Melanie Smith

CMP, Meeting Planner
General Council on Finance & Administration UMC

What do you enjoy about being an event planner?
Since I was a child, I always have enjoyed setting and meeting goals. There is nothing more satisfying and meaningful than having a goal and knocking it out of the park.

Events are kind of like goals – they are a single day, meeting, or moment that takes months and years of planning, logistically organizing, marketing, analyzing, and executing to make happen. They are the culmination of lots of hard work, great teams, and good instinct. Planning a successful event is similar to running a marathon – at both mile 22 or hour 12 of event load-in when you are drained, stressed, and ready to quit – you must look up towards the final goal of what you set out to do. Wrapping up a race, or an event, is extremely powerful.

Professionally, who has inspired and invested in you the most?
Throughout my career, I have been blessed to have clients who have inspired me to do my best, tough bosses that have demanded my best, and many peers and vendors who have aided in making the best possible. When thinking about who has professionally impacted me, I think of the saying that “it takes a village to raise a child.” I have been blessed to be invested in and inspired by a team - all those wonderful Meeting Planners that I crowd source advice from, the staff who are willing to take the overnight shift so I can get sleep and still make certain things go off without a hitch, the client who forgives my mistake, the vendors who make the impossible happen when I ask, and on and on. On a daily basis, I continue to be inspired by those other event professionals around me. I refuse to pinpoint one source, because I love learning and growing from all these many sources.

What is the most challenging part of being an event planner?
Being an event planner is one of those jobs you have to love to do. It demands long, challenging hours, time away from your routine, the ability to wear many hats, and remember many details. Some days can be more challenging than others – when you have to miss a family event, you are living on airport food, or your average work day is 18 hours. But that is when I remember all the reasons I love this job, the gifts that God blessed me with to do it well, and I thank the Lord for coffee and chocolate.

What do you like to do outside of your work?
On any given day you’ll find me out running, sipping on a rich cup of coffee or a glass of wine with friends, reading, baking, reminiscing about my adventures, or dreaming about where my travels will take me next. I love Jesus with all my heart and am passionate about my faith, living a life of love and adventure. My church and community are a big staple of my life and I love exploring my awesome city of Nashville, TN with them!

DeShawn Wynn

CMP-HC, Chief Meeting Architect
Wynning Touch

What do you enjoy about being an event planner?
I love the ending. There is always a point in the planning process, when I begin to question my career choices. I often wonder if the stress is worth it. But I am always reminded why I do what I do once I see the event come to fruition. When I can see the strategy come to life. To see how I helped my client solve a problem or bring a vision into reality. It is the ending that reminds me that what I do is a gift, and it gives me the excitement for the next event.

Professionally, who has inspired and invested in you the most?
I can’t give credit to one person. I have had several mentors. And I continuously seek out people who excel in areas that I struggle in. For example, sales is probably my least favorite part of business. I met someone who loved everything about his sales career. I immediately asked him to be a mentor. He helped me become more comfortable with selling my company’s services. The skills I need to move to the next level are always changing, therefore, I am always looking at who I can learn from. Even though I am classified as an independent planner, my success has come from constantly surrounding myself with people who can help me grow.

What is the most challenging part of being an event planner?
Managing expectations. As meeting planners, sometimes we are seen as superheroes. We are expected to pull off the impossible. And yes, I have pulled off some amazing feats in my career. But sometimes the expectations can be unrealistic and overwhelming. Shrinking budgets, tight deadlines, impractical requests. Many times I find myself frustrated, trying to balance the fine line between miracle worker and event planner.

What do you like to do outside of your work?
Water brings me peace. When it is time for me to relax & rejuvenate I love to head to the beach where I can sit and watch the waves. I have absolutely no desire to actually get in the water. But there is something about watching the power of the waves crashing that eases tension and clears my mind.

William R. Baublitz III

Conference Manager
Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation

What do you enjoy about being an event planner?
As an event planner, I most enjoy the feeling of satisfaction after the first session of my conference begins. At that point, I feel like I can finally breathe easy, and start to appreciate the moment. It's so satisfying to see the audience enjoy the programming, to see the audiovisual elements working well, and to hear the band play at full volume for the first time. I think that's the point when an event planner can stand back and just enjoy everything their hard work has created.

Professionally, who has inspired and invested in you the most?
My first event planning supervisor, Jenny! When I joined the staff team of a campus ministry called DiscipleMakers, I was placed in the event planning department with virtually no experience. Jenny took me under her wing and taught me all the major skills of event planning. She taught me how to negotiate contracts, build and manage registration, break down the final hotel bill, manage the on-site event and so many other important details of the job. I'm very grateful for her instruction and patience with me in those early days!

