Carolina Blitz - Summer 2023

Carolina Blitz

Summer 2023

August Chapter Meeting

The Ballantyne Hotel | Charlotte, NC

August 17 - 18, 2023

CAROLINAS CHAPTER

Inspire

Calling All Writers!

Do you dream of being a published author?

If so, the Blitz is looking for you! While we’re not the Wall Street Journal, getting published in the Blitz is a great way to share your ideas with fellow MPI-CC members and earn points toward your CMP certification The Blitz is always accepting original articles and great topic ideas To submit your articles or ideas, please contact Cathy Mauldin, CMP, at CathyMauldin@gmail .com or submit via our website at www .mpi .org/carolinas .

Carolina Blitz

The Carolina Blitz is the official publication of the Carolinas Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and is published quarterly. All contributions, articles, and photographs should be submitted to Publications Committee Chair/Editor. Send to Cathy Mauldin, CMP - CathyMauldin@gmail.com

EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE

VP of Marketing and Communications

Melanie Mason, CMP • EnsembleIQ

Editor

Cathy Mauldin, CMP • DESA, Inc. Onsite at CDM Smith

Contributing Writers

Najauna White, CMP, CDE©, Miles Partnership; Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University; Nicole Keshler, Visit Raleigh; Rosanny Crumpton, NBC-HWC, Sophrosyne; Rachel Whitten, Greenville-Pitt County CVB; Kathryn Short, Visit Raleigh

Photographer

Mica Parekh, CMP

Proofreaders

Melanie Mason, CMP, EnsembleIQ; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office; Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University Nancy Lowe, CMP, NC Medical Society; Peggy Anderson, CMP; Teresa Palmieri, Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport; Jake O'Dare, Aloft Greenville Downtown; Stephanie Trimble, GCT Chauffeured Services

Publisher Christine Irwin, CMP

704-377-5648

Volunteers are the heart of our organization.

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.

Visit mpi.org/Carolinas or email Jean Travers, MPI-CC Director of Professional Development, JTravers@HelmsBriscoe.com for more information on getting involved.

• The Management Office

• Fax 704-333-6927

Advertising Christine Irwin, CMP

• Christine@themanagementoffice.com

• The Management Office • 704-377-5648

Design Kistin Creative Studio • 704-724-9188 • kistincreative.com

MPI-CC Web Site: www.mpi.org/carolinas

ADVERTISING RATES AND DEADLINES

(Produced and provided by advertiser)

There are four issues of the Carolina Blitz published yearly. January, March, July, and September

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, CMP, 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 Irwin, CMP, 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

Embarking on a New Journey

Thank you, and welcome to another great year as members of MPI Carolinas Chapter. As a member of this association since 2017, I didn't expect that being voluntold to be a part of the Marketing and Communications Committee (MARCOM) would lead to my pleasure to serve as your Madam President in 2023-2024, however I am incredibly grateful.

This year, I get the pleasure of serving with board members who have not only committed their time to invest in our chapter and members' growth but have guided me throughout my journey at MPI Carolinas. So it's without a doubt that I trust they will do the same for you. We have a board of planners, suppliers, partners, thought leaders, and, most importantly, community builders, who are all here to collaborate on our education, membership, and overall chapter participation.

Together, we are working towards creating an inclusive environment that gives space for diverse ideas, styles, and travel experiences. To do that, we have committed and set expectations for this upcoming year that I want all of our members to hold us accountable for:

• Continuous Learning - No one on this board is above reproach, and we are here to listen to ways to improve the chapter for our members.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Some of you may say, "Not this again," but yes, this, always We made a commitment for this chapter to be a welcoming environment for everyone. As we

grow, our membership will continue to evolve and look different, and guess what? We're growing with it!

• Making Mistakes - We're going to make them. We may not do things like we always did or use your ideas when given every time, but we are listening. All that we ask for is grace, openness, and understanding.

• Member-First Approach - We are here to serve you. No if, ands, or buts.

• Honoring Our History - This chapter was established in 1984, and in that 39 years, we have been through some trying times as a country and industry and have remained here together. The only way we can continue to sustain and be great is by getting advice and encouragement from this chapter's past presidents and active members.

• Having a Good Time! - For those who don't know, we put A LOT of time into curating meetings and events, education, goals, and raising funds for this chapter. That sometimes can be another full-time role. So, we must also have fun! Show you our true personalities, build relationships, and allow you space to do that same.

