#FOCUSFRIDAY June 24, 2022

Company and Title: General Manager, New Orleans PRA

Location: New Orleans

Years in the industry: 38

Quick Fact Bio: I fell in love with the industry when New Orleans hosted the World's Fair in 1984 and knew it was my calling!  After spending 30 years working for the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, I made the change to the "colorful" side by joining the PRA New Orleans team and love every minute of selling my hometown - NOLA.  Nothing gives me more satisfaction than to share our unique culture and authentic experiences.

Fun Fact:  I've signed up for piano lessons.  Determined to learn how to play before my fingers won’t work anymore – lol!  And I love teaching hospitality classes at our local community college during my spare time.  It’s my way of giving back to the next generation and local workforce. 

Why did you join SITE Minnesota (if a new member): Old member but enjoy serving on the Education Committee

What is your favorite SITE moment: My favorite SITE moment was this past year at SITE Night during IMEX.  The experience was truly amazing when we all had not seen each other in what seemed liked years.  The reception wasn’t long enough to talk to everyone you wanted to catch up with.

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter Our industry is family and many of the SITE Minnesota members have welcomed me to their "family."

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Venice

What destination is on your bucket list: Too many to count but top of my list overseas is southeastern France.  Here in the U.S., it’s Yellowstone.

Cindy Hayes | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Principal & Founder ETHOS Event Collective

Location: South Florida

Years in the industry: 30+

Quick Fact Bio: Powered by passion and a good cup of coffee, Joe brings the highest level of experience and energy to every event. Joe experienced planning from the incentive, cruise, resort and DMC perspectives prior to founding ETHOS Event Collective in 2021. ETHOS Is a full-service event management company that believes in connecting the meetings we deliver to the local communities we serve.  As a part of his service, Joe also believes in donated his time to speak with College Universities throughout the United States as developing future Hospitality leaders is also one of his passions. Joe has an amazing wife Shawn and three amazing children (Joseph 17, Jaggar 14 and Jessica 11) and everything he can not to miss a date night, game, recital or play.  

Fun Fact:  I have lived in several countries for a period of time including Thailand, Pakistan to name a few. I lived in Hong Kong for over two years and speak Cantonese.  

Why did you join SITE Minnesota (if a new member):  I haven’t been active with SITE in many years but also took some time off from SITE. During 2021 made the decision to become more involved in SITE because of some of the initiatives that I have noticed Site is focused on. This includes quality Education and Sustainability. Minnesota to me was a natural fit because of the relationships and opportunities to meet new industry professionals. I also believe that many industry professionals gave me their knowledge and experience when I was younger in my career in this chapter, and I hope to share in that with new professionals joining our industry. I need to also mention how friendly the members are in this chapter. Warmth is felt everywhere! 

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: Feeling like I am attached to the chapter and can attend and be involved even though I don’t live in Minnesota. The connections there are important for me and our team as we continue to be challenged with communicating with clients and understanding how we can support them. Being part of this chapter helps me stay connected.  

What is your favorite SITE moment: Even though I have just joined, I have many fond memories of all the SITE events held during IMEX. The connection with industry partners from around the world is the BEST!

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter I think going to Dublin this year for Site Global as It was great to get back to face to face meetings and the city and content was great! Another reminder of the value of attending SITE events as there is so much content and networking at each event. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Curacao – Why? European Feel, always great weather and amazing coral reefs everywhere. It’s an island that hasn’t been over visited by tourists and has kept that island feel with a European twist as it was a Dutch colony for many, many years. 

What destination is on your bucket list: Having been to over 70 countries in my lifetime (Thank you RCCL, Holland America and Travel Directing), Australia or Mongolia would be on the top of my list. 

Joe Fijol | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Incentive Account Manager BI Worldwide

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Years in the industry: 30+

Quick Fact Bio: I have been in the events industry for over 30 years, primarily managing incentives. My wife and I have 4 adult children, one of which is married and lives close by. Travel is my passion, along with photography and culinary pursuits. I have mainly Norwegian heritage, so being born and raised in Minnesota, I fit right in.

Fun Fact:  Being in this industry for so many years, there is not much my industry colleagues don’t know about me.  I speak Norwegian, and have a lot of Norwegian Heritage.  I enjoy languages and have  a slice of French in me.  My ancestors on that side have been traced back to King Louis XV.

