Miller Tanner Associates Team, Author at Miller Tanner Associates

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Meet MTA: Zaria Hampton, Global Experience Specialist

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 Specialist Zaria Hampton. Zaria works diligently behind the scenes on behalf of our Global Experience Team providing customer service excellence for our event attendees.

Meet Zaria Hampton

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

I am a global experience specialist based in Atlanta. I’m responsible for managing data in order to make it more accessible to our internal team and to our customers. Day to day, I find myself assisting attendees with travel questions, as well as working on the back end setting up things like the Attend app and confirmation emails. It’s honestly so fun!

What did you do before joining MTA?

Despite always knowing I wanted to work in events, I took a roundabout way to get here. I earned my degree in financial planning. Before working at MTA, I worked as an IT recruiter, and I worked in the service/hospitality industry. I always planned parties on the side.

What’s the best part of your job?

It sounds simple – but the best part of my job is feeling helpful. I have always loved to plan and organize events and trips, so being able to do this daily on a much larger scale is extremely satisfying. Every day I receive an email thanking me for my help in some form, and I get something out of it!

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

I loved my visit to New Orleans. It’s always been one of my favorite cities, so I had a great time sharing local recommendations to attendees. I’m scheduled to go to Chicago, and it might take the cake.

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

I will never forget my first event. I went onsite in Atlanta, and I was about 5 days into the job. I learned A LOT. There was so much happening! I’ll never forget all of the experience I gained while there.

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

I will stand by this forever – EAT LOCAL. I think one of the best parts of traveling is connecting with people you may never meet again. I find that eating local gives you the opportunity to learn more about those people and their stories. Also – never over plan a trip. Leave space to go somewhere that someone, who lives there, recommended.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoying baking, practicing yoga, dancing, and volunteering.

What do you enjoy most about where you live? Any favorite spots that you would recommend to tourists?

I live in Atlanta, and I love the culture here. Not only is Atlanta very diverse, but it’s one of a few cities that embraces its diversity. Atlanta is very green, and a lot of its best places to visit and eat are built around its parks. I would recommend Inman Park, Grant Park, and West Midtown. Most of the best neighborhoods are connected via “The Beltline” which makes it easy to walk, bike, or scooter to several restaurants, shops, and breweries.

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

MTA has a big emphasis on building a community of smart, motivated, and innovative people. I love being in the company of creatives who share a passion for travel. Also, working for a fully remote company – it doesn’t get better.

Visit www.millertanner.com to learn more about MTA and our associates. Get to know our associates by following us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes with our team.

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2022 MTA Workshop Awards

At Miller Tanner Associates’ (MTA) 2023 Annual Global Workshop we recognize the distinguished associates who have gone above and beyond for our customers and for each other during 2022. We celebrate the team with these five awards that are presented at our Annual Workshop Awards Dinner:

MTA Gift of Service Award
MTA Saver Award
MTA Theme of the Year Award
MTA Story of the Year Award
MTA Marnie Award

MTA GIFT OF SERVICE AWARD: Natalia Bukatova, Senior Global Experience Specialist

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. This year’s recipient is Senior Global Experience Specialist Natalia Bukatova, a spirited member of the MTA global team.

Natalia’s success in providing service to MTA’s customers and the MTA global internal team makes her deserving of this award. Fluent in several languages and experienced in global event management, Natalia started her career at MTA as an extended team member before joining the MTA full-time. Customers often request to work with Natalia because of her exemplary service and the MTA team knows they can always count on her to greet a meeting attendee in their native language or process registration forms through MTA’s proprietary registration system, EPIC.

Natalia’s natural gift of service, and her joy in delivering it, makes her an outstanding recipient of the 2022 Gift of Service Award. Her colleagues recognize her as a shining example of an MTA bright light! Congratulations, Natalia!

MTA SAVER AWARD: Emily Hise, Accounting Manager

The MTA 2022 “Saver” award recognizes the MTA team member for their exceptional ability to save time, save effort and save resources for our customers and/or the MTA team.

Congratulations to Accounting Manager Emily Hise, as the 2022 MTA Saver Award recipient, recognized by our team, vendors, and customers for her exceptional superpower in implementing processes that save the MTA team time, and effort not to mention their sanity, in navigating through financial processes. Emily is the warm epicenter of the MTA Finance Team overseeing the full MTA financial lifecycle. She brings her unique style and fun personality to each encounter, making us all grateful to have her be recognized as an MTA bright light! Congratulations, Emily!

