This episode of the Convention Center Podcast dives into the collaboration between an event producer, convention center team, and hotel staff that saved the Myrtle Beach World Am's 19th Hole event from the claws of Tropical Storm Idalia.  Our distinguished guests, Scott Tomasello – Tournament Director for the Myrtle Beach World Amateur and Myra Starnes – owner of Leisure Time Unlimited, Inc. and an event producer, share their experience and proactive "what if" planning that unfolded as the storm moved towards Myrtle Beach.  For event planners needing a realistic blueprint of the unpredictable and urging a rethinking of crisis management in the meetings and events ecosystem, listen in.   This ordeal shaped strategies and critical decisions to ensure the safety and continuation of this iconic event.  The invaluable learnings and fortified collaborations set a precedent of preparedness and adaptability with future events hosted at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.Delve into the unique challenges our guests face, from coordinating with diverse stakeholders under a ticking clock to the remarkable adaptability displayed by the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and Myrtle Beach Sheraton Hotel in meeting the event's needs, while keeping the show on the road, quite literally.Myrtle Beach World Amateurhttps://myrtlebeachworldamateur.comLeisure Time Unlimited, Inc.https://www.leisuretimeunlimited.com

No box was checked with the creation of this podcast episode on DEI. We invite you to listen to our robust conversation with Kelvin Waites the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the City of Myrtle Beach.   Waites shares his view on why critical steps are necessary for fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.  During the podcast, Waites and I covered enormous grounds on race relationships as well as the past and present viewpoints on equality.   Intentional Inclusion contains impactful, inspiring, and actionable takeaways; and for the first time - I have decided to be vulnerable by highlighting the top three questions that resonated the most with me.1. Is it harder to shift a company’s value/philosophy or company culture?2. What accomplishments might an organization experience when leading with humanity?3. In an ideal world, what would the natural progression of diversity, equity, and inclusion look like?

Chief Amy Prock and Master Corporal Tom Vest of the Myrtle Beach Police Department are MBCC’s podcast guests.   Listen in, as we do a deep dive with law enforcement officers as it relates to planning your next event. Chief Prock and Master Corporal Vest shares the importance of event organizers and producers collaborating with host city’s police department:Best practices for outdoor festivals or events that include changing traffic patterns to public safetyEstablishing a timeline as it relates to law enforcement’s involvement at indoor or outdoor events  Guests’ safety as it relates to crowd managementLarge-scale security events

Brain Coolbaugh is the owner of Cool Ideas Marketing, a promotional company that supplies everything from printing business cards to custom advertising specialty items. In this podcast, Coolbaugh answers “the” marketing question…Is Print Dead?As our guest on the Convention Center Podcast, Coolbaugh shares insight on promotional branding: • Best B2C & B2B promotional products • Suggested promotional items for convention centers and DMOs • When a meeting planner or event producers should begin looking at custom promotional items for their event • What is trending in promotional products • How using EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) is an excellent avenue to consider • The next big thing

Reggie Dyson is the General Manager at WMIR Rejoice radio 103.5fm, 95.5fm, and 1200am, also three times Stellar Award Nominee.  The podcast opens with Dyson sharing profound moments regarding his recent outdoor event – Myrtle Beach Waves of Praise Gospel Fest, an outdoor music festival going into its 4th year. As our guest on the Convention Center Podcast, Dyson shares primary outdoor event logistics that include but are not limited to:  Book artist/talent that will entertain all ages, both young and old.Typically, your core demographic is within a 100-mile or less radius.Partnerships are essential with radio, television, and out-of-home networks.Ask artist/talent to assist with cross promotions by using their social media platforms and radio interviews. Using social media vs printed flyers win every time.Consider if your outdoor concert should have a hybrid component.Be aware of the weather conditions in the city you are hosting your outdoor event.  Meanwhile, develop relationships with the local meteorologists.Have a plan B if rain is forecasted a week out.  Plan B requires a lot of preparation, non-stop phone calls, and numerous text messages.Outdoor events offer freedom for both attendees and vendors to space out and move around.Having produced numerous gospel events both outdoor and indoor, Dyson suggests that these “Must Dos” remain the same regardless of an event’s location.  In ranking order, here’s his…Top TenSecure the dateSecure the venueSecure artists a year in advanceSecure the items listed on the artist’s riderDetermine the AV needs of each artist or group performingDevelop an event budgetFind sponsors to off-set artists, rider requirements, and AV needsSell vendor spaces, meanwhile ensure food vendors offer a variety of meal options from vegan to soul food, an assortment of different beverages, and those selling arts & craftsKeep people at your event by providing everything a concert-goer would need Secure your talent for next year based on the climate of your recent eventAs Dyson shares the ups and downs of his career as a gospel promoter, he also offers advice to new concert producers.  So, keep listening…the four items he provides advice on can make or break a successful event.For the first time, we introduced a lightning round of Q&A’s with a twist for listeners to better know our guests!  In addition, Dyson shares an important tip that is certain to make you chuckle as he fills in this blank, “Don’t ever_______.”

