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Carolina BlitzOctober - November 2015
The Courtyard by MarriottCarolina Beach, NC | November 5-6, 2015
Carolina Blitz
Greenville, South Carolina – one of the fastest growing destinations in the Southeast – has quickly become that
Greenville. The one with an award-winning downtown set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The one with a growing reputation as the South’s next big culinary hotspot. The one with countless things-to-do diversions and an incredibly diverse venue mix from big boxes to innovative and unique alternatives. The one more and more planners and organizers are choosing to hold their events. Yeah, that Greenville. Learn more online or call us at 800-351-7180.
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015 | 1
in this issue...
in every issue
features
Is it time to think about your CMP recertification? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
MPI Foundation Is For You. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Joe Blake:Forever a part of the Carolinas Chapter . . 20-21
Our Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
New Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
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2 | Carolina Blitz | August - September 2015
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 - [email protected]
EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Director of MarketingBrittany O’Shaughnessy • Francis Marion Hotel
EditorGinny Fountain, CMP • North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives
Contributing WritersChristian Schroeder, Visit Winston-Salem; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Company; John Cruz, CMM, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC; Mallory Middleton, Raleigh Convention Center; Elizabeth Lyons, CMP, TD Convention Center; Tammy Kockaya, CMP, CMM, MPI Global Foundation; Molly Johnson, CMP, Wilmington & Beaches CVB; Alison Harding, CMP, GTP, Global Knowledge; Nicole Robinson, Greater Raleigh CVB
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
PublisherVince Chelena • The Management Office704-377-5648 • Fax 704-333-6927 • [email protected]
AdvertisingMaureen Donovan • Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach • 910-256-2231
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 [email protected] • Fax: 704-333-6927
For more advertising information contact Maureen Donovan at [email protected] or 910-256-2231.
Visit our website at www.mpi-cc.org for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities!
MEETING AT SANDERLING
New in 2016 All Newly
Renovated Rooms
The meeting of minds is always enhanced in an aesthetically pleasing environment, and Sanderling, set amidst the complex beauty of the Atlantic seascape, brings the retreat to the level of art. Offering
stunning sound and ocean views, private and productive meeting facilities, and the resort’s renovated four-diamond amenities, Sanderling is the natural choice for your meeting, event or reunion.
1461 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949 l Phone 855.578.8890 l www.sanderling-resort.com
ART of the RETREAT
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015 | 3
Welcome New Members!
our members
Fernanda [email protected]
Marlene BarberaChapel Hill Orange County& Visitors [email protected]
Katelin [email protected]
Erin Boylan, CMPMetLife [email protected]
Lee CampbellIMI Association Executives [email protected]
Carolina [email protected]
Mark Donaldson Events/com [email protected]
Tracie Garrett, CEM North Carolina Home Builders Assoc. [email protected]
Victoria Holden Student - University of South Carolina [email protected]
Ted Johnson MetLife [email protected]
Amanda King ON Event Services [email protected]
Dwight Miller Miller Marketing Communications, Inc. [email protected]
Charles Parrish, PhD Student - George Mason University [email protected]
Robert Sullivan Absolutely Charleston [email protected]
Josh Swain Student - Clemson University [email protected]
Beth Tanner Duke University Medical Center, Office of Corporate & Venture Development [email protected]
Jennifer Williams, CMP WNCN (Media General, Inc.) [email protected]
MPI-CC Anniversaries25 years
Martha HowardInn on Biltmore Estate
Beverly StewartPinehurst, Southern Pines,
Aberdeen Area CVB
15 yearsGinny Fountain, CMP
North Carolina Assnof Electric Co-ops
Timothy MironRitz-Carlton Charlotte
10 yearsDeanna Griffith, CMP
GWPgM, CME, PMP, PCMTime Warner Cable
10 yearsJulie PrinePremier, Inc.
5 yearsLory LachapelleOmni Hilton HeadOceanfront Resort
Wendy SprintzDuke Clinical
Research Institute
Francesca SzaboOmni Charlotte Hotel
Melissa RiggleNew Bern/Craven County
Convention & Visitors Center
Congratulations to each of you for
reaching a milestone in MPI!
Back Row (L to R): Gary Balser, Durham Convention Center; Wendy Evalle, Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront;
Linda Eisan, Virginia Beach CVB; Alicia Perry, Graylyn International Conference Center; Beth Tanner, Duke University
Medical Center; Allison Smith, Global Events Managers; Paige Trimble, Gather Digital; Marlene Barbera, Chapel Hill /
Orange County CVB; Nathan Kittrell, Visit Greenville SC
Front Row (L to R): Ashley Squire, Student; Carolina Cely, Sensus; Amanda King, OnEvent Services;
Kim Howard, Global Events Manager
First Timers andNew Members at the
September Mixer
4 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015
MPI-CC THANKSOUR ANNUAL SPONSORS!
We Appreciate Your Support!
Silver Sponsors:
Gold Sponsors:
Diamond Sponsor:
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015 | 5
president’s message
Time to Volunteer? by Christian Schroeder, Visit Winston-Salem | 2015-2016 MPI-CC President
As we prepare to display holiday decorations, it is hard to imagine that 2015 is winding down. The idiom “time flies when you are having fun,” is an expression we apply to time periods and activities which pass by too quickly, such as the holiday season and volunteering to serve the Carolinas Chapter.
There are several opportunities to give of your time within the Carolinas Chapter. By volunteering to serve on a committee, you receive personal and professional development while networking and having fun with fellow members.