Why did you join SITE Minnesota (if a new member):  I have always wanted to be a member, but after being disconnected from travel during the pandemic, I decided to jump back in all the way!   

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: I just joined this chapter!

What is your favorite SITE moment: Even though I have just joined, I have many fond memories of all the SITE events held during IMEX. The connection with industry partners from around the world is the BEST!

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter Connection…and reconnection with life-long friends in the industry.  It is also a great place to offer my industry experience to others.   

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  My cousin’s house on St. John in the US Virgin Island.  It’s a great place to kick back and feel like a local.

What destination is on your bucket list: Israel.  Even after visiting two short times, I won’t be able to check it off my list until really diving into the history on an extended trip….which my wife and I plan to do this fall.

Keith Scherbing | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Director of Group Sales at The Leading Hotels of the World

Location: Chicago, IL

Years in the industry: 25

Quick Fact Bio: I started my hotel career as the Banquet Concierge at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (then a Four Seasons hotel) right after graduating from Madison.  I knew nothing about the hospitality industry!  But I like to think that my  International Relations degree has served me well in this global sales role. Now after 18 years with Four Seasons and 7 years with LHW, I can’t imagine doing anything else.   Along the way, I moved to London and then to New York, but 15 years later, I am back in Chicago and never plan to leave.  It’s my favorite great city on my favorite Great Lake…and it gives us easy access to all of our sports teams.  (We live in a very divided household:  Packers/Bears, Wisconsin/Michigan State, and Cubs/Brewers).    

Fun Fact:  I have never had a peanut butter & jelly sandwich.  

Why did you join SITE Minnesota (if a new member):  I think the Wisconsin girl in me always feels a kinship to my Minnesota neighbors, and I have always been impressed by how robust and fun the Minnesota chapter is.  So truthfully, there was a bit of FOMO to it!

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: I just joined this chapter!

What is your favorite SITE moment: It is perhaps not my FAVORITE SITE moment, but it’s one that will always stick with me.  Like so many people, I was furloughed for most of 2020.  While I enjoyed the part where I got to walk the lakefront and read books all day, I was completely riddled with anxiety about if I would get my job back…or even be able to keep my spot in the industry.  I could not believe it when, on more than one occasion, it was the SITE team that reached out to me to see if I was doing ok.  I had close friends that didn’t check in on me!  And yet the SITE community was there.  I won’t forget that. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  So many places to choose from!  But I cried a little when we had to leave Banff a couple summers ago.   (Hooray for the SITE ISA event being there in March 2023)! I also think you leave an African safari a changed person. 

What destination is on your bucket list: Israel and Jordan

Nicole Trottier | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Fairmont Hawaii / Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui and Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii - Area Group Sales Manager, 

Location: Vancouver, BC

Years in the industry: 30 years

Quick Fact Bio: Celebrating 28 years with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in Sales. My love for travel and hotels lead me to get a degree in Hospitality and Tourism, but I never stopper learning in this great and ever changing industry.  Every day, every year brings new opportunities. I’ve had the great fortune of working with many of the same Meeting and Incentive Professionals and Hospitality Partners throughout the years from Whistler, to Bermuda and the last half of my career in Hawaii.  I love the relationships one develops that help you through the good and the could be better times. Only in this industry can your clients and competitors become friends. I’m glad to be still passionate about what I do.  

Fun Fact:  Many know that I am an outdoors activity enthusiast, but my dream or bucket list as a teen was to visit all the major art museums in the world, and that was long before I married an Artist. I am pleased to say, I don’t have too many left!   

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: The opportunity to get to know people beyond the business side of things. I find we all have so much in common. It’s much more enjoyable and rewarding to work with people you know and trust. 

What is your favorite SITE moment: Oh so many great SITE moments, but as it is was the first SITE event post the “Great Pause”, I have to say bouncing around the pool in floppy hats at SITE Classic Pool Party talking business and getting caught up on people’s lives face to face. It felt so right!

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Can’t beat Hawaii for work or play, but I also love to ski at Whistler, sail in Vancouver and hang out with family at Grand Lake, NB.

What destination is on your bucket list: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao , and also Portugal, Spain, a few spots in Italy and Japan (there’s a museum there I have to hit!)

