People 3-1-1999

> Meetings & Conventions: People March 1999
March 1999
People

EDITED BY AMY DREW TEITLER

Vienna, Va.-based Lois E. Drell has been in the conference planning business for nine years. After three and a half years with the Mail Advertising Service Association in Alexandria, Va., she had a brief stint as meetings manager for the International Cemetery and Funeral Association in Reston, Va., which ended last fall as a result of restructuring. At press time, she was looking for a new position.

How did you get into meeting planning?
Years ago, when I got my first association job, I was doing membership services and my department was responsible for putting together a leadership training conference. I had so much fun that I thought it was something I’d like to do more of.

What do you like best about the business?
It’s almost an art form. You’re creating this world, this little mini-experience, for the members who come to the conference. The dimensions of that world are always underestimated by onlookers.

How do you spend your free time at a conference?
Resting! Running a conference is very rewarding, but you’ve got to make sure you get enough rest in spite of all the activity.

What interesting tidbits have you learned about the funeral business?
There are some cool Web sites related to the funeral industry, including one that lists where famous people are buried (www.findagrave.com). Just type in the name of a famous person like Marilyn Monroe, and it will show you a photo of her grave.

MARK CHESNUT

COOK JOINS AARON GROUP
Sally Cook, CMP, has joined the Aaron Group, an exposition services company, as an account manager based in the company’s Washington, D.C., office. Previously, Cook was the meetings manager for the American Society of Naval Engineers in Alexandria, Va.

HAUCK AAA DIRECTOR OF MEETINGS
Graham S. Hauck of Washington, D.C.’s Hauck & Associates will serve as director of meetings and member services for the American Ambulance Association. The AAA is a nonprofit organization representing more than 750 emergency and non-emergency ambulance service providers.

SUPPLIERS

If you would like notice of a career move considered for inclusion in this column, contact Amy Drew Teitler, Senior Editor, M&C, 500 Plaza Dr., Secaucus, N.J. 07096; fax: (201) 319-1796; e-mail: [email protected].