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Meet MTA: Hannah Taylor, Financial Compliance Associate

The Miller Tanner Associates’ (MTA) difference is our people. That’s why we want to introduce you to our team of superstars that brings our corporate meetings and events to life for our customers. Today, we introduce you to Financial Compliance Associate Hannah Taylor. Hannah ensures that post-event details, along with compliance and transparency reports, are meticulously processed and finalized for our customers.

Meet Hannah Taylor, Financial Compliance Associate

CliftonStrengths:  Developer, Empathy, Adaptability, Relator, Positivity 

Tell us about your current role with MTA. What are your primary responsibilities?  

As a financial compliance specialist, I mainly process expense reimbursements for event attendees and complete post-event compliance and transparency reports.  

What did you do before joining MTA?  

Before joining MTA, I was an associate accountant for a medical device company.   

What do you feel are the most fulfilling aspects of your job? 

In my time at MTA, I’ve discovered countless aspects of my job that I truly enjoy. There are so many parts of my job that I love. I’m fortunate to be part of a fantastic team that is not only supportive and creative but also hard-working and enjoyable to work with. Plus, each day brings its unique challenges, as no reimbursement or transparency report is ever the same. 

I truly appreciate how, as a company, we constantly seek improvements and efficiency in our processes. Managers and the leadership team wholeheartedly encourage everyone to think creatively and share their ideas. I’ve enjoyed working on numerous projects that not only satisfy my inner problem-solver but also allow me to collaborate with colleagues with whom I don’t typically work.  

What are some ways that the Finance Team alleviates the burden when planning an event? 

The Finance Team expertly creates a budget plan tailored to meet each customer’s needs and compiles a final budget portfolio complete with all necessary documentation. Specific to the Financial Compliance Team, customers and attendees can be assured that we process reimbursements quickly and accurately. We follow specific company, state, federal, and country guidelines pertaining to reimbursements and transparency. If challenges arise, we dive in and investigate, ensuring our services to customers and event attendees continue to align with our top-notch white-glove commitment.   

What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company?  

MTA truly is a full-service planning company. MTA genuinely cares about and prioritizes everyone they encounter, transforming each event into a memorable experience. By encouraging collaboration across departments, they ensure an enjoyable journey for customers, vendors, attendees, and staff. Plus, their innovative apps and software simplify the event process, making it easier for everyone involved. 

Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important? What do you get most from this time together?  

Nothing beats the face-to-face interactions that help strengthen our relationships with colleagues we see frequently, as well as those from MTA we don’t interact with as often.    

What do you do for fun? 

I love traveling and spending time with my husband and daughters. As a family, we enjoy being outside, whether it’s running around the yard with the dogs and turkeys or jumping off the dock at the lake. I also love to cook, bake, read, listen to music, and go to concerts.  

Where do you live, and what do you love most about your state/city? Any must-see tourist spots? 

I was born and raised north of Memphis, Tennessee. My favorite thing about Memphis is probably the zoo. Something is always being added or updated, so each time you go, it’s a new experience. We can spend an entire day there and still feel like we didn’t see everything. 

Downtown Memphis has excellent restaurants. The Majestic Grille – a former movie theater – is one of my favorites. When the current owners converted the building to a restaurant, they preserved its vintage movie screen, so they continue to show classic films as diners enjoy their meals.  

There are so many things to love about Tennessee, though: The food. The music. The people. The sports. (Go Vols!) Between Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville, there’s something for everyone. 

To learn more about the MTA Team, visit www.millertanner.com. 

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How to Plan Successful Investigator Meetings

How to increase the success of an investigator meeting

Updated: 6/12/2025

At Miller Tanner, we help pharma, biotech, medical device, and contract research organizations (CROs) orchestrate creative training solutions for investigative sites participating in clinical trials.

Through our work—which includes planning hundreds of investigator meetings —we’ve observed some of the key factors that contribute to successful training programs.

