Carolina Blitz
August Chapter Meeting
Great Wolf Lodge | Concord, NC
August 21-22, 2025
CAROLINAS CHAPTER
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 Publications Chair. Send to Rachel Mintel - mintel.rachel@gmail.com.
EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Publications Chair and Editor Rachel Mintel, UNC Chapel Hill
Contributing Writers
Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University, MPI-CC President | Rachel Whitten, CMP, Visit Greenville, NC, MPI-CC VP of Education | Alex Morales, Kessler Collection Grand Bohemian Charlotte, MPI-CC VP of Member Engagement | Star Robertson, Parks Hospitality Group, MPI-CC VP of DEI | Ebony Loadholt, Urban Sustainability Directors Network | Isaiah Griffin, DistiNCtly Fayetteville | Wonderland Dawson, 3D Hospitality, LLC, MPI-CC Director of Volunteer Engagement | Melanie Mason, CMP, EnsembleIQ, MPI-CC VP of MarComm
Proofreaders
Melanie Mason, CMP, EnsembleIQ | Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University | Rachel Mintel, UNC Chapel Hill
Publisher
Elizabeth Pike, CMP and Toni Floback Greiner Treeline Associates - info@mpicarolinas.org
Advertising
Elizabeth Pike, CMP and Toni Floback Greiner Treeline Associates - info@mpicarolinas.org
Design
Kistin Creative Studio • 704-724-9188 • kistincreative.com
CONVENIENTLY LOCATED
FEATURES
MPI-CC Web Site: www.mpi.org/carolinas
ADVERTISING RATES AND DEADLINES AD SIZE FREQUENCY MEMBER
Quarter Page 1x/year $220 $290 (3 1/2”W x 4 3/4”H) 4x/year $200/issue
Half Page Horizontal 1x/year
(7 1/4”W x 4 3/4”H) 4x/year
Half Page Vertical 1x/year $420 $550 (3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 4x/year $400/issue $530/issue
Full Page 1x/year $640 $840 (8 1/2”W x 11”H) 4x/year $620/issue $820/issue
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There are four issues of the Carolina Blitz published yearly. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.
NOTE: Rates are published as of February 2025, 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: Elizabeth Pike, CMP and Toni Floback Greiner Treeline Associates - info@mpicarolinas.org PO Box 879, Lake Orion, MI 48361
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President’s Message
WEC St. Louis
WEC St . Louis was a joy-filled celebration of the meetings and events industry and the people who create impactful experiences . Highlights included:
• 100+ education sessions exploring topics like AI, strategic partnerships, neurodiversity, the power of play, and designing for engagement. A shoutout to past presidents Ricardo Hicks, Malinda Harrell and Molly Johnson; education committee chair Ebony Loadholt and member Kristin Walker; president-elect Seth Macchi; and our August 2024 chapter meeting speaker Larry Long Jr. for presenting sessions!
• A strong MPI-CC representation with 30+ members in attendance
• MPI-CC co-hosting the first-ever WEC Southeast Regional Meetup in partnership with the South Florida, Tampa Bay Area, Greater Orlando, North Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Gulf States, Virginia, and Kentucky Blue Grass chapters. Thank you to our sponsors Tech Factory and Destination South!
• The spontaneous fellowship – in the convention center hallways, singing at the Nelly concert, and during the opening celebration at Busch Stadium.
I’m thankful to have been among the nearly 2,000 professionals in attendance. Admittedly, I felt some anxiety heading into such a large event. But as I entered the convention center, those worries faded. The first faces I saw? MPI-CC friends. As I made my way through the lobby and down the hall, I continued to see and talk to MPI-CC members. What are the odds that the first 10 people I spoke to were all from our chapter?
Throughout the event, I connected and reconnected with many people in the Carolinas and beyond. I even met a member who joined our chapter a couple of weeks prior at WEC (hi, Jamie!). The conversations, smiles, and positive energy helped make me feel welcome (and not lost in a crowd of thousands). I was reminded just how connected and far-reaching our MPI Carolinas community is.
