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
Monthly Meeting Planner
May 15, 2025
New Member Lunch ‘N Learn
Virtual
May 29, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Columbia, SC
May 29-30, 2025
Chapter Meeting
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Columbia, SC
June 23, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
July 28, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
August 7, 2025
New Member Lunch ‘N Learn
Virtual
August 21, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting
Great Wolf Lodge Charlotte/Concord Concord, NC
August 21-22, 2025
Chapter Meeting
Great Wolf Lodge Charlotte/Concord Concord, NC
September 15, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
October 13, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual
October 20, 2025
New Member Lunch ‘N Learn
Virtual
November 2, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting
Beaufort Hotel Beaufort, NC
November 2-4, 2025
MPI-CC Annual Meeting, Awards Gala & 2026 Board Installation Beaufort Hotel Beaufort, NC
December 8, 2025
Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, June 27, 2025. Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to MPI-CC Publications Chair Rachel Mintel at mintel.rachel@gmail.com.
Photo by 2hmedia on unsplash
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
The Power of Continuing Education
Elevating Meeting Professionals with MPI Carolinas Chapter
In today’s dynamic meetings and events industry, staying ahead of trends, technology, and best practices is essential. Whether you’re a seasoned meeting planner or a supplier supporting the industry, ongoing education is the key to professional growth and success. That’s where the MPI Carolinas Chapter plays a crucial role, offering unparalleled opportunities for continuing education, networking, and career development.
The MPI Carolinas Chapter provides:
• Certification Support: Assistance in preparing for industry certifications with study groups, and resources.
• Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with peers, mentors, and business partners who can offer guidance and collaboration opportunities.
• Community Engagement: A platform to give back to the industry and local communities through volunteer opportunities and service activities.
The Importance of the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Certification
The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates expertise in meeting and event management. Earning and maintaining a CMP not only enhances professional credibility, but may also open doors to new career opportunities. Both planners and suppliers benefit significantly from obtaining this certification:
• For Meeting Planners: The CMP showcases advanced knowledge in event planning, logistics, and risk management, making planners more competitive in the industry and increasing their earning potential.
• For Suppliers: A CMP designation helps suppliers understand the needs and challenges of planners, allowing them to provide better solutions, build stronger relationships, and elevate their credibility in the marketplace.
How to Earn CMP Credits Through MPI Carolinas
To earn and maintain the CMP certification, professionals must earn Continuing Education (CE) credits through approved educational activities. MPI Carolinas provides numerous opportunities to accumulate these credits, including:
• Webinars & Online Learning: Virtual education sessions allow members to continue their professional development conveniently and affordably. MPI Academy offers hundreds of hours of free, online education for MPI members.
• Chapter Meetings & Special Programs: MPI Carolinas frequently hosts industry experts who present on key topics, many of which qualify for CE credits. The May Chapter Meeting's education has been approved for 4 CE credits by the Events Industry Council.
These reasons and more make joining and maintaining your MPI Carolinas membership a valuable investment.
For more information on membership or education, please contact:
Rachel Whitten VP of Education Rwhitten@greenvillenc.gov
Alex Morales VP of Member Engagement alexbanalex456@gmail.com
MPI-CC is a CMP Preferred Provider, which means we are formally registered with the Events Industry Council (EIC) and are committed to providing education that aligns with the CMP International Standards (CMP-IS)
Silent Auctions: Showcasing Community and Generosity
The MPI Carolinas Chapter continues to showcase the power of community and generosity with the resounding success of its recent annual auction.
The auction, held in support of the chapter's educational initiatives and member engagement efforts, brought in an impressive $16,275—far surpassing expectations and reinforcing the strength of the MPI-CC network. The total from all 2024 auctions was $12,049.
This year’s auction featured an incredible 65 items, generously donated by industry partners, local businesses, and chapter members. From luxurious hotel stays and exclusive experiences to sought-after event packages and unique gifts, bidders had plenty of enticing options to choose from.
"We’re absolutely thrilled with the results of this year's auction," said Karen Wall, Director of Finance. The support from our
members, partners, and sponsors has been overwhelming, and it’s inspiring to see how invested our community is in the success and growth of our chapter. These funds will go a long way in providing valuable resources to the chapter.
The generosity of our community in donating these incredible items was instrumental in making this auction a success. Notably, most of our auction items came from outside our chapter, demonstrating the strong support and valuable partnerships we have cultivated within the broader industry. Without the contributions from our members, industry partners, and local businesses, we wouldn’t have been able to provide such an exciting and diverse selection of auction items.
MPI Carolinas Chapter extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed—whether by donating items, placing bids, or spreading the word about the auction. The generosity and enthusiasm displayed at this year’s auction set a high standard for future fundraising efforts.
Kathryn Short Visit Raleigh Director of FUNdraising
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