I always thought I’d grow up to become an elementary school teacher. But as the years passed and I entered college, my dreams changed. I graduated from Ohio University with a BA in business management with an emphasis in event planning.
My first job was conference services coordinator at the Vail Cascade Resort. By day, I helped the convention managers with large business bookings and group needs followed by evening assignments with the destination management team. Honestly, I don’t think I could have asked for a better first job.
Being able to pay it forward to the next generation is extremely important. Being able to teach, guide and mentor new students; instill a passion for our industry; and provide useful career advice is an honor. The energy and enthusiasm my students bring to the classroom helps me be a more ardent events professional. It’s such a virtuous circle.
I have a constant internal struggle with the passion of my career, but being a present mom and wife. I know so many working moms feel the same way, so it’s important for us to be kind to ourselves as we focus on the day ahead.
I have been very fortunate to be inspired by many women in our industry. The MPI San Diego Chapter is home to two MPI chairwomen—Terri Breining, CMP, CMM, and Amanda Armstrong—as well as other MPI International Board of Directors members. All of these leaders have spent time encouraging me to grow and learn.
Joining MPI has been incredibly important to me professionally. It helps me stay current with the latest trends, network with an amazing group of people and share best practices with others.
I love the people I meet and the relationships I have developed in this industry. It has also made me appreciate when I go places and see how well the venue or event is prepared.
I’d like to see us all come together to spend time mentoring and coaching students of meetings and events. They have so many wonderful ideas, thoughts and visions.
I love to travel and visit national parks. I spend quite a bit of time inside hotel ballrooms or conference rooms, so when I have free time, I want to be outside exploring. I’m a very social person and enjoy the camaraderie of a community.
My husband, Cameron, and I will be celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary this summer. We have two amazing children, Reid (seven) and Taylor (five). Cameron and I are both originally from Columbus, Ohio, so Buckeye football is critical to our Saturdays in the fall.
I recently read a quote from Barbara Bush that speaks directly to me: “At the end of your life you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child or a parent.”Get involved! Anyone that has been thinking about joining a committee, thinking about taking a certification or thinking about doing more—be like Nike and “just do it.”
