The Carolina Inn July 14-15, 2016 | Chapel Hill, NC

Carolina BlitzJune - July 2016

New Member Spotlight

Karyl Hanisch

Page 8

http://www.diningindurham.com

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016 | 1

in this issue...

in every issue

features

Annual Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19

Silent Auction Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Scholarship Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Our Annual Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Our Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Monthly Meeting Planner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

MPI-CC Board & Committee Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

New Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

News You Can Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13, 16-17

Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

Board Meeting Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-22

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2 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016

MPI-CC THANKSOUR ANNUAL SPONSORS!

We Appreciate Your Support!

Silver Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors:

Diamond Sponsor:

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016 | 3

our members

Welcome New Members!

Jennifer Bolling DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia, S .C . jennifer .bolling@doubletreesc .com

Amy Bruns American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) abruns@triad .rr .com

Stephanie Deaton Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas sdeaton@nclcorp .com

Kelly Fair kellytfair@gmail .com

Kylie Ferguson Starwood kylie .ferguson@westin .com

Shafran Fields North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce/CVB shafran@ northmyrtlebeachchamber .com

Eden Lewis Kanuga Conference & Retreat Center eden .lewis@kanuga .org

Anesa Martin Hyatt Hotel Corporation anesa .martin@hyatt .com

Pam Martin Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center pdmartin@wakehealth .edu

Linda Prosser Hilton Head Hotel Partners One and Two lprosser@hospitalityma .com

Michael Schaumann, HMCC michaelschaumann@plannernet .com

Bobbie Stanley Brittain Resorts & Hotels bobbie .stanley@brittainresorts .com

MPI-CC Anniversaries

15 years

Scott Crotty

Renaissance Asheville Hotel

10 years

Maureen Donovan

Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach

5 years

Katherine Siler

Duke University

Department of Anesthesiology

Angela Skeen, CMP

Ingersoll Rand Company

Congratulations to each of you for reaching a milestone in MPI!

(Left to right) Kevin Mullane – Silver Oak Transportation; Paige McGeorge – Diplomat Resort & Spa; Mamie Bush - Hilton Garden Inn

Charleston Waterfront/Downtown; Pam Martin - Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center; Eden Lewis - Kanuga Conference &

Retreat Center; Jennifer Bolling - DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia, S.C.; Karyl Hanisch - Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa; Peggy Anderson – Anderson & Company; Kylie Ferguson – Starwood; Kris Vail - Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI);

UnChu Crosby - Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI); Lauren Smith - Hyatt Place & Hyatt House Charleston/Historic District

First Timers andNew Members at

the May Mixer

Now it’s your turn to surround yourself with the people, places and stories that reflect the spirit of this great nation. Contact us to start planning your meeting at 1-888-98-HEROES or VisitFayettevilleNC.com.

WE’VE BEEN THE HOST TO MEETINGS THAT HELPED SHAPE OUR COUNTRY.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

FYV-510b-Meetings-ad-3.5x4.75-v1[3-23-16]-gl.pdf 1 3/24/16 1:53 PM

4 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016

July 14-15, 2016

Chapel Hill, NC

The Carolina Inn

September 15-16, 2016

Education & Business Exchange

Raleigh, NC

Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley

November 3-4, 2016

Concord, NC

Great Wolf Lodge – Charlotte/Concord

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is July 22, 2016 . Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to Editor-In-Chief Ginny Fountain, CMP, CMM, at Ginny .Fountain@ncemcs .com .

monthly meeting planner

CONFERENCE S . CONVENTIONS . E VENTS . MEE TINGS

visitgreenvillenc.com800-537-5564

GREENVILLE-PITT COUNTYCONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

engagein good company

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016 | 5

president’s message

It’s a New Year for Volunteering! by Barbara Dragan

Congratulations to the new 2016-2017 MPI Carolinas Chapter Board! I’m excited to

have the opportunity to serve with you and I know that you felt as honored as I did

taking the oath to serve our members .

I would like to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to serve and lead MPI-CC .

I truly appreciate it and I’m looking forward to a year of great meetings, wonderful

networking moments and exceeding our goals . I know we can succeed by continuing

to grow membership, providing excellent education and strengthening our chapter

financially .

My big request for this year is that you all consider the many volunteer opportunities

that are available at the chapter and international levels . Volunteering develops

leadership skills, strengthens relationships and brings recognition . It increases your

business referrals and you’ll be sought out for your knowledge and expertise . And, as

an active member in the organization you can reach out and mentor those entering

the hospitality and events industry .

If an international post is too much of a commitment, here are some ideas on the

local level that make a big impact: make a welcome phone call to a new member;

make a follow-up phone call to a member regarding their renewal; write an article

for “The Blitz;” work the registration desk at an event . (If these sound good, our

committees can think of more!)

All I ask is that you consider volunteering . Our organization will mean so much more

to you once you work for it! What is your passion? Find a way to express it within

MPI-CC . Contact any one of your MPI-CC Board for information . We would love to

hear from you!

