Carolina BlitzJune - July 2014

Buy MPI

MPI Annual Awards

How to Have the Best Summer EVAH!

2014-2015 Board of Directors

Where great meetings happen

NORTH CAROLINA

Keep it fresh. Meet in My Durham…really.

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 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

The Cotton Room at Golden Belt

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

Durham Convention Center

RDU International AirportFood Trucks in Downtown Durham

Rizzo Conference Center

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 | 1

in this issue...

in every issue

features

Buy MPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

MPI Annual Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17

How to Have the

Best Summer EVAH! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19

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

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

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

Look Who We Spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

MPI-CC Board of Directors Meeting Highlights . . . . . . . . . . 20

Coming Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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On the cover:Front Row: Christian Schroeder, Erin Moye, Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Corey Bizzell Second Row: Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Diane Weems, Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMM, CMP Third Row: Jeanette Keys, Amy Johnson, Lindsay Myers, Tonya Miller Fourth Row: Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP, Tarshi McCoy, TMP, Laura Barnes, CMP, Barbara Dragan

2 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

Carolina BlitzThe Carolina Blitz is the official publication of the Carolinas Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and is published every other month . All contributions, articles, and photographs should be submitted to Director of Publications/Editor one week after the meeting . Ginny Fountain, CMP - Ginny .Fountain@ncemcs .com

EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE

Director of PublicationsLaura Barnes, CMP • Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

EditorGinny Fountain, CMP • North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives

Contributing WritersMalinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Greater Raleigh CVB; Tarshi McCoy, TMP, DoubleTree New Bern Riverfront; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Manaement Office; Denise Ryan, MBA, CSP, Fire Star Speaking; Brittany O’Shaughnessy, Francis Marion Hotel; Linda Ilsley, CMP, LPI Events; Wendy Bassett, CMP, HelmsBriscoe

PhotographerMica Parekh – IWP Photography

ProofreadersKathy Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre; Melissa Haycock, Raleigh Marriott City Center; Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office; Cathy Mauldin, CMP, DESA, Inc .; Melanie O’Bryan, Biltmore; Teresa Palmieri, Sheraton Imperial; Myron Jones, Fayetteville CVB

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

AdvertisingAmy Johnson • Courtyard by Marriott, Carolina Beach Oceanfront and Fairfield Inn & Suites, Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach • 910-458-2617

DesignKistin Jordan • Kistin Jordan [Graphic Designer] • 704-724-9188

MPI-CC Web Site: www .mpi-cc .org

ADVERTISING RATES AND DEADLINESAD SIZE FREQUENCY MEMBER NON-MEMBER RATE RATEQuarter Page 1X $220 $290(3 1/2”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $200/issue $270/issue 6X $160/issue $230/issueHalf Page Horizontal 1X $420 $550(7 1/4”W x 4 3/4”H) 3X $400/issue $530/issue 6X $360/issue $490/issueHalf Page Vertical 1X $420 $550(3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 3X $400/issue $530/issue 6X $360/issue $490/issueFull Page 1X $640 $840(7 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 3X $620/issue $820/issue 6X $580/issue $780/issueFull Page Insert 1X $700/issue $910/issue 3X $680/issue $890/issue 6X $640/issue $850/issue(Produced and provided by advertiser)

There are 6 issues of the Blitz published yearly -FEB/MAR, APR/MAY, JUNE/JULY, AUG/SEPT, OCT/NOV, DEC/JAN

NOTE: Rates are published as of January 2011 and are subject to change without notice . All published rates are net non-commisionable . Any cost incurred by the BLITZ for art that is not fully press ready (e .g . reductions, halftones) will be billed to the advertiser, or art that is not press ready may be refused .

DUE DATE: Due by the 15th of the month prior to publication . Artwork is due to the publisher within 10 days after deadline for space reservations .

SEND MATERIALS TO: Christine Irwin, CMP, The Management Office, 1800 Camden Road, Suite 107, #213, Charlotte, NC 28203Christine@TheManagementOffice .com • Fax: 704-333-6927

For more advertising information contact Amy Johnson at amy .johnson@crestlinehotels .com or 910-458-2617 .

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

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 | 3

Welcome New Members!

our members

Amanda Barry The American Board

of Anesthesiology

amanda .barry@theaba .org

Mary Bell Mountain Lodge & Conference Center

mountainlodge2@aol .com

Denise Ellis Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island

dellis@sonesta .com

Laura Hill Kidde Fire Safety Solutions

laura .hill@fs .utc .com

Nancy Link, CMP Link524@comcast .net

Mica Parekh IWP Photography

mica@iwpphotography .com

Whitney Spratt Blockade Runner Beach Resort

whitney .spratt@blockade-runner .com

Donna Thompson SC Coalition Against Domestic

Violence & Sexual Assault

(SCCADVASA)

dthompson@sccadvasa .org

MPI-CC Anniversaries

30 YearsDawn Penfold, CMP

Meetingjobs, LLC

20 yearsLinda Ilsley, CMP

LPI Events

15 yearsLinda Ekeland

Chapel Hill Orange County & Visitors Bureau

10 yearsDawn Thomas

National Association for Campus Activities

Ed Duncan Eastcoast Entertainment

Suzanne LaBroad Hendrick Automotive Group

5 years Cheryl Mironczuk, CMP

Cisco Systems, Inc .

