Carolina Blitz Fall 2026
Annual Chapter Meeting & Awards Luncheon AC Hotel Charlotte Ballantyne | Charlotte, NC October 15-16, 2026
CAROLINAS CHAPTER
Carolina Blitz | Fall 2026 | 1
Trying to figure out how to get your group from dinner to drinks? At Kalahari, it’s just a short walk away. Ditch the mad rush to meet a driver and kick surge pricing to the curb. Whether you’re looking for larger group dining options, live entertainment, or the perfect spot for a nightcap, Kalahari has everything you need for your team-building activities all under one roof.
| Carolina IBlitz | Fall 2026 .COM 2 LAHAR KA MEETINGS
©2026 Kalahari Management Co. LLC
In This Issue FEATURES From Member to Leader: Growing Your MPI Journey and Stepping Into a Board Position . . . . . . . . . . . 8 We Want YOU... Yes, YOU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 MPI Carolinas Chapter Summer Chapter Meeting Recap: Creating Meaningful Experiences at Graylyn Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 3 Conference Pet Peeves from an Introvert Who Truly Wants to Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Finding Meaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Elevating Connections into Community Impact . . . . . . . 24
IN EVERY ISSUE Our Annual Sponsors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Our Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Monthly Meeting Planner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Board & Committee Chairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Looking Ahead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Carolina Blitz | Fall 2026 | 1
Carolina Blitz The Carolina Blitz is the official publication of the Carolinas Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and is published quarterly. All contributions, articles, and photographs should be submitted to MPI Carolinas Chapter Publications Chair. Send to Rachel Mintel - mintel.rachel@gmail.com. EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE Publications Chair and Editor Rachel Mintel, UNC Chapel Hill Contributing Writers Seth Macchi, LEMG | Wonderland Dawson, 3D Hospitality, LLC | Alex Morales, Kessler Collection | Ashley Brooke James, TRILUNA | Jes Averhart, Reinvention Road Trip Podcast | Lauren Ansley, Ansley Corporate Entertainment | Bill Ganon, The Ganon Group | Ariana McGill, CMP, DMCP, Destination South Meetings + Events | Calvin Stovall, ICONIC Presentations, LLC Proofreaders Melanie Mason, CMP, EnsembleIQ | Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University | Rachel Mintel, UNC Chapel Hill | Margo Ginsberg, CMP, Duke University | Becky Tibbatts, Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport Photographer Straight to the Heart Photography
CONVENIENTLY LOCATED
Located in the heart of Cary Crossroads Shopping Plaza; right off of I-40, just 15 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport and downtown Raleigh!
Publisher Treeline Associates - info@mpicarolinas.org
FEATURES
Advertising Treeline Associates - info@mpicarolinas.org
370 guest rooms & suites
6,000 sq. ft of meeting space
919-900-8858
On-site dining options
cary@parkshotels.com
Design Kistin Creative Studio | kistincreative.com MPI Carolinas Chapter Web Site: www.mpi.org/carolinas ADVERTISING RATES AND DEADLINES AD SIZE FREQUENCY MEMBER RATE Quarter Page 1x/year $220 (3 1/2”W x 4 3/4”H) 4x/year $200/issue
NON-MEMBER RATE $290 $270/issue
Half Page Horizontal (7 1/4”W x 4 3/4”H)
1x/year 4x/year
$420 $400/issue
$550 $530/issue
Half Page Vertical (3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H)
1x/year 4x/year
$420 $400/issue
$550 $530/issue
Full Page (8 1/2”W x 11”H)
1x/year 4x/year
$640 $620/issue
$840 $820/issue
(Produced and provided by advertiser) There are four issues of the Carolina Blitz published yearly: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. NOTE: Rates are published as of February 2025, and are subject to change without notice. All published rates are net non-commissionable. Any cost incurred by the BLITZ for art that is not fully press ready (e.g. reductions, halftones) will be billed to the advertiser, or art that is not press ready may be refused.
Share your feedback with the Board of Directors on ways we can enhance your membership at the chapter level. Visit our digital
suggestion box 2 | Carolina Blitz | Fall 2026
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: Treeline Associates info@mpicarolinas.org PO Box 879, Lake Orion, MI 48361 For more advertising information contact Treeline Associates - info@mpicarolinas.org Visit our website at www.mpi.org/carolinas for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities!
THANK YOU
TO OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS We Appreciate Your Support!
