MPI MN Planner Profile: Alyssa Frank

This month MPI MN profiles Planner Alyssa Frank, Executive Director for Northwestern Mutual – Minneapolis.

Why did you join MPI?  

I joined MPI to develop relationships in the Minneapolis meeting and events community, which will make me a better planner. 

How long have you been in the meetings/hospitality industry?  

7 years 

How did you decide to get involved in this business?  What influenced you?

I was working part time as an office assistant at Northwestern Mutual while I was pursuing my degree in graphic design, picking up random projects where I was needed. The marketing department leveraged my design skills to create marketing materials and event stationary, and eventually I was pulled in to help plan and execute client appreciation events. I fell in love! I had no idea I had an interest in event planning or that I could make a career out of it. That eventually led to working with all of our local departments on their internal and external meeting and event needs.

What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received about working with meetings?  

Something is always going to go wrong – and that’s okay! As the planner, you’re going to know when something goes wrong, but attendees typically don’t. 

What is one piece of advice about meeting planning you would share? 

I would pass along the same advice I was given.

What is one thing about this industry that you love? 

I love that I get to create experiences that people remember and talk about for years to come. Watching people enjoy themselves at a meeting or event I was responsible for is the biggest compliment.  

What do you do outside of work?  

Outside of work I like to go to the dog park with my fur baby, cook, and see live music performances.