Get to Know Your Convention Sales and Services Team

What is your silver lining about COVID life? 

• My silver lining is that I have been able to spend precious time with my 2.5 year old son.  Nothing about this time has been easy, but we will never again get an opportunity like this and for that, I am grateful!

How have you personalized your home office? 

• I drank the Kool-Aid and am totally into the whole standing desk movement!  I am a huge fan of the kitchen island, in particular.  It is the perfect height.

What hobby have you taken up during this time?  

• I haven’t picked up any new hobbies, but have had a chance to focus on some of the activities that I already love—especially cooking.  I have perfected my roasted chicken (to include a brine, dry rub, and roasting technique!) and have been incorporating all of the amazing summer produce into our meals.  Cooking seasonally is so much fun in the summertime.

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time?

• I finally got a chance to watch “The Morning Show” on Apple TV.  I am a huge fan of ‘The Today Show’, so it was really interesting to see their take on all of the drama.  It was SO good—I can’t wait for the second season.

Who you miss seeing the most? 

• I miss adult interaction!  Co-workers, friends, my son’s school community... all of it!

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry? 

• I love how our industry is always evolving and changing.  It is creative, lively, dynamic and strong.  I know that it will come back better than ever when the time is right.

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal? 

• I cannot wait to jump on a plane and explore somewhere new with my family.  We really didn’t do enough of that with my toddler before COVID, and I am looking forward to getting back to that!

One fun fact about you?

• My sister and I have the same birthday, three years apart.  My son and my Dad have the same birthday as well.  There is a lot of pressure in our family to continue the Birthday Twin tradition!  

• I got engaged! Of course it happened two weeks into quarantine life and who knew that that life would continue for 5 months. I keep distracted from the news by trying to plan a wedding for next fall. Hopefully we can everyone we love with us and celebrate as safely as possible!

• I have redesigned the entire home office. Pre-COVID, the office was a storage space. Now that I spend everyday here, I have moved all of the furniture, gotten new wall décor via Etsy, and I have plans to repaint my desk. Color and design suggestions welcome.

• I recently bought a paint-by-numbers piece from Etsy and a few blank canvases. I’m not very good, but it something to occupy the time and something that I can add to my redesigned office.

• I recently finished Gail Honeyman’s “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.” It took me a little while to get into, but once I did it was such a good story and you become Eleanor’s biggest cheerleader.

• My nephews. They live in Pennsylvania and are the absolute cutest. We got to celebrate the youngest 1st birthday via zoom and we have stayed connected to read books and play games.

• The community. Everyone knows everyone which means that everyone supports each other. In such a strange time, it is nice to feel that the whole industry has come together.

• The first place I will go to is the beach. I need to get out of the house and sit in the sand with a drink and a good book.

• I have been to 39 states. I love roadtrips and being outdoors. I hope to knock the other 11 states off the list soon.

What is your silver lining about COVID life? 

• It seems that COVID is a wake up call for all of us to appreciate life.  Once we open back up 100%, I will always appreciate going to see a movie or eat in a restaurant.  I will plan lots of vacations for my family and I will never take these activities and others for granted.

How have you personalized your home office? 

• I have been working from home for the past 17 years.  I really have not changed anything in my home office.

What hobby have you taken up during this time? 

• I tried to be a gardener.  I bought garden beds and was planning to grow a vegetable garden.  My dreams of fresh produce went nowhere.  The garden beds are still in the box in my garage and I will just have to hope for next year!

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time? 

• I started the Outlander series and I LOVE IT!!  The books are almost 1000 pages each and I am on the third.  I highly recommend.

Who you miss seeing the most? 

• I miss being able to see my mother whenever I want.  I miss co-workers and going out with friends freely.

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry? 

• The people and all the good times we have had and will have in the future.  At the conventions, it is exciting to know that great minds in a particular field are coming together to share new discoveries or advancements that might one day help someone live or do something wonderful.

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal? 

• A cruise!!!  My family takes an annual December cruise and we will probably have to cancel for 2020.  When it is safe to cruise, we will be the first ones onboard.  That is my happy place.

One fun fact about you? 

• A fun fact is my appreciation for art.  It is so interesting to learn the back story to a painting.  My favorite artist is Frida Kahlo and I just finished watching a documentary on Banksy. 

What is your silver lining about COVID life? 

• Spending more time with my granddaughter.  My Barbie hairstyling skills are on point now!

How have you personalized your home office? 

• My Zoom background library is diverse. They are like the Spanx of the digital world and hide a multitude of things.

