MPI MN Planner Profile: Tammy Thorson

Tammy Thorson

1. Why did you join MPI?

   I joined MPI to become a part of a community that is passionate about their work. I am in career transition and want to surround myself with other like-minded people that I can learn from and expand my new career. I am looking forward to networking and getting to know more people in the industry. 

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

    I have been working in the hospitality industry for 19 years in many different positions ranging from bartending and serving to event set up and coordination.

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

    I originally became involved many years ago to help support myself while going to school and pursuing my first career as a zookeeper. I am now going into the meeting planning business full time because I have a talent for it and I enjoy the work and people in the industry very much. My aunt has been an event planner at Bearpath Country Club for 20 years, and seeing the joy her work brings her has inspired me over the years. My aunt was one of several professionals in the business who helped me to make the decision to go into this industry full time.

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

   I think the most valuable would be a tie between staying flexible and close attention to detail. 

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

   As I am new to the industry, I am not sure if I am qualified to share much advice, but I will say this: when you have an opportunity to do something you want to do, go for it and put your joy into it.

6. What is one thing about this industry that you love?

   The people who work in the hospitality / event / meeting industry are some of my favorite people anywhere. They are warm, kind, and often times make magic out of their work.

7. What is one thing about the industry would you like to see changed?

    I wish the world outside of this industry knew just how important the people are that work in meeting planning. So many people who go to events, conferences, and trade shows have no idea of the work and the planning that went into it to make it a success.

8. What do you do outside of work?

  I love spending time with my fur babies, gardening, cooking delicious food, traveling anywhere I  can, and getting lost in a good book.