Kelsey Anthony
Elevated Meetings
Global Account Executive
Winter Garden, Fla.
Types of meetings and events:
Consumer Electronic Show, SCALE financial conference, Internova travel conference, Reebok entrepreneurship tour with Joe Foster, real estate conferences, incentive events
Average number of attendees:
300 to 160,000, depending on the event
Describe your current position.
As an event consultant, I assist with sourcing and event management for clients worldwide. I ensure events align with client objectives and brand identity while delivering exceptional experiences through the corporate and MICE industry.
How did you get started in the meetings and events industry, and how did your experience lead to your current position?
I started in events through MGM Resorts’ Hospitality Internship Program. I immediately found a love for hospitality, specifically events in Las Vegas, which led me to move post-graduation to Las Vegas to begin my career in events. I started in weddings and began to grow within the industry through sales, catering, and convention services—moving up in the industry to handle some of the largest events in the world.
All of this has led me to this side of the industry, where I utilize my consulting experience and hotel background to be the best partner to my clients.
What skills do you think are essential for planning successful meetings and events?
Some of the best assets for providing successful events are being realistic, trustworthy, creative in design, a problem-solver, and understanding project management.
What is your philosophy or approach to challenges and unexpected issues?
I have lived through some of the biggest challenges in the events world, including planning the Route 91 country music festival in Las Vegas, which experienced a mass shooting. Other unexpected situations while producing events have included floods, deaths, etc. Responding to unexpected situations requires leadership, understanding emergency contingency plans, and problem-solving.
My approach has always been to address the situation without emotion and to provide solutions. This involves having clear plans, routes, and communication.
How do you keep up with industry trends, changes, and cutting-edge developments?
I love to stay involved in the industry. In addition to consulting, I am always learning and educating myself about the industry and what it has to offer. For example, I am finishing the Construction Industry Council’s sustainability course to understand how we provide more sustainable events. Traveling and seeing how other destinations and cultures produce events is also valuable.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy traveling, meeting people from around the world, giving back to small businesses and countries, and seeing clients’ excitement as their events come to life.
How would you describe your most significant professional success?
My biggest professional success changes with the more time I spend in the industry. My experience has led me to where I am today, and I continue to learn and grow with each event. I consider it a success to still love what I do—planning some of the world’s greatest events and seeing the world in the process.
Please share an anecdote about how you handled a meeting or event that did not go as planned.
During the middle of a trade show with 20,000 attendees, all the water pipes at Mandalay Bay burst, sending water everywhere throughout the trade show floor. The joke was that the Mandalay Bay aquarium’s shark reef had broken, and “the sharks were out!” Fortunately, everyone had a comical response and made the best of the flood-like situation.
What is the best professional advice you ever received?
Use two ears but one mouth—meaning, listen more than you speak. This quote always reminds me to listen to my clients and vendors in all situations as a trusted consultant.
What advice would you offer others in the industry?
Prioritize relationships, continue educating yourself no matter how much you feel you know, learn from other cultures and locations, and have fun.