For more info on volunteering with MPI-CC and MPI:

https://mpicc .starchapter .com/Forms (Volunteer Interest Form)

http://www .mpiweb .org/About/Leadership/VolunteerOpportunities n

Barbara Dragan The Westin Charlotte

2016-2017 MPI-CC President

Business Exchange Committee Co-Chair John Cruz, CMM Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC 919-765-1334 John .Cruz@bcbsnc .com

6 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016

President Barbara Dragan The Westin Charlotte 704-335-2114 Barbara .Dragan@westin .com

President-Elect Alyce Kelly, CHSP Clam Digger Inn 252-241-8402 alycek1@gmail .com

Administration

VP of Membership Nicole Robinson Greater Raleigh CVB 919-645-2682 nrobinson@visitraleigh .com

Director of Leadership & Volunteer Development Ricardo Hicks American AV 919-361-1151 rhicks@aavevents .com

Awards Committee Co-Chair Wendy Bassett, CMP HelmsBriscoe 843-243-0554 wbassett@helmsbriscoe .com

Director of Membership Selah Havard Cabarrus County CVB 704-456-7970 Selah@visitcabarrus .com

Hospitality Committee Karen Knox, CMP, CMM Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4213 KKnox@visitwinstonsalem .com

Membership

VP of Communications Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMP, CMM, CSEP Burroughs Wellcome Fund 919-991-5105 lhedrick@bwfund .org

Director of Marketing Brittany O’Shaughnessy Francis Marion Hotel 843-937-8690 Brittany .OShaughnessy@thefrancismarion .com

Marketing Committee Farrah Staub, CMP Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley 919-571-5319 farrah .staub@marriott .com

Communications

VP of Finance Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM Global Knowledge 919-461-8698 Alison .Harding@ globalknowledge .com

Director of Strategic Partnerships Maureen Donovan Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach 910-256-2231 mdonovan@ wrightsville .holidayinnresorts .com

Director of Fundraising Molly Nelson Spartanburg Marriott 864-591-3113 Molly .Nelson@marriott .com

Strategic Partnerships Committee Chair Needed

Finance

VP of Education Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM North Carolina Association of CPAs 919-469-1040, ext . 8 ahodges@NCACPA .org

Director of Meeting Planning Deanna Griffith House, CMP, GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCM, CMM Spectrum Reach 704-941-3482 deanna .k .griffith@gmail .com

Education Committee Mallory Middleton Raleigh Convention Center 919-996-8514 mallory .middleton@raleighconvention .com

Education

MPI-CC 2016-2017 Board of Directors and Committees

Immediate Past President Christian Schroeder Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4218 Christian@ visitwinstonsalem .com

Business Exchange Committee Co-Chair Kathleen Van Geluwe Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes 843-692-3712 kathleen .vangeluwe@ marriottsales .com

Strategic Partnerships Committee Chair Needed

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Farrah Staub, CMP Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley 919-571-5319 farrah .staub@marriott .com

MPI-CC 2016-2017 Board of Directors and Committees

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016 | 7

Advocacy Committee Co-Chair Linda Ilsley, CMP LPI Events 919-322-4996 lpievents@aol .com

The Management Office Christine Irwin, CMP The Management Office 704-377-5648 Christine@themanagementoffice .com

Leadership & Volunteer Development Committee Christy Marcinkowski, CMP NC Sustainable Energy Assoc . 919-832-7601 ext 11 christy@energync .org

Scholarship Committee Liz Guertin Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4231 liz@visitwinstonsalem .com

Member Care Committee Alex Oates PSAV 919-439-6214 aoates@PSAV .COM

Publications Committee Ginny Fountain, CMP, CMM NC Association of Electric Cooperatives 919-875-3050 ginny .fountain@ncemcs .com

Social Media Committee Mica Parekh IWP Photography 919-270-2510 mica@iwpphotography .com

Meeting Planning Committee Chair Needed

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Jennifer Kist, CMP VROOMZ 704-607-1454 jkist@vroomz .com

Advocacy Committee Co-Chair Molly Johnson, CMP Wilmington & Beaches CVB 910-332-8747 mjohnson@ wilmingtonandbeaches .com

Awards Committee Co-Chair Lindsay Myers Caesars Entertainment 919-628-8836 lmyers1@caesars .com

Silent Auction Committee Chair Needed

8 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016

new member spotlight

How long have you been in the industry?

I started my hospitality career at the Mobile Convention Center as part of the opening team in 1993 . I was an Event Coordinator & then moved on to the Sales side . I shifted to Hotels in 2000 .

What is your current position and how long have you worked there?

I am the Senior Sales Manager for the Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa and the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel . I’ve been with the company since August 2000 and I’m shooting for 25 years with Marriott in 2025!!

Tell me about your job and the company you work for?

I love the ever-changing pace . I am part of a portfolio of eight Marriott/Renaissance brand Resorts & Hotels owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) . They developed the Robert Trent Jones (RTJ) Golf Trail and all eight properties have on-property or are affiliated with a nearby RTJ Golf Course . Our desire is to make Alabama a better place to live, work and play .

What are your hobbies and interests?

I love working in my flower gardens and we have a large family garden at my father’s…that keeps us busy in the summer . My work family also loves the garden as they get to share in its bounty! If I have time, I enjoy reading and also watching those great shows on HGTV on house flipping . I think that would be my other career if I didn’t love hospitality so much!

