In this episode of Aha Moment with Melanie, host Melanie Borden interviews Tara Lisa, an Account Director in the corporate event planning industry. The two discuss balancing their professional lives, motherhood, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the events sector.
Key Highlights of the Discussion:
- Tara’s Career Background:
Tara shares her journey through the hospitality industry, supported by her degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Travel Management. She spent ten years at PricewaterhouseCoopers before joining EMC Meetings and Events, where she manages multiple high-stakes events simultaneously. - Recipe for a Successful Event:
Tara defines a successful event as one where execution appears seamless to the client, regardless of behind-the-scenes challenges. She enjoys the fast-paced environment and the ability to multitask across various locations and responsibilities. - Time Management & Work-Life Balance:
Tara credits her ability to balance her career and raising three children to strong organizational skills, a dependable support system, and maintaining a clear daily structure—especially while managing life alongside her husband’s shift work as a police officer. - Future of the Events Industry:
The discussion explores how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the events industry. Tara explains that while virtual events have become an important part of the “new norm” and serve as valuable backup options for global gatherings, they cannot fully replace the networking opportunities and personal connections created through in-person events.