Carolina Blitz October-November 2014
New Member Spotlight Lu Ann Debolt Page 8
Pine Needles & Mid Pines Golf Resorts Southern Pines, NC | November 20-21, 2014
Keep it fresh. Meet in My Durham…really.
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
The Cotton Room at Golden Belt
Food Trucks in Downtown Durham
Durham Convention Center
RDU International Airport
My Durham, NC is a creative, diverse, colorful, and entrepreneurial destination that is easily accessible with an international airport just 11 minutes from Downtown, an affordable selection of over 7,500 hotel rooms, and the home of the world-famous Research Triangle Park. My Durham is also unique. It’s not like
Rizzo Conference Center
Where great meetings happen
NORTH CAROLINA
everywhere—or anywhere—else; there is no location amnesia here. You will know you have been to a unique city that literally has something new for your attendees – fresh daily! Come see what My Durham is all about!
Corey D. Bizzell Vice President, Group Sales & Business Development
in this issue...
features Do You Buy MPI? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 The Right MOVE(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Legacy of Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19
in every issue Our Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 New Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Helping Hand Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15
magicflute002/iStock/ThinkStock
MPI-CC Board of Directors Meeting Highlights . . . . . . . . . . 20
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 |
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Come Experience Our Hickory Hospitality
Carolina Blitz The Carolina Blitz is the official publication of the Carolinas Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and is published every other month. All contributions, articles, and photographs should be submitted to Director of Publications/Editor one week after the meeting. Ginny Fountain, CMP - Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE Director of Publications Laura Barnes, CMP • Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort Editor Ginny Fountain, CMP • North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives Contributing Writers Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Greater Raleigh CVB; Jeanette Keys, Greenville Convention Center; Colleen Schwoerke, CMP, PlanIt Right; Rod Abraham, The Rod Abraham Group; Christian Savelli, MPI; Molly Johnson, CMP, Hilton Wilmington Riverside; Tonya Miller, CMP, Embassy Suites Greensboro-Airport; Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP, Marriott Columbia; Photographer Mica Parekh – IWP Photography Proofreaders Kathy Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office; Cathy Mauldin, CMP, DESA, Inc.; Melanie O’Bryan, Biltmore; Teresa Palmieri, Sheraton Imperial; Myron Jones, Fayetteville CVB; Connie Hayes, Student
Where Meetings are Well Crafted. • •
Over 76,000 square feet of usable meeting space 1,900 hotel rooms
•
Easy access off I-40
•
Free Parking
•
Free Wireless Internet
Visit us online at www.hickorymetro.com or contact us by phone at 1.800.509.2444 for more information.
Publisher Vince Chelena • The Management Office 704-377-5648 • Fax 704-333-6927 • staff@themanagementoffice.com Advertising Amy Johnson • Courtyard by Marriott, Carolina Beach Oceanfront and Fairfield Inn & Suites, Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach • 910-458-2617 Design Kistin Jordan • Kistin Jordan [Graphic Designer] • 704-724-9188 MPI-CC Web Site: www.mpi-cc.org ADVERTISING RATES AND DEADLINES AD SIZE FREQUENCY MEMBER NON-MEMBER RATE RATE Quarter Page 1X $220 $290 (3 1/2”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $200/issue $270/issue 6X $160/issue $230/issue Half Page Horizontal 1X $420 $550 (7 1/4”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $400/issue $530/issue 6X $360/issue $490/issue Half Page Vertical 1X $420 $550 (3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 3X $400/issue $530/issue 6X $360/issue $490/issue Full Page 1X $640 $840 (7 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 3X $620/issue $820/issue 6X $580/issue $780/issue Full 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 28203 Christine@TheManagementOffice.com • Fax: 704-333-6927 For more advertising information contact Amy Johnson at amy.johnson@crestlinehotels.com or 910-458-2617. Visit our website at www.mpi-cc.org for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities!
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| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
our members Welcome New Members! Lisa Burzotta PNC Bank lisa.burzotta@pnc.com
Diane Gregory BCD M&I Onsite at Cisco Systems digregor@cisco.com
Chantel Post Marriott Greensboro Downtown chantel.post@marriottsales.com
Patricia Byrd
Gregory Hussar
Lauren Powell
Spartanburg Convention &
Kingston Plantation,
JHM Hotels
Visitors Bureau
A Hilton & Embassy Suites Resort
LPowell@jhmhotels.com
sales@visitspartanburg.com
greg.hussar@hilton.com
Chia-Li Chien, CFP jolly@chialichien.com
Jan Kelly North Carolina Egg Association egglady@ncegg.org
Shannon Dubuisson Cone Health shannon.dubuisson@conehealth.com Barbara Evans Burroughs Wellcome Fund bevans@bcofunds.org
Kelly Pratt Hilton Garden Inn Myrtle Beach kelly.pratt@hilton.com Faye Robinson berica.robinson@gmail.com
Wes Kitashima, CMP Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau
Dixie Smith
wkitashima@hiltonheadisland.org
Duke Energy Dixie.Smith@duke-energy.com
John McCants Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau jmmccants@explorecharleston.com
MPI-CC Anniversaries 20 years Andrew Schmidt, CHME, MPA Greenville-Pitt County Convention & Visitors Bureau
First Timers and New Members
15 years Janice Roberts, CMP, CMM 10 years Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP Marriott Columbia 5 years Bridget Stalvey Hyatt Regency Greenville Congratulations to each of you for reaching a milestone in MPI!
