#FOCUSFRIDAY OCTober 22, 2021

Company and Title: PRA Business Events, Global Sales Director

Location: I’m based in Denver CO, PRA is based in Chicago

Years in the industry: 15

Quick Fact Bio: Melissa joined the PRA family in 2012 in Los Angeles as a Regional Sales Manager. A few years later, Melissa moved to a Global Sales Director role in 2016. She has found her passion to be helping clients realize their goals on many fundamental levels. One of her largest strengths in her role is driving a strategic partnership approach to ensure her clients achieve their objectives through continuity. Currently serving as the SITE Minnesota Chapter President –she enjoys connecting with clients and giving back to the hospitality community. In 2019, Melissa was awarded “Global Sales Director of the Year” for PRA! In her spare time she loves to spend time with her family at the lake in Michigan and her husband and three fur babies.

Fun Fact: my favorite title is Auntie Te-te

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: The connections you make through SITE are incredible, the Minnesota chapter feels like coming home at every event. The membership has become an extension of our family. Professionally, these connections helped weather the storm of Covid much easier.

What is your favorite SITE moment: There are way too many to choose just one, the simple answer is any live event. Our chapter Holiday event is one of my favorites along with SITE Classic and SITE Global!

What is your favorite destination for vacation: United Kingdom

What destination is on your bucket list: Morocco

Melissa Moten | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Radisson Hotels Americas - Director, Meetings & Events

Location: Virtual Office - New Jersey

Years in the industry: 14

Quick Fact Bio: I have been with Radisson for 14 years in various roles and have lived in New Jersey my whole life. I have been married to my husband Anthony for 12 years and we have a daughter named Adrianna and an English bulldog named Wrinkles. When not at work you’ll find me shopping or spending time with my family.

Fun Fact: I have gone diving with sharks twice.

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: The best benefit of being a SITE Minnesota member is the networking opportunities the chapter provides. Not being based in Minnesota makes connecting with customers a bit more challenging, but SITE always offers so many great events that I always know I will be able to make a new connection and build on my existing relationships when I am with SITE MN.

What is your favorite SITE moment: My favorite SITE moment was attending SITE Classic in Aspen. It was the first incentive event that I got to attend for my team and the execution of the event and the quality of the customers were both outstanding!

What is your favorite destination for vacation: I have two – Disney and the beach!

What destination is on your bucket list: Italy

Kristin Neglia | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Omni Hotels & Resorts, Director, Global Accounts

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Years in the industry: 18

Quick Fact Bio: I’ve held previous leadership roles within the sales organizations of Radisson, Starwood and Marriott and I am currently Director, Global Accounts for Omni Hotels & Resorts. Past President of SITE MN and earned my CITP (Certified Incentive Travel Professional) certificate from the association this past fall. I am active in the church and serve on the tech team specializing in video production for the online campus. My wife and I just celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary, and we have 3 beautiful children, Abby (16), Ashley (14) and Carson (11). I enjoy my free time traveling, I am a lifetime Minnesota Vikings fan and 20-year season ticket holder and I am also an avid drone pilot and aerial videographer/photographer.

Fun Fact: I am an FAA Certified Drone Pilot

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: Watching this chapter grow to one of the best in our industry as well as the loyal following that it has. Amazing networking opportunities and meeting so many awesome colleagues from all over the world. 

What is your favorite SITE moment: Being SITE MN President and attending SITE Global conference in Panama! 

What is your favorite destination for vacation: Hawaii any island, but I love Kauai

What destination is on your bucket list: Australia, Dubai, and Ireland

Seth Ryan | LinkedIn

Company and Title: CoBank, Lease Servicing Specialist

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Years in the industry: 17

Quick Fact Bio: Seventeen years in the cruise industry (until the Covid shutdown). CITP & CIS from SITE and CPIM & IP from the IMA. Back working in my previous professional career in the equipment leasing industry. Looking forward to what the next year brings and thankful for a wonderful family.

Fun Fact: I met my wife while on a backpacking trip to Europe in 1990.

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: The relationships and connections that have developed have been fantastic. Networking for career opportunities as well.

What is your favorite SITE moment: My first SITE Classic (at Pelican Hill) where I was able to meet so many people from the industry shortly after moving into a MICE role at my former organization. It opened my eyes to our industry, and so many people were welcoming.

