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 Proposal Specialist Lauren Witt. Lauren’s extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry allows her to approach her role in the Commercial Team with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of customer needs.
Meet Lauren Witt, Proposal Specialist
Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Empathy, Arranger, Consistency, Relator, Analytical
Tell us about your current role with MTA. What are your primary responsibilities?
I work within the Commercial Team as a proposals specialist. The Proposals Team works with the key account managers to create budgets for our customers’ meetings based on the type of meeting, how many attendees, ideal locations, etc. We also tweak and update proposals based on any changes that might be needed before our customers’ meetings.
How long have you been with MTA? I started in February 2023.
What did you do before joining MTA?
I worked in hotels as a catering and conference service manager (CSM). I’ve worked in hotels my entire career before starting at MTA.
What do you feel are the most fulfilling aspects of your job?
I love to see a meeting that we worked on move to contract. The Proposals Team rarely works with the customer directly, but we learn a lot about their meetings and get invested in the events while working on the budgets, so it’s always great to know someone from our MTA team will be helping to see the meeting through to completion.
One of the things we learn about the investigators’ meetings is the impact our customers’ research will have on real people, so it’s nice to know we have a contribution to that.
What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company?
After working with many different event planning companies as a CSM while working in hotels, I could quickly see how our MTA team works to create a seamless experience for our customers. From the beginning, we start collaborating with the customers so we ensure the planning starts on the right foot with the best venue, best dates, ensuring all regulations are met, etc. I’ve had the chance to chat with many of our Global Experience Team members and it’s obvious they truly care about the events they are working with. Knowing there is a whole team of people with so much knowledge and the desire to create the best possible event allows clients to focus on the purpose of their event.
Where are you from and where do you currently reside? What do you enjoy most about the area? Any recommended tourist spots?
I currently live in Alexandria, VA. I grew up in northern Virginia about 45 minutes outside of D.C., so I’ve been here my whole life. It’s great being so close to D.C. and being able to go into the city for museums, plays, restaurants, etc. but Alexandria has Old Town which is so cute with fun events throughout the year like outdoor art installations or the Boat Parade around Christmas!
What do you do for fun?
I like to cook and try new recipes I see on Pinterest or the Food Network channel. I also like to travel… and eat while traveling. 😊
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 Software Engineer Patrick O’Brien. As a member of our Technology Services Team, Patrick focuses on enhancements of our software products and creates user-friendly tools that deliver a more efficient, hassle-free experience for our customers and their attendees.
Meet Patrick O’Brien, Software Engineer
Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Restorative, Intellection, Connectedness, Analytical, Responsibility
Tell us about your current role with MTA? What are your primary responsibilities?
I’m a software engineer here at MTA. I work primarily on enhancing our existing software assets as well as creating new tools for our internal team and customers, such as our new Attend mobile app. I’m known as the iOS guy on the team and I love that. Working on bringing this app to iPhones, iPads, and desktops has been a fun experience. Don’t worry if you’re an Android user, our team has that covered too.
How long have you been with MTA? Since 2023
What did you do before joining MTA?
I worked in a few healthcare-related startups here in San Diego – that’s right, actual brick-and-mortar offices. One of the places I worked was focusing on chiropractic software so that was interesting talking to chiropractors about their office management needs and translating that into a software deliverable. Another startup I work with specialized in pet health. As an animal lover and pet parent myself, the work we did there was very rewarding for me.
Languages spoken, if applicable.
Outside of programming languages, I currently only speak English. But I’ve been working hard on French Duolingo lessons so hopefully soon I’ll be able to say “Je parle français et anglais,” but not quite yet.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The team. Hands down this is the best team I’ve ever been lucky enough to work with. Everyone is humble, collaborative, knowledgeable, and willing to learn. There are no egos. All that matters is the work we are doing and making sure it is done right. Plus, everyone is so friendly. It’s really fun working with this team.
Where do you live and what do you love most about your state/city? Any must-see tourist spots?
