Carolina Blitz - Spring 2026

Carolina Blitz Spring 2026

Spring Chapter Meeting Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons Greensboro, NC April 9-10, 2026

CAROLINAS CHAPTER

Carolina Blitz | Spring 2026 | 1

Trying to figure out how to get your group from dinner to drinks? At Kalahari, it’s just a short walk away. Ditch the mad rush to meet a driver and kick surge pricing to the curb. Whether you’re looking for larger group dining options, live entertainment, or the perfect spot for a nightcap, Kalahari has everything you need for your team-building activities all under one roof.

| Carolina IBlitz | Spring 2026 2 LAHAR KA MEETINGS .COM

©2026 Kalahari Management Co. LLC

In This Issue FEATURES One Outfit at a Time: MPI Carolinas Gives Back to the Triangle Area . . . . . . . . 14 Think Outside of the Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Managing Well Remotely When “Event Mode” Becomes a Lifestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 2026 Planner Partner Forum & Chapter Meeting Recap: Peer Expertise Takes Center Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Thriving Through Chaos: Leading with Confidence When Plans Fall Apart . . . . . . 22 Beyond the Buffet: Navigating Inclusion and Kosher Logistics in the Events Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

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 Looking Ahead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Carolina Blitz | Spring 2026 | 1

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 Seth Macchi, LEMG, MPI-CC President | Wonderland Dawson, 3D Hospitality, LLC, MPI-CC Director of Membership | Ariana McGill, CMP, DMCP, Destination South Meetings + Events, MPI-CC VP of Education | Candice Batts, CMP, MMP, HMCC, Medical Leverage | Melanie Mason, CMP, EnsembleIQ, VP of MarComm | Matt May, Premier Team Building & Interactive Experiences | Daron K. Roberts, Author & Former NFL Coach | Marcey Rader, RaderCo. Proofreaders Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University, Immediate Past-President | Melanie Mason, CMP, EnsembleIQ, MPI-CC VP of MarComm | Rachel Mintel, UNC Chapel Hill, MarComm Publications Chair | Margo Ginsberg, CMP, Duke University

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED

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!

FEATURES 370 guest rooms & suites

6,000 sq. ft of meeting space

919-900-8858

On-site dining options

cary@parkshotels.com

Publisher Elizabeth Pike, CMP, Toni Floback Greiner, and Sharonica Smith Treeline Associates - info@mpicarolinas.org Advertising Elizabeth Pike, CMP, Toni Floback Greiner, and Sharonica Smith Treeline Associates - info@mpicarolinas.org Design Kistin Creative Studio | kistincreative.com MPI-CC Web Site: www.mpi.org/carolinas ADVERTISING RATES AND DEADLINES AD SIZE FREQUENCY MEMBER RATE Quarter Page 1x/year $220 (3 1/2”W x 4 3/4”H) 4x/year $200/issue

NON-MEMBER RATE $290 $270/issue

Half Page Horizontal (7 1/4”W x 4 3/4”H)

1x/year 4x/year

$420 $400/issue

$550 $530/issue

Half Page Vertical (3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H)

1x/year 4x/year

$420 $400/issue

$550 $530/issue

Full Page (8 1/2”W x 11”H)

1x/year 4x/year

$640 $620/issue

$840 $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.

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 2 | Carolina Blitz | Spring 2026

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, Toni Floback Greiner, or Sharonica Smith Treeline Associates - info@mpicarolinas.org | PO Box 879, Lake Orion, MI 48361 For more advertising information contact Treeline Associates - info@mpicarolinas.org 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

Carolina Blitz | Spring 2026 | 3

What do you get when you cross

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

INSPIRING VENUES? 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.

Christian Schroeder Senior Vice President of Sales 336.728.4218 Christian@VisitWinstonSalem.com

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Karen Wall Senior Sales Manager 336.728.4210 Karen@VisitWinstonSalem.com

We look forward to welcoming you to our city.

President’s Message Growing the Future of MPI

The year 2026 is shaping up to be monumental for the events industry! Many of you have successfully navigated the first major "wave" of the year and are now strategizing for the remainder of 2026. This excitement is a testament to the resilience of our industry, which has certainly seen its share of fluctuations.

Seth Macchi LEMG MPI-CC President

However, a common issue is starting to appear among my event friends: burnout. This year, let's all prioritize our well-being, scheduling dedicated time for ourselves, our families, and loved ones. Those PTO days are there to be used. Make it a personal goal to have zero PTO days left by the end of the year. When was the last time you achieved that?

When you take time off, don't just clear your calendar; actively schedule something new and different. Challenge yourself in ways unrelated to your job. I find my creativity peaks after returning from an activity completely outside of my professional world (and sometimes that’s just a few days of reading on the couch). Consider learning a new skill, conquering a new hiking trail, taking up crochet, or maybe even learning to groom your dog. Personally, I'm taking up pickleball this year!