We are embarking on a new journey together. One of remembering our "why" of joining this chapter, acknowledging the journey of others, and holding each other accountable for creating memorable experiences for new and continuing members alike. I can't wait to see what the year will bring, and I hope you join me in that excitement.

If you don't know me yet, you will. If you don't know anyone in the chapter yet, now you do.

I'll see you at a meeting soon!

Najauna White, CMP, CDE ® Miles Partnership MPI-CC President

Our Members

Welcome New Members!

The Membership Engagement squad would like to welcome all of our new members! You should have, or should soon be, receiving a few things:

• A welcome email from me, I serve as your VP of membership engagement.

• An email/phone call from your personal chapter ambassador to help you get connected with the folks who will help you get what you are looking for out of the chapter and help get you plugged into the right volunteer role.

• An invite to a virtual BYOLunch and Learn. This is a short intro to our chapter that happens about 2 weeks before each in-person event.

As an organization that is relationship-fueled, and whose leadership is volunteer-based, we are excited to have you, your energy, your experience and your thoughts here!

We look forward to learning more about you and answering any questions that you have! You can reach out to your chapter ambassador or me ( Rachel@VisitGreenvilleNC.com) at any time* with questions or thoughts!

Until our next adventure, I hope you have an EPIC day!

*there is also an anonymous suggestion box on our website that you can submit to 24/7!

New Members April 19 - June 11, 2023:

Dorothy Bedor CEM dbedor@sho-link.com

James Belmonte

Hilton Durham near Duke University james.belmonte@hiltondurhamnc.com

Kirah Brace kirahw.brace@gmail.com

Katy Budnik Plannernet katybudnik@plannernet.com

Maloree Burgin maloree@soc-neuro-onc.org

Jessica Curran Corcentric jcurran@corcentric.com

Jocelyn Davis davis.jocelynm@gmail.com

Diane Gregory, CMP diane.gregory@streamlinevents.com

Anniversaries

30 Years

Laura Jordan Creative Events & Meetings, LLC

25 Years

Kathy Hastings, CMP, CMM Teradata Corporation

15 Years

Herb Arnold Biltmore Farms Hotels

10 Years

Cathy Somerville Parata Systems

5 Years

Katelyn Harrian Kingston Plantation, A Hilton & Embassy Suites Resort Katelyn.Harrian@Hilton.com

Delany May Advance Auto Parts delanyleigh@gmail.com

Rebecca Mittleman Visit Greenville SC rmittleman@visitgreenvillesc.com

Susie Olson Arizona State University solson14@asu.edu

Sarah Robbins Plannernet sarahrobbins@plannernet.com

Olivia Terrell Asheville Renaissance Hotel oterrell@theindigoroad.com

Sondra Warren Legacy Stables and Events sondra.m.warren@gmail.com

Brandon Crumpton Key Signature Entertainment

Kathryn Dewey Explore Asheville

Donna Ivey Bermuda Run Country Club

Emily Jones, CMP RSM US LLP

Michelle VonCannon North Carolina Biotechnology Center

Janice Wright JW Events Group

Rachel Whitten, CMP Visit Greenville NC MPI-CC VP of Membership

Monthly Meeting Planner

August 17-18, 2023

August Chapter Meeting

The Ballantyne Hotel

Charlotte, NC

A room block is being held at the Ballantyne Hotel for $229 a night. Resort fee has been waived! Book your room before Thursday, July 27 in order to receive the group rate.

November 2, 2023

November Chapter Meeting

The Ritz Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

April 11, 2024

Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID)

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, August 25, 2023. Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to Editor-In-Chief Cathy Mauldin, CMP, at cathymauldin@gmail.com

Photo by 2hmedia on unsplash

UNPARALLELED MEETINGS WITH UNIQUE OPTIONS FOR ALL

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

THANK YOU!

