Carolina Blitz
Doubletree Resort by Hilton
Myrtle Beach Oceanfront
Myrtle Beach, SC | August 22-23, 2024
VOLUNTEERS are the heart of our organization
Make a difference.
Volunteer today.
Help make a difference in our chapter and shape its future. Volunteering on a committee is a great way to elevate your membership, engage with fellow planners and suppliers, develop your leadership skills, and learn new professional skills.
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS NEEDED
Finance:
Business Exchange (3 needed)
Auction Committee Chair
Committee Members (4 needed)
Education:
Education Committee Chair
Visit mpi.org/Carolinas or email Rachel Whitten, CMP, MPI-CC VP of Member Engagement, rwhitten@greenvillenc.gov for more information on getting involved.
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 VP of Marketing & Communications. Send to Melanie Mason, CMP - Melanie.mason35@gmail.com
EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
VP of Marketing and Communications
Melanie Mason, CMP • EnsembleIQ
Editor
Melanie Mason, CMP • EnsembleIQ
Contributing Writers
Najauna White, CMP, CDE®, Miles Partnership; Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University; Rachel Whitten, CMP, Visit Greenville, NC; Molly Johnson, CMP-Fellow, SEPC, Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau; Kathryn Short, Visit Raleigh
Photographer George Lainis • Catch Light Studio (GMID)
Proofreaders
Christine Irwin, The Management Office; Melanie Mason, CMP, EnsembleIQ; Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University; Rachel Mintel, UNC Chapel Hill
Publisher
Christine Irwin • The Management Office • christine@themanagementoffice.com
Advertising
Christine Irwin • The Management Office • christine@themanagementoffice.com
Design
Kistin Creative Studio • 704-724-9188 • kistincreative.com
MPI-CC Web Site: www.mpi.org/carolinas
ADVERTISING RATES AND DEADLINES
Quarter Page 1X
(3 1/2”W x 4 3/4”H)
Half Page Vertical 1X
$550 (3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 3X
Full Page
(8 1/2”W x 11”H)
(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 January 2023, and are subject to change without notice. All published rates are net non-commissionable. Any cost incurred by the BLITZ for art that is not fully press ready (e.g. reductions, halftones) will be billed to the advertiser, or art that is not press ready may be refused.
DUE DATE: Due by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Artwork is due to the publisher within 10 days after deadline for space reservations.
SEND MATERIALS TO: Christine Irwin at The Management Office, 1307 West Morehead St, Suite 207, Charlotte, NC 28208 christine@themanagementoffice.com • Fax: 704-333-6927
For more advertising information contact Christine at christine@themanagementoffice.com or 704-377-5648
Visit our website at www.mpi.org/carolinas for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities!
President’s Message
Summer
Najauna White, CMP, CDE ® Miles Partnership MPI-CC President
Annual Global Survey
As we sprint toward the finish line of this year, with just four months left, our commitment to enhancing our chapter's offerings and increasing member engagement remains stronger than ever. We're looking to boost meeting attendance, engage more planners, and craft educational sessions that hit the mark—just what everyone needs as we wrap up another eventful year.
Our annual global survey is live until August 20th, and your participation is crucial. Here's why your feedback matters:
1. Guided Decision-Making: Your insights help steer the chapter's strategic direction, ensuring we focus on what matters most to you.
2. Tailored Programming: Your feedback directly influences our event and education lineup, helping us cater precisely to your professional development needs.
3. Continuous Improvement: Every piece of feedback, no matter how small, contributes significantly to our chapter's growth. Your honesty is invaluable, and we are committed to evolving based on your input, making you an integral part of our journey.
DEI Connects
The DEI Connects series continues to roll out, offering invaluable opportunities to engage, share, and learn in a supportive environment. These sessions are a chance to deepen connections and broaden perspectives — join us for our next session, a lunch right after the Myrtle Beach meeting on Friday. It's an excellent opportunity to connect and share ideas in a relaxed setting.
We're also seeking members to write for our newsletter, especially if you're passionate about storytelling and change. Interested? Learn more and contribute here. This is a great way to help drive meaningful discussions and change within our community.