What is your favorite destination for vacation: 1) London - to see my daughter 2) Tallahassee - to see my son 3) Wherever the plans are for our next trip (Dublin, Panama, Alaska, Spain, Costa Rica and France are on deck over the next 2 years!)

What destination is on your bucket list: Australia was cancelled due to Covid, hope we'll find another reason to go in the future. It's a big world and there are still many places to explore!

Dan McConnell | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Hilton Hotels, Sr. Director of Incentive Sales

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Years in the industry: 37

Quick Fact Bio: I started my hotel career at the Granada Royale Hometel on the “494 Strip” and never looked back! I have moved across the country to build my sales career and am so pleased to be back home in Minneapolis. I have seen the world and met so many incredible people during my career, and am continually grateful to be a part of the hospitality industry.

Fun Fact: I was on a TV commercial when I was 13

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: I appreciate the trust and respect that our SITE MN members give to each other and our guests. We lean on each other for industry knowledge, share business opportunities and work together to elevate our community’s appreciation of the travel industry

What is your favorite SITE moment: Studying for the CITP exam with fellow SITE MN members was such a great experience. I enjoyed our on-line study sessions and the help our MN CITP members gave us along the way

What is your favorite destination for vacation: Rome

What destination is on your bucket list: A European River Cruise

Kim Smith | LinkedIn

Company and Title: Platinum DMC Collection, Managing Partner 

Location: Edina, MN

Years in the industry: 40+ - I started working in the UMD Travel Center while in college, getting my first taste of travel sales, operations, and trip directing. 

Quick Fact Bio: After starting my incentive and meeting travel career on the client side (Freelance Trip Director and then Purchasing Manager for an Incentive House), I crossed the aisle to the supplier side 30+ years ago and that is where I stayed. I founded Platinum DMC Collection in 2010, with the vision of creating a boutique “dream team” of international DMCs, and am truly grateful for the relationships this role has created for me with both clients and suppliers. As a single parent based in Minneapolis, I raised my son to be an international student of the world, and today he resides in Australia.

Fun Fact: Generally not a risk taker, I pushed out of my comfort zone in 2016 to swim (uncaged) with sharks in an aquarium in Australia.
 

What is your favorite SITE moment: Undoubtedly, when nominated for the 2019 SITE MN Supplier Award. To be awarded this honor, was truly the highlight of my career. (It was obviously a huge surprise and unexpected, or I would not have arrived at that event 1.5 hours late 😉.)
 

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter: Learning from my peers (both clients and suppliers) and also getting to meet and know industry leaders and the young leaders, who are the future of our travel community. In addition, during this incredibly difficult pandemic period, SITE MN provided a wealth of knowledge, resources, and support to help its members navigate the changes. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation: Oh, that is a tough question. I have many, and for many reasons. I like trying new places all over the world. If I must pick one, I would say my hometown of Duluth MN, which is always close to my heart. The most incredible vacation I have ever had was an African Safari, which was truly a highlight of my life.

What destination is on your bucket list: I have three- Antarctica, Viet Nam, and Rwanda 

Colleen Abernethy | LinkedIn

Company and Title:    Hospitality Sales Professional Looking For My Next Opportunity

Location:  Chicago, IL (near Wrigley Field)

Years in the industry:  28

Quick Fact Bio:  My start in the industry was a very short-lived experience of being a restaurant server at a Holiday Inn.  That was evidently not my calling, but luckily, they liked me enough to ask if I knew how to type (on a typewriter!!) and they quickly transferred me to the Sales Office as an Assistant.  Since then, my positions have included On-Property Hotel Sales, Hotel Global Sales, Sales for Hotel and DMC Representation Firms and National Sales for a DMC organization.  Due to an early pandemic layoff, I’m looking for my next NSO/GSO sales opportunity.  

I truly value industry involvement and have held several key leadership positions including my current role on the International Board of Directors (IBOD), SITE Chicago Board Member for 5 years including serving as President in 2020, and Chair of the HPAC (Hospitality Partner Advisory Council) for FICP (Financial and Insurance Conference Planners).  I am an avid LinkedIn Specialist and offer group or personal coaching to improve your profile and engagement on the platform.  Personally, and much to the chagrin of SITE Minnesota, I’m a huge Green Bay Packers fan.