Michelle Stinson Ross is the CMO of Mindful Appy.  The company works with organizations that are ready to embrace a cultural shift to create a Psychologically safe workplace.  Mindful Appy analyzes the company’s data derived from KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and evaluates employees’ emotional engagement by using NEI (Net Emotional Index).  As you listen…take notes, Stinson provides employees and employers with an easily implemented toolbox.   This month’s podcast offers insights provided by Mindful Appy on Self-Care -I am not a Machine.  I am a Human Being!The podcast immediately opens with Stinson answering how an employee can most effectively cope with deadline stress.  One of the many answers she provides is, asking if there is flexibility to shift the deadline out further.  Ahhh…well that seems easy enough.  While inroads are being made for better health at the workplace, here are a few questions to ponder. Is management communicating the available options for self-care?Is leadership checking in on self-care balance in the workplace?What is the culture of your company?Is the leadership team assisting employees to do their jobs successfully?  Are people looking busy or being productive?  This is often a cultural issue most represented between Boomers & Gens/Millennials.Stinson stresses that ownership for mental wellness/self-care that leads to fatigue or burnout no longer rests solely on the shoulders of the employee.Why is the statement, “Check it at the door” meaningless?  Because “it” will follow up into work regardless.   To prevent “it from coming through the door”, Stinson provides our listeners with alternative methods of practicing mindfulness.  Below are a few of the self-care steps we have shared.  Stop and ask what emotions am I feelingCan I acknowledge the problemThen choose the best path to respond after a negative experienceIn addition, Stinson offers advice for those with high-performance jobs that suffer from anxiety and provides a deep dive regarding workplace burnout.So now, the workday is over and you are at home.  Guess what is next?   Close the stress cycle to decrease the adrenaline and cortisol in your system, Stinson suggests.  Wait… hold up it is not that simple, how do I do that?  Options to close the stress cycle do exist!  Has anyone heard of a good laugh, a big hug from your child or family member, or even the affection from your pet?Stinson’s podcast conclusion on empathy is defiantly something not to miss!  Do not be left with FOMO.

Tiffany Andrews the Sales and Marketing Administrator at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center provides projected meeting and event industry trends for the next two upcoming quarters.  For this podcast, Andrews isn’t the host, however as a marketing and advertising professional her expertise in analyzing data proves to be extremely beneficial in anticipating trends or the “next big thing”.  The Convention Center Podcast this month shares Tiff’s Top 5 Trends: Drive To Meeting Destinations & Advantages of Meeting in Tier 2 CitiesMeeting Industry Pandemic Career ThreatsMoving Forward to Net-Zero CarbonOutdoor Event Spaces as Wow Factors and Allows for Physical DistancingPracticing Mindfulness and Compassion

Shannon Smith the Director of Operational Excellence at Varsity All Star shares what the key ingredients are in creating successful cheer and dance competitions before and during COVID-19.  Knowing that cheering is shifting towards being a sanctioned sport makes listening to Smith’s podcast most beneficial. This month’s podcast offers insight into Varsity All Star’s pandemic success:Launching Varsity TV for virtual competitionsHow using the Band App for coaches, judges, and staff is essential in disseminating relevant informationThe importance of phone calls, video conferencing, emails, advance communication with coaches, and use of social media to connect with spectators The benefits of using a consistent scoring system, no matter the competition size or locationEmploy a detailed communication strategy on various topics that range from coach check-ins to spectator ticketing/viewing to safety protocols regarding crowd rotation and event timing   Smith reflects on March 2020 and how events were on a hard pause.  No longer having the ability to see the joy in competitors’ faces, pushed Varsity All Star to be innovative.  So much so, the team quickly became well versed in hosting virtual competitions on Varsity TV and maintaining social engagement.  Varsity TV required the following:Performances to be uploadedVirtual judgingScoring to be emailedSharing performances to subscribersViewed by many as an industry trendsetter, Varsity All Star’s primary goal remains to ensure the industry remains solid.  Will virtual competitions continue?  Most likely, it provides the opportunity for three vital components, scheduling advanced coach meetings, choreography sessions/workshops, and finally yet importantly events for athletes of all ages.

Chris Lindstrom the concessions manager at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and a host of other city outdoor venues shares protocols and profits.  In this podcast, Chris discusses:How to responsibly package concession foodsImportance of sanitizing food preparation counters and all equipmentStaff wearing masks and the frequency of changing glovesHaving a designated person that only handles paymentFostering relationships with distributors and cost-saving upwards of 25%Reflecting, the pandemic did not only affect group bookings but how to serve F&B  to guests.  Lindstrom emphasizes that following the guidelines provided by the CDC was not difficult, because having worked in the hospitality industry for so many years he knows how to respond quickly to changes or requests.   He takes pride in setting the bar at providing a variety of quality foods, having options event-specific (bodybuilding competition with protein bars), pre-ordered box lunches (youth groups with short lunch breaks), and using local distributors (ABF-American Beekeeping Federation with featured items made with honey).   Note… before COVID-19 having a range of 7,000 to 20,000 guests all needing food requires third-party partnerships.  Therefore, when the concession stands and kiosks are not enough, it is not uncommon to see Subway or Chick-fil-A in Prefunction and food trucks or Kono Ice on the Events Plaza.  The podcast concludes with Lindstrom’s purpose and motivation as a hospitality professional.

For a convention facility to continue hosting events during COVID-19 requires adaptability and understanding the importance of guests’ safety.  Rita Harrell, a veteran in sales and the hospitality industry shares her effective booking strategy.  Learn how to communicate with planners that require face-to-face events during a pandemic, when a hybrid conference, trade show, or event is not an option.  Harrell shares that phone calls (verbal communication) made to planners led to her listening and understanding each group’s specific needs.  As you listen, it becomes apparent that to keep the convention industry moving forward, it is essential to collaborate more than ever, use creativity, and think positively while exploring ways to operate safely.  Currently, Harrell has booked 10 competition sporting events to fill the dates of the postponed trade shows or conventions, with re-bookings in the works.

GBAC is the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response, and recovery accreditation for facilities. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center’s top priority is to make every effort towards keeping and maintaining a thoroughly clean and safe environment, free from the risk of infections and diseases, both for our employees and our guests. Kayla Ochse, a member of the convention center team, shares the importance of achieving the accreditation and steps required by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (South Carolina DHEC) to complete the GBAC STAR™ program. Ochse also emphasizes how MBCC plans to remain diligent in disinfection and sanitation practices regardless of events in-house.