MPI MN Profiles Planner Courtney Igbo-Ogbonna

MPI MN profiles Planner Courtney Igbo-Ogbonna, Events and Emerging Talent Specialist, Land O’Lakes, Inc.

Why did you join MPI? 
 
I joined MPI to learn more about the industry of planning meetings & events. I coordinate and execute our summer internship program that includes educational sessions, social networking events, sporting events, and community service projects. Throughout the academic year, we host branding events on college campuses to promote the available positions we have within Land O’Lakes and I’m always looking for ways to keep things fresh. I’m excited to learn from other industry professionals about how they work and hopefully implement new practices in my position as I continue to learn.

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

I worked at a hotel managing our weddings and social events in Mankato, MN in college. After graduating, I briefly worked in a front desk position for the Hilton brand. In February 2020, I began working at Land O’Lakes as the Events & Emerging Talent Specialist where I plan and execute our student facing events. I really like this role because it combines the two things I enjoy doing professionally – working with college students and planning events to bring people together. 

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

In high school, I led our dance committees and planned coronation for homecoming and our winter dance. I loved being behind the scenes and it was rewarding to see all the work come together the night of. In college, I joined a sorority and immediately assumed the position of Social Chair where I planned our formals, socials with other chapters, and Homecoming activities. It was in college that I took on the role as Conference Center Supervisor where I worked a number of weddings and business events for the AmericInn Hotel. I always found this work to be fun and exciting. I don’t like having the same day twice so being able to work with many different people working on different projects – I instantly fell in love with the industry!

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

“All the details shouldn’t fall only on you.” One thing I’m not very good at is delegating. I always feel that if there is something I want done, it should be me doing the work to complete it. Working in meetings, you’re dealing with many different people, stakeholders, working through details, managing staff, etc. Letting people help me is still a work-in-progress, but honestly the greatest feeling to know I can lean on others. 

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

Do your best to think outside of the box and take time to find inspiration! I try to keep things as fresh as I can and I’m always searching on LinkedIn, joining calls, and attending networking events to hear what people are doing to find new things to add into my projects. It also keeps me engaged too when I find something new to work on that I’m genuinely excited about!

What is one thing about this industry that you love? 

I really enjoy the diversity of people I get to work with. Bringing people together means that you will have a lot of backgrounds and experiences in the room. I enjoy having conversations and building my network with those who have very different interests from me!

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

I don’t know if there is