Thank you for being a part of our community! I look forward to catching up with you at Great Wolf Lodge for our August chapter meeting!
Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University
MPI-CC President
Our Members New Member Spotlight
Amber Scarlett
Heart of NC Visitors Bureau | Randolph County TDA
Where do you currently work and how long have you been there?
Randolph County Tourism Development Authority | Heart of NC Visitors Bureau for 18 years
Tell me about your position and the organization you are with.
I proudly serve as the Executive Director of the destination marketing organization for Randolph County, located in the Heart of North Carolina.
The Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau (HNCVB) stands as the official destination marketing organization for Archdale, Asheboro, Franklinville, Liberty, Ramseur, Randleman, Seagrove, Staley, and Trinity. We are driven by the mission to ignite proactive, visitor-centered economic development in Randolph County, reinvesting the visitorpaid room occupancy tax into impactful tourism marketing and destination development efforts that promise the highest return on investment.
With unwavering dedication to professional advocacy, we are committed to being a steadfast, supportive partner in showcasing Randolph County as a vibrant destination, empowering our partners, stakeholders, and communities with enhanced opportunities to connect with the visitor market.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, planning experiences for my family, and snuggles with my rescue dog.
Why did you join MPI Carolinas Chapter?
As the communities in my area are expected to grow significantly due to economic development, we are also being seen from a different audience as a destination for business and leisure combined. We have several spaces available for all sizes of groups. Now is the time to get connected to those planners and organizations looking to experience our area.
If you were able to meet a famous person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Eleanor Roosevelt would be the famous person I would like to meet. I'm very much inspired by her multiple roles as a supporter of her husband during his presidency, while finding her own voice and leadership capabilities, and most importantly, her role as a mother.
What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a career in our industry?
Don't be afraid to connect - in person, via phone/text/ or email! We all have the same challenges within our industry, and your colleagues can offer great solutions. Reach out!
What is your ideal vacation/vacation spot?
My ideal vacation is along the coast with no set plans, a cup of coffee, and a good book to read.
Meet the Member
James Belmonte
Hilton Durham
My guilty pleasure: Watching scary movies with my kids.
Favorite Vacation Spot? Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
What's your favorite part of being a member of MPI-CC?
Meeting new people and all coming together in hospitality.
MPI-CC Anniversaries
15 Years
Bill McMillan
Visit Charlotte
10 Years
Kevin Mullane
Silver Oak Transportation
Beth Tanner, CMP, HMCC Duke Cancer Network
Tracie Garrett, CMP, CEM North Carolina Home Builders Association
5 Years
Fernanda Araujo, CMP DES Relias
Chelsea Parton, CMP NC Association of Electric Cooperatives
Mendy Howard, CMP, MBA IIBEC
Ariana Pearsall, CMP Destination South Meetings & Events
Welcome New Members!
March 1 - June 30, 2025
Ashley Ackary Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau
Dara Burg Cvent Inc
Brittney Derrick, CPCE Mosaix Group
Jennifer Edwards
Brooks Fredreickson Triangle Sound Service
Emma Godlewski
Ty Heller Brand Fuel
Michael Hood
Rylee Hudson
Rachel Hurst
Ashley Knapp South Carolina
Aggregates Association
Amy Lindsey Walker & Dunlop
Allison Locke
Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
Denise Lopes
Kait Lopez
The American Board of Anesthesiology
Jen McNabb Xylem Inc.
Charlee Moss New York University
Charles Parrish, PhD Western Carolina University
Lindsay Redding
Jaquan Reid
Hallie Schellhorn NorthMarq Capital
Kimberly Schwalb, CMP InvestCloud, Inc.
