Meet MTA: Shelly Lovins, Billing 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 Billing Associate Shelly Lovins. As a billing associate, Shelly’s role requires attention to detail and sharp focus as she executes the final bill budget reviews for our customers.

Meet Shelly Lovins, Billing Associate

Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Empathy, Input, Learner, Positivity, and Context

Languages spoken:

Languages are certainly at the top of the list. While I am not fluent in anything other than English, I love my DuoLingo membership. At present, I could toast, politely ask for things, excuse myself, and mix and match words to create an entirely new language in the following: Slovak, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Swedish. My husband and I are currently working on Japanese together with hopes of visiting Japan one day soon. 

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

I joined the MTA team in August 2023 as a billing associate. I perform final budget reviews, mainly for investigator meetings, and prepare and send final bills to our customers. Reviewing final budgets puts me in connection with all sorts of MTA staff, which I love! When our 2024 Workshop theme of “Connection” was announced, I ran with it and have taken every opportunity to connect with as many Global Experiences Team members as I can!  

What did you do before joining  MTA?  

Prior to MTA, I worked in accounts payable for a general contractor as well as in contracting with their sister company in renewable energy construction.  

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

One of my favorite parts of my role as a billing associate is the research and navigation of the MTA system’s myriad pathways. There is never just one way to find an answer to a question; an “easy answer” usually means I’ve overlooked something. This job requires attention to detail that in part is mentally exhausting but also provides a nerdy exhilaration when real discovery and comprehension is achieved. Accountants generally believe that we are seen as boring rule-followers, but the truth is when I find “the answer” to a budget mystery in the haystack of receipts, invoices, credit card statements, and historical experiences, I ABSOLUTELY punch the air Rocky-style, yell “SUCCESS!!!” and celebrate my victory with GIFs sent to my fellow accountant-nerds, because we love supporting each other’s discoveries and learning from one another how to support MTA that much better. I have truly found a welcoming environment here with MTA’s Finance Team that nurtures my interest in learning, growing, and, most importantly, supporting the team I am so grateful to work with each day.  

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

Being that MTA is such a widespread group of people across the globe, the opportunity to convene in new and interesting places, learn about each other, develop new friendships or strengthen old ones, and learn how to create a stronger working system is so enriching. It provides people in administrative roles an opportunity to get outside their more routine work life and experience something of what the Global Experiences Team sees weekly; it offers a chance for all teams to cohesively develop solutions to frequent pain points and brainstorm improvements from our multiple perspectives in real-time. I very much look forward to meeting everyone and making new CONNECTIONS at this year’s Workshop in Ireland. 

What do you do for fun? 

My husband and I just started mountain biking and have plans to one day start bike-packing (a mixture of backcountry cycling and backpacking). We also like hiking and are more than a little excited about the trip to Ireland for all the green space we will adventure through.  

I am currently nourishing an old desire to garden, starting with flowers, herbs, and grapevines. My husband and I just moved to my childhood home in Nashville, TN. Our goal is to bring the boring, grassy yard to a vegetative glory it has never yet experienced! 

Reading is also an old love, having majored in English literature at university; my favorite books are non-fiction memoirs of people and their crafts and I can never read just one book. I probably currently have 5 books in circulation, and I read based on the world I feel like living in at that time.  

And for my true life passion: FIBER. I have worked with fiber crafts since I was very young. I knit, I sew; I spin yarn; I weave. I’m obsessed. I am also very much looking forward to Ireland for finding all the yarn stores and possibly even doting upon a sheep or two! 

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

Meet MTA: Lauren Scutella, Customer Success 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 Customer Success Specialist Lauren Scutella. As a customer success specialist, Lauren helps onboard our customers laying the groundwork for a successful customer journey experience.

Meet Lauren Scutella, Customer Success Specialist

Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Empathy, Consistency, Developer, Positivity, and Relator.