I live in San Diego, California so pretty much everywhere is a must-see tourist spot. But I really love the culture of this city. We’re laid back but driven. People still smile and say hello here when you pass by them. I also love the convenience of living in a city. There is always something happening here, be it a farmer’s market, some kind of entertainment event, or something else, it’s never boring here.
What do you do for fun?
I’m a big football (soccer) fan. I follow three leagues and just absolutely love the sport. In the English Premier League, I’m a Manchester United supporter; with Major League Soccer here in the U.S., I support LAFC (let’s go 3252!); and in the German Bundesliga, I follow Bayern Munich. It’s great to see the sport growing so much support here in the States. I also love running. I find that going for a run can clear my mind and help me find the calm I need when starting my day or during really stressful times.
What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company?
MTA is people-focused, meaning that the work we do across all departments is focused not just on the event or the company we are supporting but also on the people who will be attending the event(s) and the experience they have. Speaking specifically from a technical aspect, I can tell you the new Attend mobile/desktop app has been created with a user-friendly approach; we’re constantly asking ourselves does this make sense to the user and is this experience one that is intuitive and automatic for a new user.
What are some of your favorite tech trends?
My most favorite tech trend is the adoption of passkeys. I always forget my passwords and even when I use password managers like Apple’s keychain I end up with multiple passwords for each website or service I am trying to log into. It can get confusing, so I think passkeys will help with that.
Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important? What do you get most from this time together?
Meeting my coworkers face-to-face is incredibly helpful for a new employee. I was able to put faces to names and have work-related conversations that are difficult to reproduce online. It was also great to have some downtime with the team to just chat about non-work-related things and get to know them. Leaving the Workshop, I felt a part of something and I continue to feel that today. The workshop helped instill a sense of purpose about what we do and how my department contributes to that purpose.
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 Global Experience Designer – Production Anna Vincze, MTA’s Hungary-based associate. Anna is a seasoned expert in event production, project management, and event planning. She utilizes her expertise to bring to our customers fully integrated, exceptional event experiences through seamless production.
Meet Anna Vincze, Global Experience Designer – Production
Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Harmony, Intellection, Input, Consistency, Developer
Languages spoken, if applicable. Hungarian, English, and French
Tell us about your current role with MTA? What are your primary responsibilities?
I am a global experience production manager. Currently, I am focusing mostly on virtual events, as my role is to guide the customers throughout the virtual event experience, identify their needs, and offer suitable technical solutions. I also help the speakers prepare and familiarize themselves with the platform. I provide support during the event and perform behind-the-scenes tasks.
How long have you been with MTA? I started working for MTA in 2021 and I joined the team full-time in June 2023.
Is your background in media production? What did you do before MTA?
I spent the first 8 years of my career in the hotel industry where I worked in 5-star hotels in Budapest as an event specialist, organizing conferences, corporate events, and weddings. During that time, I worked in close cooperation with audio-visual production companies, and I was always amazed by their work and how much impact they have on events. So, I decided to try something new and started to work as a project manager at an AV production company which allowed me to explore new aspects of event management. Then the pandemic happened and I shifted my focus to virtual events which was a bit of an unknown terrain at that time, but it was very exciting to explore the possibilities and learn new things every day.
What do you enjoy most/favorite aspect of your job?
I love the entire process of event planning – the fact that we start from scratch, the customers come with a broad plan, we work out the details and then make the whole thing happen. AV is usually not the primary interest of the customers, but I love to show them how much you can achieve with a little effort. You can completely transform the ambiance of a venue by simply changing the lighting or elevating the attendee experience by adding some interactive tools; you can even leave an impression by selecting the right music for a specific moment. When it comes to virtual events, most people are not big fans and some even find it scary because they feel like they are not in control. It makes me really happy when I can make that process stress-free and help them achieve an engaging and successful meeting – even if it is completely virtual.
