Salita Jones
Salita Jones is the Director of Education & Events at TRSA, the Association for Linen, Uniform, and Facility Services. With over 24 years of experience in the industry, Salita has spent the past 17 years leading TRSA’s professional development programs and event management initiatives, setting the benchmark for excellence. She oversees large-scale conferences, committee meetings, virtual events, and training institutes, managing every detail from program design and vendor negotiations to on-site execution, to deliver seamless experiences that reflect TRSA’s commitment to quality.
Leveraging her expertise in negotiation, operations, sales, and team building, Salita is recognized for creating dynamic, engaging events that foster collaboration and deliver lasting value. Her hands-on approach and ability to anticipate attendee needs guarantee exceptional service and a positive experience for every participant.
Salita earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Bowie State University and continues to expand her knowledge through professional development, including Pandemic On-Site Protocol Training through the PCMA Institute. Known for her creativity, problem-solving skills, and dedication to team development, she is passionate about delivering impactful educational experiences while cultivating a culture of learning and engagement across the industry.
• Pandemic On-Site Protocol Training
• Bowie State University
• Recognition from Ragan CSR & Diversity Awards the TRSA Safe Space Series
• Event Planners Association
• ASAE
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say my greatest strengths are my strong work ethic and commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. Working alongside an amazing team, we’ve consistently ensured that attendees have positive, memorable experiences at our events. We’re always looking for innovative ways to make each event more interactive and engaging.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” — Shirley Chisholm, U.S. Congresswoman
While Representative Chisholm never spoke to me personally, her words have guided me throughout my career, reinforcing the importance of self-advocacy.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Trust your abilities and believe in the value of your voice. Never let anyone make you feel that your opinion doesn’t matter. Be bold, be innovative, and don’t settle for the status quo. Build strong, positive relationships with hotel representatives, DMCs, and all external partners, they’re essential to creating seamless events. Treat everyone with respect, whether they’re part of the banquet staff or the CEO. And most importantly, prioritizing work-life balance, it’s key to sustaining your passion and preventing burnout.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges are budget limitations, attendee engagement challenges, and rising service costs such as audiovisual, food & beverage minimums, and securing adequate meeting space to meet specifications, are key considerations for successful event planning. Some great opportunities are finding ways to integrate AI to enhance the attendee experience, incorporating opportunities to showcase new technologies that would benefit the membership, and creating networking experiences that foster stronger industry connections.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in my personal life are family and togetherness. Our family gatherings are filled with laughter, cherished childhood memories, and great food. In my work, I value honesty, accountability, and building strong relationships with my colleagues, after all, we spend more time at work than at home, and those connections matter.