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Member Spotlight Danielle Bowens

By: MPINJ | Oct 1, 2025

Name Danielle Bowens
Current Employer LBI National - Vivamee
Occupation Corporate Event Sales & Business Development Manager

Planner or Supplier Supplier

Why did you join MPI and what do you love most about your experience with the organization?

Joining MPI was exactly what I needed as I transitioned from the fashion industry into hospitality and events. After spending years in fashion design and brand management, I discovered my true passion was in the launch events and experiential marketing I was creating - I realized I absolutely loved creating amazing experiences and serving others. When I leaped into the events industry, I was thrilled to find an organization where I could network with seasoned professionals and learn from their expertise
while immersing myself in this incredible industry. What I love most is the collaborative spirit and wealth of knowledge that members freely share - it's been invaluable as I've built my foundation in this new chapter of my career.

 

How did you get your start in the industry?

My path into events was a natural evolution from my fashion industry background. I spent years in design and brand management for companies like Earthbound Brands and Xcel Brands, where I progressed from
technical design to leading cross-functional teams and developing brand strategies. The turning point came when I was creating product launch events and experiential marketing campaigns - I discovered that my real passion was in crafting those memorable experiences and serving clients. I realized I was energized by bringing people together and creating meaningful moments, which led me to transition into the hospitality and events industry at LBI National Golf & Resort, where I could fully embrace this calling.

 

What is the best career advice you've received?

The best advice came from my dad, who's always been successful both in business and as a family man - something I've come to admire even more as I've grown. He taught me that you're only ever doing your best work if you do it with integrity. This advice has become especially meaningful since joining the Vivamee hospitality group, which lives by the virtues of joy, ministry, and hospitality. It reminds me that every client interaction and every event is an opportunity to serve others authentically and with genuine care.

 

What is the most memorable event you have planned or client experience you have had?

My first large-scale philanthropic golf outing here at LBI National will always hold a special place in my heart. What started as a simple cold call lead to a youth charity I'd been peripherally aware of became something truly magical. Seeing the entire planning process unfold - from that first phone call to welcoming the planning committee on their inaugural tour of our beautiful property - was incredible. But the most fulfilling part was helping their dream become reality and knowing we were more than just venue

space with a golf course. When the event concluded and they had tears of joy seeing how much they were able to impact families in their community from that one event alone, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.

 

 

Do you have a favorite MPI event and if so, why?

I'm brand new to MPI, so my event experience is limited! However, the MPI NJ/NY September Educational event at MetLife Stadium was equal parts inspiring and enjoyable - and not just because I'm a die hard Giants fan!

 

What is your favorite city to travel to and why?

While NYC will always be my first love - I have to say Barcelona, hands down! The architecture is incredible, the food scene is unreal, and there's this amazing energy where old meets new everywhere you turn. I could spend hours just wandering around getting lost in the Gothic Quarter or gawking at Gaudí's designs. Plus, the tapas, paella and wine don't hurt either!

What is your all-time favorite movie?

Legally Blonde! I know it sounds cheesy, but I genuinely admire Elle Woods for identifying a goal and fully committing to accomplishing it, even when it was hard and nobody believed in her.  She proved everyone wrong while staying completely true to herself and being kind to everyone around her.  That combination of determinations, authenticity, and lifting others up, that's the goal right there.  Plus, it's just fun - sometimes you need a movie that makes you laugh and reminds you that being yourself is your superpower. 

Describe your perfect day off?

My perfect day off is a sunny summer day when my husband is actually off work too! We'd start with a breezy morning walk with our border collie lab mix, Kaia, then grab breakfast at our favorite bagel spot in town. The real magic happens when we pack up our skiff and ride across the bay to our favorite state park with Kaia - she absolutely lives for swimming and fetch in the water. After wearing her out completely, we'd make our obligatory Costco run (because that's real life!), then end the day at our favorite waterfront restaurant. By then it's breezy enough for our favorite sweatshirts, we're sitting outside of course, and we're starting with oyster shooters before our meals come. It's simple, but it's everything I love - time with my husband, our crazy dog, being on the water, and good food with a view.

 

Author

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MPINJ

 
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