Member Spotlight Melissa Kienzlen

Name: Melissa Kienzlen, CMP, HMCC
Occupation: Senior Group Sales Manager
Planner or Supplier: Supplier
Current Employer: Thompson Dallas (Hyatt Hotels and Resorts)
Member Since: 2021

How did you get your start in the industry?
I was 16 years old and worked as a banquet server at a wedding venue for David’s Country Inn. I instantly fell in love.

How many years have you been in the industry?
15 years

What is your favorite thing about our industry?
I love helping to make experiences that people remember.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?
Never burn your bridges as you never know who you will work for or who you will need as a recommendation.

What is the most memorable event you have planned or client experience you have had?
When I was in college I was selected to be one of 5 students to plan the Emeril Lagasse Golf Tournament. I learned about the importance of ”big ticket” events to raise money and how much work goes into events like those. It ended with a signed cookbook and Emeril thanking me himself.

If you were not in this industry, what would you be doing right now?
I would probably work in market research. I received my Master’s in Corporate and Organizational Communication and interned doing Market Research and loved it. I love turning raw data into useful information to meet a goal.

Where did you grow up?
Hackettstown, NJ

What is your favorite city to travel to and why?
Boston. I was born there and went to Graduate School there but every time I visit it just feels like home but also new.

What is your favorite book?
The Five People You Meet In Heaven

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you bring with you? Food/Water, IPad (to communicate with my family), and sunscreen.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Nelson Mandela. I think he is such an inspiration and spent so much of his life fighting for equality, HIV/AIDS, and the needs of the impoverished. I was able to visit one of the prison cell he was in and I cannot imagine being in prison for 27 years and staying positive.

If you woke up tomorrow as an animal, what animal would you choose to be and why?
A Bird because I would be able to travel all around to different destinations.

If you could live anywhere on this planet and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose to live?
I would live in Boston.

Who would you like to be for a day?
I would love to be a FBI Agent for a day.

If you could invite one famous or noted people (past or present) to dinner who would you choose?
Betty White.

Which three words describe you best?
Outgoing, Caring, Adventurous

What is your all-time favorite movie?
Gone With The Wind

Describe your perfect day off?
Spending the day with both my son and husband.

What do you love about MPI NJ?
I love meeting new people and being able to continue my education in the industry.