MPI Georgia Phoenix Awards
MPI Georgia is proud to present our
2020 Phoenix Awards Recipients!
Congratulations once again to our 2020 Phoenix Awards Recipients! Though we could not be together to celebrate, please know the full Chapter is applauding your accomplishments and celebrating with you.
Committee of the Year Award
Hospitality/Welcome Committee - Membership
Creative Concept Award
MPI Georgia Mobile App
President’s Award
Tierra Copeland
Rising Star of the Year Award
Peter Schmidt
Planner Member of the Year Award
Peter Schmidt
Supplier Member of the Year Award
Joel Miller
Chapter Leader of the Year Award
Tim Barrett, CMP
Sponsor Impact Award
Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA)
Lorraine Powell Influence Award
Heather Herrig, CMP
Hall of Fame/Lifetime Achievement Award
Dwayne Keller
Phoenix Awards Details:
General Eligibility Criteria: Applies to all awards nominations
- Event/Program Date: The 2019-2020 fiscal year dates from July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020. All events and programs must have occurred within these dates to be eligible for an award, with the exception of Phoenix Awards 2019 (Phoenix Awards 2019 may be nominated) and their related sponsors, venues, committees and events based on submission deadlines.
- MPI Georgia Member: The nominated entity (organization, individual, etc.) must have representation in MPI Georgia and be a current member of MPI Georgia in good standing.
- Awards are based on the members work within MPI Georgia
Committee of the Year Award
Description: Awarded to the MPI Georgia volunteer committee (award accepted by the committee chair) that provided a significant impact and valuable contribution to our chapter during the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Note that Phoenix Awards 2019 committee is eligible this year.
Chapter Leader of the Year
Description: Awarded to the member who has served in a leadership role and whose work has made considerable contribution to the growth of our chapter.
Supplier Member of the Year Award
Description: Awarded to a Supplier member who has impacted our chapter through their unwavering volunteer service and commitment.
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- Must not have won this award in any previous year
- Must be an active member on a committee within the current year
- Must not have held an MPI Georgia Board position within the past three (3) years
Planner Member of the Year Award
Description: Awarded to a Planner member who has impacted our chapter through their unwavering service and commitment.
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- Must not have won this award in any previous year
- Must be an active member on a committee within the current year
- Must not have held an MPI Georgia Board position within the past three (3) years
Creative Concept Award
Description: MPI Georgia’s volunteers are constantly enhancing our events with their creative ideas. Allowing our members to experience these concepts is a true value-add for our membership. This award is for a concept that has impacted our chapter through creativity or innovation. The award is intended to recognize creative ideas from the current year and will be accepted by the individual(s) and/or committee who implemented the concept.
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- Concept must have been executed within the current fiscal year
- Concept must not have won this award in the past 5 years
- Board members are not eligible to win this award; however, they can accept on behalf of a committee
Sponsor Impact Award
Description: Awarded to a sponsoring company that uses innovation and creativity to impact the membership and showcase their company. This award is not about who spent the most money but about who had the highest impact from their sponsorship. This award can be presented to a cash or an in-kind sponsor.
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a cash or in-kind sponsor from the current fiscal year
Rising Star of the Year Award
Description: Awarded to a new member (tenure of three years or less) who has made the most notable contribution of volunteer time to our chapter.
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- Must not have won this award in any previous year
- Membership tenure cannot exceed three years
- Board members are not eligible
Student Member of the Year:
Description: Awarded to a student member who has impacted our chapter through their unwavering service and commitment.
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- Must not have won this award in any previous year
- Must be an active member on a committee within the current year
- Must be an enrolled student for the 2018-2019 fiscal year
- Must not have held an MPI Georgia Board position within the past three (3) years
- Note: If no valid nominations are made, this award will not be presented for this year
Hall of Fame/Lifetime Achievement Award
Description: Awarded to a long-standing member who has committed at least a decade of service to our association. This member strives to make our industry a strong force of education and personal achievement. Nominees for this award are chosen by the MPI Georgia Past Presidents Council.
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a current member of MPI Georgia in good standing (minimum ten years)
- Must not have won this award in any previous year
- Must not have held an MPI Georgia Board position within the past three (3) years
Hayward C. Cox, Jr., CMP Continuing Quality Award
Description: Awarded to a long-standing member who has committed at least five years of service to our association. This member has made substantial contributions to the chapter. Nominees for this award are chosen by the MPI Georgia Past Presidents Council.
