Abigail Volkmann

Name: Abigail Volkmann
Organization: Abigail Volkmann Photography
Job Title: Owner
E-mail: av@abigailvolkmann.com

How long have you been in the events and hospitality industry?
I have been a full time photographer for over 15 years, with my start in commercial and advertising photography.  Based on market demand before living in Nashville, I photographed weddings, and since moving to Nashville 4 years ago, I transitioned into corporate events and meetings.

Why did you join MPI?
I want to connect and meet more meeting and convention professionals in Nashville.

What do you hope to get from your MPI Tennessee membership?
Honestly, in life, I try to approach new experiences with the thought of "how can I serve," instead of "what can I get."  With that outlook, I find I gain things I could have never "planned."

What is your favorite meeting or event you have been involved in and why?
I love anytime an event includes Broadway street closure and the guests get to "own" the street! It just feels like the guests are getting a really unique and ultra VIP Nashville experience, which I love!

Tell us more about yourself…hobbies, little known fact, etc.
One thing that was a struggle for me after having kids was figuring out how to make time for myself.  Between kids, work, and husband, it was a challenge for me to figure out how I fit into the day.  Finally, a few years ago, I started doing CrossFit and the gym has become my happy place.  It is my one hour/day to myself that is about me and makes me feel amazing.

What would you sing at karaoke night?
This is really tough, but if I had to choose just one song, it would be "I wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston.  I mean, you just have to get up and dance to this song (and if everyone is dancing then hopefully they won't notice what a terrible singer I am!).

What makes you laugh the most?
As cheesy as it sounds, my kids crack me up!  They are at such sweet ages right now and can be such goofballs.

Which decade do you love the most and why?
I am really moved by the 60's.  The photographs from this era depicting the Vietnam War, along with the peace loving hippy movement, tell a really beautiful contrasting story of the time period.  Photographs from that time period where the start of my love for story telling through photographs.

You can have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life, what is it? Diet Coke? Sushi? Scotch Tape?
I feel like quarantine has helped us all see who we truly are, the root of what brings us joy and what we can and cannot live without.  For me, aside from family, I have discovered I cannot live without sunshine!  That goodness quarantine didn't start in January, I think I would have truly lost it.  But, I have discovered being able to get outside and soak up some sun has been the grounding factor that has brought me comfort and joy.