MTA THEME OF THE YEAR AWARD: Ingrid Easter, Director-Special Projects

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.

Given MTA’s 2022 theme was synonymous with our 25^th Work Anniversary Celebration, we are pleased to announce the recipient of the 2022 Theme of the Year Award is Director – Special Projects Ingrid Easter who, for 25 years, has been an integral part of the MTA team since 1998. Ingrid has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to develop processes, products, and events that have positively impacted MTA’s success. Her dedication and commitment to her MTA colleagues and MTA directly make her the perfect candidate to embody the spirit of MTA’s 2022 theme of our “25th Celebration”. Congratulations Ingrid on being an MTA bright light!

MTA STORY OF THE YEAR AWARD: Kristin Puryear, Senior Global Experience Manager

The 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 with the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) the stories we may not have heard that happened at MTA. We ask them to brag about themselves, about another MT Associate, or about something that happened that needs to be shared. Then we tell the stories at our annual workshop with entries recited by the person who submitted the story.

We are pleased to present the 2022 Story of the Year award to Senior Global Experience Manager Kristin Puryear, recognized as a team member who embodies our “Experience Excellence” motto – whether it’s in interactions with customers, vendors or colleagues.

Kristin’s colleague, Logan White, nominated Kristin for the 2022 Story of the Year, highlighting Kristin’s mentorship of her colleagues, her skillful ability to communicate effectively with the customers’ best interests in mind, and her partnership with our vendors during a challenging time in the hospitality industry, post-pandemic. Logan focused on how Kristin consistently reached out to Logan offering kind mentorship consistently and selflessly. Of all the stories shared, Kristin’s exceptional work ethic, team spirit, and compassionate nature stood out as the clear winner of the Story of the Year. Congratulations on being a MTA Bright Light, Kristin!

MTA MARNIE AWARD: Jenny Decker, CMP, Global Experience Manager

MTA’s Marnie Award is given by MTA’s CEO, Marnie Miller Battistini, to the person that she believes has impacted MTA the most during the year. The Marnie Award recipient/s embody 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 Global Experience Manager Jenny Decker, CMP as the recipient of the 2022 Marnie Award!

Over the past year, Jenny has significantly contributed to MTA utilizing her unique congress management skills to lead the MTA experience team in producing a number of successful congresses. She has the ability to create customized management plans for each MTA customer with an unwavering commitment to listening, engaging, and designing solutions that exceed the customers’ expectations. She has an outstanding ability to do this work with humor, and grace while always making sure that customer satisfaction is at the forefront of her team’s efforts.

Jenny has elevated MTA’s Congress Management brand which has had a significant impact on MTA’s success this year. Her dedicated and selfless good work has made her a valued MTA Brand Ambassador and a MTA bright light. Thank you for all the effort, time, and talent you have put into your work for our Congress customers, Jenny. Congratulations on receiving MTA’s “Marnie” award!

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Success Story: A Gold Medal Win for This Transformational, Immersive CSR

csr wheelchair build — Paralympic athlete Tatyana McFadden shares her challenges and triumphs at the annual MTA Global Workshop in Georgia. Inspired associates build 14 wheelchairs to donate to disabled veterans as part of the Workshop’s CSR.

The Event:

Every year, MTA hosts a Global Workshop for its internal team, a multi-day event dedicated to in-person training, recognition, and team building for our 76 employees. One of the key team-building components at this Workshop is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The Challenge:

To support the Workshop’s 2023 theme of “Partnership,” MTA’s goal was to elevate its CSR both globally and locally. Inspired by our U.S. based customer’s initiatives, MTA wanted to collaborate and focus on disability awareness as part of our CSR. To amplify its impact, MTA’s goals were to educate and inspire our team as well as have a related hands-on CSR team-building activity that embraced our core values. As a secondary CSR project, inspired by our European-based customer, MTA wanted to support the work of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, a charity based in Ireland.

