MPI Perspective - Fall 2016 - 18

[ NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ] Get to Know ... ALLISON LORENTSON DUNN SENIOR EVENTS PLANNER RSA CONFERENCE ALLISON.LORENTSON@RSA.COM How many meetings and events do you plan each year? I work on four RSA Conference events per year, where our largest, in San Francisco, is a five-day event hosting more than 40,000 attendees and the smallest is a one-day event with about 150 attendees. What is one of your biggest planning success stories? Last year, we launched RSAC Unplugged as a small, intimate event to offer our cybersecurity audience in Europe a taste of the exceptional content that our SF event offers each spring. It was extremely well received and I'm looking forward to jumping back into planning for next year's RSAC Unplugged event taking place in London in June 2017. TONI HILL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER CLASSIC EVENT & TENT RENTALS TONYETTEHILL@YAHOO.COM How long have you been a member of MPINCC? I am a newbie, only two months. Tell us about your role at the Classic Event & Tent Rentals. I am currently an account executive with Classic Event and Tent Rentals. I work with clients to help them create the event they envisioned! What new trend in the industry are you most excited about? Suspended florals! Floral chandeliers! Where is the most unique venue you've ever planned a meeting? We'll be hosting our 2nd annual RSA Conference in Abu Dhabi later this year at the Emirates Palace, which is the most opulent venue I've ever experienced. Everything is covered in gold, down to the cappuccinos and camel burgers! Looking at the future of meeting planning, what do you feel is one of the biggest trends on the horizon? I'm interested in the evolution of the "event within an event" model. As conferences grow larger each year, it's a challenge to create a personalized experience for everyone. The theme of this issue is "Planning Smaller Meetings." What are some of the challenges of planning smaller events, and how have you faced those? With a smaller event you typically have a smaller team supporting you, meaning that everyone has to wear multiple hats. I love being able to have a hand in every piece of an event and to see it come together at the end, where it feels like you've crossed the finish line of a marathon. What is your favorite thing so far? I am looking forward to exploring the network and meeting others in the industry. What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? I love to take my dogs on day trips to the many dog friendly locations in the Bay Area - and enjoy our great local food, wine and weather! 18 | P E R S P E C T I V E | www.mpincc.org What's the biggest challenge you've ever faced on the job? I was the first person to build a structure tent on Union Square, so I had the pleasure working with engineers from San Francisco and the tent manufacturers. It was technically and logistically challenging, and it went really well. What is one of the most unique events you've ever worked? I did the groundbreaking for the San Francisco 49er's new stadium. Why did you join MPI? I love the collaboration that happens at MPI. The level of professionalism at MPI is unparalleled in the event industry. Which MPINCC chapter activities do you find most educational or enjoyable? I am so new, I have loved every activity I have gone to. I think the 5k was my favorite, nothing like a little sweat before 7 a.m. What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? I currently live in Napa, so wine tasting is always on the top of the list! ● http://www.mpincc.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MPI Perspective - Fall 2016