Board of Directors 2010-2011

President
Jason Purifoy
Director of Group Sales
Westin Houston Memorial City
Phone: (281) 501-4329
jason.purifoy@starwoodhotels.com

Here's what Jason brings to MPI-HAC...

Jason began his career in food and beverage at the Woodlands Resort and Conference Center while studying Psychology at Sam Houston State University.

After finishing his studies, he joined Hilton Hotels Corporation where he served as Front Office Supervisor, Assistant Front Office Manager, Director of Front Office Operations and Sales Manager at the Doubletree Houston Post Oak.  During this time he led 4 operations departments through a $15,000,000 renovation and brand conversion to what is now the Hilton Houston Post Oak.  He also managed various sales markets including SMERF and Corporate, earned a Certified Hospitality Sales Professional designation through the American Hotel & Lodging Association, received the Manager of the Quarter Award and was nomitated for Hilton’s coveted Spirit of Pride Award. 

Furthering his sales career, Jason joined Coldwell Banker Commercial specialing in lodging property acquisition and disposition and later joined Westmont Hospitality Group as the Senior Sales Manager at the Doubletree Guest Suites Houston Galleria and later became the Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing at La Torretta Del Lago Resort & Spa. He is currently Director of Group Sales for the Westin Houston Memorial City. With more than 12 years of successful hospitality experience in food and beverage, operations and sales management, he is a valued addition to the 2008-2009 MPI HAC Board of Directors.

President Elect
Vanezza Garza
Meeting Manager
Corporate Events & Occasions
281-630-7968
Vanezza@ceocorpevents.com

Here’s what Vanezza brings to MPI-HAC… 

Vanezza recently joined Houston National Golf Club as Director of Sales and Promotions. Prior to that she was with Let It Fly Events as the General Sales Manager for Monte Carlo Plus Casino Parties, a position she left to her husband. Previously she was with Cox Auto Trader for 6 years as the Training and Special Events Coordinator directly responsible for coordinating 100 plus events/training sessions nationwide annually.
 
Before joining Cox, Vanezza’s primary experience comes from developing and managing a business. At the age of 19, she had the “crazy idea” of opening a men’s clothing store in the Galleria and in 9 months made it happen. During the eight years of its operation, Vanezza spent 3 years in outside sales. Today, Vanezza works to incorporate her business’ motto “We Suit Your Needs” into every effort within the Let It Fly family.

Immediate Past President
Ellen Ramsey
Owner
Let It Fly Events
713.863.9990
ellen@letitfly.com

Here's what Ellen brings to MPI-HAC...

Ellen Ramsey is the owner of Let It Fly Events, an events décor company specializing in collaborative creativity and unique solutions. Ellen brings 17 years of sales & catering, operational event, and décor experience to the table. Her career began in 1988 where she worked for Harry M. Stevens, and later ARAMARK located at the Astrodome Complex. Continuing in the banquet industry, she became Director of Sales and helped ARAMARK secure the exclusive account at The George R. Brown Convention Center.

She worked successfully with large accounts such as The Grand Prix, The World Energy Council, The Offshore Technology Conference, and The Republican National Convention. She worked as the Assistant General Manager until she left the catering industry all together focusing her attention on the event décor industry. In 2001, Ellen became a partner at Let It Fly Events, which eventually led her to becoming sole owner of the company in Jan uary of 2004.

In August 2006, she purchase Monte Carlo Casinos and is currently offer a full service casino company to her clients. Together with her husband, Red , they operate one of Houston 's largest casino companies, Monte Carlo Plus.

In October 2008, Ellen purchased a third company to add to the Let It Fly Events resources. Lone Star Exhibits is a customized design company for displays and exhibits that has been in Houston for over 20 years. They offer experienced and creative staff that are talented in design of lobby displays, museum exhibits, trade show exhibits and specialized pieces. Their 100,000 square foot facility offers on-site carpentry workshop, design shop and storage for their clients. Learn more about their talented team at www.lonestarexhibits.com.

Ellen has won the MPI-HAC Supplier of the Year for 2006, and three ISES Houston Special Events awards: Best Social Event under $100,000, Best Non-profit Event-Over $250,000 and Best Houston Team Effort, plus The Texas Star Award for BEST Event Design/Décor Budget Under $35,000. She has served on the Houston Chapter of ISES Board of Directors, as well as their VP of Programs. She is an active member of WBEA, GHVCB, CLCC, BBB, and MPI. Ellen holds a B.A. in Marketing from the University of Arkansas .