Training Is Critical to a Successful Clinical Research Study

Timely and effective investigational plan training for CROs and site staff is essential to conducting a successful clinical research study.

The integrity of clinical research data and even the study itself can be jeopardized by:

  • Lack of/or minimal training
  • Variability in the trainers
  • Ineffective training methods

Even simple misunderstandings of the protocol can lead to major issues with subject safety and the overall reportable data.

So, how can you avoid these hurdles and ensure you provide the best training to give your clinical trial the greatest chance of success? We’ve got a couple of ideas that can help.

How to Conduct Effective Investigator Meetings

Build strong relationships with your investigative sites and CRO partners by assuring that those who conduct and monitor your investigational plan/protocol have received essential materials and as much training as possible to successfully care for subject safety while producing clean and accurate data.

1. Have Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) Present at Face-to-Face Meetings

Have Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) Present at Face-to-Face Meetings

There are many different training methods companies use—including providing both written and auditory materials prepared by Subject Matter Experts (SME). These can include protocol or IB materials, step-by-step videos, or “how to” documents.

But, the single best way to convey your enthusiastic message and in-depth knowledge of the product and the protocol is by having your SMEs present at face-to-face investigator meetings.

Your SMEs can present critical points on the disease state, protocol content, and drug/product training, and provide diligence for understanding patient safety and compliance to the investigational plan.

The pharma industry, CROs, and sites continue to report through our surveys that face-to-face training remains one of the best ways to understand the complexities of the investigation plan and/or product, and to collaborate with the sponsor, CRO, and other sites.

2. Use On-Demand Training to Offset Attendance and Attrition Challenges

Attendance by key site staff at face-to-face investigator meetings can vary depending on the timing of the event, country holidays, clinic and hospital schedules, and advance notice of the event to sites for scheduling.

Even with the best planning, an average of 20-25% of the sites are not able to attend the training at all or can only send one study team member to return and convey all the training to their other teammates.     

Attrition is another challenge. Turnover at the sites, CRO, and even sponsor companies over the course of the investigational study is inevitable. Ensuring new key team members receive proper training usually involves sending CRAs to the site(s).

A smart approach to managing both attendance and attrition challenges is providing Web-enabled, on-demand training with audio or video capture of your subject matter experts.

This enables team members to view and hear your critical content and materials before they begin to become involved with study and/or subjects. It also allows new staff to train before the CRA is able to schedule an on-site visit.

This training can minimize potential deviations as well as reduce the time on site for the CRA and site staff when a monitoring visit is to be scheduled.

Invest in Training to Position Your Clinical Trial for Success

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies continue to invest in training opportunities for CROs and site staff participating in clinical research studies. Make sure you are getting the most for your investment.

Having your subject matter experts present at face-to-face investigator meetings will promote understanding of the product and protocol and encourage collaboration.

Providing on-demand training will help you manage attendance and attrition issues and ensure more staff members receive training information in a timely and effective manner.

Investigator training is critical to a successful clinical trial. Take the steps necessary to give your study the greatest chance of success!

Miller Tanner Associates has extensive experience as an investigator meeting planner. Contact us today to start planning your next Pharma event: 1-877-MEET-MTA

Frequently Asked Questions

In effort to help readers to summarize the information found within this post, we’ve recapitulated the article in question and answer form.

How is Training Critical to Successful Clinical Research Studies?

A successful clinical research project requires timely and effective investigative plan training for CROs and site personnel. Lack of/or insufficient training, trainer unpredictability, and ineffective training techniques may compromise the integrity of clinical research data and possibly the study itself. Even minor misconceptions of the procedure may result in serious problems with subject safety and the total data that can be reported.

How Can My Company Conduct Effective Investigator Meetings?

Assure that individuals who perform and oversee your experimental plan/protocol have received the necessary materials and as much training as feasible to effectively care for subject safety while generating clean and accurate data.

How Important is Having Subject-Matter Experts (SMEs) Present at Face-to-Face Meetings?

Having your SMEs present in a face-to-face investigator meeting is the single greatest method to communicate your messaging and in-depth expertise of the product and/or procedure. Your subject-matter experts should provide key points about protocol content and training, as well as ensure participant safety and compliance with the investigational plan.

How Important is Having On-Demand Training to Offset Attendance & Attrition?

Attendance in face-to-face investigator meetings by key site personnel may vary based on the event’s time, national holidays, clinic and hospital schedules, and prior notification to sites for scheduling. Even with the greatest preparation, 20-25% of the sites are unable to attend the training or can only send one research team member back to relay the training to their other colleagues.

Should I Invest in Training to Better Position for Clinical Trial Success?

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms continue to invest in training opportunities for contract research organizations (CROs) and study site personnel. Make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Face-to-face investigator interactions with your subject-matter specialists will improve knowledge of the product and procedure as well as cooperation.

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Sustainable Event Planning Tips

As an eco-conscious organization, you work hard to reduce your impact on the environment by taking measures to save energy and reduce waste. Yet, when planning an event that doesn’t fall into the scope of your typical operations, it’s easy to overlook the potential environmental impact. Luckily, it’s possible to arrange an amazing and successful event while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Evaluation and careful planning can help you create a sustainable event that matches your goals and aligns with your organization’s core values. 

The Importance of Sustainable Event Planning

Impact is typically top of mind in event planning. You want to create a memorable event that delights participants and yields the desired impact. Achieving those goals often means abundance at every turn, including food catering, lavish decorations, attention-grabbing visuals and presentations, staging, audio, and more. It’s easy to overlook the fact that such an event can consume an immense amount of energy and generate tons of waste (literally). Sustainable event planning requires consideration of the environmental impact of your event and making changes to mitigate that impact.

Hosting sustainable events helps reduce harm to the environment and shows your staff and customers that you’re committed to your values as an eco-friendly organization. Making the effort to reduce your environmental impact in every way sets an example that other companies can follow, further contributing to long-term sustainability. 

Selecting Eco-Friendly Venues

Your event venue will play a significant role in its sustainability. Structures built to maximize environmental benefits may utilize solar energy and kinetic energy, along with the use of energy-efficient systems and equipment. Venue owners take further measures to improve sustainability with systems designed to reduce waste.

Consider these factors when choosing a venue.

  • Proximity to public transportation
  • Size of the building
  • Sustainably sourced or eco-friendly supplies (including tableware, linens, and food packaging)
  • Energy efficiency (including lighting, heating/cooling, and presentation equipment)
  • Water conservation measures
  • Recycling programs

Utilizing Digital Tools to Minimize Waste

Evolving technology empowers organizations to produce extraordinary events that inspire and delight participants. Modern technology can also play a significant role in improving sustainability. From virtual attendance to waste-free marketing, digital tools offer many ways to reduce an event’s environmental impact. 

  • Virtual and hybrid event platforms: Hosting virtual or hybrid events allows you to reduce the environmental impact of travel and resource consumption while engaging a larger audience and increasing accessibility.
  • Smart lighting and energy systems: Systems that use sensors to automatically adjust lighting and temperature levels based on room occupancy or usage data keep rooms comfortable while reducing energy consumption.
  • Event planning and management software: Event management software allows organizers and attendees to have event details in the palm of their hands whenever and wherever they need them. Organizers can paperlessly make changes, share information, and keep attendees informed of travel and lodging details from practically any device. 
  • Event sustainability tracking software: Software designed to help organizers meet their sustainability goals allows event organizers to track metrics like waste, energy consumption, and emission reductions. These metrics can be used to make improvements and report on their event’s sustainability. 

Contact Us at Miller Tanner Associates to Help Plan Your Next Sustainable Event

At Miller Tanner Associates, we’re passionate about helping companies around the world create events that are impactful, engaging, and aligned with their goals. Our commitment to excellence means you can count on us to deliver thoughtful, sustainable solutions that elevate your events without compromising on quality. Reach out today to discover how we can help make your next event not only memorable but also meaningfully sustainable.