Platinum Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Carolina Blitz | Fall 2026 | 3
What do you get when you cross
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
INSPIRING VENUES? An inviting meeting destination that sparks collaboration and success. From unique meeting places to vibrant public spaces, everything in Winston-Salem is designed to inspire, uplift and engage. At the heart of our Forbes Top 10 downtown is the Benton Convention Center, featuring 150,000-square feet of contemporary design and flexible spaces, perfect for gatherings ranging from intimate meetings to large-scale conferences. The Benton is walkable to more than 1,200 hotel rooms and directly connects to the Winston-Salem Marriott and Embassy Suites. Once done, meeting attendees can stroll right from their rooms into one of more than 100 downtown restaurants, shops, breweries, and bars. Our sprawling city includes hundreds of one-of-a-kind venues, from historic estates and scenic vineyards to creative, Instagram-able settings. Let our seasoned sales and service team help you plan your next gathering in Winston-Salem, where inspiration is always in season. Christian Schroeder Senior Vice President of Sales 336.728.4218 Christian@VisitWinstonSalem.com
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Karen Wall Senior Sales Manager 336.728.4210 Karen@VisitWinstonSalem.com
We look forward to welcoming you to our city.
President’s Message Embracing the Energy of Fall and Looking Ahead Well, I hope all of you enjoyed some well-deserved rest this summer because fall is officially here! Get ready for an incredible season of meetings and events across the Carolinas and beyond. This busy season represents the very core of what we do as event professionals, and we wouldn't have it any other way. The energy is palpable, and the opportunities for our chapter are limitless. Seth Macchi LEMG President
Throughout the storied history of the MPI Carolinas Chapter, our community has consistently produced world-class events that set industry standards. Whether it’s a local conference or an international gala, the expertise within this group is unmatched. I am already looking forward to hearing your success stories and learning how you navigated the complexities of this season to deliver your best fall events yet. As you dive into proposals, designs, and logistical solutions over the coming months, remember that you are never working in a vacuum. Your fellow members are your greatest resource. Our chapter includes some of the most talented professionals in the industry, individuals who are not only experts in their fields but also some of the most welcoming people you'll ever meet. I encourage you to take full advantage of our upcoming in-person meetings. Use these moments to expand your network, share best practices, and find partners who can help you solve the unique challenges your clients and attendees face. To our newest members: if you are attending an MPI event for the first time, please keep an eye out for our New Member receptions. These gatherings are designed to help you dive into the chapter’s culture and ensure you have the support system necessary to thrive. We are a growing, vibrant community, and your fresh perspectives are vital to our collective success. Thank you for choosing to be a part of this journey with us. If you have any questions or simply want to introduce yourself, please don’t hesitate to connect with me or any of our board members. We are here to serve you and help you find exactly what you need to make 2026 your best year yet. On a personal note, this is the last President’s Message that I will have the opportunity to write as President of the Carolinas Chapter. While the year isn’t over yet, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience as your President. Our chapter is thriving, meetings are engaging and encouraging, and the Carolinas Chapter continues to be one of the shining lights in the MPI Global community. Thank you for allowing me to be a steward of the chapter during 2026. It has been an honor. And I know the chapter is in good hands with the amazing Floyd Isley as President in 2027. Let’s make this fall a season of growth, connection, and excellence. See you out there! Carolina Blitz | Fall 2026 | 5
Our Members New Member Spotlight Carlie Brainard The Asheville Tourists
Where do you currently work and how long have you been there? I recently started with the Asheville Tourists, High-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, at the newly renovated HomeTrust Park in mid-March, just in time for baseball season! Tell me about your position and the organization you are with. I am the Director of Special Events, a new role created to utilize the new ballpark outside of Tourists baseball games. My job is to activate the ballpark when the team is on the road or out of season, whether it's booking private events, hosting community events, or putting on large ticketed festivals. What are your hobbies? Reading, cooking, running, going to the beach, visiting ballparks, and exploring new cities. Why did you join MPI Carolinas Chapter? I relocated to North Carolina for this new role so I'm looking to make new connections and learn the market.
If you were able to meet a famous person, alive or dead, who would it be and why? I'd meet Dick Van Dyke! I became a huge fan when I was young from watching Mary Poppins with my Gram on VHS. Now, Dick Van Dyke is one hundred years old and still active and positive. He's lived a lot of life and I could learn so much in meeting him. What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a career in our industry? Be passionate about what you do and the people you do it with. Working in events and sports is a lot of long hours with some not so glamourous work, but if you're with the right people and organization, it won't feel like work! What is your ideal vacation/vacation spot? I've always wanted to go to Australia. I love the beach but also would want to switch it up with some adventure and Koalas, my favorite animal!