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

I am a customer success specialist here at MTA. I am in charge of onboarding the customer and gathering all the crucial details to be confirmed before moving into operational planning. This entails collecting dates, locations of interest, number of attendees, and the overall flow/goal of the event to set up the Global Experience Team for success.  

What did you do before joining MTA?  

I worked for a healthcare non-profit in customer service before joining MTA.  

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

I feel working collaboratively across departments within MTA to ensure a successful event is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the job. It is rewarding to see all the hard work and pieces come together seamlessly to create an impactful customer experience. Also receiving recognition for delivering world-class customer service from our customers adds another layer of fulfillment, knowing our efforts positively impact people’s experiences.  

What are some key strategies for launching a successful meeting?  

I’ve observed that having advance notice from the event date allows for great success. A long planning timeline allows MTA’s thorough processes to work, creating high attendance ratios, good venue availability, and time to focus on the details of the event. 

MTA prides itself on delivering exceptional customer service at every stage of the planning process. From initial consultation to post-event follow-up, we’re committed to providing prompt, professional, and personalized support to customers. This dedication to customer satisfaction helps build long-term relationships and fosters customer loyalty. 

What is the one must-have for every event? 

A desirable location and amenable food options are a must!  

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

With a strong international presence and a network of partners worldwide, MTA has the capability to organize meetings and events across the globe. This global reach allows our team to handle complex logistical challenges and navigate cultural differences seamlessly, ensuring successful outcomes for customers regardless of location. MTA prides itself on delivering exceptional customer service at every stage of the planning process. From initial consultation to post-event follow-up, we’re committed to providing prompt, professional, and personalized support for customers. This dedication to customer satisfaction helps build long-term relationships and fosters customer loyalty. 

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

MTA’s workshops are extremely valuable because they facilitate knowledge sharing, skill development, team building, goal setting, and innovation, ultimately contributing to the company’s success and its ability to deliver exceptional services to customers. The biggest takeaway from these Workshops is the relationships we create and strengthen with each other. Teamwork makes the dream work and getting this crucial face-to-face time together as a remote company gives us the drive and support we need to continue to do great work.  

What do you do for fun?  

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, trying new restaurants, going to concerts, and dog sitting. It is the small moments that fill my cup!  

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

Meet MTA: Joe Almanza, Director, Information Technology

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 Director, Information Technology, Joe Almanza. Joe’s vast experience in information technology ensures the success of all technology projects and operations at MTA.

Meet Joe Almanza, Director, Information Technology

Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Harmony, Relator, Consistency, Developer, Responsibility

Languages spoken: Spanish 

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

As Director of Information Technology, I’m responsible for supporting and managing the technology initiatives, operations, and security. This includes systems infrastructure and support of the workforce devices and applications.  

What did you do before joining MTA?  

Before MTA, I worked for a company as a senior manager of IT network/infrastructure. I was responsible for leading the IT department for one of the company’s subsidiaries in the Southeast. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

As an advocate of enterprise digital transformation, I enjoy delivering new solutions to the workplace – solutions that help MTA’s workforce be more efficient and productive. I’m passionate about innovation and the delivery of exceptional IT services. 

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

The “people of MTA” are the key to why this company stands out amongst other players. From the top down, we’re all dedicated passionate individuals with one goal in mind – “executing events that deliver, motivate, and engage.” 

What are some of your favorite tech trends?  

Without a doubt, AI and ChatGPT are hot trends for everyone, but I’m also interested in seeing how transparent TV technology develops over the next few years. 

Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important?

As a first-time attendee, it’s an opportunity to meet everyone face-to-face and see what we actually ‘do’ for our customers. I want to build a stronger relationship with colleagues and learn more about each other’s backgrounds and unique personalities.  

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

I live in Miami, Florida. This city is a big melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, it plays a big role as an entryway to the Caribbean, Central, and South America. Without a doubt, South Beach and its nightlife are a must-see. 

What do you do for fun?  

I enjoy traveling and learning about new cultures, nature photography, fishing, and sports (basketball, football, baseball).

