This week for our Focus On A Member series, we hear from Peggy Ford Senior Sales Executive at Marriott Marquis Chicago.

What was your favorite Netflix binge during 2020?

Like a lot of people…Schitt’s Creek

Where is the first place you will travel when the pandemic is over?

Hopefully attend my first parents weekend at our daughter’s university – Murray State. Very exotic!  LOL

What is the best recipe you tried in 2020?

This amazing and cheesy breakfast casserole from The Pioneer Woman. It is not just for breakfast!

Personally or professionally, were there any positive things that came out of the pandemic (i.e. more time with family, house projects, got a dog, curbside pick up)?

Personally something that was positive was more time at home. Our daughter was a senior in high school so there were many cancelled events but then there were new events, too. Porch Prom with her friends was a success! I also planted flower pots for the first time in many years and so many neighbors complimented that I will for sure have to keep it up this spring.

Did you create a new tradition for the holiday?

Since it was just “us”, we stayed in our pajamas longer and had more brunch items versus dinner with our families. This is how I found the breakfast casserole!

What did 2020 teach you about your professional life?

Wow…this is a good one. 2020 taught me more about my determination and I can and will continue to adapt. I’m not calling a customer about their meeting; I’m calling to see if they still have their position and how their families are adjusting. The sense of responsibility for starting the sales process at a hotel is more important than ever to be sure all of my co-workers can get back to work doing what we love.

What did 2020 teach you about your personal life?

Cancer sucks and that you can let people help you because they WANT to!

What new hobby have you started in the past year?

Much more reading…so many more books to go.  

I am looking forward to 2021 because…

Mostly looking forward to our hotel being busy again and getting out to events and being with customers and friends again.

I believe (or don’t believe) hybrid events are here to stay because…

I believe there will continue to be a hybrid component to meetings but the focus will return to bringing people back together face-to-face.