Welcome New Members! June 13, 2026 - August 31, 2026 Candace Cansler Candace Cansler's Management Solutions Trinity Dunlap Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau Melissa Ehlke Treeline Associates, Inc Amanda Fletcher Doxel
Diatra Fullwood The Duke Endowment Faith Glasgow Peak Limousine (Peak Limo) Shantelle Jefferson Quality Hospitality Tanisha Lee Soirees by Lee
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Romy Lefebvre The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Marcos Oliveira The Indigo Road Hospitality Group
Becky Tibbatts The Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport
Amanda McMillin Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Gillian Pruteanu Wake Tech Community College
Samantha Tucker Beach House Hilton Head Island
Michelle Moreland
Lindsey Shiller Alongi Media
Mary Elizabeth Murphy, CPCC, ORSCC S.T.A.R. Resources
Samantha Thondhlana Hilton Garden Inn Steele Creek Charlotte
Kelly Weisbecker Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville Kiersten Williams
MPI Carolinas Chapter Anniversaries August 1, 2026 – October 30, 2026 25 Years Tarshi McCoy, CMP CHSP, TMP New Bern Riverfront Convention Center
20 Years Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University
Sarah Nardi, CMP NC Realtors®
Beth Donehue Dave Lawson Staging Solutions Events and Experiences
5 Years Laura Payne, CMP Palmetto Goodwill
Stephanie Kerr BioCryst Pharmaceuaticals, Inc.
1 Year
Eric Harrison
Andrea Pelletier Strayer University
Pamela McElroy Advanced Media Network
Marc Eder DayOf
Lola Jones Tripleseat Software
Patricia Byrd, CMP OneSpartanburg, Inc
Brandon Duff Beat The Bomb
Kate Eller Vivid Event Solutions, LLC
10 Years
Rah-mah Pelzer-Elue S.H.I.F.T. Event Rentals
Todd Gillespie
15 Years Amelia Hodges, CMP CMM North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants
Tya Bolton EBS Universal Jamie Walker, CMP IOM North Carolina Rural Water Association
Jazmine Reaves University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Brittni Harding Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront
Frank Thompson AVMetro, Inc.
Meet The Member Joseph Voska
North Carolina Biotechnology Center My guilty pleasure: Pickleball! I started playing Pickleball a little over a year ago and I instantly felt in love with it. I have made so many new friends on the court and now have a #1 new favorite hobby! Favorite Vacation Spot? I grew up taking incredible family vacations to the beach and have continued my love of the Carolina's Coastline as an adult. I am able to truly find my peace and feel reenergized each time visiting the beach and have passed that passion along to my children.
What's your favorite part of being a member of MPI Carolinas Chapter? Meeting new people and making new friends! I have enjoyed making new friends through meeting the incredible hospitality professionals that are Carolinas Chapters members. Our members come from so many different and unique backgrounds. I have learned some much from connecting with members and hearing about their successes & challenges in the daily work. I look forward to continuing to meet members at our upcoming chapter events. Carolina Blitz | Fall 2026 | 7
From Member to Leader:
Growing Your MPI Journey and Stepping Into a Board Position Joining MPI Carolinas Chapter is so much more than attending an event or adding membership to your professional résumé. It is an opportunity to connect with passionate industry professionals, grow personally and professionally, develop new skills, and become part of a community that is helping shape the future of the meetings and events industry.
You may find that you love welcoming new members, helping create memorable events, supporting educational programming, working on membership initiatives, recognizing industry excellence, or contributing your unique skills behind the scenes.
For many members, the journey begins simply: attend a chapter meeting, introduce yourself to someone new, participate in an education session, or joining a networking event. Over time, those experiences can lead to even bigger opportunities, a committee role, a leadership position, and eventually, a seat on the Board of Directors.
Moving into leadership can feel intimidating. You may wonder if you have enough experience, enough time, or enough knowledge to take the next step.
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Step One: Start by Showing Up
Every leadership journey starts somewhere. You do not need years of experience or a long list of accomplishments to begin getting involved. Start by attending MPI Carolinas Chapter events and becoming an active participant in the community. Introduce yourself. Ask questions. Build relationships with members from different areas of the industry. Get to know the people behind the titles.
The more you engage, the more familiar the organization, and the people within it, become. Before long, MPI starts to feel less like an organization you belong to and more like a professional community you actively contribute to.
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Step Two: Find a Way to Get Involved The next step is simple: raise your hand.
MPI Carolinas Chapter offers opportunities for members to get involved through volunteering. This can be one of the best ways to discover your strengths, meet new people, and gain a better understanding of how the chapter operates. 8 | Carolina Blitz | Fall 2026
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Step Three: Challenge Yourself to Grow
The truth is, very few people feel completely ready before accepting a new leadership opportunity.
Growth often happens when we step outside our comfort zone. A committee or volunteer role can provide the opportunity to lead a project, manage responsibilities, collaborate with other professionals, or bring a new idea to life. These experiences help build skills that extend far beyond MPI. You may strengthen your communication, strategic thinking, project management, relationship-building, and problem-solving abilities, all while contributing to an organization and industry you care about.