Tell me about your family life.

I have a fabulous husband who moved from Scottsdale, AZ when we married in September 2000 . We live in Daphne, AL, just across Mobile Bay from downtown Mobile where I work . I have two fabulous sons – that aren’t married yet and my husband has two fabulous daughters and their families . They’ve given us two wonderful sons-in-law and two grandsons .

Why did you join MPI-CC?

I’m a member of several MPI Chapters across the US and have found it’s the best way to get to know some of the best people .

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

That’s a hard one, but I’ve always loved and admired Audrey Hepburn . She was an icon of the golden age of movies with her grace and style . If you have read her life story, she was born into a privileged life, but WWII changed that quickly as it did for so many of that era . Learning to overcome adversity and not allowing it to be an excuse is an example we should all try to exemplify and teach to our children .

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

Go for it!! There is something for every personality type from detailed to extrovert . Find someone to mentor you and never stop learning!! n

New Member Spotlight: Karyl B. Hanischby Selah Havard, TMP

Karyl Hanisch

Selah Havard, TMPCabarrus County CVBMPI-CC Director of Membership

Visit the MPI Website to read their stories and to share yours.

www.mpiweb.org/stories

YOU

WILLIAMLEWISTRADITIONALIST & TRAILBLAZER

There is great collaboration and partnership that is the

nature of this city. Everybody is talking and thinking out loud. That always leads to

great things.

“

”

William Lewis dances to the beat of his own banjo. In his role as the executive director of PineCone in Raleigh, N.C., William preserves and protects blues, bluegrass and other forms of traditional music. And that’s not all. He helps nonprofits like the International Bluegrass Music Association make the most out of meetings and events.

Raleigh’s passionate locals maximize resources to create events that hit all the right notes, helping draw more than 140,000 fans to World of Bluegrass. Think Raleigh.

Learn more at visitRaleigh.com/meet

Winner of the ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice AwardVoted as one of the 10 most beautiful towns in NC

Your next greatmeeting is juststeps away.V i s i t N e w B e r n . c o m

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016 | 9

Congratulations to new CMP recipient!

Congratulations to Tenessa Moore, Moore Creative Ink, Inc ., for passing the CMP exam in May . The CMP credential is recognized globally as the badge of excellence in the meeting, convention, exhibition, and event industry . The qualifications for certification are based on professional experience, education, and a rigorous exam . Kudos to you, Tenessa!

Congratulations to Elite Award Winner!

Jen Noble, General Manager of the Durham Convention Center, received the Elite Award from Facilities and Destinations Magazine . Noble is one of the 12 distinguished convention center executives from around the country that were recognized with this award .

The award was created by Facilities and Destinations Magazine to recognize top professionals making a difference in the meetings and events industry . The award was given to 12 convention center executives from around the country, and was a featured section in the March issue of Facilities and Destinations Magazine .

Within five years as General Manager, Noble and the Durham Convention Center team were able to reduce the

news you can use

net subsidy of the Durham Convention Center from 1 .3 million to just a little more than $14,000 . The Food and Beverage Department went from a 7% loss, and soared to a 42 .2% profit within the first year of managing the center .

With over 30 years of industry experience, Jen Noble arrived in Durham after serving seven years as the Assistant General Manager and Director of Sales & Marketing with the Spectra-managed Niagara Falls Conference & Events Center . Noble is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and former chef in Vail, Colorado, where she resided for 14 years . During her time in Colorado, Noble continued her career at the Four Star, Four Diamond, Lodge and Spa at Cordillera serving as Director of Sales . Noble also served as Sales Manager at Buffalo Hyatt Regency .

Says Noble, “I am honored to be recognized and owe my success to my great team in Durham, the City & County leaders, DCC Authority Board and my mentors in the industry .” n

If you have news we can use, please send to ginny.fountain@ncemcs.com.

10 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016

2016-2017 New Board of Directors(Front row, left to right) Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMP, CMM, CSEP; Alyce Kelly, CHSP; Barbara Dragan; Selah Havard, TMP; Nicole Robinson; Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM

(Back row, left to right) Deanna Griffith House, CMP, GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCM, CMM; Ricardo Hicks; Christian Schroeder; Brittany O’Shaughnessy; Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM; Maureen Donovan; Molly Nelson

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016 | 11

...when our story broke in The New York Times. Yeah, THAT New York Times. There we were on newsstands, kitchen tables and in offices across America and around the world; a story celebrating a destination’s transformation that “few could have imagined.” Transform your next event into a story people will talk about long after they finally remember to take off their lanyard. Get the scoop on Greenville, South Carolina. Yeah, THAT Greenville.

Then there was that Sundayin December...

Plan your next meeting in the place that has everyone talking. #yeahTHATgreenville

800.351.7180

May Education Recap by Mallory Middleton

education

Are You Safe (No, You’re Not!): Cybersecurity and the Hospitality Professional Jim Spellos

With all of today’s technology gadgets, websites, and apps, it’s easy to become wrapped up in the fun and daily use without putting a lot of thought into our cyber security (protecting our information online) . However, because we are so enveloped in these things, there has never been more of a threat to our personal information because it is given out so frequently through multiple sources . One wrong click can compromise our entire electronic security through social engineering .