Our Chapter has several committees to choose from and the Leadership & Volunteer Development Committee can assist you with finding the one that can be the best fit for your time and talents. MPI considers any member that serves for a minimum of one hour throughout the year to be counted as a volunteer. (This equates to fifteen minutes every three months.)
Since serving on a committee is such a rewarding and enjoyable experience, many serve more than an hour because... well, time truly does FLY when you’re having FUN! Also, it is important to note that these volunteer contributions make a tremendous impact on our chapter.
Don’t let another year pass by without getting involved with your chapter!
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we would like to thank all of our members for their support and recognize the following chapter volunteers for their service:
Christian SchroederVisit Winston-Salem
2015-2016 MPI-CC President
Together let us continue to excel so that we might better serve current and future members! n
Alex Oates
Alison Bosinger
Alison Harding, CMP, GTP
Alyce Kelly, CHSP
Amelia Hodges, CMP
Amy Heiskell
Amy Johnson
Andrew Schmidt, CHME, MPA
April Ferguson, CMP, CMM
Aundrea Hopkins
Barbara Dragan
Barbara Evans
Benny Williford
Beverly Stewart
Blair Jernigan
Brea Fisher
Brent Lancaster, CCM, CMP
Brittany O’Shaughnessy
Carolina Cely
Cathy Adair, CTIS, TMP
Cathy Mauldin, CMP
Christy Marcinkowski, CMP
Cindy Beckham
Connie Hayes
Crystal Bryant
Deborah Slivensky
Debra Furr
Denise Ryan, CSP, MBA
Diane Patterson
Diane Weems
Donna Blake-Weems
Donna Rabon
Elizabeth Lyons, CMP
Farrah Staub, CMP
Gillian Dobbins
Ginny Fountain, CMP
Heide Roland
Janele Reynolds
Jean Travers
Jeanette Keys
Jennifer Kern, CMP , CTC
Jennifer Kist, CMP
Jessica Chappel
Jim Masek
John Cruz, CMM
Kai Zander
Karen Knox, CMP, CMM
Karen Miller
Karen Wall
Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP
Kathleen Van Geluwe
Kathy Flowe, CMP
Kay Grant, CMP
Krista Bartlett
Linda Ilsley, CMP
Lindsay Myers
Lisa Royster, CMP
Liz Guertin
Lori Hedrick, CMP, CMM, MHA , CSEP
Lynn Rich
Madi McDougald
Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE
Mallory Middleton
Mandy Lowe, CMP, CMM
Maureen Donovan
Mica Parekh
Michelle Bemis, CMP
Michelle White-Sukala
Molly Johnson, CMP
Molly Nelson
Myron Jones
Nancy Lowe, CMP
Neelam Patel
Nicole Filippo
Nicole Robinson
Pat Fogelman
Paula Greene
Paula Kastanek
Renita Williams
Ricardo Hicks
Rich Phaneuf
Sandi Owen
Sandie Holley
Sarah Davis
Sarah Sharkey, CMP
Scott Crotty
Selah Havard, TMP
Stacy Pegg
Stephanie Risbon
Tammy Jeffries
Tarshi McCoy, TMP
Teresa Palmieri
Tim Miron
Tina Derasmo
Vicky Richter
Wendy Bassett, CMP
MPI-CC 2015-2016 Board of Directors and Committees
6 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015
President Christian Schroeder Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4218 Christian@ visitwinstonsalem.com
President-Elect Barbara Dragan The Westin Charlotte 704-335-2114 [email protected]
Immediate Past President Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE Greater Raleigh CVB 919-645-2668 [email protected]
Administration
VP of Membership Alison Harding, CMP GTP Global Knowledge 919-461-8698 Alison.Harding@ globalknowledge.com
Director of Leadership & Volunteer Development Nicole Robinson Greater Raleigh CVB 919-645-2682 [email protected]
Awards Committee Co-Chair Wendy Bassett, CMP HelmsBriscoe 843-243-0554 [email protected]
Director of Membership Selah Havard Cabarrus County CVB 704-456-7970 [email protected]
Hospitality Committee Karen Knox, CMP, CMM Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4213 [email protected]
Membership
VP of Communications Alyce Kelly, CHSP Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville 242-241-8402 [email protected]
Director of Marketing Brittany O’Shaughnessy Francis Marion Hotel 843-937-8690 [email protected]
Marketing Committee Farrah Staub, CMP Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley 919-571-5319 [email protected]
Communications
VP of Finance Amy Johnson Courtyard by Marriott at Carolina Beach 910-458-2617 [email protected]
Director of Strategic Partnership Maureen Donovan Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach 910-256-2231 mdonovan@ wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com
Director of Fundraising Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP Marriott Columbia 803-744-6922 Karolyn.stone@ marriottcolumbia.com
Business Exchange Committee John Cruz, CMM Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC 919-765-1334 [email protected]
Strategic Partnerships Committee Chair Needed
Finance
VP of Education Lori Hedrick, CMM, CMP, MHA, CSEP Burroughs Wellcome Fund 919-991-5105 [email protected]
Director of Meeting Planning Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM North Carolina Association of CPAs 919-469-1040, ext. 8 [email protected]
Education Committee Mallory Middleton Raleigh Convention Center 919-996-8514 [email protected]
Education
Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Farrah Staub, CMP Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley 919-571-5319 [email protected]
MPI-CC 2015-2016 Board of Directors and Committees
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015 | 7
Advocacy Committee Co-Chair Linda Ilsley, CMP LPI Events 919-322-4996 [email protected]
Management Office Christine Irwin, CMP The Management Office 704-377-5648 [email protected]
Leadership & Volunteer Development Committee Christy Marcinkowski, CMP NC Sustainable Energy Assoc. 919-832-7601 ext 11 [email protected]
Scholarship Committee Liz Guertin Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4231 [email protected]
Member Care Committee Alex Oates PSAV 919-439-6214 [email protected]
Publications Committee Ginny Fountain, CMP NC Association of Electric Cooperatives 919-875-3050 [email protected]
Social Media Committee Mica Parekh IWP Photography 919-270-2510 [email protected]
Fun-Raising Committee Chair Needed
Silent Auction Committee Kathleen Van Geluwe Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes 843-692-3712 kathleen.vangeluwe@ marriottsales.com
Strategic Partnerships Committee Chair Needed
Meeting Planning Committee Molly Nelson Spartanburg Marriott 864-591-3113 [email protected]
Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Jennifer Kist, CMP 704-607-1454 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
8 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015
I love meeting new members and finding out more about them! At our new member and first time attendee mixer at the Sheraton in Chapel Hill, I had the pleasure of meeting Nathan Kittrell. He’s going to be a fantastic addition to our MPI-CC family….check out this edition’s New Member Spotlight and I’m sure you’ll agree.