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

Meet MTA: Kennedy McPeak, 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 Kennedy McPeak. Given her top strength is “connection,” Kennedy helps connect attendees and event sponsors with the final details for a seamless post-event experience.

Meet Kennedy MCPeak, Financial Compliance Associate

Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Connection, Input, Relator, Learner, Intellection

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

As a financial compliance associate, I focus primarily on processing expense reimbursements submitted by event attendees. I also assist with post-event transparency reporting. 

How long have you been with MTA?  Since 2023

What did you do before joining MTA?  

I worked as a loan officer and a mortgage loan servicer at a local credit union. 

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

No two days are the same! Although I have consistent tasks, my interactions with meeting attendees always keep things interesting! I appreciate that my role is multi-faceted—not only do I get to work “behind the scenes,” I also communicate with event attendees and event sponsors as well.  

Our customers know that every detail is analyzed and effectively managed at each step of the event process, making for a seamless experience.” 

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

The Finance Team makes customer budgeting a top priority. Our customers know that every detail is analyzed and effectively managed at each step of the event process, making for a seamless experience. 

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

MTA sets a high standard by putting our customers’ needs first. All of the teams at MTA share the same goal of executing a successful event and experience for all involved. We also have proprietary technologies for event-specific information and financial data that set us apart from our competitors. 

Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important?

This upcoming workshop in Dublin will be my first! I am very much looking forward to meeting everyone and learning more about my coworkers from across the globe. Gathering the company in a face-to-face setting reinforces MTA’s collaborative nature, and I am excited to see that in action! 

What do you do for fun? 

In my free time, I enjoy reading, outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, and spending time with my family. 

Where do you live and what do you love most about your state/city?

I live just outside of Cleveland, OH. Many people don’t think there’s much to do here, but there are so many different options. We have lots of amazing restaurants, museums, beaches, and even a national park only about a half-hour drive from downtown. There’s something for everyone! 

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

Trial Equity and MTA Partner to Champion Diversity in Clinical Research  

MTA and Trial Equity partnership to champion diversity in clinical research

A Bold Step Forward: Trial Equity and MTA Partner to Champion Diversity in Clinical Research

[May 20, 2024] – Trial Equity and Miller Tanner Associates (MTA) are excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership aimed at expanding education and participation across diverse patient groups, in a strategic move to address the crucial gap in clinical trial diversity. This collaboration will co-market Trial Equity’s innovative Clinical Trial Diversity Training to pharmaceutical sponsors, CROs, and site networks, leveraging MTA’s extensive global reach and expertise in event management within the healthcare sector. 

This partnership marks a critical step toward ensuring future medical breakthroughs are effective and accessible to everyone, truly reflecting the diverse communities we aim to serve.”

Dr. Otis Johnson, Co-founder, Trial Equity

Miller Tanner Associates, a WBENC-certified leader in life sciences and corporate event planning, brings its sterling reputation and logistical prowess to this partnership. Known for its personalized expertise and tailored solutions in managing Face-to-Face, Virtual, and Hybrid meetings, MTA will now also promote Trial Equity’s eLearning course through its Event Content Management (ECM) platform, VALTs (Virtual Assessment, Learning & Training source) – the source for event content and training.  MTA will further empower healthcare professionals (HCPs) to implement diversity in clinical trials by offering Trial Equity’s vital diversity workshops at Investigator Meetings. 

“Partnering with Miller Tanner Associates was a strategic choice, driven by their deep expertise in life sciences and masterful event planning. Their innovative VALTs platform and extensive global experience are key to effectively delivering our Clinical Trial Diversity Training worldwide. This partnership marks a critical step toward ensuring future medical breakthroughs are effective and accessible to everyone, truly reflecting the diverse communities we aim to serve,” shared Dr. Otis Johnson, Co-founder, Trial Equity. 

Together, Trial Equity and Miller Tanner Associates are setting new standards in clinical trial diversity, paving the way for a future where medical research is truly inclusive. 