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Step Four: Consider the Next Level— Board Leadership
At some point, you may begin asking yourself: Could I serve on the Board of Directors? If the answer is “maybe,” that may be the perfect reason to explore it.
Serving on the Board of Directors is an opportunity to have a broader impact on the direction and future of the chapter. Board leaders help support the chapter’s mission, represent the interests of the membership, collaborate on strategic priorities, and work together to create meaningful experiences and opportunities for the MPI Carolinas Chapter community.
*
It is also an opportunity to give back.
Show up.
Every board member brings something different to the table. You do not have to have the same background, career path, or leadership style as the person who served before you. Your individual experiences, perspective, professional knowledge, and ideas can bring value to the Board of Directors and the chapter as a whole.
Connect.
The question is not, “Am I exactly like a previous leader?”
Your journey from member to leader may begin with one simple decision to get involved. And one day, you may look back and realize that saying yes not only helped you grow your career and professional network, it gave you the opportunity to help lead and shape a community that has given so much to you.
The better question is, “How can my experience and perspective help move this organization forward?” As MPI Carolinas Chapter continues to connect meeting and event professionals through education, relationships, and opportunities for involvement, every member has the potential to make an impact. So, if you have ever attended an MPI Carolinas Chapter event and wondered how you could become more involved, consider this your invitation.
RCC-AD-MPI-CAROLINAS.pdf
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12/9/25
Volunteer. Raise your hand.
Take the next step, even if it feels a little uncomfortable.
The next generation of MPI Carolinas Chapter leaders is already within our membership. The question is: Will you raise your hand?
Alex Morales Kessler Collection - Grand Bohemian Charlotte VP of Membership
6:35 AM
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Monthly Meeting Planner October 1, 2026 Membership 101 Virtual
July 16, 2027 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual
October 15-16, 2026 Annual Chapter Meeting & Awards Gala AC Hotel Charlotte Ballantyne Charlotte, NC
August 20, 2027 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual
October 30, 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual* November 20, 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual December 18, 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual January 15, 2027 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual February 19, 2027 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual March 4-5, 2027 Planner Partner Forum & Winter Chapter Meeting Raleigh, NC March 19, 2027 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual April 16, 2027 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual May 21, 2027 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual June 18, 2027 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual
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September 17, 2027 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual October 15, 2027 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual November 19, 2027 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual December 17, 2027 Board of Directors Meeting Virtual *Board Meetings may be moved to in-person in conjunction with chapter meetings.
Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, December 18. Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to MPI Carolinas Chapter Publications Chair Rachel Mintel at mintel.rachel@gmail.com.
MPI Carolinas Chapter 2026 Board of Directors and Chairs Leadership President Seth Macchi LEMG seth.m@lemg.live
President-Elect Floyd Isley Atrium Hospitality floyd.isley@atriumhospitality.com
Immediate Past President Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University nicole.filippo@gmail.com
Chapter Administrator Elizabeth Pike, CMP Treeline Associates info@mpicarolinas.org
Chapter Administrator Toni Floback Greiner Treeline Associates info@mpicarolinas.org
Chapter Administrator Melissa Ehlke Treeline Associates info@mpicarolinas.org
Chapter Administrator Megan Federowicz Treeline Associates info@mpicarolinas.org
Open 2026 Leadership Positions
• Meeting Planning Committee Chair • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Co-Chair • Director of Fundraising • Fundraising Committee Chair • Member Engagement Committee Chair
Communications VP of Marketing and Communications Melanie Mason, CMP EnsembleIQ Melanie.mason35@gmail.com
Social Media Chair Samantha Green Ewald Visit Charlotte samantha.green@visitcharlotte.com
Publications Chair Rachel Mintel UNC Chapel Hill mintel.rachel@gmail.com
Director of Meeting Planning Joseph Voska North Carolina Biotechnology Center joseph_voska@ncbiotech.org
Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Tessa Barrier, CMP MHI TBarrier@mhi.org
Education VP of Education Ariana McGill, CMP, DMCP Destination South Meetings + Events ariana@destinationsouth.com Education Committee Chair Candice Batts, CMP, MMP, HMCC Medical Leverage candicebatts@gmail.com
Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair Tarshi McCoy, CMP, CHSP, TMP Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County tmccoy@cravencountync.gov
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Star Robertson Parks Hospitality Group star.robertson@parkshotels.com
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Co-Chair Joyce Worrell Concord Hospitality Enterprises joyce.worrell@gmail.com
Finance VP of Finance James Belmonte Hilton Durham near Duke University james.belmonte@hiltondurhamnc.com
Planner Partner Forum Committee Chair Floyd Isley Atrium Hospitality floyd.isley@atriumhospitality.com
Member Engagement VP of Membership Alex Morales Kessler Collection Grand Bohemian Charlotte alex.morales@kesslercollection.com
Director of Membership Wonderland Dawson 3D Hospitality, LLC wddawson3@gmail.com
