MPI MN Up-Close Profile – Planner - Kristin Anderson

Why did you join MPI? 

I joined MPI to prepare for my CMP Application and Exam. I came looking for additional resources to prep for the exam and ensure I will pass the first time I take it.
 

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

I have been in the industry for about 3 years. I started with an internship shipping tradeshow items, moved on to working for a State Fair, and I currently work as a corporate planner.
 

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

I was first influenced to join events after attending an American Marketing Association meeting in college. I was hearing about the cool experiential events that Red Bull was doing and thought, wait – people have careers putting on events? Since then I have been hooked to entertain and found the events industry is the way to do it.
 

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

I have learned you can’t please everyone, but you can please most. It’s important to know events can be subjective but if you reach the parameter you set for yourself then it is a success.
 

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

My advice would be to always say yes. Say yes to volunteering for events, say yes to asking if large, exciting events are hiring, and say yes to doing more in your current job. I have learned a lot through experiences outside my typical job description and that has led my career to further in ways I am truly passionate about.
 

What is one thing about this industry that you love?

I love the research. My favorite thing to plan is our Global Sales Meeting where I research a new city and find the perfect venue for our large event. It’s a unique profession where I can look at the culture of a location and find a way to mix with our corporate needs.
 

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

The one change I hope to see is increased budgets for events. I think there is a huge movement for companies to relate to their audience and events are the perfect way to do that.
 

What do you do outside of work? 

Outside of work I like to go to local breweries, search for the best Food Truck in the cities, and hang out with my husband and cat.