MPI MN Up-Close Profile – Planner - Kris O'Brien

Why did you join MPI? 

Networking, education and to earn credits toward my CMP.

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

Yikes, it’s been 25 years. Where did the time go?

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

Somehow, I knew at a young age, I liked organization and people which led me to the University of Wisconsin-Stout to major in Hospitality & Tourism. Who would have known where it would lead me?! So many great opportunities in our industry today!

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

Always focus on the recovery of a situation, not on the why or how it happened. You can review the why and how later. Your job is to find the best solution at that time for that situation.

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

Find the answer to #4. When faced with a situation where you need to come up with plan B, focus on the solution not on the why.

What is one thing about this industry that you love?

Being able to use both sides of my brain – creativity and organization/structure. The best of both worlds for me!

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

That planning timelines weren’t always so condensed.  

What do you do outside of work? 

Hike! Great way to be outside, clear your mind and be present with what you are doing at that time. Movies, always a great get away from the day to day. Anytime I can be by or on the water is a good day!