

15 Years

Emelyn Pagel Think Up Consulting

10 Years

Lori Reynolds, MBA Freelance

5 Years

Kelton Henderson, HMCC National Board of Echocardiography

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Welcome 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.

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

GoGastonNC.org

Cultivating Lasting Connections

in the MPI Carolinas Community

The end of the year often sees us immersed in gatherings, celebrations, and moments of connection. It's these interactions that fuel the spirit of our community. Yet, as we turn the calendar page, let's not let these connections fade away like the last strains of holiday music. Instead, let’s carry forward the essence of this season – the warmth, the camaraderie, and the sense of belonging – into the upcoming months.

At the heart of our professional lives, we encounter similar challenges, aspirations, and triumphs. From the hustle of event planning to the intricacies of hospitality management, our shared industry presents us with unique experiences that bind us together. We understand the dance between work and life, the balancing act that often demands our attention. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands. However, our MPI Carolinas Chapter stands as a beacon for fostering meaningful relationships.

It’s within these connections that we find support,

inspiration, and shared experiences that enrich both our professional journey and personal growth.

This year, let's make a collective commitment to strengthen our bonds within the chapter. Engage in our events, share your insights, and embrace the diverse perspectives that each member brings to the table. Whether it's networking sessions, educational seminars, or social gatherings, let’s actively seek opportunities to connect, collaborate, and uplift each other. Let’s make 2024 a year where our bonds grow stronger, our connections deepen, and our collective spirit burns brighter than ever.

Wishing you all a prosperous and joyous year ahead!

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

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Monthly Meeting Planner April 11, 2024 Global Meetings Industry Day and Business Exchange (GMID)

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, March 1, 2024.

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

THERE’S MORE TO US

JOHN POOLE 704.456.7968 • johnpoole@explorecabarrus.com

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Photo by 2hmedia on unsplash

August 21-22, 2024 Chapter Meeting Myrtle Beach, SC

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 Molly Pusateri The Management Office Molly@ themanagementoffice.com

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

Publications Committee Chair Cathy Mauldin, CMP DESA, Inc. Onsite at CDM Smith cathymauldin@gmail.com

Social Media Committee Chair Ebony Loadholt Urban Sustainability Directors Network ebonyloadholt@usdn.org

Education Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Jessica Garrett, CMP streamlineevents jessica.garrett@streamlinevents.com Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Tessa Barrier, CMP MHI TBarrier@mhi.org

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

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

Tradeshow Committee Chair Christian Schroeder Visit Winston-Salem Christian@visitwinstonsalem.com

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

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

Member Engagement Chair Melissa Woodruff Maritz Global Events melissa.woodruff@maritz.com

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Look Who We Spotted...

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at the November Chapter Meeting Carolina Blitz | Winter 2024 | 13

November Recap Your Essential Digital Toolbox: Making the Most of Tech Tools to Enhance Your Productivity James Spellos is currently the President of Meeting U., a company that for 24 years has been dedicated to teaching technology applications so that people are not intimidated by the ever-changing technologies. He also devotes time as a VP of Digital Media for Rock and Wrap It Up!, an antipoverty, anti-hunger think tank. In 2022, MPI included him on their most influential people in the hospitality industry list. He previously served as an adjunct faculty member at New York University since 1990, teaching in their school of professional and continuing studies. He has been honored with both their Award for Teaching Excellence and their Outstanding Service Award.

In a two-part series during the November MPI-CC meeting, James dived deep into the worlds of AI and emerging technology and what it means for us today.

In this second session to end the day, he led us swiftly through a discussion of a multitude of the newest tech options that can help you streamline your workflow, optimize your social presence, and even be aware of possible new concerns in this time of rapidly changing technology.

His argument was that all these tools could be used for the good or bad, but we needed to stay on top of our understanding of these technologies to stay ahead in our

Speaker: James Spellos

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lives and our jobs, and to be aware of the extra safeguards that are needed in this new day and age. Some attendees furiously wrote notes working to keep up as he flew through new tools, tips, tricks, and hacks to make life just a bit easier, others just sat back in their seats and enjoyed the show. As a final gift he provided those that attended a curated list of over 50 AI tools that he encouraged attendees to explore and discover, which I am happy to share if you would like to reach out to my email below.