Catherine Kearney | LinkedIn

Company and Title: BI Worldwide, Senior Vice President Event Solutions

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Years in the industry: 34  

Quick Fact Bio: I started in this business with Maritz in St. Louis, MO straight out of college in 1988. Six years later, I was recruited by BIW and my family made the big move to North Country and have called Minnesota home ever since…kind of. I took an expatriate assignment with BIW in 2013 and led our businesses in Asia Pacific for nearly nine years, living first in Shanghai, China and then in Singapore. We moved back in May 2022 and I took over the leadership role for our event business mid-pandemic. It’s been quite a ride so far! My wife and Chinese street dog are enjoying being back in Minnesota and are thrilled that both of our adult daughters and their significant others have also moved back from the West Coast. 

Fun Fact:  I sang on stage at Carnegie Hall in front of a sold-out crowd…something I never thought that I would accomplish!   

Why did you join SITE MN?: I thought it would be a great way to network and reconnect with people in our industry after living so many years overseas. I also thought it would be a good way to give back and support our vital industry.

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:  I was really impressed with the quality of speakers and educational components of last year’s SITE Education Day at the Westin-Galleria…many takeaways I continue to use.

What is your favorite SITE moment: Attending SITE Classic at the Hotel Del Coronado last year was quite monumental. For many, it was our first group travel experience in 1-2 years. Some of us forgot what to pack, but none of us forgot how to interact, learn and grow at an in-person meeting.

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  There are so many fascinating places in the world to visit, so it is hard to have just one. Favorites of mine tend to be those that secretly sneak up to surprise and delight you, such as Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

What destination is on your bucket list: We have a July 2022 trip to Iceland planned with dear college friends, and that destination just happens to be on our bucket list.

David Litteken | LinkedIn

Company and Title: HelmsBriscoe, Associate Regional Vice President

Location: I am live in Duluth, MN.  The HelmsBriscoe corporate office is in Scottsdale.

Years in the industry: I’m afraid to answer this.  Let’s just say 20+  

Quick Fact Bio: My family (husband Ken and I live in a newly built home on Caribou Lake.  We have two dogs, a cat and 13 chickens.  One of our dogs in a 130lb Newfoundland named Balashi (that is the beer made in Aruba)!  I love the hospitality industry.  I tried to leave it once (many years ago), got sucked back in and never looked back.  

Fun Fact:  I am a former PADI Scuba Instructor. Years ago I lived in Grand Rapids, MN and helped open Sugar Lake Lodge.  During those years, I also helped form the Itasca County Sheriffs Rescue Dive Team. My husband was with the Crow Wing County Rescue Dive Team and we did some ice diving training together.   We met while diving under the ice.  Yes, you read that right.     

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: Meeting new people & learning from them.  I serve on the SITE MN BOD and am thrilled to be working with such an amazing group of people.  Most I had never met prior to this opportunity.

What is your favorite SITE moment: Running into Colleen Abernethy with Platinum DMC Collection at my first SITE event a few years ago!  We are family.  

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Aruba

What destination is on your bucket list: Bonaire to dive

Tammi Krone | LinkedIn

Company and Title: ALHI, Director of Global Sales

Location: I’m physically based in Northwest Indiana, just an hour outside of Chicago.  Our ALHI HQ is located in Dallas, TX.

Years in the industry: 23

Quick Fact Bio: I’m thrilled and honored to have been with ALHI for over 6 years now.  Prior to ALHI, I started my career with Marriott as an Event Manager for 9 years (primarily in Chicago), then moved over to the “dark side” and remained with Marriott for 3 more years in Sales.  I then moved to Hyatt Regency Chicago for 5 years before coming to ALHI.  

Fun Fact:  I’m from a town of 1400 people in Indiana and still remember when we only had to dial 4 numbers to call anyone in town..

Why did you join SITE Minnesota?   I originally joined to meet and network with clients.   

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: In addition to meeting clients, I have made many genuine and valuable friendships on the supplier side!

What is your favorite SITE moment: My first SITE event was my favorite/most memorable, as I was able to meet a ton of new people.  At the time my territory was CA so I attended a SITE SoCal event.  They had a live band, great food and drinks, and everyone I met was so welcoming and friendly, genuinely excited to make sure I felt welcome.  That’s exactly how I want to make new members feel!

