Miller Tanner Associates Team, Author at Miller Tanner Associates

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

Having your SMEs present in face-to-face investigator meetings 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.

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Meet MTA: Kimberly Fiscus, Senior Global Experience Specialist, Events

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 Sr. Global Experience Specialist – Events Kimberly Fiscus. Kimberly collaborates cross-functionally with the team to ensure alignment on strategies that enhance our impact in delivering greater value to our customers. Her proactive approach and commitment to excellence make her a key contributor to our ongoing success in customer experience.

Meet Kimberly Fiscus, Senior Global Experience Specialist – Events

Strengths as defined by Clifton StrengthsFinder? Maximizer, Positivity, Developer, Strategic, Relator

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

In my role as Sr. Global Experience (GX) Specialist, I strategically lead the GX team in our ongoing efforts to elevate the customer and attendee experience. Working at both granular and macro levels gives me a unique opportunity to develop impactful trainings and drive continuous improvement across our operational processes. I also collaborate cross-functionally with other team leads to ensure alignment, share insights, and identify new opportunities to enhance our impact.

What did you do before joining MTA?

Prior to MTA, I worked in PR and marketing; those jobs encompassed many things, including events, which were always my favorite. Following that passion is what led me here!

meet MTA — Kimberly pictured with MTA Global Experiences Team members.

What’s the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing efficiencies that help the team work smarter and deliver better results. It’s so rewarding to see that small changes have a big impact!

What’s been your favorite event destination as an event planning professional?

Seoul, South Korea, blew me away… the people, the food, the culture! I can’t wait to return to Asia.

What’s been your most memorable event to date and why?

My most memorable event to date was collaborating to deliver a high-touch program for global VIP customers in Las Vegas. I led the development of custom registration paths and managed an on-site team of twelve, overseeing everything from pop-up lunches and welcome gifts to ushering in Elvis and supporting an F1 racecar excursion. Coordinating so many moving parts to create a seamless and memorable experience was both challenging and incredibly rewarding!

Do you have a few great travel tips that you could share?

Invest in a smart carry-on suitcase. (If you must check a bag – which goes against my personal ethos – put an airtag on it!) A white noise app and earplugs are a game-changer for hotel sleep. Take walks around the city to orient yourself. Ask for recommendations from locals (and try new dishes!). Always listen to your instincts. Stay open & curious!

What’s the one must-have for every event?

Your TEAM! Truly, nothing is impossible with this incredibly capable group.

What do you do for fun?

Read, walk, and spend time with my family and French Bulldog puppy, Rex! Of course, I also love to travel – we just returned from a trip to San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Big Sur, California. My first drive along the infamously gorgeous Highway 1 did not disappoint!

What do you enjoy most about living in your city/state? Any favorite spots that you would recommend to tourists?

I’m from a beautiful, small town in north Georgia, at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Being that my dad is a pilot is what opened the world up to me – there is so much to see and explore! If you have a chance to visit Athens, Georgia, don’t sleep on The Lark, a great neighborhood wine shop, or the trails at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company? What’s your favorite aspect of MTA?

Miller Tanner Associates’ team and operations are deeply rooted in the core values of service, agility, trust, character, and talent empowerment – meaning we are always working from a place of integrity to meet each customer’s needs rather than use a one-size-fits-all approach. And did you know that we’re not just a meeting planning company? MTA is also continuing to innovate in the tech space with our event planning and engagement software.

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

MTA is full of talented and smart people… spread across the globe. It’s during the Workshop that we all come together and truly connect, as well as align on collective goals and organically ideate. I also find inspiration from the messages shared by the Senior Leadership Team. That MTA prioritizes this time of connection speaks to its culture and values!

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Introducing ALEX™ A Learning Experience Revolutionizing Life Sciences Training

Introducing ALEX™: The Cost-Effective, Specialized Learning Management System Revolutionizing Life Sciences Training

[Nashville, July 31, 2025] — Miller Tanner Associates (MTA) is proud to announce the release of ALEX^™, a cutting-edge Learning Management System (LMS) designed specifically for healthcare professionals engaged in life sciences and pharmaceutical studies. ALEX^™ delivers essential LMS features tailored to meet the complex training needs of this specialized industry.

Developed to navigate the complexities of multi-study protocols and diverse role-based training needs, ALEX^™ offers a fully integrated platform that streamlines onboarding, ensures 100% training compliance throughout the life of a study, and relieves the burden of site staff turnover.

“Healthcare organizations face unique challenges managing complex training requirements across multiple roles and studies. ALEX^™ addresses this challenge by providing an intuitive interface that keeps users informed and training up-to-date all within one seamless platform,” noted Meredeth Brower, MTA Technology Services Product Lead.

Within the platform, administrators can send customized notifications for training updates, reminders, and FAQs directly to learners, ensuring timely communication that drives compliance. Meanwhile, learners benefit from clear progress tracking and engaging content.

ALEX^™ Key Features & Benefits Include:

Comprehensive Role-Based Training: Delivers complex curricula customized for diverse roles within pharmaceutical studies.

Integrated Tracking & Reporting: Enables real-time visibility into who has completed required trainings, certifications, and assessments.

User-Friendly Experience: Intuitive navigation helps learners easily access materials, track progress, and find supporting resources.

Administrative Control: Allows administrators to send targeted notifications about training updates and reminders with data visualization capabilities that transform reports into easy-to-understand formats.

Post-Event Content Distribution: Guarantees 100 percent completion and compliance to meet training objectives.

Future Enhancements: Planned gamification elements will boost engagement without compromising compliance standards.

Designed as both a stand-alone solution and as an integration with EPIC^™, MTA’s proprietary event planning software, ALEX^™ supports pre-event engagement and post-event reinforcement, enhancing knowledge retention across continuous education cycles.

“MTA is thrilled to introduce ALEX™, designed specifically for organizations looking for effective training solutions that enhance efficiency, lower costs, and ensure 100% compliance and participation. By combining MTA’s expertise in the event industry with cutting-edge training technology, organizations can now present content in more engaging and dynamic formats,” added Brower.

With its specialized focus on life sciences study environments, ALEX^™offers a cost-effective LMS solution for ensuring consistent delivery of critical training content for both administrators and learners.

For more information about how ALEX^™can transform your organization’s learning experience or to schedule a demo, please visit www.millertanner.com or contact marketing@millertanner.com.

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MTA Global Workshop 2024 Awards

At Miller Tanner Associates’ (MTA) 2025 Annual Global Workshop, we recognize the distinguished associates who have gone above and beyond for our customers and for each other during 2024. We recognize these team members for five special awards presented at our Annual Workshop.

MTA Marnie Award – Selina Rogers, Manager of Financial Analytics
MTA Story of the Year Award – Jesse Torres, Solutions Architect, Technology Services
MTA Theme of the Year Award – Tanya Semenova, Global Experience Specialist – Events
MTA Saver Award – Taylor Tomlinson, Director, Proposals
MTA Gift of Service Award – Kimberly Fiscus, Sr. Global Experience Specialist – Events

MTA MARNIE AWARD: Selina Rogers, Manager of Financial Analytics

MTA’s Marnie Award, a special award given by CEO Marnie Miller Battistini, recognizes the person she believes has impacted MTA the most during the year. The Marnie Award recipient embodies the best of what MTA values and exemplifies. It’s a personal award seen from the CEO’s vantage point each year.

We are pleased to announce Manager of Financial Analytics Selina Rogers as the recipient of the 2024 Marnie Award!

Selina has truly transformed how MTA visualizes and understands event data, bringing to life insights we’ve only dreamed of before. From the moment she joined, Selina’s excitement, skill, and dedication have been nothing short of miraculous. Last year marked the launch of Epic Insights, but this year Selina has taken it even further by expanding beyond software into storytelling with data. Her analytical mind and ability to translate complex numbers into meaningful narratives have made a dramatic impact on key projects. Her work is a major factor setting MTA apart from other event planning companies, elevating our entire team’s capabilities.

Beyond her technical expertise, Selina’s calm leadership under pressure and willingness to take on diverse projects—such as helping lead and mentor on other projects, ensuring the team’s continued growth. She embodies MTA’s theme of connection by linking data with people in ways that inspire understanding and action. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and grateful for everything she brings to our organization.

MTA STORY OF THE YEAR AWARD: Jesse Torres, Solutions Architect, Technology Services

Miller Tanner Associates are storytellers. We tell stories through our events, through our products, and through the various acts of kindness the MTA global team performs each day. Every year, we ask the MTA team to share their stories of the past year’s challenges, successes, and accomplishments.

We are pleased to present the 2024 Story of the Year award to Jesse Torres, Solutions Architect. Jesse’s work on the travel importer stands out as a remarkable achievement, as an AI-driven application. Despite initial setbacks with the original platform, Jesse demonstrated impressive perseverance by rebuilding the solution from scratch on a new platform. This involved mastering multiple AI libraries and services to accurately analyze travel documents—identifying language, time zones, and traveler details—all while managing costs effectively to keep expenses down. His engineering expertise saved countless hours of manual work, freeing up the team to focus on more meaningful tasks.

Beyond its technical success, Jesse’s project opened unexpected doors for MTA as subject matter experts. The collaboration led to high-profile opportunities with BOX, resulting in an hour-long fireside chat featuring Jesse and colleagues, with prominent exposure on Box’s website seen by thousands. This combination of solid engineering skill and strategic visibility showcased Jesse’s contribution not only as a technical triumph but also as a thought leader in the event technology industry. Congratulations to Jesse for this outstanding accomplishment.

“CONNECT” – MTA THEME OF THE YEAR AWARD: Tanya Semenova, Global Experience Specialist – Events

Each year, MTA creates a theme for the year. We believe that a theme sets the tone, provides the direction, and allows the team to focus on a central theme for one calendar year. This year’s theme was “Connect”.

Congratulations to Global Experience Specialist – Events Tanya Semenova, recipient of MTA’s 2024 Theme of the Year Award – “Connect”.

Tanya has emerged as an exceptional and quietly powerful leader within our team over the past year. She has pioneered innovative approaches not only in MTA’s core operating model but also in complex event categories like congress/conference. Tanya quickly mastered connecting various third-party systems, streamlining the entire event infrastructure—from invites and registration to data and logistics management—to create seamless, best-in-class experiences for our customers. Her ability to rapidly find fresh, thoughtful solutions has ensured every event’s success, particularly with congresses.

Tanya transformed a previously underperforming system by embracing feedback and delivering outstanding service with remarkable speed and precision. Over the past year, she’s become an expert, providing white-glove service to our customers. The team praises her as a force of pure excellence with an intuitive understanding of customer needs. For these reasons, we are proud to award Tanya the MTA Theme of the Year – “Connect”.

MTA SAVER AWARD: Taylor Tomlinson, Director, Proposals

The MTA 2024 Saver Award recognizes the MTA team member for their exceptional ability to save time, effort and/or resources for our customers and the MTA Team.

Congratulations to Director – Proposals, Taylor Tomlinson, recipient of the MTA Saver Award. Taylor has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication over the past year in transforming MTA’s budgeting process through the successful implementation of CPQ solutions. Taking on a highly complex budget tool, Taylor worked closely with our partner to manage and automate quality control processes and establish standards that significantly reduced human error. Through clear communication and strong collaboration across departments, Taylor ensured that the new budgeting tool met the diverse needs of all user groups.

Beyond improving efficiency and accuracy, Taylor’s work integrated CPQ to automate project creation, saving substantial time and effort. The enhanced system now provides valuable insights into product-level usage that were previously unavailable. Additionally, she led a major enhancement earlier this year to improve the budgeting interface for customers in partnership with Global Experiences. Overall, her visionary leadership has not only modernized a critical business process but also delivered lasting benefits across multiple teams and functions.

MTA GIFT OF SERVICE AWARD: Kimberly Fiscus, Sr. Global Experience Specialist – Events

The Gift of Service Award recognizes associates who exemplify MTA’s core values by providing exceptional service to both customers and to their fellow team members.

Congratulations to Sr. Global Experience Specialist – Events Kimberly Fiscus, this year’s MTA Gift of Service Award recipient. She is widely recognized for her quiet strength, strategic mindset, and steady, deliberate approach to leadership. Her curiosity drives a deep understanding of complex challenges both professionally and personally. Known as a natural innovator, she consistently seeks smarter and more inclusive ways to share knowledge, build systems, and foster connections. Her ability to transform big ideas into actionable processes has had a clear and lasting impact on the team’s success.

Through her work—whether leading complex customer experiences or creating resources that empower others—she demonstrates precision, care, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. She adapts gracefully, serves with humility, and leads with intention, setting the foundation for exceptional customer service. Colleagues have noted that Kimberly has made “MTA magic visible,” making her a truly deserving recipient of this year’s Gift of Service Award.

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Flawless by Design: How MTA Delivered at ATS Congress

With a growing agenda, global attendees, and evolving needs, MTA delivered flawless execution through smart tools and strategy.

The Event

A global life sciences customer participated in the 2025 American Thoracic Society (ATS) Congress in San Francisco, CA. With both commercial and medical teams on-site, the customer hosted a robust slate of activities. This multi-layered presence required 6–8 months of meticulous planning across stakeholders, platforms, and vendors. From the outset, MTA was embedded as a strategic partner – ensuring alignment, readiness, and room for agility as congress needs evolved.

The Challenge

This global congress brought together internal stakeholders and HCPs from around the world. Due to varying international travel requirements, our team navigated time-sensitive attendee changes driven by external restrictions at the country level.

Adding to the complexity, the customer’s agenda expanded significantly in the weeks leading up to ATS due to evolving internal priorities. These additions were linked to broader developments in the product lifecycle and required rapid pivoting to accommodate critical, cross-functional activities without impacting previously confirmed plans.

Despite budget parameters and vendor-related pressures, MTA led with precision. Our approach: focus on what works – clean handoffs, scalable frameworks, and thoughtful use of tools to reduce friction and keep execution strong through the finish line.

The Results

MTA’s team delivered flawlessly across every aspect of the event:

Proactive Preparedness: Anticipating potential last-minute changes, our team pre-printed badges, configured overflow plans, and implemented signage strategies to manage traffic and streamline guest navigation.
Strategic Staffing: Described as “perfect” by senior stakeholders, staffing was aligned to every touchpoint through detailed forecasting, delivering VIP-level support while remaining within budget.
Vendor & Venue Coordination: Strong relationships with congress organizers allowed for swift venue sourcing and approvals – critical to accommodating new activity layers within a narrow planning window.
Agility Through Collaboration: Working across shared platforms, we jointly identified and deployed the most effective tools for real-time documentation and communication. This enabled us to ideate and execute an entire suite of newly added activities – some finalized just weeks ahead of the congress.

And perhaps the best endorsement came from a highly experienced stakeholder who remarked:

“No one called me or asked me any questions, either in the week before or while you guys were onsite. And I think that speaks to the amazing execution that everybody did.”

Even well-planned programs present unexpected surprises behind the scenes. The stakeholder’s comment reflects the depth of trust our customers place in MTA to manage complexity seamlessly and deliver with confidence.

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Success Story: President’s Club Celebrates Achievement, Culture, and ‘Ohana in Hawaii

The Event

Celebration and recognition of the President’s Club and Chairman’s Club winners for approximately 32 attendees.

The Challenge

The goal of the incentive trip was to provide a unique experience at a remote Hawaiian destination that focused on celebration and relaxation. Working within a limited budget for this event, the MTA team leveraged in-house creative capabilities to achieve the overall goals of this destination event.

The Results

The MTA Team delivered a truly unforgettable 4-day President’s Club experience in Maui. Nestled along Maui’s northwest coast, this lush, tropical paradise set the perfect stage for four days of celebration, relaxation, and connection. From sweeping ocean views to vibrant sunsets and the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality, the destination itself played a starring role in the program’s success.

The top sales performers and their guests were treated to white-glove service and personalized touches from start to finish. From customized gifting and activities to a robust communication plan and a centralized hospitality hub, no detail was overlooked. Guests experienced immersive cultural storytelling, impactful experiential activations, and a heartfelt legacy gift.

Program highlights included:

Waves of Welcome dinner on the oceanfront lawn, complete with a live coconut-chopping activation and custom-branded details.
Personalized, room-dropped gifts included a beach cooler with various sundries and local Maui snacks thoughtfully selected to reflect the spirit of Maui, and an invitation to a personalized shopping experience on property.
Individually selected and curated activities, from indulgent luxury spa treatments, exhilarating zipline adventures through lush rainforests, to a personalized guided nature tour of Maui’s Honolua Ridgeline Walk of native landscapes.
A full group cultural evening at the iconic Old Lahaina Luau, where guests enjoyed traditional Hawaiian cuisine, storytelling, and hula under the stars.
A group catamaran snorkel sail exploring the pristine sights of the Hawaiian Coast.
Individually arranged dinner reservations at some of Maui’s most sought-after restaurants, giving guests the chance to explore the island’s culinary scene at their own pace.
A pop-up poolside cabana day offering refreshing sips, shade, and a casual way for guests to relax and connect.
A meaningful CSR give-back moment with the donation of a native breadfruit tree known locally as ‘ulu in the group’s honor.
A final evening awards dinner inspired by Anuenue, the Hawaiian word for RAINBOW, celebrated the vibrant spectrum of achievements with colorful details and heartfelt recognition.

awards — Colorful displays reflect the *Anuenue* theme.

Customer Feedback

“Thanks again for making our President’s Club trip special. You both make it look so easy and seamless, but I know there is a lot of hard work in the background that you do.”

“It was such a pleasure to meet you again this year. Your team did an excellent job for the second year in a row. Great time and an amazing place! Thank you!”

“You all made the trip phenomenal!”

Summary

This President’s Club trip was an extraordinary four-day experience where top-performing winners and guests embarked on a luxurious journey through one of Hawaii’s most iconic destinations. Each day combined a balance of planned excursions and free time to create the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. This President’s Club experience not only celebrated success but fostered deeper connections among winners, making it a memorable reward for top performers.

Learn more about MTA’s corporate event planning services here.

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Meet MTA: Sarah Coffman, Key Account Manager, Congress

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 Key Account Manager, Congress, Sarah Coffman. Sarah’s dedication to fostering strong relationships and her innovative approach to congress management make her an invaluable asset to our team, offering seamless coordination, creative solutions, and an unforgettable congress experience for our customers.

Meet Sarah Coffman, Key Account Manager, Congress

Strengths as defined by Clifton StrengthsFinder? Arranger, Connectedness, Intellection, Positivity, Strategic

Languages spoken:

Currently learning Spanish! And while I may not be fluent in another language just yet, I do speak “Congress” — which helps me connect with our customers, understand their unique goals, and collaborate seamlessly with our internal teams (also fluent in “Congress language”) to bring their congress vision into reality.

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

In my role as a key account manager at MTA, I serve as the strategic bridge between our customers and internal teams, ensuring that every interaction is not just transactional but truly transformational. I focus on building and nurturing strong, trust-based relationships with our customers while continuously identifying opportunities to expand these partnerships.

What did you do before joining MTA?

