Member Spotlight: Karen Berman

Organization: Crystal Signature Events

Email: karen@crystalsignatureevents.com

LinkedIN URL: www.linkedin.com/in/karen-berman-36983740

Other than improving your Zoom Meeting skills, what have you learned (or learned to excel in professionally) since COVID-19 began?

I have learned to make many connections and develop partnerships to grow business. Instead of thinking of others as competition, learn to work together to help each other achieve common goals. You can never have too many friendships!

Who are you outside of work?

I like staying busy; I live by Eagle Creek, so I Paddleboard, Kayak, Swim, and do anything outdoors in the summer. I also enjoy cooking and trying new recipes.

Name a silver lining in your own work experience since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Learning new techniques to increase sales while the hospitality industry returns to normal. It was very challenging, but I learned so much during this time and continue using these tactics.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment to date?

Getting this job with Crystal Signature Events, I was so excited to be on this prestigious team, and I knew the opportunity would lead to many significant accomplishments. I love to learn new things and to be challenged; this job has been all this and much more. I’m so excited to see where 2025 takes me!

What are some of your favorite things about being an MPI member?

I enjoy networking and getting to know people. I also enjoy utilizing the learning tools MPI gives us. These learning tools give me updated trends, AI information, and workshops that benefit my growth as an event manager.

When do you plan to go on your next vacation and where do you want to go?

I am going on a cruise getaway to the Bahamas at the end of February; I really need some warm sunshine after this winter. I am also going to Italy in the fall, which is my first time in a European country!

What is the greatest place you have ever visited?

I loved Puerto Rico; it was very laid back, and I got to hike in a rainforest and swim in a waterfall. Also, the history is amazing!

Something people don’t know about you.

Singing is a passion of mine. I used to sing at weddings and musicals, and I love to sing opera music. I haven’t sung in a long time for people, but I have been thinking of starting up again.