New Members:
Wes J. T. Kitashima, CMP - Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau; Bree Nidds – Wilmington & Beaches CVB; LuAnn DeBolt - Domtar Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 |
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MPI-CC THANKS OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS! We Appreciate Your Support! Diamond Sponsor:
Gold Sponsors:
Silver Sponsors:
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| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
president’s message
“With great power comes great responsibility.” ~Voltaire by Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE
One Saturday afternoon, my four-year-old grandson asked me a question that changed my perspective. He said, “Mimi, do you know what superpower Spider-Man has?” In my mind, I was thinking, of course I do! He can leap from building to building, use his spidery sense to find danger and save lives…everyone knows that. But on the outside I remained silent and waited for him to tell me what I thought I already knew. And then, in his innocent little voice, he stated, “He swings and takes pictures.” And he ran off to play. Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Associate Director of Sales, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau; 2014-2015 MPI-CC President
I thought to myself, “takes pictures--when did that become a superpower!?” As I overanalyzed the answer of my grandson, I had an epiphany; I realized that the power is in the eye of the beholder. To him, Spiderman (Peter Parker) taking pictures was extraordinary. How many moments in history were captured by someone simply taking pictures? That is when I realized that the simple things we do can make a huge impact. That made me rethink my version of what I thought were Spiderman’s powers. As I dug deeper, I realized that what was most important to me was that he always did the right thing. Yes, Spiderman has ethics! And, as I thought further, so do the other heroes I admire: Superman, Maya Angelou, Bono, Mahatma Gandhi and more. Having a strong sense of ethics creates an environment of trust. Our industry shapes the world by providing powerful opportunities for learning, peer to peer connections and the growth of humankind. Each and every exchange has the potential to create a positive experience. That is extraordinary, that is our superpower. “With great power comes great responsibility.” Embrace your inner Superhero, recognize the power within to change the world just by doing the right
alexaldo/iStock/Thinkstock
thing. Your mission is never to miss the chance to be extraordinary.
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Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 |
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MPI-CC 2014-2015 Board of Directors and Committees EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President
Vice President of Education
Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE
Barbara Dragan
Greater Raleigh CVB
The Westin Charlotte
919-645-2668
704-335-2114
mharrell@visitraleigh.com
Barbara.Dragan@westin.com
President-Elect
Vice President of Finance
Christian Schroeder
Alyce Kelly, CHSP
Visit Winston-Salem
Hampton Inn Morehead City
336-728-4218
252-240-0775
Christian@visitwinstonsalem.com
alyce.kelly@hilton.com
Vice President of Administration
Vice President of Membership
Colleen Schwoerke, CMP
Tarshi McCoy, TMP
PlanIt Right
DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern
919-808-1902
Riverfront
colleen@planit-right.com
252-638-0304 tarshi.mccoy@hilton.com
Vice President of Communication
Immediate Past President
Corey Bizzell
Erin Moye
Durham CVB
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
919-680-8315
919-313-2160
corey@durham-cvb.com
emoye@wdigc.com
DIRECTORS Awards/Recognition
Strategic Partnerships
Lindsay Myers
Amy Johnson
Caesars Entertainment
Courtyard by Marriott
919-628-8836
at Carolina Beach
lmyers1@caesars.com
910-458-2617 amy.johnson@crestlinehotels.com
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Marketing/Community Outreach
Meeting Planning
Alison Jenkins
Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMM, CMP
The Umstead Hotel & Spa
Burroughs Wellcome Fund
919-447-4122
919-991-5105
Alison.Jenkins@theumstead.com
lhedrick@bwfund.org
| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
DIRECTORS (continued) Auctions
Education
Diane Weems
Tonya Miller, CMP
NC Aggregates Association
Embassy Suites Greensboro-Airport
919-782-7055
336-668-4535
Diane@ncaggregates.org
tonya.miller@jqh.com
Exhibits
Publications
Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP
Laura Barnes, CMP
Marriott Columbia
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
803-744-6922
843-341-8010
Karolyn.stone@marriottcolumbia.com
lbarnes@omnihotels.com
Membership
Management Office
Jeanette Keys
Christine Irwin, CMP
Greenville Convention Center
The Management Office
252-321-7671
704-377-5648
jkeys@greenvilleconventioncenter.com
Christine@themanagementoffice.com
COMMITTEES Scholarship Liz Guertin Visit Winston-Salem 336-728-4231 liz@visitwinstonsalem.com Silent Auction Kathy Flowe, CMP Alabama Theatre 843-272-5758 kflowe@alabama-theatre.com Business Exchange Chair needed Education Stephen Valliere Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa 904-813-3307 svalliere@ sawgrassmarriott.com