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a current member of MPI Georgia in good standing (minimum five years)
- Must not have won this award in any previous year
- Must not have held an MPI Georgia Board position within the past three (3) years
The Lorraine Powell Influence Award
Description: The Lorraine Powell Influence Award honors MPI Georgia Chapter Past President Lorraine Powell, who influenced countless MPI members and the overall direction of the chapter for decades. This award will be given to an MPI Georgia member who has influenced the path and future of an MPI member and/or the chapter as a whole. The award recipient will embody the spirit of MPI and what it means to its members and the meetings industry.
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- Must not be a current member of the Board of Directors
President’s Award
Description: The current MPI Georgia President will select a volunteer to receive the President’s Award.
MPI Georgia's 2019 Phoenix Award Winners:
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Celebrating this year’s MPI Georgia Showstoppers
at the annual Phoenix Awards Gala
The celebration for MPI Georgia's members and volunteers was definitely a night of "WOW.” Tim Barrett, CMP from Destination South Meetings & Events, and outgoing MPI Georgia President, kicked off the event with a big bang, a few tears, and plenty of humor. However, closing the fun-filled and action-packed awards ceremony was the biggest surprise for all. Who was this mystery guest that graced the stage? You’ll have to ask one of the attendees… or view the photos. Tim said he was “honored to have worked with excellent leaders and has been inspired by our membership, our volunteers, and our board of directors, our administrative staff, and our generous sponsors. The level of commitment from you all to this chapter and towards our vision has kept me motivated and challenged to ensure we bring you more.”
Drum roll please . . .
President’s Award
Tara Zeravsky, CMP – Meeting Expectations
Tim surprised Tara with what she thought was a heartfelt thank you. Low and behold, he was presenting her with the coveted President’s Award. It took a while for it to sink in, but eventually Tara made her way to the stage amongst cheering from the entire room.
Rising Star of the Year Award
Brad Gibson – Active Production and Design
Brad is a special "star” – a new member who has made the most noticeable contribution of volunteerism to our chapter within the first three years of membership. We look forward to seeing his star rise even higher. And if you need a chuckle to brighten your day… put Brad on speed dial.
Innovative Concept Award
The Exchange
MPI Georgia volunteers enhance our chapter by infusing new and innovative ideas into our programs and events. This award is for a fresh concept that helped showcase new ideas and innovative thinking in our industry. The tremendous trio of Allyson Wagner, Eileen Roehl, CMP and Jeff Whitney accepted this well-deserved award.
Committee of the Year Award
Networking Events Committee
It takes a team to execute the vision of an organization. The award is given to the committee that made the most significant impact and exemplifies the MPI Georgia vision and spirit through their efforts and valuable contributions. Thank you to our chair, Megan Wolszczak, CMP, and co-chair Steven Schumacher.
Sponsor Impact Award
Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau
A big shout-out to Justin Page of the ACVB. The bureau was recognized for their generous sponsorship that infuses our programs and events with innovation and creativity to impact the membership. The ACVB, our annual Gold Sponsor, enables MPI Georgia to be one of the most successful chapters worldwide.
Chapter Leader of the Year Award
Melissa Legaux, CMP – ACVB 
Melissa’s contributions as a leader continues to propel our chapter forward. Thank you for your huge contributions to our success this year, from her role in Strategic Partnerships followed by a slew of special events including a fantastic Tech Summit. Next year she will serve as VP of Finance. Melissa, your star shines bright.
Lorraine Powell Influence Award
Maria Trammell – Jekyll Island Authority
Lorraine would be so honored if she could give this award herself with that loving spirited and courageous nature she always exuded. Maria’s attitude is contagious for new members and she exudes the same qualities as Lorraine, a true chapter champion. That big smile never left your face the entire evening… what a way to celebrate.
Hayward C Cox Award
Cynthia Alford, DMCP – Destination South Meetings & Events
Hayward was a ground-breaking leader for MPI Georgia and the Atlanta meeting industry. The Continuing Quality Award was presented to Cynthia for her long-time and valued service to our chapter. Even after her year as president in 2007-2008, her involvement continues through comradery, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to our chapter.
