Carolina Blitz Spring 2025
May Chapter Meeting
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Columbia, SC | May 29-30, 2025
CHAPTER
CAROLINAS
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
Rachel Mintel • UNC Chapel Hill
Editor
Rachel Mintel • UNC Chapel Hill
Contributing Writers
Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University; Kevin Holland, Richmond Region Tourism; Rachel Whitten, CMP, Visit Greenville, NC; Heather Hansen O'Neill; Alex Morales; Star Robertson, Parks Hospitlity Group; Kathryn Short, CMP, Visit Raleigh; Melanie Mason, CMP, EnsembleIQ; Candice Batts, CMP, RISE
Photographer
Brian Spann • Spann Mann Media
Proofreaders
Christine Irwin, The Management Office; Melanie Mason, CMP, EnsembleIQ; Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University; Rachel Mintel, UNC Chapel Hill
Publisher
Christine Irwin, CMP • The Management Office christine@themanagementoffice.com
Advertising
Christine Irwin, CMP • 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
Quarter Page 1x/year
$290 (3 1/2”W x 4 3/4”H) 4x/year
Half Page Horizontal 1x/year
(7 1/4”W x 4 3/4”H) 4x/year
Half Page Vertical 1x/year
$550 (3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 4x/year $400/issue
Full Page 1x/year $640 $840 (8 1/2”W x 11”H) 4x/year $620/issue $820/issue
(Produced and provided by advertiser)
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: 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!
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Our Members
New Member Spotlight
Tara Teate
Experience Columbia, SC
Where do you currently work and how long have you been there?
Experience Columbia SC since August 2024
Tell me about your position and the organization you are with.
At the CVB, I enjoy being a cheerleader for Columbia SC to promote and increase tourism. Some of my markets include Social, Corporate, Sports Associations, Medical, and our newest adventure, Motor Coach! My main goal is seeking out the best accommodations and venue to suit the wants & needs of my clients, whether it's a spring wedding or a citywide national convention.
Experience Columbia SC works closely with our Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center as well as our ECSC Sports division. Additionally, we make it a priority to nourish our relationships with our hoteliers and event planners- the most successful events are when we work together with the same goal!
What are your hobbies?
Happy hour and exploring new dining destinations around our city. When I'm home, I'm spending time with my fiance and my beloved cats, as well as our new bearded dragon and puppy! We love visiting our parks for walks on Sundays, and
spending as much time as possible on Lake Murray in the summer.
Why did you join MPI Carolinas Chapter?
To connect and grow by learning from my Carolina peers in the meeting/event industry!
If you were able to meet a famous person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Robert Plant—one of many legendary and talented people that I would love to sit down with for an interesting conversation.
What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a career in our industry?
Get involved with local organizations and make sure to know your city. It's important to take interest in some traveling as well to experience other destinations as such as your surrounding cities and states. Get out, get involved, get connected!
What is your ideal vacation/vacation spot?
A cold drink in my hand on a warm sandy beach, where I can swim and snorkel alll day! Maui is a favorite.
December 20, 2024 - March 28, 2025
Victoria Allen Global Impact Agency
Logan Barber North Carolina Nurses Association
Alyssa Beranek
21c Museum Hotel- Durham
Lydia Campbell
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Michelle A Castro
The Siena Hotel Autograph Collection & Il Palio Restaurant
Helen Edwards Spark By Design
Jennifer Gray (ISC)2
Emily Jones, CMP RSM US LLP
Nick LoSapio ON Services
Aisha Madison
Alyssa Nahley
Philip Pattle
Debut Media
Britney Ritch
Hendrick Automotive Group
Amber Scarlett
Randolph County Tourism Development Authority
Melinda Shelley
Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel
Heather Renee Tillman, CMP BD
MPI-CC Anniversaries
10 Years
Meghan Blakeney, CMP
Common Ground Alliance
5 Years
Lisa Gallo
Daimler Truck Financial
Tricia Ellen, CMP
Starnet Worldwide
Commercial Flooring Partnership
1 Year
Mike Wise
Marquee Limo and bus
Danyelle Lewis
Brighthouse Financial
Jenna Paley
Brighthouse Financial
Floyd Isley
Atrium Hospitality –NC Collection
Rachel Mintel UNC Chapel Hill
Tara Van Atta
Nationwide
Taylor Roten Crowne Plaza Asheville
Jamie Osborn
Josh Scovern American AV
Kevin Holland
Richmond Region Tourism
JurLonna Hermon TEW Experience
Janal Kurincak Reposite
Ashley Owens Visit Greater Palm Springs
Amy Amerson Empire Events
Meet the Member
Joshua Scovern
American AV
My guilty pleasure:
Eating a whole container of Halo Top Ice Cream while watching the newest season of Love Is Blind or Married at First Sight with my Fiance. I hate reality TV usually but those two shows get me hooked on the TEA.