Vice President of Finance
Carrie Crigler, CMP
National Sales Director
San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center
281.538.1214
CCrigler@ldry.com

Here's what Carrie brings to MPI-HAC...

Carrie has been in the hospitality industry for 25 years. Beginning her career with Four Seasons Hotels in Houston, she had the opportunity to open the Four Seasons Beverly Hills before returning to her home state of Texas in the late 1980's. After 2 years in Restaurant Management, she joined the Westin Galleria and Westin Oaks team where she earned her CMP designation and transitioned from Conference Services to Group Sales. This is where she excelled in bringing almost all MLB and NBA teams to experience the Westin Hotels while in town against the Astros and Rockets. The past 5 years has taken her to Nashville, Myrtle Beach and Sea Island, Georgia. Carrie is currently a National Sales Manager with the San Luis Resort , Spa and Conference Center and also represents the Hilton Galveston Island, Galveston Island Convention Center and Holiday Inn Resort at the Beach.

Carrie once again became involved in the Houston Area Chapter of MPI when she came back to Houston in October 2008, joining the Registration Committee and Special Events Committee. She looks forward to her role as the Vice President of Finance for the MPI Houston Area Chapter.

Vice President of Administration
Andrea Peterson

Owner/President
ASAP Meetings & Events
Phone: 713.232.9893
andrea@asapmeetingsevents.com

Here's what Andrea brings to MPI-HAC...

Andrea Peterson began her career in meeting and event planning in 1996 while serving as a professional volunteer with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers International), responsible for full-scale planning of local and regional training conferences throughout Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana and as lead Event Coordinator during annual (5,000+ attendees) international conventions.

In 2002 she accepted a position with GE Real Estate, primarily scheduling and managing employee training and client events for a joint-venture division. Her skills landed her a promotion in 2004 to Marketing Specialist: Events Manager for a larger division, where she managed 200+ annual client events for 6 sales regions, including The Masters Golf Tournament attendance/elite client trip.

In 2006 Andrea moved into a position with a non-profit as Development Services Manager, leading a team of 4. Shortly thereafter, she re-joined a group from her division at GE, all recruited to launch a new lending division at Royal Bank of Canada Capital Markets. Here she held a hybrid role as Operations Manager for 4 regional sales offices and Events Manager for employee training and client functions, managing a 50-person elite client trip to Turks and Caicos, BWI in 2007. 

Upon the economic closing of her entire division in early 2009, Andrea opted to embark on her own professional services company with an event arm, ASAP-As Strategic As Possible Meetings & Events. She assists a select group of clients and continues to volunteer her services extensively to several non-profits. In addition, she is working toward a Master of Tourism Administration in Events & Meetings Management through The George Washington University, with a scheduled May 2012 completion; and she intends to sit for the CMP examination in January 2011.

Andrea has been a member of MPI since 2004, originally joining the Dallas Chapter. Upon moving to Houston in 2008 she has worked on the Education Committee in the Houston Chapter and looks forward to a great year ahead serving as VP of Administration on the Board.

Vice President of Membership
Deanna Payne, CMP
CME Specialist, Continuing Medical Education
UTH/UTMB
713-500-5899
dmpayne@utmb.edu

Here's what Deanna brings to MPI-HAC...

Deanna is a 2002 graduate from Texas A&M University with a BBA in Finance and Certificate in International Business. She currently is a Continuing Medical Education Specialist at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, serving physicians in the Texas Medical Center planning and accrediting programs in the Houston Area as well as nationwide. Prior to this position, she filled the role of CME Coordinator at UTMB in Galveston. In 2005 UTMB Continuing Medical Education ventured into a partnership with The University of Texas Medical School at Houston allowing her to transition into the Houston office to take on new challenges and experiences from the two institutions joining.
Deanna has been a member of MPI throughout her time in the planning and event industry and has valued the relationships and profession specific education it has provided. She has served as Director of Recruitment as well as VP of Membership. Deanna was awarded the 2009 Planner of the Year and the John Coleman Scholarship. She is excited to have received her CMP in January of 2010 alongside many MPI colleagues - bonding through the MPI review course.

 Vice President of Education
Jessica Modad
Milestones & More
(713) 516-0095
jessica@milestonesandmore.net

Here's what Jessica brings to MPI-HAC...