Supplier Member of the Year Award
Carla Carroll – Salamander Hotels & Resorts
Sybil Lee presented the award to Carla to recognize her unwavering service and commitment to propel our chapter events and initiatives. We honor her not only as a premiere supplier, but as one of our most enthusiastic key contributors. Carla, we look forward to seeing you continue to shine in the years ahead.
Planner Member of the Year Award
Laura Steele, CMP – OneStream Software
Laura has held too many leadership positions to count, and this past year she and her team revamped the Community Outreach program. Thank you for your dedication and always going above and beyond with each of your endeavors in business and as a dedicated volunteer.
Hall of Fame / Lifetime Achievement Award
Megan Perks, CMP, CMM – Palm House Group
The Hall of Fame award recognizes an individual who makes our industry a strong force of education and personal achievement. Cynthia
announced
that Megan is in the final stretch of earning her MBA and plans to teach Hospitality & Tourism at the collegiate level.
Thank you for your hard work and
sharing the interesting tale of how MPI Georgia is like the “six degrees of Kevin Bacon.”
A message from our new chapter president
Abby Freeman – Mitchell Meetings
Abby’s charming address filled the room with laughter. “To the award winners and all of you in this room, thank you for your dedication to MPI. Your energy and work make Georgia one of the most active and engaged states in the country for the meetings industry. My hope is that MPI Georgia continues that legacy of innovation and fearlessness as we move into the next year.”
With a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes, Tim applauded the members. “Collectively we dreamt more with our innovative educational offerings. We learned more by bringing in experts in our field. We did more by giving back to the community. We became more by strengthening alignments with colleagues and forging new business opportunities, and, yes, we had more fun.”
He continued, “As I switch seats and support the next board of directors and incoming leadership, I reflect on my "more". I’ve dreamt more about opportunities and places that should have been impossible for someone who grew up in Mud Creek, Georgia. I’ve learned more about myself and from the experts that have been made available to us. I’ve become more knowledgeable about leadership and running an organization. I’ve added more friends and resources worldwide. And I’ve become more grateful and honored than ever before.”
Welcome to The World of Coca-Cola
Mystery Guest – Ms Dolly Parton
Big Night with MPI Georgia
 |  | Devon McKenna, we couldn’t have done it without you and the Photosynthesis team. Because of generous sponsors like you, our chapter continues to reach new heights in networking, education, and celebration. Thank you for your sizeable in-kind donation as our photography sponsor.
|
A HUGE THANK YOU to our Premier Annual Sponsors:
- Reno/Tahoe
- Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Photosynthesis Studio
- Modern Luxury
2019 Phoenix Awards Sponsors:
- Active Productions & Design
- Akram Ibrahim
- Allegra
- AMP'D Entertainment
- B. Worley Productions
- Bradfordley Illustration & Design
- Button It Up
- Collection Furnishings
- Fancy's Face & Body Art
- Georgia World Congress Center
- Jekyll Island Authority
- Legendary Events
- Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board
- Louisville CVB
- MeetApp
- Mixology Partners
- Over the Top Linen
- Peachtree Tents & Events
- Popcorn Palooza
- Proof of the Pudding
- Salamander Hotels and Resorts
- SpeedPro Imaging
- Speer Entertainment
- The Sketch Effect
- Urban Enterprises
- Vintage Vixens
- Visit Roswell
- World of Coca-Cola
Another HUGE THANK YOU to the 2019 Phoenix Awards Committee, chaired by Carla Carroll and Brad Gibson. MPI Georgia is grateful to all of our volunteers. You certainly put the WOW in Made for WOW!
The 2018 Phoenix Awards: City of Stars - It's Your Time to Shine
City of Stars - It's Your Time to Shine was a night to remember. This annual awards gala recognizes our chapter’s volunteer members and sponsors as well as the overall successes of another great year. Through the amazing support of our sponsors, the Phoenix Awards were held June 28, 2018 at the W. Atlanta Midtown.
