MPI Minute: How Collaboration Elevates the Philadelphia Hospitality Industry

In a new series for MPI to Eye Blog, we will take a minute to speak with members and supporters of the MPI PHL Chapter.  

This week we talk to: Beth Lawrence, CMP 

Q: What was your first job in the hospitality industry?
Beth: My first job in the hospitality industry was when I was 16, working in the formal dining room of an upscale retirement community in Southern New Jersey.

Q: How do you partner with your clients?
Beth: The Industry Formula’s clients are our members--event venues, restaurants, and organizations throughout Philadelphia who believe that collaboration over competition allows for elevated marketing, public relations, and brand presence in the Philadelphia market.
We work with clients to increase awareness of their event venues, private dining spaces, and large group capabilities by connecting with event planners and administrators looking for venue placement in the Philadelphia area.

Q: What has been your favorite meeting/event that you have planned or attended?
Beth: In 2013, when The Industry Formula was still Party Partners of Philadelphia, we planned a Dine-Around with concierge and key hospitality industry executives. We partnered with a trolley company and transported the attendees to each of our 6 spaces for a tour, food and drink sample, and to experience the collaboration between our venues. It was unprecedented and we are very proud that we made it happen.

Q: What are your top three tips on effective networking?
Beth:  Three best practices include -

1. Lead with what you can do to help the other person, not the other way around.

2. Use the LinkedIn “Nearby” feature to connect with those you weren’t able to meet at the event.

3. Follow-up and schedule in-person meetings with those that would have a mutually beneficial partnership or could explore further ways that you can partner together. For those that are leads or connections you’d like to nurture in the future, follow up with a “nice to meet you” and move forward from there.

Q: Why are you/staff members of MPI?
Beth: The education is unprecedented, and we like to connect with other professionals in the event planning industry.