Congratulations to each of youfor reaching a milestone in MPI!

July 17, 2014

July Chapter Meeting

Cary, NC

Umstead Hotel & Spa

4 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

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MPI-CC THANKSOUR ANNUAL SPONSORS!

We Appreciate Your Support!

Silver Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors:

Diamond Sponsor:

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 | 5

Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, Associate Director of Sales, Greater Raleigh Convention

and Visitors Bureau; 2014-2015 MPI-CC President

president’s message

Did you know that you change lives too? In our industry, it can be a challenge explaining to our

family and friends about what we do for a living . Most people think we plan or attend parties all

day . After years of trying to simplify my explanation, I realized that what I do is not simple at all .

However, I can state what I do in three words that make it easier for them to comprehend:

I CHANGE LIVES!

My job (and yours) affects the livelihood of many across the globe . When we bring people together

to meet, whether we are a planner or a supplier, we create jobs . The obvious jobs would be the

meeting planners, hotel sales people, banquet staff; but those not on the frontline are truck drivers

who deliver the supplies, taxi drivers, airline attendants, pilots, laundry workers . . .the list can grow

astronomically when you really dig deep to see the impact that the meetings industry has on the

economy .

Jobs create opportunities to take care of families and loved ones . We create jobs, which is how we

change lives .

Now that you understand how you are a life changer, I am sure you realize that this is not a task

that we can take lightly . It is our duty to uphold the meetings industry and our chapter to the

highest standard . I encourage you to be involved and advocate for your chapter because your voice

makes a difference .

My favorite quote is: BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD by Mahatma Gandhi .

It takes something of great magnitude and states it in just a few simple words and those words

remind me of my colleagues in the industry .

WE CHANGE LIVES … One meeting at a time . n

I Change Lives by Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE

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President

Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE

Greater Raleigh CVB

919-645-2668

mharrell@visitraleigh .com

President-Elect

Christian Schroeder

Visit Winston-Salem

336-728-4218

Christian@visitwinstonsalem .com

Vice President of Administration

Colleen Schwoerke, CMP

PlanIt Right

919-808-1902

colleen@planit-right .com

Vice President of Communication

Corey Bizzell

Durham CVB

919-680-8315

corey@durham-cvb .com

Vice President of Education

Barbara Dragan

The Westin Charlotte

704-335-2114

Barbara .Dragan@westin .com

Vice President of Finance

Alyce Kelly, CHSP

Hampton Inn Morehead City

252-240-0775

alyce .kelly@hilton .com

Vice President of Membership

Tarshi McCoy, TMP

DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern

Riverfront

252-638-0304

tarshi .mccoy@hilton .com

Immediate Past President

Erin Moye

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

919-313-2160

emoye@wdigc .com

MPI-CC 2014-2015 Board of Directors and Committees

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Awards/Recognition

Lindsay Myers

Caesars Entertainment

919-628-8836

lmyers1@caesars .com

Marketing/Community Outreach

Alison Jenkins

The Umstead Hotel & Spa

919-447-4122

Alison .Jenkins@theumstead .com

Strategic Partnerships

Amy Johnson

Courtyard by Marriott

at Carolina Beach

910-458-2617

amy .johnson@crestlinehotels .com

Meeting Planning

Lori Hedrick, MHA, CMM, CMP

Burroughs Wellcome Fund

919-991-5105

lhedrick@bwfund .org

DIRECTORS

6 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

Scholarship

Liz Guertin

Visit Winston-Salem

336-728-4231

liz@visitwinstonsalem .com

Silent Auction

Kathy Flowe, CMP

Alabama Theatre

843-272-5758

kflowe@alabama-theatre .com

Trade Show

Dr . Kevin Snyder

Inspir-Active Solutions, Inc .