Beyond taking PTO, commit to professional self-improvement.

Developing your skills outside of your daily work can be profoundly satisfying. MPI offers excellent resources for this; be sure to explore the MPI Academy for live, on-demand, or streaming courses. You could even get that CMP certification you've been thinking about for years.

I sincerely hope 2026 is an amazing year for everyone. Remember this: make time for yourself. Let this be a year defined by growth, improvement, and creativity.

Carolina Blitz | Spring 2026 | 5

Our Members New Member Spotlight Lola B. Jones, CMP Tripleseat for Hotels

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

I currently work at Tripleseat, a hospitality-focused event management software company. I joined the team in September 2025, having spent over a decade in hotel and resort event leadership.

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

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

I’m a Regional Sales Executive for Hotels at Tripleseat, partnering with hotels, resorts, and hospitality groups to modernise how they manage group sales, catering, and events. Tripleseat is purpose-built for the hospitality industry, helping teams drive revenue, streamline operations, and deliver better guest experiences through smarter technology. My role allows me to combine my deep operational background with a consultative, ROI-focused sales approach.

Vincent van Gogh. I’m drawn to his depth of feeling, his relentless curiosity, and the way he experienced the world so intensely. Despite constant struggle, he remained devoted to creating beauty and meaning through his work.

His life is a reminder that creativity, perspective, and empathy can exist even in the most challenging moments, and that the way we perceive the world can be just as important as how we navigate it. I am a huge fan of his art!

What are your hobbies?

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

I love travelling with my family, especially on trips that combine nature, culture, and great food. Outside of travel, I enjoy exploring Charleston’s food scene, staying active outdoors, and working on home and garden projects.

I’m also very involved in professional networking and mentoring within the hospitality industry.

Say yes to opportunities early, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Learn the operations inside and out, build strong relationships, and never underestimate the value of empathy and communication. Hospitality rewards those who are curious, resilient, and genuinely invested in people.

Why did you join MPI Carolinas Chapter?

My ideal vacation blends nature, beauty, and incredible food. I’m especially drawn to the Netherlands for its walkable cities and culture, Costa Rica for its lush landscapes and outdoor adventure, and the American West for its wide-open spaces, national parks, and sense of awe. I love destinations that are active by day and centred around memorable meals and local experiences.

MPI has always been an incredible community for learning, connection, and professional growth. I joined the Carolinas Chapter to stay deeply connected to the regional meetings and events community, give back through volunteer leadership, and continue learning alongside peers who are passionate about elevating our industry.

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What is your ideal vacation/vacation spot?

Meet The Member Lydia Campbell Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Experience THE VIEW

My guilty pleasure: I have a soft spot for dessert coffee drinks — especially iced lattes or seasonal flavors. The Christmas Starbucks drinks are my weakness.

Favorite Vacation Spot?

My favorite vacation spot is Pawleys Island, SC — it’s low-key, beautiful, and the perfect place to relax.

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

What's your favorite part of being a member of MPI-CC? My favorite part of being an MPI-CC member is the people. I have truly enjoyed connecting with supportive, like-minded professionals while learning, growing, and having fun along the way with the people who understand the industry like no one else.

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

Welcome New Members!

February 1, 2026 - March 1, 2026 Jennifer Bozzo Michelle Dabiero Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park Haley Farmer HSMAI Parks Hospitality Group

Ashley Pasquini Stepstone Hospitality Zack Shedd Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau Jackie Tattersall

Austin Jayes

Erin Taylor Raleigh Marriott City Center

Kimberly Medford Crowne Plaza Asheville

LisaMarie Weinzetl Elon University

Carolina Blitz | Spring 2026 | 7

MPI-CC Anniversaries February 1, 2026 - April 30, 2026

25 Years

5 Years

Christopher Hendrix, CMP Charleston Area CVB

Morgan Buhrow

Jean Travers HelmsBriscoe

Lori Hedrick, CMP, CMM MHA, CSEP

20 Years

Diane Weems North Carolina Aggregates Association Yolanda Hamer, CMP streamlinevents, inc.

15 Years

Kim DaRoja Discover Puerto Rico Heather Tillman, CMP Summit Hospitality Group, Ltd. Renita Williams Greensboro Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Nicole Keshler Live Events Media Group (LEMG)

10 Years

Tessa Barrier, CMP MHI Kathryn Atkinson, CMP NC Academy of Family Physicians

Jenna Budrovich The Cary Collection of Hilton Hotels

Christina Laskorunsky, CGSP Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau Candice Batts, CMP, MMP, HMCC Medical Leverage Jessica Kern Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.