Volunteer Engagement Committee Chair Maria Lopez Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau mlopez@visitraleigh.com
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Here, when the workday ends, the conversations continue. On rooftops. In lively bars, coffee shops and across our vibrant downtown. This is Greenville, North Carolina. Rachel Whitten, CMP, STS
President & CEO at Visit Greenville, NC 252-329-4244 | Rachel@VisitGreenvilleNC.com VisitGreenvilleNC.com/Meetings
VisitGreenvilleNC.com
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We Want YOU... Yes, YOU Do you want to meet new people and build meaningful relationships? Do you want to enhance your skills for your current position? Do you want to gain new skills for your next position? Do you want to learn about community needs and be part of the solution? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then, Yes, we want You! Volunteering is a great way to expand your professional network, develop new skills, and contribute to the growth and success of our events community. Our chapter's success is driven by the creativity, dedication, and resilience of our members, and we're looking for volunteers to help make an even greater impact! Whether you want to help shape chapter programs, assist with event logistics, support community service initiatives, or share your expertise with others, there are opportunities at every level. Ready to get involved? Our chapter is currently seeking passionate members to step into two (2) key Board of Directors roles for 2027: • VP of Membership • VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Additional leadership opportunities include: • Membership Engagement Co-Chair • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Co-Chair • Meeting Planning Committee Chair • Fundraising Committee Chair These leadership positions provide hands-on experience in strategic planning, partnership development, budgeting, and program execution, while helping drive the success and sustainability of our organization. Committee members are also needed in all department areas: • Marketing and Communications • Education & Meeting Planning • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) • Planner Partner Forum (PPF) • FUNdrasing • Membership • Volunteer Engagement
Please visit our website or scan the QR code:
Wonderland Dawson 3D Hospitality, LLC Director of Membership
Wonderfully eclectic meeting spaces served with a side of fun
Cathy Carpenter, Director of Sales | 980-447-0666 | cathy@visitmooresville.com Carolina Blitz | Fall 2026 | 13
Look Who We Spotted...
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at the Summer Chapter Meeting! Carolina Blitz | Fall 2026 | 15
ELEVATED GATHERINGS Discover Your Meeting Space
Highlands, NC OldEdwardsMeetings.com
Come for the riverfront convention. Stay for the oceanfront relaxation.
Only one meetings destination offers the quintessential Carolina Coastal Experience. Our charming historic riverfront town and walkable Convention District offer easy access to the only convention center on NC’s coast, shops, restaurants and entertainment, with three island beaches just minutes away. Authentic, refreshing, energizing and rewarding — everything you need to host a memorable event all in one place. Discover fresh possibilities on the best of the Carolina coast NCCoastalMeetings.com | 800.650.9064
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MPI CAROLINAS CHAPTER SUMMER CHAPTER MEETING RECAP:
Creating Meaningful Experiences at Graylyn Estate The MPI Carolinas Chapter Summer Chapter Meeting provided attendees with an unforgettable experience at the historic Graylyn Estate in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. From engaging educational sessions to meaningful networking opportunities and immersive experiences, the event showcased the power of intentional hospitality and connection. The educational program kicked off with an inspiring session from Jes Averhart, who challenged us to rethink the meaning of luxury. Jes emphasized that luxury is not simply about amenities or aesthetics. Instead, attendee experiences are directly influenced by the emotional wellbeing, presence, and energy of the teams producing those experiences. She encouraged participants to interrupt daily stressors, become more intentional, and focus on what truly needs attention in the present moment. Our keynote speaker, Andrew Roby, delivered a thought-provoking and entertaining presentation on "The Experience Gap." Through humor, storytelling, and practical examples, he examined the distance between what organizations believe they are delivering and what attendees experience. He highlighted how guests are often quietly fixing broken experiences that organizations do not realize exist. His message challenged attendees to step back, examine the full journey of an experience, and identify where breakdowns occur before they impact participants. On Thursday evening, The Graylyn Estate and Visit Winston Salem hosted an incredible "Around the World"
reception. Attendees enjoyed a culinary journey featuring flavors from different regions of the world while learning about the rich history of the estate. The evening offered countless opportunities to connect with fellow industry professionals, build new relationships, and experience the unique charm of this remarkable property. Friday began with an engaging session led by Calvin Stovall, who shared stories from the pioneers featured in his book Hidden Hospitality. Attendees learned about the historical Black hoteliers whose ultimate measure of success was creating belonging, community, and inclusion. Stovall's message served as a powerful reminder that hospitality at its best is about making every person feel seen, valued, and welcomed. To close the meeting, Ashley Brooke James led attendees on a wellness journey that brought movement, mindfulness, and reflection to the forefront. Through breathing exercises and interactive activities, she demonstrated creative ways to integrate wellness and team building into meetings and events. As attendees departed Graylyn Estate, they left with new connections, fresh perspectives, and actionable ideas for creating more meaningful, inclusive, and memorable experiences for those they serve.