919-633-9931

kevin@kevincsnyder .com

Education

Brittany O’Shaughnessy

Francis Marion

Brittany .Oshaughnessy@

thefrancismarion .com

Hospitality

Gloria Refinati

ON Event Services

336-292-9700

grefinati@

oneventservices .com

Recruitment Chair needed

Membership (Co-Chairs)Melissa Riggle

New Bern-Craven

County CVC

800-437-5767

mriggle@cravencountync .gov

Rick Cammer

The Ballantyne Hotel

704-248-4033

rcammer@

theballantynehotel .com

Publications Ginny Fountain, CMP

NC Association of

Electric Cooperatives

919-875-3050

ginny .fountain@ncemcs .com

Meeting Planning

Molly Nelson

Spartanburg Marriott

864-591-3113

Molly .Nelson@marriott .com

Leadership & Volunteer Development Alison Harding, CMP

Global Knowledge

919-461-8698

Alison .Harding@

globalknowledge .com

CMP Molly Johnson, CMP

Hilton Wilmington Riverside

910-343-6173

mollyj@

wilmingtonhilton .com

Awards

Wendy Bassett, CMP

HelmsBriscoe

843-243-0554

wbassett@helmsbriscoe .com

Strategic Partnerships

Chair needed

Marketing

Sandi Owen

Embassy Suites Columbia

803-744-8134

sandi .owen@jqh .com

Community Outreach

Chair needed

COMMITTEES

Auctions

Diane Weems

NC Aggregates Association

919-782-7055

Diane@ncaggregates .org

Exhibits

Karolyn Stone, CHSP, CMP

Marriott Columbia

803-744-6922

Karolyn .stone@marriottcolumbia .com

Membership

Jeanette Keys

Greenville Convention Center

252-321-7671

jkeys@greenvilleconventioncenter .com

.

Education

Tonya Miller

Embassy Suites Greensboro-Airport

336-668-4535

tonya .miller@jqh .com

Publications

Laura Barnes, CMP

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

843-341-8010

lbarnes@omnihotels .com

Management Office

Christine Irwin, CMP

The Management Office

704-377-5648

Christine@themanagementoffice .com

DIRECTORS (continued)

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 | 7

8 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

Colleen Briley is the Senior

National Sales Manager for

Visit Norfolk . Colleen joined

MPI January 2, 2014 . The first

meeting she attended was the

March meeting in Columbia, SC

March 20-21, 2014 .

Colleen learned of MPI while

working at a destination

management company in

San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1993 .

She was encouraged to join

MPI because the owner of

the destination management

company attended conferences and he always returned

with new ideas and processes to help his company grow .

Colleen has been with Visit Norfolk for two years .

When asked what is unique about her destination she

responded by saying, “The best way to see what is truly

unique about Norfolk is by coming to visit! We have a

dynamic, diverse, and distinct city that offers all

walks of life opportunities to learn and enjoy .

Please visit us at www .visitnorfolktoday .com .”

Joining the American Legion Jr . Auxiliary when she was

ten years old, made the biggest impact on who Colleen is

today . Her involvement in this organization taught her to

be a successful leader as well as the value of giving to the

community through service . She later advanced to the

office of President for the department of Florida, attended

Girls State, attended the Freedoms Foundation Leadership

Conference, and subsequently presided over another

service organization while attending high school .

When asked her opinion on the biggest challenge of our

industry today, Colleen responded by saying, “ Changing

the mindset of those in executive positions to understand

that creating a culture where your employees are treated

fairly, paid well, and are provided opportunities for

growth and advancement [will] breed dedication,

loyalty, and passion .”

new member spotlight

Colleen believes that she has successfully achieved a healthy

balance between her personal and professional lives . She

says that she has never been able to agree with the adage,

“I work to live, not, I live to work” . She says this is because

she feels if you believe in what you do, it will flow through

all parts of your life . Whether she is traveling for work or

pleasure, or just conversing with someone locally, she can’t

help but discuss all of the exciting activities and places to

visit in Norfolk .

When asked if she had the opportunity to meet any one,

living or deceased, Colleen responded by saying “I always

answer this question with a little trepidation as my

generation and older always look at me like I have three

heads . Honestly, I would love to meet our former President of

the United States, humanitarian, Nobel Peace Prize winner,

and author Jimmy Carter . I admire him for reasons I have

already mentioned, but most of all for being so passionate

about helping people from all walks of life, in the pursuit of

world peace and bettering the human existence .”

Colleen’s advice to anyone with a position in hospitality, old

or new, is to have a hospitable nature and enjoy meeting

new people . She says to be successful you need to possess a

passion to help others and the patience to do so . n

New Member Spotlight: Colleen Brileyby Jeanette Keys

Jeanette Keys Greenville Convention CenterMPI-CC Director of Membership

CALLING ALL WRITERSDo you dream of being a published author? If so, the Blitz

is looking for you! While we’re not the New York Times,

getting published in the Blitz is a great way to share your

ideas with fellow MPI-CC members and earn points toward

your CMP certification. The Blitz is always accepting

original articles and great topic ideas. To submit your

articles or ideas, please contact Ginny Fountain at

Ginny.Fountain@ncemcs.com

Colleen Briley

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 | 9

GREENVILLE-PITT COUNTYCONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Find yourself in good company in Greenville, NC

www.visitgreenvillenc.com • 800-537-5564

Meetings executives find themselves well attended to in Greenville, North Carolina. Planners enjoy unmatched event services and visitors find themselves the absolute center of attention in our two hospitality areas: the newly-expanded facilities of the Convention Center District, and the Uptown Greenville District hub for dining, arts and recreation opportunities. Point your meetings in our direction. You won’t find better company!

