May 29, 2025 - May 30, 2025
Join us in Columbia, South Carolina, for 2 days of connecting and learning
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May Chapter Meeting
Agenda
Thursday, May 29
12:00 - 1:00 PM Board of Directors Meeting
1:00 - 5:00 PM Registration / Check in
2:00 - 2:15 PM Welcome Remarks
2:20 - 3:20 PM The ABCs of CVBs: Understanding How Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs), Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) Support Planners & Suppliers
3:30 - 4:30 PM Reclaim Your Workday: Sustainable Strategies for Meeting Professionals and Suppliers
4:45-6:15 PM Networking Reception
6:15-7:15 PM Hotel Check-in/Break
7:30-9:30 PM CVB Nightcap
Friday, May 30
8:00 - 9:00 AM Breakfast
8:00 - 10:00 AM Registration / Check in
8:45 - 9:15 AM Chapter Announcements
9:20 - 10:20 AM Ask an Event Planner: A Live Fishbowl Q&A on Strategy, Innovation & Inclusive Event Design
10:40 - 11:40 AM Smart Marketing & AI: Strategies to Boost Engagement & Productivity
11:40 - 11:50 AM Closing Remarks
11:50 AM - Noon Lunch To Go
This meeting's education has been approved for 4 CE credits through the Events Industry Council.
Education Sessions
The ABCs of CVBs
Understanding How Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs), Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) Support Planners & Suppliers
As an event planner or supplier, you may have worked with Convention & Visitors Bureaus (CVBs), Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), or Destination Management Companies (DMCs), but do you truly understand the differences between them and how they can support your events?
This session will break down the ABCs of CVBs, giving you a clear understanding of how these organizations operate, how they are structured, and how you can maximize their resources. You'll also hear from CVB representatives from different regions who will share how they work with planners and suppliers to create successful events.
What You’ll Learn:
- What CVBs, DMOs, and DMCs actually do and how they differ.
- How event planners and suppliers can work with these organizations to access funding, incentives, and other resources.
- Regional insights from industry professionals on how these organizations collaborate with planners and suppliers.
- Best practices for leveraging destination organizations to make event planning smoother and more cost-effective.
This session is designed to provide clarity, practical insights, and direct access to industry professionals who can help you navigate destination partnerships more effectively. Bring your questions and get the answers you need to make the most of CVB resources!
About the Panelists
ISAIAH GRIFFIN, a Convention Sales Manager with DistiNCtly Fayetteville and an Air Force veteran, brings a unique blend of military discipline and event management expertise to every project he undertakes. His commitment to excellence, adaptability, and client-centric approach makes him a standout professional in the world of convention sales. Isaiah's journey from the military to event management exemplifies his dedication to service, precision, and the successful execution of every mission—whether in uniform or orchestrating a memorable event.
TWILA JONES, CFMP, has over 19 years of hospitality management experience at Experience Columbia SC. She has served as co-chair of the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism DEI Council and enjoys mentoring college hospitality students, women and girls. Twila is an active member of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, Religious Conference Management Association, Christian Meetings & Conventions Association, and is a Leadership Columbia graduate.
KATHRYN SHORT, CMP has been in the hospitality industry for over 15 years and currently works as the Regional Sales Manager for the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh) specializing in destination connections. With a passion for creating impactful experiences, she collaborates with industry professionals to drive engagement and growth. She is an active member of AENC, MPI Carolinas Chapter, NCGBTA, SCSAE, SGMP Carolinas Chapter, and YPN.
About the Moderator
RACHEL WHITTEN, CMP is the Vice President of Sales and Services for The Greenville-Pitt County Convention and Visitors Bureau, stepping into this role in July 2023 after serving as Director since 2019. With over two and a half decades of experience in management, sales, marketing, and event planning, Rachel has a proven track record of leading successful projects and building key relationships within the tourism and hospitality industry. She is passionate about making life easier for conference, convention, and meeting planners who choose to host their events in Greenville-Pitt County, NC.
Reclaim Your Workday: Sustainable Strategies for Meeting Professionals and Suppliers
The events industry is a whirlwind — fast-paced, high-stakes, and non-stop. Tight deadlines, high expectations, and constant pressure can leave meeting planners and suppliers feeling drained and on the edge of burnout. But what if you could sustain your energy, sharpen your focus, and actually enjoy the work you love—without sacrificing success?
In this interactive session, we’ll flip the script on hustle culture and break free from the myth that productivity equals exhaustion. You’ll learn practical, research-backed strategies to protect your time, prioritize your well-being, and boost performance—without adding more to your plate.
What You’ll Learn:
- Spot burnout before it hits — and implement proactive steps to prevent it.
- Master real-time stress resets to stay calm and focused, even during high-pressure events.
- Streamline your time management with strategies tailored to the events industry.
This isn’t about “just surviving” the demands of event planning—it’s about thriving while reclaiming control over your workday. Whether managing multiple clients or coordinating behind the scenes, you’ll leave with tools to stay at the top of your game—without burning out.
Come ready to learn, engage, and walk away empowered. Let’s redefine productivity so you can create impactful events and a workday that works for you.
About the Speaker
MARCEY RADER is a speaker, consultant, coach, and author who champions health-powered productivity™. Once driven by the relentless pursuit of more – certifications, endurance races, and promotions – a preventable medical diagnosis shifted her perspective on success.
As the founder of RaderCo, Marcey is sought after by Fortune 500 companies, startups, and organizations worldwide, inspiring audiences across five continents. A multi-award-winning speaker, she is one of only 900 Certified Speaking Professionals® globally, a Virtual Master Presenter®, and a TEDx speaker.