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been in the industry full time since May of 2014. I previously was an intern with VisitGreenvilleSC for 1.5 years, while I was in college.
What is your current position and how long have you worked there?
My current position is “Sales Manager” at VisitGreenvilleSC. I have been in this position for one year as of October 1, 2015.
Tell me about your job and the company you work for.
I work for VisitGreenvilleSC, and I believe I have one of the best jobs in the world, because I get to tell people about how awesome Greenville, South Carolina is! In a nutshell, my job is to bring visitors to Greenville. I love bringing people here because it not only boosts our local economy, but everyone I seem to bring in falls in love with Greenville. We have become one of the fastest growing destinations in the Southeast over the past five years, and there is no slowing down in sight! We really have something special here, and would encourage anyone to take a weekend trip to visit us and take part in the Greenville, SC experience.
What are your hobbies and interests?
A few of my hobbies include: watching college football (I am a HUGE Georgia Bulldawg fan), running, biking, and hiking the great trails we have around Greenville, such as the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail and the miles of mountain trails in and around the area near my home.
My interests include anything that has to do with professional development and sales training. I have tried to surround myself with several great mentors (in and outside of our industry) who can speak to my professional life and give me advice on handling complicated situations as well as how to progress to the next step in my career and be the best I can be in my current career stage. I am also very involved with my church and love to volunteer as often as I can.
new member spotlight
Tell me about your family life.
I have been married to my beautiful wife since June 21, 2014, and she makes me a better man every day. She teaches 8th grade honors math and has been very successful. After only her first year of teaching, she was asked to help write curriculum for all of Greenville County! Needless to say, I am very proud of her. Also, any woman that can handle 35 8th graders at a time has to be a wonderful person! Currently, we do not have any children, but we plan on making a new addition to our family with a puppy in November.
Why did you join MPI-CC?
I joined MPI mainly for the networking opportunities with other people involved in our industry in the Carolinas. I have found this to be the quickest way to get plugged in, and it also serves as a great platform to talk about best practices within the industry. I have thoroughly enjoyed my brief time with MPI-CC, and I look forward to many more great years to come!
If you were able to meet any famous person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
If I could meet one famous person alive or dead, that person would be Jesus Christ. The reason being is He is the person I try to model my life after (although I often fail). I would also love to meet Him because from reading His teachings, it is apparent that He is a very skilled communicator and that is a part of my skill set I am always trying to sharpen!
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in our industry?
The advice I would give to anyone wanting to enter the industry is to make absolutely certain that you love to work with people. There is a reason the industry we are in is called the “hospitality” industry. I spend a majority of my working days talking to people, taking people out to eat, flying across the country to visit a client, and entertaining. It can be emotionally and physically draining, even if it is something you love doing. So make sure you love interacting with people! It is my favorite part of my job! n
New Member Spotlight: Nathan Kittrellby Alison Harding, CMP, GTP
Alison Harding, CMP GTP Global Knowledge MPI-CC Vice President of Membership
Nathan Kittrell
10 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015
• Morethan4,800hotelrooms
• 100,000+squarefeetofmeetingspacedowntown
• Over100restaurantsandshopswithinwalkingdistanceofConventionCentercomplex
• AForbes’Top10BestDowntown
• Centrallylocatedinthestate
®
FOR DETAILS, CONTACT:Christian Schroeder, Director of Sales and [email protected]•336-728-4218direct
Karen Wall, Sales [email protected]•336-728-4210directVisitWinstonSalem.com
Successfulisanunderstatement.Winston-Salem was near perfection!— Dr. Linda H. Gilliam, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.“
“
Director of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Emlyn Koster, Ph.D., is an insightful local mind, sharing his knowledge and network with meeting organizers from the Association of Science-Technology Centers to the world’s first conference on animal tracking. Consider how a smart city’s pipeline of experts can help simplify planning, identify corporate partners and customize programming, impressing your most savvy attendees. Think Raleigh. Where science, innovation and education grow from the ground up.
Learn more at visitRaleigh.com/smart
EMLYNKOSTER, Ph.D.
SCIENTIST AND VISIONARY
Science surrounds us as the means by which we
can better understand the challenges we face and the opportunities
that are there.