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  I have SO many, but would have to say that Kempinski San Clemente Palace in Venice was my absolute favorite.  It’s on its own island and you take a boat straight from the airport to the bellmen at the resort!

What destination is on your bucket list: This is an ever-changing target, but I would say Bali right now.

Michelle Lauer | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Land O' Lakes, Meeting & Event Sourcing Manager

Location: Land O’Lakes, Inc. is located in Arden Hills, MN. I live in Danube, MN and pre-COVID, I worked from home 4 days a week and drove into the office (120 miles one-way), one day a week.

Years in the industry: 23

Quick Fact Bio: I joined the Land O’Lakes, Inc. meetings and events team as a Sr. Meeting Planner in 2011 and was promoted to my current role as the Meeting and Event Sourcing Manager in 2015.  Prior to joining Land O’Lakes, I was a Travel Agent and then Meeting Planner at The Schwan Food Company.  I was the recipient of the Minnesota Meetings & Events Magazine Best Meeting Professional of the Year award in 2014.  I served on the MPI MN Chapter Board of Directors for 3  years and chaired many committees prior to that.  

I have been married to my husband, Randy, for 20 years and we have an 8 year old son, Greyson who finds new ways to give me more gray hair every day and yet brings me so much joy!  We live on 50 acres of land south of Danube, MN and love to enjoy the open space as much as possible.  I am a firm believer that nothing can replace face to face connections and traveling the world.  Being able to share my love of travel with my family is a complete joy and something we have missed so much!  Watching my son experience new destinations and different cultures is magical!

Fun Fact:  My son has Cerebral Palsy and has had many challenges throughout his 8 years of life but is yet so fortunate!  My husband and I started a committee in our small town of about 500 people and raised over $400,000.00 to build a new accessible playground in our hometown.  It has been a dream to be able to watch my son play with all the other kids in town with ease.

Why did you join SITE Minnesota?   My role as the Meeting and Event Sourcing Manager includes sourcing and contracting all our incentive trips along with all our other meetings.  I wanted to join SITE to broaden my knowledge of incentive destinations, however, my commitment to MPI and a surgery my son had in 2018 did not allow me the time to participate in SITE like I wanted to until 2019.  

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: Learning about new incentive destinations and how many of them are great properties/destinations for some of our meetings as well as deepening and expanding my professional network. 

What is your favorite SITE moment: I have two

1. The 2019 SITE Education Day was my first big SITE event as a member and was made to feel so welcome. 

2. SITE Classic 2019 at The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar was my first SITE Global event and reconnected with some many colleagues I hadn’t seen in so long and had a blast!  It was also so nice to be able to support the Bahamas shortly after the hurricanes. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Domestic is Park City, Utah because I just love the destination and San Diego, CA because I got engaged there and the Hotel del Coronado is one of my favorite hotels.  International is Jamaica 

What destination is on your bucket list: Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa

Julie Krueger | LinkedIn

Company and Title: HelmsBriscoe, Associate Regional Vice President

Location: Ely, MN

Years in the industry: 30+

Quick Fact Bio: Betti is a strategic meetings professional with a long tenure in the industry.  Her clients view her as a valued extension of their Meetings & Events teams, while associates & business partners see her as a leader and strong communicator.  Betti lives in Ely, MN with her husband, Kirk, where she enjoys just about all outdoor activities, except winter camping!

Fun Fact:  I like to hunt & fish & camp – anything outdoors!

Why did you join SITE Minnesota?   Wanted to jump back into a strong networking environment as we emerge from the Pandemic.  SITE Minnesota has a strong membership base and great learning opportunities.

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: The overwhelming positive welcome from existing members.  This is a great group of people who are very committed to our industry.

What is your favorite SITE moment: Since I’ve only attended one event so far, it would have to be the Sip & Site.  Outdoors at the Warming Tent with many industry friends I hadn’t seen in a long time.

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Aruba  

What destination is on your bucket list: Ireland

Betti Budde | LinkedIn

Company and Title: BI Worldwide, VP Participant Management and Group Air Management

Location: Edina, MN

Years in the industry: 25

Quick Fact Bio: In my current role, I am responsible for a team of Event Registration Managers and Group Air Consultants who handle the design and delivery logistics of website build, registration and air travel arrangements while providing pre-event customer service to program attendees. I also support the research, development and implementation of industry technology to align with the event’s goals and objectives. With over 20 years of travel and event experience, I know that innovation and implementing the correct tools are critical to success given the constant and rapid pace of change in the industry. 

