By: Eric Jacobson, Ascend Integrated Media LLC

Meet Heartland Chapter member Melissa Abuel, Manager of Conferences and Special Projects, Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, Overland Park, and Co-Chair our Chapter’s Sponsorship Committee

My favorite food is: French macarons.

My next dream trip is to: I would love to see Charleston and visit the coast in Maine.

Recently read book I recommend reading is: Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler. I would definitely recommend it.

Nickname growing up was: I didn’t have a nickname. I was never fond of any shortened versions of my name.

Won’t eat: Kale, I know it’s this amazing superfood, but I just can’t get myself to enjoy it.

Movie or bowling? Movie.

Start every morning with: The morning news and snuggles from my Jack Russell Terrier, Lola.

Why I joined the PCMA Heartland Chapter: I joined to network and meet others in the meetings industry. I have found everyone to be so welcoming and love the friendships I have made already.

Best business tip/idea I’ve learned last year: Things happen, not always for a reason, sometimes things just happen.

What I like best about my job: I love the opportunities to meet so many different people. Working at our conference allows me to meet our members face to face and also build my relationships with others in the meetings industry.

Three things you’ll find in my wallet that help to describe me: Chap stick, a drink punch card, and headphones.