AENC's 67th ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, July 24^th – Tuesday, July 26^th, 2021
New Bern, NC

If you can’t come in person, consider registering to join us virtually!

Host CVB:  Visit New Bern
Host Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern – Riverfront
Host Meeting Venue: New Bern Riverfront Convention Center

  

Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities are still available: reserve here!

Donate to the Silent Auction here.

SKIP TO REGISTRATION

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Sunday, July 24th 
  9:00am -  6:00pm - AENC Registration Desk Open
  9:00am -  6:00pm - AENC GIVES BACK with The American Red Cross Blood Drive

Optional Afternoon Activities (additional fee, see more details below)
          10:00am -  Golf (Emerald Golf Club)
            1:00pm - 4:00pm - Tryon Palace Trolley Tour 
            2:30pm - 4:00pm - Motorsports Boat Tour

  6:15pm -   8:15pm - Evening Reception – The View at NBRCC
  8:15pm - 10:00pm - After Party – BEERmuda Triangle: Tap That, Brewery 99, and Freshwater Brewery

Monday, July 25th
Breakfast on your own
  7:00am -  6:00pm - AENC Registration Desk Open 
  7:00am -  7:45am - (Optional) FUEL Fundraiser (ALL AGES WELCOME) – ‘Get Fit With Fuel, Self Defense Style’($18) on Riverfront Convention Center Patio Lawn
  8:00am -  9:00am - Coffee, Connect and Networking with Exhibitors
  8:15am -  8:45am - New Member Mingle 
  8:30am -  2:30pm - AENC GIVES BACK with The American Red Cross Blood Drive
  9:00am - 10:15am - Keynote 1 - The Power of Engagement
10:15am - 10:45am - Break: Network & Visit Exhibitors
10:45am - 11:45am - Keynote 2 – Financial Literacy
11:45am -   1:00pm - Networking Lunch with Exhibitors
  1:00pm -   2:00pm - Keynote 3 – How to Reach the Summit…Even When You Need a Stool
  2:00pm -   3:00pm - Break: Network & Visit Exhibitors
  3:00pm -   4:00pm - Breakouts, choose 1 of 3:
                                          Financial Literacy – Deeper Dive (streamed for virtual audience)
                                          The Evolving Role of Convention & Visitor Bureaus
                                          Transforming Team Communication 

  4:00pm -   7:00pm - Free time
  6:00pm -   7:00pm -  (Optional) Informal Networking - Connect with FUEL Young Professionals - All ages welcome! – Lawson Room & Patio at DoubleTree
  7:00pm -   8:45pm - Welcome Reception and Silent Auction Evening – Grand Ballroom at DoubleTree
  8:45pm - 11:00pm - After Party – DoubleTree Deck

Tuesday, July 26th 
  8:00am -   1:00pm - AENC Registration Desk Open 
  8:00am -   8:30am - Board of Directors & Committee Chairs Meeting
  8:00am -   8:30am - Early Bird Coffee with Exhibitors
  8:30am -   9:45am - Breakfast Business Meeting and Awards
  9:45am - 10:00am - Coffee, Connect and Networking with Exhibitors
10:00am - 11:00am - Keynote 4 – Intro to Human Safety Skills and Situational Awareness
11:00am - 11:15am - Break: Network & Visit Exhibitors
11:15am - 11:30am - 2023 Annual Meeting Invitation
11:30am - 12:30pm - Keynote 5 – The Power of CHEER
                   12:30pm - Adjourn 

REGISTRATION PRICING:

ACCOMODATIONS: 

Courtyard by Marriott New Bern for $149/night (plus tax) Click here to book your group rate for the AENC 2022 Annual Meeting. (Cutoff: 7/8/22)

AENC GIVES BACK with The American Red Cross Blood Drive (add-on your choice in Registration)
Monday, July 25 | 8:30AM - 2:30PM

AENC is teaming up with The American Red Cross and inviting Annual Meeting attendees to reserve a spot at their 'Camp Do Good'! The Red Cross usually sees a dip in donations over summer when school is out and people are taking vacations. We hope you'll take this opportunity to donate and make a real difference!

The American Red Cross will park the Bloodmobile outside of the Convention Center for easy access to all our attendees. The donation process, from the time you arrive until the time you leave, takes about an hour. The donation itself is only about 10 minutes. Please let us know if there are sessions or breaks you cannot miss so we schedule appropriately. If you would like to give blood you can register for your appointment within your conference registration.