New Members:

Molly Nelson, Sarah Davis, Kelly Heckler,

Diane Patterson, Jennifer Edmund,

Colleen Briley, Karen Wall,

and Frank Fraser, CMP

First Timers and New Members

at the May Mixer

Know a Helping Hand?Know anyone that has lent a

helping hand?

Committee Chairs, please

nominate one of your members

that has volunteered their time

and efforts this month and thank

them for helping to make your goal

possible. Let me know who they

are and how they went above and

beyond for your committee.

Please send nominations

to Lindsay Myers

at lmyers1@caesars.com

10 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

Cohesive meeting space in one central location. That’s what you get with Twin City Quarter’s Benton Convention Center, Marriott Hotel and Embassy Suites. An affordable destination rich with features and amenities - Wi-Fi, restaurants, cafes, lounges, spa and salon, Starbucks and fi tness centers. Conveniently adjacent to Fourth Street’s Restaurant Row and the Arts District with galleries, dining and shops.

The only number you’ll need for one-stop-shopping: 877.888.9762

It’s All in the Numbers170,000-Square Feet of Meeting Space

5th and Cherry Streets • Winston-Salem NC 27101336.725.3500 • www.twincityquarter.com

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 | 11

People Buy from People!Trust, respect, and the experience is more than just a

signed contract .

Buy MPI when your meetings and events take you to

different areas . Call upon other chapters as a resource for

your planning or supplier needs . Planners and suppliers

share contacts and work as a team for resources to fulfill

their needs .

If you’re planning an event or meeting in the Carolinas

area use our MPI-CC Directory or contact the MPI-CC

Management office . Support fellow chapter members .

Share your Buy MPI story, inspire others, and benefit from

doing so . We believe in Buy MPI—show the benefit of your

membership by sharing your experience .

Testimonials from Chapter and Committee Members:

Brent Lancaster, CMM, CMP, Senior Meeting Planner,

Electric Power Research Institute, Charlotte, NC

“Buy MPI is being pointed in the right direction, and then cutting

through red tape and making things happen. Buy MPI is also about

quality, knowing you will be taken care of – trust! And best of all

Buy MPI is about relationships and even lasting friendships.”

Molly Johnson, CMP, Director of Group Sales,

Hilton Riverside, Wilmington, NC

“As a supplier, I have found many ways to Buy MPI over the years.

Numerous times I have had local clients traveling out of the area

and I would just reach to my MPI directory to assist them in finding

a hotel in the city they were going, whether they needed a single

room or were planning an entire convention, I was confident that

my fellow MPI colleagues would take great care of them, this not

only helped my client but it helped me as a sales person in building

on the relationships I have with my clients. I also Buy MPI at

my own property when in need of services from vendors such as

linen, furniture rentals and a destination management company.

By Buying MPI myself, I found that more members are likely to

recommend my property as well.”

Linda Ilsley, CMP, President LPI Events,

Clemmons, NC and Raleigh

“Buy MPI for a meeting outside the Carolinas. LPI Events produced

a four-day meeting, for 400 guests, in Orlando in 2013. I contacted

the management office for MPI Orlando and shared my vendor

needs. I hired all of my vendors for the program using Buy MPI

to include decor, entertainment, floral, and the photographer. The

photographer provided me with an MPI discount. 2014 Buy MPI

Nashville, I contacted the MPI Management office and again hired

my vendors through referral from the MPI Chapter.”

MPI Chapter contacts are listed on the MPI International

Website . If a management office is not listed, contact a board

member . www .mpiweb .org n

Linda Ilsley, CMPPresident LPI EventsClemmons and Raleigh, NC

Buy MPI by Linda Ilsley, CMP

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Look Who We Spotted at the...

Look Who We Spotted at the...

...May Annual Meeting in Concord!Photography by Mica Parekh – IWP Photography

14 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

Recap of Annual Meeting Educational Sessionby Kevin Snyder: “Ignite Your Engines!”by Brittany Woods O’Shaughnessy

education

During our recent MPI-CC Annual

Meeting, MPI-CC member and

professional speaker Dr . Kevin

Snyder presented our educational

session titled ‘Ignite Your

Engines!’ During this interactive

session we discussed not only the

leadership principles that ‘ignite’

an extraordinary leader, but we also

explored what ‘drives’ performance

and creativity .

As a value to attendees, this article will recap the most

important concepts from the presentation . If you missed

the opportunity to attend, you’re still in luck . Below are

your complimentary Cliff’s Notes from an exciting program!

Principle #1: Extraordinary Leaders Show Up!

“Opportunities are never lost; rather, they are just passed

along to someone else .” It is impossible to benefit from

an opportunity if you are not present to receive it . This

opportunity could be in the form of a relationship, a new

business connection, the timing of you literally sitting next

to someone else that could be your next client, and/or you

being simply noticed for showing up and doing what you

said you would do .

