2021-2022 Board of Directors

President
Jon Trask, CMP CMM
Strategic Meeting Tech
Tel: 714-757-9281
E-mail: president@mpioc.com

Owner of Strategic Meeting Tech and previously the co-founder of AVforPlanners. Jon has spent the last 33 years in the audiovisual and technical production area of the meetings and events industry. Prior to his current position he worked for a number of AV/Staging companies in Southern California as a Technician, Project Manager, General Manager, Senior Account Manager, Director of Sales. Over the past five years he’s also worked as a freelance Technical Director. Jon has been elected to serve as our Chapter President for the 2021-2022 Term. Previous to his current role as President-Elect he served 2 years as Vice President of Finance, and also previously served on the Chapter Board from 2004-2006. 

President-Elect
Deanne Figueras, CMP CMM
California & Nevada Credit Union Leagues
Tel: 951-990-7920 
E-mail: president-elect@mpioc.com

Deanne Figueras is Senior Manager of Meetings & Conferences at California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. She is continuing her role this year as the Chapter's Vice President of Communications and looks forward to serving the Chapter's marketing and communications needs. 

Immediate Past President
Bruno Duarte, CTA
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen
Tel: 714-563-7261
E-Mail: past-president@mpioc.com

Bruno Duarte was born and raised in Los Angeles County where he started his restaurant career at an early age.  He now finds himself as a new resident of Orange County working at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney for over 17 years.  Bruno has transformed his knowledge of restaurant management to become the Sales and Special Event Manager for The Jazz Kitchen.  In his role, Bruno has contributed with PR & Marketing of The Jazz Kitchen not only as a restaurant but in establishing a world class event venue.  Through his role, Bruno has been involved with events for Big Brothers Big Sisters of OC, CHOC & Aids Service Foundation OC Aids Walk and with partners such as Visit Anaheim and Meeting Professionals International.

Bruno continued his education at Cal State University, Fullerton receiving a certificate in Professional Meeting Planning.  He wishes to continue his education in the event and meeting planning industry and to receive his CMP designation one day.  His never-ending involvement with industry associations such as NACE, ILEA, and MPI have helped develop his new passion in the meetings and special events industry.  

Bruno has been on the Board of Directors for MPI of Orange County and continues to volunteer as Chairmen for many of their events.  He was awarded the MPI Rising Star Award for 2014 as well as the Outstanding Chapter Leadership and the President Award from MPIOC.  

Planning an event with Bruno Duarte is not only an experience for any client and their guests, but a lasting relationship - professionally and personally.

Vice-President, Finance
Kelly Feeney
Disney Destinations
Phone: 714-936-7028
E-Mail: vp-finance@mpioc.com

Kelly Feeny is a Sales Manager with the Walt Disney Company. Kelly looks forward to serving with the Chapter for the 2020-2021 term as Director of Special Events.

Vice President, Membership
AnaLaura Becerra, CTA
Destination Irvine
Email: vp-membership@mpioc.com

Born and raised in Mexico City, AnaLaura has been a world traveler since childhood.  Her career started as a camp counselor and while attending University she completed rotating internships that allowed her to experience the hotelier life. With a degree in Tourism Management, she joined Korean Air and was recruited later on as part of the opening team for Malaysian Airlines office in Mexico City. She held a teaching position at her Alma Mater for over a decade. After moving to the US she's worked for Hyatt, Marriott and Hilton properties. Entertaining visitors makes her extremely happy, and she enjoyed her time with AlliedPRA as a DMC. Networking is second nature as well as taking care of guests. In her current role with Destination Irvine, AnaLaura  promotes the city as a premier meeting area of Southern California.  She enjoys long flights, the beach, date nights, popcorn, friends, cooking and volunteering with MPI because when we meet, we change the world. 

