MPI Minnesota profiles planner Jessica Stanislowski, Capella University Associate Event Manager.
Why did you join MPI?
To expand my professional network and learn from experts in the industry.
How long have you been in the meetings/hospitality industry? 4 years.
How did you decide to get involved in this business? What influenced you?
My previous role involved some periodic trade show work. I quickly learned that the creative conception of an event along with the logistical planning and execution was something I wanted to be involved with full time in my day to day work.
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received about working with meetings?
It doesn’t matter what fires, or mistakes happened behind the scenes. What matters is that to the attendees, the event went on without a hitch.
What is one piece of advice about meeting planning you would share?
The time leading up to an event as well as the execution of the event can tend to be stressful and taxing. It is especially important during this time to consciously set aside moments to practice self-care; whatever that means to you personally.
What is one thing about this industry that you love?
I enjoy being able to connect with our attendees face-to-face. Whether that be our learners, faculty, or fellow staff members I don’t regularly work with. There are moments and opportunities onsite where you are able to make genuine, memorable connections that just wouldn’t be possible sitting behind your computer in your cubical.
What is one thing about the industry would you like to see changed?
I am interested to see how our industry as well as the hospitality and other businesses tied to ours bounce back post COVID-19 pandemic. I am curious as to how this immediate halt in business will change how planners approach large scale events as well as contracting and continuity planning.
What do you do outside of work?
When I am not traveling for work, I enjoy cooking, baking, painting, and frequenting the dog park.