Meeting Pros

Tracy Judge – Soundings

Tracy Judge

Founder and CEO, Soundings

San Diego, Calif.

Describe your job.

I am the founder and CEO of Soundings, an innovative talent platform connecting event and marketing professionals with companies that are in search of the most relevant talent for their organization, either freelance or full-time, in the …

Kaya Man – Visit Pensacola

Kaya Man

Destination Sales Manager, Visit Pensacola

Pensacola, Fla.

Describe your job.

I serve as the sales representative to the group and leisure market to generate a positive economic impact for Escambia County. Every day is a new day and new obstacles. I catch up with the team on …

Rhanee Palma – Rhanee Palma & Co.

Rhanee Palma

CEO, Rhanee Palma & Co.

Sacramento, Calif.

Describe your job.

My job is to equitably bring brands to life through the power of events. As a business event strategist and curator, I work with company leaders to use events to accomplish goals and generate growth. I also …

Melissa Patruno – Bishop-McCann

Melissa Patruno

Executive Producer, Bishop-McCann

Las Vegas, Nev.

Describe your job.

As an executive producer for Kansas City, Mo.-based Bishop-McCann, I produce live, virtual, and hybrid show productions for our corporate clients. I work closely with our clients, production, and creative team to ensure that the productions meet messaging …

Maggie Thrasher – ASM Global/Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center

Maggie Thrasher

Director of Sales, ASM Global, Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center

Mobile, Ala.

Describe your job.

As director of sales for the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, I am responsible for promoting and booking events. I work with our clients to convey their needs to our …

Jamel Taggart – Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant

Jamel Taggart

Director of Beverage, Choctaw Casino & Resort—Durant

Frisco, Texas

Describe your job.

I am the strategic leader of beverage operations for 15 bars, a 3,000-seat concert venue, and a resort pool with 50 cabanas at the 1,700-room Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Okla., just over …

Lisa Zent – Maritz Global Events

Lisa Zent

Senior Event Strategist, ESN, Maritz Global Events

Lexington, Ky.

Describe your job.

I live up to the words in my bio on the company website. As a contractor for Maritz Global Events, I oversee key clients and build relationships on dependability. My clients know they can rely …

Alison Kieckhafer – The Event Lounge

Alison Kieckhafter

Owner and chief event officer, The Event Lounge

Dallas, Texas 

Describe your job.
Since I started the company 11 years ago, my talented in-person and virtual event team has produced more than 5,000 meetings, conferences, events, and activations around the globe. We offer live and virtual …

Andre Wells – Events by Andre Wells

Andre Wells

Owner, Events by Andre Wells

Washington, D.C.

Describe your job.

I own an event design and planning firm in Washington, D.C, and work throughout the United States and abroad. We produce and design corporate, political, and social events, in addition to high-profile weddings.

How did you …

Chris Dyer – Conference Catalysts, LLC

Chris Dyer

CEO, Conference Catalysts, LLC

Gainesville, Fla. 

Describe your job.

In addition to my CEO responsibilities, I have directly served as a conference manager for more than 150 conferences, meetings, and events over the past 15 years. I currently oversee all company operations and am intensely involved in …