What hobby have you taken up during this time? 

• Using the Calm App to fall asleep. Nothing like  having Matthew McConaughey read you a bedtime story.

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time? 

• Ugly Delicious on Netflix. Chef David Chang (Momofuku) travels the world with different personalities sampling the best that city/country has to offer. Getting my travel fix from this series.

Who you miss seeing the most? 

• I miss seeing my team. They are super creative and always have a lot of innovative and fun ideas.

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry? 

• The way a diverse group of people with different skills come together with an end goal of putting on a successful event. Ultimate example of teamwork.

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal? 

• I can’t wait to get back to New Orleans. I love the heart and personality of this vibrant city. 

One fun fact about you? 

• My perfect day would start with a long hike and end with a binge of the Real Housewives (all of them).

What is your silver lining about COVID life? 

• I coordinate adoptions for a local dog rescue group, and despite not being able to hold adoption events, we have found new homes for 67 dogs since March.

How have you personalized your home office? 

• I put an empty cardboard box on my kitchen table to create a standing desk.

What hobby have you taken up during this time? 

• I have completed three 1000-piece puzzles and crocheted a blanket. All while listening to my husband learning how to play the guitar.

Best book you have read or tv show you have seen during this time? 

• Some friends and I started a Zoom book club back in April and my favorite book so far has been Educated by Tara Westover.

Who you miss seeing the most? 

• My family. Even though they live overseas, and I am used to not seeing them very often, it is sad that I cannot just get on a plane to see them whenever I want to.

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry? 

• Being able to create environments for people connect in meaningful ways.

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal? 

• I cannot wait to get back home to Norway!

One fun fact about you? 

• I have lived in 9 countries over the last 9 years.

What is your silver lining about COVID life? 

• Having more family time.  My son and his wife and 7 month old have been living with me until they return to Europe.  This time with my new grandson has been a beautiful silver lining. 

• Being Still – Quarantine and stricter guidelines on daily activities has forced me to be still to recuperate from the demands of daily life.

How have you personalized your home office?  

• My home office has been a challenge with COVID.  I don’t have a dedicated space, so my office has been the dining room, the family room, the kitchen.  Whatever room is quiet that day.

What hobby have you taken up during this time?  

• Outdoor Cycling and Hiking.  Pre-Covid, I never had the time to cycle for hours or hike. I am now able to do both 3 to 4 times a week!

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time?  

• I rarely watched Netflix Pre-Covid.  My favorite show has been Breaking Bad—I have been able to binge watch the entire series!

Who you miss seeing the most?  

• I miss seeing the entire Destination DC team at our weekly all staff meeting.

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry?  

• Definitely our face to face interaction. Our industry is built on relationships and relationships need time and face to face contact to strengthen those bonds and build trust.   

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal? 

• Not quite sure but I have no doubt it will include a beach and a nice frozen cocktail!

One fun fact about you?  

• I am a new fan of meditation! My favorite right now is: Let Go…A guided Mediation to let go of fear, worries, and anxiety.

What is your silver lining about COVID life? 

• I’m going to transition my remote working space from my DC based dining room table to my parents den from Thanksgiving to Christmas.  Having 4-5 weeks to spend with aging parents is a blessing and the really good thing about COVID life.

How have you personalized your home office? 

• My office moves from the dining room table (both ends) to my guest room dresser which I pretend is a proper standing desk.  I haven’t done anything specific since my whole home is personalized.

What hobby have you taken up during this time? 

• I jumped on the bread making bandwagon!  It was a really delicious hobby until three loaves in and a few extra pounds, I decided I had to stop.  My favorite was a calamata olive bread.  I have a feeling with winter around the corner, I might pick up the baking again.

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time? 

• I was an avid reader pre-COVID.  I set a goal to read 60 books in 2020 and I’m at 42 right now.  While not my favorite, I did accomplish finally finishing Shogun after starting it about 3 years ago. 

Who you miss seeing the most? 

• The first answer is my parents as I have not seen them since Christmas 2019.  However, I do miss my colleagues tremendously.  Zoom is no replacement for actually connecting with the team face to face and I’m anxious to get back to doing that again soon.

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry? 

• The connections I’ve made.  Another positive that has come from COVID is the communication with our industry friends around the world.  I never would have done a zoom happy hour with friends in Barcelona but now once a month, we connect and have a glass together and talk work and person.  I feel like I’ve really gotten to know people better on a person level as a result of that. Cheers!

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal? 