Judie Butcofski Crystal Coast Oceanfront Hotel Allison Dunn Cvent Inc Brooks Fredreickson Triangle Sound Service Ty Heller Brand Fuel Michael Hood

Teresa Goins Guilford Technical Community College

Amy Lindsey Walker & Dunlop

1 Year

Jen McNabb Xylem Inc.

Jaclyn Capostagno Fidelity Investments

Lindsay Redding

Courtney Gilmore Internet2

Laura Sherman North Carolina Trucking Association

Emma Godlewski Rylee Hudson Rachel Hurst Kait Lopez The American Board of Anesthesiology Nick LoSapio ON Services Jaquan Reid Ashley Ackary Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Dara Burg Cvent Inc

Joseph Voska

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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

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Monthly Meeting Planner March 26, 2026 Membership 101 Virtual

August 27-28, 2026 Chapter Meeting Graylyn Estate – Winston-Salem, NC

March 27, 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual

September 25, 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual

April 9-10, 2026 Chapter Meeting Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons – Greensboro, NC

October 1, 2026 Membership 101 Virtual

April 24, 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual* May 6, 2026 Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) Charlotte, NC May 29, 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual June 11, 2026 Membership 101 Virtual June 26, 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual July 31, 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual August 21, 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual*

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October 15-16, 2026 Annual Chapter Meeting & Awards Gala Charlotte, NC October 30, 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual* November 20, 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual December 18, 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual *Board Meetings may be moved to in-person in conjunction with chapter meetings.

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, June 12, 2026. Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to MPI-CC Publications Chair Rachel Mintel at mintel.rachel@gmail.com.

MPI-CC 2026 Board of Directors and Chairs Leadership President Seth Macchi LEMG seth.m@lemg.live

President-Elect Floyd Isley Atrium Hospitality floyd.isley@atriumhospitality.com

Immediate Past President Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University nicole.filippo@gmail.com

Chapter Administrator Elizabeth Pike, CMP Treeline Associates info@mpicarolinas.org

Chapter Administrator Toni Floback Greiner Treeline Associates info@mpicarolinas.org

Chapter Administrator Sharonica Smith Treeline Associates info@mpicarolinas.org

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 Candice Batts, CMP, MMP, HMCC Medical Leverage candicebatts@gmail.com

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

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

Education VP of Education Ariana McGill, CMP, DMCP Destination South Meetings + Events ariana@destinationsouth.com

Open 2026 Leadership Positions

• Director of Meeting Planning • Meeting Planning Committee Chair • Director of Fundraising • Fundraising Committee Chair

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

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Star Robertson Parks Hospitality Group star.robertson@parkshotels.com

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Co-Chair Joyce Worrell Concord Hospitality Enterprises joyce.worrell@gmail.com

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Co-Chair Isaiah Griffin, CGMP DistiNCtly Fayetteville igriffin@distinctlyfayettevillenc.com

Finance VP of Finance James Belmonte Hilton Durham near Duke University james.belmonte@hiltondurhamnc.com

Planner Partner Forum Committee Chair Floyd Isley Atrium Hospitality floyd.isley@atriumhospitality.com

Member Engagement VP of Membership Alex Morales Kessler Collection Grand Bohemian Charlotte alex.morales@kesslercollection.com

Director of Membership Wonderland Dawson 3D Hospitality, LLC wddawson3@gmail.com

Member Engagement Committee Chair Lola Jones Tripleseat Software lola.jones@tripleseat.com

Volunteer Engagement Committee Chair Maria Lopez Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau mlopez@visitraleigh.com

Carolina Blitz | Spring 2026 | 11

Look Who We Spotted...

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at the February Chapter Meeting!

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One Outfit at a Time: MPI Carolinas Gives Back to the Triangle Area The MPI Carolinas Chapter is proud to share the success of its recent clothing drive benefiting Note in the Pocket, a nonprofit organization that provides quality clothing to homeless and impoverished children and families with dignity and love in the Triangle area.

Held in conjunction with the chapter’s Planner Partner Forum & February Chapter Meeting, members and partners came together to support local families by donating new and gently used items. Thanks to the generosity of our event community, we collected 183 clothing items to help ensure children and teens have the essentials they need to move through the world with dignity and confidence.

This effort reflects the heart of our local event management and hospitality community— bringing people together not only to create meaningful events, but also to make a meaningful impact. We are grateful to everyone who contributed and helped make a difference, one outfit at a time.

A special thanks to our Volunteer Engagement Committee for organizing this and all our CSR/Community Service Projects.

Wonderland Dawson 3D Hospitality, LLC MPI-CC Director of Membership

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Highlands, NC

HIGH IMPACT. HIGH ENERGY.

