Carolina BlitzOctober-November 2014
New Member Spotlight Lu Ann Debolt
Page 8
Pine Needles & Mid Pines Golf ResortsSouthern Pines, NC | November 20-21, 2014
Carolina Blitz
Where great meetings happen
NORTH CAROLINA
Keep it fresh. Meet in My Durham…really.
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My Durham is also unique. It’s not like everywhere—or anywhere—else; there is no location amnesia here. You will know you have been to a unique city that literally has something new for your attendees – fresh daily!
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Corey D. Bizzell Vice President, Group Sales & Business Development
The Cotton Room at Golden Belt
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Durham Convention Center
RDU International AirportFood Trucks in Downtown Durham
Rizzo Conference Center
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 | 1
in this issue...
in every issue
features
Do You Buy MPI? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
The Right MOVE(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Legacy of Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19
Our Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
New Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Helping Hand Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15
MPI-CC Board of Directors Meeting Highlights . . . . . . . . . . 20
magicflute00
2/iStock/ThinkStock
2 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
Carolina BlitzThe Carolina Blitz is the official publication of the Carolinas Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and is published every other month . All contributions, articles, and photographs should be submitted to Director of Publications/Editor one week after the meeting . Ginny Fountain, CMP - Ginny .Fountain@ncemcs .com
EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Director of PublicationsLaura Barnes, CMP • Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
EditorGinny Fountain, CMP • North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives
Contributing WritersMalinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Greater Raleigh CVB; Jeanette Keys, Greenville Convention Center; Colleen Schwoerke, CMP, PlanIt Right; Rod Abraham, The Rod Abraham Group; Christian Savelli, MPI; Molly Johnson, CMP, Hilton Wilmington Riverside; Tonya Miller, CMP, Embassy Suites Greensboro-Airport; Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP, Marriott Columbia;
PhotographerMica Parekh – IWP Photography
ProofreadersKathy Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office; Cathy Mauldin, CMP, DESA, Inc .; Melanie O’Bryan, Biltmore; Teresa Palmieri, Sheraton Imperial; Myron Jones, Fayetteville CVB; Connie Hayes, Student
PublisherVince Chelena • The Management Office704-377-5648 • Fax 704-333-6927 • staff@themanagementoffice .com
AdvertisingAmy Johnson • Courtyard by Marriott, Carolina Beach Oceanfront and Fairfield Inn & Suites, Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach • 910-458-2617
DesignKistin Jordan • Kistin Jordan [Graphic Designer] • 704-724-9188
MPI-CC Web Site: www .mpi-cc .org
ADVERTISING RATES AND DEADLINESAD SIZE FREQUENCY MEMBER NON-MEMBER RATE RATEQuarter Page 1X $220 $290(3 1/2”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $200/issue $270/issue 6X $160/issue $230/issueHalf Page Horizontal 1X $420 $550(7 1/4”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $400/issue $530/issue 6X $360/issue $490/issueHalf Page Vertical 1X $420 $550(3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 3X $400/issue $530/issue 6X $360/issue $490/issueFull Page 1X $640 $840(7 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 3X $620/issue $820/issue 6X $580/issue $780/issueFull Page Insert 1X $700/issue $910/issue 3X $680/issue $890/issue 6X $640/issue $850/issue(Produced and provided by advertiser)
There are 6 issues of the Blitz published yearly -FEB/MAR, APR/MAY, JUNE/JULY, AUG/SEPT, OCT/NOV, DEC/JAN
NOTE: Rates are published as of January 2011 and are subject to change without notice . All published rates are net non-commisionable . 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, 1800 Camden Road, Suite 107, #213, Charlotte, NC 28203Christine@TheManagementOffice .com • Fax: 704-333-6927
For more advertising information contact Amy Johnson at amy .johnson@crestlinehotels .com or 910-458-2617 .
Visit our website at www .mpi-cc .org for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities!
Visit us online at www.hickorymetro.com or contact us by phone at 1.800.509.2444 for more information.
• Over 76,000 square feet of usable meeting space
• 1,900 hotel rooms
• Easy access off I-40
• Free Parking
• Free Wireless Internet
Come Experience Our Hickory Hospitality
Where Meetings are Well Crafted.
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 | 3
Welcome New Members!
our members
Lisa Burzotta
PNC Bank
lisa .burzotta@pnc .com
Patricia Byrd
Spartanburg Convention &
Visitors Bureau
sales@visitspartanburg .com
Chia-Li Chien, CFP
jolly@chialichien .com
Shannon Dubuisson Cone Health
shannon .dubuisson@conehealth .com
Barbara Evans Burroughs Wellcome Fund
bevans@bcofunds .org
Diane Gregory BCD M&I Onsite at Cisco Systems
digregor@cisco .com
Gregory Hussar
Kingston Plantation,
A Hilton & Embassy Suites Resort
greg .hussar@hilton .com
Jan Kelly
North Carolina Egg Association
egglady@ncegg .org
Wes Kitashima, CMP Hilton Head Island Visitor &
Convention Bureau
wkitashima@hiltonheadisland .org
John McCants Charleston Area Convention
and Visitors Bureau
jmmccants@explorecharleston .com
Chantel Post Marriott Greensboro Downtown
chantel .post@marriottsales .com
Lauren Powell JHM Hotels
LPowell@jhmhotels .com
Kelly Pratt Hilton Garden Inn Myrtle Beach
kelly .pratt@hilton .com
Faye Robinson
berica .robinson@gmail .com
Dixie Smith Duke Energy
Dixie .Smith@duke-energy .com
MPI-CC Anniversaries20 years
Andrew Schmidt, CHME, MPA Greenville-Pitt County
Convention & Visitors Bureau
15 yearsJanice Roberts, CMP, CMM
10 yearsKarolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP
Marriott Columbia
5 yearsBridget Stalvey
Hyatt Regency Greenville
Congratulations to each of you for reaching a milestone in MPI!
