Chapter News

Tips, Advice and Memories From Long-Time Chapter Members: Belinda Waldo

Belinda Waldo

Director of Sales, Midwest Region

ALHI (Associated Luxury Hotels International)

Impressively, our Heartland Chapter has 13 members who have belonged to the Chapter 20 or more years. Their contributions to our Chapter have been, and continue to be, invaluable. We benefit from their shared wisdom, experience and advice.

 

In today’s edition of The Pulse, we feature one of our 20-plus-years members, Belinda Waldo.

 

Read on to learn about her favorite author, favorite movie, fondest Chapter memories, tips for young meeting professionals, and more!

 

I originally joined the PCMA Heartland Chapter because:

I moved to Kansas City in 1995 and immediately joined PCMA as I wanted to meet new clients and new friends. I was a stranger to the city and didn’t know a soul. I knew joining the Heartland PCMA Chapter would open doors for me professionally and personally. I have met life-long friends through the Heartland Chapter.

 

The committees I have served on during my 20-plus years as a member include:

Community Service, Programs, