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.
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
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
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
SIZE FREQUENCY
Quarter Page 1x/year
(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 $420
(3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 4x/year
Full Page 1x/year $640 $840 (8 1/2”W x 11”H) 4x/year $620/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: 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!
Platinum Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
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.
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 .
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.
Seth Macchi LEMG MPI-CC President
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.
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.
What are your hobbies?
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.
Why did you join MPI Carolinas Chapter?
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.
If you were able to meet a famous person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
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 advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a career in our 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.
What is your ideal vacation/vacation spot?
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.
Meet The Member
Lydia Campbell
Columbia Metropolitan Convention
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.
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.
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
Chapter Administrator
Elizabeth Pike, CMP Treeline Associates info@mpicarolinas.org
Wonderland Dawson 3D Hospitality, LLC wddawson3@gmail.com
Member Engagement Committee Chair
Lola Jones Tripleseat Software lola.jones@tripleseat.com
Look Who We Spotted...
at the February Chapter Meeting!
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
Outside
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?
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!
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.
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,
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.
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
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
Managing Well Remotely When “Event Mode” Becomes a Lifestyle
Meeting professionals don’t work remotely .
You work everywhere .
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
But fast isn’t the same as effective
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 .
Sometimes we respond quickly because we can . Not because we should
Ask yourself:
Is this a true operational issue or a perception issue? Does this need a decision right now or clarity first?
When leaders respond instantly to everything, they train
their teams to operate in perpetual crisis mode .
If production week energy is lasting all year, something’s broken .
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
Because “ASAP” is not a timeline It’s anxiety
A simple communication matrix for vendors, sponsors, and board members can eliminate hours of unnecessary backand-forth every week .
Scope change? 30-minute cool-off rule .
Status update? Async recap before scheduling a call Budget decision? Clear owner identified in advance
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 .
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 .
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking Ahead Where Ideas Bloom: Practical Strategies for Modern
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
Meeting Leaders
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
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
That’s where thriving through chaos begins .
Chaos Isn’t the Enemy—Complacency Is
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 .
The same is true in events .
Chaos reveals leadership It shows who can stay
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?
When leaders reframe chaos as a moment to simplify and lead decisively, teams respond with trust and confidence
Communicate Less—but Say More
When plans fall apart, communication becomes more important—and more dangerous .
Let me give you an example from my coaching days .
When I was with the Detroit Lions, I coached the
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
Clear communication doesn’t eliminate uncertainty, but it gives people a framework to operate within it .
Confidence Means Deciding Without Perfect Information
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
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
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
Thriving through chaos isn’t about having all the answers It’s about having the confidence to lead without them .
And that confidence—earned through preparation, mindset, and experience—is what people remember long after the lights go down and the event ends .
Daron K. Roberts Former NFL Coach Global Leader Keynote Speaker
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 Best Practice
Registration
Add a logic question: "Do you require a certified Kosher meal or is a Vegetarian/ Vegan option sufficient?"
Passover If your event falls during 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 .
Sourcing If local catering is unavailable, look 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
