Member Spotlight Kristen Hunter

Name: Kristen Hunter
Occupation: Senior Director, Event Content, Life Sciences
Planner or Supplier:  Planner
Current Employer:  Momentum Events
Member Since: 2022

How did you get your start in the industry?
My first job out of college was working in Investor Relations at BIO (The Biotechnology Industry Organization) where I worked connecting Venture Capitalists with young biotech CEOs through one-on-one partnering meetings at events all over the world. I fell in love with energy of events, and the rest is history.

How many years have you been in the industry?
Over 20 years

What is your favorite thing about our industry?
The people and the passion.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?
Don’t sweat the small stuff!

What is the most memorable event you have planned or client experience you have had?
Each event really has their own special qualities, but the events I’ve done for medical meeting professionals, have been very rewarding. It’s a daunting task planning a conference for those who work in the meetings industry, but you know you’ve blown in out of the park when your peers give you positive feedback.

If you were not in this industry, what would you be doing right now?
Many of the events I produce focus on the quality of clinical research, which I’ve grown to love, so I’d probably be working in clinical research.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Annapolis, MD which is a beautiful place and I go back often to visit family. Yes, I do have a Maryland flag crab sticker on my car.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you bring with you?
I’d just bring one, my husband. He’s active-duty military with a focus on emergency management, so he’ll totally be able to MacGyver us whatever we need.

Describe your perfect day off?
A morning hike with my family followed by a decadent day of pampering at a spa.

What do you love about MPI NJ? 
I am a new member, but I had the wonderful opportunity to meet lots of new people and see some old friends at the NJ Meets event a few weeks ago. I look forward to more in-person meet ups.  

What are you most excited about in joining MPI NJ?
We are at such a pivotal time in the events industry as we redefine what normal events look like, coming out of this pandemic.  I am very excited to learn from my peers as we share best practices and determine the right path forward.