AV is usually not the primary interest of the customers, but I love to show them how much you can achieve with a little effort…It makes me really happy when I can make that process stress-free and help them achieve an engaging and successful meeting – even if it is completely virtual.
What’s been your most favorite location for a meeting and why?
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to spend a week in Edinburgh working on a conference. I instantly fell in love with the city, the historical buildings, the pubs, and the whole atmosphere. The highlight of the program was the gala dinner at the National Museum of Scotland where a band called Red Hot Chili Pipers played hit songs on bagpipes. It was an incredible experience!
What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company, in your opinion?
The whole team is passionate about their jobs and dedicated to exceeding expectations. As an employee, I appreciate the level of trust that we have at MTA. You have the space to manage your work at your discretion but, at the same time, if you need support, you can 100% rely on your colleagues.
What’s your best advice that you would give to a customer when it comes to planning their media needs?
My suggestion would be to rely more on your event manager and production manager. You are working with professionals for a reason, and you can trust that any recommendation or guidance provided by MTA serves the best interest of your event.
Any trends in media production that you are noticing?
Virtual and hybrid events are definitely here to stay, especially as people get more and more used to the convenience and accessibility that these solutions offer. Also, attendees are increasingly using smartphones and mobile devices during events so you can share a lot more information or plan engaging activities through applications. This trend is also beneficial from a sustainability aspect as there is no need to print so many materials.
Since you travel a lot for your position, tell us some of your best travel tips.
I always keep a 24-hour survival kit in my carry-on bag as you never know when you will see your luggage again. I also love travel-size products, I know they are not very economical, but you can save a lot of space in your suitcase, and they look cute. 🙂
Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important? What do you get most from this time together?
It is so great to spend some time with the team in person! I find it very useful and refreshing that we can share our experiences with each other and be able to spend some time together outside of the daily work. Not to mention the amazing locations!
You are currently based in what city? How long have you lived there? What are some of your favorite things to do or sites to see there? What do you enjoy most about where you live?
I currently live in Budapest. I was born in the southern part of Hungary, and I moved here for my studies when I was 18. Budapest is an incredibly beautiful city. Whenever I cross one of the bridges over the Danube, I always stop for a minute to enjoy the view, you can never get enough of that. The architecture is amazing, even if you are just walking down a random street you can always find some hidden gems. I live very close to the City Park which has a lot to offer including a small castle, a lake, and a lot of cool places where you can hang out when the weather is nice.
What interests do you have outside of your professional pursuits?
Budapest has an insane food scene; I love exploring new places in my free time. Apart from the traditional Hungarian food, the options are endless, you can find amazing places whether you like Italian, Mexican, Lebanese, or Asian food. I also love to try new recipes at home, and then enjoy a nice book or movie with a full belly.
A pharmaceutical company came to MTA to plan an extensive hybrid investigator meeting series including North America, South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
Challenge:
Feedback from the initial event debrief offered an opportunity for the MTA team to invite the customer team to the table as partners in planning the Europe (EU) and Asia Pacific (APAC) meetings. The MTA team assessed where we could strive towards better excellence moving forward with the EU and APAC programs while also guiding the client team through alignment to ensure a successful series.
Outcome:
This event series showcased the customer team and the MTA team coming together in partnership with the goal of ensuring that the EU and APAC events were successful.
Clear communication: Effective communication was a cornerstone of our partnership with the customer. We established regular communication channels to ensure everyone was on the same page throughout the planning process. This allowed us to address any concerns or issues promptly before they could escalate.
Well-defined goals: From the outset, we worked closely with the customer to establish clear and measurable goals for the project. This helped us to align our efforts with their expectations and ensure that we were delivering value at every stage of the process.
Robust processes: We followed a structured and systematic approach, with well-defined processes for each stage of event planning. This helped to ensure consistency and quality throughout the project and allowed us to identify and address any issues early on.
Strong customer partnership: We worked closely with the customer throughout the planning phase, fostering a strong partnership that allowed us to understand their needs and objectives in-depth for a more successful collaboration. This helped us to tailor our approach and deliver a solution that truly met their needs.