Click for a behind-the-scenes look at our CSR

The Highlights:

As part of our commitment to partnership, we extended an invitation to our customer of 23 years – the inspiration behind our CSR’s focus on disability awareness. These customer representatives were invited to share their company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and to participate with us in a shared CSR experience. One guest later shared his thoughtful impressions with his colleagues and with us: “I’ll be forever grateful to MTA for organizing this impactful workshop; let’s carry its spirit forward as we shape the future of events, united in progress and celebration of diversity.”

SLT with Paralympic Gold Medalist — MTA Strategic Leadership Team with Tatyana McFadden, Paralympic Gold Medalist

To kick off the CSR event, MTA was honored to welcome motivational keynote speaker Tatyana McFadden, Paralympic gold medalist and fastest woman in the world, to share her inspiring story with our team. Tatyana shared her experience as a Paralympic athlete and her insights related to challenges faced by people with disabilities. The attendees gained a better understanding of the importance of accessibility and inclusion and the positive impact it has in the lives of people with disabilities. Following Tatyana’s presentation and a Q & A session, she received a standing ovation for her moving story of challenge and triumph.

Wheelchair building, Tatyana’s story and her presence made an unbelievable impact on me. Her story and her energy made our CSR even more powerful and cohesive.
MTA Workshop Attendee

Winning team with veteran — Winning team of the CSR friendly competition poses with representative from the Disabled American Veterans local chapter.

Motivated by Tatyana’s words, the MTA team next put inspiration into action. Our team, along with Tatyana and our customer, collaborated to build 14 wheelchairs in 2 hours for local veterans, decorating each wheelchair with a heartfelt message of appreciation for their service. This CSR was fueled by engaging friendly competition, gamification, icebreakers, humor, and more!  The energy in the room was palpable! This project was a huge success thanks to our fantastic DMC partnership.

The CSR wrapped up with a presentation from a representative of the local Disabled American Veterans Georgia Chapter, as he shared about the impact that these donated wheelchairs will make in the lives of local veterans.

Jack and Jill Lego collection — On-site drop off for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation Lego Drive.

In addition to the wheelchair build, attendees also participated in the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation’s Lego drive, recycling Lego bricks into “gifts of care.” Our team was given the option to bring gently used or new Lego bricks to the Workshop. MTA team members donated 96 pounds of Lego bricks which in turn will provide home nursing care to children across Ireland, making a difference in the lives of families and children with disabilities and medical needs.

The post-event attendee surveys revealed an overwhelming support of these CSR initiatives, proving the significant impact and ROI that this event had for our team members. We could not be more pleased with the results of this transformational CSR experience.

Results:

Overall, MTA’s CSR initiatives not only helped raise awareness for disability inclusion but also contributed to charitable causes both locally and globally. Through partnerships with customers, community organizations, and within our team, MTA was able to make a positive impact and strengthen its commitment to corporate social responsibility and DEI.

Feedback (from our team via surveys):

Tatyana McFadden, Paralympic gold medalist, shares her inspiring story with the Miller Tanner Associates Team.

I loved seeing us support organizations that our customer partners support! It was a great example of us living not only our values at MTA, but also our theme of partnership. I really appreciated having both a passive and active CSR. It was terrific that the wheelchair building was facilitated in such a fun way – I think it really gave us the opportunity to team build in a way that was meaningful. I love how the wheelchair building was connected to our partners’ charity by having a guest speaker. Finally, as someone with military family members, it meant a lot to know the wheelchairs we built went to veterans.

I learned so much about people living with disabilities and veterans!! It was valuable to hear Tatyana’s story and learn to build a wheelchair together as a team, with limited instructions 🙂 So rewarding!!

Wheelchair building, Tatyana’s story and her presence made an unbelievable impact on me. Her story and her energy made our CSR even more powerful and cohesive.

Coming together to build wheelchairs was such a special experience! Knowing that these wheelchairs would be used by veterans in need made it even more meaningful. We all got to connect with each other while giving back, and that felt really amazing!

I found the wheelchair building activity to be very impactful. It will literally change for the better 14 lives; it made me happy to be part of that. It was also a great team-building exercise.

Wheelchair building was fun and informative — great way to build awareness. Also appreciated the simple way of being a part of our client’s initiative by way of bringing Lego donations.