Fun Fact:  Throughout high school my career focus was on becoming a nurse. I volunteered on the local ambulance as an EMT and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant. I even spent my first year at college studying to become a nurse before switching to Travel and Tourism.

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: Absolutely would be the connections made through networking. I would never have some of the amazing people that I have over the past 4 years if I wasn’t a part of the SITE organization.

What is your favorite SITE moment: For me this would be every interaction that I have with the SITE Minnesota Board and Committee members. While many of us work for competitors, that is never how I feel when interacting with my colleagues. Everyone is truly passionate about SITE and our industry!

What is your favorite destination for vacation: I’m clearly writing this from a Minnesotan’s perspective at the moment given the 12 degree temperature – anywhere warm with a beach and a view of the water! Puerto Vallarta comes to top of mind!     

What destination is on your bucket list: Can you believe that I have never been to Ireland? Looking forward to checking this off my list in April at the Global Conference.

Nancy Chrismer | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Azamara, Associate Vice President, Global Charters and Incentives

Location: Home based in Lakeville, MN / corporate offices are in Miami, FL

Years in the industry: 39

Quick Fact Bio: I’m happily married 30 years with two great sons, love all things outdoors; especially biking, running, and golf. Always game to try something new or go somewhere unexplored.  Professionally, I helped re-found the SITE Minnesota Chapter, have served on several committees for SITE Global and am incoming 2022 President for the SITE Foundation. In my job history, I’ve worked as a third party buyer, client contact and supplier. I am currently with Azamara for six years.

Fun Fact: Have navigated the globe two times (113 and 135 days, respectively) but the greatest trip was riding my bicycle with my brother from my home in New York to Denver. It took 29 days and was an absolute bucket list accomplishment! 

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: The opportunity to collaborate and network with good friends, peers, and getting to know new friends from the buyer and supplier sectors. At the end of the day, our industry is all about relationships!

What is your favorite SITE moment: Most recently, following knee surgery and partial rehabilitation, I attended the 2021 SITE Classic at the Del Coronado Hotel. I was watching my friends who participated in a boot camp class with two ripped Navy Seals. As the group moved to the beach, the older Navy Seal asked me what I was doing and I said I’m watching my friends do the boot camp. He asked me was I with the team? I said no; just observing. He placed his hands on his hips and asked again – AM I WITH THE TEAM (in a very authoritative voice). I answered yes and ended up having one of the best experiences of my life for pushing myself beyond what I thought I could do with a partially rehabbed knee. Just incredible! I’d do it again, in a heartbeat!,

What is your favorite destination for vacation: Ireland

What destination is on your bucket list: Antarctica; the final continent to explore!

Kevin Regan | LinkedIn

Company and Title: KSL Resorts, Global Sales Director, Midwest & Incentives

Years in the industry: 25

Quick Fact Bio: I have been with KSL Resorts for almost 20 years and have been in the Hospitality Industry for over 25 years. I was bitten by the Hospitality Bug while attending college as an Economics Major many moons ago. I have previously held management positions in Front Office, Reservations, Revenue Management, Conference Services and DMC. I always come back to Sales ~ it just feels like home to me. Global Sales has been my favorite as I have the opportunity to connect my friends/clients to all of our amazing KSL Resorts options around the world. I live in Palm Desert, California with my husband Phillip and LOVE nature, the beach, hiking, gardening, and LIVE experiences- music, theater, comedy. 

Why did you join SITE MN: I love the education and networking opportunities that SITE Minnesota offers. The members and the Board have been so welcoming and helpful to me since I have joined.

Fun Fact: My grandpa was a dairy farmer and learned what true work ethic looks like at a young age. I learned how to drive a tractor, bail hay and milk cows while visiting during childhood vacations. 

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: The SITE Minnesota Education Day has is a highlight of my annual travel. Getting involved as a Member of the Education Committee for 2021has been so rewarding and brought me closer to the Board and Committee members. They have truly become my SITE family.

