Tanya Barrett, Ashfield Event Experiences

As Project Account Manager, I wear many hats depending on the client, the project, and the scope. The biggest pieces of my job, like any planner, are understanding the client’s needs, the details, staying within the budget, meeting deadlines, compliance, and training associates.

I planned many exclusive events for architects in unique venues. I was fortunate that they allowed me to be creative, while I got to learn about architecture. These were some of my favorite projects.

Another memorable event I planned was a basketball tournament for the VA Special Olympics. I loved it because all of the adults brought their talents to the court – referees volunteered hours, high school athletes scored games, a parent shared thousands of awesome photos of the athletes in action, and engaged coaches helped the athletes discover their own strengths. When attendees line up to thank you as if you are on a receiving line, you know its a good day.

When I'm not working, I enjoy hitting the slopes. This past ski season has been my most rewarding ever. I went to Tignes, the French Alps, with my ski club and experienced breathtaking, magnificent trails from 11,338 ft. Additional highlights included ice floating, paragliding (skiing right off the cliff!), extreme night sledding, and a four-hand massage! Après ski (after ski) memories were filled with laughs, games, karaoke, dancing, and sharing adventures of the day with fellow skiers. Tignes is worth repeating!

I used to be an active member of another professional organization for 10 years. I took a five-year hiatus and realized I missed the friendships and working relationships. I was drawn to MPIGNY for their service to the industry.

I would like to recommend a book to my fellow MPIGNY members, I reread this every year: Take Time for Your Life by Cheryl Richardson.