Member Spotlight Lauren Nance

Name: Lauren F. Nance, CMP
Occupation: “The Maven of Meeting Planning”
Planner or Supplier: Planner
Member Since: 2013
Current Employer: Senior Meetings & Events Specialist, Deep Foundations Institute

How did you get your start in the industry?
My mother planned events for the board of education in my home city. I would watch her seamlessly coordinate catering, guest lists, check-in, VIPs and awards. She did this for more than 30 years and I helped her until I went to college where I continued planning meetings and events. I worked for university conference services, planned sorority conferences and meetings, and tons of community and fundraising events. Fast-forward to August 2012. I began temping at DFI after my husband retired from law enforcement. After a few months, the executive director asked me to stay. I placed my consulting business on hold and in “an instant” I moved from years of volunteer and per-project event coordination to a professional gig as a meeting planner.

What is your favorite thing about our industry?
The tension-filled planning moments that flourish into well-orchestrated results that meet the needs of our attendees. Of course, the food, destinations and camaraderie are second to none!

What is the best career advice you’ve received?
Your reputation and your name … is EVERYTHING!

If you were not in this industry, what would you be doing right now?
Training others how to run a business doing what they love and running it with excellence.

Where did you grow up?
Passaic, N.J.

What is your favorite city to travel to and why?
Sedona, Colorado

What is your favorite book?
Animal Farm by George Orwell

If you could invite one famous or noted people (past or present) to dinner who would you choose?
Oprah Winfrey, of course! Whoopi Goldberg is a very close second.

What is your all-time favorite movie?
Mildred Pierce starring Joan Crawford

Describe your perfect day off?
Enjoying sunshine and nature by myself. I’d sleep in…lay out on the beach…all day…by myself…until twilight.

What do you love about MPI NJ?
Engaging and endearing members, exceptional programming. Gleaning new information from my peers. I’m a forever student.