A huge thank you to our Premier Annual Sponsors: Atlanta CVB and PhotoSynthesis Studio; and to our 2018 Phoenix Awards Sponsors: 360 Destination Group, Active Production and Design, AlphaGraphics of Buckhead, Amp'd Entertainment, BOLD Design, Caesars Entertainment, Collection Event Furnishings, Discover DeKalb CVB, Far Out Galaxy, Flowering Events, FoxHall Sporting Club, Garrett Popcorn Shops, Georgia Speakers Bureau, GTS Entertainment, Jeenyoux, Jekyll Island Georgia, JW Marriott Nashville, L.E.D Experience, Loews Hollywood Hotel, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, Louisville CVB, Party Tables, Peachtree Tents & Events, PSAV W. Atlanta Midtown, Salamander Hotels and Resorts, World of Coca-Cola, Vinny Verelli, and the W. Atlanta Midtown!
A HUGE shout out and thank you to the 2018 Phoenix Awards Committee, chaired by Miranda Behner von Litolff and Carla Carroll. MPI Georgia is grateful to all of our volunteers. You are certainly the stars
of MPI Georgia!
Congratulations to all the nominees and the winners!
- Lifetime Achievement/ Hall of Fame Award: Cynthia L. Alford, DMCP, Destination South Meetings & Events
- Chapter Leader of the Year: Ashley Izydore Euler, CMP, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
- Hayward C. Cox, Jr., CMP Continuing Quality Award: Brenda P. Dempsey, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
- Lorraine Powell Membership Award: Melissa Legaux, CMP, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Planner Member of the Year: Lesli Castaneda, CMP, Cox Enterprises
- Rising Star of the Year: Megan Wolszczak, King & Spalding, LLC
- Sponsor Impact Award: Active Production and Design
- Supplier Member of the Year: Devon McKenna, Photosynthesis Studios
- Committee of the Year: Re:Connect
- Innovative Concept Award: TechTalks, Tech Summit 2018
- President's Award: Jeff Holland, Monalto
The 2017 Phoenix Awards: Rising from the Ashes
The 2017 Phoenix Awards: Rising from the Ashes Celebrating Southern Legacy was a night of celebration. This annual awards gala recognizes our chapter’s volunteer members and sponsors as well as the overall successes of another great year. Through the amazing support of our sponsors, the Phoenix Awards were held June 15, 2017 at the Atlanta History Center in the heart of Buckhead.
A huge thank you to our Premier Annual Sponsors: Atlanta CVB, Visit Raleigh, Topper Worldwide Transportation, PhotoSynthesis Studio; and to our 2017 Phoenix Awards Sponsors: Active Production and Design, A Divine Event, Atlanta Fever Entertainment, Atlanta History Center, BBJ Linen Rental, Be a Star Entertainment, Caesars Entertainment, Courtney Renee Jazz, Daytona Beach CVB, Discover DeKalb CVB, Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Buckhead, Fuse Graphics, Georgia World Congress Center Authority, Greater Birmingham CVB, Greene Worldwide Transportation, Hilton Atlanta, Jekyll Island Georgia, L.E.D Experience Design, Loews Hotels, Louisville CVB, Modern Luxury, Peachtree Tents & Events, Tulip Blooming Creations, We Rent Atlanta, and the World of Coca-Cola!
A HUGE shout out and thank you to the 2017 Phoenix Awards Committee, chaired by Brittany Hinger. MPI Georgia is successful because of our volunteers and these members rose to the occasion! It was an amazing evening of entertainment, engaging conversation and electrifying energy.
Congratulations to all the nominees and the winners!
- Committee of the Year: Phoenix Awards 2016 Committee
- Rising Star of the Year: Lissette Mathus, Dave & Buster's Atlanta
- Chapter Leader of the Year: Chris Bonnett, CMP, Omnience
- Planner Member of the Year: Chris Bonnett, CMP, Omnience
- Supplier Member of the Year: Tara Brashear, Freeman
- Innovative Concept Award: 2017 Tech Summit: Apps & The Game of Techs
- Hall of Fame: Ginny Izydore, Barnsley Resort
- Howard C. Cox, Jr. CMP Continuing Quality Awards: Carol D. Hall, Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center
- The Lorraine Powell Membership Award: Eileen Roehl, CMP, Murfee Meetings Group
- President's Award: Sybil Lee, CMP, World of Coca-Cola
The 2016 Phoenix Awards : The Speakeasy
The 2016 Phoenix Awards: The Speakeasy offered “A Night of Vintage Glamour” and lots of celebration. This annual awards gala recognizes our chapter’s volunteer members and sponsors as well as the overall successes of another great year. Through the amazing support of our sponsors, the Phoenix Awards were held June 30, 2016 at Flourish by Legendary Events in the heart of Buckhead.