As a result, the EU and APAC programs were incredibly successful.
EU Program
Customer feedback to the MTA Global Experiences Team: “implemented a seamless event and was incredible to work with during pre-planning and onsite.”
The customer received excellent reviews from site staff.
The customer team and MTA team shared feedback in the post-event debrief to continue to strengthen the partnership.
Given the success of this program, the customer team was excited to work with MTA’s team on the APAC program in the series.
APAC program
The final investigator meeting in Hong Kong was a resounding success thanks to the collaborative partnership with our customer resulting in careful planning and flawless event execution by our team.
“Thank you for delivering another well-planned & coordinated investigator meeting in Hong Kong. There was seamless upfront planning with Pia and Natalia – thinking of every need and addressing all our concern. The on-ground team of Carrie and Natalia were just superb and there was flawless coordination and execution. The production team with Tamas in lead were just exceptional. Kudos to entire MTA team for job so well done. The meeting venue, hotel, food, overall staff & service – everything was top-notch. I can’t think of anything that could have been done better. Thank you and we look forward to working with you all in the future.” – Customer
In summary, our success in exceeding the customer’s expectations was driven by clear communication, well-defined goals, robust processes, and a strong customer partnership. We believe that these factors are key to any successful event and we look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional events for our customers in the future.
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 Global Experience Designer – Events Tricia Barbero. Tricia’s diverse experience in both corporate event planning and travel has equipped her with a unique set of skills that she brings to her role at MTA and extends to our customers.
Meet Tricia Barbero, Global Experience Designer – Events
Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Restorative, Learner, Strategic, Arranger, Responsibility
Languages spoken: I grew up speaking Spanish with my Abuelita (Grandmother) but over time I spoke less Spanish to teach her English.
Tell us about your current role with MTA? What are your primary responsibilities?
I’m a global experience designer – events. My role involves assisting our clients with all aspects of planning a successful meeting from invites, transportation, rooming, and food & beverage.
What did you do before joining MTA?
I knew I wanted to be a corporate event planner, so I had my start with wedding & private events. I also knew I needed a travel background, so I was a travel agent and exclusively worked with a luxury cruise line before becoming a full-time contractor working in the events industry before joining MTA.
What’s the best part of your job?
Being face-to-face with customers and seeing how their events come together is the best part of my job.
What’s been your favorite event destination as an event planning professional?
I haven’t had a favorite destination yet, but one of my favorite venues was a unique venue in Phoenix that was a replica of a popular location in Sedona with beautiful Spanish architecture.
What’s been your most memorable event to date and why?
I don’t have a specific memorable event, it’s more memorable moments for me.
What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company? What’s your favorite aspect of MTA?
MTA gets it, understanding the ever-changing way the world is, especially with technology and the people. When times change, MTA adapts and helps others along the way.
Do you have a few great travel tips that you could share?
Pre-Travel: packing cubes! I admit that I tend to over-pack; packing cubes have helped me pack less and have kept me organized. I always have a foldable duffle bag that I keep in my suitcase just in case.
While I was a travel agent, my top travel tips relate to money:
Check if your credit card has foreign transaction fees & if a PIN is needed.
When paying with a credit card or using an ATM do not select “convert to USD”; you will have a fee plus that fee will include, in most cases, a higher exchange rate.
This one is weirdly important for those who rarely travel overseas – do carry local currency, as most public places have fees/attendants for restrooms for non-customers.
What’s the one must-have for every event? Coffee – bonus if it is iced coffee!
What do you do for fun?
I love taking my dogs, Gracie & Luca, on walks to different parks in my new town, spending time with friends & family, and going to live events like concerts & sporting events.
You currently reside in? What do you enjoy most about living there? Any favorite spots that you would recommend to tourists?
