Meet MTA: Joana Edwards, Global Experience Specialist – Partnerships

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

Meet Joana Edwards, Global Experience Specialist – Partnerships

CliftonStrengths: Intellection, Learner, Individualization, Input, Responsibility 

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

Tell us about your current role with MTA.

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

What did you do before joining MTA? 

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

What’s the best part of your job? 

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

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

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

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

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

Joana pictured with fellow Global Experiences – Partnership team members.

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

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

What do you do for fun? 

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

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

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

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