New Members: Wes J. T. Kitashima, CMP - Hilton Head Island Visitor &
Convention Bureau; Bree Nidds – Wilmington & Beaches CVB; LuAnn DeBolt - Domtar
First Timers and New Members
4 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
MPI-CC THANKSOUR ANNUAL SPONSORS!
We Appreciate Your Support!
Silver Sponsors:
Gold Sponsors:
Diamond Sponsor:
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 | 5
Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Associate Director of Sales, Greater Raleigh Convention
and Visitors Bureau; 2014-2015 MPI-CC President
president’s message
“With great power comes great responsibility.” ~Voltaire by Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE
One Saturday afternoon, my four-year-old grandson asked me a question that changed my
perspective .
He said, “Mimi, do you know what superpower Spider-Man has?”
In my mind, I was thinking, of course I do! He can leap from building to building, use his
spidery sense to find danger and save lives…everyone knows that . But on the outside I
remained silent and waited for him to tell me what I thought I already knew .
And then, in his innocent little voice, he stated, “He swings and takes pictures .” And he ran off
to play .
I thought to myself, “takes pictures--when did that become a superpower!?” As I overanalyzed
the answer of my grandson, I had an epiphany; I realized that the power is in the eye of the
beholder . To him, Spiderman (Peter Parker) taking pictures was extraordinary .
How many moments in history were captured by someone simply taking pictures? That is
when I realized that the simple things we do can make a huge impact . That made me rethink
my version of what I thought were Spiderman’s powers . As I dug deeper, I realized that what
was most important to me was that he always did the right thing . Yes, Spiderman has ethics!
And, as I thought further, so do the other heroes I admire: Superman, Maya Angelou, Bono,
Mahatma Gandhi and more .
Having a strong sense of ethics creates an environment of trust . Our industry shapes the world
by providing powerful opportunities for learning, peer to peer connections and the growth of
humankind . Each and every exchange has the potential to create a positive experience . That is
extraordinary, that is our superpower . “With great power comes great responsibility .” Embrace
your inner Superhero, recognize the power within to change the world just by doing the right
thing . Your mission is never to miss the chance to be extraordinary . n
alex
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President
Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE
Greater Raleigh CVB
919-645-2668
mharrell@visitraleigh .com
President-Elect
Christian Schroeder
Visit Winston-Salem
336-728-4218
Christian@visitwinstonsalem .com
Vice President of Administration
Colleen Schwoerke, CMP
PlanIt Right
919-808-1902
colleen@planit-right .com
Vice President of Communication
Corey Bizzell
Durham CVB
919-680-8315
corey@durham-cvb .com
Vice President of Education
Barbara Dragan
The Westin Charlotte
704-335-2114
Barbara .Dragan@westin .com
Vice President of Finance
Alyce Kelly, CHSP
Hampton Inn Morehead City
252-240-0775
alyce .kelly@hilton .com
Vice President of Membership
Tarshi McCoy, TMP
DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern
Riverfront
252-638-0304
tarshi .mccoy@hilton .com
Immediate Past President
Erin Moye
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
919-313-2160
emoye@wdigc .com
MPI-CC 2014-2015 Board of Directors and Committees
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Awards/Recognition
Lindsay Myers
Caesars Entertainment
919-628-8836
lmyers1@caesars .com
Marketing/Community Outreach
Alison Jenkins
The Umstead Hotel & Spa
919-447-4122
Alison .Jenkins@theumstead .com
Strategic Partnerships
Amy Johnson
Courtyard by Marriott
at Carolina Beach
910-458-2617
amy .johnson@crestlinehotels .com
Meeting Planning
Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMM, CMP
Burroughs Wellcome Fund
919-991-5105
lhedrick@bwfund .org
DIRECTORS
6 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
Scholarship Liz Guertin Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4231 liz@visitwinstonsalem .com
Silent Auction Kathy Flowe, CMP Alabama Theatre 843-272-5758 kflowe@alabama-theatre .com
Business Exchange Chair needed
Education Stephen Valliere Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa 904-813-3307 svalliere@ sawgrassmarriott .com
Hospitality Gloria Refinati ON Event Services 336-292-9700 grefinati@ oneventservices .com
Recruitment Kimberly Harrelson Kingsmill Resort 757-253-3980 Kimberly .harrelson@kingsmill .com
Membership (Co-Chairs)Melissa Riggle New Bern-Craven County CVC 800-437-5767 mriggle@cravencountync .gov
Rick Cammer The Ballantyne Hotel 704-248-4033 rcammer@theballantynehotel .com
Publications Ginny Fountain, CMP NC Association of Electric Cooperatives 919-875-3050 ginny .fountain@ncemcs .com
Meeting Planning Molly Nelson Spartanburg Marriott 864-591-3113 Molly .Nelson@marriott .com
Leadership & Volunteer Development Alison Harding, CMP Global Knowledge 919-461-8698 Alison .Harding@globalknowledge .com CMP (Co-Chairs) Sarah Sharkey, CMP Ernst & Young LLP Sarah .sharkey@ey .com
Amelia Hodges, CMP North Carolina Association of CPAs 919-469-1040, ext . 8 ahodges@NCACPA .org Awards Wendy Bassett, CMP HelmsBriscoe 843-243-0554 wbassett@helmsbriscoe .com
Strategic Partnerships Chair needed
Marketing Sandi Owen Embassy Suites Columbia 803-744-8134 sandi .owen@jqh .com
Community Outreach Chair needed
COMMITTEES
Auctions
Diane Weems
NC Aggregates Association
919-782-7055
Diane@ncaggregates .org
Exhibits
Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP
Marriott Columbia
803-744-6922
Karolyn .stone@marriottcolumbia .com