“
”
Photo Credit: News & Observer
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015 | 11
news you can use
Columbia, SC, September 21, 2015– Displays Unlimited would like to announce its expansion into the Triangle region of North Carolina and into Charleston, SC with the opening of satellite offices in each city. In January, Party Reflections, Inc. announced its merger with Displays Unlimited, a South Carolina based exhibition services company headquartered in Columbia, SC.
Convention & Visitors Bureau, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Announces the Promotion of Beverly Stewart to Vice President of Sales
Southern Pines, NC (October 2, 2015) – The Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) for the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area has announced the promotion of Beverly Stewart to vice president of sales. Stewart has served as the CVB’s director of sales since 1991, where she has led the direct sales initiative. With numerous
industry accolades and 27 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, Stewart will oversee all sales functions at the CVB, and work on key strategic initatives with the CVB’s executive team.
According the CVB CEO Caleb Miles, “Integrity is a powerful agent when it comes to working with meeting planners. Beverly’s unique ability to quickly gain their trust in our product and services here has been a real difference maker, and it’s why she is so widely respected in the industry by clients and peers alike.”
Professional memberships include: Association Executives of North Carolina [AENC-Board of Directors for two years]; Meeting Professionals International—Carolinas Chapter [Meeting Planning Chair]; and Society of Government Meeting Professionals [Board/Founding Member; 2014 Meeting Professional to Watch].
“I’m honored with this new position,” Stewart said. “The potential to promote to new planners and markets the resources and assets that are available in our area is an opportunity I’m looking forward to tackling. Moore County has so much to offer – wonderful sport facilities, a wide variety of meeting site options and a strong hospitality industry – all waiting to host the perfect event or memorable meeting!”
Beverly Stewart
Displays Unlimited Announces Its Expansion into Raleigh, NC and Charleston, SC
The Displays Unlimited satellite office in the Triangle will be in the existing Party Reflections Raleigh location. Since 2009, Party Reflections has established itself as the premier special event rental company in the Triangle providing an extensive inventory of tents, linens, china, and custom pieces. With the addition of Displays Unlimited’s broad range of tradeshow inventory, convention services, in house graphic design, and signage capabilities, the Triangle market will benefit exponentially from the combined resources, expanded inventory, and efficiencies.
The Displays Unlimited satellite office in Charleston, SC will function as the hub for the company’s calculated growth in South Carolina and the Southeast.
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Christian Eastman at 704.309.7185 or email at [email protected].
Do you dream of being a published author? If so, the
Blitz is looking for you! While we’re not the Wall Street
Times, 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 at [email protected] or
submit via our website at www.mpi-cc.org.
We would like to congratulate Amelia Hodges, CMP, with the North Carolina Association of CPA’s, on receiving her Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM) from GBTA and MPI. Way to go Amelia!
Congratulations to new CMM!
Amelia Hodges, CMP, CMM
If you have news we can use, please send to [email protected].
12 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015
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 [email protected]
• 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
The 2015 Business Exchange was hot..RED hot…. The
event really brought together new contacts and enhanced
old ones as well. Many thanks go out to the attendees
for making the event a success! We encourage you all to
provide your feedback so we can build off this year and
continue to make it better. We appreciate all the folks that
got the word out about the event. We had a diverse crowd
and several first-timers who hopefully will join the chapter.
I heard many wonderful and positive comments about the
décor and room set up…way to go AFR, Party Reflections,
and Scott Brown Media. Also, the crowd seemed to really
enjoy the variety of music videos that were displayed. Once
again, thanks to all that made the 2015 Business Exchange
special and we ask that all members of the chapter get
involved next year and help us bring more planners and
suppliers together. n
John Cruz, CMMBlue Cross Blue Shield of NCBusiness Exchange Committee Chair
Business Exchangein Review by John Cruz, CMM
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015 | 13
67,000 square feet of function space.And about 300 acres
of fun space.
Planning an event for up to a thousand people? We have a thousand ways to keep them entertained. Historic taverns, three golf courses, exceptional shopping, a world-class spa, and an 18th-century city filled with revolutionary adventures. Not to mention our modern event space, plus free Wi-Fi, and no resort fees. colonialwilliamsburg.com/meetings | 1-800-822-9127 M E E T I N G S & C O N F E R E N C E S
W I L L I A M S B U R G L O D G E • W I L L I A M S B U R G I N N • W I L L I A M S B U R G W O O D L A N D S H O T E L & S U I T E S
©2015 The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation 7/15-SALE-10642190
Now Enrolling b Spring Program Begins February 5, 2016
Complete the Meeting & Event Planning Certificate Program in 4 weekends!February 5 & 6 b February 19 & 20 February 26 & 27 b March 11 & 12
Free Info Session: January 6 b 6-7 p.m.UNC Charlotte Center City 320 E. 9th St. b Charlotte, NC 28202
UNC Charlotte is a CMP Preferred Provider. The Meeting & Event Planning Program meets the requirements to receive continuing education (CE) credit for the CMP credential.
704-687-8900ContinuingEd.uncc.edu/mep
Planning for Your futureMeeting & Event Planning Certificate Program
Look Who We Spotted at the...
14 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015
Look Who We Spotted at the...
... September Meeting in Durham!Photography by Mica Parekh – IWP Photography
16 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015
education
During the MPI-Carolinas Chapter September meeting, Tonya R. Perry, MBA spoke to attendees in the education session on Friday, September 18, about the “5 Critical Mistakes That Kill Productivity.” Perry prefaced her “5 Critical Mistakes” presentation by encouraging attendees to live their best lives and use the time that is given to them wisely. She personally witnessed her own brother not living his life as productively as he could have and his life ended just four years ago. Accomplishing work productively is important, but Perry urged audience members to enjoy life as a whole. She noted that being busy is not the same as being productive. Individuals can be extremely busy without actually being productive in those tasks that are vital to the success of their company and career.
