Meet Lauren Goff! Volunteer of the Quarter

Lauren has been a member of MPISSN for 9 years and is current Vice President for the Board of Directors, MPISSN.

What do you like the most in what you do?

The coordination and making a vision come alive. I love to work with others, collaborate on a vision, create a plan, and make it happen. I am a doer and have learned more about the strategic side of meeting and events in recent years. This has inspired me to become a leader in our industry and that has been fulfilling to pave a new way for SMM Programs.

How did you become interested in the meeting industry, and how have you been involved in the industry?

I studied Organizational Communications at SFSU because I really enjoyed the classes. Then out of college I considered going into interior design so I worked for an online lighting retailer. I didn’t love it, but recognized that I enjoyed the customer service aspect and I liked the way lighting and interior design was creating a space and experience for someone, very much like an event does. I recognized I wanted to travel, so I started working for a local travel agency called Union Vacations where I learned that Meeting Planning was an actual career. I started helping on small group programs and when the State of CA was creating their own SMM Program at DGS, I made the career move to Meeting Planner until the DGS teams disbanded in 2013 where I got picked up with Medtronic. I was a Meeting Planner for Medtronic for 6 years planning international programs, moved over to a Meeting and Event Sourcing Specialist 3 years ago, and most recently completed my Masters degree in Meeting and Event Management from SDSU.

What would you be doing if you hadn’t found a career in meeting planning and management?  (Permanent Dive Bar mermaid?)  😉

 Yes it’s true that I got to be a mermaid at the Dive Bar downtown for a one night only performance in support of children charities in our community. I will probably never reprise my role, but I certainly am very proud of that gig! I have treasured every step of my career so far and am curious what the future will hold for me next. Maybe it comes from my passion for creating spaces, but if I hadn’t found meeting planning, I’d love to be involved more in real estate. Or there is always my first career goal, being a dolphin trainer!

What has helped you to be successful in your career?

Networking with others, asking questions and saying “yes”, then figuring it out!  

What advice do you have for those that are interested in getting involved and what are you excited about in the year ahead?  

I have been so impressed and inspired by how much new energy has livened up MPISSN in recent years. I think you get out what you put in, and if we all keep up the level of engagement with the chapter, I know we can all do some amazing things for the industry locally and have a great time doing it together.  

What value do you see in giving your time to MPISSN and what can others gain from participating?

 I have been a member for 9 years now and have made many great connections along the way. Sometimes you don’t even know what you plan to gain, but by staying active and saying “yes”, it may push you out of your comfort zone and allow you to grow. I know this chapter and the experiences it provides, can take you some awesome places!

Are you a volunteer for any other organizations beyond MPISSN?

 Yes, I am a long time member of the Active 20-30 of Greater Sacramento #1032. Active 20-30 US & Canada is an international service organization, made up of men and women in their 20's and 30's who have a passion for improving the lives of children in their communities, by serving local kids through hands-on work and fundraising. I recently chaired the Centennial International/National Convention held at the Embassy Suites here in Sacramento where we celebrated 100 years of service to children in our local community!

Do you have a favorite vacation spot or hobby?

I love to spend time with my family and son Atlas in my free time. We have a pop up camper that we love to take out to explore when we can get away. Sometimes we are even crazy enough to bring our pig Peppa and dog Penny along for the ride! We leave the 3 chickens, fish and cat at home.