Minnesota Meetings + Events is proud to introduce our 2019 Hall of Fame, made up of seven top-notch individuals who are positively impacting the meetings and events industry.
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Meet Jessica Barrett, 2019 Best Supplier
POSTED April 29, 2019
BEST SUPPLIER
Jessica Barrett
Executive Director, Machine Shop
On her role in shaping Machine Shop: “During the renovation of the space, I managed the second half of construction which was great because it gave me influence over a lot of small details and how the space functioned so that it could be set up for events.”
On saying no: “I don’t want to be known as a person who always says ‘yes’ to everything, but I do want to be known as someone who always says, ‘no, but here’s something else that we could do.’”
“I know that it sounds corny when I say it, but I still believe truly that my job is making people’s dream come true and I do take that very seriously.”
“I think one of my biggest [assets] is empathy. I can see all sides of a situation and I might not always agree, but I can usually understand the perspective. Doing that helps me create alternatives for people. … I do have a little bit of know-it-all perspective. I like to know the answers to things. I like to be a resource.”
On her secret weapon: “I have a like worst-case scenario brain but also an inner sense of optimism so I always believe that we can overcome or fix anything … it keeps me grounded.”
On her travels: “I didn’t get on an airplane until I was 19 years old and actually never left the country until I was almost 30 and since then I’ve travelled to 14 countries and I’ve touched every continent now except Antarctica. My goal is to touch every continent before I turn 40, so I’m planning on going on a cruise to Antarctica in 2021.”
League City CVB manager Stephanie Polk shares her career journey.
Originally from Kentwood, Louisiana, Stephanie Polk, TDM, CTE, first made her mark on the travel and tourism industry as director of marketing for the Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau. There, she helped to elevate the city as a destination for recreation travelers and business groups. Wowed by her accomplishments, in 2020, League City brought her on board to lead its marketing efforts. She shares with us highlights and advice from her experience in the industry.
For Andrea Mokros, Minneapolis-based public relations executive and independent event consultant, the last decade has been a whirlwind. From serving as special assistant to President Obama and director of strategic planning for then-first lady Michelle Obama, to welcoming newcomers to the Bold North as the vice president of communications and events for the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee, Mokros shares the key takeaways that inspire her work today.
Take note of these seven pros who are making their mark in the meetings and events industry.
Jolene Ihle, Founder
IdeationMKT
Lifetime Achievement
“I was 10 years old when I received my Muscular Dystrophy Carnival Kit in the mail. The box was filled with cool ideas and colorful materials to support fundraising efforts. I was completely enthralled with the event planning process. … This experience was my jumpstart into events and I was hooked.”