Both the eLearning course and in-person diversity workshop content, developed by Trial Equity, offer a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance the inclusivity and effectiveness of clinical trials. It covers crucial topics such as healthcare disparities, the importance of diversity in clinical research, participant roles, and strategies for engaging diverse groups effectively. The course is a direct response to the disparities highlighted by recent studies, including findings from Tufts CSDD, which underscored the lack of infrastructure to engage and recruit diverse patient populations. 

Impact & Expectations 

This partnership anticipates transforming clinical trials through: 

  • Enhanced Recruitment and Retention: Empowering study staff with the tools to recruit and retain minority participants more effectively. 
  • Increased Compliance and Generalizability: Ensuring that trial findings are more reflective of the population, adhering to FDA and EMA guidelines on diversity. 
  • Innovative Learning Solutions: Delivering engaging and interactive training modules that include video lectures, activities, games, and case studies, with a certificate of completion for sites’ Trial Master File, upon passing the included assessment. 

“Diversity in clinical trials is a significant challenge for our industry and one that demands urgent action.  MTA is proud to partner with Trial Equity to meet the evolving needs of our customers with this new service offering and drive meaningful transformation of our industry,” added Scott Nodolf, Chief Revenue Officer, MTA. 

Together, Trial Equity and Miller Tanner Associates are setting new standards in clinical trial diversity, paving the way for a future where medical research is truly inclusive. 

About Trial Equity 

Trial Equity is committed to ensuring that all people have safe and effective medicines by providing inclusive access to medical research opportunities. By equipping professionals with the necessary resources and education, Trial Equity aims to mirror the disease population in clinical trials, enhance drug development quality, and accelerate patient recruitment. 

About Miller Tanner Associates (MTA) 

Miller Tanner Associates is a full-service event planning company with over twenty-seven years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries. With a track record of delivering nearly 3,000 successful Investigator Meetings globally, MTA’s dedication to excellence and customer service is unmatched in the industry. As a WBENC-certified Women’s Business Enterprise, Miller Tanner Associates is also a proud advocate for diversity and inclusivity in all business aspects. 

For more information on this partnership, the Clinical Trial Diversity eLearning Course, or to arrange a diversity workshop, please visit Miller Tanner Associates or Trial Equity

Contact: 

Miller Tanner Associates: Scott Nodolf (scott.nodolf@millertanner.com) 

Trial Equity: Otis Johnson (otis.johnson@trialequity.com) 

Meet MTA: Piero Limonchi, Technical Support 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 our Technical Support Specialist Piero Limonchi. Peiro is our technical support expert ready to assist with any internal and external technology challenges that may arise.

Meet Piero Limonchi, Technical Support Specialist

Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Adaptability, Includer, Positivity, Activator, Arranger

Languages spoken: English and Spanish  

Tell us about your current role with MTA?

As the technical support specialist, my responsibilities include helpdesk support for external and internal users.

What did you do before joining MTA?

I worked at a managed service provider as the helpdesk support for clients.  

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy being able to supply our users with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively.  

What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company particularly regarding our technology/products?

I think what makes MTA stand out is having in-house apps that we can easily update and change as needed.  

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

From a technology standpoint, I think that our Workshops are important for any major upgrades that we might need to do so we can have everyone in one place if something goes wrong.  

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

I live near Orlando, Florida. What I like most is the nice weather all year and the long daylight. Disney is only 30 minutes away.   

What do you do for fun? I play video games, card games, build model kits, and play guitar. 

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

 

Miller Tanner Associates Honored as Silver and Bronze Stevie® Award Winner in 2024 American Business Awards® 

Miller Tanner Associates (MTA) was named the winner of a Silver Stevie® Award in the Corporate Event category; a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Employee Engagement Event category; and a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Incentive Event category in the 22nd Annual American Business Awards®. 

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

Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word meaning “crowned,” the awards will be presented to winners at a gala ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on Tuesday, June 11.  

