Up-close Supplier Profile: Paul Dawson

MPI MN up-close supplier profile for March is Paul Dawson, Sales Manager, Hyatt Place Minneapolis/Downtown, paul.dawson@hyatt.com

1. Why did you join MPI? I have attended a number of meetings over the years as a non-member. When I started with Hyatt they said “Yes! Go be your best…” which in that moment meant finally joining MPI. MPI gives so many opportunities to see friendly faces, make new connections, and also gives the chance to learn about things you might not come across in your day-to-day job.

2. How long have you been in the meetings/hospitality industry? I have been working in hospitality for over 20 years. I made the decision to leave it at one point…and was quickly drawn back in.

3. How did you decide to get involved in this business? What influenced you? I started at a small hotel in my hometown, where I was a General Manager for over 10 years, I continued in Operations for a number of years, then moved to the “big city,” eventually making the leap to Meetings/Events/Sales. Hospitality can be tough, but as you make connections and realize we all want the same thing – a whole new world opens to you.

4. What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received about working with meetings? “Anything that can happen – will happen.” When you think of the perfect meeting or group experience – it is fun to imagine what it would be like if NOTHING changed from the onset of planning. In this world, that nearly never happens… so adapting to changes/transitioning through issues easily has become an integral part of my mindset.

5. What is one piece of advice about meeting planning you would share? It would definitely be: “Anything that can happen – will happen…” and – “If you need help, ask for it!”

6. What is one thing about this industry that you love? The camaraderie (I had to search for the spelling of that one…). You truly have friends wherever you turn.What is one thing about the industry would you like to see changed? Every industry changes over time. The easy answer would be that we keep evolving and become a more caring and thoughtful industry. You see a number of meetings going for more “experiential” events, and I love that. Investing in people is where true value will be found.

7. What do you do outside of work? My husband and I live in Lakeville with our miniature dachshund, Dennis. We’re currently in the adoption process so that takes a lot of our time and energy. When we can, we like to travel and explore… we’re always searching for a moment to “spark joy.