New hotel. Walkable downtown. Unforgettable meetings.

Host your next event in the heart of High Point.

LEARN MORE visithighpoint.com 336.884.5255

Discover Your Meeting Space

Come for the riverfront convention.

Stay for the oceanfront relaxation.

Only one meetings destination offers the quintessential Carolina Coastal Experience.

Our charming historic riverfront town and walkable Convention District offer easy access to the only convention center on NC’s coast, shops, restaurants and entertainment, with three island beaches just minutes away.

Authentic, refreshing, energizing and rewarding — everything you need to host a memorable event all in one place.

Discover fresh possibilities on the best of the Carolina coast NCCoastalMeetings.com | 800.650.9064

Carolina Blitz | Spring 2026 | 15

With a background and education in live theater, and a cadre of friends, acquaintances, and colleagues who are professionals in the entertainment industry, I easily could have put together a production staff and written, designed, developed, and workshopped a murder mystery experience. So why didn’t I?

Outside Within the first year of operating Premier Team Building & Interactive Experiences, I received at least a half-dozen inquiries, or requests for proposals, for a murder mystery experience. I couldn’t—and still can’t— believe it. Apparently, they are far more popular and well-liked than I thought.

First, I don’t particularly care for murder mysteries. Ok, fine… I think they’re cheesy. The majority of the ones I’ve experienced first-hand were less-than-stellar in execution, and they’re just not my thing.

Additionally, one person’s idea of a murder mystery is different from another’s. Ask one person what it is, and s/he will tell you that it is attending a dinner where the guests try to solve a “who done it” by witnessing, and perhaps interacting, with characters portrayed by actors. Ask another person and you’ll receive an answer along the lines of a party where a group of people role play characters involved with a murder, all guided by a game board and cards.

The third reason I chose not to pursue or create a new murder mystery experience is that there are plenty of companies out there that already have them. Some do quite well, I’m sure. So, why should/would I attempt to reinvent the wheel when I have no desire to do so? All of this got me thinking and I realized I was missing something. After an unremembered amount of time, it hit me!

With “Diego & Drew Say I Do,” I had co-created an incredibly wellreceived interactive, theatrical, dining experience. Why couldn’t I do it again and include team building?

I immediately began to brainstorm, outline, draft, write, and rewrite what would ultimately become “Morty Trout’s Retirement Blowout,” an interactive, theatrical, team building, dining experience. The premise is this: Morty Trout, your company’s overnight custodian, is retiring after 50 years. The big boss is throwing him a retirement party to beat all others, and you’re invited! An eccentric party planner, wacky, yet lovable, family members, a YouTube celebrity, and Morty’s poker buddy, who’s not what you expect, create the perfect storm of hilarity in this over-the-top, interactive celebratory experience that is equal parts entertaining, exciting, and engaging!

From the moment the doors open, YOU—the party guests—can participate in the fun & games, win prizes, sing a duet with a diva, and compete in a dance-off to rival “Dancing With The Stars.”

Remember to bring your appetite, as the festivities are complete with a full meal and beverages! This wouldn’t be a spectator show.

This would be—and it turned out to be—the real thing, where participants are in the thick of it.

Having the good fortune over the years, to work with and become friends with a variety of top theatrical professionals from Broadway, off-Broadway, national tours, cruise ships, and Las Vegas, I was able to collaborate with them to design a truly exceptional, unique,

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The ability to instill a great deal of teamwork and collaboration among participants is the icing on the cake. and interactive experience. The ability to instill a great deal of teamwork and collaboration among participants is the icing on the cake. After workshopping it and receiving terrific feedback, both accolades and constructive criticism, I further collaborated with some of the talent involved to refine and adapt the experience.

Almost immediately thereafter, I began the process again, creating a second experience with the same base idea and structure, but this time, the premise, and title, would be “My Best Friend’s Baby Shower.” This experience would even include a philanthropic component, where stuffed animals and fleece blankets would be created and donated to a worthy philanthropic organization. With the workshop scheduled for a few days after Labor Day 2019, the cast in place, and invitations sent out, we were ready to see what we had this time. Then an unexpected roadblock popped up… thank you very much, Hurricane Dorian. Fortunately, after some juggling, we were able to reschedule, workshop it, and again, tweak and refine the experience, based on feedback received.

casual drinks and dinner session tossing around stories and ideas.

After the holidays came and went, and I had watched far too many made-for-TV Christmas movies, inspiration finally struck.

“Alligator Bru” became “Gator Bob,” a good ol’ country boy still living with his mama, who would be stuck hosting his internet radio show with a big-shot talk show host from the city. By removing the dining and the “in your face” team components, and then adding the use of personal, mobile devices, the “Dueling Duos” series was born. Here’s adaptability in play, yet again.

