Member Spotlight Karen Elaine Decker

Name: Karen Elaine Decker 
Occupation: Event Manager
Planner or Supplier: Planner
Current Employer: BroadcastMed
Member Since: 2017

How did you get your start in the industry?
I got started in the industry right out of college. My first job was working for Kempinski Hotels as a reservations agent in East Meadow, NY. After a year, I was offered a sales position in the NYC office, handling group sales. It was such an interesting position and a wonderful opportunity to travel to many exciting locations.

How many years have you been in the industry?
I have been in the meetings and events industry for 20+ years in various roles.

What is your favorite thing about our industry?
My favorite part of the meetings and events industry has been the people! It is energizing to be with people who share the same desire to provide attendees with experiences that exceed all expectations. MPINJ has enabled me to learn new ways of doing things and continues my professional development and growth. 

What is the best career advice you've received?
Seek out discomfort ~ If you want long-term success you need to stop avoiding what is hard. Learning to be comfortable with discomfort is one of the most important skills you can ever have to live a truly fulfilling life.

What advice would you give other meeting industry professionals?
Find a mentor. Having a person or tribe to help with your professional development is critical for success.

What is the most memorable event you have planned or client experience you have had?
My most memorable Event was the first live event we held after the COVID-19 lockdown. The feeling of being together again had a different sense of excitement than all of the years of live meetings. So many minds had to come together to be sure we had the health and safety of our attendees as our top priority, but also make sure we had the secret sauce to pull off a Live Event in 2022. This was no small feat and hence the most memorable.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was stepping out of the industry for 10 years and then returning. Fortunately, my industry connections helped me with this transition and continuing my education helped me secure a job.

If you were not in this industry, what would you be doing right now?
I have always been passionate about horses and children and would love to get involved with a program that provides leadership and mentorship to underprivileged kids helping them reach their full potential.

Where did you grow up?                     
East Northport, NY

What is your favorite city to travel to and why?
Munich ~ The people and the beer!! Not to mention the pretzels, sausage and markets. 

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

Who would you like to be for a day?     
A better version of me. I’ve spent the last 54 years just trying to be ME, I doubt I could pull off being someone else without messing it up magnificently. ;)

What three words describe you best?   
Organized, Patient, Helpful

Describe your perfect day off?
Ahhh...the perfect day off would start with a really good workout, so I get a jump on the day. Followed   by brunch with friends, including (but not limited to) mimosas, eggs benedict, and a big side of bacon, and then an afternoon on the beach with a good book, friends, and lots of laughs. Maybe a nap and then a night on the town with dancing!!!

What do you love about MPI New Jersey?
I love the MPINJ tribe, the culture, and the opportunity to grow and learn from industry veterans as well as newcomers. Working with the board has been such a great way to get involved and stay connected within the industry. I love learning from our leadership and am constantly impressed with everyone.