Young Planners Speak Out

Millennials are said to be creative, multitasking, fun-loving, knowledge-seeking job hoppers -- and they're well on their way to reshaping the future of the meetings industry. Here, five promising young planners bear out the stereotypes of their generation while sharing their perspectives on meeting planning.     

Lizz TorgovnickAge: 29
Title: Managing Director
Company: Sequence Events
Location: New York City
Planner since: 2005

Why the meetings industry?
I studied visual arts and art history at Duke University, where I was a residence adviser. I did a lot of programming in that role. I also worked with the visual arts community to set up exhibits and bring in guest speakers. That was my first experience planning events, though I hadn't thought of it as a career. I saw an ad for an admin role with Paint the Town Red, an event planning company, and I got the job. I started out as the office manager, but soon realized I really wanted to do project management.

Why did you decide to start your own business?
I had six years of event production under my belt, working fairly independently for the past few years and learning from my successes and failures. I was ready for a new challenge when the right opportunity with the right partner came along. When it did, it was really a no-brainer! I co-founded Sequence Events in October 2011 with a business partner, Adam Sloyer.

I've always been a natural leader. I thrive in situations where I can take ownership of something.

How do you hope your company will stand out from established meeting planning firms?
Adam and I have worked together and really see eye-to-eye. With Paint the Town Red, we got experience with a boutique firm for a couple of years until Global Events acquired them in 2008, and then we were a really big company. We want to give our clients the attention of a boutique firm while tapping into the relationships we developed at Global Events.

Are you involved in any meetings industry associations?
I see the value, but I've never joined. It really is a function of time; I'd hate to join and not really be a part of it. I don't like to do things halfway. I know there are good networking opportunities, but sometimes it's easier to keep your head down and do your own thing. It's just so hard to add one more thing to my plate.

Does your social life take a toll?
I think it's natural for young people to feel overworked. I'm lucky that my husband is a chef, so it's not like he's waiting for me at home all of the time. Honestly, that allows me to work and not worry about my life balance. People are used to me disappearing for a couple of weeks, but when I have time I definitely make the effort to see my friends.

What do you like best about your work?
It's a good balance between being creative and managing logistics. There are so many different niches, and there's room for so many different talents.

What advice would you give to young meeting planners?
If there's something you don't know about, that's OK, just find a way to figure it out, either by asking or on your own.