Hospitality Gloria Refinati ON Event Services 336-292-9700 grefinati@ oneventservices.com
Publications Ginny Fountain, CMP NC Association of Electric Cooperatives 919-875-3050 ginny.fountain@ncemcs.com
Recruitment Kimberly Harrelson Kingsmill Resort 757-253-3980 Kimberly.harrelson@ kingsmill.com
Meeting Planning Molly Nelson Spartanburg Marriott 864-591-3113 Molly.Nelson@marriott.com
Membership (Co-Chairs) Melissa Riggle New Bern-Craven County CVC 800-437-5767 mriggle@cravencountync.gov Rick Cammer The Ballantyne Hotel 704-248-4033 rcammer@ theballantynehotel.com
Leadership & Volunteer Development Alison Harding, CMP Global Knowledge 919-461-8698 Alison.Harding@ globalknowledge.com CMP (Co-Chairs) Sarah Sharkey, CMP Ernst & Young LLP Sarah.sharkey@ey.com
Amelia Hodges, CMP North Carolina Association of CPAs 919-469-1040, ext. 8 ahodges@NCACPA.org Awards Wendy Bassett, CMP HelmsBriscoe 843-243-0554 wbassett@helmsbriscoe.com Strategic Partnerships Chair needed Marketing Sandi Owen Embassy Suites Columbia 803-744-8134 sandi.owen@jqh.com Community Outreach Chair needed
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 |
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new member spotlight New Member Spotlight: Lu Ann DeBolt by Jeanette Keys
Lu Ann has been in her current
model for youth and adults alike. He hasn’t let his success
position for over two years as the
change who he really is.”
Events and Operations Coordinator at Domtar, and held her previous
Lu Ann DeBolt
Lu Ann, have you achieved balance between your personal
position there for three years.
and professional life? “I believe I have achieved a balance
When asked what is unique about her
profession, you put in the extra hours when necessary and
destination, property or position, Lu
savor the days when the load is a little lighter. Plus, I am
Ann replied, “My position falls within
grateful my dog loves going to “kennel camp!”
the Sustainability and Business Communications department;
however, I work with various business segments within Domtar as well as Corporate Communications. Among other responsibilities, I manage our customer events, industry events and tradeshows. “I first heard about MPI from the passenger seated next to me on a flight as I was returning home from a customer event. Unfortunately, I do not remember her name or the company she worked for, but she was a member of MPI and highly encouraged me to join. Another reason I am looking forward to being a part of MPI is for the networking opportunities. I believe creating a bank of resources will be a valuable tool to enable me to perform my job well and efficiently.” I asked Lu Ann what is the one thing that has happened in her life that has made the biggest impact on who she is today. She responded, “I would say hitting the restart button. I have relocated several times, thus started new jobs with new companies in new industries, ultimately meeting and working with new people. This may sound like a disadvantage, but, instead it has offered me a magnitude of opportunities and experiences. I do love the Carolinas, however, and believe I am here to stay!”
between my personal and professional life. As with any
I asked Lu Ann, “What do you think is the biggest challenge
of ourMeeting industry today?” Her response was, “I’ve noticed that Professionals International with the economic rebound, the need to plan events further
and further in& advance is key. Golf Coming up with innovative Pine Needles Mid Pines Resort
Southern Pines,ideas NorthforCarolina — events November 20-21, essential 2014 and fresh repetitive is always in keeping interested and engaged. I also find For nearly a century,your golfers audiences have reveled in the serene ambiance of Pine Needles & Mid Pines Resorts. Two 18-hole that how we most effectively communicate (face-to-face, Donald Ross designed resort golf courses have earned us our place amongst country’s best golfcontinues resorts—and one socialthemedia, etc.) toto change.” which our guests and USGA Championships return to time and again. What is your advice for anyone considering hospitality as
We are located just one mile from Southern Pine’s historic downtown and four miles from Villagesaid, of Pinehurst. Beingyour eyes and ears wide a profession? LutheAnn “Keep 60 miles southwest of Raleigh and just 75 miles east of open! areaccessible surrounded by a group of very creative people Charlotte, NC weWe are easily by car.
and there is always something Accommodations 73 rooms at Pine Needles, 89 rooms at Mid Pines
to glean from one another
and add to our own bag of tricks. Also, try to carve a little
Conference Facilities sliver of time, even if it’s just an hour 6 Meeting Facilities at Pine Needles 4 Meeting Facilitiesyour at Mid travels Pines wherever may take you.” Largest Seating Capacity: 400 AV Equipment Available On Site
or two, for exploring n
Golf To play at Pine Needles and Mid Pines is to live and breath Jeanette Keys course Donald Ross golf. Couple this with impeccable conditioning and our attentive serviceConvention and you have a truly Greenville Center memorable golf experience.