Membership
Jeanette Keys
Greenville Convention Center
252-321-7671
jkeys@greenvilleconventioncenter .com
Education
Tonya Miller, CMP
Embassy Suites Greensboro-Airport
336-668-4535
tonya .miller@jqh .com
Publications
Laura Barnes, CMP
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
843-341-8010
lbarnes@omnihotels .com
Management Office
Christine Irwin, CMP
The Management Office
704-377-5648
Christine@themanagementoffice .com
DIRECTORS (continued)
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 | 7
8 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
Lu Ann has been in her current
position for over two years as the
Events and Operations Coordinator
at Domtar, and held her previous
position there for three years .
When asked what is unique about her
destination, property or position, Lu
Ann replied, “My position falls within
the Sustainability and Business
Communications department;
however, I work with various business segments within
Domtar as well as Corporate Communications . Among
other responsibilities, I manage our customer events,
industry events and tradeshows .
“I first heard about MPI from the passenger seated next to
me on a flight as I was returning home from a customer
event . Unfortunately, I do not remember her name or the
company she worked for, but she was a member of MPI
and highly encouraged me to join . Another reason I am
looking forward to being a part of MPI is for the networking
opportunities . I believe creating a bank of resources will
be a valuable tool to enable me to perform my job well and
efficiently .”
I asked Lu Ann what is the one thing that has happened
in her life that has made the biggest impact on who she
is today . She responded, “I would say hitting the restart
button . I have relocated several times, thus started new
jobs with new companies in new industries, ultimately
meeting and working with new people . This may sound
like a disadvantage, but, instead it has offered me a
magnitude of opportunities and experiences . I do love the
Carolinas, however, and believe I am here to stay!”
Lu Ann, if you could meet someone living or deceased,
who would it be and why? She said, “There are so many
people, but one who always comes to mind for me is
Phil Mickelson . Phil along with his wife, Amy, originally
created the Smart Start Foundation, primarily focused on
supporting youth and family initiatives, and the Birdies
for the Brave Foundation supporting troops injured
during combat . They are also big supporters of the Special
Operations Warrior Foundation, as well as Homes for Our
Troops . In my opinion, Phil Mickelson is not only a great
golfer and philanthropist, but also an extraordinary role
new member spotlight
model for youth and adults alike . He hasn’t let his success
change who he really is .”
Lu Ann, have you achieved balance between your personal
and professional life? “I believe I have achieved a balance
between my personal and professional life . As with any
profession, you put in the extra hours when necessary and
savor the days when the load is a little lighter . Plus, I am
grateful my dog loves going to “kennel camp!”
I asked Lu Ann, “What do you think is the biggest challenge
of our industry today?” Her response was, “I’ve noticed that
with the economic rebound, the need to plan events further
and further in advance is key . Coming up with innovative
and fresh ideas for repetitive events is always essential in
keeping your audiences interested and engaged . I also find
that how we most effectively communicate (face-to-face,
social media, etc .) continues to change .”
What is your advice for anyone considering hospitality as
a profession? Lu Ann said, “Keep your eyes and ears wide
open! We are surrounded by a group of very creative people
and there is always something to glean from one another
and add to our own bag of tricks . Also, try to carve a little
sliver of time, even if it’s just an hour or two, for exploring
wherever your travels may take you .” n
New Member Spotlight: Lu Ann DeBoltby Jeanette Keys
Jeanette Keys Greenville Convention CenterMPI-CC Director of Membership
Lu Ann DeBolt
November 20-21, 2014 Southern Pines, NCPine Needles& Mid Pines Golf Resorts
Pine Needles & Mid Pines Golf Resort Southern Pines, North Carolina — November 20-21, 2014 For nearly a century, golfers have reveled in the serene ambiance of Pine Needles & Mid Pines Resorts. Two 18-hole Donald Ross designed resort golf courses have earned us our place amongst the country’s best golf resorts—and one to which our guests and USGA Championships return to time and again. We are located just one mile from Southern Pine’s historic downtown and four miles from the Village of Pinehurst. Being 60 miles southwest of Raleigh and just 75 miles east of Charlotte, NC we are easily accessible by car. Accommodations 73 rooms at Pine Needles, 89 rooms at Mid Pines Conference Facilities 6 Meeting Facilities at Pine Needles 4 Meeting Facilities at Mid Pines Largest Seating Capacity: 400 AV Equipment Available On Site Golf To play at Pine Needles and Mid Pines is to live and breath Donald Ross golf. Couple this with impeccable course conditioning and our attentive service and you have a truly memorable golf experience. Dining There are four difference dining options between the two properties. One formal dining room at each hotel and one bar at each location, offering a variety of choices for every palate
Meeting Professionals International
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 | 9
9951537
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It’s All in the Numbers170,000-Square Feet of Meeting Space
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10 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
Know a Helping Hand?