August Chapter Meeting — Myrtle Beach Awaits! If you still need to register or book your stay for our upcoming chapter meeting in Myrtle Beach, now's the
time. What better way to close the summer than with sun, networking, and strategic planning by the beach?
Secure your spot here!
Gratitude and Encouragement
Lastly, thank you all for your active participation in our chapter meetings. We set a goal to reach at least 100 attendees per meeting, and thanks to you, we've not only met but exceeded this target every time since our annual meeting. Please continue to invite more planners and meeting professionals, and help us keep the momentum going.
Looking Ahead
We are set on achieving all our goals this year, which include increasing meeting attendance, engaging more meeting planners, and developing education sessions tailored to what you, our members, need most. Your participation is crucial in shaping our future; we're making significant strides together.
• 2025 Calendar Coming Soon — We're fine-tuning the 2025 calendar, which will soon be available on our website. Get ready to mark your calendars and plan your travel budget to make the most of next year's meetings.
• Business Exchange — A Fresh Look for 2025 - Heard and noted! We're revamping the Business Exchange to better meet your expectations in 2025. Got ideas or want a behind-the-scenes role in the makeover? Reach out directly to karen@visitwinstonsalem.com, and let's chat about how you can contribute.
• 2025 Education Planning — As we shape our 2025 agenda, your input is more valuable than ever. Let the education committee know what topics, speakers, or trends you're interested in exploring. Your suggestions will help us create more engaging and relevant content.
• Thank You to 2025 Board Applicants — A big thank you to everyone who applied for the 2025 board. Your eagerness to serve is inspiring! If you're wondering how to get involved, email me at Najauna.White@ gmail.com. We'll find the perfect way for you to make your mark.
Thanks for your continued passion and participation! Each meeting, each piece of feedback, and every volunteer hour you contribute fuels our shared success and builds an even stronger MPI Carolinas community. Let's keep this momentum rolling—spread the word, bring a friend to the next meeting, and let’s keep growing together.
Our Members
New Member Spotlight
Floyd Isley Atrium Hospitality
Where do you currently work and how long have you been there?
I currently work for Atrium Hospitality and have been in my current position for just under one year.
Tell me about your position and the organization you are with.
As an Area Sales Manager, I am part of the Atrium Hospitality National Sales Team. In my role, I focus on State Associations in North Carolina and represent our four NC Hotels: Hilton Charlotte Airport, Embassy Suites Concord, Embassy Suites Greensboro, and Embassy Suites Raleigh Durham - The North Carolina Collection. Atrium Hospitality owns and operates 79 hotels in 29 states across the country with over 20,000 guestrooms and almost three million square feet of meeting space. Previously I held positions of Catering Sales Manager and Director of Sales at our Charlotte property. I was on the opening team for our Embassy Suites Concord and held positions of Catering Sales Manager, Director of Catering, and Sales Manager.
Meet the Member
Emily DeHont, CMP
Visit Charlotte
My guilty pleasure
I LOVE going to concerts and get major FOMO if one of my favorites is performing nearby and I'm not there :)
Favorite Vacation Spot
I've absolutely fallen in love with Cape Cod. Last summer, there were about 50 members of my husband's side of
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy gardening and entertaining family and friends.
Why did you join MPI Carolinas Chapter?
MPI offers opportunities to grow professionally and meet new people.
If you were able to meet a famous person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
The Dalai Lama. I imagine that his compassion would inspire me, and his profound humility would keep me grounded.
What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a career in our industry?
Choose a good company. Network inside and outside your organization. Take calculated risks. Have fun. You will come to know some of the best people in the hospitality industry.
the family on the beach together every day for a week! (Honestly, put me on any beach and I'm happy.)
What's your favorite part of being a member of MPI-CC?
Spending time with this wonderful group of people never feels like “work.” Everyone is so close and so personable, and they welcome you with open arms. Every meeting feels like a family reunion!
