MPI Carolinas Connection: Planner Partner Forum and Chapter Meeting

Join the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Carolinas Chapter for an exclusive event redesigned to connect meeting planning professionals with top industry suppliers!

The event's new format and extended schedule offers the perfect blend of business and pleasure, featuring a delicious lunch, insightful learning sessions, and ample networking opportunities. Whether you're looking to build new relationships, discover the latest trends, or enhance your professional knowledge, this gathering is your gateway to success. Don’t miss out on this chance to engage with key players in the industry, exchange ideas, and elevate your meetings and events to the next level!

Agenda

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Friday, February 7, 2025

CMP Information Session 

Presented by Molly Johnson, CMP-Fellow, QAS, & Tarshi McCoy, CMP, CHSP, TMP
Feb. 6, 4:00-4:30 PM

Thinking about getting the CMP designation but don’t know where to begin? Curious about what resources MPI-CC offers? Attend this CMP info session and have your questions answered. We'll review the following: Setting up an account with the EIC and tracking CE hours; qualifications needed to apply for the CMP; resources available including the MPI-CC virtual CMP Study Group and in-person CMP Bootcamp; and costs.

Education Sessions

The ART of Leading and Communicating

Presented by Jason Godwin
Feb. 6, 1:00-2:00 PM

This entertaining and dynamic presentation will give participants new tools to enhance critical communication in high stress situations. Utilizing his experience as a former Special Agent and Police Chief Jason will share real world experiences that have taught him valuable lessons in working with others under demanding circumstances.

• Develop skills in building and maintaining relationships through communication, including conflict resolution, negotiation, and understanding cultural differences.
• Analyze how communication varies in personal, professional, and public settings.
• Understand and apply the principles of nonverbal communication, recognizing its impact on message interpretation.

Understanding the latest economic and tourism trends impacting the meeting industry

Presented by Christian Savelli, Tourism Economics
Feb. 6, 5:00-5:45 PM

Legal Hot Topics Every Meeting Professional Must Know

Presented by Matt Villmer, Villmer Caudill, PLLC
Feb. 7, 9:15-10:15 AM

Contracts are the backbone of successful meeting planning, but navigating the evolving legal landscape requires staying ahead of key trends. This presentation will equip meeting professionals with essential insights into critical contract provisions that impact their work. Topics will include:

• Force Majeure: Understanding and negotiating clauses to address unforeseen events like pandemics or natural disasters.
• Choice of Law and Jurisdiction: Strategies for determining where and how disputes will be resolved to protect your interests.
• Confidentiality: Protecting sensitive client and attendee information while avoiding common pitfalls.
• Arbitration Clauses: Weighing the pros and cons of alternative dispute resolution to save time and costs.
• Non-Disparagement and Online Reputation: Drafting terms to mitigate negative Google reviews and protect your brand.
• Media Release Agreements: Ensuring proper permissions for photography, videography, and social media use at events.
• Liquidated Damages: Crafting enforceable provisions to address cancellations, no-shows, or unmet guarantees.

Join us for a practical discussion on these hot-button issues, tailored specifically for meeting professionals. You’ll leave with actionable knowledge to strengthen your contracts and safeguard your events.

• Be able to identify and negotiate key contract clauses, including force majeure, liquidated damages, and choice of law, to better protect their events and businesses.
• Gain strategies for managing sensitive issues like confidentiality, media releases, and non-disparagement, ensuring compliance and safeguarding their reputation.
• Learn the advantages and potential pitfalls of arbitration clauses and other dispute resolution mechanisms, enabling them to make informed decisions in contract negotiations.

Beyond the Plate: Elevating DEIA Through Event Food & Beverage

Presented by Tracy Stuckrath, thrive! meetings & events
Feb. 7, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Discover how intentional F&B planning can strengthen DEIA initiatives.
• Navigate legal and logistical considerations to ensure accessible dining.
• Create event experiences that leverage diverse perspectives, fostering a deeper sense of connection and community.

Speakers

Jason Godwin has been a sworn law enforcement officer for the past 28 years. During his 20-year full time law enforcement career, Jason served as the Chief of Police for the Town of Knightdale and a Special Agent with NC Alcohol Law Enforcement.