Common Questions About Donating Blood | The Donation Process
Eligibility questions? Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY CHOICES: (add-on your choice in Registration)

SUNDAY, JULY 24:
10:00AM | GOLF | The Emerald Golf Club - On your own for Transportation
Enjoy a round of golf at The Emerald Golf Club with your AENC friends! Voted #10 Public Course to Play in NC Golf Pass 2021. Designed by Rees Jones, 1995 Golf World Architect of the Year. Greens fee, cart and lunch included.
$125  per person

1:00PM-4:00PM | TRYON PALACE TROLLEY TOUR Departs from DoubleTree Hotel
Discover three centuries of history and architectural beauty in a comprehensive 90-minute trolley tour of historic downtown New Bern. Let our professional guides entertain you with fascinating details, historical narratives, and true stories of this former royal capital of North Carolina. You are sure to be enchanted by the city’s unique beauty and charm.
The trolley tour includes a visit to the New Bern Academy Museum, Cedar Grove Cemetery, and Christ Episcopal Church. Enjoy lunch at ‘Poppy’s Bites and Barrels’ before concluding with a tour of Tryon Palace. Whether you want to explore the historic homes and gardens, or catch a special exhibit in the North Carolina History Center, Tryon Palace has an experience for everyone.
$61.00 per person includes lunch

2:30PM-4:00PM | MOTORSPORTS BOAT TOUR Departs from dock at DoubleTree Hotel
*OPTION CLOSED, ALL BOATS ARE FULL. Email [email protected] to be put on a wait list.*
After admiring the riverfront, you will probably have a desire to explore our 29 square miles of waterways. This veteran-owned company will provide a 90minute scenic tour of the Trent River. Take in the beautiful nature and amazing riverfront homes (including the home of Nicholas Sparks).
$50 per person includes non-alcoholic beverages* and snacks
6 person boats, groups can be assigned by AENC staff or let us know who you want to be in your boat
*You may also bring your own beverages.

MONDAY, JULY 25:

7:00AM-7:45AM | ‘GET FIT WITH FUEL, SELF DEFENSE STYLE’
AENC FUEL YOUNG PROFESSIONAL’S SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER
Wake up and get your body moving with some self-defense-based exercises taught by Gold Metal Tae Kwon Do Olympian, Arlene Limas.
$18.00 per person (Proceeds go to the AENC Scholarship Fund)

EDUCATION INFORMATION:

ALL EDUCATION HAS BEEN EIC APPROVED FOR CEU'S (THERE IS A TOTAL OF 6 EDUCATION CEU'S)!  THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE WITH A CAE/CMP OR THOSE HOPING TO GET ONE!

Keynote 1 - The Power of Engagement. How to go beyond "networking" to build long lasting relationships. – Robert Turner
Have you ever found it difficult to make connections or engage in "networking?"  This dynamic session will provide a easy plan that will introduce the power of "engagement" which can  help create long lasting relationships.  There will be laughs, learning, and dancing...yes dancing. 

Robert Turner
President, MJM Innovations

Keynote 2 - Financial Literacy – Ralph Bizzarro
An overview of basic financial literacy as it relates to non-profit entities.  Items that will be discussed include: basic financial reports, internal controls, budgeting, and board oversight.  Discuss some common misconceptions such as “profit” is a four letter word in the non-profit world. 

Ralph Bizzarro
Vice President Of Finance & Operations, Capitol Hill Management Services (CHMS)

Keynote 3 - How to Reach the Summit…Even When You Need a Stool – Jon-Michael Ogletree
Jon-Michael seeks to educates his audience on the challenges and benefits of dwarfism, encourages them to accomplish great things, and equips them with practical advice to make the world a better place.

Jon-Michael Ogletree
CFO, CSA

BREAKOUTS

Breakout 1 – Financial Literacy Deeper Dive– Ralph Bizzarro
Continue learning from one of the morning’s keynote speakers with a more detailed session covering compliance issues, audit or review, budgeting and monthly reporting.  This session will be partially driven by the questions of the attendees.  You are encouraged to participate in order to gain a better understanding of the different roles of financial reporting.