What is the takeaway from this? I suppose it’s recognizing that when you think you’re not able to provide what has been requested, think outside of the box. What do you have to offer?

It might ultimately be better than what was being asked of you, and result in your experience, whether it be one of team building or something entirely different, being all the better.

Matt May Founder & CEO Premier Team Building & Interactive Experiences

Recognizing that an experience which requires five professional actors is costly, I wanted to create an experience with a smaller cast, available at a lower cost to clients who had smaller teams.

Remembering the conflict between two of the characters that appeared in both “Morty Trout” and “Baby Shower,” I devised the idea of “Dinner & Dueling Duos”… a series of two-character, interactive, theatrical, team building, dining experiences. Just as the first one was in its final stage of creation, and ready for a workshop with a live, participatory audience, the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ugh, these unexpected roadblocks! That idea was shelved.

About 3 months into the pandemic, an actor acquaintance of mine created and posted on social media a short, improvised video featuring “Alligator Bru,” a character he created who riffed on life during the pandemic. That video set up shop in the back of my mind. As the pandemic dragged on and on—how naive were we to think that we’d simply “shut down” for 2 or 3 weeks?! After thinking about it off and on, that video ultimately came bursting forward. In November, I met with that actor, and another with whom I had previously worked, and we had a Carolina Blitz | Spring 2026 | 17

Managing Well Remotely

When “Event Mode” Becomes a Lifestyle Meeting professionals don’t work remotely.

their teams to operate in perpetual crisis mode.

You work everywhere.

If production week energy is lasting all year, something’s broken.

Home office. Convention center. Airport gate. The breakfast buffet. The Uber.

And through all of it, you’re expected to lead clearly, calmly, and competently.

But let’s be honest.

For many teams, “remote leadership” has turned into constant reaction.

Vendor emails marked URGENT. Board members texting mid-session.

Sponsors who “just need five minutes.”

Slack and Teams channels lighting up like it’s Times Square.

When everything feels urgent, leadership becomes reactive. And reactive leadership is exhausting.

Remote work isn’t the problem; unclear priorities are.

1. Reset the Reflex Remote leadership amplifies urgency addiction.

When we’re not physically together, we feel pressure to respond faster to prove we’re present. Instant replies become our performance metric.

Pause. Decide intentionally. Model restraint.

You’ll gain more authority by thinking before typing.

2. Focus with Guardrails Remote teams without guardrails don’t collaborate better.

They just communicate more.

More meetings.

More copied emails.

More “just checking in” messages.

More status swirl.

And copying everyone is not collaboration. It’s liability diffusion…of delegation, responsibility, and accountability.

If you’re optimizing meetings before killing meetings, you’re avoiding prioritization.

Strong remote leadership defines: • What requires live discussion • What can be handled asynchronously • Who owns the final decision • What response time actually means

But fast isn’t the same as effective.

Because “ASAP” is not a timeline. It’s anxiety.

Not every vendor escalation is a production emergency.

Not every sponsor email requires a midnight response.

Not every board concern deserves a real-time meeting.

A simple communication matrix for vendors, sponsors, and board members can eliminate hours of unnecessary backand-forth every week.

Sometimes we respond quickly because we can.

Not because we should.

Scope change? 30-minute cool-off rule.

Status update? Async recap before scheduling a call.

Budget decision? Clear owner identified in advance.

Ask yourself: Is this a true operational issue or a perception issue?

Does this need a decision right now or clarity first?

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Guardrails are not barriers.

They are leadership made visible.

3. Lead for Connection, Not Control When teams are remote, leaders often compensate with oversight.

More check-ins.

More updates.

More visibility demands.

That’s not soft leadership.

That’s sustainable leadership.

Listen to my 16-minute podcast episode, Conference Prep and Return, and share it with your meeting attendees.

I break down my full system for making the most of every event.

But connection is not built through volume.

It’s built through clarity.

Remote teams need: • Clear priorities • Protected focus time • Shorter, tighter meetings • Defined decision rights They also need transition rituals.

Meeting professionals are especially vulnerable to carrying “on-site energy” home with them.

Marcey Rader Performance Speaker Consultant Author at RaderCo.

Marcey Rader is a multi-award-winning speaker, coach, and author who helps individuals and companies reclaim their workdays. As the founder of RaderCo, she’s worked with Fortune 500 companies and startups worldwide, inspiring sustainable habits to work well and play more. Join her at the MPI Carolinas Chapter Spring Meeting on April 9 at 4:00pm to build the guardrails your next event cycle will depend on.

You leave the venue.

You open your laptop in the hotel.

You never really clock out.

