Welcome - CTM M&E Newsletter

April 2026 Edition

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This year marks my 39th year in the meetings and events industry, and what a journey it has been. I’ve seen extraordinary change over the years - in technology, innovation, and the way we design and deliver experiences. Yet, the foundation of success has remained the same: passionate teams and organizations that truly listen to their customers. As we begin this next chapter, we're excited to share ideas, insights, and inspiration with you.

The evolution of technology alone has been remarkable. I remember transferring files from office to office via MCI dial-up, getting our first fax machine, and missing attendee registrations because the thermal paper curled up and disappeared under a desk, only to be found months later. Then came WordPerfect and LOTUS 1-2-3, followed by major advances in production technology - from par cans and Lekos to today’s video mapping capabilities. And of course, that oversized brick of a cell phone has become our camera, our email, and our connection to everything. Now, we are entering yet another transformative era with AI, and the pace of change continues to accelerate.

Even with all of that progress, two things have never changed. First, you can only truly thrive in this business if you have a genuine passion for meetings, events, planning, and group air management. Second, you only win, retain, and grow business when you listen to your customers. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand that the most successful teams are fueled by shared passion, and the most successful organizations are the ones that stay closely connected to the voices of their clients.

That is what makes this next chapter for CTM Meetings & Events so exciting. With the launch of our inaugural Client Advisory Board and this CTM M&E Newsletter, we are creating a valuable opportunity to listen, learn, and innovate alongside our customers. Your perspective will help shape what comes next for our business, while also reinforcing what matters most - building solutions that truly support our clients’ goals and elevate their meeting and event experiences.

And while I still have a good ten years left in me in this business, I remain as energized by what’s ahead as I was when I first began.

Where are you from originally, and where do you reside now?

Born in Brooklyn NY, raised in Queens, NY and now own my childhood family home.

How long have you been at CTM M&E?

July 18, 2026, will mark four years with CTM M&E.

How did you first get into the travel business, and how long have you been in the industry?

A friend convinced me to work for Cunard Line (cruise company based in NYC) because you could sail for free—I figured YUP that’s for me! I started in general reservations, moved up to Group Air then to crew travel until Cunard moved to Florida. The Sales team from Cunard went over to Direct Travel where they brought me in as a Group Air Agent and within a few weeks, the supervisor and manager quit—so I moved up.

I was then brought over to MSW Travel (Independent Contractor house) where I began as the GM. MSW was acquired by Lawyers Travel/ World Travel Specialist Group (later becoming Lawyers Travel/Ovation Travel). I stayed there as a Director of Group Air for 24 years until we were bought by AMEX GBT. I left there in 2022 and joined CTM M&E as the Director Operations Group Air.

So, yes 40 years in the industry and only two interviews since I was brought in by other people or bought out. 😊

Tell us a little about your current work. What does a typical day look like for you?

Always busy, always changing but exciting. I was brought into Group Air Dept to help standardize processes and help the team grow. I am now doing that for M&E, AFS and CTP.

Big picture, what would you say has changed the most in this dynamic industry—or conversely, what's stayed the same through the years?

Group travel hasn’t changed all that much (living through commission cuts, ash clouds, economic downturns, civil unrest, and wars, Covid) clients try to do virtual meetings but always come back to the in-person meeting. There is nothing like face to face. Event locations change, size and scope changes, risk management changes but the basics remain the same.

What keeps you at CTM M&E?

The people! I am fortunate and blessed to work with some of the best in the industry. Challenging my expertise in standardization and organization keeps me on my toes as well but I love change, embrace change, and LOVE when I can help motivate people to accept change and watch a plan come together. I have been afforded those opportunities here.

What kinds of things fill your time outside of work? What “fills your bucket”?

Family and friends. Travel—always find a new place to go. I travel a few times a year, but the first trip of every year is with a tribe of people—anywhere from 30–150 at a time—it’s crazy and awesome. Cooking, baking (for family and friends), crafting (for gifts and myself), refinishing furniture, light construction work on my 130-year-old colonial home, fire pits with a glass of wine, reading with a glass of wine and live music with a glass of wine (seeing a trend 😊).

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their career here?

Embrace the change, ask questions, get a mentor, and learn everything you can (even when you are not sure it will affect your current role). Be open to new ideas.

She took some time out of her day to answer a few questions about how she got her start in the business, her role today, what fills her time outside of work and more.