Alyssa got started in the events industry after planning an 800 person social with just about no experience. Needless to say, she’s been hooked ever since! After 5 years in the industry she continues to be amazed by the energy and collaborative nature of event planners! She’s actively involved with MPI as VP Education for the Ottawa Chapter and is working tirelessly to bring useful technology to planners through InitLive.
“hi, my name is…”
The world knows me as: Alyssa Bignell, but I recently got married, so it’ll be Alyssa Lancefield very soon!
I am exceptionally good at: Making people laugh and not taking myself too seriously.
Least favorite house chore: Anything in the bathroom, I won’t even sweep the bathroom if I can avoid it.
My go-to guilty pleasure food is: Candy, candy, candy!
Favorite App: I have so many favourites! Budget, Evernote, Twitter, Pinterest and of course InitLive!
Favorite quote: “You only regret the things you didn’t do”
“The Hustle”
Years in the events industry: 5 years
Job Title: Sales Manager/Customer Success/Account Manager, It depends on the day!
Professional Superpower: I love to network. Meeting new people and finding out what makes them tick is a passion.
My primary role in the events industry is: Supplier, although I try to keep my planner skills sharp by volunteering for industry boards and working with community events
To me, being an event hustler means: Tirelessly working to make the industry better! Events have come so far but we have a really bright future ahead of us as well.
The top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are: 1. It’s a small world! I would guess less than 3 degrees of separation internationally with this industry. 2. It’s all about collaboration. We do the best work when we work together and the people who are really succeeding in this industry definitely know that!
How did you get your start in the events industry? I planned an 800 person event at my university (with the help of a committee) and loved the adrenaline and seeing it all come together. I’ve been hooked ever since.
The top 2 pieces of advice I’d give to an aspiring planner are? Get out there, meet people and get connected. Almost more important than that, be reliable! As I said, it’s a small world. Make sure you not only follow through, but go above and beyond. Your reputation will follow suit!
My biggest event industry pet peeve is: Did I mention follow through? Suppliers and planners alike who are unreliable. Events are high stakes and the most reliable people and companies come out on top.
“No such thing as TMI”
One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: I majored in theatre at university.
If I could have one superpower, it’d be: I would be able to breathe under water. I think I was a fish in a past life.
You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: Adele 21 and Watch the Throne by Jay-Z and Kanye West
10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: An astronaut…I’m still considering it!
Winter or Summer? Summer. it’s so much easier to be active.
Text or phone call? They each have their place, but a text will suffice most of the time.
Android or iphone? iPhone 6
Toilet paper roll – Over or under? OVER!
Connect with Alyssa: alyssa@initlive.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlyssaBignell
SMART TECH FOR EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS
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