TO OUR 2022-23 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CHAIRS

President

Brandon Crumpton

Key Signature Entertainment

President-Elect

Najauna White, CMP, CDE Miles Partnership

Immediate Past President

Ricardo Hicks

Tech Factory Productions

Director of Professional Development

Jean Travers

HelmsBriscoe

Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Mitch Savoie Hill, CPC SavHill Consulting LLC

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Chair

Tarshi McCoy, CMP, CHSP, TMP Riverfront Convention Center

Chapter Administrator

Christine Irwin, CMP The Management Office

VP of Marketing and Communications

Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University

Publications Committee Chair

Cathy Mauldin, CMP

DESA, Inc. Onsite at CDM Smith

Social Media Committee Chair

Melanie Mason, CMP EnsembleIQ

VP of Program Development

Cathy Carpenter

Le Meridien Sheraton Charlotte

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair

Jessica Garrett, CMP streamlineevents

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair

Tessa Barrier, CMP

MHI

VP of Finance

Seth Macchi

Live Events Media Group (LEMG)

Tradeshow Committee Chair

Christian Schroeder

Visit Winston-Salem

Auction Committee Chair

Nicole Keshler

Visit Raleigh

VP of Member Engagement

Rachel Whitten, CMP

Visit Greenville NC

Member Engagement Chair

Melissa Woodruff

Maritz Global Events

INTRODUCING OUR 2023 - 24 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Najauna White, CMP, CDE Miles Partnership

President-Elect

Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University

Immediate Past President

Brandon Crumpton

Key Signature Entertainment

Director of Professional Development

Jean Travers

HelmsBriscoe

VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Kathryn Short

Visit Raleigh

VP of Marketing & Communications

Melanie Mason, CMP EnsembleIQ

VP of Program Development

Lori Hedrick, CMM, CMP, CSEP Burroughs Wellcome Fund

VP of Finance

Karen Wall

Visit Winston-Salem

VP of Membership

Rachel Whitten, CMP

Visit Greenville NC

On June 1, MPI Carolinas held its inaugural awards gala, honoring chapter members and celebrating a successful 2022-23 year.

Held at The Stockroom at 230 in downtown Raleigh, the evening included a reception, live music by jazz guitarist Kevin Van Sant, a panel discussion, dinner by Empire Eats Catering, an awards presentation, and the induction of the 2023-24 board of directors.

Malinda Harrell, CMP Fellow, CASE, director of sales at Visit Raleigh, moderated a discussion on event and meeting design trends for 2023 and beyond. Panelists Aisha Smith, CMP, conference and events planner at RTI International; Kate Jansen, national sales manager at Raleigh Convention Center; Aundrea Hopkins, senior account executive at AFR Furniture Rental; and Seth Macchi, CEO at LEMG; provided insights from their experiences and varying industry roles.

Following dinner, the 2022-23 chapter awards were presented.

The evening concluded with recognizing and thanking the 2022-23 board of directors for their service, the passing of the chapter’s gavel from outgoing president Brandon Crumpton to incoming president Najauna White, CMP, CDE, and the induction of the 2023-24 board of directors by past president Alyce Kelly, CHSP, senior sales manager at the Beaufort Hotel.

Thank you to our members and annual partners for a successful year and to our awards gala partners – Curated Events, Fat Dog Laser, Key Signature Entertainment and AFR Event Furnishings – and gala emcee Molly Johnson, director of convention sales at Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, for a memorable night!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS

HALL OF FAME

Danny Treece

American Meetings & Events

Presented by Jean Travers

COREY D. BIZZELL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Cathy Carpenter

Le Meridien Sheraton Charlotte

Presented by Brandon Crumpton

PLANNER OF THE YEAR

Melanie Mason, CMP

EnsembleIQ

Presented by Nicole Filippo, CMP

SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

Ricardo Hicks

CEO at Tech Factory

Presented by Myron Jones

TOMORROW’S LEADER

Alex Morales

Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Presented by Malinda Harrell

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Kathryn Short

Visit Raleigh

Presented by Rachel Whitten, CMP

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Rachel Whitten, CMP

Visit Greenville NC

Presented by Brandon Crumpton

CHAPTER EVENT OF THE YEAR

Fall 2022 Meeting at Drive Shack in Raleigh with education sessions led by Evan Carroll, Attended Events; Jerry McCormick, Personal Safety at Work; Sally Webb, CSEP, The Special Event Company; David Freedman, Raleigh-Durham International Airport; and Rebekah Werner, Unita Yoga

Presented by Kathryn Short

Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University MPI-CC President-Elect

Look Who We Spotted

at the Awards Gala

Meet the Member

Melissa Woodruff Maritz Global Events

Where do you currently work?

I work for Maritz Global Events from my home in Columbia, S.C.! I've been with them since October 2022. However, I previously worked with them 2013-15.