It’s important to understand the difference between privacy and security online . Your privacy can be compromised through government snooping, retargeting, and things like “customized pricing” advertising banners on web pages you visit, which can seem spooky . Security is protection against unwanted use of an individual or company’s electronics, information, or any online activity that can do damage . One way to help increase your security and privacy is to clear out the “cookies” on your computer through your browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome, Firefox) settings regularly .

“Man in the middle” attacks are a common way to have information stolen . The hacker will set up a “dummy” Wi-Fi network with the same name as the venue you are accessing the wireless internet connection in and can then collect your information . Spellos even showed attendees a video of a seven-year-old girl doing this very act . You can watch for yourself at www .youtube .com/watch?v=653hhIljfPw . These “Evil Twin Networks,” are not a very difficult task for someone to steal information this way . If there were two networks with the same Wi-Fi name, how would you choose? Most venue Wi-Fi connections will require a password or direct users to a web browser page where they accept the “terms & conditions” of use . Always remain vigilant of the network you choose to connect to .

“Phishing” is another way that hackers can steal your information . Do not click on links in emails unless you know the source . Think before you click!

Notice when you enter a web address into your browsers if an “s” appears after the “http” that auto-populates in the address bar when entering onto a web page . The “s” stands

for “secure” and is a very good sign that the website is encrypting and protecting any information you enter on their website . Financial websites should definitely have this as well as your email address websites . If a website is asking for any kind of personal information, then make sure there is an “s” in the browser address bar after “http .”

If a computer screen is locked and says it has been taken over and cannot be accessed without paying a certain amount of money, then it has been hit by ransomware . With this type of attack, there is no way for a victim to retrieve their electronic documents or any stolen information . This is why it is so very important to back up your information often . You can do this through an online system like “Dropbox” where you can backup all your files “in the cloud” (store files online and access from anywhere that has internet connection) . You can also backup all your files and information through an external hard drive . Spellos recommends backing up your most important information daily . You can even set up automatic file backups on your computer through various programs .

One way websites that require a login are becoming more secure is through a two-step verification process . This would mean not only entering a password, but also being sent a text message with a verification code or PIN number or answering additional security questions . There is also a two-factor verification process that involves entering a password and also using a physical item like a USB drive device or using your fingerprint scan and taking biometric security measures . Spellos urges attendees to make sure they have the proper measures in place to stay cyber secure . He poses the question, “Is the extra effort of protection worth it?” and he answers with a resounding, “YES!”

Password managers are also a nice way to keep all of your passwords in one place and secure . Users come up with one master password that is extremely difficult to replicate using letters, numbers, and symbols then that password gives access to managing the rest of the websites where a password is required . The password manager can change passwords for individuals that would be extremely difficult to replicate by hackers . It can even set up a schedule to regularly change the passwords to the different websites . Spellos recommends Dashlane and LastPass as his favorite password managers .

Overall, Spellos recommends these key cyber security essentials: having a good anti-virus on your computer

12 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016 | 13

education

(roughly $20/year), anti-malware such as “malwarebytes” ($10/year), using firewalls, using VPN when connecting on a public network (encrypting all information through a dedicated bandwidth tunnel – TunnelBear is around $50/year), password managers, and common sense (remember, think before you click!) . All of these items collectively cost under $100, require minimal setup and regulation time and can save you your entire life’s worth of documents and not to mention your information – including financial! Take the time to evaluate your level of cyber security and implement new measures where you may be vulnerable . n

Become a Conference Wellness Superstar Dr. Kim Bercovitz – X Bytes

At the Annual MPI-Carolinas Chapter meeting at the Westin Hilton Head, Dr . Kim posed the question to attendees, “What are the ways in which planners keep attendees alert and engaged at conferences?” The majority of the answers were coffee, soft drinks, sugary snacks, and more coffee . Dr . Kim offers the suggestion of incorporating fitness breaks that both energize attendees and also attract sponsorship revenue . No matter how jam-packed the event is with sessions and events, she explained to attendees that it is easier than you think to incorporate these stimulating breaks .

Dr . Kim actually founded her company, X bytes, by accident . She was speaking at a conference and asked attendees to participate in an exercise that she was talking about – the squat, specifically . In a room where the energy was stagnant and lifeless, all of a sudden, the mood was lifted, attendees had smiles on their faces and the energy completely changed . She was so inspired that she started a company dedicated to these short “bytes” of exercise to keep meeting attendees engaged and alert .

She also started the newsletter blog “Sitting is the New Smoking” where she shares current health news and tips for staying active both in the workplace and at meetings and events . It’s true that individuals that sit for six or more hours at a time are 18% more likely to prematurely die regardless of age or physical activity .

Of course both meeting planners and attendees can be quite skeptical about adding exercise breaks to meetings and conferences because their schedules are already jam-packed and attendees do not want to sweat in their business clothing . However, tightly scheduled learning

events can actually be counterproductive to learning . Attendees are at risk for experiencing “information overload” which impacts their concentration and information retention .