MPI-CC Director of Membership
Dining There are four difference dining options between the two properties. One formal dining room at each hotel and one bar at each location, offering a variety of choices for every palate
Lu Ann, if you could meet someone living or deceased, who would it be and why? She said, “There are so many people, but one who always comes to mind for me is Phil Mickelson. Phil along with his wife, Amy, originally created the Smart Start Foundation, primarily focused on supporting youth and family initiatives, and the Birdies for the Brave Foundation supporting troops injured during combat. They are also big supporters of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, as well as Homes for Our Troops. In my opinion, Phil Mickelson is not only a great golfer and philanthropist, but also an extraordinary role
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| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
November 20-21, 2014 Southern Pines, NC Pine Needles& Mid Pines Golf Resorts
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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 fitness centers. Conveniently adjacent to Fourth Street’s Restaurant Row and the Arts District with galleries, dining and shops. The only number you’ll need for one-stop-shopping: 877.888.9762
5th and Cherry Streets • Winston-Salem NC 27101 336.725.3500 • www.twincityquarter.com
Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 |
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MPI-CC is proud to present the Helping Hand Award to Stephen Valliere Stephen has just jumped in with both feet. His enthusiasm is only matched with his creativity and the energy that he is bringing to the Education team. It was his idea to put together the panel for Concession Confessions at the
Know a Helping Hand? Know anyone that has lent a helping hand?
September meeting and he has some more great ideas for future Stephen Valliere Chairman of the Education Committee
members that has volunteered her time and efforts
Congratulations, Stephen! Thank
this month and thank her for helping to make your
you for your dedication to MPI-CC!
goal possible. Let me know who she is and how she
To nominate a fellow MPI-CC member for the Helping Hand Award, please email Lindsay Myers at lmyers1@caesars.com.
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Find yourself in good company in Greenville, NC Meetings executives find themselves well attended to in Greenville, North Carolina. Planners enjoy unmatched event services and visitors find themselves the absolute center of attention in our two hospitality areas: the newly-expanded facilities of the Convention Center District, and the Uptown Greenville District hub for dining, arts and recreation opportunities. Point your meetings in our direction. You won’t find better company!
GREENVILLE-PITT COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
www.visitgreenvillenc.com • 800-537-5564
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Committee Chairs, please nominate one of your
meetings.
| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
went above and beyond for your committee. Please send nominations to Lindsay Myers at lmyers1@caesars.com
Cretas/iStock/Thinkstock
DO YOU Buy MPI? by Molly Johnson, CMP
If you’ve been a member
success story of business you gained through your MPI
of MPI for a while, then
people to tell their story, so we came prepared with two
you may remember several
network. We knew that it might take a little bribing to get awesome prizes and we got some great stories. Kathy Flowe, CMP with the Alabama Theater won a $25.00 Amazon Gift
years ago the Buy MPI
Card and Donna Thompson with the SC Coalition against
campaign was rolled
the Don Caesar Hotel in St. Petersburg, FL.
out. well, we are
We have lined up some amazing prizes that will be given
bringing it back!
Domestic Violence won a two-night stay with breakfast at
away at each chapter meeting: all you have to do is send your story to BuyMPICC@gmail.com and you will be entered into the drawing. One chance for each success story you send and you do not have to be at the meeting to win. Don’t
The concept is really quite simple: buy from people within the organization first. Keep in mind, buying doesn’t always happen solely between Planners and Suppliers–– often it’s Supplier to Supplier. Either way, with a network of 20K+, the
have a story yet? Well, there are many vendors from our Business Exchange that will be happy to assist you with your story. In fact, I know they will fill out the form for you… Buy MPI!! n
odds are you will find what you need within MPI. Our September Business Exchange was the perfect opportunity to get the Buy MPI concept in front of our chapter members; you may have seen Linda Ilsley, CMP, Brent Lancaster and myself at registration asking for your
Molly Johnson, CMP Hilton Wilmington Riverside MPI-CC Past President Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 |
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Look Who We Spotted at the...
