MPI MN UP-Close Planner Profile: Marissa Garin

1. Why did you join MPI?  
The event planning world is unique, complex and ever changing, which is why I love it. However, keeping up with the latest trends of the meeting industry is tough, so building a network of like-minded individuals that understand, have experiences and offer new ideas that I can learn from is an amazing opportunity. I also heard about my colleague’s experiences and relationships she has built as a member of MPI.

2. How long have you been in the meetings/hospitality industry?  
I have been in the industry for 3 years.

3. How did you decide to get involved in this business?  What influenced you?
Being very organized, managing several tasks at once and working in a team environment are some of my strengths. Five years ago, I wasn’t sure how I could or wanted to use my skills. I also love to plan ways for people to come together, whether that be personal or business. Never did I think I would discover a career that I love and that I would get to use many of my strengths. I knew about my current position when I was an intern at Toro and expressed that I would be interested if the role ever became available.  A few years later, I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity!

4. What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received about working with meetings?  
Ask the questions nobody thinks to ask. My job is to view the event at ten feet, not 30,000 feet. Walk through the days minute by minute and make sure all the bases are covered. Details are everything!

5. What is one piece of advice about meeting planning you would share? 
Be flexible. And I continue to remind myself of this as well. Just because you had one idea or method planned, doesn’t mean it’s the only successful solution. Changes will happen or you’ll be asked to make changes, and it’s important to be flexible.

6. What is one thing about this industry that you love? 
I love being able to craft different events for different audiences to successfully achieve the goal of the event and also show the guests a wonderful time. Since each group is different, it’s so much fun being able to work with great people and build relationships at different hotels, restaurants and entertainment companies.

7. What is one thing about the industry would you like to see changed?  
Use purposeful technology. Just don’t use it to say you’re using the next greatest thing. Make sure the guests and the company receive a great ROI. I like to think of it as needing one delicious piece of steak and not the whole buffet!

8. What do you do outside of work?  
I enjoy spending time exploring all Minnesota has to offer like hiking, breweries and restaurants with my husband and pup. Yoga sculpt, running, trying out a new recipe and reading are activities I love to do also when I have some alone time.