• I had to cancel three vacations this year.  Yes, I know that sound excessive. There are so many places I want to go but being homebound has made me realize all the great wonders in my own backyard.  So whether its wonder the city streets of DC or driving a few hours to cabin in the mountains, I’m going to enjoy all the great beauty around me now and think about far off travels in the future.

What is your silver lining about COVID life? 

• My silver lining about COVID life has been my new husky puppy, Bishop, who I got just a couple of weeks before quarantine officially began.

How have you personalized your home office? 

• So far I have not done much to personalize my home office. It has the basics.

What hobby have you taken up during this time? 

• I have really tried to use this time to do more reading, and have actually finished 15 books since quarantine began in March.

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time? 

• There are two firsts for me that have stood out during this time. I read the Harry Potter series for the first time and watched all of the Seinfeld tv show series.

Who you miss seeing the most? 

• I miss seeing my family and friends as often.

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry? 

• My favorite part about the meetings industry is traveling to new places, experiencing new things and meeting new people.

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal? 

• The first place I hope to travel when things are back to normal is the beach.

One fun fact about you? 

• I have been skydiving twice and hope to do so many more times.

What is your silver lining about COVID life? 

• I’ve had the time and capacity with the flexibility in schedules to really make my health a priority.

How have you personalized your home office? 

• I’m slightly obsessed with scented candles, so I always have one in my work space at home.

What hobby have you taken up during this time? 

• I’ve really gotten back into reading which I’ve been wanting to do for a long time.  I’ve also been spending time everyday on language apps, practicing my French!

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time? 

• I recently read Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. The story is deep and emotionally compelling if a bit intense and really makes you think. I watched the Hulu adaptation after reading the book and would highly recommend! I find it fascinating to compare the book with the series – what changes were made with casting, dialogue, settings, etc. – and how those changes impacted the story.

Who you miss seeing the most? 

• Friends and family.

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry? 

• The people! Everyone is so friendly, warm and welcoming in the meetings and hospitality industry. I can’t wait until we can see each other in person again.

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal? 

• I’m feeling nostalgic and drawn to old favorites: Paris and Rome. I would love to get back to Europe as soon as we can!

One fun fact about you? 

• I’ve recently become a health coach!

What is your silver lining about COVID life?

• It has been nice to have a better work-life balance. I have more time at home with my kids and husband and can work on projects at any time of the day.

How have you personalized your home office?

• I purchased new notebook, colorful gel pens and mouse pad to all match.

What hobby have you taken up during this time?

• Home painting and decorating.  It has been fun to invest some time in my home and really personalize it.

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time?

• I have been watching a lot of the Big Bang Theory.

Who you miss seeing the most?

• All of my colleagues.  I miss the day to day interaction of office life.

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry?

• Meeting new people and the fact that everyone is always up for a new challenge

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal?

• Cancun, Mexico (on the beach).  I can’t wait for a warm breeze, the ocean in front of me and a cool drink in my hand.

One fun fact about you? 

• I was the class clown (always telling jokes) in high school. Humor was my thing!

What is your silver lining about COVID life? 

• While it’s my deepest desire that the personal sacrifices we’ve all made are not permanent, there have indeed been many “silver linings.”  Spending more time in nature and less time commuting, prioritizing sleep and mindful eating, and creating space to purposefully (but distantly) celebrate milestones of people close to me has done a lot to fill my proverbial cup. 

How have you personalized your home office?

•  I consider myself lucky to live in an apartment in the heart of Washington, DC, but the lack of square footage is a mental challenge.  In the past “working from home” was often a coffee shop along the waterfront or the courtyard at a Smithsonian museum.  Since that isn’t possible these days, I actually made it a point to design three different work zones in my apartment to give my brain some sense of moving around to stimulate concentration and creativity. So I can work by a window in my small plant jungle in the living room, or in calming white space at a writing desk in my bedroom, or at a more traditional work desk in the front den area.       

What hobby have you taken up during this time? 

• I feel like I’ve failed at unlocking this particular Quarantine Achievement—I actually haven’t tried any new hobbies! I’ve definitely had time, though, to enjoy the activities I already loved:  Running, cycling, cooking and creating art (photography, dance and painting).  Oh, and wine tasting.

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time? 

• While I’m rarely up to date on TV series, I’m a huge fan of documentaries. I miss watching films in theatres, but the choices available on streaming services like YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime are amazing! Outside of those big names, I try to check out the documentaries produced by Al Jazeera and BBC for a lens much different than my own.  As for books, my sister is an English professor, so I benefit from a constant stream of her “hand-me-downs.” Much of what I read won’t ever appear on a mainstream best-seller list, but I’m your person if you need a recommendation of fiction or poetry written by someone from a formerly colonized nation or island-state in Africa or the Caribbean!   