All those who ‘showed up’ at the educational session

received a complimentary copy of Think Differently, one

of Dr . Snyder’s leadership books . If you’d like an E-copy,

simply send an email to Kevin@KevinCSnyder .com and ask

for a complimentary copy . It pays to show up!

Principle #2: Extraordinary Leaders Think Differently.

Extraordinary leaders have a mindset for success, not

excuses . They view setbacks as setups and learn from each

mistake . Teachable moments are everywhere--the more

risks they take, the more they expand their comfort zone

for success . “Everything you want in life is just outside

your comfort zone .”

Remember the name Roger Bannister? Roger was an

athlete who broke the four-minute mile record in 1954 .

When Roger broke the four-minute mile record, he proved

it could be done despite others telling him it was humanly

impossible . Roger believed enough in himself, and prepared

enough, to ultimately achieve that pinnacle accomplishment .

It didn’t happen overnight, but it happened!

Here is what is even more fascinating: within one year

following Roger’s amazing accomplishment, dozens of

other individuals broke the same four-minute mile record

because they knew it could be done . Roger proved to the

world that the four-minute mile barrier was only a mindset

and boundary that could be broken . Roger thought differently

than everyone else and resultantly achieved his dream and

changed history .

By thinking differently, you can live your dream as well .

Principle 3: Extraordinary Leaders are Passionate.

The most extraordinary individuals who reached

breakthrough achievements simply loved what they did .

Their passion, enthusiasm, and vision were so strong that

they persevered through obstacles and naysayers despite

the difficulties . On the contrary, individuals who didn’t have

passion nor love what they did most often quit or moved onto

something else .

Steve Jobs, Founder of Apple, once shared in an interview

with Microsoft Founder, Bill Gates: “People say you have to

have passion for what you are doing and it’s totally true . The

reason is because it can be so hard, that if you don’t love it

and you’re not having fun doing it, any rational person would

give up .”

Knowing and continually integrating your passion helps you

perform not only ‘what’ you do amazingly well, but more

importantly, it connects you to ‘why’ you do it and ‘how .’

Whether your passion is a game show (Kevin’s was to be

Dr. Kevin Snyder

   

Continued to page 24

Brittany Woods O’ShaughnessyFrancis Marion Hotel, CharlestonMPI-CC Education Chair

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 | 15

Brittany Woods O’ShaughnessyFrancis Marion Hotel, CharlestonMPI-CC Education Chair

“Taking the Tiger By the Tail: Seizing Control of your Career Destiny”by Brittany Woods O’Shaughnessy

Don’t let this summer heat keep

you in the comfort zone of your air

conditioned office! Get out and plan

a trip to join us and be inspired by

our exciting upcoming speaker, Dawn

Rasmussen, CTP, CMP . There is still

time to register for the MPI Carolinas

Chapter Education Meeting next

month . You will not want to miss this

session in Cary, North Carolina at The

Umstead Hotel & Spa on Thursday,

July 17, 2014 .

The very nature of how we manage our professional career,

from being an expert hospitality and meeting professional

networker to being considered for promotions within your

organization and even to going about finding new/additional

work if you are down-sized, has radically shifted due to

emerging technologies and constantly changing economic

conditions . By being in career management mode, it means

that you, as a professional, are making effective career

decisions proactively to maintain value to your employer

and enhance employability . Knowing where you want to

go in your organization and in the meetings industry (and

preparing accordingly) adds purpose and paves the way

to more fulfilling work . This session teaches you how to

become an expert networker while providing other career

management tips that every professional needs to know .

Dawn Rasmussen, a Certified Advanced Résumé Writer, is

the president of Portland, Oregon-based Pathfinder Writing

and Career Services and author of “Forget Job Security: Build

Your Marketability” which is the first-ever book that provides

a complete roadmap on how manage your career .

Clients from across the United States and Canada and

from all career levels have benefited from Dawn’s highly-

focused and results-oriented résumé, cover letter, and career

management coaching services . Many professional groups

as well as colleges and universities have appreciated the

insights and expertise she shares during presentations on

career topics, and she is a frequently requested national

speaker as a result . Dawn also has shared her knowledge

as the official “Get the Job” columnist for MPI’s The Meeting

Professional magazine which is distributed to over 26,000

people worldwide, and currently writes as a jobs expert

for a job resource website for creative and marketing

professionals .

Dawn has recently been recognized as one of the top 100

social human resource experts on Twitter by Huffington Post,

and listed in 2014 by CEOWorld Magazine as one of Top 25

Women To Follow On Twitter For Your Job Search .