I did appreciate the flow of the CSR, listening to our clients’ intention and purpose, followed by the inspiring story of Tatyana, and then also being able to DO. Building those wheelchairs in a fun and collaborative environment was a great way to end the session with our own mission and purpose.

I loved how different both CSRs were. It felt good to provide the Legos at the Workshop but was also a wonderful time getting to team build the wheelchairs.

I loved the team-building aspect of the wheelchair building and how it tied in with our keynote speaker.

I love when the CSRs combine with team building! The wheelchair building checked this box for me.

Specifically, with the wheelchair building initiative it was a great way to build the team. As a newer employee, I was not sure how I was going to bond with my new coworkers in only a few days but performing an activity like that as race and for a great cause helped make quick friends and contribute to a shared sense of accomplishment.

I appreciated being able to participate in different ways – the Lego being more passive and the wheelchair being interactive. The wheelchair CSR was by far one of my favorite and impactful moments during the workshop.

I love the social impact these make on a personal and company level. It shows MTA’s commitment of time and resources beyond the financial bottom line.

I really valued the intentionality of partnership in supporting our customer through our Jack & Jill Lego donation.

The Wheelchair building was definitely my favorite! It felt very engaging and provided ample opportunity to leverage various strengths within my team and learn more about my colleagues. I also really appreciated that Tatyana stayed for this portion and offered her insights on what attending events is like for those using a wheelchair – that was extremely valuable to me in my role as a planner.

I appreciated the connection with CSR activities our customers are participating in. It was an excellent tie-in to the Year of Partnership. I thought the wheelchair building exercise was a great mixture of CSR and team building. I was able to better understand team members I do not normally work with by watching their approach to the challenge.

A CSR that ties with a keynote or overall theme is KEY! Nailed it!

Building the wheelchairs was a rewarding activity in and of itself. But having Tatyana, and the veteran speaker really made a major impact. It helped us look at this from a real and raw perspective that not only appreciated, but needed.

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Success Story: Celebrating Excellence in Puerto Rico

The Event:

A biopharmaceutical company hosts a “Circle of Excellence” incentive event for 41 participants.

Challenges:

The company’s new planning team, in partnership with Miller Tanner Associates (MTA), established goals based on insights learned from the previous year’s event. MTA took the time to understand the customer’s concerns and developed innovative solutions to ensure the event would be a success. The solutions included a robust communication plan, on-site touchpoints with MTA, expanded activity options, and a one-of-a-kind interactive experience to elevate the incentive event.

Highlights:

The success of this incentive trip was in the details! Here’s how the MTA team accomplished it:

The MTA team intentionally designed this event based on the previous year’s feedback from the customer and attendees to deliver a very tailored experience.

This corporate event was held in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico at a Bahia Beach resort, located between the El Yunque National Forest and Espiritu Santo River State Preserve.

Our team set up a hospitality desk in the lobby for more visibility throughout the week. This allowed for more connection and engagement for attendees to learn more about the resort, the program, and MTA.

Upon arrival for this 4-day event, the 41 attendees were greeted with welcome amenities – a custom bag with specialty snacks and beach necessities.

MTA elevated this welcome event with a curated marketplace experience featuring unique creations by local artisans. From designer hats and hand-painted artwork to custom jewelry, rum (with complimentary rum tasting), and local spices, attendees enjoyed a fully-immersive experience delighting in the unique gifts and flavors of the island.

The following day, guests were treated to a group activity of their choosing. For those seeking a water-based adventure, attendees enjoyed sailing on a catamaran, featuring branded items, and a day at the beach. For those more interested in a land-based activity, attendees toured San Juan.

Day three, attendees signed up for individual activities including golf, spa, ATV tour, and/or poolside hospitality cabanas. The day ended with the celebration dinner beginning with a cocktail reception, sushi station, and fruit display.

The celebration dinner was intentionally scheduled on Friday instead of Saturday with a leisure day scheduled on Saturday to accommodate early flights out on Sunday.

The final day of this experience was a leisure day in which attendees could choose a variety of options or enjoy activities on their own. A luxury cabana was available for those seeking rest and relaxation. For those interested in activities, attendees had options to schedule excursions – such as a fishing excursion, Broadway show, food tour, or historical city tour.

