People 6-1-2000

> Meetings & Conventions: People June 2000

EDITED BY LISA GRIMALDI

M. Paige Marmorino is the meetings and database manager for the Alexandria, Va.-based American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. In her planning capacity, she organizes two meetings of 1,000 attendees each and several smaller ones.

How long have you been a planner?
I wanted to go into marine biology, but then I started taking chemistry, and that was my downfall. So I majored in sociology. It helps me interact with and read people. That’s why I like to deal with people face to face, because in a phone conference, you aren’t able to see body language and expressions.

What were some of your earlier jobs?
My very first job was picking strawberries while I was in grade school. My first full-time job was teaching. My current position is the first time I’ve had a meeting planner title, but I don’t think I’ve ever been in a job that didn’t call for me to plan and coordinate some type of special event, seminar, workshop or training session.

If you could hand off one meeting planning responsibility, what would it be?
Telling salespeople we can’t use their site, but it’s a necessary courtesy to not lead them on.

What is your best travel tip?
Pack only clothes that don’t wrinkle or that look good wrinkled, unless you plan to iron. horses.

How do you stay healthy on the road?
Vitamin C and a call home every night for love and encouragement.

Who would you choose as a celebrity meeting planning partner?
Lassie she’s loyal, soft and fuzzy and can be sicced on demanding and obnoxious co-workers. Also, she would provide an instant and neutral conversation catalyst.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Traveling to places I would not otherwise go.

How do you reward yourself when the meeting is over?
With solitude.

L.G.

PLANNERS

DARNALL NAMED VICE PRESIDENT OF EVENTS AT EMS
Karla H. Darnall has been appointed vice president of events at Event Management Solutions, an event planning and production company in Newnan, Ga. Prior to joining EMS, Darnall served as vice president, conventions and events for Host Communications Inc. in Lexington, Ky. She has 12 years of industry experience.

EDWARDS AND WILLIAMS LAUNCH PIZZAZZ
Bessie R. Edwards, president of B.R. Edwards Associates, and Margaret H. Williams, CMP, president of Williams & Associates, have joined forces to form Pizzazz Meeting and Event Planning Group in New York City. The team has more than 35 combined years of industry experience.

FELSHER JOINS PRE-IPO START-UP
Louise Felsher, CMP, has joined Certive Corporation, an Internet start-up firm in Redwood City, Calif., that will help small businesses maximize their efficiencies through Web- based services. Felsher will spearhead the service’s launch and lead the event marketing and corporate events departments. She was previously vice president of event marketing at Fleet Boston Robertson Stephens and has been in the industry for 15 years.