Ralph Bizzarro
Vice President Of Finance & Operations, Capitol Hill Management Services (CHMS)

Breakout 2 - The Evolving Role of Convention & Visitor Bureaus – Andrew Schmidt
While CVB’s continue their traditional work to create positive exposure and economic impact through visitation, the changing landscape over the last few years has created additional responsibilities and opportunities for bureaus to assist and collaborate with new stakeholders. Join Visit Greenville, NC President & CEO and current NCTIA President, Andrew Schmidt for a comprehensive look at the rapidly changing role that CVB’s are playing within their respective destinations and how their work affects the overall economic health and marketability of the destination that you call home.

Andrew Schmidt, CDME, CHME, MPA
President & CEO, Visit Greenville NC
Current President of North Carolina Travel Industry Association (NCTIA)

Breakout 3 - Transforming Team Communication - Micah Ray and Mike Witt
Everyone has a leadership voice. And every voice deserves to be heard. In the Transforming Team Communication workshop, receive an overview of the five different voices, understand your foundational voice, and learn how to communicate better with voices different from your own. Transform your team dynamics by knowing how to better use your leadership voice.

 

 Micah Ray & Mike Witt
D4 Concepts

Keynote 4 – Intro to Human Safety Skills and Situational Awareness - Arlene Limas
Deemed one of the greatest Taekwondo athletes of the 20th century, Arlene Limas made history on September 17, 1988, when she became the first American and the first female to win a Gold Medal at the 24th Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea, in the sport of Tae Kwon Do.  In this session, Arlene will go over several techniques such as:

• Human Safety Skills
• Using your Voice to foster better communication
• Boundary Setting 
• Building your intuition muscle and trusting it
• Team Building and empathy exercises 
• De-Escalation 
• Assertiveness training
• Grounding and Centering techniques 

Arlene Limas OLY
CEO, PAVE Prevention

Keynote 5 – The Power of CHEER – Stefanie Adams                                                                 
2, 4, 6, 8. Want to know how to make your workplace really great?  Harness the power of CHEER!

Now before you roll your eyes, know this...cheerleading provides highly applicable professional lessons for leaders in all industries, especially in today’s post pandemic work environment.  Even the most non “rah rah” of people can employ cheer strategies to build collaborative teams, drive business impact, and generate positive work culture.  Be prepared for interaction, music, and tons of fun while learning about collaboration, communication, mental/physical health, accountability, and most importantly, inspiration. 

 Get “fired up”, and if you are so inclined, get out of your seat and learn “The Power of CHEER!”

 

Stefanie Adams, M.Ed.
CEO, WNY People Development  

REGISTRATION 

If you would like to attend IN PERSON:

 If you would like to attend VIRTUALLY:

*If you are a sponsor or exhibitor, please email Madi or Julie for your registration link. Please do NOT register at the links above. Thank you!
Contact: Julie Keith if you have any questions.

Thank you to all our Sponsors and Exhibitors!!

Host CVB:  Visit New Bern

Host Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton New Bern – Riverfront 

Host Meeting Venue: New Bern Riverfront Convention Center 

Technology & AV Sponsor: EZAV 

Signage Sponsor: Southport Graphics 

Headshot Station Sponsor: Freeze-Frame Photography 

Photography Sponsor: Open Water Communications 

Podium Logo Sponsor: Hillstaffer 

Badge Sponsor: VisitNorfolk 

--------------------------------------------- DIAMOND ---------------------------------------------

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort 

Rocky Mount Event Center 

Memberclicks 

--------------------------------------------- PLATINUM  ---------------------------------------------

Visit Mooresville 

Sheraton Raleigh Hotel 

Visit Greenville NC 

Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront 

--------------------------------------------- GOLD  ---------------------------------------------

Pinehurst Resort 

TowneBank 

Beaufort Hotel 

Visit Charlotte

Fat Dog Laser Awards & Recognition

Chetola Resort & Spa at Blowing Rock

City of Danville

Timeless Photography

--------------------------------------------- SILVER ---------------------------------------------

Visit Myrtle Beach

Pioneer Specialties

Marriott Winston-Salem and Benton Convention Center

Personal Safety at Work

Charlotte Payroll

Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach

Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau

Van Daughtry Consulting, LLC Business Brokerage

The Greenbrier

Novi AMS

Visit Hickory Metro

Visit Winston Salem

--------------------------------------------- BRONZE ---------------------------------------------

To the Moon Rigging

Visit Greensboro

--------------------------------------------- EXHIBITORS ---------------------------------------------

PAVE Prevention

Blockade Runner Resort

The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel