This month on the blog, we’re taking a deep dive into each department of PMG, and this week’s spotlight is on Meetings Management. Today, we’re talking to Liz Sansom, who has been with PMG for about six months in the Meetings Management department. Keep reading to learn more!
What is your position at PMG?
I’m a Meetings Manager.
How long have you been with PMG?
December marks six months that I’ve been with PMG!
What is your favorite part of working at PMG?
I really enjoy each group I work with, and that each client’s needs are different – which means there is always a new question or request to figure out.
What is your favorite thing about Meeting Management?
I love being able to put lots of puzzle pieces into place and then watch as each meeting is successful.
What do you like least about your job?
Budgets. But they are a reality and so I turn it into a challenge for myself to get the most value for every dollar.
What are the first 3 things that should be taught to a new hire at PMG about Meetings Management?
- 1) There is a lot of time, effort, and care that goes into planning a society’s annual conference.
- 2) What you see on site at the conference is almost never exactly what was supposed to happen!
- 3) There is no such thing as too much information when you’re talking to a meetings manager.
What are 3 traits of a highly effective Meetings Manager?
- The ability to transition quickly from one idea or suggestion to the next. Meetings managers do this daily as they navigate planning for different societies in different locations, time zones, and timelines.
- Grace under pressure – there is no such thing as a conference that goes perfectly according to plan. Meetings managers stay calm when challenges pop up, work through the options for solutions, and make quick decisions or recommendations to keep issues from affecting attendees.
- Being able to communicate effectively with a lot of different people is essential; adaptability to different work and communication styles is a skill that helps the meetings manager get what they need/want from each interaction.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your time at PMG?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that my team(s) will have my back. Whether it’s a last-minute scramble to get something taken care of on site, or help proofing a proposal years in advance, every time I’ve asked for or needed help, the PMG team has come through.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you really can never please all of the people all of the time, and that’s okay. The important thing is to recognize when a complaint or criticism offers the opportunity to improve for next time, and to take action toward that goal.
We are so thankful for Liz and her commitment to PMG!
We are always growing at PMG, so if you are interested in joining our team, please start the application process by clicking on the white button below!