Favorite Vacation Spot?
Philmont Colorado/New Mexico. The 120sqmi. Scout camp. Gorgeous part of America. Right on the border of Colorado and New Mexico. Could hike there every year. True wilderness, and beautiful landscape.
What's your favorite part of being a member of MPI-CC?
The fantastic events that the chapter puts on. I have learned a ton from the different speakers. The networking is also a major plus! It has been a blast getting to know folks from all over NC and SC here!
Tracy Stuckrath, CMM CSEP, CHC Thrive! Meetings & Events
Anna Lake Ciena Corporation
Hannah Phipps Ciena Corporation
Carrie Davenport Altria
Donna Harris Indigo Road Hospitality Group
John Lamb
Aundrea Hopkins Party Reflections
Sasha Smith
Elissa Fohrman, CMP CVS Health
Pam Welch, HMCC Wake Forest Baptist Health
The Newest Kalahari Resorts & Conventions: Spotsylvania County, Virginia
Kalahari Resorts is set to open new resort with amenities planners crave in late 2026
Q: When are you opening in Spotsylvania County, Virginia?
A: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is set to open its fifth resort in Spotsylvania County, VA in late 2026! After years of planning and construction, we can’t wait to welcome guests to experience all that Kalahari has to offer, from our expansive convention spaces featuring 30,000-square-foot and 18,000-square-foot ballrooms to our massive indoor waterpark and adventure park. We are also proud to offer a variety of dining options to our guests, including signature on-site restaurants and private dining spaces. This opening will mark another milestone for Kalahari and we’re excited to bring a one-of-a-kind destination to the region.
Q: What can guests expect to see at this location?
booking stays at the Spotsylvania County Kalahari Resort location in early 2026.
Q: When do you expect that we can start touring the property?
A: We broke ground on our fifth Kalahari Resorts and Conventions location in Spotsylvania County in October 2023. We’re eagerly working toward our exciting opening in late 2026, but there’s a lot of work to be done. We’re in the middle of that process and since construction started, the local area has begun to watch the transformation, prompting a lot of interest in scheduling hard-hat tours. We anticipate beginning those in late 2025.
A: You may have started to see the massive construction site, located along I-95, halfway between Richmond, VA, and Washington, D.C. as construction is well under way. The Spotsylvania County Kalahari Resort location will offer an attractive meeting venue offering all-under-one-roof solutions for events of all sizes. Our resort will feature 907 guest rooms and suites, a brilliantly designed layout, and a variety of on-site amenities, providing the perfect atmosphere for both business and leisure. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions provides a platform for creative events, with the potential of incorporating unique team-building activities such as our ropes course, climbing walls and indoor adventure park challenges. We’re also excited to introduce a beautiful event barn, offering groups a distinct atmosphere which they can work into their event. Also available at the resort will be 12 on-site food & beverage outlets; everything from awardwinning fine dining to casual eats. The resort will provide guests an authentically African-themed experience aims to become a premier destination in the region.
Q: When can we start booking?
A: Now! We already have many conventions secured for 2027 and beyond! Planners can submit an RFP today at kalaharimeetings.com. Leisure guests can anticipate
Q: What do groups love most about Kalahari?
A: Kalahari is a true destination on its own and we pride ourselves in that. As an attendance boosting destination, many of the organizations who host events at Kalahari Resorts report a 15% – 20% increase in attendance when holding their events with us as opposed to other locations. This can be tied to the resorts’ seamless blend of business and leisure in an all-under-one-roof destination. Meeting attendees appreciate the state-of-the-art convention spaces as well as the resort’s world-class dining, award-winning indoor/outdoor waterparks and attractions, retail options and more. Kalahari’s ability to transform a business trip into a family-friendly getaway is a standout feature — what starts as a work obligation often becomes an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Q: What are the expected community benefits?