... September Chapter Meeting in Durham! Photography by Mica Parekh – IWP Photography
education
Education & Business Exchange Recap by Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP
MPI-CC held the Inaugural Education & Business Exchange on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at the Doubletree by Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park. It was a success! The event started with a panel discussion, CONCESSION CONFESSIONS led by Tonya Miller, CMP. In this informative session, we learned from planners and suppliers what to ask for and how to get what you need. After the panel discussion, we flowed into the Business Exchange. Gone were the big displays and handouts replaced with a sleek, innovative set up and much time to connect with a myriad of suppliers. Our main goals this year were to exchange, emerge, and evolve. The new design of the show and the excellent educational opportunity allowed for all of this and more! A big thank you goes out to all of our sponsors and exhibitors. MPI-CC appreciates your support. n
Panel Members: Left to right, back to front Wendy Sprintz, Nancy Lowe, CMP, Amy Heiskell. Nancy Smythe, Molly Johnson, CMP, Alison Jenkins
Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP Marriott Columbia MPI-CC Director of Exhibits
There’s S’MMore to RFP’s by Tonya Miller, CMP
Join us at the November chapter meeting as we dive into the RFP process and learn how suppliers build their offer based on the information provided in an RFP. Have you been using the same RFP time after time? Remember, “There’s S’MMore” to RFP’s. How much is too much information, what is not enough? Together we’ll discover how to create a dynamic RFP that will result in receiving qualified
iStock/Thinkstock
proposals! n
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| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
Tonya Miller, CMP Embassy Suites Greensboro-Airport MPI-CC Director of Education
Here’s What We Heard About the September Meeting... Scintillating, fresh and informative! The meeting was very engaging and I loved the new seating design. It was not your typical meeting, and the contract session made you say “hmmmmmmmmmmm.” Content was very eye opening and I left wanting more. Yolanda R. Hamer, CMP Event Logistics Manager BCD M&I onsite at Cisco
I only attended the Thursday event. It was by far one of the best MPI events I have attended in a long time. Great panel discussion, loved the room set up and new look, small Business Exchange, networking opportunities, and the buzz at the reception, and great food. It produced the WOW factor for sure; and hope there are more like it to follow. I could not attend on Friday because I could not be out of the office. Great job to the committee who planned Thursday. Thursday was so beneficial to me because of the components above and because it felt like the MPI Carolinas Chapter I joined in 2006 and miss.
Awesome meeting! Relevant and timely educational sessions with great conversation and takeaways. Fabulous look and feel for the streamlined meeting format and phenomenal room sets. Felt the energy and excitement the minute I walked in the door! Great job in creating a very worthwhile and engaging experience – can’t wait for November’s meeting!
I was really excited about the new format of MPI-CC’s Business Exchange in September (formerly known as the Annual Tradeshow)! The education on both Thursday and Friday was seriously some of the best I’ve ever attended at our chapter meetings; and, I loved the audience involvement and the sharing of ideas at both sessions. I thought the room set up with various seating arrangements was absolutely brilliant, and the attendees seemed to like being able to sit in their own preferred seating. I also think this arrangement made the attendees more comfortable and willing to be honest and “real” in sharing their industry stories. Having the Business Exchange partners around the perimeter of the room with beautifully decorated cocktail rounds made the Business Exchange so much more open to “exchanging”, when compared to the more formal 10x10 booth. It’s nice to see our Chapter leaders working hard to change our meeting formats to better accommodate our membership and our ever-evolving industry. THANK YOU MPI-CC!
Karen Knox, CMP, CMM Junior Sales Manager Visit Winston-Salem
Loretta Yingling, CMP National Sales Manager Greater Raleigh CVB
Sandie Holley Events & Educational Services Director NC Association of Pharmacists
Engaging topics, stimulating conversations, versatile use of meeting space – the new MPI! The September meeting was refreshing and energizing, very well done! Cheryl Mironczuk, CMP Project Planner Cisco Systems
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| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
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The Right MOVE(s) by Christian Savelli
My first weeks at MPI were a whirlwind; so much happened
all departments—from marketing and events to IT and
so quickly.
membership—who represent the voice of the organization
The 2012 Chapter Business Summit marked my first day in the “office.” The positive energy and the talent that surrounded me as I interacted with MPI members were overwhelming. After 12 years in a strategic meetings management program (SMMP) environment, I got to
in a safe environment. Our first task: Re-define our core values. The MOVE Team took that assignment to heart, and its first recommendation was to rewrite all the values with the first emphasis being on our members. For example, “Carried out with Energy and Passion” was modified from:
interact with key players, people who make it real, live and
“We have unrelenting passion for quality; personal accountability
vibrant—far away from the cold reality of SMMP where
for our choices and performance results; and fanatical support for
savings, risk management and efficiency prevail. Then, came a couple of weeks in Dallas at the “Mothership,” before I was off to Orlando for my first encounter with the International Board of Directors. Despite the stress
our members, our industry and our teammates’ success.” To: “We have unrelenting passion for our members, our industry and our teammates’ success, carried out with personal accountability for our choices and performance.”
of presenting for the first time in front of this impressive
Leadership embraced the recommendations and
group, I felt more professionally alive than I had in years.
implemented the members-focused core values right
In those first couple of weeks, I learned so much by interacting with MPI members that I could not consider
away. One of our key recognition programs now rewards employees who personify these values.
supporting the organization if I were to lose that connection
These are the moments that have led me on an amazing
with them. So, I decided to join the local chapter in the
journey for the last two years, as you, our members,
Carolinas. My first meeting was in Greenville, and I was
have given me the opportunity to learn so much. As an
happy to reconnect with former colleagues Corey Bizell
organization, we are on a road to transformation and
and Loretta Yingling, co-workers from our days at hotels
change, and we will all travel that road together.