What is your favorite SITE moment: I loved seeing everyone IN PERSON at the SITE Minnesota Education Day 2021 Event. Our first live event post COVID lockdown was touching and memorable as people could finally be together for the first time in almost two years. As people were arriving to the venue, I took a moment to pause and reflect on what we had been through as an Industry and to appreciate why we are all in this industry – PEOPLE- and how much I had missed the SITE family. It was a moment I won’t soon forget.

What is your favorite destination for vacation: Hawaii

What destination is on your bucket list: Fiji

Susan Barnes | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Mutika DMC, Director of Business Development

Location: I am based in Des Moines, IA. Our company also has offices in Milan, Venice, Rome and Sicily.

Years in the industry: 17

Quick Fact Bio: I joined Mutika, Italy’s premier Experience Management Company (EMC) in 2019 after spending 15 years at ITA Group. Being based in the U.S. allows me to be available to Mutika clients and support with their program’s intricate details. I believe you are only as good as the last program you operated and support the Mutika team on reimagining today’s client and participant journey through understanding the lifestyle of travelers. On the weekends, you’ll find me with my husband, watching my 10 year old son and 7 year old daughter play sports, going for a run, enjoying a local farmer’s market or taking our French Bulldog to the park. 

Fun Fact: I’ve gotten over being afraid of heights by trying to conquer the fear. This includes going to trapeze school in Minneapolis and NY, ziplining upside down in the Argentina Andes Mountains and standing at the top of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Maybe someday I’ll be ready for sky diving.

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: I joined the Minnesota over two years ago, because I heard it was one of the most engaged and strongest within SITE. This remains true, and from the beginning, I was welcomed with open arms. The relationships, friendships and education has been incredibly rewarding. 

What is your favorite SITE moment: My favorite moment was the SITE MN 2021 Education Day. For most people, it was the first or second time they had attended an in-person industry event since the pandemic started. The pure joy and happiness to be reunited was something I’ll always remember. One of the speakers that day, Ryan Estis, said it best, “61% of people are lonely. How do you bridge that gap? With incentives, experiences and in-person meetings.”

What is your favorite destination for vacation: Maui & Lanai

What destination is on your bucket list: Tanzania & Thailand

Kelsey Nicol | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Sandals & Beaches Resorts Regional Meetings & Incentives MICE Manager

Location: Chicago, IL

Years in the industry:  26

Quick Fact Bio:  I have been with Sandals for almost 12 years now with the Incentive Division.  Before I joined Sandals I was an Incentive Buyer with a firm in Chicago and a Meeting Planner before that.  I think the experience of working on both sides have been invaluable!  I am married for 28 years and we have 1 daughter, Emilia, who is my BFF and studying Elementary Education!  She and I have a standing workout date at Orange Theory at least twice a week!

Fun Fact:  After school I wanted to be in the Entertainment Industry and worked at a Rock N Roll Radio Station, WLUP, an iconic Recording Studio and was a Production Coordinator on 2 movies – one with John Travolta who is a great guy!

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota 

chapter:  The partnership between the Chapter members is the greatest benefit.  Sharing information, learning new trends and needs and above all else – the support system, especially the past few years during the pandemic.  

What is your favorite SITE Moment:   I think this past SITE Classic was tremendous!  This year Sandals sponsored a Hole at the Golf Event – and it was wonderful seeing everyone again and raising funds for such a good cause!   Not too many industries get together like we do to further education and deepen partnerships and I thought that the Global team did a magnificent job!

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  LOVE anywhere in the Woods!  Northern WI is a favorite as well as upper MN!  Trees make me happy!

What destination is on your bucket list:  Too many to list, but a few top ones:  Scotland, Egypt, South Africa and Russia

Lorraine Bellas | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Visit Santa Barbara Director of National Accounts

Location: Santa Barbara, CA

Years in the industry: 16 years in the DMO World

Quick Fact Bio: I have only held 3 careers jobs in my working life. When I find an organization that is in alignment with the professional and personal mission and values, I stick with it. Helping people grow and actualize their vision is important to me.

Fun Fact: I am an old soul, so do not view myself as fun! I have been told that my humor, love of the artist Eminem and quirky approached on being a grandparent of three, can surprise people.

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota 

chapter: Interaction with fellow members!