Branding played a large role in this event. The MTA team created customized branding for this event from décor, to text messages, nametags, signage and even the attire of the MTA on site team. This elevated the experience for the attendees, and helped create a memorable impression.

Communication was an important aspect as well. To ensure consistency in communication, guests were sent branded group texts throughout the event to add to the overall experience.

Results:

MTA team’s eye for detail, creativity, special touches, and extra efforts made this program stand out. The team intentionally designed the event based on previous feedback to deliver a tailored, elevated experience for our customer’s attendees.

Feedback:

I wanted to take the time and convey thanks for an amazing job. The preparation and planning translated to an amazing event. The venue was simply fantastic and left those that attended in awe. The food, events and support of local vendors all added to a memorable event. The personal touch provided by on-site partners was noted and beyond expectations. Please pass along our gratitude to the other staff members who attended. – Customer, Incentive Program

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Success Story: Shared Success for Two Hybrid Investigator Meetings

The Event:

As part of a two-program series for our customer, a life science company, MTA planned and executed hybrid investigator meetings in both North America and Europe for a total of 147 in-person attendees and an additional 21 joining virtually. The meetings took place in both Chicago and Barcelona, central locations for global attendees.

Challenges:

Our team had a condensed planning period of less than six weeks for each program. The transparency requirements, venue availability, costs, virtual accessibility, and complex logistics (attendees for the EU program were coming from various countries including Israel, Belgium, Finland, Italy, and the UK) were all concerns. Despite these challenges, along with an unexpected departure travel situation, we successfully delivered these meetings.

Hybrid Investigator Meeting, Chicago — Hybrid Investigator Meeting in Chicago

Highlights:

To create a consistency in messaging, branding, and overall experience the MTA team implemented comprehensive strategies that resulted in successful investigator meetings for our customer.

Both investigator meetings began with welcome networking reception, followed by a full day of investigator meetings on day two.

The events were hybrid, enabling virtual attendees to actively participate in discussions and presentations.
MTA used the same Production Team at each meeting as a strategy for effectively delivering the content and to ensure a seamless, consistent experience for both meetings.
Technology solutions for these events included general session audio visuals, using multiple screens to enhance the presentations as well as monitors provided for vendors in foyer for greater digital capabilities.
To engage all participants throughout the meetings, AIS (Attendee Interactive System) was integrated to use for audience response capabilities, including polling, Q &A, etc.
Branded graphics were used at both meetings to reinforce overall branding and messaging throughout the investigator meetings. MTA took a unique opportunity to engage attendees with the study’s branded tagline using “footprint” decals to lead attendees into the general session room.

Strong partnerships with hotel and transportation vendors ensured clear communication and efficient transitions.
MTA selected hotel properties that were convenient to airport, flexible, and supportive of transparency requirements for participants representing multiple countries. The ground transportation partner was creative and accommodating of all travel requirements and requests.
When a transportation strike in Germany posed a challenge for some of our departing attendees, our travel and hotel partners worked in tandem with MTA to quickly pivot and accommodate our attendees’ needs.

Hybrid Investigator Meeting in Barcelona

Feedback:

“Thank you for everything you did to help make the Barcelona meeting a success! Greatly appreciated.” – Customer, Life Sciences

“Thank you so much Janina to you and your fabulous team for their incredible support. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you and your team and I have to give a big shout-out to Michael who was so supportive at both meetings and easy to work with.” – Customer, Life Sciences

Thanks to all of the Miller Tanner Team. – Customer, Life Sciences

“Thanks for everything, Caroline! MTA was wonderful.” – Customer, Life Sciences

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Meet MTA: Oksana Kostiuk, Global Experience Specialist

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 Specialist Oksana Kostiuk, our European-based associate. With a background in logistics and business travel, Oksana assists in delivering best-in-class customer service at MTA.

Meet Oksana Kostiuk

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

As a global experience specialist, I’m responsible for communication and follow-up with travel, hotel and ground transportation partners, as well as assisting the global experience designers in identifying and resolving customer and attendee issues.

What did you do before joining MTA? Previously, I worked as a dispatcher/logistic specialist and business travel consultant.

What languages do you speak? I speak Ukrainian, Russian, English, and German.

What’s the best part of your job? The best part of my job is being on site for events!

What’s been your favorite event destination as an event planning professional? My favorite event destinations have been Western Europe and Australia.

