Member Showcase- March 2022

Crystal Chism, HMCC Senior Sales Executive  Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

How did you get involved/become aware of the MPI Georgia chapter?

I have been involved with MPI since 2002 but my chapter home has moved a few times. I started out in KY and served on the board there for nearly ten years, then moved to Orlando and transferred my membership to NJ and PA as a result of working predominantly in those markets. MPI Georgia is known nationally for being a strong chapter, so when my husband took a job that brought us to this area, I was very quick to transfer my membership to this chapter. I was also quick to reach out to the Executive Director I found on the website so that I could figure out what volunteer opportunities might be available. Moving during the pandemic left me without a community but I had no doubt I would find that again with MPI Georgia. Lance Hornecker was serving as the VP of Communications and took me on. He has been mentoring me through the Keynote Editorials ever since. I have learned so much from him and the other great volunteers of the Communications Committee. Now that we are getting back to face-to-face meetings, I am looking forward to meeting everyone I’ve been serving with for nearly 2 years now. 

How did you get into the hospitality industry?

I wanted to be a nurse, but during a high school internship, I passed out at every turn.  Looking back, I was likely the laughingstock at that hospital. I failed in the ER, ICU, CCU and even in Physical Therapy. I went to college unsure of myself or where to focus my efforts. I began with an undeclared major, took a part-time job at a hotel and am so thankful I did. I absolutely fell in love. Hotels for me turned out to be “hospitals for well people” and enabled me the opportunity to take care of people after all.  

What's one of your most unique personal or work accomplishments?

I was 17 and in college when I started working at my first hotel. The human resources director was so nice, but she seemed totally overwhelmed. After  completing my onboarding with her, I asked her if she needed someone to help her facilitate trainings.  I had spent all of high school competing with my Drama Club with Persuasive Oratory and Debate, so I wasn’t shy about standing in the front of any room. She was beyond appreciative of the offer, and before I knew it, I was facilitating both new hire and annual trainings that were required by that Hotel brand. I was paid $7 per attendee per class in addition to my hourly wage. I love this memory for so many reasons. It was my first mentorship, and it was a moment when I saw a need and was able to be impactful.  That hotel invested in me for 14 years before I moved on. Time well spent and many memories made.  

NOTE:  More of Crystal’s hospitality journey appears in the February-March The Meeting Professional. Click here to read!