What is your favorite destination for vacation: Too many to name

What destination is on your bucket list: Iceland

Cat Puccino | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Senior Sales Manager

Location: I am remote office based in Vail, Colorado handling business out of the Midwest, Northeast, Canada & Europe for the beautiful Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort.

Years in the industry: 22

Quick Fact Bio: Growing up in three different countries the love of travel and adventure is in my DNA. I have been in the Hospitality sales world for 22 years and am grateful to have grown my career with Starwood, the Ritz-Carlton and now Hyatt. I’ve been married to my husband for 17 years and we have two teenage daughters. We love to ski, wake surf and adventure outdoors!

Fun Fact: I own and help run an indoor golf bar in the Vail Valley

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: The relationships! I always look forward to all of the networking events and time spent together getting to know each other on both a personal and business level. I love the way that SITE brings us all together.

What is your favorite SITE moment: Attending Site Classic at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. I loved helping give back to the local community after hurricane Dorian through Hands for Hunger.

What is your favorite destination for vacation: Am I biased if I say Maui?

What destination is on your bucket list: Santorini, Greece

Sonya Thayer | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Carrousel Travel, Director, Industry Relations and Account Development

Location: Remote Office Sarasota, Florida - Carrousel Travel is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Years in the industry: 37

Quick Fact Bio: Lisa has worked in the Travel industry right out of college specializing in incentive, meetings, and special events. Lisa works closely with the Business Development Director’s and contributes to business growth and customer retention through strategizing, designing, creating, pricing and presenting solutions to clients. She also works on the strategic development of Carrousel Travel including creating processes as well as developing and maintaining standards for negotiations and contracts. She is a recognized industry leader in negotiations and supplier relationships. Currently Lisa is serving on the SITE MN Board of Directors as VP of Philanthropy where she has been a member since 2005. One of her favorite quotes is, “Reach for the moon and if you don’t succeed you will land among the stars”.

Fun Fact: I was on Romper Room, a children’s television series in 1965.

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: Learning and reaching goals with colleagues and making lifelong connections in the travel industry. Another favorite quote is, “Friends are like stars, you don’t always see them, but you know they are there”.

What is your favorite SITE moment: The Site Global Conference in Rome representing Site Minnesota, my involvement on the first timers committee with Site Classic and giving back to The Link with Site Minnesota.

What is your favorite destination for vacation: Anywhere there is a nice beach and sunshine!

What destination is on your bucket list: Anywhere I haven’t been before!

Lisa Starr | LinkedIn

Company and Title: BI Worldwide, Vice President, Industry Relations

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Years in the industry: 22

Quick Fact Bio:  I joined BIW in April 2013 following stints at BCD M&E and Carlson Marketing Worldwide (now One10). Before joining the world of incentives/meetings/events, I worked at the US Olympic Committee where I led the Olympic Job Opportunities Program and Athlete Support Programs, where elite athletes get jobs and grants which enable them to build a career and get funding while they train for the Games. Prior to the USOC, I worked at the NCAA as well as its sports-marketing agency,  managing NCAA corporate sponsorships and championships, and was responsible for managing the first-ever corporate sponsor dedicated to women’ athletics and creating the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. I’m still in Minnesota thanks to meeting my husband, Joel, here, 24 years ago, and we have two dogs (Aspen, the sweetest Golden, and Tucker, a hot-mess Golden Doodle puppy). I’m a proud Longhorn, having graduated from the University of Texas in 1987 where I captained a team that won four consecutive NCAA Division I national championships (women’s swimming/diving). Hook ‘em!

Fun Fact:  I was a world-champion and NCAA-champion swimmer. Also… I’ve never chewed gum!  

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:  I love the opportunities our events offer to see and reconnect with global and local industry friends and colleagues. MN is a hotbed for the planning community so we are fortunate to have great participation. 

What is your favorite SITE moment:  Chairing the 2010 SITE Classic was a true highlight; not only did my crew raise a (then) record auction amount to fund SITE research, but I made lifelong friends in the process. I’m also proud of earning my CITP.  

What is your favorite destination for vacation:   Take me to the mountains. Also, our lake house in Michigan; it’s on a truly spectacular lake.  

What destination is on your bucket list:  With all due respect to all the destinations out there, it’s an African safari, without question. But also many places left in Italy that I’d like to explore: Puglia, Lake Como, Amalfi Coast and others.  

Patty Karsten | LinkedIn