Attendees of this session then took part in one of Dr . Kim’s exercise bytes videos . There were squats, bicep curls, hamstring kick-backs, and more static movements that allowed blood to flow and the heart rate to come up without attendees even having to break a sweat . The initial awkwardness of attendees following along to an exercise video turned into upbeat, exciting, and fun energy . The attendees were all smiles as the video concluded . Then, Dr . Kim also led the attendees through a series of stretches with towels from the Westin Hotel . There were a few that were particularly pleasant for opening up the shoulders . At conferences, hunched over and taking notes, it’s easy for the shoulders to round and become stiff . Taking this idea a step further, Dr . Kim suggested that this type of stretch break integrated into a conference could be a great sponsorship opportunity . A sponsoring company could provide stretch exercise bands with their name and logo to all attendees at their chair or in a goody bag .

Some planners may already have stretching or exercise breaks built into their conference schedule during the AM or PM break . Dr . Kim suggests that this is actually the worst time for attendees to be offered an exercise break . This is because attendees also hope to network, use the restroom, or grab a snack to refuel during that time . Exercise bytes that are incorporated straight into a halfway or break point during a session prove to be more effective .

These exercise bytes offered by Dr . Kim are available to planners to utilize through her on-demand videos that are self-guided that are a great mid-morning or mid-afternoon energy booster, time filler, or social icebreaker . You can learn more information about Dr . Kim’s videos and “Wellness Lounge” at www .x-bytes .com .

Whether it’s incorporating short exercise videos, a wellness lounge, or choosing healthy menu items at your next conference or meeting, attendee health and wellness is a trend among event planning that is here to stay . The next event you plan, give thought to keeping attendees alert and engaged with a short exercise byte or wellness lounge . No additional caffeine or crash nap afterward necessary! n

_______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Continued on page 13

Look Who We Spotted at the...

14 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016

Look Who We Spotted at the...

... May Meeting in Hilton Head Island!Photography by Mica Parekh – IWP Photography

16 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016

_______________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Continued from page 11

Social Media 101 Mica Parekh – IWP Photography and Video

Almost everyone is involved with some type of social media . Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or otherwise, more folks than not are connected in some way . Also, all successful organizations are involved in some form of social media . It is pretty much a given that any organization that wishes to remain relevant should not only participate in social media, but do it well . Mica Parekh, owner of IWP Photography and Video and the MPI-CC social media chair, led session attendees through best tactics and practices while using social media – for business and personal use .

Social media assists organizations with so many things: Brand recognition, information communicated in real-time, connectivity to employees and clients, are just a few examples . How can users take advantage of the tools available to get the most out of using social media? The first step is to be educated and fully understand the functions of each platform so that one can use the social media outlet that is most appropriate for their goals and mission .

The four most widely used social media platforms are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn . Facebook and Twitter have a mixture of personal users as well as businesses or organizations . They have the capability of posting photos, sharing links to articles, or organic posts of thoughts and information from the users . Instagram is exclusively for posting and commenting on photos . Sometimes Instagrammers will post a lengthy photo caption with information, but the main focus is posting, sharing, and commenting on images . It is more common today than in the past that organizations have an Instagram account . This way, they can post photos of the organization’s products, events, etc .

LinkedIn is strictly for professional use . Users post their employment history, education, and skills, which other users can endorse for all other users to see . The main use of LinkedIn is to “connect” to other users and build a network of connections that can either assist you in your current job role or be a liaison into another role . Users can also post articles they find interesting or create original posts with thoughts to share with their network . Again, more and more organizations are utilizing LinkedIn to connect with their employees, potential employees, clients, and potential clients to share information about their organization .

The Meeting Professionals International Carolinas Chapter uses these core four social media platforms . The social media committee strategically set up accounts with these four so that they can target their audience appropriately . Not all MPI-CC members use Facebook, some may use Instagram more, or Twitter, or LinkedIn . Having these four social media outlets, allows the chapter to reach the most members . Twitter is a great social media platform for targeting people that want bits of important information . When a Twitter user posts information to share with their “followers,” there is a 140-character limit . Within that limit, there’s no room for extra fluff or details . So Twitter would be a great platform for an audience that simply desires key details and facts to keep up with .

As mentioned earlier, Instagram is exclusively images . Followers of individual Instagram users or businesses/organizations just want to see creative and original photos . It’s important to note that if an organization does want to start up an Instagram account, it should have images to share that are unique and captivating on a regular basis so that it will draw more and more followers . Otherwise, there isn’t enough reason for individuals to follow or keep up with an organization through Instagram .

Through all of these social media platforms, hashtags can be used . A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by a hash or pound sign (#) and used to identify messages on a specific topic . They are important because they group together a specific topic of interest in any of the social media platforms so that if someone were to search a certain topic (i .e . #meetings, #mpicarolinas, #hiltonhead) they could find all posts that someone has added to that specific hashtag . Hashtags are a powerful tool that can be a tremendous help to an organization’s social media account .