Gervase Scott Tech Factory Productions
Laura Sherman North Carolina Trucking Association
Joel Smith Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau
Duane Tornquist
Smart Source Computer and A/V Rentals
Wes Vanasek Sparks
Joseph Voska
Christian Wityk Encore
Ebony Loadholt Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN)
Kathryn Short, CMP Visit Raleigh
Shannon Blinn Wells Fargo
1 Year
Heidi Nash
Morgan Weinstein
Tim Kline
Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
Rakaiyah Pendergrass University Instructors UNC-Charlotte
Virginia Phelps
Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants & Hotels
Leslie Wilson
April Stahl
Kaela Bath
Marjorie Belizaire
Christine Wilks
Shannon Hime-Bizzarro
Capitol Hill Management Services, Inc.
Mallory Joyner
AICPA & CIMA
Jill Awe
Halle Walker
Kristina Wheelsss
THE BOXED LUNCH
Meeting food is … well, meeting food. Under-seasoned and underwhelming. But not at Kalahari. Start your event meal with mouthwatering appetizers, like our Nashville Hot Texas Quail with pickled slaw, green tomato, orange blossom honey, and buttercrust bread. Our passion for food is beyond conventional.
MPI Carolinas Chapter by the Numbers*
As one of the largest MPI chapters globally, MPI Carolinas proudly represents a dynamic network of 300+ active members . What sets this chapter apart is not just its size, but its impressive collective buying power, with members influencing over $223 .65 million in estimated annual event spend .
*as of July, 2025
A Balanced and Diverse Membership
MPI Carolinas boasts a well-balanced composition of industry professionals, creating a collaborative environment for education, innovation, and business growth:
Planners representing corporate, association, third-party, and independent professionals who drive meeting strategy and execution .
Suppliers
including hoteliers, destination representatives, AV providers, and other service partners who power event success
Where and What Our Members Are Planning
MPI Carolinas members are actively planning meetings and events across the country, with top focus areas in the Southeast and Northeast U.S., followed by strong activity in the Southwest. Internationally, Mexico and Canada lead as the most frequently selected destinations outside the U.S. for events and incentive programs.
When it comes to venues, downtown city hotels are the most popular choice among members followed by conference centers and resort.
Students bringing fresh energy and new perspectives to the industry’s future .
Faculty supporting education and mentorship to develop the next generation of professionals .
Retired seasoned experts who continue to contribute through mentorship, advocacy, and institutional knowledge .
Our members primarily plan events for groups ranging 100 to 250 attendees, followed by events for under 50 and 50 to 100 guests 50 and less as well as 101 to 250 attendees. This reflects a healthy mix of mid-sized and intimate gatherings, with an emphasis on personalization, engagement, and measurable impact.
More Than Membership — It’s Influence
With this powerful mix of talent, experience, and buying power, MPI Carolinas fosters an ecosystem where members learn from each other, generate meaningful business opportunities, and advocate for the value of meetings and events.
Alex Morales
Kessler CollectionGrand Bohemian Charlotte
MPI-CC VP of Membership
Monthly Meeting Planner
August 7, 2025
New Member Lunch ‘N Learn
Virtual
August 21, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting
Great Wolf Lodge Charlotte/Concord Concord, NC
August 21-22, 2025
Chapter Meeting
Great Wolf Lodge Charlotte/Concord Concord, NC
September 15, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
October 13, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
October 20, 2025
New Member Lunch ‘N Learn
Virtual
November 2, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting
Beaufort Hotel
Beaufort, NC
November 2-4, 2025
MPI-CC Annual Meeting, Awards Gala & 2026 Board Installation
Beaufort Hotel
Beaufort, NC
December 8, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, September 5, 2025. Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to MPI-CC Publications Chair Rachel Mintel at mintel.rachel@gmail.com.