What is the most challenging part of being an event planner?
The hardest part by far is the sheer number of details to track. When items start "falling through the cracks" I start to feel nervous. 2020 has been a particularly hard year for this, as our 1600 person on-site conference was shifted to a completely virtual event. I quickly shifted hundreds of details to the digital format, it was unnerving to realize, "There may be details that I'm missing, and I don't know what they are yet!" Thankfully I had a supportive staff team around me to provide critical feedback.

What do you like to do outside of your work?
Most of my time is spent with my beautiful wife, Elizabeth, and my two children, Phoebe, and George. Both of my children are still quite young, so most of our time is spent playing at parks or being silly around the house. I also love to run, hike, and mountain bike.

Rev. Samuel Green, Jr

Director of Strategic Partnerships
Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church

What do you enjoy about being an event planner?
Serving as an event planner sparks an inner mechanism that is hard to explain. I enjoy the excitement, tension, and creativity that happens when planning each event. My hope is to help support the transformation of dreams into realities by designing a space, whether virtual or in person, that cultivates an experience. The most meaningful aspect of event planning are the smiles on attendees when they find unexpected joy. It’s a goal to make each moment at an event memorable.

Professionally, who has inspired and invested in you the most?
The African Methodist Episcopal Church provided a pathway at an early age for me to cultivate leadership and creativity. I am grateful for the members of my denomination who are both ordained clergy and laity for investing in my potential. I grew up attending events and conferences in my church, observing the leaders who organized and provided leadership at our official events. There are several people who have invested in my dreams. Among them, the late Valerie Gary Bell and the late Reverend Dr. Albert D. Tyson, III, instilled resiliency, determination, and the confidence needed to be prepared for opportunities that are life changing.

What is the most challenging part of being an event planner?
The most challenging part is managing expectations with the crisis happening across our globe. Virtual events are really growing, but finances can be limited. While this challenge can stifle plans, I welcome the opportunity to reimagine and get creative with clients to still execute a meaningful event.

What do you like to do outside of your work?
Over the past few years I have developed an interest in obstacle course races. As a member of the Spartan Race community, I am able to explore an alter ego of a gladiator-athlete and live out one of my dreams. I also love to train at the gym, binge Netflix, play video games, and small dinner gatherings. A big kid at heart :)

Morgan Caldwell

CMP, Associate Manager
Conferences & Conventions
The Gideons International

> What do you enjoy about being an event planner?
When people ask how I do what I do, I often respond “I don’t know, that’s the way God made my brain!” I love the fast-paced nature of events and the process of putting all the pieces of an event together. I really enjoy all of the behind the scenes planning that goes on that no one will ever see. My favorite part of planning is the day attendees start to arrive and a buzz fills the atmosphere. It’s so encouraging to see members from around the world thrilled to be there. The fact that they trust me to provide a forum for them to connect, fellowship, reflect and worship is a true honor.

Professionally, who has inspired and invested in you the most?
I have been incredibly fortunate to have many mentors and people along the way that have poured into me, it’s hard to select just one. I’ve been able to surround myself with friends and family who are very career driven and they hold me accountable to my potential and my core values. I also have former colleagues that I go to bounce ideas off of and to help navigate uncharted waters. I’m inspired a lot by other events that I attend, like RCMA.

What is the most challenging part of being an event planner?
The most challenging part for me is discerning necessity over personal preference. I really love catering to my attendees' needs and try to be multiple steps ahead of them, but sometimes there are just things that can’t happen, or budgets won’t allow for. Navigating those situations, while still providing a stellar experience for everyone can be difficult, but not impossible.

What do you like to do outside of your work?
Outside of work, I really enjoy being outside whether it be kayaking or hiking or just sitting on the patio listening to a podcast. I love exploring new recipes and like to cook and bake. I’m currently in grad school so it’s been fun to interact with my professors and classmates. I really miss going to concerts and sporting events and I’m looking forward to experiencing those again when it’s safe!

T.C. Schwindling

Creative Director
Phil Waldrep Ministries

What do you enjoy about being an event planner?
There is nothing more enjoyable than collaborating with fun and inspirational people. Our events are a group effort, and I have the privilege of working alongside the most incredible creative minds. I love watching ideas travel through our creative department and slowly grow into some-thing great as each person adds their personal touch to make our events go from a little thought to reality.

Professionally, who has inspired and invested in you the most?
Around twelve years ago, I met Paul Joiner, the Creative Director for Turning Point, through mutual friends. I had completed a theater design degree at Carnegie Mellon and was working on my seminary degree. Paul pushed me to think outside of the box to find ways to combine my love for design with my desire to serve people through ministry. Since then, he has been a friend that I can turn to for advice and inspiration. He has been in this industry for so long, and I am incredibly thankful for his wisdom and friendship.