Ariana McGill, CMP, DMCP Destination South Meetings + Events VP of Education
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Looking Ahead Queen City Harvest: Gather, Grow & Get Inspired This October This October, MPI Carolinas Chapter invites you to Charlotte for an unforgettable two days of learning, connection, and inspiration at the AC Hotel Charlotte Ballantyne. Our Queen City Harvest meeting brings together event professionals from across the Carolinas to gather fresh ideas, cultivate meaningful relationships, and explore the trends shaping the future of our industry. Just as harvest season represents growth and abundance, this meeting is designed to leave attendees with a rich collection of insights they can immediately put into practice. We'll kick off the day with Plus it Up!, a dynamic opening session led by Kristin Walker. This high-energy experience gets participants thinking differently, solving challenges creatively, and engaging with fellow attendees from the moment they arrive. Expect movement and interaction as Kristin helps unlock fresh perspectives and sparks the creativity needed for the day ahead. Following this session, founder of The Lantern Project, Simon Arkley will focus on how the Carolinas can lead the charge in the fight against human trafficking. This impactful conversation will provide greater awareness of a critical issue affecting communities throughout our region while highlighting the unique role the hospitality and events industry can play in prevention, advocacy, and education. It's an opportunity to engage in a discussion that extends beyond our profession and into the broader impact we can make as leaders. Kicking off Friday morning, our keynote speaker, Kade Kimber, will challenge attendees to rethink one of the most overlooked elements of the event experience: gifting. In How Strategic Event Gifting Shapes Your Event, Kade explores how thoughtful gifting can become a powerful tool 18 | Carolina Blitz | Fall 2026
for audience engagement, attendee loyalty, and future event success. Rather than viewing gifts as simple giveaways, attendees will discover how strategic gifting creates meaningful connections, enhances the attendee journey, and influences who shows up at their next event. It's a fresh approach that combines intentional design, attendee psychology, and long-term event growth. As the day continues, attendees will gain valuable career and business insights during Event Leader Evolution: Turning Your Expertise into Influence, led by Kayla Worthy. This session explores how event professionals can strengthen their leadership skills, elevate their personal brand, and leverage their expertise to create greater influence within their organizations and the industry. Participants will walk away with practical strategies to turn experience into opportunity and use their knowledge to better shape their businesses, teams, and future success. In addition to an outstanding lineup of educational content, Queen City Harvest, our MPI Carolinas Chapter Annual Meeting, will serve as a time of celebration for our chapter. Attendees will participate in our Annual Awards Luncheon and installation of the 2027 MPI Carolinas Chapter Board of Directors, providing an opportunity to celebrate our incoming leaders and the exciting future ahead for our chapter. Come gather fresh ideas, cultivate new connections, celebrate our chapter's achievements this October. Registration is now open, and this is a meeting you will not want to miss! Ariana McGill, CMP, DMCP Destination South Meetings + Events VP of Education
HIGH IMPACT. HIGH ENERGY.
New hotel. Walkable downtown. Unforgettable meetings. Host your next event in the heart of High Point.
LEARN MORE visithighpoint.com 336.884.5255
Carolina Blitz | Fall 2026 | 19
3 Conference Pet Peeves
from an Introvert Who Truly Wants to Connect
We can all agree that meetings are a significant investment of time, energy, and money. If the goal were simply to deliver information, we could send everyone a PDF and save ourselves the airfare. One of the biggest reasons to bring people together in person is what can happen between the agenda items: conversations, shared ideas, stronger relationships, new perspectives, and the kind of rapport that helps people work better together long after the event ends. So if we’re making the investment to get everyone in the same room, let’s make sure we’re making the most of it. I love conferences. I love meeting new people, hearing new ideas, and having those random hallway conversations that turn into a new friend, a new client, or just a nice moment in time. I also identify as an introvert with extroverted tendencies. So when I attend a conference by myself, there are a few moments that make me think: This could be so much easier. Not because I don’t want to connect. I do. I just appreciate a little help getting there. The good news? Creating better connections doesn’t necessarily require adding another networking session to an already packed agenda. Sometimes it only takes a few minutes and a little intention. Here are three of my biggest conference connection pet peeves, plus some simple ways meeting planners can fix them.