Managing well remotely means deliberately resetting.

Five-minute brain dump.

Short decompression walk.

Clear shutdown checklist before bed.

Because remote leadership isn’t about being available everywhere.

It’s about being intentional anywhere.

When priorities are visible, optimization is easy.

When they aren’t, optimization becomes endless.

Meeting professionals are masters at orchestrating unforgettable experiences.

The next level?

Orchestrate how your team works through the screen, without living in crisis mode year-round.

Managing well remotely doesn’t require more hustle.

It requires clearer priorities, visible guardrails, and leaders willing to pause before reacting.

Carolina Blitz | Spring 2026 | 19

2026 Planner Partner Forum & Chapter Meeting Recap

Peer Expertise Takes Center Stage Cary, NC | February 26–27, 2026 The 2026 Planner Partner Forum & Chapter Meeting in Cary wasn’t just about education — it was about sharpening instincts, strengthening partnerships, and preparing for the realities of an industry where change is constant and pressure is high. Across two impactful days, MPI Carolinas Chapter members leaned into conversations that challenged assumptions, strengthened professional confidence, and reinforced the power of planning with intention.

We got smarter about risk — before it becomes a problem Contracts set the tone for every event, and Sophia Pappalardo made it clear that strong agreements don’t just protect businesses — they protect relationships. In Before You Sign: Contract Strategies for Planners & Suppliers, Sophia delivered a practical, no-nonsense breakdown of the clauses that matter most, and the red flags planners and suppliers can’t afford to ignore.

From force majeure and indemnification to arbitration and emerging AI considerations, attendees gained clarity on how risk is allocated — often quietly — within contracts. The session reinforced a powerful takeaway: contracts should reflect reality, not assumptions. When language is clear and aligned with operations, planners can focus less on damage control and more on delivering exceptional experiences.

We reframed chaos as a leadership opportunity Uncertainty is unavoidable in events, but how we respond to it defines our leadership. Keynote speaker Daron K. Roberts brought the room to attention with Thriving Through Chaos: Leading with Confidence When Plans Fall Apart — a high-energy keynote grounded in resilience, mindset, and accountability.

Through stories of rejection, redirection, and perseverance, Daron challenged attendees to examine their mental habits, control what’s within reach (effort, attitude, energy), and stop letting bitterness block growth. His Assess. Adapt. Advance. framework resonated deeply with planners who know that even the best-designed programs can shift in an instant. The message was simple but powerful: chaos doesn’t weaken leadership — avoidance does.

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We built better processes — without losing the human element Execution thrives when process and people are aligned, and Ayesha K. Givens delivered a roadmap for doing exactly that in The Trusted Process: How to Move Events from Vision to Victory.

Drawing from her experience in the biopharmaceutical space, Ayesha emphasized clarity, communication, and intentional decision-making as the foundation of successful event delivery.

Attendees explored how misaligned vision can derail outcomes, why proactive troubleshooting matters, and how tools like PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) create space for adaptability. Her reminder that “we work with humans” grounded the session in reality — reinforcing that flexibility, not rigidity, is what sustains momentum when complexity increases.

We redefined what team-building can be Team-building doesn’t have to feel forced — and Matt May proved that engagement works best when it’s intentional, inclusive, and a little unexpected. In Take the Fear Out of Team-Building, Matt challenged outdated stereotypes by demonstrating how thoughtfully designed activities can bring people together without discomfort or pressure.

By mixing roles, encouraging organic leadership moments, and designing experiences that welcome both introverts and extroverts, the session highlighted how team-building can foster trust, creativity, and emotional connection. The takeaway was clear: when done right, team-building isn’t a distraction — it’s a strategic advantage.

Next up: Spring 2026 — Join us in Greensboro If this meeting sparked new ideas, challenged your thinking, or made you wish you’d brought a colleague, now’s your chance. The Spring 2026 Chapter Meeting takes place April 9–10, 2026, in Greensboro, NC, and it’s shaping up to be another meaningful opportunity to learn, connect, and grow alongside industry peers.

Mark your calendar, spread the word, and plan to be there.

The conversations don’t stop here — and neither does the momentum.

Candice Batts, CMP, MMP, HMCC Medical Leverage MPI-CC Education Committee Chair

Looking Ahead Where Ideas Bloom: Practical Strategies for Modern Meeting Leaders As the days get longer and the pace of business picks up, spring is the perfect time to refocus, reenergize, and move forward with intention. This season, we’re inviting you to do just that at our upcoming meeting at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons, April 9-10.

Our theme, Spring Into Action, is more than a tagline — it’s a call to step confidently into new ideas, stronger leadership, and meaningful connections that elevate your meetings and events all year long.