Who you miss seeing the most? 

• Everyone.  As an extrovert, it’s not fair to ask me who I miss the most.  I miss everyone, even strangers. 

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry? 

• Face to face meetings change the world, whether those meetings are large or small.  The power of people together, debating or collaborating, is amazing to witness.  Whether it’s scientists and researchers at a medical meeting discussing breakthrough treatments, awkward teens finding their tribe (and ultimately confidence) at a Con event, or diplomats meeting over a state dinner at an embassy, the meetings industry is part of progress, innovation and revolution.     

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal? 

• This question stresses me out! I renewed my passport in January of this year, and by now expected to have several new stamps in it already.  The reality is, my first few trips will be domestic to see family that are outside of driving distance and pay respects to some friends who have passed in the last few months

One fun fact about you? 

• For several years in the early 2000s, I operated an 11-room Bed & Breakfast on a 97-acre property in a small town in central Kansas.  How small?  Population 63.

What is your silver lining about COVID life? 

• COVID life has given me the gift of “time” which I never seem to have enough of. I have been able to spend time with my family that I typically would not be able to have.

How have you personalized your home office? 

• My home office is everchanging because I have 3 children under 3 years old. My favorite go to office spot, is in my basement surround by pictures of things I love, my family and places we have travelled. I have a favorite water bottle, notebook, and pen ready to go at 3 of my “office” locations.

What hobby have you taken up during this time? 

• I have not taken up a new hobby however I have fallen in love with early morning runs before the family wakes up and my work day starts. It has been amazing to see the sunrise and have some ME time!

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time? 

• The book, The Greatest Salesman in the World by OG Mandino has made such an impact on me.

Who you miss seeing the most? 

• I miss seeing my daddy that lives in Tampa, FL. This is the longest time we have spent apart since I moved to DC 12 years ago.

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry? 

• I love the relationship and experiences that we share through the hospitality industry.

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal? 

• The first place I will travel is to Tampa, FL to see all of my family and close friends when things get back to normal.

One fun fact about you? 

• I am a 3rd degree black in Yoshika Karate and the 3rd generation in my family. It is a legacy of our family!

What is your silver lining about COVID life? 

• With more time spent at home, I have had the time to reevaluate the way I look at food mealtimes. I’ve always loved to cook, but in these last few months I’ve made cooking new and exciting food a habit.

How have you personalized your home office? 

• I have a bulletin board hanging above my desk where I have put photos of family and friends, important notes for work, and little tokens to show my DC pride.

What hobby have you taken up during this time? 

• Besides cooking, my partner and I are experimenting with growing food on an apartment balcony. So far the tomatoes have been successful!

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time? 

• I recently re-read “The Art of Travel” by Alain de Botton. The author elevates even the most banal moments of travel through historical anecdotes, and is a must read for those of us in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Who you miss seeing the most? 

• I miss all of my coworkers and the personality they bring to the Sales and Services floor!

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry? 

• I love that meetings bring people together from all over the world in order to share knowledge and have fun experiencing the host city.

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal? 

• I was planning a couple trips earlier this year that had to be delayed, so I’m looking forward to seeing friends in Italy and Ethiopia when it is safe to travel again.

One fun fact about you? 

• I used to bartend, but still love experimenting with flavor combinations and coming up with fun new drinks.

What is your silver lining about COVID life? 

• First, I have gained a deeper understanding about myself by spending quarantine time on practicing self-reflection; second, I get to look after my cats and spend some quality time with them like never before.

How have you personalized your home office? 

• As a minimalist, I like to keep my working space simple, clean and organized. Tidy room, tidy mind!

What hobby have you taken up during this time? 

• I got back to reading sheet music and playing the piano after many years of absence. Music is truly one of the most effective keys to happiness now.

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time? 

• I enjoyed watching a couple of Tony Robbins’ online seminars, Tony is the kind of man that can cheer you up on rainy days!

Who you miss seeing the most? 

• My family, as always!

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry? 

• By working in the meeting industry, I am able to contribute my own effort in promoting my beloved home city-Washington DC!

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal? 

• I can’t wait to go back to my horse riding school which has been closed due to COVID.  I miss all of my horse friends!

One fun fact about you? 