Photo by 2hmedia on unsplash
MPI-CC 2025 Board of Directors and Chairs
Leadership
President Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University nicole.filippo@gmail.com
President-Elect
Seth Macci LEMG seth.m@lemg.live
Chapter Administrator
Elizabeth Pike, CMP Treeline Associates info@mpicarolinas.org
Communications
VP of Marketing and Communications
Melanie Mason, CMP EnsembleIQ Melanie.mason35@gmail.com
Education
VP of Education
Rachel Whitten, CMP Visit Greenville, NC RWhitten@greenvillenc.gov
Education Committee Chair
Ebony Loadholt Urban Sustainability Directors Network ebonyloadholt@usdn.org
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Finance
VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Star Robertson Parks Hospitality Group star.robertson@parkshotels.com
Social Media Chair
Samantha Green Ewald Visit Charlotte samantha.green@visitcharlotte.com
Director of Meeting Planning
Gineen Cargo, CMP Cargo & Co. LLC gineen.cargo@gmail.com
Volunteers Needed
Immediate Past President
Najauna White, CMP, CDE Miles Partnership Najauna.white@gmail.com
Chapter Administrator
Toni Floback Greiner Treeline Associates info@mpicarolinas.org
Publications Chair
Rachel Mintel UNC Chapel Hill mintel.rachel@gmail.com
Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair
Tessa Barrier, CMP MHI TBarrier@mhi.org
Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair
Tarshi McCoy, CMP, CHSP, TMP Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County tmccoy@cravencountync.gov
• DEI Committee Chair
• FUNdraising Committee Chair
• Marketing and Communications Committee
VP of Finance
Karen Wall
Visit Winston-Salem karen@visitwinstonsalem.com
Member Engagement
VP of Member Engagement
Alex Morales Kessler CollectionGrand Bohemian Charlotte alex.morales@kesslercollection.com
Director of Fundraising
Kathryn Short Visit Raleigh kshort@visitraleigh.com
Director of Volunteer Engagement Wonderland Dawson 3D Hospitality, LLC wddawson3@gmail.com
Planner Partner Forum Committee Chair
Floyd Isley Atrium Hospitality floyd.isley@atriumhospitality.com
Member Engagement Committee Chair
Ariana McGill, CMP, DMCP Destination South Meetings + Events ariana@destinationsouth.com
Volunteer Engagement Committee Chair
Maria Lopez Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau mlopez@visitraleigh.com
Look Who We Spotted...
at the May Chapter Meeting
The Power of Connection
with Colleagues, Career Pathways, and Our Communities
Are you looking for a way to deepen your professional connections, enhance your career, and make a meaningful impact on the community?
MPI–CC is calling for volunteers to join our dynamic and dedicated teams. This is your opportunity to play a vital role in shaping the future of our profession.
Connect with Colleagues
Connecting with colleagues in our field not only expands your network but also strengthens the collective voice of our profession, paving the way for innovation and shared success. Your voice and perspective matter. By getting involved, you help ensure our chapter reflects the diversity, innovation, and inclusivity our industry aspires to embody.
Connect to Career Pathways
Taking on a volunteer committee or leadership role offers a chance to stretch professionally in new ways. Want to learn about sponsorship, marketing, DEI initiatives, or board governance? Volunteering allows you to explore areas outside your current job scope in a safe and supportive environment. These are transferable skills that add real value to your resume— and your confidence.
Connect to a Larger Purpose
MPI–CC is deeply rooted in our communities. Over the past year, we’ve partnered with several local non-profit organizations such as Engaging Mind Services, Inc., in Myrtle Beach, SC, bringing awareness to human trafficking; BeLoved Asheville, providing critical necessities to those affected by Hurricane Helene; donated nutritious meals to children in Orange County, NC through TABLE NC’s food program; and contributed toiletries and graduation baskets with laundry supplies to Transition Homeless Center in Columbia, SC. By volunteering, we help to meet the needs of the communities right where we live and work.
Volunteering is a fun and rewarding way to connect with others in our field, explore new interests, and give back to the community. Whether you're interested in planning events, mentoring, writing, or helping behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone.
Wonderland Dawson 3D Hospitality, LLC
MPI-CC Director of Volunteer Engagement [assisted by AI]
CURRENT VOLUNTEER NEEDS
• Join Volunteer Engagement Committee
• Plan FUNdraising activities
• Plan the annual Planner Partner Forum (tradeshow)
• Proofread the Carolina Blitz newsletter
• Design graphics in Canva for social media
Get connected! Become a volunteer today by completing and submitting the Volunteer Interest Form.