Additionally, she has been a recognized career expert

on Careerealism .com, which is a top ten world-ranked

career advice blog, and Talentzoo .com as the Career

Oxygen columnist . She is a regular contributor to the

weekly TalentCulture .com’s #Tchat “meeting of the career

industry minds” on Twitter . She has also been featured on

Huffington Post Live and been quoted in the Chicago Tribune,

CBSMoneyWatch, Christian Science Monitor, and Careerbuilder .

com on career-related topics .

When Dawn isn’t writing career documents, teaching, or

speaking, she enjoys hiking in Oregon’s spectacular outdoors

with Brad, her husband, and their two dogs .

What you will take away from this event:

• Understand what ‘career management’ means . We

are not staying in the same job for our entire work life

and need to be able to respond to changing conditions

and interests . Takeaways include understanding those

control points to manage one’s career .

• Use your résumé as a career roadmap to build a forward-

thinking resume rather one that looks like an obituary .

This is a strategic, keyword rich document that is a

career blueprint and helps you build a targeted job

search .

• Building a ‘spiderweb’ of network contacts is an absolute

‘must’ for today’s job seeker, and is a critical part of

a employment search arsenal; and to strategize by

understanding the things needed to prepare proactively

for job opportunities .

• Learning a way to rethink how we manage our careers

for internal promotions, salary increases, personal/

professional growth, and adding value (especially if

economic conditions force staff cutbacks) . Knowing

one’s value and mindfully managing one’s career is a

proactive process that can have positive impacts in a lot

of different ways . n

Dawn Rasmussen - CTP, CMP

Chief Résumé Designer

16 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

The MPI-CC Annual Awards Banquet took place at the

Embassy Suites Charlotte/Concord Resort and Spa on May

19, 2014 . Master of Ceremonies, Benny Williford, President

of Pinnacle Speakers Bureau, presided over the beautifully

appointed banquet hall .

At the awards banquet, outgoing chapter President Erin

Moye, acknowledged the outgoing board of directors and

welcomed the new board for 2014-2015 . Wendy Bassett, CMP,

Awards Chairperson, presented the awards in five separate

categories . These were awarded to chapter members for

continuous contributions to the meetings industry, MPI,

MPI-Carolinas Chapter and their communities .

AwardsThe Planner and Supplier of the Year awards recognize

individuals from both sides of the negotiating table . These

individuals have excelled in their profession, dedicated

themselves to the betterment of their community and

industry, and unselfishly contributed their time to MPI with

positive effects . The Tomorrow’s Leader Award recognizes an

individual with no more than five years of dedicated service

and recognizes an individual who joined the chapter, and

engaged quickly . The Legacy Award is given annually to an

individual who exemplifies excellence and enduring service

to MPI . The recipient must have dedicated at least ten years

of service to MPI and demonstrated significant commitment

and achievement to the Chapter .

MPI-CC

2014

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 | 17

keynote speaker for the May 2014 MPI-CC chapter meeting presenting “Ignite Your Passion .” He also leads a charitable team for the Leukemia & Lymphoma society as well as serving as president of Toastmasters .

Hall of Fame

Kathy Flowe, CMP Alabama Theatre

Presented by 2012 winner Andrew Schmidt, CHME, MPA - Kathy served as MPI-CC President 2012-2013 and also served on the Board in various Director and VP roles from 2005 through 2014 . She received various MPI-CC awards while a member – Pat on the Back, Nancy B . Holder Scholarship, Supplier of the Year,

and President’s Award . Kathy also held many positions on MPI’s international, state, and regional levels . She is a member of more than ten industry organizations and is involved in community service projects such as MADD, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Heart Association, and Habitat for Humanity .

President’s Award

Lenore Donaldson

Presented by 2013-2014 MPI-CC President, Erin Moye - Lenore is a long time member of the Carolina’s Chapter, and has served on many committees . She was also a board member for many years, serving in many capacities . Most recently, she has served the Chapter notably as our Bidding For Good chair, assisting

our fundraising team with their efforts towards the Silent Auction . Erin commented that, “Lenore personally has been there for me for over a decade, and helped me grow in my career as a professional . She is someone you can go to for advice or recommendations . She has been a good

mentor for me, and helped me get to where I am today .” n

Planner of the Year

Diane Weems North Carolina Aggregates Association

Presented by 2013 winner John Cruz, CMM - Diane received the Outstanding Service Award in 2009 from AENC . She also was an MPI-CC 2013 scholarship winner as well as being recognized in the December 2013 issue of Convention South Magazine as a Pro to Watch in 2014 . Diane has served on the Meeting Planning Committee and as Board

Director for Auctions . She coordinates volunteers for the Rock Give-A-Way every two years – a benefit to over 700 Science Teachers in North Carolina .

Supplier of the Year

Molly Johnson, CMP Hilton Wilmington Riverside

Presented by 2013 winner Loretta Yingling, CMP - Molly has served in nine different leadership roles for MPI-CC including Chapter President 2010-2011 . She has also served in numerous MPI international, regional and national roles . Outside of MPI, Molly is in involved with the Convention Industry Council, and Wilmington Area Hospitality

Association . Molly has also written numerous MPI-CC Blitz

articles and spoken at EducationPlus meetings . Her passion is the Centre of Redemption – a local organization that helps victims of sex trafficking .