I grew up in Southern California in Simi Valley but am currently in Arizona. I love that Arizona has become a little melting pot with Snowbirds (who come from cold states like Washington, Illinois, and Montana between Oct-May) & spring training (MLB/Baseball) bringing with them their local restaurants & fast-food chains. My top 3 East Valley breakfast spots: Eggstasy, Henhouse Café, and Butters. Dinner in both Old Town Scottsdale or Downtown Gilbert have great options.
Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important?
Connecting with our peers is a great way to grow and learn more about our team and company.
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 Global Experience Designer – Events Edtra Flowers. With “strategic and connectedness” as her top strengths, Edtra is a pro at delivering engaging experiences that meet and exceed the targeted goals.
Meet Edtra Flowers, Global Experience Designer – Events
Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Strategic, Connectedness, Belief, Restorative, Relator
Tell us about your current role with MTA? What are your primary responsibilities?
I am a global experience designer – events. My primary responsibilities include working with customers to meet their event goals. Daily, I collaborate with my MTA teammates and vendors to ensure tasks are being met on time and within budget.
What did you do before joining MTA?
Before joining MTA, I spent many years working in higher education administration. I started as a receptionist and left the industry as an event manager. I would plan everything from virtual meetings to commencement ceremonies. I enjoyed working with the students throughout their collegiate journey.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of the job is seeing the attendees come from all over the world. From planning their arrival to putting a face to the name, it’s always a good feeling to see the attendees finally check in at the registration table. I feel good knowing they safely made it to the meeting.
What’s been your favorite event destination as an event planning professional?
My favorite destination has been Toronto. There were so many things to do within the city. The city is comprised of many small businesses, similar to the neighborhoods I frequent in Chicago. It gave me the feeling of home.
What’s been your most memorable event to date and why?
My most memorable event was my first event in Orlando, Florida. I was anxious to be on-site for the first time, so I could be a sponge and soak up as much information as possible. There was a lot to learn but it was great to be hands-on and working with my teammates. I had a great experience.
Do you have a few great travel tips that you could share?
When traveling, pack an extra duffle bag in your suitcase. You may have overpacked or need to leave with more items than expected. Most of the time, it is cheaper to add an extra bag than paying for an overweight one. Lastly, when visiting a new city, ask your transportation (taxi or rideshare) driver for recommendations. They likely visit many neighborhoods and can tell you where you should go or avoid.
You currently reside in? What do you enjoy most about living there? Any favorite spots that you would recommend to tourists?
I was born and currently live in Chicago. I truly enjoy that Chicago has a lot of different neighborhoods where you can experience culture, community, and, most importantly, good food. If you like history and architecture, I would recommend doing an architecture tour.
What do you do for fun?
For fun, I love to explore what my city has to offer. I love to try new restaurants, check out art exhibits, and shop at small shops. In addition, I am very committed to volunteerism. I spend a lot of my free time planning community events and providing resources to people in need.
What makes Miller Tanner stand out as a meeting planning company? What’s your favorite aspect of MTA?
MTA stands out because of the people behind the scenes completing the tasks and taking the extra steps to do what’s best for the customer. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and each holds a special gift that is beneficial to the process.
Edtra at the 2023 Workshop
Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important? What do you get most from this time together?
MTA Workshops are important because you get to share stories with your teammates and learn from them. You find out how you can work better together and what is needed to be a good team member to others. It is a great opportunity to connect with others who are in various departments.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I love that I am a part of a team that is constantly growing. Our customers are well supported by a team that is efficient and knowledgeable. It is great that we can impact the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industry in a major way.
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 Senior Global Experience Designer – Events Deyanira Blanco Sánchez, our Barcelona-based associate. With a decade of event industry experience, Deyanira brings the knowledge and essential skills to execute successful experiences for our customers.
Meet Deyanira Blanco Sánchez, Senior Global Experience Designer – Events
Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Individualization, Input, Relator, Strategic, Achiever
Languages spoken: Spanish, English and Catalan
Tell us about your current role with MTA?