A huge thank you to our Premier Annual Sponsors: Atlanta CVB, Visit Raleigh, Topper Worldwide Transportation, PWP Studios; and to our 2016 Phoenix Awards Sponsors: Absolute ENT, Active Production and Design, Branding Hawk, Button It Up, Caesars, Collection Event Furnishings, Courtney Renee Jazz, Emory Conference Center Hotel, Event Drapery, Flourish, Greater Birmingham CVB, Greene Worldwide Transportation, Hilton Atlanta, Humor Wins, Jekyll Island Georgia, Juice Studios, Louisville CVB, Martino-White Printing, NYC & Company, Party Tables, Shepard Exposition, St. Louis CVB, the Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, Westin Hotel and the Yonah Mountain Vineyards!
A HUGE shout out and thank you to the 2016 Phoenix Awards Committee, chaired by Brittany Hinger and Jamie Lea Shiver. MPI Georgia is successful because of our volunteers and these members rose to the occasion! It was an amazing evening of entertainment, engaging conversation and electrifying energy.
Congratulations to all the nominees and the winners!
- Committee of the Year: Membership Retention Committee- Hayley Burch, CMP, The Ridges Resort and Marina
- Rising Star of the Year: Steven Schumacher, Emory Conference Center Hotel
- Chapter Leader of the Year: Jeff Whitney, Event Transportation Atlanta
- Hall of Fame: Jeff Whitney, Event Transportation Atlanta
- The Lorraine Powell Membership Recruitment Award: Jeff Whitney, Event Transportation Atlanta
- Planner Member of the Year: Ashley Izydore, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
- Supplier Member of the Year: Ginny Izydore, Barnsley Resort
- Innovative Concept Award: Fall Classic "Plan B"- Christopher Yueh, AIA Atlanta and Kathi Kelly, KSL Resorts
- Hayward C. Cox, Jr., CMP Continuing Quality Award: Lesli Castaneda, CMP, Cox Enterprises
- President's Award: Pamela Shepherd, USMostivation
The 2015 Phoenix Awards: A Spirited Soirée!
A BIG thank you to our Premier Annual Sponsors: Atlanta CVB, Visit Raleigh and DoubleTree by Hilton; and to our 2015 Phoenix Awards Sponsors: American Spirit Works, Choose Chicago, Legendary Events, Proof of the Pudding, Event Rentals Unlimited, Meet College Park Georgia, The MAGNUM Companies Ltd., QuestDrape, PWP Studio, Party Tables, AFR Event Furnishings and Amp’d Entertainment.
A HUGE shout out and thank you to the 2015 Phoenix Awards Committee, chaired by Anna Williams of Juice Studio and Tracy Keller, CMP of ASHRAE. MPI Georgia is successful because of our volunteers and these members rose to the occasion! It was an amazing evening of entertainment, engaging conversation and electrifying energy. Congratulations to all the nominees and to the winners.
Take a look at this year’s award recipients:
- Committee of the Year: The Gathering 2015, Sybil Lee, CMP, The World of Coca-Cola
- Rising Star of the Year: Kalen Parks, CMP, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
- Chapter Leader of the Year: Andy Williams, CMP, TMP, Destination South Meetings & Events
- Supplier Member of the Year: Jeff Whitney, Event Transportation Atlanta
- Planner Member of the Year: Cynthia Alford, DMCP, Destination South Meetings & Events
- Shining Star of the Year: Carol Hall, Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center
- Hall of Fame: Hayward C. Cox, Jr., CMP, Retired
- Hayward C. Cox, Jr., CMP Continuing Quality Award: Dwayne Keller, InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta
- Lorraine Powell Membership Recruitment Award: Connie Bergeron, CMP, Site Selection Solutions, Inc.
- Student Member of the Year: Sara Mellars, Canoe
- President's Award: Kit McClung, CMP, Callaway Gardens