Here are MPI-CC’s four social media outlets: Facebook: MPI Carolinas Chapter Twitter: @MPI_Carolinas LinkedIn: MPI-Carolinas Chapter Instagram: MPI-Carolinas Official MPI-CC hashtag: #mpicarolinas

Pick the social media outlet that makes the most sense for you and your organization and don’t forget to follow MPI-Carolinas Chapter in one or all the ways that best suits you! n

education

Mallory Middleton Raleigh Convention CenterMPI-CC Education Committee Chair

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016 | 17

education

This year’s summer Carolinas Chapter Meeting will take place July 14-15 at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, NC . Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from the “Communications Doctor,” Susanne Gaddis, Ph .D ., CSP . Susanne recognizes that there is an epidemic of unhealthy interactions in today’s society . She will share prescriptions

with attendees that will give easy and engaging tips and techniques that will help foster a climate for positive, diplomatic, and motivational communications .

On Thursday, July 14 from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Susanne will deliver her Effective Email Workshop . During this

workshop attendees will learn strategies for effectively using email for event promotion and project plan development . Then on Friday, July 15 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Susanne will deliver a session on Leadership Skills for Meeting Professionals . This workshop will help to expand upon attendees’ communication skills and improve the work environment with their clients, stakeholders, and colleagues . The Convention Industry Council has approved Friday’s session for CMP credit . n

Looking Ahead at July’s Education with Susanne Gaddis, Ph.D. by Blair Jernigan

Blair JerniganBlue Cross and Blue Shield of North CarolinaMPI-CC Education Committee Member

Susanne Gaddis, Ph.D.

18 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016

At our recent annual meeting in Hilton

Head, we had the pleasure of recognizing

our annual award winners . Our chapter

would like to extend a heartfelt “thank

you” to all of these wonderful individuals

who dedicate their time to our chapter .

Congratulations!

Chapter Event of the Year was awarded to the Spartanburg Marriott

Chapter Event of the Year is a new award our chapter implemented this year . MPI-CC is extremely grateful to all of the hotels and venues that host our meetings each year . The intention of this award is to recognize and thank all of our venues, and recognize the location that was the favorite of our chapter . This award was chosen based on votes submitted by our members .

Planner of the Year was awarded to Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM

Amelia is a dedicated volunteer who leads the Education and Meeting Planning Committee . She was able to develop a long-term education plan to address Carolinas Chapter member needs based on survey responses . She worked tirelessly to bring in a combination of national keynote presenters and local presenters who covered a wide variety of education topics, all without increasing costs

to members . Her commitment to MPI-CC is a phenomenal value to all of us, and we truly appreciate her efforts .

Supplier of the Year was awarded to Myron Jones

Myron has served our chapter for many years . As a Veteran of the United States Air Force, he shares his gift of service with all of those who know him . Recently he was featured in an online publication, Connect Faith, as a 2015 Industry Leader . He has also received several accolades throughout his career, including NC SGMP Supplier of the Year, MPI-

CC Supplier of the Year and the MPI-CC Pat-On-The-Back Award . This gentleman is an impactful member of the Meetings and Convention Industry, and a well-deserved recipient of this award .

Tomorrow’s Leader was awarded to Selah Havard, TMP

Selah joined MPI-CC and immediately jumped in with both feet to become very involved in the chapter . Her enthusiasm and willingness to volunteer without hesitation is highly valued and appreciated within our organization . She was recently awarded a WEC Scholarship, and in 2012, Southeast Tourism Society named her one of the Top 40 Under 40 in the Travel Industry . After serving

as Chair of the Member Care Committee for one year, she accepted a position as Director of Membership . She has done an amazing job working with her team to find new ways to increase membership and improve retention rates .

The Hall of Fame Award was awarded to Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE

Malinda is a true inspiration to the MPI-Carolinas chapter . She has successfully served the chapter in several different positions for many years, including committee roles, board positions, and MPI-CC Past President . She has the qualities of a true leader, the most prominent of those being that she leads by example .

Annual Awards

Christian Schroeder and Molly Nelson

Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM, and Allison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM

by Lindsay Myers

Myron Jones and Allison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM

Selah Havard, TMP, and Amelia Hodges,

CMP, CMM

Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, and

Kathy Flowe, CMP

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016 | 19

Her honest nature and strong work ethic are contagious . During her various leadership roles, she was able to place a strong emphasis on being member-centric, and being a visionary for our chapter, recognizing and supporting the need for change while still appreciating and learning from our history . Her actions within our chapter have made significant, positive difference, and will continue to make a meaningful impact in the future .

The Bizzell Award of Excellence was awarded to Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE

The Bizzell Award of Excellence was created in Memory of Corey D . Bizzell, a longtime member of the Carolinas Chapter of MPI . Corey exemplified excellence and dedication not only to the chapter, but in every aspect of his life . Bizzell was a constant advocate of elevating our meetings industry to the next level . In honor of his legacy, the President will give this award to a

chapter member who has demonstrated a superior level of excellence, passion and leadership in their service to MPI-CC .

Christian Schroeder, MPI-CC President 2015-2016 felt this year’s award recipient was easy to identify . Malinda Harrell has had an enormous impact on our chapter . She has a strong passion for MPI and our industry . She is a dedicated leader who brings positive energy, professionalism, focus, and a warm smile to everything she does . Her positive energy and “can do” attitude makes her our Chapter Cheerleader . Our chapter is stronger because of her service .