Tell me about your position and your organization.

Maritz Global Events is a leader in the events industry for sourcing and planning. We have clients from the corporate world, incentive meetings, and the association market. As a Meeting Event Manager, I have three association accounts that I manage the logistics for their annual meetings. These meetings range from 1,000-18,000 attendees.

What are your hobbies?

When I'm not planning meetings, I enjoy traveling, visiting breweries, wineries, reading, live concerts (anyone got an extra Taylor Swift ticket they want to give me?!), and playing tourist in my state and the neighboring states.

Why did you join MPI Carolinas Chapter?

I joined MPI-CC because of the community and the great reputation MPI has. Living here in Columbia and working from home, it's hard for me to get out and meet new people and make meaningful connections. Joining the Carolinas Chapter will allow me to do that!

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

It would have to be RBG [Ruth Bader Ginsburg] due to her work to fight for gender equality. She broke barriers that allow women in the U.S. today to be seen as an equal in the workplace. She was a powerhouse!

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

Find a mentor! Find someone that has been in the industry for a little bit and learn from them. Don't be afraid to make mistakes but learn from them. And, keep your options open. The hospitality and meetings industry is vast and there are many opportunities in different roles in the planning of a meeting.

What is your ideal vacation/vacation spot?

The beach! A chair and umbrella, SPF 50, a drink with an umbrella in it and a great book!

Rachel Whitten, CMP Visit Greenville NC MPI-CC VP of Membership

“I enjoy traveling, visiting breweries, wineries, reading, live concerts, and playing tourist...”

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.

It's Not Just What You Can See

At first glance, you may not know that I am married to a woman . That’s right, I’m a lesbian, but truthfully, I hate titles . Sure, technically, as a woman married to another woman, I am gay, but I’m so much more than that . Who I’m married to doesn’t define me. It’s just a part of my story. That realization has helped me dig deep into my own DEI journey . It has also made me want to learn more about others who are different than me .

Big picture - I grew up privileged. My parents were married and had full-time jobs. We lived in a safe neighborhood, had three meals a day, toys to play with, safety, love, and so much more. I took these things for granted as a child, a teenager, and even a young adult. I had a secret, kind of. I was gay. Yet, I refused to come out. Why should I? Why should I have to make a big announcement when my “straight” friends did not have to? It was not fair. And frankly, I was mad about it (and still kind of am).

Believe it or not, I never officially came out. I never told my parents or loved ones directly, never made a big deal of it, and never wanted to. Maybe the fact that I never had a boyfriend was the first clue? But when I had my first real adult girlfriend, I brought her to meet my family, and that was that. The same goes for my now wife. She was just always my plus one. I never wanted to have this big coming out thing because I didn’t believe I should have had to.

Thinking back, that experience has caused me to think about so many other things that are not fair and aren’t someone’s fault. Where kids grow up, who their parents are, and the cards they are dealt are not always fair. It does not make someone less than others. That realization opened my eyes even more so to all the injustices in the world, in our community specifically, and made me want to learn more.

I had never taken the time to listen to the story of a single parent trying to make ends meet or a friend of a different race who is judged by others simply for the color of their skin. Sure, I’ve seen my fair share of hate or discrimination. Growing up, many of my female friends had short hair, liked to wear clothes from the “boys” section because it made them more comfortable, and often held hands with other girls in public. We caught looks and comments from time

to time. Even now, when I have to make an appointment for something for my son or myself, I’ve been asked:

“And what’s your husband’s name?” OR “Will his dad be coming too?”

I don’t have a husband, and my son doesn’t have a dad. He has two moms, and I have a wife. Having to tell people this is annoying and sometimes still makes me feel uncomfortable. Most of the time, there is no malice attached to these questions, but society has tried to teach us that a family is one mom and one dad, they are married, and that’s that. I absolutely love when people ask me about my partner or spouse instead of my husband. You cannot assume someone even has a spouse, much less what gender they are, and the same goes for a family unit. Kids could live with their aunt, grandma, etc. I’ve seen strides in this but there is still work to be done, even for me. I make sure to think before I ask someone something that could make them uncomfortable or not ready to share.

What I implore you to do is take the time to learn, educate yourself, talk to others who are different than you, and make the effort.

DEI shouldn’t be just a hot topic for an education session but an opportunity to grow and do better. We could take a class every week for the rest of the year and still not learn all there is to learn about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, but making the effort is what counts.