Fun Fact:   When my niece, Alexa, first started talking she had a difficult time saying my first name and in an attempt it came out as “CoCo”.  That stuck and since then I’ve been known as Auntie CoCo (which I love!)   

What is your favorite SITE moment:    There are so many!  A highlight must be at the SITE Global Conference in Rome when we were awarded the 2018 Chapter Excellence Award for a Special Event for our SITE Chicago Holly Trolley event.  The support and excitement that other Members expressed towards us was inspiring and heartwarming.  It’s what makes us #SITEStrong and such a worthwhile professional family to be a part of!  Leading this project was a huge labor of love which required a lot of time and energy, so it was personally very fulfilling to be recognized for the effort behind our most anticipated and valued event we do for our Members. And, I have to say that because of my involvement in SITE, I have benefited from learning skills in project management, creative event planning, sponsorship sales, and attendee engagement that perhaps I wouldn’t have gained just through my day job.  It’s a privilege to be able to share my insights with other SITE Chapter Leaders to help them be a success as well.   

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:     SITE Minnesota is definitely my home away from home! The Members are so warm and welcoming, and I always learn something new at the events, either formally from a speaker or informally from conversations with other Members.  The Chapter undeniably provides quality and relevant content which I appreciate.  I also appreciate the commitment to CSR and giving back to the community through their donations to The Link. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:    It’s always good to spend time with family in Traverse City, MI (The Cherry Capital of the World) on Elk and Torch Lake, but I’m also a big fan of Charleston, SC. 

What destination is on your bucket list:   Greece

 Colleen Brzozowski  | LinkedIn

Company and Title:  Federated Insurance -  Vice President – General Manager, Marketing Incentives 

Location:  Owatonna, MN

Years in the industry:  17

Quick Fact Bio:   A graduate of the University of St. Thomas, Roger has enjoyed travelling and planning unique experiences for two decades. He currently has responsibility for Federated’s incentive travel, corporate travel, meetings and special events. In addition, he is a member of the Promotion and Implementation and Federated Challenge teams.  

Fun Fact:  I’ve had dinner with Muhammad Ali 

What is your favorite SITE moment:   Being elected president of SITE Minnesota was pretty special. I remember Seth Ryan presenting me with the gavel and looking out at 100 + friends and colleagues and realizing that I had worked with so many of them on programs over the previous years. It was awesome to see so many supplier partners, colleagues and competitors become such good friends. 

Why did you join SITE Minnesota:   Bonnie Boisner and Kurt Paben were the reasons! 

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:    The connections you make, and the business you are able to do with those connections. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:   Anywhere with my family…San Diego and Hotel Del is a family favorite! 

What destination is on your bucket list:   Istanbul

 Roger Bailey  | LinkedIn

Company and Title:     Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts - Regional Director of Group Sales - Midwest

Location:  The collection of hotels I sell for are located in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.  I am based in Chicago, IL and work the Midwest market. 

Years in the industry:  23 years

Quick Fact Bio:  I started my career in this industry on the client side,working for several third parties, doing meeting and incentive planning for over 11 years.  I loved traveling the world and am blessed to have had so many wonderful experiences.  Then realizing I was ready for a change, but not enough to leave the industry I love so much, I joined the hotel side and have been there ever since.  I have worked for properties in the USA as well as in the Caribbean and Mexico.  It has been a really fun transition for me.  Personally, I was born and raised in Michigan and moved to Chicago over 25 years ago.  I am currently the mother of a 2.5 year old little boy and a 5 year old fur baby.  My two boys keep me very active!!! They are the loves of my life and why I work so hard to be successful in this industry; everything I do I do for them. 

Fun Fact:  I took a small hiatus and lived in Florence, Italy for several months. 

What is your favorite SITE moment:  I have had so many amazing memories over the years,but the one that comes top of mind is the SITE Chicago Holly Trolley event in December 2018 – this one was pretty special to me!  That October, I had just brought my son home and it was a bit of a shock to everyone.  This was the first event I did since his adoption, and I was overwhelmed with the love and support I received at this event.  It was so wonderful to share my joy with pretty much everyone in the room. I also have to share that when I was at SITE Classic in South Carolina we did some care packages for the troops as the CSR activity.  We were asked to write cards to go inside with words of support and encouragement.  I didn’t realize how emotional that would be, and I think most of my cards were decorated with some tears as well as words!  I love that SITE supports the local community as well as the world! 