I began my events career in high school catering, which sparked a lifelong passion for creating meaningful experiences. After earning my degree in event management, I worked in luxury hospitality before transitioning to life sciences. Over the years, I’ve managed global congress logistics, housing, and compliance, eventually moving into program management, where I aligned brand strategy with seamless execution to deliver impactful congresses across the globe.

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

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is helping customers uncover the full potential of MTA’s congress capabilities. Many aren’t aware of just how much support we can provide – from logistics to engagement to data-driven strategy. I love being able to connect the dots for them, showing how we can streamline operations, reduce risk, and ultimately elevate the entire congress experience. Collaborating with our internal experts to tailor solutions that meet each client’s unique needs is incredibly rewarding.

What are some of the latest trends you are seeing with congress meetings and events?

In 2025, events, especially congresses, are increasingly guided by data-informed planning, where every element is tied to purpose and performance. Customers want measurable ROI, not just from HCP engagement and booth traffic, but also from ancillary events and internal spend. There’s a growing focus on qualifying business activities by their true impact, ensuring resources are allocated intentionally. With tools that support real-time logistics and attendee-level tracking, teams can refine strategy on the ground, avoid unnecessary spend, and tell a fuller story of congress value.

The best congresses aren’t built on flashy tactics – they’re built on strong fundamentals, executed flawlessly.

What are some key strategies for launching a successful congress meeting?

Success starts with mastering the basics. A deep understanding of congress registration and housing nuances can prevent costly missteps and help teams fully leverage sponsorship benefits. Precision in planning, timeline management, and vendor negotiation keeps logistics flowing smoothly and avoids unnecessary stress later. And having the right tools – whether for communication, event management, or real-time analytics – means teams stay aligned and proactive, not reactive. The best congresses aren’t built on flashy tactics – they’re built on strong fundamentals, executed flawlessly.

What’s one misconception from customers regarding congress events?

A common misconception is that greater impact requires greater spending. In reality, working with experienced congress partners allows teams to be more strategic and thoughtful. By cutting waste, optimizing sponsorship benefits, and streamlining execution, customers can invest intentionally in the areas that truly move the needle – often achieving stronger outcomes without overspending.

What is the one must-have for every event?

Simple. Great agency partners. In life sciences, where compliance, precision, and cross-functional alignment are critical, having the right partners makes all the difference. From proposal to reconciliation, it takes a team: account and customer success managers, project leads, delegate management experts, venue sourcing, and financial analysts – working behind the scenes to bring clarity, control, and strategic value to every congress. A great agency doesn’t just execute; they elevate the experience, ensuring every touchpoint supports the science and delivers meaningful impact.

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

We don’t just plan meetings – we engineer outcomes. At MTA, we combine deep life sciences expertise with smart tech, agile, creative execution, and flawless logistics. Our proprietary tools give customers real-time visibility and a full picture of financial analytics, empowering smarter decisions and measurable outcomes. From compliance to congress strategy, we simplify the complex so our customers can focus on what really matters: driving impact.

Where are you from and where do you currently reside? What do you enjoy most about the area? Any recommended tourist spots?

I’m originally from Indiana and will always be a Midwesterner at heart, but now I proudly call San Antonio home. It’s a big city with a small-town feel – full of heart, amazing food, and warm hospitality. I also appreciate the mild winters… no more shoveling snow! If you’re ever in town, you have to stroll along the River Walk. It’s scenic, vibrant, and captures the welcoming spirit of San Antonio perfectly.

What do you do for fun?

I love spending quality time with my two children, family, and our “friends that are like family.” Staying active is a big part of my life – dancing and Pilates are my go-to workouts. I also enjoy hiking and making weekend trips to the South Texas beaches whenever I can.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m truly grateful to be part of a team that values collaboration, creativity, and excellence. There’s something really special about working alongside people who care deeply about what they do – and about each other. I’ve formed some amazing friendships here at MTA and look forward to celebrating many successes with this incredible group of people for many years to come!

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

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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

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.