Member Showcase- February 2021

Adrienne Y. Murphy Freelance Planner Members since 2018

MPI Georgia connection?  When I transitioned into the Meetings and Travel Department at my former employer, The American Cancer Society, Inc., several of my co-workers were active members of the chapter.  I attended a few of the educational luncheons with them and decided to join for my own professional growth.  Some of my co-workers that are members of the chapter are Sharon Collins, Sandra McQueen and Tierra Copeland. I also have a good friend that I have know for over 30 years that is well known in the chapter Tess Vismale.  All of whom were supportive in my decision to become a member as well. 

How did you get into the hospitality industry? I initially began planning meetings when I worked for GTE/Verizon as the administrative assistant to the warehouse manager.  I oversaw all events related to employee morale and engagement. During this time, I was also the “go to” person in my family for planning events such as our family reunions.  Planning events in these two capacities is what lit the passion in me to make meeting planning my career.  Throughout the years, I have worked in other capacities where I was responsible for planning meetings, which finally landed me in the Meetings & Travel Department at the American Cancer Society, until being laid off last May due to COVID-19.

What's one of your most unique personal or work accomplishments during your time at home this year? I would say that my biggest accomplishment since being home over the last year is not panicking and rushing to just find a new job to pay the bills. I decided that this was the perfect time for me to take the opportunity to focus on my professional development so that I would be able to continue to work in our industry despite the pandemic.  Thus far, I have received industry related certifications from Cvent and the Event Leadership Institute, looking to also work towards my CMP designation in the future. Also, through my freelancing gigs, I have had the opportunity to gain experience working on virtual events and in virtual platforms which has been super exciting and a great learning experience!