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PET PEEVE #1
Five (or even three) minutes can turn a table full of strangers into people who now feel more comfortable talking to one another.
This happens all the time.
Even if everyone already knows each other, a good prompt can get them to open up a little more.
I Sit Beside Someone for Two Hours and Never Get to Meet Them
I walk into a general session, sit at a round table with seven other people, face the front listening to speakers, hear announcements, maybe clap a few times... And then we all leave.
PET PEEVE #2
Once I Find My People, I Stay With My People
I have just spent 90 minutes sitting six feet away from someone and have absolutely no idea who they are.
Okay, so this one isn’t really an introvert problem. It’s more of a human problem.
That feels like such a huge, missed opportunity.
Once we find a few people we know and like, we naturally stick together.
Planners understandably spend a lot of time thinking about networking receptions, but there is so much connection potential sitting right there in the room all day long.
We sit together at breakfast. We walk to the breakouts together. We find each other at reception. And by Day Two, we’ve accidentally formed a small conference family.
One of your greatest conference takeaways could be sitting one seat over!
Which is lovely. I love my conference families.
THE FIX
But it also means I might attend a conference with 500 people and meaningfully talk to the same ten people the entire time.
At the beginning of the session, ask attendees to introduce themselves to the people at their table.
If one of the goals of an internal company meeting or industry conference is to expand relationships and build community, we need to occasionally help attendees move beyond their usual circles.
Give Us Five Minutes… But I’d Settle for Three.
Better yet, add one simple question like: • “What brought you here?” • “What are you hoping to learn?” • “What’s one thing you’d like to talk with someone else about today?” You don’t need a 30-minute icebreaker. You don’t need a team-building activity. You don’t even need to change the agenda.
THE FIX
Give Us a Nudge. Don’t worry. You don’t need to force people into complicated networking exercises.
A nudge is often enough.
THE FIX
Add Just Enough Structure.
Sometimes better connection strategies need their own dedicated time. But often, opportunities are already hiding inside the agenda:
Try a couple of these:
• Three minutes at the beginning of a general session.
• “At lunch, try to sit with at least one person you don’t already know.”
• Put conversation topics on cocktail tables.
• A quick table conversation after a keynote.
• “On the way to your next breakout, ask someone new what one of their takeaways has been so far.”
• Challenge repeat attendees to connect with at least one first-time attendee.
• One prompt to carry into lunch.
One tiny instruction gives attendees permission to do something they may not naturally do on their own.
• Have your emcee kick off the reception with one quick conversation prompt.
Try having your emcee announce: • “Before we begin, introduce yourself to someone nearby that you haven’t met yet.”
For internal meetings, this can be especially powerful. People may know each other, but that doesn’t mean they regularly interact across departments, locations, job functions, or leadership levels. A little intentional mixing can help break down silos and encourage conversations that wouldn’t normally happen back at the office.
PET PEEVE #3
The “Networking Reception” Is the Entire Networking Strategy You know the scene: a beautiful ballroom full of cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, high-top tables, and a whole bunch of people. And the instruction is essentially: Go network! Cool. …With who? …About what exactly? …How do I start? A networking reception is not a networking strategy. For someone attending alone, walking into a room full of people already standing in little circles can feel intimidating. No, you don’t need to turn the reception into a highly facilitated team-building exercise. Just give us an easier way in.
• Give attendees a few questions they can “steal” if they need help getting started. • Add a self-guided social game. I like a Social Scavenger Hunt, or one of my own creations, like “Nametag Casserole,” or my newest creation: “Deal Me In: A Social Poker Experience.” The goal is never to force interaction. It’s to remove some of the friction around starting it. Remember, it’s a nudge, not a shove! Introverted attendees don’t necessarily want less connection than extroverts. Many of us want lots of it. We just might appreciate an easier way to get started. Connection Doesn’t Have to Take More Time When I work with conferences, I arrange connection into three spotlights: 1. Connect with each other through networking and interpersonal connection. 2. Connect with your audience through stronger speaking and presentations. 3. Connect with new ideas by helping content and training stick. That’s the core idea behind my Work the Room approach to audience engagement.
• A little structure at the networking reception. • Encouragement to notice connection hiding in the hallway, elevator, lunch line, or coffee station. So before adding another session or extra time to an already packed agenda, ask: Where could connection already happen? Because when attendees feel more comfortable talking, participating, and engaging with the people around them, the whole meeting works better. Let’s Find Where Connection Is Hiding Have a conference or company meeting coming up? I offer complimentary 20-minute agenda audits for meeting planners. We’ll take a quick look at your agenda and identify a few places where you could create stronger connections without necessarily adding more time. Let’s find where connection is hiding in your next meeting. Contact me to request your complimentary 20-minute agenda audit here. Lauren Ansley is a conference emcee, workshop facilitator, speaker, and audience engagement partner who helps organizations create meetings where attendees connect with each other, engage with the content, and stay involved from kickoff to close. She is the host of the Work the Room podcast and a proud member of MPI Carolinas Chapter.