Tomorrow’s Leader

Kevin Snyder, Ed.D Inspir-Active Solutions, Inc.

Presented by Wendy Bassett, CMP - Kevin was awarded the Helping Hand Award in January 2014 and serves as the 2014 Tradeshow Committee Chairperson . He is a member of the Triangle Chapter of International Special Events Society, AENC, various Chamber organizations and collegiate publications . Kevin was the

Wendy K Bassett, CMPDirector Global Accounts, HelmsBriscoeMPI-CC Awards Committee Chair

Awards

How to Have the

SummerEVAH!!!

by Denise Ryan, MBA, CSP

16 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

best

How to Have the

SummerEVAH!!!

by Denise Ryan, MBA, CSP

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 | 19

Stop trying to have it all, do it all, be it all . You

can’t . You’re going to have to decide what you

want the most and really go for it . Know what’s

really important to you . Let go of the rest . You

can’t be the world’s greatest mother, father,

wife, brother, or business person . Choose one,

give it your best .

Stop comparing yourself to others . This is a

losing battle . There will always be someone

who has more of something than you do;

who is younger, richer, smarter – whatever .

People will be hitting the beach soon – will

you be having fun or worrying about how

much skinnier the girl in the red bikini is?

Who cares? Are you ever going to see those

people again? And guess what? You’ll never

be younger than you are now – better enjoy it

today!

Celebrate what you have . Be glad you can go to

the beach . Some people don’t have the money,

time or physical ability . Some people can’t

see the sun sparkling on the water, they are

blind . Some are deaf and will never hear the

waves . Some are (GASP) allergic to chocolate!

Celebrate all you have – being sad about what

you don’t have is a waste of time .

Give yourself permission . It's okay to just blow

off a day - to waste a whole day - or even a

week - frolicking or lounging . The world won't

end . You won't go to Heck . You might even

find yourself more productive afterward . Stop

being so hard on yourself .

It’s summer, make lemonade! Life is going to

give you lemons, I guarantee it . What you do

with them is what impacts your happiness .

Back in 2006, after a breakup, I was sad, but

there was nothing I could do about it . I could

throw a pity party (two of my last standing

single girlfriends got engaged around the same

time) or I could make lemonade . I decided to

use this as the catalyst to finally book my trip

to Australia . Living well is the best route to

happiness . Something bad happens, you plan

something good .

Don’t put your eggs in someone else’s basket .

Waiting for your spouse, boss, child to do

something to make you happy? This is a bad

strategy . I usually do something nice for myself

on Valentine’s Day (see #5), but last year I had a

boyfriend, so I figured he would do something .

When he didn’t, I was sad and disappointed . If

I had been responsible for my own happiness,

I would have had a great Valentine’s Day . Most

folks have enough trouble with their own eggs

in their own baskets . Look after your own eggs

and you’ll have a better shot at happiness .

Just do it! Often our unhappiness is caused by

something we could fix – a job we could leave,

a relationship we could end, a pile of clutter we

could clean up, debt we could pay off, etc . But

we’d rather agonize over it, worry about it, and

let it steal our joy . Sometimes the best course

of action is to suck it up and deal with it . Sit

down one weekend and clean up the clutter

or map out a plan to start paying off the debt

and then do it . If you don’t, choosing instead

the short term pleasure of doing something

else or buying something else, the situation

usually gets worse and you’re more unhappy .

Sometimes you have to trade short term

pleasure for long term happiness .

And finally, remember that happiness means

different things to different people – for some

it may be spending time with family, for some

it may mean travel, for some work . Know what

it means for you and strive to add more of it in

your life . n

Author Bio: Professional speaker Denise Ryan, MBA, CSP has been called everything from a human fireball to Madame Chocolate. She has worked with meeting planners from a wide variety of organizations – ranging from the NC CPA Association to the Department of Homeland Security. She also thinks the world would run much more smoothly if MPI members were in charge.

Denise Ryan, MBA, CSPFireStar Speakingfirestarspeaking.com

12

3

Here are some tips for making this your

most glorious summer:

45

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20 | Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014

board meeting highlights

Attendees: Scott Crotty, Amy Johnson, Diane Weems,

Lindsay Myers, Michelle Castro, Alyce Kelly, CHSP, Tarshi

McCoy, TMP, Alison Jenkins, Corey Bizzell, Lori Hedrick,

CMP, CMM, MHA, Christian Scroeder, Karolyn Stone, CHSP,

CMP, Kathy Flowe, CMP, Erin Moye, Malinda Harrell, CMP,

CASE, Christine Irwin, CMP, Vince Chelena

Excused Absences: Myron Jones, Laura Barnes, CMP

Minutes: Kathy Flowe, CMP, presented the minutes from

the March 20, 2014 Board Meeting and made a motion

to approve .