MPI-CC Anniversaries
30 Years
Linda Ilsley, CMP LPI Events
25 Years
Kimberly Bryan Pinehurst Resort & Spa
10 Years
Patricia Byrd, CMP OneSpartanburg, Inc
John Michael McCants
Explore Charleston
Karen Wall Visit Winston-Salem
5 Years
Dorothy Bedor, CEM
James Belmonte
Hilton Durham near Duke University
Kirah Brace
Abigail Bridges
Maloree Burgin Society for Neuro-Oncology
Mamie Bush Boeing
Cathy Carpenter Le Meridien Sheraton Charlotte
Shelley Cromartie AICPA
Mendy Cunningham, CMP IIBEC
Neil Curiel Discover Durham
Jocelyn Davis
Clayton Dennard
Supplier GCTGoing Coastal Transportation
Chandler Garnett Pastides Alumni Center
Barbara Green
Nash County Travel & Tourism
Samantha Green Ewald Visit Charlotte
Katelyn Harrian Kingston Plantation, A Hilton & Embassy Suites Resort
Nolan Jack The American Board of Anesthesiology
Angus Lamond Chetola Resort
Pamela Lietz
Red Dirt Oaks dba TapSnap
Cheryl Massey
Massey Marketing and Media
Delany May Advance Auto Parts
Mike Mincello AVEX Audio Visual
Rebecca Mittleman Visit Greenville SC
Cynthia Mohr, CFMP Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Melinda Mowry DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern - Riverfront
Welcome New Members!
Amy Amerson Empire Events
Carrie Davenport
Altria
Jessica Grant BASF Corporation
Tamryn Gromley Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Larry Harper, Jr. Coursera
Donna Harris
Indigo Road Hospitality Group
JurLonna Hermon TEW Experience
Aundrea Hopkins
AFR Furniture Rental
Alison Javier Zoetis
Tim Kline Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
Janal Kurincak Reposite
Anna Lake Ciena Corporation
John Lamb Streamlinevents
Heidi Nash
Ashley Owens Visit Greater Palm Springs
Rakaiyah Pendergrass University Instructors - UNC-Charlotte
Virginia Phelps Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants & Hotels
April 2024 - August 2024
Elizabeth Nechio Gifted Travel Network
Elizabeth Page
UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel and Conference Center
Jennifer Pradas Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
Casey Reynolds Turfgrass Producers International
LaTonya Richardson
Melinda Shelley Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel
Olivia Terrell The Flat Iron Hotel
Sondra Warren Legacy Stables and Events
Rachel Whitten, CMP Visit Greenville, NC
April 2024 - June 2024
Hannah Phipps Ciena Corporation
Mary Jane Reilly Reilly Resort Representatives
Josh Scovern American AV
Sasha Smith
Tya Smith
April Stahl
Tracy Stuckrath Thrive! Meetings & Events
Morgan Weinstein
Pam Welch Wake Forest Baptist Health
Leslie Wilson
Sharing is Caring
Building Out MPI Carolinas Community
As we embark on the second half of 2024, filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and connection, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of sharing within our MPI Carolinas Chapter community. Sharing is not just about giving; it’s about creating a network where support, knowledge, and friendships thrive. This is the essence of the "Sharing is Caring" proverb.
One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to contribute to our community is by sharing MPI-CC’s social media posts. Every post, update, and announcement is crafted to keep our members informed, inspired, and engaged. When you share these posts with your network, you’re not only spreading valuable information, but also amplifying the reach of our collective voice. It’s a small gesture that can have a big impact.
Attending our events is always a rich experience filled with learning and connection. (Have you registered for our August meeting in Myrtle Beach yet?!?!) We encourage you to take this a step further by sharing a thing or two that you learned or loved about the meetings. Post-event reflections, whether a brief social media post on Facebook , LinkedIn or Instagram , help solidify the knowledge gained and spread it within our community. Your insights might spark a meaningful discussion or inspire someone else.
Inviting your contacts to join our events is another powerful way to foster community growth. Whether you are a supplier or a planner, you have a unique network of professionals who can benefit from what MPI Carolinas Chapter has to offer. Our events are not just about education and industry connections; they are about building friendships that enrich our professional and personal lives. Extending an invitation to a colleague or friend can open doors to new relationships and opportunities for all involved.