in Durham and Chapel Hill. I also reconnected with Lynn Royal and John Cruz, who I worked with when I supported the GSK (Glaxo SmithKline) SMM (Strategic Meetings Management) program. And I met so many other members
This is more than a job. Thank you for your enthusiasm, passion and dedication to MPI. I look forward to meeting more of you at an event in the beautiful Carolinas.
who make this chapter so lively. Much to my chagrin, it has been challenging to attend meetings often due to my travel schedule. However, interaction with our chapter members has been enriching at the annual World Education Congress, CBS and other events. Just last April, the internal MPI staff nominated me to
Christian Savelli Sr. Director Business Intelligence & Research Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
lead the MOVE Team, a group of eight employees from Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 |
17
Csaba+Peterdi /Hermara/ThinkStock
THE LEADERSHIP LEGACY A Charter Member’s Thoughts on How We Got Here by Rod Abraham
As a charter member of MPI, I have witnessed MPI and the meetings and events industry grow in both size and influence. Forty plus years ago, when a group of us sat around late one night at something called the World Meeting Planner’s Congress at the O’Hare Hyatt, we talked about the need for an organization that could help us grow. And share. AND connect! As an aside, talk about a group of optimists – I think there were about 16 of us and it was called WORLD Meeting Planners Congress. Our life’s work wasn’t recognized and education materials didn’t exist. In MPI’s 40 + years, so very many individuals have shared their time and talent to bring about the evolution of MPI and our industry. That’s a legacy!
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| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
Why is it important to talk about the past and how we got to where we are today – as individuals and as an industry? • We can learn from and build on the legacy left by those who came before us • It can motivate each of you to focus on the legacy you want to create • It can help you identify the values you want to portray Let’s start with some dictionary definitions: LEADERSHIP: “a position as a leader of a group, organization, etc.; the time when a person holds the position of leader; the power or ability to lead other people.” LEGACY: “Something that happened in the past or that comes from someone in the past.” Even in our very recent past. In fact, many of our legacy makers are current members!
Thus the expression A Living Legacy. Here’s another perspective that I think gives context to the notion of our responsibilities to each other and to our life’s chosen work. Sir Francis Bacon was an English writer and philosopher in the 16th & 17th centuries. Look at what he said (forgive the sexism of his times): “I hold every man a debtor to his profession . . .” “I hold every man a debtor to his profession”. I translate that to: every person has an obligation to give back. I see that as our legacy. A leadership legacy. Without getting political, we can all agree on world leaders that have left a legacy. In recent times, a partial list includes, in alphabetic order, North Carolina’s Maya Angelou, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Florence Nightingale, Rosa Parks and Mother Teresa. I could go on and on. How about Steve Jobs and Bill Gates? They have changed billions of lives. And, their legacies are still growing. I have survived and even thrived a bit in this business because I was able to sit at the feet of some leaders who were willing to share. And, old though I am, I still get inspiration and guidance from some of these people as well as the younger leaders. One leadership legacy contributor was the late Jim Jones. Jimmy was the director of meetings at Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. Among other things, he was a founder of MPI, ICP (now the Financial & Insurance Conference Planners - FICP) & SCMP – the Society of Company Meeting Planners. A few years ago, when I heard that he died, I immediately remembered two things I learned from him. One, a big picture, strategic philosophy and one very tactical process. Here they are, as I remember them: 1. Always understand the difference between personal power & positional power. We may have a lot of power because of our position, but the real test of a professional is their personal power. 2. Always have them cut the Danish in half. Another of the same vintage who is still going strong is an industry treasure and a “neighbor” in Blacksburg, Virginia, Howard Feirtag. Now in his mid-80’s, Howard is still active and a perfect example of a leadership legacy. A few years ago I witnessed first-hand both the passion that he brings to the classroom and the responsiveness of young students to his teaching. Two years ago I had the honor of emceeing the RISE Awards at MPIs 40th anniversary gathering in St Louis. The overall theme was “Connections” – how we need to connect with each other to become stronger as individuals and as an industry.
