MPI MN Profiles Planner Morgan Natzke

MPI Minnesota profiles Planner Morgan Natzke, Meeting and Events Manager, Great Clips Inc.

Why did you join MPI? 

I find so much value in being connected to the Minneapolis meeting planning community.

How long have you been in the meetings/hospitality industry?  13 years

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

I, like many others in our field, fell into this industry. I was in college, not loving classes. I was terrible in school. I thought I would try some internships to learn more about what ‘real work’ could look like. I took every internship opportunity I could find. One summer I had the chance to be an event intern. I left that summer feeling like it all clicked for me.  I loved the work; it came natural to me and I felt like I found my passion. I knew my purpose in finishing school and my focus for my future career. 

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

Relationships matter. It’s a small, warm, community. Relationships mean everything in this business.

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

I think it important to acknowledge in this field stress is part of the game. If you are someone who gets stressed easily or if a plan doesn’t go exactly as imagined this might not be the path for you. If you thrive in new experience, creating something incredible for attendees, you care passionately about customer service, you love the details, you will make it. Stress is part the game. Certainly 2020 has tested this for everyone but I stand by the fact that people in the event industry are the most welcoming, caring, kind, gracious and resilient people. We always persevere. 

What is one thing about this industry that you love?

Every day is different and every day I get an opportunity to create meaningful experiences.  I find it a blessing to be in a field that you get to see your work come to life, on repeat.  I know COVID changes that slightly, but we will come back and we will get a chance to show everyone how much meetings matter! 

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

Currently I would love to see more face to face meetings   I know virtual has place and there is value to connecting in current times.  But we can balance safety and connection.  We need to be experts in this area and show our stakeholders its possible!

What do you do outside of work? 

Travel, connect with friends and family, explore our beautiful city!