GLOBAL MEETINGS INDUSTRY DAY 2025 RECAP INSIGHTS, INNOVATION, AND
On April 3, 2025, the meetings and events community came together to celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID)—a global recognition of the power of face-to-face events to drive business, foster relationships, and build vibrant communities. This year’s celebration brought together professionals from across the industry for a high-impact day of learning, dialogue, and connection
The day kicked off with an engaging and refreshingly humorous keynote from Zeek Coleman, Vice President at Tourism Economics. Known for making complex data feel accessible and even entertaining, Zeek didn’t disappoint. With a powerful blend of facts, humor, hope, and a generous sprinkling of memes and GIFs, Zeek broke down the economic forces shaping the meetings and tourism sectors in 2025. He highlighted critical trends, including the ongoing rebound of international travel, shifting attendee expectations, and the importance of adaptive planning in a climate still impacted by global events.
As economic uncertainties continue to challenge planners and suppliers alike, a standout panel tackled the urgent topic of resilient event planning. Moderated by the charismatic Larry Long, Jr., this session brought together five powerhouse professionals:
• Katie Brown (Forvis Mazars)
• Joe Capone (CANVAS Meetings and Incentives)
• Melody Calloway-Spencer (Levy)
• Tessa Barrier (MHI)
• Allison Bennett (Marriott International)
This dynamic group dove deep into budgeting tactics, contingency planning, and how to stay agile when costs shift unexpectedly—from food prices to venue fees to cancellations. Each panelist brought a unique angle: corporate, supplier, third-party, and hotel sales, offering a 360° view of the challenges and solutions facing today’s professionals. Audience participation added even more value, as attendees asked questions and shared their own adaptive strategies. The big message: flexibility is the new best practice.
Closing out the speaker sessions was the inspiring and energetic Annie Meehan, who introduced attendees to the H3 Culture—Hope, Health, and Happiness. Her session, “How to be a Pineapple Person in a Hurting World,” was a heartforward reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental wellness, laughter, and courage in the workplace. From addressing imposter syndrome and burnout to promoting joy and authenticity in our professional lives, Annie invited attendees to reflect, recharge, and reframe how we approach work in today’s rapidly changing environment.
The day wrapped with a celebratory reception featuring live music from The Holdouts, a classic rock cover band from Charlotte, NC. Global Meetings Industry Day 2025 wasn’t just a celebration—it was a reminder of the resilience, creativity, and strength within the meetings and events industry. Whether through data-driven insights, budgeting solutions, or personal well-being practices, attendees left empowered to navigate the future with confidence. Until next year!
Melanie Mason, CMP EnsembleIQ
MPI-CC VP of Marketing and Communications
[assisted by ChatGPT]
INSPIRATION
Rooted in Data, Designed for Impact
Highlights from
the 2025 MPI-CC
May Meeting
Our Education Committee set out with a clear mission: to create a meaningful learning experience that reflects what planners actually need right now. The result? Four dynamic sessions packed with actionable tools, honest conversations, and space for real connection. From peer-driven insights to expert-led strategy, this year’s lineup wasn’t just informative; it was intentionally designed to move our industry forward, one empowered planner (and supplier) at a time.
We kicked things off with “The ABCs of CVBs: Understanding How Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs), Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) Support Planners & Suppliers.” Moderated by Rachel Whitten (Greenville-Pitt County CVB) and featuring panelists Isaiah Griffin (DistiNCtly Fayetteville), Kathryn Short (Visit Raleigh), and Twila Jones (Experience Columbia), this session broke it down in the best way.
These experts didn’t just explain their organizations, they showed us how they’re built to help. Venue sourcing? Covered. Vendor referrals? Absolutely. Community connections that elevate your attendee experience? All in. For planners juggling countless logistics, this session was a reminder that you’re not alone. CVBs, DMOs, and DMCs are here to lighten the load, amplify your vision, and help your events shine, and they do it all at no cost.