Nicole Keshler Visit Raleigh MPI-CC Past President

WE ARE Breaking Ground

EXPANSION AND

NEW

+Renovated meeting rooms

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Sarah Davis Jones, CMP, TMP Director of Sales & Marketing

Sarah@hickorymetro.com 828.322.1335 visithickorymetro.com

While our hotel may be new, our location has been a hub for thriving businesses for as long as we can remember. Originally a fishing ground for American Indians, it became a center for the Menhaden fishing industry after the Civil War. Today, our site continues to inspire business with expansive waterfront views, natural light, luxurious accommodations and tempting cuisine. Stimulate your business at Beaufort Hotel. Where your Outer Banks adventure begins.

Many people are able to recognize when something needs to change in their life in order to be happy… to be successful…feel joy…get healthy. This often feels like discontent, boredom, burnout, irritability, constant distraction, and even fantasizing of a different reality. For a lot of people, a change in their day-to-day personal or professional life can make all the difference. For some it requires an overhaul and for others it might just be a few tweaks here and there to get closer to the goal in mind. The key, of course is, small steps toward the big picture will more than likely yield those big results you want to see.

Some people can pinpoint how they want to make change.

“I need to put my phone away at night and get more hours of sleep.”

“I need to eat better in order to lose weight.”

“I need to learn to meditate to support my mental health.”

The little voice in our heads sounds different from person to person.

While some might know exactly what change they might like to see, there are others who might not know where and how to begin. They feel like they’re heading in a downward spiral and just know something needs to change. Stat.

Ask yourself right now, what would my health (mental, physical, emotional) look like 5 years from now if I don’t make a change soon? Ponder on that. Write down what comes to mind.

Truly jot it down.

Now ask yourself, what would my health (mental, physical, emotional) look like 5 years from now if I do make a change soon? Ponder on that. Write down what comes to mind. Try it.

If your vision of making a change is a healthier version of you, then you might be ready for change immediately. If so, I wonder where you might like to start. Also, what’s your why? Why does this vision of yourself inspire you? How will you constantly remember your why? Especially when old habits that don’t support your healthy vision of health creeps in.

While part of my role as a behavior change expert is to help encourage and support people towards making the change they desire, part of it is also to acknowledge that we live in a very real world. Change isn’t always linear. Life throws curveballs, temptations, stress, and obstacles and we should plan accordingly for them.

The fact of the matter is that if you’re ready for change and growth in the best of ways, then change is possible for you.

How do you know if you’re ready for change?

YOU MIGHT BE READY FOR CHANGE IF:

n You need help getting “unstuck.”

n You need help envisioning what you want.

n You value your health and wellbeing and that of those around you.

n You could use support and resources to get to your desired outcome.

n You are ready to be intentional about developing new healthy habits in a realistic way.

If you’re not ready for change, then now may not be the time to take on actionable steps. If that’s the case, that’s okay too. Ask yourself what needs to happen before you feel ready to take a step towards a healthier vision of health.

Now that you know whether or not you might be ready to make a change, now is the time to determine what a good starting point might be and when you might like to start.

HOW TO START:

n Make your starting step specific.

n Make it measurable so you know how to track it.

n Make sure it’s an actionable task.

n Make it realistic.

n Make it timely so you know when to celebrate successes.

Consider what barriers you might face, what back-up plans you’ll need to put in place, the accountability processes you’ll have, and celebrations for when you hit milestone moments. These systems in place will support the outcome you want to see.

Should you need support with any behavior changes you want to make to support your health, do REACH OUT This is what we are skilled to do in a way that is reasonable and personalized to you and your vision of ideal health.

Rosanny Crumpton, NBC-HWC Owner of Sophrosyne Wellness MPI-CC 2023 Annual Meeting Speaker

IF CHANGE WERE EASY, EVERYONE WOULD BE SUCCESSFUL ALL THE TIME.

WHERE MODERN

WONDERS MEET THE WONDERS OF OUR WORLD.

MAKE YOUR MEETINGS

Boricua [boh-ree-kwah] is more than a word to identify a person from Puerto Rico. It’s a way of life that means finding inspiration wherever you look and sharing it with whomever you meet. From our ultra-modern convention center to our incredible beaches, history and culture, every attendee will be as inspired as we are. Learn more at DiscoverPuertoRico.com/meetings.