Remember, our strength lies in our unity and the diverse perspectives each member brings to the table. By actively sharing and inviting others, you contribute to a vibrant, supportive, and dynamic community. Let’s make the second half of 2024 a period where we all engage more deeply, learn more extensively, and grow more robustly as a collective.
Thank you for your commitment to MPI Carolinas Chapter. Your participation, enthusiasm, and willingness to share are what make our community exceptional.
Rachel Whitten, CMP
Visit Greenville, NC
MPI-CC VP of Membership Engagement
[Assisted by ChatGPT]
Monthly Meeting Planner
August 8, 2024
New Member Lunch n’ Learn Virtual via Zoom
August 22-23, 2024
Chapter Meeting
Doubletree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Myrtle Beach, SC
September 18, 2024
CMP Boot Camp Rizzo Center Destination by Hyatt Chapel Hill, NC
November 4, 2024
New Member Lunch n’ Learn Virtual via Zoom
November 18-19, 2024
Chapter Meeting & Awards Gala Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh-Durham/ Research Triangle Cary, NC
Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, September 27, 2024. Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to MPI-CC VP of Marketing & Communications, Melanie Mason, CMP, at Melanie.mason35@gmail.com
Photo by 2hmedia on unsplash
MPI-CC 2023-2024 Board of Directors and Chairs
Leadership
President Najauna White, CMP, CDE Miles Partnership Najauna.white@gmail.com
Communications
VP of Marketing and Communications
Melanie Mason, CMP EnsembleIQ Melanie.mason35@gmail.com
Education
Interim VP of Education
Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University nicole.filippo@gmail.com
President-Elect
Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University nicole.filippo@gmail.com
Immediate Past President Brandon Crumpton
Key Signature Entertainment brandon@keysignatureonline.com
Chapter Administrator
Christine Irwin, CMP The Management Office Christine@ themanagementoffice.com
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 Needed
Meeting Planning Committee
Anna Monroe AICPA & CIMA Anna.Monroe@aicpa-cima.com
Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair
Tessa Barrier, CMP MHI TBarrier@mhi.org
Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair
Tarshi McCoy, CMP, CHSP, TMP Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County tmccoy@cravencountync.gov
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Finance
VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Kathryn Short Visit Raleigh kshort@visitRaleigh.com
DEI Committee Chair
Star Robertson Parks Hospitality Group star.robertson@parkshotels.com
VP of Finance
Karen Wall
Visit Winston-Salem karen@visitwinstonsalem.com
Member Engagement
VP of Member Engagement
Rachel Whitten, CMP Visit Greenville, NC RWhitten@greenvillenc.gov
Business Exchange Committee Chair
Floyd Isley Atrium Hospitality floyd.isley@atriumhospitality.com
Member Engagement Chair
Olivia Terrell The Flat Iron Hotel oterrell@theindigoroad.com
Auction Committee Chair
Nicole Keshler Visit Raleigh Nkeshler@visitraleigh.com
Look Who We Spotted...
at Global Meetings Idustry Day
GMID 2024 Recap
More than 200 meeting professionals convened on April 11 at The Speedway Club at the Charlotte Motor Speedway to celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID).
Led by U.S. Travel Association’s Meetings Mean Business Coalition, the international day of advocacy was created to showcase the undeniable value that business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences, and conventions bring to people, businesses, and communities.
MPI Carolinas joined PCMA Southeast, SITE Southeast, IAEE Southeast, TEF NC, AENC, NCTIA, ILEA Greater Charlotte, Charlotte Area Hotel Association, NACE Charlotte, HSMAI NC, and DMA NC to host a GMID event in Concord, N.C. The Carolinas event was one of nearly 100 GMID events held across the globe.
