Rebecca DeShazo, CMP

Rebecca DeShazo, CMP Logistics Director Georgia Association of REALTORS Member since 2004

Get to know Rebecca. She is the Logistics Director for the Georgia REALTORS® (GAR) and has worked for the organization since January 2008. Rebecca is the staff liaison for the Conference Committee and oversees logistics for conferences and special events. Rebecca holds the Certified Meeting Professional designation and has worked in the Association Management field since 1994. She is a long-time member of Meeting Professionals International and currently serves as the President of her neighborhood’s Homeowner Association. Her passion is facilitating conferences and events that allow people to elevate themselves and their profession.

What’s your MPI connection? I was encouraged to join MPI in 2004 by my boss at the time, James Vrac. He knew MPI would be a great resource for me. Connie Bergeron, CMP, was the first MPI member I met. Her guidance and encouragement were invaluable as I prepared for the CMP exam.

Tell us about your work and personal goals for 2020: 2020 will be a very busy year for me professionally. In celebration of the Georgia Association of REALTORS 100 year anniversary, we have added 18 additional events to our schedule. These events will be held around the state in different areas where we do not typically hold events enabling more members to participate in GAR events. I look forward to doing my part to help our members celebrate 100 years of service. My personal goal for 2020 is to learn to play the ukulele. My ukulele was a gift from my niece, who for some reason I cannot fathom, thinks her “Aunt B” would be a natural.

Rookie Career Mistake: My rookie career mistake was allowing my education committee to decorate for their CSI-themed education track outside the main auditorium of the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC). Imagine the shock and concern of GWCC staff as they entered the building to find on the floor a crime scene tape outline in the shape of a body. Needless to say the tape was removed and relocated inside the auditorium with great speed.

Best Practice: Using Smartsheet project management and collaboration platform to keep the whole team organized and informed.

Next Work Destination: The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel where I will be producing the Georgia Real Estate Commission’s Annual School Meeting.

Best Vacation and Dream Destination: My best vacation was an extended family vacation in Maui. I had a blast driving a convertible around the west end of the island on roads not intended for tourists. The views were breath taking. Our dream destination is Scotland. It is the first place my husband and I will go when we win the lottery.

How would your co-workers best describe you? My co-workers describe me as kind, thoughtful, helpful, and insightful. They say that I am detail-oriented and conscientious of making sure that our budgeted funds have the most direct impact to attendees. Finally, my co-workers would say that I am a “mother hen” who listens to their preferences and makes sure all needs are met. As we all know, conference work can be hard, and I strive to make sure it’s the best experience possible for the staff as well as the attendees.

What is your biggest pet peeve? Inconsiderate people

When I’m not in the office: I enjoy spending time with my husband watching mystery programs, reading, listening to jazz, or playing bocce ball. I also enjoy kayaking with friends and family.

If I wasn’t in the hospitality industry: I would like to manage a doctor’s office. The staff of a doctor’s office can make a huge difference in a patient's life.