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How to Measure Event Success

Events serve several unique functions in the business world. It’s best to think of them less like simple get-togethers and more like strategic tools for achieving your goals. To that end, companies should have metrics to measure the success of any given event. If you’ve never considered things this way before, here’s a simple guide to teach you how to measure event success so that you can make the most out of each one.

What Are Some Event Success Metrics?

Any company that wants more out of their events beyond just a chance to see colleagues needs to understand event success metrics. These metrics offer a clear framework to assess whether an event achieved its goals and provided value to both the organization and attendees. By examining these metrics, companies can pinpoint what was successful and identify areas needing improvement for future events.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are a necessary part of this assessment. They are specific, measurable benchmarks that organizations use to evaluate their performance against objectives. KPIs for events help assess various elements, like attendance, engagement, and financial outcomes. Choosing the right KPIs ensures that companies focus on data that aligns with their strategic goals, enabling better decision-making and improved event results.

Which KPIs Can Measure Event Success?

Choosing the right KPIs is necessary for evaluating how well an event meets its goals. These metrics offer concrete insights into performance and help guide future improvements. Here are some essential event KPIs to consider when you host your next function:

1. Attendance and Participation Rates

Monitoring attendance and participation is a straightforward way to assess event success. High numbers often reflect effective promotion and genuine interest. Use registration data, check-in systems, and digital analytics for virtual events to track these figures. Comparing them to targets or past events can reveal trends in growth and engagement.

2. Audience Engagement

Engagement metrics provide a deeper look at attendee involvement. This includes social media activity, session participation, and direct feedback. Utilize event apps, live polls, and social media monitoring to gather data. High engagement suggests that the content resonated with the audience, adding value to the event, while low engagement relative to total attendance can indicate problems.

3. Return on Investment (ROI)

ROI is key to understanding the financial impact of an event. It straightforwardly involves comparing the revenue or value generated against the costs. Calculate ROI by subtracting total costs from total revenue, dividing by total costs, and multiplying by 100 for a percentage. A positive ROI indicates financial success, while a negative one suggests a need for strategic adjustments.

4. Post-Event Surveys and Feedback

Feedback from post-event surveys is invaluable for gauging attendee satisfaction and identifying areas for improvement. Include questions about the overall experience, content quality, and logistics. Open-ended questions offer qualitative insights, while rating scales provide quantitative data, so a mix of both can be particularly effective for gathering data. Analyzing this feedback helps refine future events to better meet expectations.

Implementing a Measurement Strategy

In order to create a strategy to measure event success, you’ll need to set clear, measurable objectives that align with the strategic goals of your business. Use these objectives to guide KPI selection. Use data analytics tools to efficiently collect and analyze data. Regularly reviewing these metrics allows for continuous improvement and optimization of event strategies.

Make the Most of Every Event with KPI Analysis

Using KPIs to measure event success is the best way to maximize their impact. By implementing these metrics, companies can ensure their events not only meet but also exceed objectives. Not only that, but integrating these strategies into planning processes enhances future events.

For more resources and to streamline event planning, learn more about MTA’s Event Planning in Control (EPIC). This tool offers additional insights and support for achieving event success. For further assistance, contact us at Miller Tanner Associates today.

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Meet MTA: Sofie Woods, Senior Product Manager

The Miller Tanner Associates’ (MTA) difference is our people. That’s why we want to introduce you to our team of superstars who bring our corporate meetings and events to life for our customers. Today, we introduce you to Senior Product Manager Sofie Woods. With her expertise in product management, Sofie is engaged with the full lifecycle of MTA’s in-house software products from initial idea to development, ensuring the goals of products and features translate into an intuitive user experience.

Meet Sofie Woods, Senior Product Manager

Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Maximizer, Futuristic, Responsibility, Arranger, Relator 

Languages spoken: Swedish and English 

Tell us about your current role with MTA?