Immediately following the panel, productivity expert Marcey Rader took the stage with "Reclaim Your Workday: Sustainable Strategies for Meeting Professionals and Suppliers." This wasn’t just a session. It was a shift. A moment of clarity for every planner who’s ever felt stretched too thin, buried under back-to-back meetings, and left wondering where their day (or sanity) went. Marcey didn’t just talk about time management. She challenged us to take ownership of our schedules and protect our peace with the same energy we give to protecting budgets.
In her book Reclaim Your Workday, she reminds us, “We all deserve to feel good about our workday and what’s left of us at the end of it.” Her session echoed that truth loud and clear: it was the kind of recharge we didn’t know we needed, a call to build a work life that honors both our impact and our well-being.
On Day 2, we explored how AI can support planners and suppliers in meaningful, practical ways. Attendees who wanted to better understand how to make AI work for them got exactly what they came for with “Smart Marketing & AI: Strategies to Boost Engagement & Productivity,” led by John Kornegay, Digital Marketing Strategist and Event Supplier. This wasn’t about chasing trends. It was a thoughtful, real-world look at how AI and digital tools can strengthen your marketing strategy and help you connect with the right people, in the right way, at the right time.
Through live walkthroughs and hands-on examples, John offered a clear roadmap for integrating AI into everyday workflows. Whether you were new to these tools or already experimenting behind the scenes, there was something valuable for everyone. No jargon. No gatekeeping. Just smart strategies you can actually use.
We wrapped with something truly unique: “Ask an Event Planner: A Live Fishbowl Q&A on Strategy, Innovation & Inclusive Event Design,” facilitated by Kristin Walker, Senior Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives and Major Events at Elon University. This was less of a Q&A and more of a masterclass in collaboration. Planners shared candid advice, swapped real-life solutions, and encouraged one another through open, supportive conversation. Suppliers had the chance to listen in and gain insights on how to better serve planner needs. It was a celebration of transparency, community, and mutual respect. Proof that when we come together, we all rise.
This session created space for planners to speak candidly with one another, offering real strategies, personal experiences, and lessons learned. We weren’t gatekeeping; we were giving, lifting each other up, and supporting each other’s growth. And because
suppliers were invited to listen in and ask questions, it created a rare opportunity for real dialogue and deeper understanding between both sides of the industry.
As Chair of the MPI-CC Education Committee, my mission this year was clear. Create space for real peerto-peer learning and deliver sessions that are relevant, participatory, inclusive, and data-driven. Every session in Columbia was intentionally designed with that vision in mind. We didn’t just guess what planners and suppliers needed. We studied the data, asked the right questions, and built content rooted in what you told us matters most.
Huge shout-out to the incredible Education Committee:
Jason Arnold, Candice Batts, Maureen Donovan, Tammy Jeffries, and Kristin Walker. Collectively, we worked to make magic happen and give planners the resources they need and deserve. Our commitment to serving the planning community and providing resources they can actually use is at the core of everything we do. That intention guided every decision we made. This wasn’t just a planning effort. It was a collaboration of heart, strategy, and commitment to excellence.
To our speakers, moderators, and every attendee who showed up with curiosity, courage, and insight, THANK YOU. Your energy, your questions, and your openness to learn helped us create a space filled with practical tools and meaningful takeaways. The resources shared will help planners make a powerful impact in the communities they serve while also giving them what they need to support themselves along the way.
To the planners who couldn’t make it, we missed you. This wasn’t just another meeting. It was a space to refuel, to sharpen your tools, and to reconnect with a planning community that gets it.
There’s still time to tap into everything we’re building. Join us for the 2025 MPI-CC August Chapter Meeting in Concord, NC, happening August 21–22. Mark your calendars. We’ll have a seat saved just for you.
#MPICC #AugustChapterMeeting
#EventProfs #PlannersFirst
Ebony Loadholt
Urban Sustainability Directors Network
MPI-CC
Education Committee Chair
Looking Ahead
Our August Meeting at Great Wolf Lodge
As we move into summer, many of us in the Carolinas are savoring longer days, family trips, and the pace of life that seems both busy and relaxed all at once. It's the season of sunshine, sweet tea on porches, and making plans for what's next. For MPI Carolinas, that includes getting ready for our August meeting in Concord!