Do you have a few great travel tips that you could share? Take on a trip a warm large scarf, or better, a pashmina wrap. It can be used as blanket.

What do you do for fun? I enjoy long walks and playing harmonica.

You are originally from? You currently reside in? Any favorite spots that you would recommend to tourists?

I am originally from Ukraine and now residing in Poland. One of the places I would recommend to tourists is Wroclaw – City of the Dwarfs.

What’s your favorite aspect about MTA? My favorite aspect about MTA is the teamwork!

Visit www.millertanner.com to learn more about MTA and our associates. Get to know our associates by following us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes with our team.

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Meet MTA: Lauren Stagner, Global Experience Designer – Events

Today we introduce you to Global Experience Designer – Events Lauren Stagner. Lauren is a pro at bringing people together collaboratively to create meaningful experiences with intentionality and exceptionality.

Meet Lauren Stagner, Global Experience Designer – Events

Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Connectedness, Relator, Strategic, Input, Intellection

Languages spoken:
English (fluent) and some (conversational) Spanish

Tell us about your current role with MTA? What are your primary responsibilities?
I am a global experience designer – events. My primary function in this role is to serve as the project manager and liaison between all parties involved with bringing our amazing events together for customers, MTA teams, and vendors.

What did you do before joining MTA?
Before joining MTA, I held a lot of different positions in a few different industries. I worked in education for public, charter, and private schools – providing student services, project management, financial management, and outreach to the schools that I worked in. I also worked in the skincare and beauty industry focusing on sales and marketing. And finally, I worked for a bit in family financial services, serving as a key service provider and managing director to both clients and service teams. Across all roles and industries, I was responsible for planning and executing intentional experiences, and always found the most joy in that, which is why I decided to move fully into this space!

What’s the best part of your job?
Bringing people together! Whether it be in the planning process of bringing my team and vendors together to accomplish an amazing experience, or in the execution process of bringing our customers and their attendees together to experience something different – working with people, finding common ground, and celebrating a shared experience is truly the best part of my job!

What’s been your most memorable event to date and why?
Working with a biotech customer to plan their presence and a few dinner meetings at the ASH Exposition in New Orleans, LA in December 2022 was definitely the most memorable. Not only was New Orleans on the top of my unvisited destinations list, but working with this biotech’s team to source various venues and collaboratively create an experience that their HCPs would want to attend was unique and fun! We worked with MTA’s Creative Director Bill Morton to produce some creative collateral, including a hype video, and we spent time collectively strategizing how to reach as many HCPs as possible while at the conference, whether it be through our dinner meetings or hospitality suite. In the end, we worked really hard as a team, and the customer was not only happy with the outcomes but expressed interest in continuing to partner with MTA to develop their strategy and presence at future conferences.

Do you have a few great travel tips that you could share?
Always make time to do something touristy and fun in every destination that you visit!
Don’t let yourself get distracted or consumed by your devices and headphones while traveling – keep yourself open to observing and interacting with the world around you. You just never know who you’ll meet or what amazing things you’ll see, and you certainly don’t want to miss it!

You currently reside where? What do you enjoy most about living there? Any favorite spots that you would recommend to tourists?
I am originally from Orange County, California, which is also where I currently reside. However, I’ve also lived in Los Angeles and Chicago, but made my way back “home” as I got older and settled down. I love living in Orange County because I get to enjoy all the amazing perks of California – great weather, beaches, deserts, and mountains all within a day’s drive, and a growing restaurant/foodie scene. For anyone interested in visiting Orange County, I’d recommend spending time in Laguna Beach and seeing the Pageant of the Masters show in the summer!

What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company?
MTA stands out as a meeting planning company because of the incredible people who work here! Everyone is incredibly talented, supportive, collaborative, and genuinely interested in doing their best work and being the best for their team and customers. It truly is my favorite aspect of MTA.

MTA truly is an amazing organization and I’m so grateful to work with such amazing clients and team members to not only grow myself and feel challenged, but to most importantly make an impact on the work that our programs facilitate in the medical field.

Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important? What do you get most from this time together?
I am very much looking forward to meeting and spending time with all of my teammates in person and being able to not only get to know one another on a deeper level but be able to brainstorm and strategize on how to continue growing ourselves to provide the best that we possibly can for our clients.