Know anyone that has lent a helping hand?
Committee Chairs, please nominate one of your
members that has volunteered her time and efforts
this month and thank her for helping to make your
goal possible. Let me know who she is and how she
went above and beyond for your committee.
Please send nominations to Lindsay Myers
GREENVILLE-PITT COUNTYCONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Find yourself in good company in Greenville, NC
www.visitgreenvillenc.com • 800-537-5564
Meetings executives find themselves well attended to in Greenville, North Carolina. Planners enjoy unmatched event services and visitors find themselves the absolute center of attention in our two hospitality areas: the newly-expanded facilities of the Convention Center District, and the Uptown Greenville District hub for dining, arts and recreation opportunities. Point your meetings in our direction. You won’t find better company!
Stephen has just jumped in with
both feet . His enthusiasm is only
matched with his creativity and
the energy that he is bringing to
the Education team . It was his
idea to put together the panel for
Concession Confessions at the
September meeting and he has
some more great ideas for future
meetings .
Congratulations, Stephen! Thank
you for your dedication to MPI-CC!
To nominate a fellow MPI-CC
member for the Helping Hand
Award, please email Lindsay Myers
at lmyers1@caesars .com . n
MPI-CC is proud to present the Helping Hand Award to Stephen Valliere
Stephen Valliere Chairman of the
Education Committee
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 | 11
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If you’ve been a member of MPI for a while, then you may remember several years ago the Buy MPI campaign was rolled out. well, we are bringing it back!
The concept is really quite simple: buy from people within
the organization first . Keep in mind, buying doesn’t always
happen solely between Planners and Suppliers–– often it’s
Supplier to Supplier . Either way, with a network of 20K+, the
odds are you will find what you need within MPI .
Our September Business Exchange was the perfect
opportunity to get the Buy MPI concept in front of our
chapter members; you may have seen Linda Ilsley, CMP,
Brent Lancaster and myself at registration asking for your
success story of business you gained through your MPI
network . We knew that it might take a little bribing to get
people to tell their story, so we came prepared with two
awesome prizes and we got some great stories . Kathy Flowe,
CMP with the Alabama Theater won a $25 .00 Amazon Gift
Card and Donna Thompson with the SC Coalition against
Domestic Violence won a two-night stay with breakfast at
the Don Caesar Hotel in St . Petersburg, FL .
We have lined up some amazing prizes that will be given
away at each chapter meeting: all you have to do is send
your story to BuyMPICC@gmail .com and you will be entered
into the drawing . One chance for each success story you
send and you do not have to be at the meeting to win . Don’t
have a story yet? Well, there are many vendors from our
Business Exchange that will be happy to assist you with
your story . In fact, I know they will fill out the form for you…
Buy MPI!! n
Molly Johnson, CMPHilton Wilmington RiversideMPI-CC Past President
DO YOU Buy MPI? by Molly Johnson, CMP
Look Who We Spotted at the...
... September Chapter Meeting in Durham!
Look Who We Spotted at the...
... September Chapter Meeting in Durham!Photography by Mica Parekh – IWP Photography
Join us at the November chapter meeting as we dive into the RFP
process and learn how suppliers build their offer based on the
information provided in an RFP . Have you been using the same RFP
time after time? Remember, “There’s S’MMore” to RFP’s . How much
is too much information, what is not enough? Together we’ll discover
how to create a dynamic RFP that will result in receiving qualified
proposals! n
14 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
Education & Business Exchange Recapby Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP
education
MPI-CC held the Inaugural Education & Business Exchange on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at the Doubletree by Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park . It was a success! The event started with a panel discussion, CONCESSION CONFESSIONS led by Tonya Miller, CMP . In this informative session, we learned from planners and suppliers what to ask for and how to get what you need . After the panel discussion, we flowed into the Business Exchange . Gone were the big displays and handouts replaced with a sleek, innovative set up and much time to connect with a myriad of suppliers . Our main goals this year were to exchange, emerge, and evolve . The new design of the show and the excellent educational opportunity allowed for all of this and more! A big thank you goes out to all of our sponsors and
exhibitors . MPI-CC appreciates your support . n
Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMPMarriott ColumbiaMPI-CC Director of Exhibits
There’s S’MMore to RFP’sby Tonya Miller, CMP
Tonya Miller, CMPEmbassy Suites Greensboro-AirportMPI-CC Director of Education
Panel Members: Left to right, back to front
Wendy Sprintz, Nancy Lowe, CMP, Amy Heiskell. Nancy Smythe, Molly Johnson, CMP, Alison Jenkins
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I only attended the Thursday event. It was by far one of the best MPI events I have attended in a long time. Great panel discussion, loved the room set up and new look, small Business Exchange, networking opportunities, and the buzz at the reception, and great food. It produced the WOW factor for sure; and hope there are more like it to follow. I could not attend on Friday because I could not be out of the office. Great job to the committee who planned Thursday. Thursday was so beneficial to me because of the components above and because it felt like the MPI Carolinas Chapter I joined in 2006 and miss.