More than 3,700 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories, including Startup of the Year, Executive of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, and App of the Year, among others.  Miller Tanner Associates was nominated in the Events category for Corporate & Community Events.  

MTA was awarded a Silver Stevie® Award for Transforming an Inspirational National Sales Meeting and two Bronze Stevie® Awards for the Achievers’ Clubs in St. Martin and Venice, Italy, and the Engaging Employees through Transformational Team Building and CSR. 

Although each event had a distinct approach, these were nominated for their lasting impact on the attendees and the community. In short, The MTA Global Experiences Team transformed a national sales meeting with immersive branding and theme; through vendor partnerships and intentionality, the MTA team crafted memorable incentive experiences in St. Martin and Venice; and lastly, continuing MTA’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and DEI initiatives, MTA designed an inspiring, multi-faceted, CSR team-building experience. 

MTA’s Founder and CEO Marnie Miller Battistini shared, “Miller Tanner Associates is honored to receive the Silver and Bronze Stevie® Awards for our events. Our talented Global Experiences Team is committed to transforming events into exceptional experiences for our customers and their attendees. This recognition further motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of event innovation and excellence in the industry. Congratulations to all the 2024 inspiring, award-winning entries!” 

More than 300 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners. 

“While growth in much of the world economy has recovered slowly from the COVID-19 pandemic, the American economy continues to show remarkable resilience and growth,” said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller.  “Our 2024 Stevie winners have contributed to that successful recovery through their innovation, persistence, and hard work.  We congratulate all our winners in the 2024 ABAs and look forward to celebrating their achievements during our June 11 awards banquet in New York.” 

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2024 Stevie winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.     

About Miller Tanner Associates 

Miller Tanner Associates (MTA) is a woman-owned, full-service corporate event planning company in business since 1997.  We deliver memorable experiences through our personalized expertise and tailored solutions ensuring complete control.   

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

Supporting sponsors of The 2024 American Business Awards include Melissa Sones Consulting and SoftPro. 

Volunteer Spotlight: MTA Finance Team

Miller Tanner Associates promotes community involvement by providing volunteer time off annually for our global team to volunteer in their local communities. Today we spotlight our Finance Team’s recent community service.

Volunteering

Our Tennessee-based Finance Team served together during a 3-hour shift at Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle TN, joining with other community volunteers to finish packing 21 pallets of meal boxes that will be provided to seniors in the local community; in total, the volunteers finished packing 770 food boxes, each weighing about 30 pounds with a variety of food items!

Second Harvest’s mission is to provide food to people facing hunger and work to advance hunger solutions. Finance Team pictured left to right: Vivian Thompson, Kelley Buckley, Shelly Lovins, Melanie Riddick, Emily Hise, Sue Bridges, Jill Mason, Selina Rogers, and Donnice Hamblin.

The Fiance Team’s Colorado-based associate, Anne Weiland, joined the team from afar by volunteering with the Wild Animal Sanctuary outside of Denver, CO. She has volunteered with TWAC for 12.5 years, where she gives presentations, sorts donated food, makes meat blocks, and washes barrels/buckets among other tasks.

Volunteering at Wild Animal Sanctuary

The Wild Animal Sanctuary is the largest nonprofit carnivore sanctuary in the world with over 900 rescued animals including lions, tigers, bears, wolves, leopards, and other large carnivores all living in large natural habitats.

Our associate Trisha Roberts also joined the team in spirit by volunteering at Safe Haven, a women’s shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Trisha began volunteering at Safe Haven last July, and recently completed additional training to prepare to answer the organization’s crisis line when volunteering in the future. She also served at their booth at a recent street festival. Trisha shared, “I am so grateful to work for a company that values community service and encourages employees to volunteer their time.”

Finance team members plan to find additional opportunities to utilize volunteer hours in each of their communities throughout the year and are grateful for the opportunity to serve others.