I am a senior product manager overseeing the lifecycle of our internal software products EPIC and ATTEND. Our team is involved from the initial idea of a product feature through requirement gathering and development. We also create launch plans and do follow-up tracking to ensure the goals of developing the product or a feature are met!  

What did you do before joining MTA?  

Most recently, I worked as a product director at an advertisement technology company. Before that, I was an event manager in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, where I got experience planning and working at B2B conferences.  

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

I love creating processes and being the connector between teams. A big part of my job is translating requirements and using the language and examples between different teams.

What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company?  

Our people. The amount of care that I have seen at MTA in the time I have been here is incredible! We care about each other internally, our products, and go the extra mile for the customer.  

What are some of your favorite MTA product features that are helping to transform the event experience for attendees? 

Top of mind right now is EPIC Insights, which is our data dashboard feature in EPIC. This feature allows the customer to see their event data in real-time so they can make educated decisions for the most successful events possible. 

Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important? What do you get most from this time together? 

I believe meeting our co-workers in person is so valuable for relationship building when working remotely with less frequent face-to-face time. The small talk, jokes, and meals together help “fill in the colors” and create a more complete picture of the people you might be emailing with during your days.  

Where do you live, and what do you love most about your state/city? Any must-see tourist spots? 

I live with my husband, our 2 kids, and a dog in Colorado. I love all the seasons that Colorado has to offer! The Rocky Mountains, I would say, are a must-visit. Whether it’s skiing, rock climbing, or hiking, the Rockies are amazing! I would also recommend hitting up a hot spring while you are here. We also live in Sweden for a few weeks each summer, as that is where my extended family still lives. I would recommend visiting Sweden for Midsummer, as that is one of the largest holidays and celebrations! 

Skiing the Rockies
Fika

What do you do for fun? 

Yoga, singing, traveling, volunteering, dancing, reading, tennis, and fika (Swedish term – look it up and be inspired). 

Anything else you’d like to add? 

I try to be involved in my community and recently started an initiative called Inspired By Her to amplify female voices through an annual benefit concert and a podcast. I love passion projects and initiatives and would love to hear about yours if you want to share with me! 

To learn more about the MTA Team, visit www.millertanner.com. 

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Meet MTA: Joana Edwards, Global Experience Specialist – Partnerships

The Miller Tanner Associates’ (MTA) difference is our people. That’s why we want to introduce you to our team of superstars that brings our corporate meetings and events to life for our customers. Today, we introduce you to Joana Edwards, Global Experience Specialist – Partnerships. Joana sources the best venue options that align with our customers’ event requirements and goals, meticulously managing the contracting process and paving the way for a successful event.

Meet Joana Edwards, Global Experience Specialist – Partnerships

CliftonStrengths: Intellection, Learner, Individualization, Input, Responsibility 

Languages spoken: I am fluent in English and Romanian, and intermediate in Spanish.

Tell us about your current role with MTA.

I work as a Global Experience Specialist – Partnerships, where my main responsibilities involve sourcing venue options that align with our customers’ event requirements and goals. Once a venue is selected, I manage the contracting process, ensuring all details are accurate and enabling a successful event.  

What did you do before joining MTA? 

Before joining MTA, I worked in various fields all over the world, including business development, law, public relations, and working with international organisations in areas such as diplomacy and human rights.  

What’s the best part of your job? 

My favourite part of my job is negotiating with venues. I love being able to get all the perks we possibly can for our customers, at the best possible price! It is especially rewarding to see all the savings and best event spaces we can negotiate on behalf of our customers.

From your role’s perspective, what is a key factor in a successful event? 

Preparation – this can truly set the foundation for everything to run smoothly. But in reality, things rarely go as planned, so being able to roll with the punches is just as important. Flexibility, patience, and having a supportive team make all the difference!  

What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company?

What truly makes us stand out is that MTA ‘gets it done’. No matter how impossible a request might seem, our team will always find a way to make it happen. This “go-getter “attitude and creativity are my favourite parts about working here.  