Sandie Holley Events & Educational Services Director NC Association of Pharmacists
Here’s What We Heard About the September Meeting...
Awesome meeting! Relevant and timely educational sessions with great conversation and takeaways. Fabulous look and feel for the streamlined meeting format and phenomenal room sets. Felt the energy and excitement the minute I walked in the door! Great job in creating a very worthwhile and engaging experience – can’t wait for November’s meeting!
Karen Knox, CMP, CMM Junior Sales Manager Visit Winston-Salem
I was really excited about the new format of MPI-CC’s Business Exchange in September (formerly known as the Annual Tradeshow)! The education on both Thursday and Friday was seriously some of the best I’ve ever attended at our chapter meetings; and, I loved the audience involvement and the sharing of ideas at both sessions. I thought the room set up with various seating arrangements was absolutely brilliant, and the attendees seemed to like being able to sit in their own preferred seating. I also think this arrangement made the attendees more comfortable and willing to be honest and “real” in sharing their industry stories. Having the Business Exchange partners around the perimeter of the room with beautifully decorated cocktail rounds made the Business Exchange so much more open to “exchanging”, when compared to the more formal 10x10 booth. It’s nice to see our Chapter leaders working hard to change our meeting formats to better accommodate our membership and our ever-evolving industry. THANK YOU MPI-CC!
Loretta Yingling, CMP National Sales Manager Greater Raleigh CVB
Engaging topics, stimulating conversations, versatile use of meeting space – the new MPI! The September meeting was refreshing and energizing, very well done!
Cheryl Mironczuk, CMP Project Planner Cisco Systems
Scintillating, fresh and informative! The meeting was very engaging and I loved the new seating design. It was not your typical meeting, and the contract session made you say “hmmmmmmmmmmm.” Content was very eye opening and I left wanting more.
Yolanda R. Hamer, CMPEvent Logistics ManagerBCD M&I onsite at Cisco
16 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
• Over 16,000 area hotel rooms
• One of the Southeast’s largest
convention centers
• 23,500-seat coliseum
• More than 500 restaurants
• Easy access from 3 major Interstates
VisitGreensboroNC.com
• PGA Championship golf courses
• World-class museums, festivals
& entertainment
• International airport
Greensboro
5 HRS. FROM
Washington D.C.
5 HRS. FROM
Atlanta
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 | 17
My first weeks at MPI were a whirlwind; so much happened
so quickly .
The 2012 Chapter Business Summit marked my first day
in the “office .” The positive energy and the talent that
surrounded me as I interacted with MPI members were
overwhelming . After 12 years in a strategic meetings
management program (SMMP) environment, I got to
interact with key players, people who make it real, live and
vibrant—far away from the cold reality of SMMP where
savings, risk management and efficiency prevail .
Then, came a couple of weeks in Dallas at the “Mothership,”
before I was off to Orlando for my first encounter with
the International Board of Directors . Despite the stress
of presenting for the first time in front of this impressive
group, I felt more professionally alive than I had in years .
In those first couple of weeks, I learned so much by
interacting with MPI members that I could not consider
supporting the organization if I were to lose that connection
with them . So, I decided to join the local chapter in the
Carolinas . My first meeting was in Greenville, and I was
happy to reconnect with former colleagues Corey Bizell
and Loretta Yingling, co-workers from our days at hotels
in Durham and Chapel Hill . I also reconnected with Lynn
Royal and John Cruz, who I worked with when I supported
the GSK (Glaxo SmithKline) SMM (Strategic Meetings
Management) program . And I met so many other members
who make this chapter so lively . Much to my chagrin, it
has been challenging to attend meetings often due to my
travel schedule . However, interaction with our chapter
members has been enriching at the annual World Education
Congress, CBS and other events .
Just last April, the internal MPI staff nominated me to
lead the MOVE Team, a group of eight employees from
all departments—from marketing and events to IT and
membership—who represent the voice of the organization
in a safe environment . Our first task: Re-define our core
values . The MOVE Team took that assignment to heart, and
its first recommendation was to rewrite all the values with
the first emphasis being on our members . For example,
“Carried out with Energy and Passion” was modified from:
“We have unrelenting passion for quality; personal accountability
for our choices and performance results; and fanatical support for
our members, our industry and our teammates’ success.”
To: “We have unrelenting passion for our members, our
industry and our teammates’ success, carried out with personal
accountability for our choices and performance.”