The day’s education sessions included “Airlines and the Economic Impact of Group Travel” with Tracy Montross from American Airlines; a legislative updates session with Brian Lewis, a lobbyist
for North Carolina Travel Industry Association, and Senator Todd Johnson; “AI Revolution: Elevating Events with Smart Strategies for Planners and Suppliers” with Cynthia Barnes; and a planner/supplier panel discussion with Mitch Savoie Hill, SavHill Consulting; Deanna Griffith-House, EventMasters; Christa Hovis Harris, chief experience consultant; Kevin Holland, Richmond Region Tourism; Teddy Burgis, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA); and Seth Macchi, LEMG.
Participants also enjoyed lunch and a reception hosted by CRVA and Explore Cabarrus.
Mark your calendars to join us for GMID 2025 on April 3, 2025.
Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke Center for International Development MPI-CC President-elect
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
The Gastonia Conference Center, located in the revitalized downtown and adjacent to the boutique Esquire Hotel, is a state-of-the-art facility providing 30,000 square feet of tech-savvy space accommodating groups of up to 450 and located only minutes from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Inspiring Spaces Igniting Greatness
Centrally located in North Carolina, Winston-Salem is a welcoming meeting destination with a history committed to reinvention and innovation. Named one of the South’s Best Cities on the Rise by Southern Living, Winston-Salem boasts the recently expanded 150,000-square-foot Benton Convention Center in the heart of our vibrant, walkable downtown. Elevate your next event in Benton South’s reimagined meeting space featuring the 24,000-square-foot Gallery Ballroom. Winston-Salem will have you looking forward to playing, meeting, and staying in our hip and historic city. To learn more, contact Christian Schroeder, Director of Sales and Services at Christian@VisitWinstonSalem.com, or Karen Wall, Senior Sales Manager, at Karen@VisitWinstonSalem.com, or visit VisitWinstonSalem.com
Looking Ahead Education at the August Chapter Meeting
Before summer wraps up, join MPI Carolinas Chapter at the Doubletree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront on Aug. 22-23 for our August Chapter Meeting.
Mastering Relationship
Building – The Importance of True Connections and Jolt! Get Zapped into Intentionality to Rediscover and Believe in Your Inner Greatness
Larry Long, Jr.
Larry Long, Jr., CEO (Chief Energy Officer) of LLJR Enterprises, will lead sessions leveraging the power of community and how to level-up our approach to networking. Larry is dedicated to helping people, teams and organizations go from good to great, and has been coaching and training sales organizations for more than 16 years.
In “Mastering Relationship Building – The Importance of True Connections,” Larry will share communications and rapport-building strategies for cultivating relationships. In “Jolt! Get Zapped into Intentionality to Rediscover and Believe in Your Inner Greatness,” he will guide us through creating action plans for prioritizing motivations and staying connected with others, as well as ourselves.
Anti-Human Trafficking
Ryan Heise
We will also examine the role meeting professionals and our organizations can play in preventing and combatting human trafficking during the
“Anti-Human Trafficking” session. Ryan Heise, Management and Program Analyst at the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, will provide insight into the Department of Homeland Security’s work in the fight against human trafficking, along with discussing the indicators of human trafficking, myths about the crime, and available resources.
Anti-Human Trafficking Q&A
Panel discussion with Ryan Heise and Shelbia Wiley, moderated by Malinda Harrell
Following his presentation, Malinda Harrell, CMP Fellow, CASE, Director of Sales for the Greater Raleigh CVB, and member of MPI’s Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, will moderate a discussion with Ryan and Shelbia Wiley, Executive Director of Engaging Minds Services, Inc., a Myrtle Beach-based non-profit organization providing services to victims of human trafficking and abuse.
To help support those impacted by human trafficking in the Myrtle Beach area, we will be collecting items for Engaging Minds Services’ transitional housing for survivors of human trafficking and abuse. Items needed include toiletries, non-perishable food, feminine products, new clothing, and children’s books. If you’d like to contribute, please bring your donation to the registration table at the meeting.
See you in Myrtle Beach!
Nicole Filippo, CMP
Duke Center for International Development
MPI-CC President-elect
Sustainability in the Meetings and Events Industry
Sustainability has evolved quite a bit over the years, you may recall the three R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), but it’s now shifted to the three P’s (People, Planet, Profit).
