This post is part of the HopSkip Planner Spotlight Series where HopSkip spotlight's planners across the industry to bring awareness of how they adapted to COVID-19, communicating and lessons learned and sharing how they are viewing the meetings and events industry in a post-pandemic world.
Name: Michelle Crosby
Company Name: Brightspot Incentives & Events
Job Title: Business Development Manager
Years of Experience: 25
How were you able to adapt during COVID-19 when the meeting and events industry got disrupted?
I was laid off in September of 2020 during the pandemic and I made the decision to stay connected to the meetings and events industry by recommitting my involvement with SITE by joining the Texas chapter on their board of directors and working as a contractor for an exhibit booth sales company and incentive travel service provider as well as take travel director jobs in my area. Through these connections, I was not only able to make additional income that unemployment was unable to provide me but it also opened doors to interviews and ultimately landed me at my current employer in January of 2021. Since joining Brightspot nine months ago, I've already become an established team player and recently received a promotion.
As a planner, what was the number one thing you learned over the past year?
To stay focused on the job/project at hand and be kind to those around you.
Is there anything you are changing in your planning process moving forward as a result of the pandemic?
I am arming myself and my clients with relevant, helpful, and up to the minute information on travel and on-site safety. It is so important to provide options and choices so that people stay comfortable and calm. It is impossible to enjoy oneself on an incentive trip or sales kick off event if you are worried all the time. By providing information on a regular basis eases worry and provides a sense of control and calmness.
This post is part of the HopSkip Planner Spotlight Series where HopSkip spotlight's planners across the industry to bring awareness of how they adapted to COVID-19, communicating and lessons learned and sharing how they are viewing the meetings and events industry in a post-pandemic world.