Leadership embraced the recommendations and
implemented the members-focused core values right
away . One of our key recognition programs now rewards
employees who personify these values .
These are the moments that have led me on an amazing
journey for the last two years, as you, our members,
have given me the opportunity to learn so much . As an
organization, we are on a road to transformation and
change, and we will all travel that road together .
This is more than a job . Thank you for your enthusiasm,
passion and dedication to MPI . I look forward to meeting
more of you at an event in the beautiful Carolinas .
Christian SavelliSr. Director Business Intelligence & ResearchMeeting Professionals International (MPI)
by Christian Savelli
The Right MOVE(s)
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16 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
As a charter member of MPI, I have witnessed MPI and the meetings and events industry grow in both size and influence .
Forty plus years ago, when a group of us sat around late one night at something called the World Meeting Planner’s Congress at the O’Hare Hyatt, we talked about the need for an organization that could help us grow . And share . AND connect!
As an aside, talk about a group of optimists – I think there were about 16 of us and it was called WORLD Meeting Planners Congress .
Our life’s work wasn’t recognized and education materials didn’t exist . In MPI’s 40 + years, so very many individuals have shared their time and talent to bring about the evolution of MPI and our industry . That’s a legacy!
Why is it important to talk about the past and how we got to where we are today – as individuals and as an industry?
• We can learn from and build on the legacy left by those who came before us
• It can motivate each of you to focus on the legacy you want to create
• It can help you identify the values you want to portray
Let’s start with some dictionary definitions:
LEADERSHIP: “a position as a leader of a group, organization, etc .; the time when a person holds the position of leader; the power or ability to lead other people .”
LEGACY: “Something that happened in the past or that comes from someone in the past .” Even in our very recent past . In fact, many of our legacy makers are current members!
THE LEADERSHIP
LEGACYA Charter Member’s Thoughts on How We Got Here
by Rod Abraham
18 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
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Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 | 19
Rod AbrahamThe Rod Abraham GroupCharter Member of MPI
Thus the expression A Living Legacy. Here’s another perspective that I think gives context to the notion of our responsibilities to each other and to our life’s chosen work . Sir Francis Bacon was an English writer and philosopher in the 16th & 17th centuries . Look at what he said (forgive the sexism of his times): “I hold every man a debtor to his profession . . .” “I hold every man a debtor to his profession”. I translate that to: every person has an obligation to give back. I see that as our legacy . A leadership legacy .
Without getting political, we can all agree on world leaders that have left a legacy . In recent times, a partial list includes, in alphabetic order, North Carolina’s Maya Angelou, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Florence Nightingale, Rosa Parks and Mother Teresa . I could go on and on . How about Steve Jobs and Bill Gates? They have changed billions of lives . And, their legacies are still growing .
I have survived and even thrived a bit in this business because I was able to sit at the feet of some leaders who were willing to share . And, old though I am, I still get inspiration and guidance from some of these people as well as the younger leaders .
One leadership legacy contributor was the late Jim Jones . Jimmy was the director of meetings at Connecticut General Life Insurance Company . Among other things, he was a founder of MPI, ICP (now the Financial & Insurance Conference Planners - FICP) & SCMP – the Society of Company Meeting Planners . A few years ago, when I heard that he died, I immediately remembered two things I learned from him . One, a big picture, strategic philosophy and one very tactical process . Here they are, as I remember them:
1 . Always understand the difference between personal power & positional power . We may have a lot of power because of our position, but the real test of a professional is their personal power .
2 . Always have them cut the Danish in half .
Another of the same vintage who is still going strong is an industry treasure and a “neighbor” in Blacksburg, Virginia, Howard Feirtag . Now in his mid-80’s, Howard is still active and a perfect example of a leadership legacy . A few years ago I witnessed first-hand both the passion that he brings to the classroom and the responsiveness of young students to his teaching .
Two years ago I had the honor of emceeing the RISE Awards at MPIs 40th anniversary gathering in St Louis . The overall theme was “Connections” – how we need to connect with each other to become stronger as individuals and as an industry .
I cited a number of links or “connections” to our leadership legacy . Then outgoing MPI Chair was Sebastian Tondeur from Geneva, Switzerland . For nine years I worked with his dad, Roget . And MPI’s incoming Chair was Kevin Hinton . His dad was Dave Hinton . We worked and played together for years . He was all business and at the same time all fun . Dave’s legacy – especially to me – was that he was the 1st professional salesperson I had encountered . He would often say to me “. . . a great hotel but not right for this meeting.”
This relates to our legacy in another way . I think being passionate about what you do and doing it the right way is what attracts a son or daughter to follow in their parent’s career footsteps . What greater legacy? And I am proud to say that my son, Warren Abraham, followed me into this industry and is now a Vice President of audio visual giant PSAV . In his early days, he was asked “are you related to Rod Abraham?” Now I get: “are you related to Warren Abraham?” I get great pleasure in that . Forgive the personal reference but I consider that one of my legacies and I am darn proud of it .
Jimmy Jones, Howard Feirtag, Jonathan Howe, Joan Eisenstodt, Jeff Rasco and our own Nancy Holder are a few who have been strong influencers of my professional life . Living leadership legacies, indeed!