Jason is a graduate of the FBI National Academy at Quantico and holds both a bachelors and master’s degree from East Carolina University.

His leadership experience comes from 20 years as a law enforcement leader as well as his experience as an enlisted soldier and graduate of the US Army’s officer basic school.  

 

Christian Savelli is a seasoned professional with decades of experience in research and intelligence and joined Tourism Economics from Cruise Lines International Association, where for more than six years he served as Vice President, Research and Business Analytics.  

He has a rich background in developing business intelligence solutions, conducting analysis and research, and synthesizing input from multiple sources to deliver executive recommendations. Before CLIA, Christian was the Senior Director of Business Intelligence and Research at Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Director of Business Intelligence at Maritz Travel. 

 

Matt Villmer is a business and litigation attorney with Villmer Caudill, PLLC, based in Charlotte. His legal practice focuses on contract drafting, new business startup, mergers & acquisitions, intellectual property protection, and high-conflict litigation.

Matt educates meeting and event professionals all around the country on best legal practices. He is a 4-time guest speaker at NACE National Conferences and spoke in 2023 at MPI-CC's meeting in Myrtle Beach. Matt began representing event industry businesses in their lawsuits against BP, when he was the first lawyer to file claims against the oil company after the 2010 BP Oil Spill. Over the last 15 years, Matt has represented hundreds of event industry businesses in their legal matters, including hotels, event venues, planners, caterers and restaurants, DJs, videographers and photographers, officiants, and others. 

In addition to the practice of law, Matt loves to educate entrepreneurs. Currently, Matt teaches the “Level Up” business incubation program where he helps business owners create a 3-year growth plan that will take their companies to the next level. 

 

Tracy Stuckrath is the founder of thrive! meetings & events and host of the Eating at a Meeting podcast. With over three decades of expertise in event planning, Tracy transformed her career trajectory after a personal health diagnosis, dedicating herself to fostering safe, inclusive, and sustainable food and beverage experiences. Her work, which spans globally, focuses on enhancing guest experiences, reducing risk, and advocating for diversity and inclusivity in event catering. An influential speaker and author, Tracy has been recognized as a leader in the meetings industry and continues to educate and inspire through her writings, speaking engagements, and her podcast. In her spare time, you will find her paddleboarding, walking, dog-sitting or riding with the top down on her MINI Cooper convertible.

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DEI Connects

Presented by Adarra Blount, Assistant Site Manager, Historic Stagville
Feb. 7, 8:00-8:20 a.m.

The MPI-CC DEI Committee invites you to learn about Historic Stagville, a state historic site in Durham that includes the remnants of the one of the largest plantations in North Carolina. The Bennehan-Cameron family owned approximately 30,000 acres of land, and claimed ownership over about 900 people who were enslaved on this property. Stagville protects a fraction of the land from that plantation, including original slave quarters (1851), a massive barn (1860), and a Bennehan family house (1787-1799). Stagville is dedicated to teaching about the lives and work of enslaved people on the plantation.  

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Registration Fees

PPF Exhibitor Registration Fees

• Members: $600.00 per booth. Fee changes to $700.00 after Dec. 18, 2024.
  
• Annual Sponsors: $550.00 per booth. Fee changes to $650.00 after Dec. 18, 2024.
  
• Non-members: $700.00 per booth. Fee changes to $800.00 after Dec. 18, 2024.
  
• Shared table option: $850.00. Fee changes to $950.00 after Dec. 18, 2024.

Meeting Registration Fees

• Planners: $50.00 per person. Fee changes to $60.00 after Jan. 17, 2025. Registration covers the PPF and Chapter Meeting.
  
• Non-Exhibiting Suppliers: $120.00 per person. Fee changes to $130.00 after Jan. 17, 2025. Registration is for the Chapter Meeting and does not include the PPF.

Help Fight Childhood Hunger with TABLE

Sheraton Chapel Hill
One Europa Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Reserve your room by Sunday, January 26, 2025 to receive the group rate of 159.00 USD per night.