What do you do for fun?
I love going to the beach, trying new foods, cooking at home, traveling, and spending time with my friends and family.

Anything else you’d like to add?
The greatest emotion that I’ve felt since joining MTA is gratitude – I feel it every day and am conscious of it many times in a single day. MTA truly is an amazing organization and I’m so grateful to work with such amazing customers and team members to not only grow myself and feel challenged but to most importantly make an impact on the work that our programs facilitate in the medical field.

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

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Success Story: Congress Management in Denmark

The Event:

A global healthcare company hosted various meetings throughout the week at the annual European Lung Cancer Congress (ELCC) in Denmark.

The Challenge:

Given our customer’s challenges, which included an abbreviated timeframe, budget limitations, and lack of internal planning resources, they reached out to the Miller Tanner Associates team to assist as project lead offering logistical support and strategic congress management to be executed within a 2 ½ month timeframe.

The Solution:

The MTA team stepped into action to coordinate pre-event logistics for on-site congress management of multiple events, supporting in every capacity and focusing on the details to ensure a successful experience. Our French-speaking, European-based associate along with our production specialist and team support, orchestrated project management, logistical and administrative support.

The MTA team managed all pre-event logistics and onsite management for the following events:

Kick-off reception
Symposium at the congress (100-250 attendees)
Exhibition booth management oversight for anticipated 2000 booth attendees
Two ancillary meetings for client team to discuss their products and publications
Meeting rooms for 15 consecutive KOL meetings, coordinating AV and catering for the room rotations throughout the day
Event production support and coordination with the venue including MTA on-site production managers, projector, lectern, recording (hybrid), microphone systems, large screen, uplighting, and 2-hour speaker rehearsals

Customer Feedback:

“Thank you on behalf of our team for all your efforts in preparation for ELCC. It was a good meeting and made smoother by your organization. We look forward to the next meeting with you.”

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Success Story: Double the Success – Achievers’ Clubs in St. Martin and Venice, Italy

The Event:

Our customer, a clinical research organization, needed assistance planning two separate, concurrent, 4-day incentive trips for their Achievers’ Club in both Europe and US markets.

Understanding our customer’s goals of connection and reward, Miller Tanner Associates began sourcing for the two incentive events in summer of 2022 for the spring 2023 events.

Challenges:

Why Vendor Partnerships Are Important

Typically, European hotels are closed from November to March which can make planning challenging. This can impact site visits and coordination. The MTA Team worked closely with the hotel partner to ensure no delays in planning even through the closed season.

Post-event, return flights were canceled for six attendees in St. Martin but because of our vendor partnership with the hotel, they were quick to accommodate our guests for additional nights.

Solutions:

Creating Connectivity for the Two Events

To create a connection between both incentive events, the events were held the same week. St. Martin was the destination selected for the 20 U.S. attendees and Venice, Italy was selected for the 17 EU attendees. These destinations were not only selected to align with the goals and budget, but also to allow for ease of travel for the attendees given their respective proximities and travel duration.

Partner Connection

MTA partnered with the Belmond Hotel properties, offering luxury, boutique experiences at both Venice’s Hotel Cipriani and the La Samanna in St. Martin. By partnering with Belmond properties for both events, communication was streamlined for a more seamless pre-planning process.

Attendee Connection

The MTA Team intentionally designed the two events, mirroring the theme and branding, excursions, and overall experience for all attendees. Additionally, to create a shared connection between the Achievers’ Club attendees, the MTA team recorded congratulatory videos from attendees in each event location and shared the videos at both celebration dinners.

St. Martin Highlights:

Guest accommodations at the exclusive La Samanna, Belmond Hotel, with oceanfront rooms for all guests. This hotel offered exceptional VIP services for attendees and the property offered pools, beach access, high-end dining, and more.
Welcome amenities and unique local artisan gifts to commemorate the St. Martin event and enhance the week’s experience.
Welcome reception began at the Wine Cave. Guests enjoyed a buffet-style dinner on the beautiful hotel veranda overlooking ocean set to traditional Caribbean music.
Full day of R&R, with VIP “Cabana Day” beach experience – Attendees could choose among various activities, such as water sports, jet skis, paddle boarding, snorkeling and parasailing, at their leisure.