The biggest takeaway I received; do not be afraid of these changes, but make sure you are aware of what is taking place around you, and work to see what tools might assist in making your everyday life just a little bit easier and more productive.

You can also find out more about James and his work, including signing up for his monthly newsletter at http://www.meeting-u.com.

Jason Arnold Explore Cabarrus

Looking Ahead During the Annual Meeting, to be held Feb. 8-9 in Asheville, N.C., MPI Carolinas will explore the multigenerational workforce, audio visual best practices and trends, and how to implement your education session takeaways.

The sessions include: Exploring Audio-Visual: A Collaborative Journey Panel discussion, moderated by Ricardo Hicks This panel discussion, moderated

by Ricardo Hicks, president and CEO of Tech Factory, will delve into AV best practices and collaborative strategies for strengthening the planner and supplier partnership through all stages of planning events.

Education at the February Annual Meeting

Sort it out!

Presented by Kristin Walker Do you find yourself attending conferences or meetings, but then don't know how to act upon what you've learned? Are you looking for ways to put great ideas into action? This interactive session, led by Kristin Walker, associate director of employer experience and technology at Elon University’s Student Professional Development Center, will help you do just that. You'll learn a framework that will help you make the most of the ideas gained from any conference or meeting.

For the complete meeting information, including speaker bios and agenda, please visit the MPI-CC website.

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

Engagement Unleashed: Empowering Gen-Z+ in Your Multigenerational Workplace Presented by Luke Goetting Instead of blaming generational stereotypes or the pandemic for trends like “Quiet Quitting” or the “Great Resignation,” we’ll recognize the immense potential of the emerging workforce and how their significant talents can be leveraged within your multigenerational organization.

Luke Goetting, an award-winning communications expert and founder of Puffingston Presentations, will provide actionable insights for managers and executives to improve retention by fostering genuine connections with employees across generations. From transparency and mentorship to gamification, this session will equip your company with practical approaches to position it for success.

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DEI:

Hey, y’all! I’m Kesha.

At 47, life handed me a couple of tough cards – degenerative disc disease and lupus.

It's a far cry from what I'd pictured, especially when I find myself scooting around or needing help at the airport. But you know what? Life's about playing the hand you're dealt and I'm doing just that with my trusty scooter by my side.

Navigating life with a scooter and battling these health issues, I've come face to face with the stigmas and misconceptions about disability. It's an eye-opener, realizing how folks can misunderstand what living with a physical challenge is like. Some look at me with pity, as if my scooter symbolizes lost hope, while others awkwardly turn away, not knowing how to react. I've even heard my mobility aid being called a "Wal-Mart scooter," a phrase that stings with its casual cruelty.

They're just part of the landscape I navigate, always with a smile and sometimes a witty comeback. Every day, I'm breaking down stereotypes, showing that a life with a disability can be as vibrant and fulfilling as any other.

So here I am, Kesha, your friendly, slightly southern event planner on wheels.

I've got my scooter, my unwavering spirit, and a heart that's learned to find joy in the most challenging times. Sure, lupus and degenerative disc disease are part of my story, but they're not the whole narrative. I'm here to live a life full of charm, courage, and a good dose of Southern resilience, no matter what comes my way.

This journey has taught me that disability isn't a onesize-fits-all experience. It's diverse, dynamic, and deeply personal. My scooter, far from being a sign of defeat, represents my independence and strength. It's a tool that allows me to keep doing what I love – planning events and spreading joy.

Once a stand-up routine, cooking is now a sit-down dance in my kitchen. It's a testament to adaptability and resilience.

And as for my job as an event planner? I've become a pro at orchestrating beautiful moments from my scooter. Every successful event is a victory, not just in my career but in my personal battle against physical and societal barriers.

Living with these conditions, I've learned a thing or two about patience, creativity, and the strength of the human spirit. The misconceptions about disability?

Lakesha Moore Associate at Chiefs for Change

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