MPI MN Profiles Planner Felita Barber

MPI Minnesota Chapter profiles Planner Felita Barber, Manager, Field Training & Events, Ameriprise Financial.

Why did you join MPI?

Jennifer Dorholt and I joined the same team at Ameriprise in the spring of 2018 and she would tell me all the great opportunities within MPI. So, I thought it would help me to increase my network outside of Ameriprise and keep up-to-date on what’s going on in the hospitality industry.

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

How did you decide to get involved in this business? What influenced you? I was intrigued with the end-to-end execution of planning an event, to creating various partnerships across the United States. I am an extrovert to the fullest and this seemed to be the perfect area for me to excel.

What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received about working with meetings?
Being a good business partner with a hotel, from sales to valet will make a huge difference, to having a perfect meeting. We all know there are no perfect meetings but the partnership makes the meeting perfect, that you will never forget.

What is one piece of advice about meeting planning you would share?
Continue to grow and learn from others and don’t be afraid of change.

What is one thing about this industry that you love?
Meeting new people

What is one thing about the industry would you like to see changed?
I don’t really know.

What are some of your favorite pastime activities?
Shopping, video chatting with my 3-year-old godson, and finding new series to watch.