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2025 Board of Directors
President
Nathan Medina
Sr. Business Development Manager, AV Concepts
Nathan kicked off his career in the meetings and events industry back in 2013, starting at a meeting management company. In 2015, he jumped into the world of AV production sales with Vario, and his love for meeting new people and building connections led him to SDMPI.
But just being a member wasn’t enough for Nathan—he dove right in and has proudly served 7 years on the board. Now, he's gearing up to take on the President role for his 8th year of service! Nathan is all about soaking up wisdom from his peers as he continues to make his mark in the meetings and events world. When he’s not at a meeting, on-site, or working at the office, you can catch him hitting the soccer field, swinging a golf club, grilling up a feast, or living it up around America’s Finest City!
President Elect
Megan Powers, MA
Chief Strategist, Powers of Marketing; Sr. Program Manager, Event Sponsorship Operations, Oracle
Megan Powers has wide and deep experience in meetings and events, having worked in almost every facet of the industry. Currently, she is on the Global Events Team at Oracle working as a Senior Program Manager in sponsorship. She founded her business Powers of Marketing in 2013
and hosts/facilitates digital and in-person events for her client Chief Wine Officer. Megan is a natural-born facilitator who also puts her curious mind to work as a podcaster, currently in the eighth season of hosting and producing her Making a Marketer podcast.
Past President
Alyssa Longeuay
Associate Director, Business and Housing Development, Aztec Shops Ltd., San Diego State University
Alyssa Longeuay graduated with a BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management from San Diego State University and has made her way back there in her current role as the Associate Director for Business and Housing Development. Her new role allows her to partner with clients to create
memorable experiences while hosting their meeting, conference or camp on campus.
Vice President, Membership
Marc Lehman
Owner & Executive Producer, Ashley Media Productions
Marc, a US Navy veteran and former Nuclear Power Engineer, and his Wife Lorelei, a former, actress and on-air radio personality, started Ashley Productions at the inception of the Event Video industry. The forces driving their entrepreneurship were their passion for creating video
that moved, inspired and entertained people, and their affinity for the event and service industries. Today, Ashley Media Productions offers Videography, Photography, and AV services locally, and all over the country.
Vice President, Finance
Meredith Twohy, CMP
Director of Events, The Institute of Functional Medicine
Meredith Twohy is the Director of Events at the Institute for Functional Medicine, where she provides strategic oversight and leadership for the planning and production of IFM’s in-person and live-stream events. Her responsibilities encompass vendor and site selection, video production,
exhibiting, and sponsorship management. Meredith collaborates across teams to guide conference strategy, video production for events and marketing initiatives, and sponsor and exhibitor engagement. Prior to IFM, Meredith served as the Director of In-Person Events at Catalyst, a gender equity organization dedicated to accelerating progress for women in the workplace.
Vice President, Professional Development
Emily Amezcua
Event Manager, WestEnd Entertainment
Having been involved in the entertainment world from a very young age, Emily has a multi-dimensional background in her field. From acting and singing, to event production and planning, to gigging with a band or two throughout the years, she is no stranger to the stage or working behind
the scenes. Cultivating a career in event entertainment was a natural evolution that began in 2015. Emily primarily works with musical entertainment, as well as specialized and unique acts for the corporate and private event world.
Her experience with a wide range of performers, as well as knowledge of the inner workings of live events, gives her unique insight into the entertainment that will be the most impactful to your event. Emily has a true passion for working with clients to help their vision come to life as well as a deep admiration for performers of all kinds. She has been involved with several industry associations and is thrilled to be a part of such a dynamic community. She is a proud member of MPI San Diego and has served on the committee of educational events.
On a personal note, you can find her adventuring and traveling with her husband, seeing all the shows and eating all the good food, and playing in her music studio as much as possible.
Vice President, Marketing
Brandy Stone, CMP
Associate Manager of Meetings & Events, Mattel Inc.