Jessica Modad is known for getting all of the parts of an event moving in the same direction. Working as an executive assistant for one of Houston's most influential and philanthropic families, Jessica enjoyed choreographing several executive board events, destination weddings, engagement parties, birthdays and large family dinners. As a native Houstonian, planning social events for friends, families, PTAs and non-profits near and dear to her heart in the "off-time", Jessica quickly realized that planning events was not just something that she enjoyed doing but something that she was born to do! Now, as the owner of Milestones & More Jessica and her team are delivering creative, seamless corporate and social events.

Vice President of Communications
Danielle Goad
Vice President Business Development
PictureU Promotions
713-445-6282
dgoad@pictureu.com 

Here's what Danielle brings to MPI-HAC...

Danielle Goad, Vice President of Business Development with PictureU Promotions. The company is based out of Atlanta, GA, Danielle is full time in the Houston office. She is assisting the company in a rapid growth process across the nation starting in June 2010. PictureU Promotions is the leader in Video/Photo Marketing Activations at events.  She works with clients ranging from NFL teams, MLB teams,  Disney, Agencies, NASCAR and Continental Airlines.

Danielle brings over 15 years of experience in the hospitality and meetings industry. Formally with Catch The Moment for the last 6 years and has held numerous management and executive positions in operations, sales, and marketing. Danielle began her career in the hospitality business right after graduating from college with the Northern Kentucky Convention & Visitors Bureau. From there she found her way back to Houston to take on leadership roles in Advertising, Public Relations and Marketing Agencies. She also worked as the Projects Manager for the Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau for a few years and then in sales with Omni Hotels. From all of this she brings a vast knowledge in Sales, Public Relations, Marketing, and Advertising which will assist her with current role on the board.

Director of Leadership Development
Jennifer Jacobson
Hotel Sales Manager
L'Auberge du Lac Casino Resort
(713) 366-9251

jjacobson@ldlmail.com

Here's what Jennifer brings to MPI-HAC...  

Jennifer began her career in hospitality 21 years ago at The Embassy Suites Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida while completing her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Marketing. She then returned to her hometown, Houston, Texas in 1992 to continue work at an Embassy Suites Hotel where she completed an intensive Management Trainee Program, held managerial positions such as Director of Human Resources, Assistant General Manager, and Director of Sales. She served as the General Manager, starting during pre-opening for The Hampton Inn and Suites-Medical Center, completing the Hilton Hotel's General Manager Training Program, and then served as Director of Operations for this Hotel's Management Company.

Jennifer then joined the L'Auberge du Lac Casino Resort's pre-opening team for Pinnacle Entertainment's Houston Branch Office in 2005. This new Casino Resort is just a short 2 hour drive away from Houston located over the border of Texas in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She is currently the Regional Hotel Sales Manager responsible for the Texas and West United States territories for the Corporate and Association Markets.

Director of Finance
Clarissa Emrich-Mosbey

Conference Planning Manager
The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center
281-364-6237
clarissa.emrich-mosbey@twrcc.com

Here's what Clarissa brings to MPI-HAC...

Clarissa began her hospitality career more than ten years ago at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center working with Shell Oil in The Learning Center. Today, she serves as a Conference Planning Manager where she exclusively manages the logistics and on-site management of more the 200+ Meetings, Conferences, Symposiums, Workshops & Private Meal functions annually.

Clarissa is currently pursuing a degree from the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at Lone Star University Center. She is also Affiliated with the Junior League of North Harris & South Montgomery Counties where she volunteers at St. Luke's Hospital-The Woodlands as well as helping in her community.

Clarissa has been an active member of MPI since 2007. Her involvement in the Chapter includes participation on the Registration Committee and as Sub-Chair for the Professional Development Day 2008. She looks forward to the great opportunity of serving MPI-HAC as Director of Finance.

Director of Special Events
Sarah Honaker
Director of Sales
River Ridge Golf Club
(800) 553-7515
shonaker@riverridgegolfclub.com

Here’s what Sarah brings to MPI-HAC… 

Sarah is the Director of Sales for River Ridge Golf Club and Houston National Golf Club in Houston, Texas.  Prior to moving to Houston she was an Assistant Golf Pro for Lost Creek Golf Club in Austin, Texas and the Assistant Golf Pro at Countryside Country Club in Clearwater, Florida.  Making the leap from Golf Pro to Director of Sales in 2002 has inspired Sarah to volunteer in several local charity organizations such as MPI, Food Town Special Olympics Fundraiser, The Spring Klein Foundation Fundraiser and many more.  She believes that being involved with each of her events helps build long time relationships. 
 