To learn more about our MTA team’s CSR projects or to plan a CSR activity at your next event, visit www.millertanner.com/csr/.

Meet MTA: Huajia Yu, Global Experience Success Manager

The Miller Tanner Associates’ (MTA) difference is our people. That’s why we want to introduce you to our team of superstars that brings our corporate meetings and events to life for our customers. Today we introduce you to our Global Experience Success Manager Huajia Yu. Huajia’s role is to ensure the success of our extended team members through training and development, while also building upon successful MTA partnerships.

Meet Huajia Yu, Global Experience Success Manager

Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Restorative, Input, Achiever, Responsibility, Learner

Languages spoken: Mandarin Chinese and English 

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

As a member of the Global Experiences Team, I manage all scheduling responsibilities and serve as the liaison between MTA and our extended team. 

Huajia with MTA team members on site

What did you do before joining MTA?  I was the director of events for a hotel brand.

What’s the best part of your job? 

I have met so many extraordinary people; I am in awe of the talent MTA has gathered around the world.    

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

Having the right people in the right places is a key factor!

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

The MTA culture is amazing! It is smart, inherently kind, and supportive; and it is made up of the hardest-working people on the planet.  

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

We work all over the world in events. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that there are no meetings that can replace a face-to-face meeting. The relationship forged is strong, but there is nothing like meeting someone in person, sharing a space, and – if you feel like it – giving or receiving a hug.   

What do you do for fun? 

Board games with the family (Clue, Chameleon, and Rummikub); New York Times games (Wordle and Connections); and “True Crime” podcasts and shows. I think you see the pattern – I like problem-solving in every form!  

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

I am originally from Beijing, China, but I call Boston and Philly my home. In Beijing, I recommend Ghost Street for your evening street food. You must do a Hutong tour and see how we lived in the 80s and 90s. In Boston, My favorite is walking from Cambridge to Brookline, going to Japonaise Bakery, and grabbing a stuffed pastry or their fresh fruit cake ( and you will have lived my favorite childhood memory).

Anything else you’d like to add? 

I feel lucky that I am here. It’s a team in which everyone works as hard as their teammates. It’s a team of smart people working with and for each other. 

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

Meet MTA: Joseph Carberry, Software Engineer

Joseph Carberry Meet MTA

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 Joseph Carberry. As a software engineer, Joseph works behind the scenes creating, enhancing, and maintaining MTA’s products.

Meet Joseph Carberry, Software Engineer

Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Learner, Achiever, Analytical, Discipline, Includer

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

I am a software engineer with MTA’s Technology Services department. My responsibilities include creating, enhancing, and maintaining our suite of software. I work with the front-end (what you can see), the back-end (how everything works behind the scenes), and the database (how all our data is stored). 

What did you do before joining MTA?  

Previously, I worked as a software engineer at a global moving logistics company. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

I enjoy the flexibility, working with my team, and any new problems I can help solve every day. 

What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company particularly regarding our technology/products?  

I appreciate that MTA is always looking for new ways to improve our current software, fill gaps in our products, expand our reach, and embrace emerging technology. 

What are some of your favorite tech trends? 

I am passionate about sustainability and have been excitedly following recent trends that push for technology-driven green solutions that allow users to impact and understand environmental problems both large and small. 

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

As a remote worker, I think it’s a valuable experience to meet my team face-to-face and get the chance to talk with my co-workers from other departments that I don’t usually get to interact with. 

Where do you live and what do you love most about your state/city?

I live in beautiful sunny Seattle, WA. I love nature – the evergreen forests, snow-covered peaks, and vibrant waterways. My favorite part of the city is the hustle and bustle, the culture, and the food – especially the food. If you’re visiting, check out Pike Place, Olympic Sculpture Park, and enjoy local favorites like sushi or teriyaki. 

What do you do for fun? 

I am an avid coffee nerd; I love learning about local roasters and sharing my passion with others. I am also a die-hard Patriots fan, cook, gardener, and amateur mushroom cultivator. 

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