Leisure day with spa, golf, and Rhino Safari adventure (snorkel and jet ski boat tour) followed by an upscale, six-course French dining experience at the exclusive Hibiscus, a premiere restaurant with personalized, curated menus. Courses paired with wine from the restaurant’s French cellar.
Celebration dinner with saxophone trumpet duo, Caribbean rum station, photo booth activation and gift amenities.
A surprise vow renewal for one of the attendees and significant other. “A sincere thanks to Janina and team for helping me to surprise my husband with a wedding vow renewal ahead of our 31st anniversary.”

Feedback from St. Martin attendees:

“Janina was so kind and helpful throughout the week. She is truly an asset to MTA.”

“Janina and team were stellar!!! No details left untouched and so accommodating.”

“The onsite staff were wonderful; they truly made the experience top notch.”

“It was an amazing trip beyond words! Every detail was so thoughtful. Thank you so much!!”

“Perfect! Immensely grateful to experience that wonderful event and to make so many new friends amongst our group.”

“Well done from start to finish.”

“One of the best resort experiences I have had.”

Venice, Italy Highlights:

Guest accommodations at the luxury boutique Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel – a treat in and of itself.

Water taxi arrival for guests and welcome reception with specialty gelato dessert cart, and Aperol station as well as featured hotel’s signature Peach Bellini.
Personalized monogrammed amenities, local artisan bags, and specialty gifts for a one-of-a-kind gifting experience.
Tour of the iconic St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and the Murano Glass Factory.
Wine tasting at Venissa Wine Estate located on the Island of Marzzorbo in the Venetian Lagoon.
Group gondola ride through Venice’s ancient canals.

Dinner at Gritti Palace overlooking the Grand Canal surrounded by breathtaking vistas in the heart of the city.
Venetian-inspired farewell celebration dinner, complete with traditional Italian music and masquerade masks, at the Sala Tiziano Ballroom overlooking the historical St. Mark’s Square.

Feedback from Venice attendees:

“Everything was perfect. I now have memories of a lifetime!”

“It was an unforgettable experience, simply amazing!”

“Attention to detail was impeccable!”

“Wonderful event and magical location!”

“We had a fantastic time making amazing memories on a trip of a lifetime!”

“An experience I won’t forget!”

Through vendor partnerships, keen intentionality, and impeccable attention to detail, the Miller Tanner Associates team designed two elaborate memorable incentive experiences, doubling the success for our customer’s Achievers’ Clubs celebration for EU and US attendees.

Blog

Meet MTA: Dina Stezhka, Global Experience Designer – Events

Today we introduce you to Global Experience Designer – Events Dina Stezhka, our France-based associate. In her role, Dina is attentive to our customers’ event needs, ensuring their events are on track and running smoothly from start to finish.

Meet Dina Stezhka, Global Experience Designer – Events

Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Focus, Positivity, Significance, Includer, Restorative

Languages spoken: Russian and English

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

As a global experience designer, my role is to understand customers’ ideas of what should be included in each event, to be prepared for each step and milestone along the way, and to make every detail count by working closely alongside one another until completion.

How long have you been with MTA? I joined MTA in May 2021.

What did you do before joining MTA? I worked in the events industry.

What’s the best part of your job? I enjoy going onsite for meetings.

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

Singapore has been my favorite destination; it’s super unique & green and a very futuristic place.

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

Don’t be afraid of eating street food; It is often the freshest and most authentic, and if food is cooked over a flame, deep-fried, or boiled, it is safe to eat.

What do you do for fun?

My favorite activity is playing with my baby; that  helps me to stay in the present moment, just having fun and laughing.

Where do you currently reside? What do you enjoy most about living there?

I live in Cannes, France. I enjoy the seaside. Croisette (main street) is a favorite; you can meet a lot of celebrities during the Film Festival that happens every year in May.

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

Everyone is always treated respectfully. Planning an event is more than just putting together some food and drinks; it’s creating memories that last forever, tailoring the experience to suit everyone’s particular needs – without skimping on any important details! 

Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important? What do you get most from this time together? Time together! It is an excellent opportunity to get together and meet all the team members from the different departments.

Visit www.millertanner.com to learn more about MTA and our associates. Get to know our associates by following us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes with our team.