Marissa Lee
Manager, Global Accounts, HelmsBriscoe
Sarasota, Fla.
Describe your job.
I specialize in hotel and venue sourcing, helping organizations find hotels for events. I’m like a realtor finding hotels. I put info into the database and all the meeting specs. I receive proposals and get involved with the contracts
and negotiations.
What made you choose the meetings and events industry?
I grew up in Colorado and worked the front desk at a prestigious golf course. When I went on to college at the University of Georgia, I participated in my sorority and National Pan-Hellenic Council events and was vice president of our chapter’s foundation. While I was in that role, we were the sorority’s No. 1 chapter in terms of service projects.
How did you get started, and what got you from there to today?
I went to school for events and meeting management. During my last semester in college, I got an internship with Preferred Hotels & Resorts. It was a fantastic experience because I learned the ins and outs of the third-party industry. I went on to work at Christopherson Business Travel in Denver. While there, I did full-service planning. Planning an event from start to finish was very tiring, and I was getting burned out. But my favorite part of the job was finding hotels for clients, including finding the best fit for the event or the best place to host. I learned a lot and stayed up to date on hotel openings and renovations, as well as the locations of different hotels across the country. When the pandemic hit and the events industry was at a standstill, I still had my job, but we were doing very minimal planning. This period allowed me to take a break from my everyday job. It was then that I realized I wasn’t enjoying my job and needed a change. I had had my eye on HelmsBriscoe for a few years. If COVID taught us anything, it was that life is precious and there is no time like the present. In January 2021, I made the leap to join HelmsBriscoe.
How do you keep up with industry trends, changes, and cutting-edge developments?
I go to as many events as possible to keep up with things. Internally, I attend our quarterly meetings. I have been part of PCMA, as well as the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence. I also read many articles and follow many industry outlets. I have a weekly ritual where I share industry articles and other information on LinkedIn. I love sharing knowledge with others.
What essential skills should every industry professional possess?
You have to be a problem solver. You have to understand that nothing goes according to plan. Have a plan A and plans B, C, D, and E! You’ve got so many people coming for one event, and you should expect many obstacles. It is essential to think on your feet to make a decision quickly so that the event is successful.
What is the philosophy or approach to work that gets you through stressful times?
Not sure many people know this, but in the rankings of the ‘most stressful jobs,’ event planner is No. 3. You only have one try to get it right. I remind myself that it will be a success and that people will get together and enjoy time with one another. I think of the end goal or purpose of the event and that this will be a successful event that will bring people together.
What is the best professional advice you ever received, and what advice do you have for others in the industry?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve learned and shared is never burn your bridges. Always keep in contact and maintain reasonable, professional relationships. As with any industry, it is all about networking. Our industry is huge but also small. Always leave on a high note. Stay in touch with people. You never know, but you might work with someone who sends you to be CEO of another company.
Describe your biggest professional success.
When you start with HelmsBriscoe, you are responsible for finding your clients. You are your own sales manager, and you also handle all services for your clients. I have been with the company for two and a half years; during this time, I have made HelmsBriscoe’s President’s Club after generating $1.5 million in revenue for one client.
Share an anecdote about a meeting or event that did not go as planned (something funny or odd) and how you handled it.
A speaker for one event realized that morning that she did not bring dress shoes to wear at the event. All she had was a pair of sneakers. Fortunately, she wore the same shoe size as me, so we switched shoes: She had my dress shoes to wear, and I wore her sneakers!
What is the best part of your job?
I love all the travel that is involved with my job. HelmsBriscoe allows me to be my boss and create my travel schedule. I get to see new and exciting places for a living, including the coolest and latest hotels. I usually travel two out of four weeks a month. Whether it’s in Florida, other states, Europe, or Argentina, I am ready and willing to go and have fun while learning on the job. I can bring events to these incredible destinations.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m from Colorado, which is beautiful with the mountains and outdoors. But I live in Sarasota and love Florida, with the gorgeous beaches, golfing, and other activities. I’m a Florida girl at heart. I love the warm weather, water, and yoga, and I am big into sports. I am always out and about enjoying Florida life.