Vice-President, Education
Lucy Roberts, CMP
E-Mail: vp-education@mpioc.com

Vice-President, Communications
Jolene Campbell, CTA

Visit Anaheim
E-Mail: vp-communications@mpioc.com

Director, EdCon

Mike Lasher

E-Mail: edcon@mpioc.com

Director, Supplier Partnerships

Carmelita Keller
California & Nevada Credit Union Leagues

Tel: 909-212-6027
E-Mail: spa@mpioc.com

Carmelita Keller is a Member Solutions Specialist for the California Credit Union League. She looks forward to serving as the Director, Supplier Sponsorships for the chapter 2021-2022 term

Director, Special Events
Nicole Hickey
AAY Corporate Events
Phone: 949-735-7355
E-Mail: specialevents@mpioc.com

Irvine, California native Nicole Hickey is an accomplished event planner who has built a reputation of excellence for her company, All About You (“AAY”) Events. Nicole’s over-twenty years of experience has been within all aspects of the events industry, and she’s been recognized with more than 40 “Five Star” reviews from WeddingWire, winning the WeddingWire “Couples’ Choice Award” three times (2016, 2018, 2019).
Nicole has consulted on and planned corporate events for Edwards Life Sciences, MedFit Education, Kia Motors / Hyundai Motor Group, American Cancer Society, Samueli Academy, California Marketing Agency (CMC, Inc.), Pelican Property Management, Digital Machine Design Lab, Newport Boats, Stellar Properties, CFC Concrete Floor Coatings, Susie’s Deals Clothing, and Coast Cabinet Supply, among others.

Nicole’s experience includes international sales support for the Newport Beach Visitors Bureau (now “Visit Newport Beach”), where she planned and executed Familiarization Tours for groups from the world over. Showcasing Newport Beach’s fantastic five-star restaurants and golf courses gave Nicole the opportunity to develop the indispensable skills required to implement a five-star experience by tailoring each event perfectly from beginning to end.
Organization, attention to detail, creative imagination and contagious enthusiasm: These traits have earned AAY a reputation for unparalleled excellence in event planning and production. Nicole and her team will oversee and implement your concepts flawlessly while maintaining a pleasant, calm, and helpful demeanor to ensure an amazing experience for you and your guests. 

Nicole is a board member for Meeting Professionals International Orange County Chapter (MPIOC), and a Certified Wedding Planner through the Association of Bridal Consultants, as well as an active member of WeddingWire and the OC Brides network. 

Nicole is a passionate  member of the American Cancer Society and prepares their annual Relay For Life event in Orange County. Nicole believes in giving back to the community and industry through volunteering, sponsorship and creating standards of excellence to raise the bar of professionalism. 

Director of Education Events
Victoria Love, CMP
Helium 10
Email: programs@mpioc.com

Victoria Love changed her career from television production to event planning after she planned her own wedding and was hooked.  She explains, "There are a lot of similarities between television production and event production".  Over the years she has worked in various sectors such as convention center, third party agency, hotel, wedding planning and then landed as a corporate planner for the last 2 decades for industries including direct sales, travel, financial, medical and technology.  Her passion for events is strong with the thrill of adrenaline that pumps through her on every event.  "This is a great career, but it takes a certain type of person to survive and be successful in this industry" says Victoria.

In 2019 Victoria was awarded "Planner of the Year" and is CMP certified.

Director of Member Recruitment
Troy Karnoff, CMP
Email: recruitment@mpioc.com

Troy brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Karnoff's first job in the industry was with Marriott, initially working various operational roles at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa and working his way up to director of group sales. After 16 years with the company, he transitioned into the Conventions and Visitors Bureau sector at Discover Los Angeles, Team San Jose, Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau (based in Chicago) and most recently the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. Prior to making the move back to California, Karnoff served as manager of new business development for Arena Americas in Chicago.

A Bellflower, California native and current Long Beach resident, Karnoff spent 20 years working with the Special Olympics and is involved with multiple community organizations, including the LGBTQI Center of Long Beach and Art Theatre of Long Beach. His passion for volunteering compliments his business role in the meetings industry culture.

Troy is a newlywed with his husband, Juan Luis Karnoff, the love of his life.

Director of Retention

Beth Hoffman, CDS
ConferenceDirect
Tel: 949-510-8580
E-Mail: retention@mpioc.com

Beth Hoffman, Vice President, Global Accounts, joined ConferenceDirect in April of 2003. She has over 18 years of industry experience in multiple market segments including corporate, association, incentive, non-profit, and direct selling organizations. Beth has been successful in saving her clients time & money, while minimizing future hotel contract liabilities & maximizing meetings ROI. Beth has helped her association clients increase conference attendance, fulfill hotel room block commitments, reduce & remove attrition, negotiate & collect earned rebates, and streamline their overall housing processes.  Recently, Beth has been successful in adding virtual components to her client’s event strategy, as well as reducing or eliminating cancellation damages for events that were forced to cancel due to the pandemic. 