Over the past 7 years as Director of Sales she has learned 1.) To promote the game of golf; 2.) To positively influence the people she comes in contact with; 3.) To enjoy the process of building relationships along the way.

Director of Recruitment
Heather Ives
Sales Manager
InterContinental Houston Near the Galleria
713-850-2887
heather.ives@ihg.com

Here's what Heather brings to MPI-HAC...

Heather is a 2003 graduate from Texas A&M University with a BBA in Marketing. After graduation, she fell into the hospitality industry and hasn't turned back since - she found her passion and looks forward to a long career in hospitality.

Heather began her hospitality career at the Hilton Americas-Houston in Spring 2004 (just a few months after the new convention hotel opened its doors) as a Sales Assistant where she immersed herself in learning everything there was to know about hotel operations and sales.

In Fall 2006, she accepted a position with the InterContinental Houston Near the Galleria as an Executive Meeting Manager acting as both a Sales and Convention Service Manager for smaller groups covering all markets. In Spring 2008, Heather was promoted into the position of Sales Manager in which she currently handles the corporate market.

She joined MPI in 2008 and immediately became an active member joining the Recruitment Committee and attending MeetDifferent Conferences in Houston (2008), Atlanta (2009) and Cancun this past year as one of the Houston Chapter's scholarship recipients. Heather values the relationships and continued education opportunities MPI has offered her and looks forward to sharing her excitement with potential new members as the Director of Recruitment.

Outside of her professional life, Heather is an active member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Directions & Assistance Committee and a C.A.M.P. (Caring Aggies Mentoring Program) Volunteer.

Director of Member Care
Lori Roberts, CMP
Event Coordinator
MTI Event Management & Marketing
713.787.6400
lori@mtieventmanagement.com

Here's what Lori brings to MPI-HAC...

Lori Roberts began her career in hospitality in 1987 while working summers at the front desk at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. While this was at first a retreat to home away from home, it was the beginning of her career. Lori graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management in 1991.

Lori is currently an Event Coordinator with MTI Event Management & Marketing. Lori works with a team of seasoned event professionals to provide their clients with event & meeting management and marketing solutions to provide programming excellence. Before joining MTI Event Management & Marketing, Lori worked for Hyatt Hotels as a Catering Sales Manager and Hilton Hotels as a Sales/Catering Manager. Her tenure in the hotel industry provided an intimate familiarity with banquet, food and beverage, and front desk operations.
In March of 2009, Lori acquired her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation.

Lori became a member of MPI in 2007 and joined the Member Care and Leadership Development Committees. While on the Member Care Committee, Lori was the 2008 - 2009 Happy Hour Committee Chair, organizing all the Happy Hours for the chapter. Lori was awarded the MPI HAC "Leader of the Month" for September 2008, a scholarship recipient for WEC 2009, and was awarded the MPI HAC "Rising Star Award" for 2008 - 2009. During her spare time, Lori also volunteers for the San Jacinto Girl Scouts.

Director of Marketing & Advertising
Scott Justis
Marketing Manager/Business Agent
LD Systems
713.696.4770
sjustis@ldsystems.com

Here's what Scott brings to MPI-HAC...

Immediately after graduating from Ohio University in 1989, Scott began his career by moving to Orlando to work for The Walt Disney Company’s entertainment division as a video engineer. Over the next ten years as a Disney “Cast Member”, as employees are called, he filled many roles including videographer, set designer, editor, technical director, script writer, graphic designer and broadcast engineer.

After earning a BSBA in Marketing from the University of Central Florida, his roles at Disney expanded to include starting and managing the marketing for the Disney-MGM Studios Conventions department, production of special events such as the New Beetle launch for Volkswagen and managing special events for Disney Cruise Line marketing department.

He was recruited by Freeman in 2001 to become the Director of Sales, Houston AVW branch and joined Production Group International in Houston 3 years later.  Since joining LD Systems in 2005, Scott has worn many hats but mainly serves as both Marketing Manger and Business Agent. He still keeps his hand in the creative arena by designing event sets on 3D software, managing LD Systems’ website content and directing shows. Scott brings both in-depth knowledge of the meetings/events industry and marketing acumen.

Vice President of Strategic Alliance
Kelly Ditta
President
Leverage Communications
(281) 979-5525
Kelly@leveragecommunications.net

Here's what Kelli brings to MPI-HAC...