The 5 Critical Mistakes That Hinder Productivity
1. You don’t plan. Planning is an essential part of being productive. Perry also suggests that when we plan out our week, we should include details such as waking up, walking the dog, blocking out time for lunch, and going to bed in order to stay the course. Some best practices mentioned include:
• Planning for the upcoming day by preparing the night before (checking calendar and laying out clothes)
• Blocking out time for lunch and exercise
• Dividing house chores into days throughout the week instead of completing everything over the weekend
Perry points out that time seems to pass by so quickly in our lives, so we must make sure what we’re doing is intentional and with a purpose.
2. You don’t respect time. Adhering to a schedule created through planning is important to productivity as well as being on-time for appointments. Perry emphasizes that we should always respect the time set for appointments and meetings because we can lose our credibility if we do not. She also points out that we are unable to gain extra time so we must manage it as effectively as possible by doing the following: Do it, Delegate it, or Delete it. Perry shares that it would be appropriate to delete an email or item brought forth if it involves:
• External websites not related to our course of work.
• Any irrelevant information from individuals that does not add positive value.
Perry advises that meetings worthy of our time should be the following: purposeful, prepared, and productive.
3. You Don’t Create Routines. Having a routine helps create consistency in our lives which can develop good habits of how to best prioritize and effectively manage time. Some examples Perry gives of routines include checking email first thing in the morning and organizing our week.
4. You Make Excuses. Excuses are a great hindrance to productivity because they allow the rationalization of not adhering to a plan. Common excuse examples attendees gave included: “I don’t have time,” “I have too much on my plate,” “It’s not in my job description,” and “Someone else said they would do it.”
5. You Don’t Ask For Help. It is almost impossible to complete all tasks individually without seeking the assistance and/or guidance of others. Perry mentions the idea of having an accountability partner to help keep ourselves in-check with our plan/schedule and pointing out where we may have areas of improvement to maximize our productivity.
Everyone has made one or all of these critical mistakes which kill productivity at some point in their working career. Now that these five critical mistakes which kill productivity have been identified and examined, we can do our best to recognize when we are making these mistakes and work towards avoiding them going forward. It is inevitable that we will all continue to make mistakes, but how we learn from them and plan to avoid making the same mistakes in the future is what will shape us into more productive individuals. n
MPI-CC September Meeting Education Recap: Tonya R. Perry: 5 Critical Mistakes That Kill Productivityby Mallory Middleton
Mallory Middleton Raleigh Convention CenterMPI-CC Education Committee Chair
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015 | 17
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WE’VE HOSTED MEETINGS OF ALL SIZES, INCLUDING ONES THAT SHAPED OUR COUNTRY.Beyond our deft hand for well-run assemblies, Cumberland County offers an impressive array of venues, amenities and attractions to enhance anyone’s meeting scope. So turn to the region that’s hosted meetings that helped shape history–let our dedicated staff shape a proposal for you. Give us a call at 1-888-98-HEROES to get started.
Fayetteville, NC was the only namesake city visited by Lafayette.
V I S I T F A Y E T T E V I L L E N C . C O M
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MY
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FYV-473c-Events-Ad-3.5x4.75-FINAL-[021615]-RW.pdf 3 2/16/15 2:54 PM
Speaker:
Tara Liaschenko, CMM
Creative Executive Officer,
The Link Event Professionals, Inc.
2015 MPI RISE Award Winner – Member of the Year
Description:
How do you improve your attendees productivity,
creativity and loyalty to your meeting? This physically
interactive session takes the attendee on a journey of
creative and interactive brainstorming you can learn to
apply to your conference or meeting sessions. Learn real-
world applicable examples of corporations that design
creative cultures in an effort to increase productivity,
creativity and loyalty. Realize the value in using physical
movement as a means to elicit creative thought, retention
and brainstorming. Learn how to use the conference
and meeting setting as a way to experience this concept.
Rather than have a speaker or panel, the audience becomes
the content driver through the use of brainstorming during
November Education Session Move Their Bodies, Move Their Minds An “Exercise” in Delivering a Creative Brainstorming Session
“netwalking” and then debriefs the best of the ideas and
concepts. Let us take you on a creative brainstorming
journey!
Actionable take-aways:
1. Learn real world applicable examples of corporations
that design creative environments and how to apply that to
your meetings and conferences.
2. Realize how to incorporate physical activity into your
meeting or conference with applicable knowledge as the
end result.
3. Walk away with a creative brainstorming session that
you can bring directly to your meeting or conference. n
The use of the CMP Preferred Provider Pre-Check logo is not an endorsement by the Convention Industry Council of the quality of the session. This logo means that this session has met the criteria to be pre-approved for CMP certification credit.
18 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015
Every five years the Convention Industry Council mandates that all CMPs recertify their designation. I’ve had my CMP designation for 15 years. In December of 2015, my CMP will be lapsing once again. And, I just received the following notice from the Convention Industry Council:
Please note that since your last application, CIC has transitioned to
an all online application system and your recertification application
must be completed through the online portal: www.myaccount.
conventionindustry.org.
Effective January 1, 2016, the grace period for lapsed recertification
will be reduced to three months, down from one year. This does
not change your recertification date or the regular recertification
deadline. However, if you miss your 12/31/2015 recertification
deadline, you must submit your recertification by March 31, 2016,
or your CMP will expire and you will have to re-apply for and pay
to retake the CMP exam. You worked hard to get your CMP!
