Her Story
About Erica
Growing up it was difficult for me to find my passion and purpose. I tried on many different hats, but none of them seemed to fit quite right. I was never the smartest or most athletic and struggled to find my strengths. My mom would tell me I have the "gift of gab" meaning I loved talking to people and connected easily with others. At the time I thought "Great.. what could I possibly do with that?"
Then once I was graduating high school I recall telling my mom the only thing I would miss about high school was planning our school events and she was the one who told me I could have a career in events. She connected me someone who studied Hospitality Business at Michigan State University where I would be attending that fall. The conversation inspired me and shortly after stepping on to campus I changed my major to Hospitality Business and never looked back.
And now, years later in a career I love where the gift of gab certainty serves me well. My passion for the event industry stems from my love of bringing communities together for a common purpose and empowering people to grow professionally and personally. Events can serve as a great way to empower others, whether it's through networking, inspiring speakers and breakout sessions or through fundraising events. It brings me joy to play a role in the growth of others.
I once heard a quote that always stuck with me, "We may not be the ones to find the cure to cancer, but we can be the ones to plan the conference where they figure it out".
I am so grateful that my "gift of gab" has led to a successful career in the events industry. I found success in my strengths of food and beverage management and menu creation, vendor relations, and budget management,
My success is defined by client's success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Erica
01What do you attribute your success to?
My support system. Starting from my mom being the one who even told me this industry was possible, and just different ways my whole family has really supported this. I've had some really amazing mentors throughout different roles in my jobs. People who believed in me and encouraged me. The reason I'm at Conference Direct now is through someone who I met through the industry and saw the potential in me and has became a mentor ever since. I've been very lucky to be surrounded by a really great community, both personally and professionally, that has allowed me to be where I am now.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Rely on your support system, your peers and colleagues. The events industry can be demanding and, at times, feel competitive, but true success comes from collaboration and lifting one another up. Your peers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, and leaning into those relationships is invaluable. It truly takes a village. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support system around me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Keep an open mind, especially early in your career. Avoid getting pigeonholed too quickly. Staying flexible allows you to discover the many different niches and opportunities within the industry. The more well-rounded you become, the more valuable and knowledgeable you’ll be.
There are roles I’ve taken on that I didn’t even know existed 10 years ago. That’s part of what makes this industry so exciting, it’s far broader and more dynamic than most people expect when they first start. Staying open-minded can lead you to unique and rewarding paths you may not have initially considered.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
This industry has it's ebbs and flows. It can be vulnerable to the inconsistencies and changes of the world. Budgets are being constrained while prices of goods and services are increasing. It takes creativity and prioritization to overcome.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Community is one of the most important aspects of my life. I value strong connections with both family and friends, and my faith plays a central role in who I am. In both my personal and professional life, I prioritize dependability and loyalty—I consider myself someone others can consistently rely on.
I’m also deeply passionate about empowering others. That’s one of the reasons I’m love the events industry, every event presents an opportunity to uplift, connect, and create meaningful impact in someone’s life.
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