I’m a senior global experience designer responsible for creating amazing event experiences for MTA customers.
What did you do before joining MTA?
I have been working in the events industry for more than 10 years organizing all types of events and supervising the events department at a different company.
What’s the best part of your job? Meeting people from all around the world.
What’s been your favorite event destination as an event planning professional? Barcelona, my home city.
What’s been your most memorable event to date and why?
I cannot choose one; I’ve had so many adventures in my past events! Each of them teaches me something new and has lots of (funny and not so funny) stories to tell.
Do you have a few great travel tips that you could share?
I always plan everything in advance, so I don’t waste time on my destination searching the transport to the hotel or the restaurant where I want to have dinner.
What’s the one must-have for every event? Comfy shoes.
What do you do for fun?
For fun, I like to travel, read, watch TV shows, and spend time with my friends.
You currently reside in what city? What do you enjoy most about living there?
In Barcelona, the city is so beautiful. There is always something happening, nice events, and activities. And being able to enjoy the sea is magic!
Any favorite spots that you would recommend to tourists?
I recommend Pez Vela restaurant terrace, which is great for paella and viewing the sunset.
What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company? What’s your favorite aspect of MTA?
MTA’s processes make it stand out as a meeting planning company; there is hard work behind the scenes to make our time efficient and lots of tools we can use to do our work easier and better.
Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important?
I think it is important because we all need to see our colleagues in person and know each other better, which makes internal communication easy and makes you feel part of a team.
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 Global Experience Designer – Events Laura Rodriguez Pradas, our Spain-based associate. Laura works diligently to ensure that Miller Tanner Associates delivers the best event experiences to our customers.
Meet Laura Rodriguez Pradas, Global Experience Designer – Events
Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Focus, Analytical, Relator, Discipline, Achiever
Languages spoken: Catalan, Spanish, and English
Tell us about your current role with MTA? What are your primary responsibilities?
I work as a global experience designer – events. My role is about organizing, coordinating, and executing events, from initial planning, attendees, venue and logistics, suppliers and vendors, to follow-up during and after the event. My goal is to manage and work under pressure to solve problems effectively and ensure the event is successful and exceeds our client’s expectations.
What did you do before joining MTA?
I worked in the hospitality industry for many years at different international hotel companies, until I stepped up to events as a conference coordinator in a speakers bureau. Thanks to my previous role, I had the chance to meet many conference profiles who provided me with diverse and interesting knowledge. Through this, I have been able to discover the events industry and how passionate I am about it.
What’s the best part of your job?
There are many things I like about my job: the opportunity to be creative and design unique experiences; to connect with people; to bring the event to life after all the planning; or even the stress of solving a problem in real time as it also can be exciting. However, the best part is the feeling of accomplishment. The feeling of satisfaction that comes from knowing that you have met or even exceeded the expectations of the event for which you have been working for some time. Being able to say: “We have done it!”
What’s been your favorite event destination as an event planning professional?
I love traveling and organizing events anywhere in the world, but I enjoy it even more when an event is held in my city – Madrid. I am always willing to discover and stay up-to-date with anything that happens in my area, and for that reason, I take advantage of my local knowledge and the fact that I am very familiar with the destination when an event is taking place in Madrid.
What’s been your most memorable event to date and why?
Most recently, I have had the opportunity to be at a congress in Madrid, and an investigator meeting in Miami. Both have been very remarkable experiences and I have taken away very positive learnings from them.
Do you have a few great travel tips that you could share?
The first one is to plan ahead. Research the destination, the climate, its culture, visa requirements if applicable, and basic aspects such as the local language.
The second is to be flexible. Although planning is important, you must know how to improvise and respond to unforeseen happenings. Being open to changing the itinerary can lead you to live unexpected and exciting experiences.
The third, and one that I never manage to apply for myself, is to travel with less. Carry only what you really need. Less is more. And if there is something you are missing, you can always buy it there and take it home as a gift.