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Finding Meaning As you know, burnout prevention and recovery is my thing. Over the past few months, I’ve conducted burnout recovery workshops with several clients—Cisco, Amazon, Kroger, Palo Alto, just to name a few—and I have to say, my understanding of burnout grows each time. What causes it. What cures it. What we can do to prevent it from roaring back to life. Just recently, as I was conducting a workshop with a globalfacing organization, I hit upon something that really got my attention: the power of finding meaning. Meaning restores our soul. Meaning lights the fire in the belly. Meaning is what helps us catch the energizing wave (my Living Beyond Burnout folks know what I’m referring to). WHAT? FINDING MEANING… AT WORK? Not sure where to start? If you’re saying, “Jes, you’re crazy. I work my job so I can afford to do things that bring meaning to my life. Finding meaning at work is pie-in-the-sky nonsense.” That’s okay. It just means you’ve got a whole new world to explore, and that can be a good thing. Take a minute to pause and let your mind wander around that topic for just a moment. • When’s the last time you felt the power of meaning in your work life? • What does that even look like? • Have you ever felt it? Still can’t find it? I’ll help you get started. THE STARTING POINT You see, meaning shows up when we experience one of the following things: • Connection • Purpose • Service It may be easier for you to pinpoint the things that provide meaning to your life if you dig into your personal life first. Here’s how you can take a shortcut to uncover this magic. Do this simple exercise:
Here’s where the magic begins. THE MAGIC BEGINS Now ask yourself: • What is it about these photos that brought you joy? Was it the people involved? Or maybe it was who you shared these photos with? • What are the subjects of your photos? People? Objects of beauty? Projects that spark inspiration? • What’s significant about each of them? Was it a proud moment? Were you feeling inspired to want to try something new? Or maybe you captured an emotional connection? Take a minute to write down what you’ve discovered. Bingo! This is the meaning. This is what I’m talking about. Those precious moments are evidence of the meaning in your life. THE NEXT LEVEL Now that you’ve done this for your personal life, try leaning into your work life. You may or may not have work-related photos on your phone, but you do have mental images to leverage: your memories. Ask yourself: • What are my most positive 3-5 work-related memories? • What are those memories centered around? • What’s significant about those experiences? MEANING AND BURNOUT RECOVERY I realized the connection between finding meaning and burnout recovery when I was conducting that workshop. I was leading the group through this find-pictures-on-yourphone exercise when I realized that really, finding meaning is at the root of burnout recovery. Afterall, we tap into energy when we feel like we’ve made a difference. We feel satisfied after a day of hard work if we feel like what we did that day mattered. Take some time to think about that. Here’s hoping you uncover what brings meaning… and that you lean into it. Get more of that in your life—and your work, too. This is the good stuff.
• Open the photos app on your phone • Select 5-10 pictures that have brought you joy over the past 3-6 months (see my example… although I chose like 100 haha) • Now ask yourself: WHY do these photos bring me joy? 22 | Carolina Blitz | Fall 2026
Jes Averhart Entrepreneur & Author Reinvention Road Trip Podcast
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Carolina Blitz | Fall 2026 | 23
Elevating Connections into Community Impact Chapter members make an extraordinary difference for local teachers and students.
item donated will help local educators provide the resources their students need to learn and succeed.
During our recent summer chapter meeting at the Graylyn Estate in Winston-Salem, NC, chapter members came together for more than professional development and networking. We also gave back to our local community through a school supply donation drive benefiting The Educator Warehouse.
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated, transported, organized, contributed, and helped to make this community service initiative a success! Together, we demonstrated that our chapter’s impact extends beyond the meeting room and into the communities we serve.
The Educator Warehouse provides a retail-style environment where local teachers can shop for school and classroom supplies at no cost, selecting items based on the specific needs of their students. Each year, the program serves more than 1,000 teachers, providing over $150,000 in free school supplies to more than 30,000 students. And our members showed up in a BIG way! Together, we collected an impressive assortment of classroom essentials, including 86 notebooks, 42 Expo dry erase markers, 18 packs of crayons, 15 packs of glue sticks, 13 packs of markers, 12 bottles of glue, and much more! Every 24 | Carolina Blitz | Fall 2026
Wonderland Dawson 3D Hospitality, LLC Director of Membership
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26 | Carolina Blitz | Fall 2026