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:   The relationships you build with both the buyers and suppliers.   SITE MN is a group of amazing people and they truly become like family.  The relationships you form are so wonderful and when I go to Minneapolis now, I feel like it is my second home.  

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Florence, Italy as you can see from above.  San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - This is a must-see destination for everyone!

What destination is on your bucket list:   South Africa 

 Kelli Kwiatkowski  | LinkedIn

Company and Title:   The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas,   Senior Account Executive

Location: Bellevue, WA (remote office)

Years in the industry:  16 years

Quick Fact Bio:  Detail-oriented, solution-based, highly motivated hospitality professional with 14+ years of successful sales, meetings, conferences, and event management experience. Skilled project manager with internal and external clients to achieve optimal desired outcome. Aggressive individual striving for established results-based goals.  Effective team member with confidence to lead and collaborate.

Fun Fact:  I am an avid music festival junkie!   

What is your favorite SITE moment:   Site Incentive Summit Aspen this year after COVID. Being able to be with my friends,  mentors, colleagues again after not being able to travel and be together. That moment and what they created for us was something that I will never forget.  

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:  The friendships and mentorships I have gotten along the way.  

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Maui Hawaii  

What destination is on your bucket list:  Greece

Miranda Kutch | LinkedIn

Company and Title:   Docherty Incentives & Meetings, and Elevate IME Company,   Senior Program Manager

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Years in the industry:  26 years

Quick Fact Bio:   We recently sold our company to Elevate IME out of Atlanta and it has been a great partnership!  This allows me more time to focus on my clients, continue to travel and spend more time with my 8 month old grandson.  I like to stay active including inline skating, running, biking, hiking and in the winter, I love to Alpine and Nordic ski and snowshoe.  Yes, I am a snow and mountain lover!  

Fun Fact:  I competed in Highland Dancing as a child and when we lived in London, England, I not only competed all over England and Scotland, but I also danced for incentive programs at The Grosvenor House and the Royal Garden Hotel in London with my sister.   

What is your favorite SITE moment:  I enjoyed being on the board when Site MN first re-started this chapter.  It has been fun to see this chapter grow!

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:   The networking and support is most important.  I have built great relationships with other buyers and suppliers through Site and I enjoy getting to know the Young Leaders, who are the future in this industry.  There is great strength in the sharing of ideas, both new and old.   

What is your favorite destination for vacation:   Any mountain destination…and if it’s winter, that’s even better!  And Ireland will always hold a soft spot in my heart! 

What destination is on your bucket list:  Greece!  I have yet to get there.  

Jeanie Seehof | LinkedIn

Company and Title:   BCD Meetings & Events,   SVP, The Collective NORAM & Global Industry Relations

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Years in the industry:  30 years

Quick Fact Bio:  I’m a firm believer in creating exceptional experiences and genuine human connections that uncover opportunities to drive growth for our customers. I have the most fun when driven by next-to-impossible challenges requiring results-centric, strategic action and energized by creative alternatives and innovation. When not planning memorable events, or chasing one of my three boys, you might find me skiing down a mountain in Colorado!

Fun Fact:  I never learned to swim. ☹

What is your favorite SITE moment:  Each year I look forward to SITE NITE “LIVE” at IMEX & I am looking forward to it more than ever for this upcoming November! There is such energy in being together with people from all over and making connections. Additionally, The ROME Global SITE event has one of my personal favorite events. The content was brilliant with all the breakout sessions and the main stage keynotes were very thought provoking. It was such good content and very inspiring.

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:  I think the greatest benefit would be the Young Leaders program. The future of our industry depends on these “up and comers” that SITE helps highlight, develop and guide in their professional journeys.  At BCD M&E, we’ve benefited from this robust innovative approach to developing young leaders. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Vail, Colorado 

What destination is on your bucket list:   South Africa 

Christine Erickson | LinkedIn

Company and Title:  Destination Concepts, Senior Account Executive

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Years in the industry:  28 years

Fun Fact:  I got a tattoo in St. Petersburg, Russia.

