Name: Lorraine Mariella
Current Employer: Eventium
Occupation: Meeting & Event Manager
Planner or Supplier: Planner
Professional/Career Questions:
Why did you join MPI and what do you love most about your experience with the organization?
I first became a member of MPI in 2002, early in my career. Over the years, being part of the organization provided invaluable opportunities to connect with other meeting professionals and continue my education in the field. My membership played a key role in helping me gain the knowledge necessary to earn my CMP. As my personal and professional life grew busier, I stepped away from MPI for a few years. However, I’ve recently rejoined with a renewed focus. This time, I’m eager to reconnect with fellow planners and, more importantly, give back to the next generation of professionals. What I appreciate most about MPI is that it supports you at every stage of your career, whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow further.
How did you get your start in the industry?
1999
What is the best career advice you've received?
Continue to seek new knowledge at every stage of your career. When we stop learning, we stop growing. Learning doesn’t only happen in a classroom—it takes place in countless ways. You can gain valuable insights through formal education, or by learning from others. Sharing best practices with fellow professionals is one of the most effective ways to expand your expertise. Inspiration can also come from unexpected sources: reading a book, watching a movie, or visiting a museum can spark fresh ideas and perspectives. The opportunities to learn are all around us—it's about staying open to them and making the most of each moment.
What is the most memorable event you have planned or client experience you have had?One of my favorite events took place about 15 years ago, and it was something we planned every year for several years for one of our corporate clients with a large campus in New Jersey. This event was their annual children's holiday party, attended by employees and their children—usually around 2,000 people, with about 1,200 of them being kids under the age of 12. It was a massive, multifaceted event with everything you could imagine: roaming characters, craft stations, themed snacks, prizes, magic shows, face painters, Pet shows, and of course, photo ops with Santa or a Snowman.
Although the event was a lot of work, my team and I loved every minute of it. Seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces when they first walked into the space was always so rewarding. Each year, we chose a different theme, and that theme carried through the entire campus. The décor was over the top, and there were endless activities to keep the children engaged and entertained.
What I really appreciated about this event was how different it was from the corporate meetings and conferences we typically worked on. It was a refreshing change of pace, and it allowed us to be creative in ways we didn’t usually get to be. It was a truly special experience, and I’ll always look back on it fondly.
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Personal/ Fun Questions:
If you could live anywhere on this planet and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose to live?
Italy
Who would you like to be for a day?
My Dog
What is your all-time favorite movie?
The Notebook
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