Smart Women in Meetings 2019: Stellar Performer
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Let's continue to celebrate International Women's Day and congratulate our very own Michelle Thornton who was featured as one of Smart Meetings' Smart Women in Meetings for 2019!
Position/Company:
Independent Meeting & Events Producer, Meetings By Michelle, Los Angeles
Tell us about what you do for a living:
I manage sourcing, negotiation of contracts, planning logistics, on-site execution of company meetings, national sales training meetings, gala events and sales incentive trips... and in my past, a red carpet or two. I'm a coordinator of all things.
Tell us about your history with MPISCC:
I've been a member of MPI for over 12 years but I joined the SCC chapter when I moved from San Francisco to LA seven years ago. MPI was a key component in creating new relationships after my move, and I was so glad to have had the connection. I have had many roles with MPISCC. I was on the Board of Directors as Director of Special Events in 2014-15 and was Chair for (WE)Con in 2017 in Newport Beach and have been on several committees. Being a part of different committees has been a great way to expand my network and, in some cases, try things that were not part of my normal day job. It allowed me to learn what I liked and didn't like. I really encourage everyone to do committee work and step up to lead while learning from the best in the business in a different setting than your work environment.
Tell us something personal/fun about you!
Though I am a planner by day (and night - lol), I live to create great experiences with all the people in my life and enjoy witnessing the 'a-ha' moments. I'm a mom to three great kids (13/11/8) and Girl Scout Troop Leader to 11 awesome fifth-grade girls who provide me perspective daily on the things that really matter. I'm also married to a guy who is still my best friend through it all. And once in a while, I enjoy an early Sunday morning coffee and Sprinkles cupcake while sitting on the beach watching surfers at Zuma in Malibu.
See all the featured Smart Women here.
