December 2021 - Natalia Hurd, CMP

Natalia Hurd, CMP Conference Manager Meeting Expectations

How did you get into the hospitality industry?
My passion for the hospitality and event industry evolved throughout my childhood. It all started when I was 14 when I would go to work with my mom to earn spending cash by organizing and cleaning out her travel magazines and re-organizing her file cabinet of old meeting files. She and her work colleague would travel to many places.  I always wanted to accompany them however, I was still in school.  As I got older, my mom’s business grew and she recruited my help to assist on-site. I thoroughly enjoyed being on-site and helping wherever I could.  It was exciting and I knew it was a career for me. 

I am a nurturer by nature and have a passion for helping people and making them happy. I am organized and have an eye for attention to detail. My parents suggested that if I wanted to pursue my passion I should consider applying to UCF – Rosen College of Hospitality. We ended up touring the campus, my vision became larger and I instantly applied. Once I was accepted into UCF – Rosen College of Hospitality there was no doubt in my mind this was the industry I wanted to be part of.

Throughout my career as an event professional, I have met and connected with great industry leaders. I have traveled to many amazing places and stayed in great hotels. I now have hotel and airline status. I am part of the MPI Georgia community and serve on a planning committee. All things that I envisioned being part of have become true. I look forward to so many more opportunities to discover, people to meet, and places to visit.

What is your most unique personal or professional accomplishment?
My personal accomplishment is being adopted and coming to the United States at the age of 12 not speaking any English. Having to adjust to the new culture and people. I am most proud of graduating from UCF and earning my CMP.

What do you love most about the holidays? Or are you ready to get to January?
I love the spirit of the holidays. Decorating the tree is one of my favorite things to do. There is nothing like waking up the morning of Christmas and spending the day with your loved ones.