Not that you wanted this much detail, but the more you know about me, the more likely you’ll understand why I am who I am. I have a real passion for this industry and enjoy the people that I share that passion with. I am also blessed with an incredible family and a wife that I am not worth of having. When I am not doing industry related work I am riding my Harley-Davidson. Like life, it’s all about the journey, not the destination.
Professionally speaking, Here’s my life in no so few words:
- Founder and CEO of Advantage Event Group, an Atlanta based full service procurement | programming | production firm specializing in large scale meeting site selection/procurement and production. I cut my teeth after college in the Television industry, working on the original Donny & Marie Show, and several others in Hollywood. It taught me that a great product need not be expensive, just well thought out and with the right team.
- Managing Partner of Med Prof Ed, LLC, an international professional education firm that delivers continuing medical education to Physicians & Surgeons in Europe that specialize in Dermatological and Plastic Surgery. This is a whole story unto itself. If we ever have the time, ask me about this. It all started with a trip to my dermatologist.
- Extensive experience in the development and design & redesign of new and existing conferences, trade shows & events that deliver stronger financial results.
- Have been heralded as a “Black belt Negotiator” due to the ability to call on an extensive network of hospitality and industry contacts to accomplish client goals and objectives.
- An active member of professional organizations including more than 20 years in Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC), International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). I recently Co-Chaired|designed|planned the 2010 GaMPI Meetings Exploration Conference in Atlanta. Nearly 800 pax, tradeshow | conference. Great time and great partners made this all come together.
- Former International Board Member and Chair of the Council of Chapter Presidents of Meetings Professionals International (MPI).
- Have held and maintained the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation since 1991 and currently serve as a member of teh Executive Advisory Board of Passkey.
- Awarded National Speakers Association (NSA) Planner Partner of the Year Award, MPI Planner of the Year Award.
- Have served in numerous positions of responsibility at the local levels of Meeting Professionals International (Atlanta & Minneapolis) & Professional Convention Management Association (Atlanta).
- Featured | Quoted | Published in a variety of publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Smart Meetings Magazine, Breakout and author an monthly advice column for Plan Your Meetings Magazine.
That’s enough right? I could also tell you how I sold news papers and worked on a Frito Lay truck while in college, but really…