Member Spotlight Rebecca Wakefield

Name: Rebecca Wakefield, CMP
Occupation: Meeting Manager
Planner or Supplier: Planner
Member Since: 1999
Current Employer: KPMG LLP

How did you get your start in the industry?
I was CSM at the Sheraton Mahwah and I thought I would prefer to “Hop the fence” and be a corporate planner.

How many years have you been in the industry?
Since 1997

What is your favorite thing about our industry?
I truly enjoy being onsite and seeing my meeting and events come to life with the final production – and a Happy Client.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?
“Stuff Happens,” Own it and move on!
You are only as good as your last event!

What is the most memorable event you have planned or client experience you have had?
My recent Tax Client Event at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami for 1000 clients. This was our premier event and I worked with a great team of planners.

If you were not in this industry, what would you be doing right now?
Probably still driving a truck for Entenmann’s Bakery! (That was my previous life!)

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the Bronx, but my father brought me across the George Washington Bridge, kicking and screaming when I was 15 and we moved to Teaneck, NJ

What is your favorite city to travel to and why?
I enjoy traveling, so every city is a new adventure for me.

If you could invite one famous or noted people (past or present) to dinner who would you choose?
My Parents – there is so much I want to tell them and ask them.

Which three words describe you best?
Trustworthy, Honest, and Hard-working

What is your all-time favorite movie?
Not one – but I prefer comedy movies and “Chic Flicks”

Describe your perfect day off?
Working out in the morning, spending the afternoon with my Grand kids…and spending the evening with my husband and friends…with a lot of chardonnay!

What do you love about MPI NJ?
I don’t be to sound cliché, but I treasure my MPI family and I believe we have a special bond with each other. We treat each other like close friends and have each others back; They are family we choose.