Summer 2026 Chapter Meeting

Drawing from more than two decades of event leadership, real-world hotel audit observations, and lessons learned from military leadership under pressure, Andrew Roby reveals why friction between planners and venues is rarely just a communication problem. It is a success-metric problem.

Planners are often judged by attendee satisfaction, stakeholder confidence, sponsor value, and overall event outcomes. Hotels and venues are often measured by labor, revenue, occupancy, catering profitability, and operational efficiency. Neither side is wrong. But when both sides are not aligned around the attendee experience, friction becomes inevitable.

This keynote invites MPI Carolinas attendees to look beyond logistics and examine the invisible points where guest trust is either built or broken. From broken hotel touch-points to confusing arrival experiences, poor way-finding, disconnected service moments, and over reliance on the BEO, this session challenges the industry to move from managing meetings to designing experiences.

Attendees will leave with a practical Experience Audit framework they can apply immediately to identify friction, improve planner-venue collaboration, and create more intentional, human-centered meetings from arrival to departure.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM  Butler Tours & Explore Grounds
Location: The Graylyn Estate
Description: Join the staff from The Graylyn Estate for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the beautiful Graylyn properties. Learn all about the history of the estate and hear the stories of the unique guests that have visited the estate in the past. This is a can’t miss experience!

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM  First-Timer & New Member Reception
Location: Seminar Room

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM  Around the World Reception
Location: Living Room Wing
Description: Pack your passport and join us for an unforgettable Around the World Evening Reception at the MPI Carolinas Summer Chapter Meeting! Explore a variety of internationally inspired food and beverage stations, connect with fellow industry professionals, and celebrate the diverse cultures that make our meetings and events industry so vibrant. As an added bonus, attendees will have the opportunity to refresh their professional image with complimentary headshots. Come hungry, make new connections, and enjoy an evening of global flavors, fun, and networking!

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM  Late Night Fun
Location: White Garden/Rear Lawn
Hosted by: Visit Winston-Salem

Set at the historic Graylyn Estate, this gathering offers a welcoming space to engage in intentional conversation.. Attendees can expect a relaxed Sip & Chat format designed to encourage authentic dialogue, shared insights, and meaningful relationships across our industry.

Whether new to MPI or a long-time member, DEI Connects is an opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to a more inclusive future together. Guests are welcome to join for lunch, beverages, or both (food and beverage is order and pay on own).

To make reservations at The Glorious Graylyn Estate: all reservations are through direct contact. Please reach out to our exceptional reservations team today, and let us personally assist you with your stay.

Room Rate: $189++

Call In:
Scott Jobe: 336.758.2428
Mention: MPI Carolinas Summer Chapter Meeting

Email:
Scott Jobe: jobes@wfu.edu
Subject Line: MPI Carolinas Summer Chapter Meeting

You are highly encouraged to relax your stay at the Graylyn Estate throughout the weekend (August 29-30). The Graylyn Estate has graciously offered to extended discount hotel rates to MPI-CC August Chapter Meeting attendees. Be sure to request this amazing offer at the time of your reservation.