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Members of PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties class of 2020 already have proven to be leaders, putting their own mark on the business events industry. Meagan E. Prescott, CMP, Assistant Vice President, Conferences & Events, for the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association in Boston, shares her thoughts about the industry.
What do you like most about your job?
I believe this is one of the most high-risk, high-reward jobs. Meticulous planning and strategizing are involved, and mistakes are highly visible. You juggle a lot of moving pieces and put out a lot of fires. The job requires late nights and early mornings, and it’s very difficult to explain to the outside world. But at the end of the day we are so lucky to not only get to see, but to fully experience, the fruits of our labor over and over again, and track success with clear metrics and feedback. Seeing my visions come to life and knowing I’ll get to recreate, enhance, and ultimately improve events in future years is what I love most.
What do you like most about the industry?
I have yet to meet an event professional who decided to fully leave the business events industry. I’ve seen people shift from planner to supplier, housing to sales, programming to sponsorship, etc. But most of the people I meet love what they do. It’s a small, reputation-based industry where people really want to connect, help each other, and innovate. And being a part of PCMA has helped me to make lasting connections that I will take with me throughout the lifespan of my career.
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from someone in the industry?
No matter what you do, no event will be perfect, so do your best to not let it get to you. Learn from each meeting and use your mistakes to improve in the future.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully I will be president of PCMA’s New England Chapter in the next five years. Life is all about short- and long-term goals: Some things I’d like to accomplish are managing a citywide, having a direct report/managing a team, speaking at an industry event, and planning international programs. It may take me longer than five years to reach some of these goals, but as long as I continue to grow in my job and my career, and continue to create and adjust goals for myself, I’ll feel successful.
Members of PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties class of 2020 will be recognized on stage at PCMA Convening Leaders 2020, Jan. 5-8, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Check out the complete program and register for Convening Leaders today.