A: The opening of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions will attract more visitors and businesses to Virginia, which will generate hospitality jobs and create a significant economic impact for the region. The new resort is expected to generate millions of dollars in annual revenue and create roughly 1,400 positions, from entry-level to executive roles in operations, hospitality, management, and more. These opportunities will offer full-time, parttime and seasonal employment, benefiting the community and boosting the local economy while driving growth across the region.
Get Involved, Make an Impact!
Are you looking for a meaningful way to connect, grow, and give back to the MPI Carolinas community? Volunteering is one of the best ways to build lasting relationships, develop leadership skills, and help shape the future of our chapter. Whether you have a few hours or want to dive in deeper, there's a place for you!
From event support to communications, membership outreach to CSR initiatives—we need your passion and energy.
Join a committee or sign up to volunteer today and let’s make a difference together! Read more about “Volunteer Opportunities” and “How can I get involved?” on our website.
"I’ve enjoyed volunteering with MPI-CC because of how it helps me connect even more with the chapter. For the first couple of years of my membership, I simply attended events and was not involved in committees. Now, after serving in a few different volunteer roles, I really feel like my relationships with fellow MPI members have increased both in quantity and quality! Volunteering has not only been a way for me to help give back to the chapter, but it’s made my overall MPI-CC experience even better."
— Maria Lopez Visit Raleigh, FUNdraising and Volunteer Engagement Committees
“Volunteering with MPI-CC has been an incredible experience. From deepening connections with other association members to getting to be part of making our events valuable to event attendees, it has been a phenomenal opportunity. There are so many ways to get involved, and it has really enriched my involvement with MPI.”
— Jason Arnold Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Partner Planner Forum and Education Committees
“I volunteer with MPI-CC because I truly care about this community. I’m passionate about creating spaces where planners can learn from one another and grow together through real, peer-to-peer connection. I also value the relationships we build with our supplier partners and see volunteering as a way to strengthen those connections in meaningful ways. For me, it’s also about learning, staying curious, picking up best practices, and continuing to sharpen my skills alongside people who inspire me. Serving as Education Chair gives me the chance to pour into an industry I love while growing right alongside it.”
— Ebony Loadholt Urban Sustainability Directors Network, Education Committee
Kevin Holland Richmond Region Tourism
Look Who We Spotted...
at the February Chapter Meeting
You Missed It
The Education Sessions That Had Everyone Talking
The MPI Carolinas Chapter (MPI-CC)
Planner Partner Forum and Chapter Meeting, held in February, featured a standout lineup of education sessions designed to equip meeting professionals with timely insights, practical strategies, and peer-driven knowledge.
It was the kind of experience that reminds us why showing up in person still matters. From economic trends and legal clarity to food that tells a story and leadership lessons from the front lines, every session brought something powerful to the table.
The event kicked off with a keynote that set the tone. Jason Godwin, a former police chief and special agent, delivered "The ART of Leading and Communicating." This wasn’t just another leadership lecture. It was packed with real-life moments and lessons on how to stay grounded and lead effectively in challenging situations. Jason challenged attendees to be present, intentional, and self-aware. He reminded us that what we tolerate, we often reinforce, and that true leadership begins with listening, sometimes without saying a word.
For those exploring professional certifications, the CMP Info Session with Molly Johnson, CMP-Fellow, QAS, and Tarshi McCoy, CMP, CHSP, TMP was a must-attend. Their transparency was refreshing, offering both encouragement and clarity on how to prepare for the upcoming changes to the CMP exam. Whether you’re just starting the process or ready to apply, attendees walked away with practical steps, resources, and support from fellow members.
The economic forecast session with Christian Savelli of Tourism Economics delivered meaningful context and strategic guidance for planners navigating a shifting landscape. With the perfect mix of data and application, he gave members a clear picture of what’s ahead in 2025 and how current trends will influence meetings, travel, and budget planning. From luxury travel behaviors to shifts in business travel and inflation rates, attendees left with a better sense of how to plan smarter in an evolving industry.
Legal sessions are a valued part of any planner’s toolkit, and this one stood out for its clarity, relevance, and immediate takeaways. Matt Villmer walked us through the kinds of contract language
that can make or break a meeting. From force majeure to indemnification, arbitration, and attrition, he made it digestible and immediately useful. Matt’s approach was especially engaging, making complex contract language feel approachable and actionable for everyone in the room.
