MPI MN Up-Close Profile – Planner: Jr Treto

1.Why did you join MPI? 

I joined because I wanted an opportunity to network with other planners, continue to develop professionally, and stay informed about what is happening in the industry.  I was a member of the Rocky Mountain Chapter until I moved to Minneapolis this past summer and am looking forward to becoming an active member of the Minnesota Chapter!

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

Indirectly, about 10 years.  About five years ago, I knew I wanted to focus on the meetings industry full-time.

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

I kept finding myself taking on aspects of meeting and conference planning in my roles early on in my career.  I really enjoyed executing on a vision, creating meaningful experiences for attendees, building relationships with people, and managing all the details that go into a successful event.

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

It is important to listen to the ideas, suggestions, feedback, etc. that you will receive from your attendees, your volunteers, and stakeholders and everyone else. But be selective and strategic on how you incorporate that feedback in future planning and engagement. Think of it as co-constructing!

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

Stay flexible and embrace the unpredictability!  We can plan out every detail and think through every possible worst-case scenario and yet, things will still go wrong and changes will need to be made.

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

The impact we can have on people and organizations.  We have the opportunity to create engaging, impactful, and thought-provoking experiences. 

7. What do you do outside of work? 

I enjoy spending time with my partner and our dog, biking around the metro area, and traveling. Having lived in Minnesota for only a couple months, I enjoy being a tourist and exploring our neighborhood (North Loop) and everything the Twin Cities and the State of MN has to offer.