But for any of us to be receptive to the influence of another, we have to have the right outlook . To me, the foundation of the right outlook is the ability to distinguish right from wrong and the shades of gray - ethics in its basest form . Remember, how we conduct our life’s work can also create a negative legacy . If we do not conduct our business lives in a professional, ethical manner, not only are we misbehaving but we are also sending a message to those who look up to us that it is okay .
The young professionals of the next generation - including some of you reading this - will take our industry in new ways and to new places we cannot even imagine .
So, have you thought about your legacy? Don’t be afraid to awaken your passion and to share it with others because you never know whose interest you will pique and whose life you may change .
In the 17th century Francis Bacon said: “I hold every man a debtor to his profession” . In this century, I hope you’ll agree with me, that every person has a responsibility to give back . And the more you give, the more you get . Leave your legacy through leadership! Start with your Carolinas
MPI Chapter . n
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20 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
board meeting highlights
Attendees: Lindsay Myers, Diane Weems, Amy Johnson,
Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP, Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Christine
Irwin, CMP, Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Erin Moye, Colleen
Schwoerke, CMP, Laura Barnes, CMP, Alison Jenkins, Lori
Hedrick, CMP, CMM, Tonya Miller, Corey Bizzell
Excused Absences: Christian Schroeder, Barbara Dragan,
Jeanette Keys, Tarshi McCoy
Minutes: Colleen Schwoerke, CMP presented the minutes
from the July 17, 2014 Board of Directors meeting and made
a motion to approve .
Motion: Colleen Schwoerke, CMP made a motion to approve the
July 17, 2014 Minutes as presented.
Second: Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP
Vote: Approved
Financial Reports: Alyce Kelly, CHSP reviewed the August
P&L statement, balance sheet and aging report . She
reported that the Chapter is trending ahead of year-to-date
budgeted income at this time .
Motion: Alyce Kelly, CHSP made a motion to approve the financial reports as submitted. Second: Malinda Harrell, CMP Vote: Approved
The Finance team reported that they are looking at
additional fundraising activities at each meeting going
forward . They will begin in November at Pine Needles .
Ideas included putt-putt, wine raffle, Christmas gift
exchange and more .
It was recommended that MPI-CC create a signature
event similar to what other chapters do around the
holidays . This event does not necessarily have to have
an education component, but should include a fun
networking opportunity .
Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE confirmed that we do not
need a Board vote on the committee ideas for additional
fundraising efforts . The Meeting Planning committee will
prepare to make a recommendation for the signature event
during the Mid-year retreat in January . The event will be
planned for the next fiscal year so it can be planned and
executed effectively .
Chapter Office: Christine Irwin, CMP reviewed the August
metric report . All board members can access this report
at any time on the Chapter Leaders Resources page on
International’s website . The September meeting registration
came in at around 135 . Thirty-three vendors signed up for
the Business Exchange . The Chapter membership retention
as of August 1 is at 72 .9% for non-student retention .
Consent Agenda: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE asked for a
motion to approve the consent agenda .
Motion: Corey Bizzell made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Second: Alison Jenkins Vote: Approved
President: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE requested that board
members need to fill out the percentage of metric complete
on each months Board reports . We as a Board need to be
strategic in recruiting committee chairs so we can shape
our future MPI-CC leadership and where our chapter is
going . Starting in October, Malinda, Erin and Christian will
begin monthly leadership calls to each team to check in on
progress and provide any guidance needed .
Membership: There is a new membership campaign
through International called “Grow More Earn More”
campaign . The Chapter receives $75 for each new member
that signs up between May 1, 2014 and December 31,
2014 over our meet goal of 43 members . In order to begin
receiving this $75 per new member/rejoin, we need over
11 new members by December 31, 2014 . We have about
25 – 30 first timers/new members at this meeting . Another
membership campaign International is currently running
is “Refer a Friend” . With the voucher, a new member will
receive a $50 discount on their new membership fee and
the current member will receive a $25 credit towards their
next renewal . There is no limit of referrals .
The board agreed to identify first time attendees with a VIP
ribbon rather than a First Timer ribbon .
Board of Directors Meeting MinutesSeptember 18, 2014 | Durham, NCby Colleen Schwoerke, CMP
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Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 | 21
Colleen Schwoerke, CMPPlanIt RightMPI-CC Vice President of Administration
Communications: Laura Barnes, CMP discussed ideas to
make The Blitz geared more toward Education topics we
will be having at future meetings . She is working with the
committee to help get people who specialize on these topics
to write articles .
Meeting Planning: Lori Hedrick, CMM, CMP, MHA reported
that the committees met to discuss the 2015 locations and
they decided that it would be a priority to find the appropriate
education format before securing the locations .
The committee is moving forward with an Education
Breakfast Meeting in February in South Carolina . It will run
from 8:00 am to 10:00 am with a speaker for one hour . They
are working on a location for an evening event the night
before .
The committee is planning on Charlotte for the March
meeting and is making contact with Johnson & Wales and Le
Meridien for availability .
The April meeting will be a breakfast meeting at the Carolina
Inn or the Burroughs Welcome Fund office . Lori Hedrick,
CMP, CMM, MHA is checking on availability for Burroughs
Wellcome Fund .