This event delivers practical strategies alongside fresh, forward-thinking inspiration, sparking new ideas and empowering you to take immediate action in your programs and teams. Whether you’re leading teams, supporting speakers, navigating compliance, or building your professional network, each session is crafted to deliver tools you can use immediately.

EDUCATION LINEUP Bill Ganon Small Talk is Actually a Big Thing: Networking Skills That Make You Memorable in Work and Life Networking doesn’t have to feel like work. Bill shares a practical game plan to approach conversations with confidence, authenticity, and strategy — helping you create memorable connections that matter in both business and life.

Marcey Rader Manage Well Remotely: Lead Your Team Through the Screen Leading remote or hybrid teams requires clarity and intention. Marcey provides simple systems to streamline communication, protect team

energy, run meaningful 1:1s, and prevent burnout — especially valuable for people managers and leaders of travel teams.

Lauren Ansley 7 Secrets of Public Speaking for Meeting Professionals and the Speakers They Support Even the best content can fall flat without confident delivery. This interactive session equips you with practical tools to structure messages clearly, manage nerves, coach speakers effectively, and elevate engagement — whether you’re on stage or behind the scenes.

Michael Farrell Music Licensing for Meetings and Events Music sets the tone for unforgettable events — but it also comes with legal responsibilities. Michael breaks down copyright law, performance rights, licensing fees, and common misconceptions so you can confidently (and ethically) incorporate music into your events without risk.

Spring is about momentum. It’s about refining what works, rethinking what doesn’t, and stepping forward with renewed clarity. This meeting is your opportunity to gain actionable strategies, connect with peers who understand your challenges, and walk away with insights that immediately strengthen your programs.

Beyond the education, you’ll experience the energy of gathering in person at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons — a setting designed for collaboration, creativity, and connection.

Ariana McGill, CMP, DMCP Destination South Meetings + Events MPI-CC VP of Education

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Thriving Through Chaos Leading with Confidence When Plans Fall Apart Here’s the scenario: • Four minutes before kickoff • Heinz Field • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Sub-freezing temperature • 30 MPH winds • Nationally televised game And…your kicker cannot find his helmet.

What do you do?

I know this story may sound a little far-fetched, but as an NFL coach, I watched this one unfold in real-time.

If you work in the meetings and events industry long enough, you learn a simple truth: chaos is not an exception—it’s part of the job.

• Flights get canceled • Speakers run late • Technology fails • A sponsor changes expectations at the last minute • A keynote slide deck disappears five minutes before doors open As an event professional, you don’t ask if something will go wrong. You ask what and when.

The real differentiator isn’t the absence of disruption. It’s how you lead when the playbook suddenly stops working.

grounded, who can communicate clearly, and who can make decisive calls without perfect information.

The leaders who thrive are not the ones scrambling for certainty—they’re the ones who understand that uncertainty is part of the environment and prepare themselves accordingly.

Instead of asking, “How do we fix this?” effective leaders ask a more powerful question: “How do we move forward from here?”

That shift—from panic to progress—is where opportunity lives.

Reframing Disruption as an Opportunity to Lead Disruption forces clarity. When time is tight and pressure is high, unnecessary noise disappears.

What’s left are priorities.

Strong leaders use disruption to: •

Re-focus teams on what truly matters

•

Cut through over-analysis and indecision

•

Align stakeholders around a clear next step

In high-pressure moments, your team isn’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for direction. They want to know: What’s the plan now? What do you need from me? Where should I focus?

That’s where thriving through chaos begins.

When leaders reframe chaos as a moment to simplify and lead decisively, teams respond with trust and confidence.

Chaos Isn’t the Enemy—Complacency Is

Communicate Less—but Say More

Early in my career as a coach, I learned that pressure doesn’t create habits—it exposes them. When plans fall apart, leaders don’t rise to the occasion; they fall back on their preparation, mindset, and decisionmaking patterns.

When plans fall apart, communication becomes more important—and more dangerous.

The same is true in events.

Let me give you an example from my coaching days.

Chaos reveals leadership. It shows who can stay

When I was with the Detroit Lions, I coached the

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Over-communicating creates confusion. Undercommunicating creates anxiety.

secondary. For those of you who are unfamiliar with (or just don’t like) football, the secondary consists of the cornerbacks and safeties. Essentially our primary function was to prevent wide receivers from catching touchdowns.

Sometimes, the helmet-to-helmet communications system would go down, and so we had a contingency system. It was a series of one-word commands like “Miami!” or “Reno!” that we could communicate the play that we wanted to run.