Brandy began her career 20 years ago at Mattel, Inc. —home to iconic brands like Barbie, Fisher-Price, and Hot Wheels. She transitioned into the Global Events department six years ago, sparking her passion for the industry. As Associate Manager of Meetings & Events, she specializes in event
strategy, logistics, and budget management, bringing big ideas to life through dynamic in-person, virtual, and hybrid experiences.
Known for turning meetings into memorable moments, Brandy thrives on creating events that connect, celebrate, and inspire. She volunteered with MPI to grow her network, support the community, and build meaningful connections with fellow professionals and can’t wait to join the MPISD board!
Director of Recruitment & Retention
Alan Simpson
Director of Partnerships & Experiences, Walkabout.app
He has held leadership roles at Live Nation's House of Blues San Diego, the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Pachanga arena and Pala Casino Spa & Resort, where he consistently increased revenue, optimized operations, and delivered award-winning results. Recognized for his expertise in team building, client management, and strategic planning, he has received accolades such as Live Nation's Rising Star award.
Director of Marketing
Melody Corvalán
Director of Sales & Events, Belmont Park
With nearly 20 years of experience in hotel event sales, Melody has built a distinguished career marked by strategic innovation, exceptional client relationships, and a passion for creating memorable events. From 2016 to 2020, she played a pivotal role at the world-renowned Hotel del
Coronado, where she drove event sales and crafted unforgettable experiences at the iconic property. After the pandemic, Melody joined the Bahia Hotel & Resort, where she was instrumental in reopening the venue by shaping California's event guidelines, navigating the industry's post-COVID landscape, and ensuring a safe and seamless return to in-person events.
Most recently in 2023, she embraced a new challenge as the Director of Sales and Events at the historic Belmont Park in San Diego. There, she has continued to build her reputation by creating unique, out-of-the-box events and cultivating lasting relationships with clients. Her ability to blend creativity with strategic sales has consistently resulted in strong business growth and the successful execution of both large-scale and intimate events.
Director of Special Events
Melissa Paris
Director of Sales & Events, San Diego Air & Space Museum
For over 22 years Melissa has served as the Director of Sales and Events for the San Diego Air & Space Museum, expertly leading the planning and execution of diverse events that captivate local and global clients alike. With a keen focus on sales, growth, and client satisfaction she has
successfully cultivated partnerships with hundreds of organizations while driving event revenue to new heights. Recognized for her innovative approach and ability to oversee multiple clients and tasks continues to elevate the Museum’s reputation as premier venue and being a vital part of the community.
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Erica Castro-Larsen
Director of Sales, Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Currently serving as the Director of Sales at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Erica oversees the development and execution of strategic sales initiatives while mentoring a talented sales team. Prior to her current role, Erica contributed to the success of the Courtyard San Diego Downtown, housed in a historic landmark that was originally the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank. She also gained invaluable experience at a diverse array of hotels in the Denver market including the pop culture themed Curtis hotel and the stunning historic Oxford Hotel.
A dedicated industry professional, Erica is committed to creating meaningful partnerships that elevate the hospitality and events community in San Diego and beyond. Her collaborative approach, strategic vision, and deep industry knowledge makes her a valuable asset to the MPI San Diego Chapter.
Director of Education Programs
Julie Frye
Director of Sales & Marketing, Onyx Offsites & Trainings
[Bio coming soon]
Chapter Administrator
Tina Marie Honor
CEO, Bravo! Business Solutions LLC
After serving as a Chapter leader from 2018 through her Presidential year (2023 to 2024), Tina Marie is the dedicated Chapter Administrator of MPI San Diego. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the industry to her role, and looks forward to working with other chapters.
Her company, Bravo! Business Solutions, LLC specializes in providing comprehensive business management services tailored to the needs of non-profit organizations within the meeting and event industry. At Bravo Business Solutions, Tina Marie leverages her extensive background in event management, strategic planning, and membership engagement to deliver solutions that drive success and foster community engagement.
Connect with Tina Marie Honor