Motion: Kathy Flowe, CMP, made a motion to approve the

March 20, 2014 Minutes as presented.

Second: Corey Bizzell

Vote: Approved

Financials: Scott Crotty presented the April P&L, balance

sheet and aging report . All items on the aging report are

projected to be collected, no write offs were recommended .

Motion: Scott Crotty made a motion to approve the April P&L,

balance sheet and aging report as submitted.

Second: Kathy Flowe, CMP

Vote: Approved

Scott Crotty presented the 2014-2015 Proposed Budget .

Motion: Scott Crotty made a motion to approve the 2014-2015 Proposed Budget as presented. Second: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE Vote: Approved

Chapter Office: Christine Irwin, CMP, reviewed the agenda

for the May Meeting .

Consent Agenda: Erin Moye asked for a motion to approve

the consent agenda .

Motion: Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE, made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Second: Alison Jenkins Vote: Approved

Timeline Document:

Malinda Harrell, CMP, CASE,

requested that all timeline transition

documents be completed and returned

to her as soon as possible .

Motion: Lori Hedrick, CMP, CMM, MHA, made a motion to have two plans for 2015 meetings: Second: Christian Schroeder

Discussion: There is not enough information to make an informed decision for January and March based on proposed meeting format and venue changes. A revised RFP will be sent out to Charlotte and Raleigh for one-day meetings in January and March. Vote: Motion Tabled

Motion: Lori Hedrick, CMP, CMM, MHA, made a motion to take the 2015 Annual Meeting to the Charleston Marriott over May 18-19, 2015. Second: Kathy Flowe, CMP Vote: Approved

Unfinished Business: None Reported

Erin Moye reminded the board that there is a discount

code for any 2014-2015 Board members attending WEC

this year . There is also a chapter challenge for WEC and

that more communication will be sent out shortly .

Next Board Meeting: The next board meeting will be

held at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, NC, on

Thursday, July 17 . The time will be sent out once an

agenda is formed .

Meeting adjourned . n

Board of Directors Meeting MinutesMay 18, 2014 | Concord, NCby Christine Irwin, CMP

Christine Irwin, CMPThe Management Office

Carolina Blitz | June - July 2014 | 21

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W hen you hold a meeting at Pinehurst Resort, you’ll find the same meticulous attention to detail that’s made our golf courses famous for more than one-hundred years. Our extraordinary staff goes to great lengths to ensure your gathering is a success – whether it’s a board meeting of ten, a dinner of 50 or a conference of 1,000. So you can actually sit down, relax and let us serve you for a change.

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August 2-5, 2014 World Education Congress Register Now

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September 18-19, 2014 September Chapter Meeting

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Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next

Carolina Blitz is July 28, 2014 . Please submit any

articles or photographs to be considered for

publication to Editor-In-Chief Ginny Fountain

at Ginny .Fountain@ncemcs .com

monthly meeting planner

Continued from page 14

Recap of Annual Meeting Educational Sessionby Kevin Snyder: “Ignite Your Engines!”

on The Price is Right) a hobby, your profession, family, etc .,

the key is to apply it daily . Perhaps exploring your passion

could be a passion until you know you’ve found it!

“When you have passion for something you find a way to make it

happen – this is the panacea to success.” ~ Zig Ziglar

Principle #4: Extraordinary Leaders Are Strategic.

It is impossible to think your way to success . You have to

take action and the more strategic your action is, the more

you will accomplish in less time . Kevin has a ‘Numbers’

activity on his website that showcases this example

perfectly . When you have a plan for achieving a goal, you

will be more successful with less expended energy .

However, the reality is, we often just ‘go, go, go’ without

knowing the full plan . We are so focused on beating a

deadline or anxious to get started that we do not fully

develop a strategy beforehand . We immediately become

‘active’ but are we ‘prod-active?’ A hamster may spin that

exercise wheel in the cage extremely fast but where is that

hamster actually going? That’s right – nowhere .

Principle #5: Plant Seeds. Be Patient.

Anything worthwhile involves an investment of time . You

have to plant the right type of seed (or thought), water it, give

it the appropriate environment, and then … be patient as it

grows . Most people give up before they ever get started or

before their seeds begin to grow .

During the educational session, we did just that – planted

seeds . Mine is already growing … just takes time when you

plant the right type of seed . n

Author Bio: Dr. Kevin Snyder is a motivational speaker and author with a passion for helping individuals take action to lead successful and fulfilling lives. Reach him at www.KevinCSnyder.com where you can download free motivational resources, read his blog, hear sample soundtracks from his new instrumental music CD, and download complementary Ebooks. Connect with him on social media (KevinCSnyder) or text him your thoughts on this article at #919-633-9931!