Mark your calendars for August 21–22, 2025 at Great Wolf Lodge Charlotte/Concord . This location is perfect for mixing serious professional growth with a little fun on the side (did someone say waterslides?).
We’re also preparing meaningful education that is designed with our industry realities in mind. One of our featured sessions will address the heavy but crucial topic of human trafficking. As meeting and travel professionals, we have an obligation to stay aware, educated, and vigilant so we can help when we can. Our session will not only share up-todate information from an expert speaker, but also will include the powerful testimony of a survivor joining us in person to share their experience. This is the kind of education that trains our eyes to see, and our hearts and minds to respond appropriately.
We will also dive into Politics & Planning: Navigating Industry Changes in a Shifting Political Landscape, a timely panel that will explore how evolving political and cultural pressures are shaping everything from site selection to programming decisions. Join us for an honest conversation on staying intentional, resilient, and true to your values even when external pressures challenge your approach.
There is balance on the agenda as well with Rewriting the Script: How to Reframe Negative Self Talk , a session focused on helping us shift our inner dialogue toward something healthier and more productive—equipping us with practical strategies for personal and professional well-being.
We hope you will join us in August for learning, connection, and yes, maybe even a splash or two. See you on the waterslides!
Visit this page for more details and to register.
Rachel Whitten, CMP
Visit Greenville, NC
MPI-CC
VP of Education
[Assisted by ChatGPT]
The Purpose of DEI Connects
On May 29, 2025, during our May Chapter Meeting, MPI Carolinas members gathered in Columbia, SC, for a deeply impactful installment of MPI-CC DEI Connects. Held at the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina, the experience went far beyond professional development—it was a grounding, eye-opening journey that stirred both heart and mind.
The setting alone was powerful. Walking through the Anne Frank Center brought history into sharp focus, reminding me why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work matters on such a human level. It wasn’t just about checking boxes—it was about compassion, courage, and legacy. I left that space feeling humbled, inspired, and more committed to showing up intentionally as a leader.
There’s something special about coming together with fellow MPI Carolinas members who are also doing the work— learning, listening, and pushing forward with purpose.
“I left Columbia with a full heart and a fire in my belly—ready to keep showing up when and where I can and creating spaces where everyone feels they are welcome.”
Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to show up for one another.
Star Robertson Parks Hospitality Group MPI-CC VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
DEI in the Hospitality Industry
A Hip-Hop Generation Perspective
The hospitality industry thrives on experiences—creating spaces that welcome, engage, and resonate with diverse audiences. As a convention sales manager who grew up in the hip-hop generation, I've witnessed firsthand how culture and commerce intersect to redefine inclusion. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) isn't just a corporate buzzword; it's a movement that has the power to transform our industry. The values of DEI and hip-hop culture are more aligned than ever.
The Intersection of Hip-Hop and Hospitality
Hip-hop has always been about storytelling, representation, and breaking barriers. From its origins in the Bronx to its emergence as a global phenomenon, hip-hop amplifies the voices of those who have historically been underrepresented. Similarly, the hospitality industry has had to reckon with its historical lack of diversity, whether in leadership, marketing, or guest
experiences. The challenge now is to push beyond surfacelevel representation and build an industry that authentically embraces DEI principles in ways that resonate with an increasingly diverse clientele.
The Call for Authentic Representation
For decades, hospitality brands marketed to a mainstream audience that largely ignored the cultural richness of the hip-hop generation. But times have changed. Today, travelers, event planners, and guests seek experiences that reflect their identities. They want to walk into a hotel, convention center, or restaurant and feel like they belong— not just as consumers, but as valued participants in a space designed with them in mind.
One way hospitality brands can enhance their presence is through culturally relevant marketing. This means moving beyond token representation in advertisements and genuinely embracing hip-hop's influence on design, music, and experiences. Hotels like The Moxy and W Hotels have incorporated DJ residencies, street art collaborations, and music-centric experiences to create spaces that feel like home for the hip-hop generation.