Don’t risk losing it!
For complete information on the recertification requirements, please
review the 2015 CMP Recertification Handbook on the Convention
Industry Convention website.
To find pre-approved continuing education activities, visit the
Preferred Provider Directory for both face-to-face and online
opportunities.
I’ve attended some conferences over the last five years, but I’m not sure I have enough credits. The Convention Industry Council has made this process somewhat easier by offering credit for approved online webinars. The Convention Industry Council’s CMP Preferred Provider Program was launched in February 2015. Since the launch, they have added over 68 Preferred Providers who offer quality continuing education for CMPs - including MPI-CC!
How does five years go by so fast? Nothing makes me more nervous than to go through this process! Start now, and don’t find yourself looking at making up your CEU’s in your last year. I promise you don’t want to take THAT test again, especially with all the technology changes. Good luck! n
Elizabeth Lyons, CMPTD Convention CenterMPI-CC Publications Committee Member
Is it time to think about your CMP recertification? by Elizabeth Lyons, CMP
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A city as old as New Bernknows a thing or twoabout hosting a meeting.V i s i t N e w B e r n . c o m
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015 | 19
PURPOSE OF THE MPI GLOBAL FOUNDATION The MPI Foundation fuels the growth and advancement of MPI members by providing them professional development and career opportunities through grants and scholarships. The MPI Foundation propels the meeting and event industry forward by funding research initiatives that support the strategic plan of MPI.
RESOURCES OF THE FOUNDATION We want to make sure you know how to access the resources of the Foundation to share with your members.
Grants & Scholarships All grants and scholarship opportunities can be found at www.mpiweb.org/foundation/grantsandscholarships. New opportunities are added frequently so be sure to visit often!
• Scholarships
• Membership – There are three types of membership scholarships available for new members in need of financial assistance.
• Professional Development – Several scholarships are available to assist members with industry-related development programs or leadership programs such as Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM), Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate (HMCC), and the Meetings and Events at Sea Certificate.
• Conference Attendance – Funding to aid members in attending MPI’s World Education Congress (WEC) and European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC), and IMEX America and Frankfurt are available each year.
MPI Foundation Annual Report View the MPI Foundation 2014 Annual Report for an in-depth recap of what we were able to accomplish last year, thanks to the generosity of our contributors.
As received from Tammy Kockaya, CMP, CMM, Chapter Liaison, MPI Global Foundation Board of Trustees
MPI FoundationIt Is For You!
Success Stories Read about how the Foundation has helped members just like you! http://www.mpiweb.org/foundation/Success-Stories
MPI FOUNDATION STAFF CONTACTS Please feel free to reach out to an MPI Foundation team member with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you.
Tony Fundaro MPIF Sr. Director of Development, MPI Foundation [email protected]
Jodi Ann LaFreniere Ray MPI Sr. Director, Membership & Volunteer Experience [email protected]
Susan Prophet Director of Business Development, MPI Foundation Canada [email protected]
Holly McCauley MPI Volunteer Experience Specialist [email protected]
We greatly appreciate the support our Chapters provide to the MPI Foundation to allow us to fulfill our mission to fund education and pan-industry research that drive the success of meeting professionals. n
Thank you to all of the volunteers who attended our “Cake & Cocktails” reception at the September Chapter Meeting and Business Exchange in Chapel Hill. MPI-CC relies on our volunteers to be successful and we appreciate everyone who gives their time to our chapter. Please let us know if you are not happy with your volunteer experience or if you are interested in working with other committees. Contact Nicole Robinson, Director of Leadership Development at [email protected] with any questions or comments. Look out for another volunteer event soon. Thank you again to ALL the MPI-CC volunteers. n
Nicole RobinsonGreater Raleigh CVBDirector of Leadership and Volunteer Development
THANK YOU to MPI-CC Volunteers! by Nicole Robinson
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015 | 21
The first time I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Blake, he was wearing a leisure suit and an afro. It was the annual meeting, May 2002. The theme was 70’s disco. Joe was the outgoing President. He and I bonded instantly. He became a very good friend and someone whose opinion I valued greatly, especially during my term as chapter president.
Joe’s career in the hospitality Industry began when he graduated from NC State, starting at the Embassy Suites in Raleigh as a sales manager. He then moved to the Marriott in Durham. Joe joined the CVB in Chapel Hill where he worked for seven years before going back to the hotel world at the Sheraton Chapel Hill and spent the last 10 years at the Rizzo Conference Center where he was the Director of Sales. Joe was always the professional, working hard to assure his clients left happy with exceeded expectations.
Joe joined the Carolinas Chapter of MPI in 1996. Like everything Joe has been an advocate of, he jumped in and gave 100%. He served on almost every committee and held almost every board position. Within five years he was sworn in as our Chapter President 2001-2002. Joe continued his volunteer involvement through committees and rejoined the board after his presidency. Joe won the Supplier of the Year award as well as the Hall of Fame award.
Having been an active member and leader of our chapter for two-thirds of its existence, Joe has been a huge part of decisions that have shaped our chapter’s success. Whether you had the privilege of knowing Joe or not, his presence will always be with us. Below are just a few memories from our fellow chapter members.
