New Member Featured Profile: July 2017

We would like to welcome Chris Eldridge who joined our chapter in March of this year after meeting so many wonderful members through his new position. Chris leads the Events Team at Ponce City Market, including all three Rooftop Venues. Prior to joining the Slater Hospitality Group, he worked as the Director of Operations and a consultant within the restaurant industry. Though Chris has dabbled on the edge of the event world, his complete immersion started a little over a year ago. After encountering meeting planners from the corporate world, DMCs, and independent planners; Chris decided he had to join MPI GA so he could forge connections with these amazing individuals – connections that have quickly grown to strong friendships with some of the top planners in Atlanta.

Early in Chris’ career, he made the best out of a blunder.  He once scheduled a 300-person event on the wrong day. “We prepped, we staffed, we ordered for 300 people… but that large number of people did not show up. Luckily it was a holiday so he quickly threw one heck of a Labor Day party. The regular guests in attendance thought it was the best party ever." Now, Chris has developed several best practices to ensure success including writing everything down. “I have been through 17 thick notebooks in under a year and I take notes on EVERYTHING.  Phone calls, face-to-face conversations, and even email correspondence. It has saved me repeatedly.” Chris’ coworkers would best describe him as passionate, driven, stubborn as all get out, but also very guest focused. He adds, “the aforementioned positive qualities often require copious amount of Diet Coke to sustain.” 

Chris has traveled the world extensively and having grown up on the beach, he most often gravitates toward the mountains. He enjoys disconnecting and finding locations with no cell phone reception or wi-fi. With a return trip to Toronto and Queensland, New Zealand on his mind, Chris is next traveling to Israel in October with his mom. However, he is very content at home. “I'm happy to be settled on the Rooftop with the most spectacular views in Atlanta.”