MPI MN Up-Close Planner Profile: Briana Baker

MPI MN Planner Profile for April is Briana Baker, Event Manager, Ewald Consulting, brianabaker@post.com

1. Why did you join MPI?  

I joined to get more involved in the community and the industry. As well as get to know more facets of the industry and all of the local people in it.

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

Six years.

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

My father owned a business that sold to many hospitality companies and he thought I had  a personality that fit the profile to work in hospitality. With older siblings that came out of college without a job, I was focused to study something that would allow have a lot of opportunity for employment.

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

To have thick skin. Not taking things personally  can be difficult but I find keeping calm, cool and collected at all times portrays professionalism and maturity.

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

If you think something sounds off or odd, follow your hunch. Too many times I have not spoken up about something because I thought it would sound dumb to bring up, but it bit us in the end.

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

Working hard on projects and seeing them build up and eventually making others happy with the result.

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

I would like to see more opportunity for growth within companies, often times there are just two levels of event job type/titles within a company. Having additional levels would help to motivate and create learning and mentorship opportunities.

8. What do you do outside of work?  

I love to experience live music! I attend about 100 concerts a year.