MPI Member Spotlight: Shining Stars Natalie Fulton & Sarah Diem

By Nadia Chavarria, Contributor 

Did you know that every event we plan at MPISCC is organized solely by volunteers?  Meet two members who have dedicated their time and energy to make our chapter successful. 

Natalie and Sarah were recently recognized as being chapter Shining Stars in appreciation for going above and beyond for MPI SoCal.   

Natalie Fulton, CMP
Special Events Sales Manager at Warner Bros. Studios

Describe a Time You Set Difficult Goals?
I took a position as opening Special Events Director in a boutique luxury hotel. It was difficult to know what our goals should be with nothing to compare to. Most of my experience had been in more casual venues so it was uncomfortable to set forecasts that were much higher than I had encountered. It was also shortly after 2008 and as a sales person I was hesitant to project high goals. I relied on my connections and resources (such as MPI) for insight.

In a News Story Featuring Your Life, What Would the Headline Be?
Just When You Thought it Couldn't Get Any Better…

How Do You Motivate Others?
I try to look at things from their perspective to understand what it might be that they will find rewarding.

What Inspires You? Who Was Your Biggest Influence?
Hard work inspires me, watching people with passion and drive accomplish their goals motivates me to strive for more. My parents were my biggest influence and continue to be. My father was in the Navy and has an amazing work ethic, but also is an incredible people person. My mom once told me that her secret to a good life was to wake up happy every day. I tend to worry too much, but try to remember those words to keep positive.

Who Would Your Intimate Dinner Party Guest Be?
Freddy Mercury

Sarah Diem
Independent Meeting and Event Manager

In a News Story Featuring Your Life, What Would the Headline Be?
Fancy Farmgirl Accidently Stumbles onto Oscar’s Red Carpet

What Has Been Your Favorite Project to Work On? 
Can they all be my favorites? The SITE Holiday Event in 2016 comes to mind. The Holiday Event was the first time I had ever done a silent and live auction, and every day was like Christmas while I was processing all the amazing donation packages that were being sent in. It was intense managing so many donation packages, but also really amazing to see how generous our industry can be and how the proceeds really helped change lives.  

Who Would Your Intimate Dinner Party Guest Be?
Jennifer Lawrence – I’m pretty sure she is my spirit animal and I know we’d have a great time and laugh a LOT.

How Do You Define Success and How Do You Measure up To Your Own Definition?
Success is measured differently by everyone and I think that if you do what you love and you’re doing it with passion, you’re successful. To me success is doing what you love, creating positive work and having passion and balance in your life. I think I’ve achieved success in that I am doing what I love and working in a way that not only fulfills me but also allows me to help others be successful.