Dear Southwest & Pacific Chapter,
What is your word of the year for 2021? The word I am seeing the most throughout our industry is Hopeful!
I am Grateful for the opportunity to serve as your 2021 President for the PCMA Southwest & Pacific Chapter. I am Hopeful that we will continue to recover, reinvent, and rebuild our industry this year.
I became a member of PCMA SWP chapter in 2016 while working as Destination Sales Director for Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board. I jumped right into volunteering on several committees and eventually sitting on the board of directors, and now as your President of this chapter. Each year, I have seen our board leaders step up and make necessary changes for the good of our members. Each Past President; Neil Johnson, Bob Wentworth, Kevin Boland, Jenna Richardson, and Luci Whiteman, have brought a new brick to create a solid foundation for this chapter. I look forward to working with our 2021 Board to place our brick on this chapter’s foundational success.
Our industry has endured a lot last year as many events cancelled or moved to a virtual platform, many colleagues and friends were furloughed or laid-off, along with myself. Many hotels, restaurants and businesses were shut down and many people lost their lives. Through it all I have felt comfort and support from this chapter and PCMA Headquarters. Sherriff Karamat, our President and CEO continually updated us with industry and community issues that were most relevant.
One of the many things I learned last year was from Garrett Gunderson who taught me that the value equation consists of more than just Financial Capital, it also includes Mental Capital which is the education and knowledge you gain throughout your life, and Relationship Capital which are the communities and connections you make. What better place to add value in all three of these areas then PCMA SWP Chapter?
Here is what you have to look forward to this year:
• Network with Industry Peers
• See old Friends / Meet new Friends / Build Relationships
• Gain knowledge during Experiential Educational Events
• Attend Convening Leaders & EduCon
• Be a part of a committee and help to make a difference while making lasting friendships
• Support Student & Emerging Leaders by mentoring them and giving them opportunities to gain experience while volunteering at your events.
• Collaborate with the Meetings and Events industry during Global Meetings Industry Day!
Keep an eye out for upcoming events, volunteer and committee opportunities, as well as sponsorship and partner opportunities. Please let us know what you need, our board is listening and willing to help.
Board of Directors
President – Theresa Ofstad, Hospitality Sales Professional
Immediate Past President – Luci Whiteman, Premier Event Resources
President Elect – Michelle O’Campo IEEE Computer Society
Treasurer – Kristen Dennis – Hospitality Compliance Representative
Secretary – Casey Shields, Meow Wolf
Directors at Large
Songi Kim – Event Manager at WVC
Rachel Lesinski — Associate Program Officer, National Academies
Adrien Aloi — Hospitality Sales Professional
Lisa Lewis — Director of Sales, Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI)
Jeremy Eisler — Manager, Hospitality and Business Development, Arizona Diamondbacks
Kenita Hidalgo — Events, Marketing, Membership, AAGL – Elevating Gynecologic Surgery
Passionately,
Theresa Ofstad