The President’s Award was awarded to Christine Irwin, CMP

Each year, the President of MPI-CC selects a very special individual that has gone “above and beyond” the entire year, and was essential to the success of the President . Christian Schroeder, MPI-CC President for the 2015-2016 year, knew exactly the person he wanted to choose .

As President, Christian consistently heard from speakers and MPI global about how lucky we are to have someone like Christine Irwin . She is professional, dedicated, detail oriented, and always willing to do anything needed to accomplish the task . The Management Office does a fantastic job for our chapter: They simply go, “above and beyond .” However, what is often forgotten is that they are members too . They work a full time job handling all that is required, and then they continue to do extra . This “extra” is an example of Christine’s dedication in volunteering for

our chapter . Our chapter’s success would not be possible without Christine’s dedication, passion, and commitment .

The Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Linda Ilsley, CMP

The Volunteer of the Year Award is new to our chapter this year, put into place to recognize the individuals that are the most generous with their time when volunteering for MPI-CC . Our inaugural Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Linda Ilsley, CMP . Linda has been an active, steadfast supporter and champion of MPI for many years . She symbolizes the ultimate volunteer for the Carolinas

Chapter and her enthusiasm for MPI is remarkable as she is a tremendous ambassador for the organization .

Her resume includes countless hours of service to the Carolinas Chapter and the meeting and conventions industry as a whole . In every capacity she serves, Linda’s leadership elevates our chapter to a higher level . She directs, guides, and influences with a confident and passionate demeanor .

Linda is the perfect example that leadership is action, not position . As a past president of our chapter, she has created a blazing path to follow and recognizes volunteerism as the most important role to make a difference .

Congratulations to all of this year’s award winners! n

Lindsay MyersCaesars EntertainmentMPI-CC Awards Committee Co-Chair

Malinda Harrell CMP, CASE, and

Christian Schroeder

Christine Irwin, CMP, and Christian

Schroeder

Linda Ilsley, CMP, and Malinda

Harrell, CMP, CASE

Thank you to this year’s Committee Chairs, L-R: Alex Oates, Mallory Middleton, Mica Parekh,

Molly Nelson, Farrah Staub, CMP, and Wendy Bassett, CMP

20 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016

MPI-CC Member, April Ellerbe with the Durham

Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, hired Tesh

Parekh, Owner of IWP Photography & Video, to

paint LIVE at the MPI-CC July Meeting held last

summer . The Durham Hotel was the Welcome

Reception venue for the night . The business and

education sessions were held at the Durham

Convention Center . It was so interesting to watch

him painting the exact landscape we were all in .

Durham CVB rep, April Ellerbe, displays the actual

painting along with Tesh .

Tesh Parekh is a national award-winning artist as

well as an award-winning photographer . His wife,

Mica Parekh, is a member of the Carolinas Chapter

and our esteemed chapter photographer and Social

Committee Chair . n

See MPI! by Jean Travers

Jean TraversHelms BriscoeMPI-CC Social Media Committee Member

Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners! Mica Parekh, Jean Travers, and Jennifer Kist were all awarded scholarships at our Annual Meeting on May 11 . Way to go ladies! These scholarship funds will be available in our upcoming 2016-2017 fiscal year . We look forward to seeing many more great things from these dedicated MPI-CC members .

2016 MPI-CC Silent Auction A Success by Kathleen Van Geluwe

Success! I am proud to announce that our MPI-CC members have stepped-it-up and exceeded our fund-raising goal for the MPI-CC Nancy B . Holder Scholarship fund . Our chapter members raised $18,542! I cannot say enough about all the hard work the Silent Auction Committee did this year . Thank you for helping us meet and exceed the budget .

It is always wonderful knowing that each and every one of you will be able to reap the benefit of the funds collected through a scholarship . Just remember, when it is time to apply, you may be one of the ones selected to receive that scholarship . THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP!!!!

April Ellerbe with Tesh Parekh and the actual painting.Kathleen Van GeluweMarriott Myrtle Beach Resort & SpaMPI-CC Silent Auction Committee Chair

Nicole Robinson Greater Raleigh CVB nrobinson@visitraleigh.com

Scholarship Winners Announced by Nicole Robinson

Jean Travers and Mica Parekh

board meeting highlights

Attendees: Christian Schroeder, Christine Irwin, CMP, Vince Chelena, Nicole Robinson, Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM, Selah Havard, TMP, Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP, Maureen Donovan, Molly Nelson, Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM, Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMP, CMM, CSEP, Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Barbara Dragan, Deanna Griffith House, CMP, GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCM, CMM, Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE

Minutes: Barbara Dragan presented the minutes from the March 17, 2016 Board of Directors Meeting and made a motion to approve .

Motion: Barbara Dragan made a motion to approve the March 17, 2016 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes as presented. Second: Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP Vote: Approved

Financials: Vince Chelena presented the April P&L statement, Balance Sheet and Aging Report . We expect to collect all accounts receivable and are not recommending any write offs .

Motion: Nicole Robinson made a motion to approve the April P&L, Balance Sheet and Aging Report as presented. Second: Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, CMM Vote: Approved

Vince Chelena presented the 2016-2017 MPI-CC Budget .