DISCO JOEThe memories of Joe that I want to keep at the forefront are really the two sides that made up the man we loved. One is his place in the industry as the consummate sales professional. Joe knew how to build and nurture relationships, to be honest and ethical and to always deliver on his promises. He was personally invested in ensuring a positive outcome for each of the events he booked. The other side, of course, was his energy and love of a great time. He loved life and could always be counted on to liven up any gathering. He could make the most boring event into a fun time..…just add Disco Joe. His passing is a great loss to our industry, and especially to those of us who had the good fortune of spending time with him over the years.
Nancy Lowe, CMP NC Medical Society
A FRIENDI will so miss Joe. He was my friend and I could always count on him. One of my strong memories is the many times we disco danced, and disagreed on who should lead. I respected Joe and always knew I could get a direct answer to a question whether it was what I wanted to hear or not.
Joe was the first chapter president to implement MPI’s strategic approach in the business plan. His leadership and patience with the process was apparent to those of us serving on the MPI-CC Board when he was President.
I feel like I watched Tyler grow up. We always compared family pictures, and discussed the stages our families were at. He was so proud of his son and was a great Dad to him.
Linda Ilsley, CMP LPI Events
PROUD FATHERMy best memory of Joe is that he always spoke of his
son whenever we had a conversation. He was really
proud of him.
Jovita S. Mask
Association Executives of
North Carolina (AENC)
MAKES ME SMILEAfter I lost weight a couple of years ago, Joe would get close to me and say, “Girrrrl, you lookin fine!” I can still hear him in my mind and it makes me smile now. He knew we gals needed a little praise on our outfits and he was happy to provide it to any of us!!
When I made the March 2008 cover of Successful Meetings magazine, the pictures were taken at Rizzo and Joe was there with me every minute. We cut up and laughed the whole time. That is a favorite memory for me.
Jean Travers HelmsBriscoe
Molly Johnson, CMP Wilmington & Beaches CVB MPI-CC Advocacy Committee Co-Chair
ABOUT JOEby Molly Johnson, CMP
22 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015
board meeting highlights
Attendees: Christine Irwin, CMP, Christian Schroeder,
Barbara Dragan, Amelia Hodges, CMP, Alison Harding,
CMP, GTP, Nicole Robinson, Selah Havard, Alyce Kelly,
CHSP, Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP, Maureen Donovan,
Vince Chelena, Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Brittany
O’Shaughnessy
Excused Absences: Lori Hedrick, CMP, CMM, CSEP, MHA,
and Amy Johnson
Minutes: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE presented the
minutes from the July 13, 2015 Board of Directors Meeting
and made a motion to approve.
Motion: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE made a motion to
approve the July 13, 2015 Board of Directors Meeting
Minutes as presented.
Second: Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP
Vote: Approved
Financials: Vince Chelena presented the August P&L
statement, Balance Sheet and Aging Report.
Motion: Alyce Kelly, CHSP made a motion to approve the
August P&L, Balance Sheet and Aging Report as presented.
Second: Nicole Robinson Vote: Approved
Chapter Office: Christine Irwin, CMP reviewed the August
Metric Report and September meeting app.
Consent Agenda: Christian Schroeder asked for a motion to
approve the consent agenda.
Motion: Alison Harding, CMP, GTP CASE made a motion to
approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Second: Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP
Vote: Approved
Director of Membership Vacancy: Christian Schroeder
reported that Jeanette Keys, Director of Membership,
had to resign from the Board of Directors effectively
immediately. Jeanette will continue to volunteer with the
membership team as a committee member. The Director
of Membership position will need to be filled for the
remainder of the year. Christian Schroeder asked for a
motion to fill the Director of Membership vacancy.
Motion: Alison Harding, CMP, GTP made a motion for
Selah Havard to fill the remaining term for the Director of
Membership position.
Second: Barbara Dragan
Vote: Approved
Metric Incentives: Christian Schroeder reported that we
received 13 metric incentive points for the goals we met
during the 2014-2015 fiscal year. To redeem these points,
we have looked at the best way to maximize their value
that would benefit the chapter financially. We will be using
the points for $1,000 towards a retreat facilitator and $800
towards an education speaker.
Updates from WEC: Christian Schroeder reviewed some
key takeaways from the Chapter Leaders Forum and WEC
this year.
The North American Meetings Industry Day (NAMID)
held in 2015 will be expanded to now be called Global
Meetings Industry Day (GMID) and will be held on April 14,
2016 this year.
MPI Global is updating their bylaws, which will in turn
update our chapter bylaws. The major changes affect the
nominations process and board terms. All board positions
will be one year moving forward. The nomination process
will also begin earlier as the slate is now due to Global by
March 1, 2016.
Advocacy Committee / Buy MPI: Malinda Harrell, CMP,
CASE announced that in creating the Advocacy committee
(under the IPP), it was discovered that much of their
efforts overlap with the efforts of the Buy MPI committee
(currently under membership). After speaking with
the membership team, it was decided that the Buy MPI
committee and the Advocacy committee would join forces
under the Advocacy Committee title. Molly Johnson and
Linda Isley will be co-chairs. The purpose of the committee
is to get the message out about the impact of meetings on
the community, so GMID will fall under the responsibilities
for the this committee.
Blitz Publication: Brittany O’Shaughnessy reminded the
Board that all Blitz items will be due to Ginny no later than
a week after this meeting. The marketing team will work
on getting those reminders out to everyone.
