We’ve all seen Jess Foss at one of the many events she’s attended as an MPI Washington State Chapter member over the past 15 years, but did you know her hospitality career started way back in college, and didn’t go the way she thought it would? Jess always knew she wanted to go into hospitality (she studied Hotel Administration and Management in college), but she thought she was going to end up in operations. Jess knew that her passion was in the relationship management side of the industry so she started her career in HR, thinking she would get to work with people and help them navigate the hiring process. Ultimately (as we all know!) Jess’s career and love of working with people landed her in a sales job, where she has thrived ever since.

Back in college Jess was president of a club most of us would love to join – the Wine Club! This club would gather weekly to meet with one of the Las Vegas distributers, who would set up tastings for them. As president Jess organized trips for them to experience wine country, heading out to Napa, Sonoma, and other wine hot spots – and if you follow Jess’s travel adventures now, you know she still (pre-pandemic!) travels to all of the most amazing locations to scout out venues for her clients.

When asked about her favorite destination she’s traveled to she was torn – Croatia or Costa Rica. In Croatia “the catacombs are amazing – you feel like you’re in old Europe or Game of Thrones”, but she also loved how relaxing Costa Rica was. “Everyday you just wake up, go to the pool or the beach, there’s no agenda, the Pura Vida lifestyle is legit real and it’s fantastic!”

Jess’s favorite part of the events industry (to no one’s surprise!) is the people and the relationships.  She loves looking back on all of the relationships she’s made over the years and how so many of those have turned into strong bonds or friendships. It’s why she’s been a member of MPI for so long – “it’s not just about the education, it’s more about staying connected with the people”. We couldn’t agree more! Jess has volunteered in many roles over the years, but her favorite was as an ambassador to help get new members or attendees introduced to the organization (remember her first job back in HR?) She recognizes that it can be hard to walk into a group of people you don’t know, who all know each other, and loved that she got to help make someone a little more comfortable.

If you see Jess at one of our upcoming events, be sure to say “hi!” – as you can see, she loves to meet new people!