Inside the Chapter’s First-Ever Hybrid Board Retreat at Camelback Resort

Last May, the incoming board members blocked off their calendars for the two-day MPI PHL 2021-2022 Board of Directors Retreat. Lauren Curtolo, our fabulous 2020-2021 Director of Venue Procurement, secured the Camelback Resort in the Poconos. The venue’s location gave our board members an excuse to take a trip up the mountains to a vivacious resort with an indoor waterpark, beautiful landscapes, and generous customer care during each detail of our visit. Other board members were able to Zoom in from the comfort of their homes (or offices) thanks to the seamless technology Camelback’s IT staff operated for us. 

The 2021-2022 board used the retreat to strategically plan for the fiscal year while getting to know each other. In this hybrid format, we were able to complete a team building exercise, learn about MPI’s global initiatives, finalize our chapter’s goals and objectives, and complete cross-departmental meetings to help each other reach those goals. 

Below are some thoughts about the experience from the retreat attendees:

“Candidly, I was a little nervous to be in-person at a meeting, in a large hotel where there would be a lot of hotel guests. I brought my family so we could fully experience all that Camelback Resort had to offer, like Aquatopia. This hotel is definitely child-friendly and a favorite among extended families. However, there was a very helpful hotel team ready for our group. Camelback has a lot to offer groups and meetings, both inside the meeting space and outside in the mountains.

What I think helped the in-person and virtual collaboration was that even the in-person attendees were individually logged into Zoom which supported engagement with those online. Camelback's conference center also had flexible meeting space so that we could have in-person and virtual breakouts and drill down on the Chapter strategic planning. The AV team was also ready to troubleshoot any connection or audio issues that our group had, which I think is something that all hybrid meetings will need to pay close attention to in the future.

As the incoming Vice President of Finance, I am excited to learn more about finance and accounting. I know there will be some challenges due to the pandemic and changing hospitality industry. My goal is to help keep the Chapter financially healthy so that we can continue to offer great programs and events for years to come.”
– Kristine Golden. CMP
Vice President of Finance

“Kudos to our Chapter Administrator, Tara Liaschenko, and the Camelback staff! Hybrid really did work for this program.

I participated in person on Sunday and remote on Monday. The best part was that everyone in-person was also connected to the Zoom meeting so every remote person still felt part of the group.  At times, I truly felt like I "had a seat at the table" on Monday even though I was not in the room. The PEOPLE are fantastic – it really is a good crew, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the board with them. I “got it” by the end.  And to say that was accomplished in really only 10 hours of content is saying A LOT!”
– Wendy Sutowski, CMP
Director of Leadership Development & Volunteer Recruitment

“As a new board member, I was not sure what to expect, although I was comfortable from the start as I know a number of current (and new) board members. My expectations were exceeded at every step in the process. The treatment that we received at the Camelback Resort was second to none. We were treated as celebrities and were wined and dined at every opportunity.

The meeting itself was outstanding. The hybrid model really worked, as both the in-person group and those in the zoom world were equally engaged. Tara was a great facilitator and kept us on task without being a pain about it.

This was such a great experience, and I am excited about my role for the upcoming year.  I felt that the group bonded, and we are now a team vs individual in siloed roles.”
– Mr. Ira L. Rosen, MA, CFEE
Director of Membership Recruitment

“The visit to Camelback was much better than I had envisioned. I encountered a little traffic and arrived at the property with five minutes to spare. I was immediately welcomed by name from not just the valet but also a guest services staff member. What a pleasant and personal surprise.

The hybrid experience was great. It was as close to us all being in the same room—we were still able to do some teambuilding and interact with one another. Had this meeting been any larger, it wouldn’t have had the same positive, intimate effect, I think.

I was not prepared being a newbie to the board, but my walls were let down within the first couple of hours. I left feeling empowered and also supported with our goals as well as the need to make some positive changes.”
– Shawn Clary, HMCC
Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

“Going into the meeting, I fully expected to be uninterested after the first hour, but was pleasantly surprised. Having everyone in the room also log into Zoom was key to helping us stay engaged because it didn't feel like we were missing out. We were truly ‘all in this together’! 

I love that there was a good mix of new and old because many of us could relate to feeling overwhelmed but also had reassurance that it gets easier. 

With in-person events returning, I'm excited to help reconnect our members through the Special Events we plan and execute.”
– Vanessa Loney
Director of Special Events

“I was not sure what to expect, going into the event. I had never virtually attended a live meeting before the board retreat. I feel that having everyone on Zoom made a world of difference. I always felt included in the conversation and don’t feel that I missed any of the content.  

It’s a tad overwhelming to see what is in front of us! I look forward to becoming familiarized with everything and to making an impact during my tenure on the board.  Venue procurement is a daunting task to take on, especially post-pandemic, and I look forward to being successful and finding great locations for our members to connect again.”
– Jessica Bittman
Director of Venue Procurement

Thank you to Camelback Resort for being a wonderful host and to all of our 2021-22 Board Members for the hard work they’ve already put in and the contributions they are sure to make through this fiscal year!