What is your favorite SITE moment:  SITE Global Conference in Vancouver right before the pandemic

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:  Networking with industry partners, so many in Minnesota!

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Grand Teton National Park

What destination is on your bucket list:  African Safari

Kristin Hoffman | LinkedIn

Company and Title:  Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Business Development Executive

Years in the industry:  15+ years

Quick Fact Bio:   Global Board of Trustees for Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Commissioner for the City of Manhattan Beach, Proud SITE member 

Fun Fact:   I look for McDonalds in every country.  (They always have something special.)  

What is your favorite SITE moment:  SITE Global Conference in Vancouver right before the pandemic

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:   The networking opportunities and education. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Monterey County.  (Las Vegas is a close second)

What destination is on your bucket list:   Morocco or Dubai 

Joe Marcy | LinkedIn

Company and Title:  Dquest DMO by IVI, Regional Business Director Midwest

Location:   Hastings, Minnesota 

Years in the industry:  38 years

Quick Fact Bio:  I was bit by the travel bug after teaching Elementary School for 3 years. I held positions at BI, Motivaction, Carlson Marketing Group, Carlson Leisure Group, Docherty Incentives and CarlsonWagonlit Meetings and Events all in Minnesota.  Over the years I was lucky to travel to 83 countries (and numerous destinations in those countries) as well as sailing or viewing on 90 cruise ships.  

Fun Fact:  Yes-I really am  a Great Grandfather --and still swim laps—1/2 Mile a day.  

What is your favorite SITE moment:  One of my favorite moments with SITE is when I was a member of the team that worked on a South Africa Program with Dragonfly DMC that we won a SITE Crystal Award for!!  Very rewarding!

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:  The greatest benefit has been to maintain and renew existing relationships with others people I have worked with over the years. In addition it makes it possible to also develop new relationships with people that I would probably not get to meet if I was not a member of SITE 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Too Many favorites to list—love sun and water and scuba----- and Europe---Cruises  

What destination is on your bucket list:  Croatia-----would do the space station but still no fams offered--- 

Steve Sorenson | LinkedIn

Company and Title:  Augeo, Design & Purchasing Manager 

Location:   Minneapolis, Minnesota 

Years in the industry:  5 years

Quick Fact Bio:    

Born and brewed in Wisconsin

University of Minnesota grad

Catering at Compass Group and Aramark

Crew Scheduling with Sun Country Airlines

Event Services with MGM Resorts Event Productions 

Travel Purchasing & Design at ALTOUR and MotivAction (now called Augeo)

Fun Fact:  I traveled to New Orleans in 2006 to participate in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

What is your favorite SITE moment:   My favorite SITE moments have been being on the board of SITE Minnesota and working with other board and committee members to create valuable experiences for our members. 

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:   The greatest benefit of my membership is the connections I’ve made with other industry professionals. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  London

What destination is on your bucket list:   Greece

Shay Farmer | LinkedIn

Company and Title:   PRA Events Inc., Global Sales Account Manager

Location:   Minneapolis, MN

Years in the industry:  10 Years in the DMC Industry

Quick Fact Bio:   With a background like Mitch’s, one could say he grew up in the industry. Beginning his events career nearly a decade ago, Mitch’s background reflects his ability to produce outstanding experiences for attendees, while fostering lasting relationships with his clients. While starting off in operations, and now in sales, Mitch has a very well verse knowledge and skillset to manage an event from curation to completion.   

Fun Fact:  Prior to joining the industry, I was pursing a career in the trades as a Welder.   

Why did you join SITE Minnesota:  I joined Site as a lot of my mentors and colleagues that I looked up to where an active part of the association.  Once I went to one meeting, I was hooked. 

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:  The lifelong relationships that I have developed, and priceless knowledge gained through education sessions over the years. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:   Saint Lucia  

What destination is on your bucket list:   Greece

Mitch MacGregor | LinkedIn 

Company and Title:   Altour Meetings & Incentives, Director of Program Design

Location:   Savage, Minnesota 

Years in the industry:  21 years

Quick Fact Bio:  Lindsay has been with ALTOUR for 21 years, in which she currently oversees the Sourcing and Program Design Specialist Team. Lindsay has a dedication and loyalty that is contagious; being in her role of Director of Program Design, Supplier Relations for 11 years, and prior to this, she was an employee of ALTOUR within the Operations Team assisting and executing events. Lindsay has a family of 3 children, a supportive husband of 19 years, and their family dog.  Her family resides in Southern Minnesota. 