Joana pictured with fellow Global Experiences – Partnership team members.

Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important? What do you get most from this time together? 

The workshops bring everyone together in person, beyond emails and Zoom. It enables us to build trust; we get to connect face-to-face and know each other better. It’s nice to step away from the daily routine and connect with the whole team. It is a great reset, and I walk out feeling more inspired and energised!  

What do you do for fun? 

I love cooking! I am a big foodie and enjoy flavours from all over the world. I like making everything from scratch at home – it’s my creative outlet and a way to unwind.   

You are originally from? You currently reside in? What do you enjoy most about living there? Any favorite spots that you would recommend to tourists? 

I am originally from Transylvania, Romania, but I currently reside in Gilbert, Arizona. I LOVE the heat, but I definitely do not recommend visiting in summer. There is so much to see and do in Arizona, but my favourite is the Apache Trail.  

To learn more about the MTA Team, visit www.millertanner.com. 

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MTA HONORED AS GOLD, SILVER, AND BRONZE STEVIE® AWARD WINNER IN 2025 AMERICAN BUSINESS AWARDS® 

MTA Receives Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie® Awards for Event Excellence

Miller Tanner Associates (MTA) was named the winner of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie® Awards in the Events category in the 23rd Annual American Business Awards®. 

The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small.  

Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word meaning “crowned,” the awards will be presented to winners at a gala ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on Tuesday, June 10. Tickets are now on sale. 

More than 3,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories. Miller Tanner Associates was nominated for Corporate and Community Events in three categories: Brand & Experiences – Launch Event, Corporate Event, and Incentive Event. 

MTA was awarded: 

  • A Gold Stevie® Award for an unforgettable incentive event celebrated in beautiful Greece, offering tailored experiences designed by MTA’s Global Experiences Team;  
  • A Silver Stevie® Award for a launch event with full-scale thematic branding designed by MTA’s in-house creative services and flawlessly executed from start to finish by our Global Experiences Team;  
  • A Bronze Stevie® Award for a Global Commercial Leadership Corporate Event that used MTA’s innovative technology and production to elevate the attendee experience. 

MTA’s Founder and CEO Marnie Miller Battistini shared, “In our 28th year of business, Miller Tanner Associates is honored to be recognized with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie® Awards for excellence in global events. We dedicate this recognition to our talented Global Experiences Team. MTA is committed to producing exceptional, authentic experiences that combine local insights with global expertise and will continue to strive for innovation and excellence in the events industry.”   

More than 250 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners. 

“Organizations across the United States continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation,” said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller. “The 2025 Stevie winners have helped drive that success through their innovation, persistence, and hard work. We congratulate all of the winners in the 2025 ABAs and look forward to celebrating their achievements during our June 10 gala event in New York.” 

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2025 Stevie winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.     

About Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. 

Sponsors of The 2025 American Business Awards include HCLTech, Melissa Sones Consulting, and SoftPro. 

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MTA Strengthens Global Event Operations to Better Support Customers with Strategic Regional Hubs 

MTA Restructured Strategic Regional hubs

MTA Strengthens Global Event Operations to Better Support Customers with Strategic Regional Hubs 

BARCELONA, Spain – April 29, 2025 — Miller Tanner Associates (MTA), a leader in global event operations for 28 years, today announced from the Outsourcing in Clinical Trials Europe 2025 conference in Barcelona, Spain, that it has restructured operational hubs in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific regions. This strategic initiative furthers MTA’s commitment to providing exceptional international support to its pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device customers. The restructuring aligns with MTA’s mission to deliver impactful events that meet the diverse and evolving needs of its global customers.

Life sciences organizations that depend on events as vital communication platforms need partners who both understand their unique regional challenges and deliver customized solutions. MTA’s strategic setup of hubs across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific regions enables a unique blend of localized expertise and global collaboration. Each hub navigates its region’s distinct cultural landscape while maintaining consistent quality standards. By leveraging strong partnerships with trusted local venues and service providers, MTA delivers authentic and meaningful event experiences that respond quickly to customers’ evolving needs.