Board of Directors Meeting MinutesSeptember 17, 2015 | Chapel Hill, NCby Christine Irwin, CMP
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015 | 23
Christine Irwin, CMP The Management Office
2016 Meeting Calendar: Amelia Hodges, CMP presented
the 2016 proposed meeting dates and locations as
follows:
January 14-15, 2016
Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh-Cary | Cary, NC
March 17-18, 2016
Spartanburg Marriott | Spartanburg, SC
May 9-10, 2016
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Hilton Head Island, SC
July 14-15, 2016
The Carolina Inn | Chapel Hill, NC
September 15-16, 2016
Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley | Raleigh, NC
November 3-4, 2016
Great Wolf Lodge – Charlotte/Concord | Concord, NC
Motion: Nicole Robinson made a motion to accept the
2016 meeting dates and locations as presented by
Amelia Hodges, CMP
Second: Alison Harding, CMP, GTP
Vote: Approved
Volunteer of the Year Award: Nicole Robinson and her
committee will work on creating a form for this new
award based off of the Annual Award nomination forms.
They will present it to the board before it is sent out to
the membership.
Leadership & Volunteer Development Committee:
Nicole Robinson asked each Board member to make
sure they are engaging the volunteers assigned to their
committees. If you need additional volunteers, please let
Nicole know. After each Board meeting, Nicole will send
out the full chapter committee volunteer list for you to
review and have for your records. The L&VDC would also
like to begin collecting volunteer testimonials, so if you
have someone who would be good for that – please send
their names to Nicole.
Team Updates / Business Plan Update:
Membership
During the Membership Bootcamp yesterday, the
membership team looked at restructuring their
committees to really focus on recruitment, engagement
and retention. In the coming weeks, they will be meeting
with all membership committees to discuss changes
moving forward and how each committee interacts with
the membership.
Finance
The Finance team is currently collecting silent auction
items for the November Bidding for Good auction set
to launch November 2. The Business Exchange team will
be collecting testimonials from both business exchange
exhibitors and planner attendees to market for next year’s
exchange. In the next week, they will be working hard on
post event follow up to all vendors and participants.
Communications
The marketing team has created a Communications
Form that everyone will need to start using. It will be a
communications request form for you to request what
communications you want sent out to the membership
through e-mail, social media, etc. This will help the
marketing team strategically plan out all of our chapter
communications. All forms must be received at least 72
hours in advance of the communication deadline. Brittany
has worked very hard to create a master Communications
Calendar for the chapter and it will be a fluid, working
document that we will use from year to year.
Education
The education team is working on their 18-month calendar
for both meetings and speakers. Amelia participated in the
Education bootcamp at the Chapter Leaders Forum at WEC
and will be implementing some great takeaways including
a professional development roadmap / “learning ladder”
idea for our education sessions. Now that we have the 2016
meetings secured, we will begin securing speakers for all of
next year as well as finalizing all 2017 meeting locations.
July Meeting Survey Results: Amelia Hodges, CMP reviewed
the results from the July Meeting survey and addressed
feedback with the Board.
Chapter Needs Assessment Survey: Alison Harding, CMP,
GTP announced that the membership team will be sending
out last year’s chapter needs assessment survey for everyone
to review and provide feedback on. In order to review the
feedback at the mid-year Board Retreat in early November,
we will set to launch the survey October 5 with an October
16 deadline.
Next Board Meeting: Christian Schroeder announced that
the next board meeting will be held on Thursday, November
5th sometime in the afternoon at the Courtyard by Marriott
Carolina Beach in Carolina Beach, NC. We will be having the
mid-year board retreat Wednesday, November 4 – Thursday,
November 5. Once an agenda is set for that, we will send out
the times, but plan on a noon start on November 4.
Meeting Adjourned. n
24 | Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015
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Our two main ballrooms and unique breakouts and boardrooms
offer flexibility with a unique décor and innovative design. Your
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Our hotel is the one spot where you can work and play, mix, mingle,
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A Southeastern meeting destination that’s easy to get to but difficult to leave. From the mountains to the beach our southern hospitality and well crafted style are sure to impress! Convenience and affordability aren’t the only things we have going for us!
Contact us today to find out why you should be meeting in Hickory, NC
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November 5-6, 2015
Carolina Beach, NC
Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach
MPI-CC is a CMP Preferred Provider.
The program(s) identified with
the CMP Preferred Provider
logo meet the requirements to
receive continuing education
(CE) credit for the Certified
Meeting Professional (CMP)
credential. All qualifying
activities also indicate how many CE credits attendees
will receive for participating. For more information about
the CMP credential or CMP Preferred Provider Program,
please visit www.conventionindustry.org.
Pinehurst may be known for twosomes and foursomes, but we were welcoming groups of all sizes before our first 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 find our meetings as legendary as our golf.
Meetings were held here long before clubs.
©2014
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Kimberly Bryan, Senior Director of National Accounts Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina • 910.235.8732 • pinehurst.com
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2015 | 25
November 5-6, 2015 Carolina Beach, NC Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach
January 14-15, 2016 Cary, NC Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh-Cary
March 17-18, 2016 Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg Marriott
May 9-10, 2016 Annual Meeting Hilton Head Island, SC The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
June 11-14, 2016 MPI World Education Congress Atlantic City, New Jersey
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 November 13, 2015. Please submit
any articles or photographs to be considered for
publication to Editor-In-Chief Ginny Fountain , CMP,
monthly meeting planner
Cohesive meeting space in one central location. That’s what you get with Twin City Quarter’s Benton Convention Center, Marriott Hotel and Embassy Suites. An affordable destination rich with features and amenities - Wi-Fi, restaurants, cafes, lounges, spa and salon, Starbucks and fi tness centers. Conveniently adjacent to Fourth Street’s Restaurant Row and the Arts District with galleries, dining and shops.
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It’s All in the Numbers170,000-Square Feet of Meeting Space
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