I cited a number of links or “connections” to our leadership legacy. Then outgoing MPI Chair was Sebastian Tondeur from Geneva, Switzerland. For nine years I worked with his dad, Roget. And MPI’s incoming Chair was Kevin Hinton. His dad was Dave Hinton. We worked and played together for years. He was all business and at the same time all fun. Dave’s legacy – especially to me – was that he was the 1st professional salesperson I had encountered. He would often say to me “. . . a great hotel but not right for this meeting.” This relates to our legacy in another way. I think being passionate about what you do and doing it the right way is what attracts a son or daughter to follow in their parent’s career footsteps. What greater legacy? And I am proud to say that my son, Warren Abraham, followed me into this industry and is now a Vice President of audio visual giant PSAV. In his early days, he was asked “are you related to Rod Abraham?” Now I get: “are you related to Warren Abraham?” I get great pleasure in that. Forgive the personal reference but I consider that one of my legacies and I am darn proud of it. Jimmy Jones, Howard Feirtag, Jonathan Howe, Joan Eisenstodt, Jeff Rasco and our own Nancy Holder are a few who have been strong influencers of my professional life. Living leadership legacies, indeed! But for any of us to be receptive to the influence of another, we have to have the right outlook. To me, the foundation of the right outlook is the ability to distinguish right from wrong and the shades of gray - ethics in its basest form. Remember, how we conduct our life’s work can also create a negative legacy. If we do not conduct our business lives in a professional, ethical manner, not only are we misbehaving but we are also sending a message to those who look up to us that it is okay. The young professionals of the next generation - including some of you reading this - will take our industry in new ways and to new places we cannot even imagine. So, have you thought about your legacy? Don’t be afraid to awaken your passion and to share it with others because you never know whose interest you will pique and whose life you may change. In the 17th century Francis Bacon said: “I hold every man a debtor to his profession”. In this century, I hope you’ll agree with me, that every person has a responsibility to give back. And the more you give, the more you get. Leave your legacy through leadership! Start with your Carolinas MPI Chapter. n
Rod Abraham The Rod Abraham Group Charter Member of MPI Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 |
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board meeting highlights
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes September 18, 2014 | Durham, NC by Colleen Schwoerke, CMP
Attendees: Lindsay Myers, Diane Weems, Amy Johnson,
planned for the next fiscal year so it can be planned and
Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP, Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Christine
executed effectively.
Irwin, CMP, Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Erin Moye, Colleen Schwoerke, CMP, Laura Barnes, CMP, Alison Jenkins, Lori
Chapter Office: Christine Irwin, CMP reviewed the August
Hedrick, CMP, CMM, Tonya Miller, Corey Bizzell
metric report. All board members can access this report
Excused Absences: Christian Schroeder, Barbara Dragan,
International’s website. The September meeting registration
Jeanette Keys, Tarshi McCoy
came in at around 135. Thirty-three vendors signed up for
Minutes: Colleen Schwoerke, CMP presented the minutes from the July 17, 2014 Board of Directors meeting and made a motion to approve. Motion: Colleen Schwoerke, CMP made a motion to approve the July 17, 2014 Minutes as presented. Second: Karolyn Stone, CMP, CHSP Vote: Approved Financial Reports: Alyce Kelly, CHSP reviewed the August
at any time on the Chapter Leaders Resources page on
the Business Exchange. The Chapter membership retention as of August 1 is at 72.9% for non-student retention. Consent Agenda: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda.
Motion: Corey Bizzell made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Second: Alison Jenkins Vote: Approved
P&L statement, balance sheet and aging report. She
President: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE requested that board
reported that the Chapter is trending ahead of year-to-date
members need to fill out the percentage of metric complete
budgeted income at this time.
on each months Board reports. We as a Board need to be
Motion: Alyce Kelly, CHSP made a motion to approve the financial reports as submitted. Second: Malinda Harrell, CMP Vote: Approved The Finance team reported that they are looking at additional fundraising activities at each meeting going forward. They will begin in November at Pine Needles. Ideas included putt-putt, wine raffle, Christmas gift exchange and more. It was recommended that MPI-CC create a signature event similar to what other chapters do around the holidays. This event does not necessarily have to have an education component, but should include a fun networking opportunity.
strategic in recruiting committee chairs so we can shape our future MPI-CC leadership and where our chapter is going. Starting in October, Malinda, Erin and Christian will begin monthly leadership calls to each team to check in on progress and provide any guidance needed. Membership: There is a new membership campaign through International called “Grow More Earn More” campaign. The Chapter receives $75 for each new member that signs up between May 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 over our meet goal of 43 members. In order to begin receiving this $75 per new member/rejoin, we need over 11 new members by December 31, 2014. We have about 25 – 30 first timers/new members at this meeting. Another membership campaign International is currently running is “Refer a Friend”. With the voucher, a new member will receive a $50 discount on their new membership fee and
Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE confirmed that we do not
the current member will receive a $25 credit towards their
need a Board vote on the committee ideas for additional
next renewal. There is no limit of referrals.
fundraising efforts. The Meeting Planning committee will prepare to make a recommendation for the signature event during the Mid-year retreat in January. The event will be
20
| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
The board agreed to identify first time attendees with a VIP ribbon rather than a First Timer ribbon.
Communications: Laura Barnes, CMP discussed ideas to
Education: The November Education topic is “There’s
make The Blitz geared more toward Education topics we
S’MMore to RFPs”. Participants will break out into Campfire
will be having at future meetings. She is working with the
sessions.
committee to help get people who specialize on these topics to write articles.
Tonya Miller recapped survey results from the July
Meeting Planning: Lori Hedrick, CMM, CMP, MHA reported
went over allotted time. Other comments were that the
that the committees met to discuss the 2015 locations and
information was redundant and to bring Denise Ryan back.
they decided that it would be a priority to find the appropriate
Members want something they can learn, take back and
education format before securing the locations.
use, including multiple tracks. There was a lot of positive
meeting in Cary. The main issue was that the speaker
feedback on new format and speaker.