A contract is signed for the May Annual meeting in
Charleston . Jim Spellos will be speaking on technology .
Education: The November Education topic is “There’s
S’MMore to RFPs” . Participants will break out into Campfire
sessions .
Tonya Miller recapped survey results from the July
meeting in Cary . The main issue was that the speaker
went over allotted time . Other comments were that the
information was redundant and to bring Denise Ryan back .
Members want something they can learn, take back and
use, including multiple tracks . There was a lot of positive
feedback on new format and speaker .
Helping Hand Award: There were three nominees for the
September Helping Hand award . After a board vote was
taken, Steven Valliere, Chair of Education Committee, won
the September Helping Hand Award .
The next Board Meeting will be held in Southern Pines, NC
on Thursday, November 20th .
Meeting adjourned . n
22 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
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Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 | 23
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Meeting Professionals International coming attractions
24 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
The Neighbor Chapter Spotlight is intended to give our
chapter members a little insight about other chapters .
Enjoy!
Name/Location of Chapter : New England Chapter
Current Membership Count: 464
What is the Planner vs. Supplier Ratio?
40% planners/60% suppliers
Does your chapter have a signature event and if so when is
it and what makes it so unique?
MPI New England holds an annual Fall Institute, which is
a 1 .5 day program of education, featuring great speakers,
panels, and presentations on a variety of topics pertaining
to the meetings industry . In 2013, the Fall Institute was
held on Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, which
proved very successful . Our attendance numbers for this
event skyrocketed, especially planners – as this week is
typically not a busy travel time for them . We made the
decision to hold the Fall Institute on these days every year,
which will help with advance planning, securing venues,
and continuity moving forward .
MPI Neighbor Chapter Spotlight
Position Name Company Name
President Mark Bice, CMP HPN Global
Immediate Past President Michelle Johnson The Anchor Group
President Elect Susan Prue VDA Productions
Vice President - Finance Mark Goodman Experient Sales Network
Vice President - Special Projects Anne Roberts Discover Newport
Vice President - Education Cecil Dorman AVFX, Inc .
Vice President - Membership
Molly Hudson Joseph B . Martin Conference Center at Harvard Medical School
Vice President - Marketing & Communications
Meghan Kelleher, CMP Scout Hotels
Director, Leadership Carlos Rojas Hyatt Regency Boston
Director, Operations Annmarie Anderson ATR/Treehouse
Director, Sponsorship & Fund Raising Bill Wilson Pinnacle Event Partners, Ltd .
Director, Member Recruitment Denise Banach DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston - Westborough
Director, Member Care & Retention Elizabeth Panciera Sullivan Custom Planning, Inc .
Director, Monthly Programs Nancy D’Ercole Bright Horizons Children’s Centers LLC
Director, Institutes Michele Maguire Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Director, Publications Janet Lincoln Scout Hotels
Director, Social Media Cezanne Macary DoubleTree by Hilton -Boston North Shore
Director, Special Events Lauren Maiellano Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf
CHAPTER ADMINISTRATOR Vanessa Thompson
New England Chapter
Share a chapter success story (perhaps a best practice
you implemented or something that could help inspire
another chapter).
MPI New England decided to dedicate all of our Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts for 2014 to benefit the
American Red Cross . Our members participated in many
different ways during the year, from volunteering at the
Boston Food Pantry, to sending holiday cards to our military
overseas, to giving blood, to helping serve the needy in our
own communities . Having a central focus for our CSR efforts
proved very successful and helped introduce and establish
MPI New England as a wonderful and worthy organization to
many people outside of the meeting industry .
List your upcoming events dates (as many as you have
available) and the location. Please indicate if the event is an
education program or a networking event.
2014 Fall Institute
November 24-25, 2014 – Granite Links Golf Club (education)
2014 Holiday Event
December 8, 2014 – Laugh Boston (networking) n
Pinehurst may be known for twosomes and foursomes, but we were welcoming groups of all sizes before our fi rst golf course was ever built. We’ve been hosting
successful meetings and events for companies large and small since 1895. And we’d love to host yours. Consider Pinehurst for your next corporate function.
You’ll fi nd our meetings as legendary as our golf.
Meetings were held here long before clubs.
©2014
Pin
ehur
st, L
LC
Kimberly Bryan, Senior Director of National AccountsVillage of Pinehurst, North Carolina • 910.235.8732 • pinehurst.com
14PNH163.CarolinaMPIAugSeptAd.indd 1 7/29/14 9:55 AM
November 20-21, 2014 November Chapter Meeting
Register Now Southern Pines, NC Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club
and Mid Pines
January 21, 2015 January Chapter Meeting
Morrisville, NC Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh Durham Airport
February 11, 2015 February Breakfast Meeting
Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg Marriott
March 18, 2015 March Chapter Meeting
Charlotte, NC Johnson & Wales University
May 18, 2015 May Annual Meeting
Charleston, SC Charleston Marriott
Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next
Carolina Blitz is November 28, 2014 . Please submit
any articles or photographs to be considered for
publication to Editor-In-Chief Ginny Fountain
at Ginny .Fountain@ncemcs .com
monthly meeting planner
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