Motion: Nicole Robinson made a motion to approve the MPI-CC 2016-2017 Budget as presented. Second: Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP Vote: Approved

Chapter Office: Christine Irwin, CMP reviewed the April Metric Report . Christine also reminded the board that it is important to keep the lines of communication open and to streamline communication with their committee chairs for more effective management .

Consent Agenda: Christian Schroeder asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda .

Motion: Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Second: Alyce Kelly, CHSP Vote: Approved

Board Transitions: Christian Schroeder reviewed the final steps for the board transition . Now that the board retreat has taken place, it’s important for all directors to update their transition documents and timelines to pass on to the incoming director . The 15-16 Board is responsible for completing the July board reports as they are reports on the months of May and June . Include the incoming director on those reports and use that as a time to complete the final transition call .

The bylaws and policies will be reviewed and sent to the Board for feedback prior to June 15th .

Communications: Alyce Kelly, CHSP reminded the Board that all Blitz articles and submissions are due on Tuesday, May 17th .

March Meeting Survey Results: Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM reviewed the results from the March Meeting survey and addressed feedback with the Board . Since the surveys are completely anonymous, a recommendation box will be added to future surveys for attendees to add their contact information if they would like to be contacted about feedback regarding our meetings .

2016-2017 Nancy B. Holder Scholarships: Nicole Robinson presented the scholarship candidates and scores from the scholarship committee .

Motion: Alyce Kelly, CHSP made a motion to award a total of three scholarships. Second: Maureen Donovan Vote: Approved

The 2016-2017 Nancy B Holder Scholarship winners are Mica Parekh, Jean Travers, and Jennifer Kist, CMP .

Meeting Planning: Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM presented proposed dates and locations for the MPI-CC 2017 meetings . _______________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Continued on the next page

Board of Directors Meeting MinutesMay 9, 2016 | Hilton Head Island, SCby Christine Irwin, CMP

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2016 | 21

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Christine Irwin, CMP MPI-CC Chapter AdministratorThe Management Office

_______________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Continued from previous page

January Meeting January 19-20, 2017 DoubleTree by Hilton Brownstone Raleigh, NC

March Meeting March 16-17, 2017 Springmaid Beach Resort (undergoing major renovations and rebranding to a DoubleTree) Myrtle Beach, SC

Annual Meeting May 10-11, 2017 DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern Riverfront New Bern, NC

July Meeting July 27-28, 2017 (held later than our typical July meeting to not interfere with WEC attendance) Graylyn International Conference Center Winston-Salem, NC

September and November 2017 will be voted on a later date .

Motion: Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM made a motion to accept the January – July 2017 dates and locations as presented. Second: Nicole Robinson Vote: Approved

Next Board Meeting: The next board meeting will be held on July 14, 2016 at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, NC .

Registration Fees: There was discussion on the current meeting registration fees and how the chapter needs to create value in becoming a preferred (Carolinas Chapter) member versus an essential (non-chapter) member of MPI .

Motion: Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP made a motion to increase all member registration rates by $10 and all non-member registration rates by $20 effective immediately. Second: Nicole Robinson Vote: Approved

Meeting Adjourned. n

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“

Know a Helping Hand?

Know anyone that has lent a helping hand?

Committee Chairs, please nominate one of your

members who has volunteered their time and

efforts this month and thank them for helping to

make your goal possible. Let me know who they are

and how they went above and beyond for your

committee. Please send nominations to

Lindsay Myers at lmyers1@caesars.com

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 Publications Committee Chair/Editor one week after the meeting . Send to Ginny Fountain, CMP, CMM - Ginny .Fountain@ncemcs .com

EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE

Director of MarketingBrittany O’Shaughnessy • Francis Marion Hotel

EditorGinny Fountain, CMP, CMM • North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives

Contributing WritersBarbara Dragan, The Westin Charlotte; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Company; Selah Havard, Cabarrus County CVB; Mallory Middleton, Raleigh Convention Center; Lindsay Myers, Caesars Entertainment; Blair Jernigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC; Nicole Robinson, Greater Raleigh CVB; Kathleen Van Geluwe, Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes; Jean Travers, Helms Briscoe

PhotographerMicah Parekh - IWP Photography

ProofreadersKathy Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office; Cathy Mauldin, CMP, DESA, Inc .; Teresa Palmieri, Sheraton Imperial; Myron Jones, Fayetteville CVB; Lynn Rich, CMP, American Express Meetings & Events; Nancy Lowe, CMP, NC Medical Society

PublisherVince Chelena • The Management Office704-377-5648 • Fax 704-333-6927 • staff@themanagementoffice .com

AdvertisingMaureen Donovan • Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach • 910-256-2231

DesignKistin Creative Studio • 704-724-9188 • kistincreative .com

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 $8408 1/2”W x 11”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 Maureen Donovan at mdonovan@wrightsville .holidayinnresorts .com or 910-256-2231 .

Visit our website at www .mpi-cc .org for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities!

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 Ginny

Fountain, CMP, CMM at Ginny .Fountain@ncemcs .com or

submit via our website at www .mpi-cc .org .

CALLING ALL WRITERS

July 14-15, 2016Chapel Hill, NC

The Carolina Inn