Member Spotlight: Shannon Frank

Organization:

HPN Global / Elevating the Event Experience 

Other than improving your Zoom meeting skills, what have you learned (or learned to excel in professionally) since March of 2020?

Over the past 18 months, I learned that helping each other is the #1 priority.  While navigating this most unprecedented time in our meetings and events industry, I found great reward in extending my services on a pro-bono basis to non-client meeting planners that have found themselves lost and panicked not knowing how to best protect their organization.  I extended my time reviewing their specific contractual documents and terms, researching current governmental regulations for each state and city for which a contract is in play, and assisting or facilitating the communication negotiation between the organizations and hotels.  This has resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars being saved by multiple organizations, rescuing many from possible shutter.  Having the ability to help someone in need is the greatest gift of all.   “The meaning of life is to find your gift.  The purpose of life is to give it away.” - Pablo Picasso 

Who are you outside of work?

I am a travel maniac; I just can’t get enough!  There are so many places to explore not only for fun but to find magnificently unique places for my client’s meetings and incentives.  When I am home, I love spending time with my puppy, London, tending to my hydroponic vegetable gardens, and what seems to be continuously filling bird / squirrel feeders.  

Name a silver lining in your own work experience since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The silver lining in my own work experience since the pandemic began has been being given the opportunity to slow down and really look at what my true priorities are both personally and professionally 

What is your proudest professional accomplishment to date?

My proudest professional accomplishment is twofold.  First, how I stumbled into the hospitality industry, when I was selected for the Walt Disney World College Program.  Receiving their world-renowned training and becoming a cast member in three of their resorts, opening team for one, was how I discovered my love for this industry.  Thank you, Mickey!  Second would be how I handled the past 18 months.  After being sure all my clients were well taken care of in this pandemic madness, then reaching out to others that were not even my clients, discovering how truly in need they were, and being able to lend my expertise and provide direction and assistance, was a true honor.   

What MPI resources have you used to help you cope in 2020?

Connections – the key to success is all about the relationships you curate with others.  

What is the greatest place you have ever visited? 

Tahitian Islands and Rome.  Tahitian Islands as they are so untouched, still so beautiful naturally without too much human interruption.  If you are a diver or snorkeler, it is truly amazing.  Rome due to the rich history, food, and culture.  I’m not big on returning to the same place over and over, too many places to explore, but both are the exception.   

Something people don’t know about you:

Guinea pig whisperer.  I’ll just leave that there.  😉