DEI in the Workplace: More Than Just a Box to Check
Hospitality isn't just about the guest experience—it's also about the people behind the scenes. The industry has made significant strides in diversifying its leadership, but there is still a long road ahead.
As someone who works in convention sales, I see the disconnect between DEI initiatives
Hip-hop has always been about storytelling, representation, and breaking barriers.
Perspective
on paper and what happens in boardrooms. True inclusion means having decision-makers who understand the cultural nuances of the audiences they serve.
Mentorship programs, leadership pipelines, and hiring practices must evolve to ensure that the next generation of hospitality professionals reflects the diversity of today's travelers. This means making space for professionals from diverse backgrounds to not only enter the industry but also rise within it. Organizations like the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) are playing a critical role in this effort, advocating for greater representation and providing a network for Black professionals in the meetings and events industry. Through education, networking, professional development, and mentorship, NCBMP is helping to ensure that the hospitality industry evolves in a way that is truly inclusive and equitable.
Parallels Between DEI Initiatives and Hip-Hop's Political Scrutiny
The political scrutiny and attempts to dismantle DEI initiatives bear striking similarities to the historical controversies surrounding hip-hop music. Both have faced criticism from political figures who perceive them as threats to traditional values or as promoting divisiveness.
In the 1990s, hip-hop artists like Tupac Shakur addressed issues of systemic racism, police brutality, and social injustice, prompting reactions from political figures such as Vice President Dan Quayle, who labeled their messages as harmful to American values. Similarly, DEI initiatives have been criticized by some politicians as promoting reverse discrimination or as unnecessary expenditures, leading to efforts aimed at reducing or eliminating such programs.
Both hip-hop and DEI initiatives emerged as responses to systemic inequities, aiming to amplify the voices of marginalized individuals and promote social change. However, they have also been met with resistance from political entities concerned about maintaining the status quo. This parallel highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition and equality faced by underrepresented communities, whether through cultural expression in music or institutional efforts in diversity programming.
Both hip-hop and DEI initiatives emerged as responses to systemic inequities, aiming to amplify the voices of marginalized individuals and promote social change.
Hip-Hop's Influence on Event Spaces & Experiences
Conventions and events have also transformed in response to the cultural impact of hip-hop. Large-scale conferences like Afrotech and Revolt Summit have demonstrated a demand for experiences that celebrate hip-hop culture and entrepreneurship. As convention sales managers, we have the opportunity to advocate for more diverse programming that highlights emerging voices and trends in hip-hop, business, and social impact.
The Future of DEI in Hospitality
As the hip-hop generation continues to shape global culture, the hospitality industry must take note. DEI isn't a passing trend—it's the future. From staffing to marketing to guest experiences, we have an opportunity to create an industry that is more inclusive, equitable, and culturally dynamic.
The question isn't whether hip-hop belongs in the hospitality industry. It's how we ensure that hospitality fully embraces the lessons hip-hop has been teaching for decades: authenticity, representation, and the power of community.
Isaiah Griffin DistiNCtly Fayetteville & Hip-Hop Enthusiast
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
An inviting meeting destination that sparks collaboration and success.
From unique meeting places to vibrant public spaces, everything in Winston-Salem is designed to inspire, uplift and engage.
At the heart of our Forbes Top 10 downtown is the Benton Convention Center, featuring 150,000-square feet of contemporary design and flexible spaces, perfect for gatherings ranging from intimate meetings to large-scale conferences. The Benton is walkable to more than 1,200 hotel rooms and directly connects to the Winston-Salem Marriott and Embassy Suites. Once done, meeting attendees can stroll right from their rooms into one of more than 100 downtown restaurants, shops, breweries, and bars.
Our sprawling city includes hundreds of one-of-a-kind venues, from historic estates and scenic vineyards to creative, Instagram-able settings. Let our seasoned sales and service team help you plan your next gathering in Winston-Salem, where inspiration is always in season.
