MPI MN Up-Close Profile – Planner - Sara Bell

Why did you join MPI? 

I joined MPI to get more involved in the local events community.  I’ve moved around the United States as an event coordinator but don’t have any local connections where I live today!
 

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

I’ve worked in hospitality almost ten years, most recently in business aviation.  I started coordinating meetings and events full-time about five years ago.

How did you decide to get involved in this business?

What influenced you? In high school we had an amazing student leadership program where I helped coordinate school assemblies, the town parade and more.  I loved it and as a young adult, I was fortunate to fall into a corporate event coordinator role with a growing company. I had the right experience at the right time.

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

Always keep a big picture mindset and when you need help, find it.

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

If you’re just starting out, participate in coordinating events as much as possible.  Don’t worry about getting certificates or taking tons of classes, especially if you already have tools, resources, or mentors to help you be successful. Ultimately, you need experience for the certifications that are meaningful in our industry, like the CMP.

What is one thing about this industry that you love?

Even though you can plan the same event over and over again, it’s ever changing because of the different people involved over time.

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

I would like to see more collaboration and camaraderie amongst planners.  When we’re in peak planning season, it would be nice to have a community to lean on for support to help prevent overwhelm and burnout, and also to share our wins.

What do you do outside of work?

When I’m not working, I love to travel and explore the outdoors.  I also write- my first children’s book is coming out in July!  It was inspired by my experience caregiving for my Nana who has Alzheimer’s.