Sustainability calls for the more efficient use of resources, and with efficiency comes savings. Sustainability for events means taking action towards preserving our natural environment; promoting a healthy, inclusive society; and supporting a thriving economy.
Events are important for driving innovation, strengthening opportunities, education and supporting the economy.
TOP 10 SUSTAINABLE EVENT PRACTICES
• Vegetarian menus
• Allergy responsible menus
• Water glasses and filling stations, don’t pre-pour water/tea on tables
• Sorting recyclables
• Local food sourcing
• Diversity & Inclusion Policy –have a balance in speakers
• Donation of event materials
• Paperless meetings
• Health & Wellness program
• Food rescue program
There’s no denying the power of face-to-face meetings. The events industry generates over $1 trillion USD in direct spending and 26 million jobs. Meetings and events are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions stemming from transportation, energy use, food choices and materials. Our industry has a big impact on the economy as well as the environment and the communities we meet in. Planning sustainable meetings helps to ensure that the impact is positive.
The United Nations Universal Sustainable Development Goals were adopted in 2015. This provides a blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet now and in the future. There are 17 sustainable development goals that recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand in hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth all while tackling climate change. Planning sustainable meetings will have a positive impact on all 17 of the sustainable development goals.
Creating sustainable events can be very overwhelming when just beginning but you can start by adding a few things at a time, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
Planners and suppliers need to work together on sustainability. Most hotels have sustainable practices in place so work with the resources that are already available. Your CVB reps are your best resource in any destination, talk with them to find the best way to include sustainability in your event.
Please reach out to me anytime for a deeper dive, I’m happy to offer more tips and discuss the different certificate programs that are available.
Molly Johnson, CMP-Fellow, SEPC Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Power of Stories to Drive Change
In today's world, the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in every sphere of life cannot be overstated.
These principles foster a more understanding, empathetic, and cohesive society. At MPI Carolinas Chapter, we recognize the importance of these values and believe that our platform can be a powerful vehicle for change. To that end, we are reaching out to our members with a special request: share your stories and perspectives through DEI articles, which will be published in the Carolina Blitz newsletter.
Personal narratives have a unique power to inspire and educate. When individuals share their experiences, they help dismantle stereotypes, build bridges, and promote a more inclusive environment. DEI articles can cover a broad range of topics, from coming out stories to the challenges faced by those with invisible disabilities. Each article can shine a light on the diverse experiences within our community, fostering greater understanding and empathy among us all.
For example, coming out is a deeply personal and often challenging experience. By sharing your journey, you can provide hope and guidance to others who may be on a similar path. Your story can highlight the struggles and triumphs, the support systems that made a difference, and the ongoing journey of living authentically.
Another example is invisible disabilities, such as mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, and learning
disabilities, which often go unnoticed and misunderstood. Writing about these experiences can help raise awareness and foster a more inclusive environment. By sharing your story, you can educate others on the realities of living with an invisible disability, the importance of accommodation, and the need for greater empathy and support.
We invite all members of MPI Carolinas Chapter to contribute their stories. Whether you prefer to write a detailed article or a short personal reflection, your voice matters. To submit your piece, please send it to our DEI committee: kshort@visitraleigh.com or star.robertson@ parkshotels.com. Our team will review submissions and provide feedback to ensure your story is presented in the best possible way.
At MPI Carolinas Chapter, we believe in the power of stories to drive change. By contributing your story, you are teaching and helping to build a more inclusive and understanding community. Your experiences can inspire, educate, and empower others.
We look forward to reading your stories and continuing this important conversation together.
Kathryn Short Visit Raleigh MPI-CC VP of DEI
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is the perfect place to hold your meeting. Big or small, we’ll make sure your attendees are taken care of. Our talented culinary team is ready to create a tailored group dining experience to delight your guests. With a full-service spa and world-class dining options, Kalahari has everything you need, and the amenities your guests want, to ensure your event is successful.
› 200,000 square feet of flexible event space
› Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking
› Easily accessible for the public. Just two hours or less from major cities
› Diverse team-building options available on-site
› Nearly 1,000 guest rooms & suites at all locations