Kelly started her career in the hospitality and event industry in 1990, after spending 4 years post-university in the fashion industry in Dallas .   Her first job in the hospitality industry was with the Hyatt Regency Dallas as a Convention Service Manager and she then moved onto the Fairmont Hotel Dallas as a Corporate Sales Manager.

Kelly’s love of travel took her to the other side of the world, to Sydney Australia where she started her own Event/Marketing/Incentive Firm.  For over a decade Kelly ran events around the world for clients such as Sony, Oracle, Hewlett Packard, Ernst & Young, Parke Davis/Warner Lambert, BMC, EMC, Sun Microsystems, News Ltd. and many more.  Her client base spanned across Energy, Fashion, Media, Arts, Non-Profits, Beverages, Insurance and a large base of Technology clients, with event budgets up to $1 million.

Armed with a marketing background, Kelly went onto run strategic product launches, incentives, conferences and tradeshows.  Her largest annual event, Oracle Open World for 3000 delegates was partially funded by 200 trade booths/sponsorships and received a ‘Best Large Event’ award from the local MIAA (Meeting & Incentive Association of Australia).
Kelly also developed a strong background in Sponsorship Management and applied that expertise across corporate events, non-profits, television programs and one of the largest arts festivals in the southern hemisphere, the Sydney Arts Festival.  This iconic event consisted of 55 events across 22 days, with the largest 2 events reaching 100,000 in attendance each. 

After managing and escorting groups to Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Pacific, Europe and of course back to North America, it was time to return home to the US where Kelly went onto work for International Meeting Managers as the Director of Business Development and Conference Direct as a Global Account Manager.

Now with the economy starting to rebound (fingers crossed), Kelly has re-launched her own Full Service Event company, Leverage Communications, specializing in Event Marketing, Sponsorship Activation and Community Liaison.

After receiving such a warm welcome from the members of MPI on her arrival to Houston in 2007, Kelly was delighted to join the board as VP of Membership that year.  With a great membership team in place, Houston became the #1 Chapter in Member Retention during her term.   Now Kelly is leveraging her sponsorship background in her new board role as VP of Strategic Alliances (Sponsorships).

Board Liaison Multicultural
Yolanda Clemons
SWA Meeting Planner
Ernst & Yough
(713) 750-5236
yolanda.clemons@ey.com

Here's what Yolanda brings to MPI-HAC...

Yolanda began her career in 1999 with a Account Executive position with Cedar Point in Sandusky Ohio. In this position, she planned events for both corporations and non-profit groups for 5 years. She later became a learning event coordinator for ACS, Inc, where she coordinated and planned learning events for clients including American Express and Ernst & Young, LLP. In 2007 Yolanda moved to Houston where she works as the Southwest Area Meeting Planner for Ernst & Young, LLP. In her role she plans a variety of events for Ernst & Young employees and clients in Houston, Austin, San Antonio and New Orleans.
Yolanda has been a member of the MPI Houston chapter since 2007, where she has served on the membership recruitment committee, and the registration committee.
"Being a member of MPI Houston Chapter for the past 3 years has been a rewarding experience and I look forward to sharing my passion for meeting planning with current and future members. "
Yolanda is excited to be the 2010-2011 board liaison for Multicultural, where she hopes to inspire others to become involved.

Board Liaison Community Outreach
Angela Eaton
Owner/PresidentAvalon Music
(713) 529-2672
avalonmusictx@aol.com

Manager, Administration and Finance
Freda Monk, CMP
MPI Houston Area Chapter
281-812-4425
Fredamonk@aol.com

Here's what Freda brings to MPI-HAC... 

Freda has over twenty-five years of meetings and travel management experience.  She has worked for major corporations such as Borg Warner, General Dynamics, and PepsiCo's Pizza Hut Division, and has been an independent meeting manager for the past sixteen years.  She is President of Meetings and Events Management, and plans and manages meetings locally, nationally and internationally for various association, corporate, and medical industry clients.

Freda has presented programs on meeting management and business topics for business organizations, universities and professional organizations, and for five years was an adjunct professor at Kingwood College, where she taught introductory and advanced meeting management courses. 

She has served in leadership positions in professional and community organizations, including four years on the International Board of Directors of Meeting Professionals International, and was the President of the MPI St. Louis Area and Houston Area Chapters. She has received many professional awards, including MPI Chapter Planner of the Year Awards from both the Houston and St. Louis Chapters.

Freda has a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Missouri, and has earned the Certified Meeting Professional (Emeritus) designation.  In addition to her meeting management experience, she has worked extensively in the areas of strategic planning, business and financial analysis, and economic analysis.