What’s the one must-have for every event?
As important as it is to know how to disconnect from our phones, it is just as important that you always take your phone with you during an event, as it will keep you in communication with the rest of the team, as well as with all your vendors, and will help you manage any inconvenience efficiently.
What do you do for fun?
I love discovering new places, cooking or letting someone else cook for me, and going for a run. There are many more things I love to do, but those are three of my favorites and they help me to disconnect.
You currently reside where? Any favorite spots that you would recommend to tourists?
I’m originally from Barcelona, but I have been living in Madrid for the past few years. I love Madrid, it is a city that offers you infinite leisure and cultural opportunities, and where there is always a plan to do. One of my favorite places is to see the sunset from Templo de Debod because the sky over Madrid is special.
What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company? What’s your favorite aspect of MTA?
Something that fascinates me about MTA is the service of excellence offered to our customers. We always try to do our best and avoid any mistakes. The team has a lot of knowledge and experience, and that makes one want to be more competitive with oneself and give one’s best.
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 Global Experience Designer – Events Pia D’Alessandro, our Argentina-based associate. Pia’s expertise spans over 8 years of supporting MTA’s life sciences customers in crafting and planning memorable industry events.
A distinctive incentive trip for a company’s 25th anniversary celebration with the goal of bringing a global team of 43 members together to connect and rejuvenate post-pandemic.
Challenges:
The location for this event needed to satisfy a variety of criteria:
novel and unique location with a focus on nature.
access to versatile outdoor activities and excursions to explore as a team, as departments, and as individuals.
easy travel access for a global team from both the US and EU to come together safely for rejuvenation.
budget-friendly with the opportunity to offer extended stays to individuals as additional rewards for employees’ respective years of service.
Results:
Given the goals and criteria, our sourcing team determined Iceland to be the ideal location for this 4-day celebratory incentive trip.
The team was welcomed to Iceland with an ATV excursion exploring the thrilling volcanic landscape of Reykjanes – sweeping fields of craggy rocks, hidden valleys, and Icelandic moss.
Casual welcome picnic designed with food trucks for dinner and dessert around a campfire, music, and time to reconnect.
Intentional, specialty gifting including customized water bottle, monogrammed vest, and daypack backpack ideal for the week’s activities.
A day of excursions and sightseeing including the Borgarfjörður fjord, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, hot spring Deildartunguhver, and the mysterious western highlands of Kaldidalur.
A ride in the Sleipnir monster truck, the largest glacier vehicle in the world, up to the Langjökull glacier ice caps where attendees enjoyed the thrill of ice climbing, glacier rafting, snowmobiling, and additional activities throughout the day complete with a BBQ lunch and special hot drink ice bar.
A one-of-a-kind awards celebration designed with a buildable stage feature atop of the glacier.
Memorable, tailored team-bonding excursions for each department:
The Finance Team took the Golden Circleto visit the Þingvellir National Park, the erupting geyser in Haukadalur and the glorious Gullfoss waterfall with stops around farms for a unique taste of Iceland.
The Commercial and Tech Services Teams spent the day hiking Mt. Hengill volcano and Reykjadalur, a small valley filled with steaming hot springs; enjoying the geothermal soaking in warm rivers; and capping off the day with an underground lava tunnel tour.
The Global Experiences team enjoyed the iconic geothermal Blue Lagoon along with a traditional Icelandic culinary arts experience.
A whale-watching excursion aboard a privately chartered boat followed by lunch at a historic fishing village restaurant.
CSR event working with the leading Icelandic non-profit Blái herinn, Blue Army, to clean up beaches and coastline polluted by plastics from marine traffic.
The final farewell event hosted at the beautiful Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural icon in the heart of Reykjavik overlooking the harbor for an intimate dinner filled with special small touches to make a big impact.
“How do you put these experiences into words? You don’t, you carry them with you every single day. You let them bleed into your work, your co-workers, your clients, and your mission.” – Incentive Trip Attendee
