Name: Greg Byrnes
Current Employer: PRA
Occupation: Director of Business Development
Planner or Supplier: Supplier however with buying power or many elements!
Professional/Career Questions
Why did you join MPI and what do you love most about your experience with the organization?
I have attended a few MPI events over the years, both locally and on the national scale and have always been impressed with the content, culture and the camaraderie. Historically I have been very involved in SITE, and wanted to expand my horizons into the MPI community and feel now is the perfect time!
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was a houseman at a Courtyard by Marriott in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. I was 16. Restocking housekeeping carts, checking the swimming pool's PH levels and of course maintaining the lavatories in the lobby will forever bring back fond memories. You can never be afraid to get your hands a bit dirty in
this industry and I am proud to have started where I did.
What is the best career advice you've received?
I have been lucky to receive a lot of advice over the years however I am going to quote Wayne Gretzky. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." No I never met him, however this statement will forever ring true for me.
What is the most memorable event you have planned or client experience you have had?
I had the privilege to help orchestrate a 1-day user conference in Brooklyn for 500 local attendees. This was a fast and furious event (aren't they all?) that really took my skills to the next level. We managed a complete neighborhood takeover and block party with three hotels, 4 breakout spaces at alternative
venues (including a brewery, coffee shop and a disco club), and a closing party at the original Brooklyn Bowl. We also engaged local artists and the community to properly brand the attendee's pathway to the event- via NYC's subway, taxi's, Uber's, and of course branding the actual sidewalks throughout all of Williamsburg. It helped that it was good weather for load in and day-of operation!
Do you have a favorite MPI event and if so, why?
My first WEC was in Vegas in 2013 at Mandalay Bay. Everyone was given a pair of drum sticks at the general session. My goodness did we make some noise! It was hysterical to hear Mike Dominguez at the time say he thought that may have been a huge mistake since they would now need to invest in a brand
new set of roundtables given the damage we did drumming away on those tables!
Locally, I have attended many MPI Golf outings and the New York crew always does a great job organizing that event. It draws in a great community of folks and it's always such a fantastic summer day to celebrate one another. I look forward to future events and the New Jersey chapters outings as well.
Personal/ Fun Questions
What is your favorite city to travel to and why?
The gulf coast and beaches of Southwest Florida.
What is your favorite book?
Maphead, Ken Jennings
If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you bring
with you?
My wife and kids- they would influence me to survive.
If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
My grandparents whom I never got to meet. Would love to pick their brains even for a half hour.
If you could live anywhere on this planet and take everything that you
love with you, where would you choose to live?
Ticino, Switzerland
Who would you like to be for a day?
A professional golfer just so I can say I was once good at one point in my life
What three words describe you best?
Ohio, Runner, Passionate
What is your all-time favorite movie?
Weekend at Bernie's
Describe your perfect day off?
Going for a run, watching Weekend at Bernie's, and then eating two dozen chicken wings with no side affects.
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