Tracy Stuckrath closed out the meeting with a powerful reminder that inclusion starts with what we serve. Her session on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in food and beverage challenged planners to go beyond dietary checkboxes and think about safety, dignity, and access. With a focus on allergen awareness, labeling, and thoughtful service, Tracy’s message offered a fresh perspective on how planners can build more inclusive experiences through intentional food and beverage decisions.
The educational programming at the Planner Partner Forum and Chapter Meeting wasn’t just informative. It was energizing. These sessions gave our MPI-CC community the tools, inspiration, and real-world insight to grow professionally and create more
inclusive and strategic events. Every speaker reinforced why inperson learning continues to be essential for our industry.
To those who joined us, thank you for helping create such a meaningful learning space. And if you missed it, we can’t wait to welcome you to the next one! Mark your calendars now for our next Chapter Meeting, happening May 29-30, 2025, in Columbia, SC. We’ll be bringing the same energy, intention, and community you’ve come to expect... and then some.
Submitted by the MPI-CC Education Committee
Finding Humanity in a Divided World
What does Finding Humanity mean for the event industry today?
We all know that meetings can change the world. They connect, elevate and activate people. Our attendees feel better and then take better actions to move organizational initiatives forward. They learn new perspectives and solve problems.
This year, this concept of Humanity that I speak and write about is front and center of our consciousness because we all desperately need to feel a part of — to find connection points and unite on common ground instead of divide on differences.
Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales released on Jan. 14th, made best seller in numerous categories, and includes some amazing contributors from the meeting industry (as well as many other industries because HUMANITY is the ultimate connector). But the best part is that 100% of the net profit from this book goes to Alzheimer’s organizations. We can’t just talk about humanitywe must ACTIVATE IT!
Just a few of the 40 contributors and their content include:
• Mike Dominguez: CEO of ALHI discussing the profound impact of the hospitality industry.
• Joe Fijol: Founder of Ethos Event Collective talking about purposeful planning.
• Carolyn Browning: Independent planner and founder of MEETing Needs on kindness in meetings.
• Jeff Welger: Corporate planner and philanthropist on the ‘business of selflessness’
Finding Humanity looks at belonging, recognition, engagement, purpose, kindness, releasing judgment, and more. It builds a bridge from where we are to where we want to go.
Top Nuggets to Ponder for Planners
1. If your company is cutting budgets for in-person meetings, go back to your WHY. Why have we done this in the past? Is this (or why is this) important to the future of the people in this organization?
2. People are our greatest business asset. If supporting your people comes after profit, you’re living in a short term mindset. Because long term, you know that developing, supporting, and engaging your people comes back in RESULTS.
3. “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not just a buzzword or a checkbox; it is a genuine commitment to making a positive impact on the communities in which we operate” —Koleen Roach, Dir, meetings and conference management at Securian Financial Group.
Top Nuggets to Ponder for Suppliers
1. Finding Humanity in Sales is an entire chapter focused on the power of human connection and our ability to move beyond manipulation and competition to a higher level of sales service.
2. Ask— how can we be more inclusive? F&B expert Tracy Stuckrath says, “Whether at a workplace meeting or a social gathering, small details like accommodating dietary needs send a big message: You Matter.”
3. Our most precious resource of TIME can grab us and make us forget our humanity. But when we release our attachment to that, it opens us to be PRESENT and deepen our connections.
Opportunity to contribute your wisdom!
A senior planner from the insurance sector, and I are working on a white paper to ‘pull back the curtain’ on the reality of how things are working (or where they’re not) in the planning of events today. I’m not talking about rinse-repeat logistical planning. I’m talking about the need for planners to get a seat at the table earlier — to help them move content and experience into strategic conversation. Want IN? Contact me at Heather@ HeatherHansenONeill.com and I’ll let you know about survey or focus group options. Your Voice Matters.
If we know that meetings can change the world, wouldn’t we want to look at how HUMANITY can change meetings?
Heather Hansen O’Neill is an international keynote speaker, behavioral expert, 4x author, and adventurer. She is also a 2x TEDx speaker, host of the popular podcast From Fear to Fire and Humanity of Sales radio show. Her newest book Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales as well as her Elite Sales Alliance are both launching this month. Heather’s signature model, The Elements of Adventure is the powerful framework she utilizes to empower leaders, ignite results, and change the world…one adventure at a time. Find out more at heatherhansenoneill.com .
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