• If I could keep any animal as a pet, I would definitely choose a monkey that can help me with cat grooming!  Check out the “A Monkey Washing a Cat” YouTube video, you will understand why.

What is your silver lining about COVID life? 

• The forced pause from travel and sales activities has restored my energy and created space for reflection. I feel like I can better structure my days and spend more time (even if it’s virtually) with those I love most.

How have you personalized your home office? 

• I’ve done a lot of decluttering which was incredibly satisfying! After getting tired of staring at white walls, I added art and started diffusing oils based on how I’m feeling. I’m loving a lemon/peppermint combo for focus and clarity.

What hobby have you taken up during this time? 

• Most of my new hobbies involve the kitchen; I’ve been trying new recipes and now put Berbere spice on just about everything. We’ve also done a few online mixology class, so if you’re in need of a margarita or old fashioned, I’m equipped to make one!

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time? 

• I should be embarrassed to admit how many Netflix shows we’ve watched! But, my favorite drama series was Ozark or Queen of the South; for a guilty pleasure: Selling Sunset; when you need a laugh: Workin' Moms or Dead to Me; and docuseries: Lenox Hill…although that show brought tears so beware. For books, I started James Patterson's Alex Cross series because I love a good crime mystery, especially when based in DC.

Who you miss seeing the most? 

• Since I’ve been fortunate to see my family and closest friends, I’d have to say my coworkers and industry colleagues…and of course our clients. Hugs are going to feel so amazing when we’re allowed to give them!

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry? 

• The simple fact that we’re always learning. I’ve realized there is an association for everything and conference for everyone. It’s fun to learn a little about a lot when we’re working with these different groups. Also, face-to-face meetings have meaningful impact on our world from economic development and social advancements to cultural exchange.

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal? 

• Wherever it is, I’m pretty sure it’ll be a business trip to a conference or tradeshow!

One fun fact about you? 

• My very first international and overseas travel experience was solo for study abroad in Australia. I was extremely nervous, but Qantas served Cadbury hot chocolate on the flight which comforted me.

What is your silver lining about COVID life?

• I am enjoying spending more time with my family and outdoors.

How have you personalized your home office?

• I have pictures of my loved ones and trinkets from our outdoor adventures such as rocks, seashells, and stones.

What hobby have you taken up during this time?

• I've really expanded my love for nature and recently started camping.

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time?

• The Walking Dead.

Who you miss seeing the most?

• Everyone! I miss meeting new people.

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry?

• I love working with all different professions.  I get to learn a lot about many different fields and help amazing people create events. 

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal?

• Delaware! Their state campgrounds have been closed since they don't have an online reservation system.

What is your silver lining about COVID life?

• Enjoying the little moments, and taking time to take care of my mental and physical body.

How have you personalized your home office?

• I did not create a home office. I move around, I don’t want to feel stuck in one area of my home.

What hobby have you taken up during this time?

• I’ve been running and biking a lot. On days I didn’t go to the gym, It felt good to ride a bike or go running.

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time? 

• The best book I read is “The Sun Does Shine”

Who you miss seeing the most?

• For the most part I’ve been in communication and I’ve seen people that are closest to me.

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry?

• I miss being able to socialize freely and building on new relationships in person!  I really do miss networking!

What is your silver lining about COVID life? 

• The power to refocus my energy to mental health, fitness and healthier eating: outdoor workouts, reading in a park and enjoying the great outdoors!

How have you personalized your home office? 

• For the first time in 2 years I actually sat down and put together my home office. It’s a combination of running and race paraphernalia and different gadgets I picked up from traveling.

What hobby have you taken up during this time? 

• I picked up cycling and growing some small herbs and food items. Currently I have tenacious mint and green peppers.

Best book you have read or tv show you’ve seen during this time? 

• Two books I have enjoyed are: The Nickel Boys & Where the Crawdads Sing.  I also loved the second season of the Umbrella Academy on Netflix, Insecure and The Chi.

Who you miss seeing the most? 

• I miss being able to engage with my industry friends and colleagues. I miss attending all of the cool and creative events!

What is your favorite part about the meetings industry? 

• Being able to give back to my local community. Bringing a meeting or convention to a city creates economic development; jobs. It is amazing to know that our work in creating a space for collaboration, networking and education leads to the development of the next big piece of technology/innovation or the cure for a disease or saving the planet.  

Where is the first place you’ll travel to when things get back to normal? 

• I am looking to travel Dubai, Menorca and South Africa.  I cannot wait.

One fun fact about you? 

• I once ran 30 marathons in one year! Talk about being in the best shape of my life!