Irina Terrell
Sales & Event Manager, SpringHill Suites Panama City Beach Beachfront
irina.terrell@marriott.com
Number of events in 2025: 150
Types of events: Corporate events and retreats, conferences, social events, weddings, reunions, receptions, holiday events
Average number of attendees in 2025: 50-100
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
I create memorable beachfront experiences for my clients. I work with a talented team of colleagues in delivering exceptional results that ensure our clients not only want to come but also recommend our beachfront venue to others.
What skills do you think are essential for planning successful meetings and events?
Event planners must be extremely well-organized and detail-oriented. You need to be able to manage both time and money. Effective communication skills are crucial to building mutual understanding and trust.
The most important skill for me is to never lose sight of who I am doing this for: my clients.
What is your philosophy or approach to challenges
and unexpected issues?
Something unexpected comes up in almost every situation; whatever it is, it can always be handled. My approach is to be open-minded and flexible while keeping the overall goal—the client’s needs and preferences—in front of me. Then I adapt, smile, and work around the challenge. Taking a short walk helps, too.
How do you keep up with industry trends, changes,
and cutting-edge developments?
The hospitality landscape is always evolving. I make it a personal goal to attend several industry trade shows each year, often participating as a vendor. I research what other successful event centers are doing and keep up with trends by attending seminars, trainings, and networking conferences. I read annual trends reports to understand how I can better focus on my clients, meet their needs, and exceed their expectations.
Networking with colleagues via LinkedIn and in person is always a great resource. OTO Development, which owns and manages SpringHill Suites Panama City Beach Beachfront, provides skills training and networking opportunities as well.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love meeting new people, locally and from all over the world; it’s a privilege to share our gorgeous destination with them every day. It’s also a pleasure to work with my on-property team, who are all so supportive and encouraging. Their knowledge, motivation, and willingness to challenge me to stay competitive compel me to excel at my job. Laughing, celebrating each other’s milestones, and sharing successes are active “ingredients” of our daily work culture. Knowing that my teammates always have my back is a blessing that I don’t take for granted.
How would you describe your biggest professional success?
My biggest professional success is discovering joy and purpose in what I do. I always wanted to be an event manager; after working in other industries, I believe I am now exactly where I am supposed to be.
What is the best professional advice you ever received, and what advice would you offer others in the industry?
I love the statement, “The only constant in life is change.” The best advice I have received and that I pass on to others is to learn to adapt quickly while staying flexible, positive, and open-minded in any and all situations.
What do you hope to achieve or look forward to as you plan events in 2026?
My 2026 goal is to elevate SpringHill Suites Panama City Beach Beachfront as the go-to waterfront venue for any type of event. I envision a 10% year-over-year event revenue increase. I’m working to strengthen current client relationships so they will think of me when they think of Panama City Beach.