Prior to joining ConferenceDirect, Beth had a successful 15 year career in integrated media sales, including print, digital, and event sponsorship.  Throughout her career at ConferenceDirect, Beth is consistently recognized as a top producer. She is serving her second term as VP of Education for MPI OC.  She is also regular volunteer with the SITE SoCal Holiday Event Annual Fundraiser.  Beth is a founding member of the CD-ECPAT task force team to help spread awareness and stop the exploitation of children forced into human/sex trafficking. Beth lives on Lake Mission Viejo, has two college age children and two rescue kitties. Her passions include experiential travel, gourmet food & wine, dancing, hiking, paddling, snow skiing, and fitness.

Director of Marketing & Social Media
Brittney Reilly
Modern Millennial Events
Email: marcom@mpioc.com

Brittney started her career in hospitality in 2011 while working at Montage Laguna Beach. She transferred to Northern Arizona University receiving a B.S. in International Hotel Management. After graduation, she worked at The Resort at Pelican Hill for 2 years before entering the crazy fun world of Destination Management. In 2020, Brittney set her sights to be a co-founder of the Destination Management and Event Design Company, Modern Millennial Events. She has been a part of MPIOC since 2017 and she is excited to further her professional growth by being on the 2021 – 2022 Board!

Director of Communications
Annemarie Allain
mdg, A Freeman Company
Email: communications@mpioc.com

After receiving a COVID-19 pink slip in 2020, Annemarie combined 13 years of event and tradeshow production with a passion for the written word to join mdg, A Freeman Company as a full-time copywriter. An event enthusiast to the core, she has sat at the table as both a vendor and event organizer throughout her career, earning her Certified Exhibition Manager (CEM) designation in 2013. When she’s not geeking out over the AP Stylebook or event production, Annemarie thrives on to-do lists, epic brainstorming sessions and coffee – lots and lots of coffee. She is looking forward to collaborating with this talented group of event professionals during her first term on the MPIOC board.

Director of Operations
Maureen Sloan, CTA
HelmsBriscoe
Email:

Maureen is a working Mom of 2 great kids and proud OC resident of 30 years.  Some of her interests are travel, volunteer work with the Soroptimist Organization, MPIOC, The Sand Dollars of Huntington Beach, as well as beach walks, and gardening.

A former 20-year hospitality professional, her rewarding hotel management career brought her from Manhattan to the west coast.  Eventually the experience led to teaching tourism-related courses at an LA College, and later as a professional consultant in various aspects of destination and global tourism marketing.  As the Tourism Liaison for Visit California, she assisted all of Orange and San Diego counties’ popular resorts and world-famous attractions. 

These days she enjoys helping various clients source the best locations for their meetings, conferences and social gatherings.  It’s rewarding work that affords Maureen a unique way to aid companies and associations, while broadening her knowledge of destinations, resorts, cruise lines and new venues. 

Director at Large
Lana Farfan, CTA
Caught in the Moment
Email:

Lana was born and raised in Western New York, where she learned the value of being involved with her community and the importance of enthusiasm to motivate others and achieve goals. She credits her parents for teaching her how to work hard and enjoy doing it.

Torn between the arts and sciences, she pursued a degree in chemistry from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There she met her future husband, Salvador, who would go on to found their photography business, Caught in the Moment. Lana continued her education with a master’s degree in Textile Technology and worked in Boston for a few years before moving to Long Beach with Salvador to start their marriage and business together. Her artistic inclinations eventually won out and she transitioned from project management in the textile industry to full-time photographer and entrepreneur.

Nothing brings her more joy than exuberant clients exclaiming how easy it is to work with her and how impressed they are by the quality and variety of her photographs. She and Salvador make the perfect pair, with complementary strengths and different affinities for the many facets of running a business.

Chapter Administrator
Christen Carter
Association Growth Management

Tel: 909-631-1079
Email: ccarter@mpioc.com

Christen Carter is the Chapter Administrator for the Meeting Professionals International, Orange County. She has previously served as Executive Director with the Building Owners Managers Association, Orange County before joining the MPIOC team.