She’s written four books, created the Powered Path Program™, the ultimate reflection, prioritization, and planning program, and hosted the Health-Powered Productivity™ podcast. Her insights have been featured in major outlets like Money, Inc., Shape, and Prevention magazines.
Marcey’s mission is to teach well-intentioned individuals and companies to discover what truly matters, enabling them to create a life, job, and organization they love. By instilling sustainable habits that declutter the mind, body, and business, one habit at a time, she directs the path to reclaim their workday, work well, and play more!
Ask an Event Planner: A Live Fishbowl Q&A on Strategy, Innovation & Inclusive Event Design
Ever wanted direct, unfiltered insights from experienced event planners? This is your chance! Ask an Event Planner is an interactive fishbowl-style discussion where suppliers can ask planners burning questions, and planners can engage in open dialogue with each other—sharing strategies, challenges, and best practices in real-time.
What to Expect:
- Suppliers: Gain insider knowledge on what planners look for in vendor partnerships, how to stand out in the selection process, and what makes a truly impactful and inclusive event experience.
- Planners: Exchange ideas, ask each other about new trends, innovative solutions, and DEI-focused strategies that are shaping the future of events.
- Everyone: Walk away with fresh insights, creative problem-solving ideas, and a deeper understanding of how collaboration can elevate events.
How it Works:
A rotating group of participants will step into the “fishbowl” to ask questions, spark discussion, and share expertise. Whether it’s about event logistics, supplier relationships, budget challenges, attendee engagement, or designing more inclusive experiences, this conversation will be driven by what matters most to YOU.
If you’ve ever wanted a no-holds-barred conversation about what really makes events successful, this is the session to attend. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and get ready for a dynamic, interactive exchange!
About the Facilitator
KRISTIN WALKER enjoys opportunities to share with, speak to and inspire others. In her role, as Senior Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives and Major Events at Elon University, she manages office operations and facilitates staff culture and professional development opportunities. She leads all major recruiting events including all career fairs for the University. Her experiences prior to Elon University include Elon University School of Law and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). At UNCG, she was proud to manage hundreds of domestic and international students participating in the Disney College Program internship partnership with the University, having participated in this program herself during her undergraduate tenure.
Smart Marketing & AI: Strategies to Boost Engagement & Productivity
It feels like everyone’s talking about AI, but what does it really mean for event planners and suppliers? This session isn’t about buzzwords—it’s about practical strategies for using artificial intelligence and digital marketing tools to enhance day-to-day operations, create efficiencies, and drive business success.
What You’ll Learn:
- AI & Digital Marketing for Events – How AI is reshaping social media, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and content creation to improve reach and engagement.
- Free vs. Paid AI Tools – What’s worth the investment and where you can save your budget.
- Step-by-Step Examples – How AI tools integrate into marketing workflows to save time and reduce stress.
- Everyday Uses of AI – How event planners and suppliers are using AI for scheduling, content creation, email marketing, and data analysis.
Overcoming Challenges – Addressing limitations and pitfalls of AI in the events industry.
This interactive session will include live demonstrations of AI-powered marketing and productivity tools. Attendees will be invited to pull out their laptops or mobile devices and get firsthand experience using AI to enhance workflows, save time, and boost productivity. Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your marketing skills, explore AI-driven tools, and walk away with strategies you can use immediately!
About the Speaker
JOHN KORNEGAY is a Digital Marketing Specialist and Scrum Master with over 15 years of experience helping businesses navigate the digital landscape. Based in Raleigh, NC, John has established himself as a trusted strategist for event industry professionals who want to grow their businesses through technology.
His background spans social media management, paid advertising, content creation, and marketing automation—skills he applies to help clients achieve measurable results through data-driven strategies. John brings specialized knowledge in Large Language Models (LLMs) and integrating Generative AI into existing SOPs and workflows, making him uniquely qualified to guide businesses through technological transformation.
John is passionate about making advanced marketing technology accessible to everyone. He regularly speaks at industry events and leads workshops where he translates complex digital concepts into practical, actionable tactics. His approach combines strategic thinking with hands-on implementation, ensuring attendees leave with skills they can apply immediately.
Hotel Room Blocks
Hilton Columbia Center
924 Senate St., Columbia SC 29201
Rate: $169.00
Reservations Deadline: April 28, 2025
Group code: C-91O
Book Online: Hilton Columbia Center booking link
Self-parking: $18 or Valet-parking: $26
Across the street to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Hampton Inn Downtown Columbia Historic District
822 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201
Rate: $164.00
Reservations Deadline: April 28, 2025
Group code: C-91Q
Book Online: Hampton Inn booking link
Self-parking: $16
Next door to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/Vista
819 Gervais St., Columbia SC 29201
Rate: $169.00
Reservations Deadline: April 25, 2025
Book Online: Hyatt Place booking link
or call 1-888-492-8847 and give group code: G-CMCC
Self or Valet-parking: $18
2 blocks to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Aloft Columbia Downtown
823 Lady St., Columbia, SC 29201
Rate: $169.00
Reservations Deadline: May 6, 2025
Book Online: Aloft booking link
Self or Valet-parking: $18
2 ½ block to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown/Vista
1000 Lady St., Columbia, SC 29201
Rate: $159.00 Reservations Deadline: May 2, 2025
Book Online: Cambria Hotel Booking Link
Self or Valet-parking: $18
3 blocks to Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
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Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
1101 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC 29201