“By restructuring our hubs, we’re able to anticipate market-specific needs and provide support that’s both responsive and personalized. This approach helps our customers feel confident that every event—no matter where it’s held—will be executed with local insight and global expertise,” said Marnie Miller Battistini, Chief Executive Officer of MTA.

MTA’s operational strategy is spearheaded by a Senior Leadership Team that directs its global operations. Driving the success of each strategic hub are regional operational leaders: EMEA Hub Lead – Conor Barry, VP, Global Experiences;  Americas Hub Lead – Christina Serra, Senior Director, Global Experiences; and APAC Hub Lead – Huajia Yu, Global Experiences Success Manager. These strategically located hubs are essential to MTA’s ability to maintain a strong and consistent presence in key global markets.

“This regional model gives us the agility and local insight to create experiences that are more aligned, more meaningful, and more impactful,” said Dublin-based VP, Global Experiences, Conor Barry. “It also allows us to strengthen our partnerships with trusted local vendors, adding depth and authenticity to everything we deliver.”

MTA’s restructured regional approach empowers the company to deliver tailored event experiences that meet the specific compliance requirements and business objectives in each market. This operational model provides the agility to adapt to changing circumstances, ensures regulatory alignment across diverse jurisdictions, and allows for seamless scaling of events while fostering knowledge sharing across regions. The hub structure reinforces MTA’s position as an industry leader capable of providing both hyper-local expertise and globally consistent standards—a critical advantage for life sciences customers operating in highly regulated international markets.

About Miller Tanner Associates (MTA)
MTA is a global leader in event operational strategy and execution, dedicated to supporting the international presence of its customers through innovative and localized approaches. Established 28 years ago, MTA continues to set the standard for excellence in global event management and operations. To learn more about MTA, please visit www.millertanner.com.   

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Meet MTA: Lakin Rupiper, Accounts Payable Manager

The Miller Tanner Associates’ (MTA) difference is our people. That’s why we want to introduce you to our team of superstars that brings our corporate meetings and events to life for our customers. Today we introduce you to Accounts Payable Manager Lakin Rupiper. With extensive experience across diverse industries including hospitality, healthcare, and business networking, Lakin brings a wealth of expertise to her role.

Meet Lakin Rupiper, Accounts Payable Manager

Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Woo, Activator, Positivity, Empathy, Communication 

Tell us about your current role with MTA. What are your primary responsibilities?

I am the Accounts Payable Manager. My primary responsibilities are paying our vendor invoices, supporting finance with hotel bill reconciliations and payments, and reviewing and paying employee reimbursements. 

What did you do before joining MTA?

My career has primarily been in accounting-related roles. I have worked in various industries including title insurance, hospitality, medical, business networking, and recruiting. My first job in Nashville was with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce which was a lot of fun and gave me a little bit of a sneak peek into event coordination (on a much smaller scale)!  

Lakin along with Finance Team members and CEO Marnie Battistini volunteering at Thistle Farms in Nashville, TN

What do you feel are the most fulfilling aspects of your job?

The most fulfilling aspect of my job is when I am able to help improve a process for the greater good of the team/company. I have always been flexible to change, and value efficiency. When I can make improvements that help my team, it feels so rewarding!  

What are some ways that the Finance Team takes the burden off of the customer when planning an event?

Finance plays a critical role by supporting our Global Experiences Team. Paying vendors and hotels in a timely, efficient manner allows our Global Experiences Team to focus on the customers’ needs and build relationships that will greatly impact the success of an event. Great communication internally will allow for the customer to focus on the event content and less on the clerical tasks & planning! 

Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important? What do you get most from this time together?

This July will be my first workshop! I have heard great things about this time shared together and the connections made. I cannot wait to meet the MTA family!  