The leaders who earn trust in chaotic moments are the ones who communicate clearly, confidently, and concisely. They avoid speculation. They avoid unnecessary details. They focus on three things: 1. What’s happening 2. What’s changing 3. What happens next

They remember: • How leadership showed up under pressure • How communication made them feel • Whether the team stayed composed or unraveled Moments of chaos often become defining moments— not because everything went perfectly, but because leadership was visible, intentional, and confident when it mattered most.

Thriving Is a Choice Chaos isn’t something to eliminate. It’s something to lead through.

The most respected leaders in the meetings and events industry aren’t the ones with flawless run-ofshow documents. They’re the ones who can adapt, decide, and communicate when the plan falls apart.

Clear communication doesn’t eliminate uncertainty, but it gives people a framework to operate within it.

Thriving through chaos isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about having the confidence to lead without them.

Confidence Means Deciding Without Perfect Information

And that confidence—earned through preparation, mindset, and experience—is what people remember long after the lights go down and the event ends.

One of the hardest leadership skills—especially in events—is making decisions without having all the answers.

There’s rarely a perfect option when things go sideways. There’s only the best available option.

Thriving through chaos requires the willingness to take calculated risks: • Acting with incomplete data • Making time-sensitive calls • Adjusting in real time rather than waiting for certainty

Daron K. Roberts Former NFL Coach Global Leader Keynote Speaker

Progress beats paralysis every time.

Confident leaders understand that momentum itself is a stabilizing force. Even small, decisive actions restore a sense of control and forward movement.

What People Remember When the Event Is Over Here’s the part many leaders miss: attendees, sponsors, and stakeholders may forget the disruption—but they will never forget how it was handled.

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Beyond the Buffet

Navigating Inclusion and Kosher Logistics in the Events Industry In the high-stakes world of event planning, we often obsess over the "big three": content, venue, and budget. But for many attendees, the true measure of an event’s success isn't the keynote speaker—it’s whether they can eat safely and participate fully without compromising their faith.

Being Jewish in the events industry—or planning for Jewish attendees—requires a nuanced understanding of Kashrut (dietary laws) and the calendar. Recently, a viral thread among event professionals sparked a heated debate: When a venue quotes $298 for a single Kosher meal, who picks up the tab?

The consensus from the pros was overwhelming: You cover it. But the conversation revealed that true inclusion goes far beyond just paying the bill.

The "Kosher Tax" vs. The Inclusion ROI It is no secret that Kosher catering is expensive. Between the certified kitchens, separate equipment, and third-party logistics, the "markup" can feel staggering. However, as veteran planner Jack Voorhees puts it: "In my mind, being seen makes folks feel included. When they see their needs are being taken care of, they can be more engaged."

Strategic Ways to Manage Costs If a $300 plate makes your budget wince, industry experts suggest these tactical pivots: • The "Kashrut" Conversation: Don't guess. Reach out to the attendee. Some keep "Strict Kosher" (requiring sealed, certified meals), while others are "Kosher-style" and are perfectly happy with a high-quality vegan or vegetarian option from the main buffet.

• The DoorDash Workaround: If the hotel’s internal markup is exorbitant, many planners use resources like Totally Jewish Travel to find local Kosher restaurants and have meals delivered via courier.

• The "Buy-In" Audit: To prevent "ghost meals" (where a $200 meal sits untouched because the attendee went out for lunch), verify which specific sessions the attendee will actually be present for.

More Than Just Food: The Jewish Calendar Inclusion isn't just a menu item; it’s a calendar entry. The Jewish calendar is lunar, meaning holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Passover shift every year.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your dates because holidays begin at sundown. For an observant attendee, a meeting that ends at 5:00 PM on a Friday or a holiday eve might as well be ending at midnight—they need to be home or at their destination before the sun sets. For a moderately observant attendee, they may be able to consume a sandwich for lunch but need a dinner that contains no leavened bread products for dinner due to Passover starting.

A Checklist for Inclusive Planning To ensure your Jewish attendees feel like guests rather than "logistical hurdles," consider these steps: Feature Registration

Best Practice Add a logic question: "Do you require a certified Kosher meal or is a Vegetarian/ Vegan option sufficient?"

If your event falls during Passover Passover (Spring), avoid bread-based snacks and look for "Kosher for Passover" catering.

Communication Use the right terminology. Mentioning "Kashrut" or "observance" shows you’ve done your homework.

If local catering is unavailable, look Sourcing into "Kosher Boxes" or shipping frozen certified meals to the venue chef.

The Bottom Line Whether it's shipping in a certified meal from a specialty caterer or ensuring the buffet has clearly labeled, highquality vegetarian alternatives, these efforts speak volumes.

In an industry built on hospitality, the goal is simple: no one should leave a meeting hungry or feel like their identity is an "extra charge."

Melanie Mason, CMP EnsembleIQ MPI-CC VP of Marketing and Communications

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