Member Spotlight

Taylor Owens recently started working as an Event Coordinator at the Grand Hyatt San Diego, previously her roles included working as a Catering Coordinator at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, an event coordinator at an interior design company, and an assistant media strategist for a global media agency. Taylor explained that her passion has always been in events, and she is so happy to be working back in events again.

Taylor is a San Diego native who went to UC Santa Barbara where she double majored in Communication and Film & Media Studies. Some of her favorite activities include going to the movies, trying new restaurants, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

When asked, why did you join MPI, Taylor said, “I joined MPI to jump back into the San Diego event community, meet new people, and gain meaningful connections. I love staying involved, and I am so happy to be part of the MPI Finance Committee and part of the UC Santa Barbara Communication Alumni Association.” We are very grateful to have Taylor on the Finance Committee where she helps plan the MPI social events.

Taylor also shared that, “MPI has benefited me personally by introducing me to amazing people in all facets of the events industry! I have joined such a fun community that I am so grateful for. Professionally, I have had many insightful conversations with MPI event professionals as I was seeking advice and guidance during my job search. All these conversations and connections led me to where I am now and helped me find a role in events where I feel so happy and fulfilled!”

Meet Taylor at the next MPI event, or drop her a line at taylorsowens18@gmail.com.

Meet Meredith Twohy, CMP. Meredith works for Catalyst, Inc., a non-profit gender equity organization. She shared that their events are tools to lift up champions in the DEIB space as well as highlight Catalyst research, products and tools all aimed at elevating women in the workplace.

Meredith is the Director of In-Person Events which entails overseeing all aspects related to the event's physical presence, from audiovisual and production, venue management, exhibitor coordination, vendor relations, and ensuring an inclusive and exceptional onsite experience for attendees. We asked Meredith what she likes about working at Catalyst. She said, “it empowers me to proactively develop strategies and implement inclusive practices, which, in turn, contribute to the establishment of a more inclusive and equitable professional landscape. My role enables me to be a catalyst for positive change, and I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact in this arena. I think work is most rewarding when collaboration takes center stage! To put together a successful event, it requires collaborating with a wide range of professionals, and I find that incredibly rewarding. The industry is also ever-evolving, with new technologies and trends always emerging, making it always exciting and dynamic.”

When not working, Meredith enjoys spending time hiking, camping and enjoying the beautiful outdoors with her family. Meredith joined MPI because she had a deep appreciation and love for the San Diego event community and wants to network and connect with other event professionals within the our community. So… be sure to say “Hello!” to Meredith at our next MPISD meeting!

Connect with Meredith

We would like to introduce you to Will Chitwood, owner and head DJ at Dancing DJ Productions. Over the past 22 years Will and his team of over 25 DJs have served over 4300 events. During that time, Will’s company has won 25 awards, they are a preferred DJ at over 95 venues, and have been featured in People and Brides magazines. Will is also proud that Dancing DJ Productions was the exclusive DJ company of Lifetime’s Married at First Sight Season 15. For more information about Will and his company visit their website.