What do you do for fun?

I fully embrace being a mom to my two little girls! My favorite things to do are to take them to the zoo, farmers markets, or to local farms to play and see animals. My husband and I love attending concerts (that’s how we met). When I am having “me time” I like to go to brunch with my friends and occasionally line dancing! I love country music!  

Where do you live and what do you love most about your state/city? Any must-see tourist spots?

I moved to Nashville, TN four years ago! I am originally from Phoenix, Arizona so the best parts about living in Nashville are the seasonal changes and greenery! In Phoenix, it’s just hot and hotter! My family loves living in TN and has the best time exploring and seeing new places. My favorite recommendation to people visiting is Arrington Vineyards. It’s such a beautiful property. The wine is tasty and the winery is also family-friendly! My girls love dancing to the live music they have on the weekends.  

Anything else you’d like to add?

I am grateful to be a part of MTA. When reflecting on my experience since working here, the word CARE always comes to mind. Everyone I have interacted with has embodied supportive, compassionate, and kind communication and assistance. It is clear that the culture of MTA prioritizes flexibility and the well-being of our colleagues and that means so much to me! 

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What is Event Branding & Why is it Important?

Event branding is creating a unique identity for your upcoming event. While it may seem time-consuming and overwhelming at first, the ROI of event branding efforts is impressive. This approach allows you to attract the right audience and capitalize on its participation in the future.

The goal is to make your event stand out from the very competitive crowd and help your audience dive into your ideas. Branding creates memories that boost your business authority and help with further marketing efforts.

Implementing branding into event planning can help you achieve the desired business goals.

The Purpose of Event Branding

Event branding can have several purposes. They depend on the type of the event and your business goals. Some of these purposes are:

  • Competitiveness: A distinct identity can help your event stand out from the crowd and stay in the audience’s memory for a long time.
  • Lead Generation: An event with strong branding can attract the right audience, which is likely to begin its journey down the sales funnel on the spot.
  • Credibility: Strong event branding can help attract sponsors and media coverage.

Proper event branding doesn’t just help you achieve the goals of the current event but also sets the stage for future happenings. The rule of thumb is to align the event branding with your company branding efforts but avoid making them identical.

Key Elements of Event Branding

Event branding is similar to product branding. If you think about your event as your product or service, event branding ideas will come more easily. Here are a few things to consider:

Event Name and Theme

Your event’s name and overall theme should reflect the event’s purpose and appeal to the target audience. A compelling name is easy to remember and recognize in the future.

Visual Identity

This includes the logo, color scheme, typography, and design elements used across all event materials. Consistency in visuals reinforces the brand identity.

Event Messaging and Tone

The language and communication style you use when promoting the event or creating presentations should be consistent. Ideally, you should come up with an event slogan that appears throughout all branding materials for the event.

Marketing

A strong promotional strategy includes social media, email campaigns, and paid advertising. It allows you to reach the right people before and after the event. Collected audience data from the event can help you follow up and create personalized offers in the future.

On-Site Experience

From signage and stage design to branded giveaways, the event space should immerse attendees in your brand identity. Consider investing in creative design and branded event products that the audience can take home after the event.

Why Is Event Branding Important?

A well-executed branding strategy can help you build trust and engagement. Strong branding doesn’t just make your event memorable. It helps attendees associate it with a meaningful and valuable experience. This increases the likelihood of the audience returning for future events and recommending them to others.

Consistent branding across all touchpoints reinforces your company’s authority in its industry. A professionally branded event reflects value and helps strengthen your relationships with sponsors and partners.

In the long run, a well-branded event enhances your organization’s reputation and contributes to its success.

Contact Miller Tanner Associates to Learn More About Event Branding Today

Event branding is rarely an optional approach. It’s a must-do for achieving both event and business goals. If you want to maximize your event’s ROI, consider investing in its branding.

At Miller Tanner Associates, we have years of experience in event planning and branding. Contact us today to discuss your event branding needs today.

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