Amanda Salazar
Vice President, Communications & Membership; Manufacture Alabama
amanda@manufacturealabama.org
Number of events in 2025: 49
Types of events: Association committee meetings, quarterly meetings, an annual meeting, annual delegation’s trip to D.C., statewide events, conferences,
golf tournaments, networking events
Average number of attendees in 2025: 25-400
What is your primary role associated with meetings and events?
I oversee communications and membership recruitment and retention for Manufacture Alabama, including outreach to members, the media, and key partners. Throughout the year, we host a wide range of events designed to strengthen relationships, support professional growth, and advocate for Alabama’s manufacturing industry. Our events include targeted programs and committee meetings to address specific needs within manufacturing. For example, our Makers and Movers event connects logistics and supply-chain professionals, while quarterly sector council meetings address issues across manufacturing.
What skills are essential for planning successful meetings and events?
Organization is the foundation of every event; detailed checklists keep everything on track. Communication is equally vital. Setting clear expectations with your team, vendors, hotels, and attendees helps keep everyone aligned.
Lastly, being resourceful is key. Working within a budget while still delivering a top-tier experience takes creativity. Thinking outside the box not only helps meet event goals but also provides benefits to partners and vendors as well.
What is your approach to challenges and unexpected issues?
Be cool. The best event planners stay calm under pressure. Usually, only a handful of people ever know when something goes wrong. Remaining composed allows you to think clearly and find a quick solution while reassuring those around you that everything is under control. Events are dynamic by nature, and maintaining composure turns potential crises into moments of quiet problem-solving.
How do you keep up with industry trends?
I stay curious. I attend conferences and ask partners about creative ideas. Social media is another great tool for spotting trends and inspiration.
I also subscribe to several industry newsletters that highlight emerging
best practices and event technology.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The people. I work with an incredible team, which is small but mighty. When something needs to get done, everyone jumps in. One day we might be in suits meeting with top leaders, and the next we are loading a U-Haul. That variety keeps things fun.
I also enjoy serving our members. After every event, my inbox fills with messages of appreciation and ideas for improvement. It is fulfilling to create events where attendees leave feeling inspired, re-energized, and connected to one another.
How would you describe your biggest professional success?
My greatest success has been transforming Manufacture Alabama’s events and engagement into some of the most impactful in our history.
I have focused on expanding programming, strengthening communication, and ensuring that every event, large or small, delivers real value.
Our Women in Industry event was a first-time professional conference for many attendees. They left not only inspired but also with a renewed sense of community and belonging. Watching our signature events grow in size, quality, and influence has been incredibly rewarding. Most importantly, this work has built trust and collaboration across Alabama’s manufacturing community.
Please share an anecdote about a unique or unusual event that you organized.
Our Makers and Movers Lunch and Learn was one of the most interesting programs I have helped organize. It brought together professionals from the manufacturing, logistics, and trucking industries who rely on each other but rarely share space. The discussion about supply-chain challenges and workforce needs sparked new partnerships and ongoing collaboration. It proved that even a simple format, when designed thoughtfully, can create lasting impact.
What is the best professional advice you have received, and what advice would you offer others in the industry?
The best advice I received when I started was to remember that I will be fine. Though I overplanned, I learned that confidence—given or borrowed—carries you through.
My advice to others is to lean into the confidence others have in you and do your best not to let them down. Treat your event staff as teammates, not vendors. By the end of an event, you should know the audiovisual crew by name—those relationships are invaluable.
What do you hope to achieve or look forward to as you plan events in 2026?
The association world is always evolving, and finding new ways to bring value to members is essential. In 2026, I am focused on introducing new events that reach emerging audiences, expanding membership growth, and exploring creative new venues. The goal is always the same: deliver meaningful experiences that connect, educate, and inspire Alabama’s manufacturing community.