Fun Fact:  I’ve never left my hometown and I love to take advantage of the beautiful lakes in MN and fish with my family as often as we can!   . 

What is your favorite SITE moment:  My moment would be being a part of this wonderful industry and chapter during the most difficult and trying time we’ve all had to endure; watching everyone rally together, making the most of one of the toughest challenges we hope to ever face, and creating events / memories to keep all of us focused and together. 

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:  Building relationships, friendships and networking amongst our fabulous industry.

What is your favorite destination for vacation:  Banff/Lake Louise

What destination is on your bucket list:   Alaska

Lindsay Jandl | LinkedIn

Company and Title:   Disney Destinations, Senior Sales Manager

Location:  Anaheim, CA

Years in the industry:  32 years (all with Disney)

Quick Fact Bio:   Native of South Dakota, Married with 1 son age 14.  I met my wife working at Disney.  She is also a 32 plus year Cast Member.  I have been in the industry for more than 30 years and in my current role as Senior Sales Manager representing the Midwest, Canada and Europe for over 13 years! 

Fun Fact:   I am from South Dakota and was raised on a farm.  I live part time on that same farm and go back and forth throughout the year between the Farm in Rural South Dakota to California. 

Why did you join SITE MN:   I joined Site several years ago because I had so many clients that were members in the Minnesota Chapter.  They had always said, “Jerry, you need to join Site. “  So I attended one Chapter event and met so many great people and had such a great time that I joined the next day and have been a member ever since. 

What is your favorite SITE moment:   I would have to say the very first monthly chapter event I attended was at a distillery that made its own Gin.  I had such a great time, I was so impressed with the amount of people that attended the chapter event and the great interaction that I joined SITE the next day. 

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:  Meeting so many great people and I am always impressed on how many people are from all over the county that always seem to be in town for the monthly meetings.  Also I love the locations that they come up with for the monthly meetings and I always attend when I am in town.  I also have to say, that the Minnesota Holiday Mixer was the best virtual event I attended since COVID!  And I have attended a lot of Industry Events.

What is your favorite destination for vacation:    Europe (almost any country) 

What destination is on your bucket list:   I was taking my family to Germany last summer to meet my relatives and then COVID hit.  So we are planning on all going next summer to take the same trip! 

Jerry Forsting | LinkedIn

Company and Title:   One10, Director Purchasing & Design, Travel and Events

Location:  Minneapolis, MN.  

Years in the industry:  34 years

Quick Fact Bio:  I joined One10 in August 2018 and was previously with MotivAction, NIS, and BIW. I was one of the first people to receive certification for Strategic Meetings Management and also have received the CITP. I was a founding member of Site Minnesota (the second round…) and currently serve on SITE’s Women In Leadership Initiative. I have been a participant on several industry panels.  I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations, with a minor in Spanish (studied for a semester in Toledo, Spain) from the University of Minnesota. I will celebrate my 10-year wedding anniversary in August. I met my  husband at the Men’s Final Four basketball tournament in Detroit (love that city!)

Fun Fact:  I took piano lessons at MacPhail Center for Music for several years – took a break from it the last year – but am planning on starting up again in the fall. 

What is your favorite SITE moment:  Collaborating with Ken Lyons for a segment during Site Week (July 2020) on the Real Cost of RFPs. This segued into an article published by MeetingsNet. Ken and I also collaborated on a DE&I segment (with Accor Hotels) for Site Nite All Nite (April 2021.) It’s been very rewarding to me to work with him. I always walk away feeling like I’ve learned something and have a smile on my face.

What has been the greatest benefit of your membership in the SITE Minnesota chapter:  The unique education opportunities and the fabulous networking. Connecting with my industry colleagues is one of my favorite parts of my job. 

What is your favorite destination for vacation:   Anywhere that has a beach and umbrella drinks. 

What destination is on your bucket list:  Italian Wine Country

Joanie Phillips | LinkedIn