What is the most challenging part of being an event planner?
We set out early on in the creative process to bake what we call “magic moments” into each event. The challenge is that what is magical for an attendee in San Antonio, may not be magical for one in Indianapolis. Since our tour covers the entire country, each event needs a little bit of local flavor added to it. While it makes things a little more challenging in the beginning, it keeps things fun for us and, most importantly, the people we serve.

What do you like to do outside of your work?
I love to travel with my family. My wife, Maegan, and I have two daughters and one son, and we love to load up our minivan and see new places with them. It is always fun to hike the Green Mountains of Vermont or hang out on the coast of Massachusetts and Maine. It truly is the most beautiful part of our country.

Janeen Davis

Event Specialist
The Navigators

What do you enjoy about being an event planner? What do you find most meaningful?
I love that I get to use the skills I learned in college, as I have a bachelor’s in theatre with a focus on stage managing. As a stage manager, you have to understand and communicate with all elements of the play, just like the different aspects of an event. With the shift to virtual events, I am enjoying learning how to produce an event and dusting the cobwebs off of calling a show. It comes with some pressure to call the cues perfectly, so that the transitions flow smoothly. I also enjoy venue selection and putting the meeting space puzzle together based on the needs of the event. My desire is that the event doesn’t end once the closing prayer is done, but that the content has challenged and inspired attendees to incorporate aspects into their daily lives.

Professionally, who has inspired and invested in you the most?
My supervisor, Suzie Masse, has been a big influence as I have worked for her for about five years. I have learned from Erin Ingler from Arrowhead in regards to contracts and venue selections. I also get a lot of inspiration from tradeshows I attend and even the arts.

What is the most challenging part of being an event planner?
Being patient with new conference directors who don’t plan events. It can be a good opportunity for developing my training skills, but sometimes the extra time can add stress. Also, sometimes I overdo it onsite and as a type 1 diabetic, my blood sugar drops.

What do you like to do outside of your work?
When I get to relax, I enjoy a good book and glass of wine. I am a huge Boston/New England sports fan so I will watch a game anytime I get the chance. When there is not a pandemic, I play on a recreational softball league. It’s been a great way to make wonderful, lasting friendships. The core of the team has been together for about five years, or 14 seasons, winning five championships. Ironically, our team name is “Not Our Best”!

Michael Deisting

CMP, Assistant Program Director
ELCA Youth Gathering

What do you enjoy about being an event planner?
Meetings and events, at their best, create spaces for people to thrive; whether that be professionally, socially, educationally, spiritually, or otherwise. Bringing those spaces to life, and doing so in collaboration with many of the most talented and inspiring individuals I know, are two of the best and most enjoyable aspects of being a planner.

I am also proud to be part of an industry that values diversity, inclusion, and making the world a better place. We certainly can and should do more on all three fronts, but the ways in which the meetings and events spaces are already living out those values—from sustainability initiatives and service projects to Diversity & Inclusion programs and everything in between—make the work we do as planners meaningful in a way that not every industry enjoys.

Professionally, who has inspired and invested in you the most?
There have been countless people who’ve invested in me. Tim Stanoch and Heidi Hagstrom are two people in particular who come to mind as it relates to meetings and events. My first “real” job was working at my congregation as an assistant to Tim. He allowed me the freedom to pursue projects and jobs that ended up being my first foray into the world of meetings and events—organizing vacation bible school, planning travel for summer service trips, assisting with Sunday liturgies—all things that involve meeting planning.

Heidi was the former director of the ELCA Youth Gathering. I was lucky enough to have a college summer internship with the Gathering, where Heidi not only introduced me to the world of professional meeting planning, but also helped me articulate and connect those early passions Tim had allowed me to pursue, to what has become the career I have today. Both Tim and Heidi invested in helping me discover not just a job, but my vocation.

What is the most challenging part of being an event planner?
Some of the most important aspects of an event's success are the most difficult to measure. It’s nearly impossible to quantify something like that overwhelming feeling of awe or inspiration a group may get from a general session speaker, the emboldened sense of confidence an attendee walks away with after a breakout, or the joy from reconnecting with friends and colleagues. Yet, these are almost more important measures of success than the traditional markers we so frequently turn toward.

What do you like to do outside of your work?
These days often amount to consuming an almost embarrassing amount of streaming television, but it keeps me away from COVID-19, so that’s why I say “almost” embarrassing. I’ve also found myself, exploring new ways to see family and friends in a safe and responsible manner—masked hangouts on our deck, physically distanced picnics, Zoom hangouts, etc. Once things start getting back to normal, you’ll find me at local coffee shops and dive bars, or meandering Chicago's shops. Oh, and if I were being honest, probably still consuming an almost embarrassing amount of streaming television…