The committee is moving forward with an Education Breakfast Meeting in February in South Carolina. It will run
Helping Hand Award: There were three nominees for the
from 8:00 am to 10:00 am with a speaker for one hour. They
September Helping Hand award. After a board vote was
are working on a location for an evening event the night
taken, Steven Valliere, Chair of Education Committee, won
before.
the September Helping Hand Award.
The committee is planning on Charlotte for the March
The next Board Meeting will be held in Southern Pines, NC
meeting and is making contact with Johnson & Wales and Le
on Thursday, November 20th.
Meridien for availability.
Meeting adjourned. n
The April meeting will be a breakfast meeting at the Carolina Inn or the Burroughs Welcome Fund office. Lori Hedrick, CMP, CMM, MHA is checking on availability for Burroughs
A contract is signed for the May Annual meeting in
Colleen Schwoerke, CMP PlanIt Right MPI-CC Vice President of Administration
Charleston. Jim Spellos will be speaking on technology.
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9/9/2014 8:02:59 AM
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Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014 |
23
MPI Neighbor Chapter Spotlight New England Chapter The Neighbor Chapter Spotlight is intended to give our
Share a chapter success story (perhaps a best practice
chapter members a little insight about other chapters.
you implemented or something that could help inspire
Enjoy!
another chapter).
Name/Location of Chapter : New England Chapter
MPI New England decided to dedicate all of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts for 2014 to benefit the
Current Membership Count: 464
American Red Cross. Our members participated in many different ways during the year, from volunteering at the
What is the Planner vs. Supplier Ratio?
Boston Food Pantry, to sending holiday cards to our military
40% planners/60% suppliers
overseas, to giving blood, to helping serve the needy in our
Does your chapter have a signature event and if so when is
own communities. Having a central focus for our CSR efforts
it and what makes it so unique?
proved very successful and helped introduce and establish MPI New England as a wonderful and worthy organization to
MPI New England holds an annual Fall Institute, which is
many people outside of the meeting industry.
a 1.5 day program of education, featuring great speakers, panels, and presentations on a variety of topics pertaining
List your upcoming events dates (as many as you have
to the meetings industry. In 2013, the Fall Institute was
available) and the location. Please indicate if the event is an
held on Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, which
education program or a networking event.
proved very successful. Our attendance numbers for this event skyrocketed, especially planners – as this week is typically not a busy travel time for them. We made the decision to hold the Fall Institute on these days every year, which will help with advance planning, securing venues, and continuity moving forward.
24
2014 Fall Institute November 24-25, 2014 – Granite Links Golf Club (education) 2014 Holiday Event December 8, 2014 – Laugh Boston (networking) n
Position
Name
Company Name
President
Mark Bice, CMP
HPN Global
Immediate Past President
Michelle Johnson
The Anchor Group
President Elect
Susan Prue
VDA Productions
Vice President - Finance
Mark Goodman
Experient Sales Network Discover Newport
Vice President - Special Projects
Anne Roberts
Vice President - Education
Cecil Dorman
AVFX, Inc.
Vice President Membership
Molly Hudson
Joseph B. Martin Conference Center at Harvard Medical School
Vice President Marketing & Communications
Meghan Kelleher, CMP Scout Hotels
Director, Leadership
Carlos Rojas
Director, Operations
Annmarie Anderson
Hyatt Regency Boston ATR/Treehouse
Director, Sponsorship & Fund Raising Bill Wilson
Pinnacle Event Partners, Ltd.
Director, Member Recruitment
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston - Westborough
Denise Banach
Director, Member Care & Retention
Elizabeth Panciera
Sullivan Custom Planning, Inc.
Director, Monthly Programs
Nancy D’Ercole
Bright Horizons Children’s Centers LLC
Director, Institutes
Michele Maguire
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Director, Publications
Janet Lincoln
Scout Hotels
Director, Social Media
Cezanne Macary
DoubleTree by Hilton -Boston North Shore
Director, Special Events
Lauren Maiellano
Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf
CHAPTER ADMINISTRATOR
Vanessa Thompson
| Carolina Blitz | October - November 2014
© 2014 Pinehurst, LLC
Meetings were held here long before clubs. 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.
Kimberly Bryan, Senior Director of National Accounts Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina • 910.235.8732 • pinehurst.com 14PNH163.CarolinaMPIAugSeptAd.indd 1
7/29/14 9:55 AM
monthly meeting planner
November 20-21, 2014 November Chapter Meeting Register Now Southern Pines, NC Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club and Mid Pines
March 18, 2015 March Chapter Meeting Charlotte, NC Johnson & Wales University May 18, 2015 May Annual Meeting Charleston, SC Charleston Marriott
January 21, 2015 January Chapter Meeting Morrisville, NC Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh Durham Airport
February 11, 2015 February Breakfast Meeting Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg Marriott
Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is November 28, 2014. Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to Editor-In-Chief Ginny Fountain at Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com
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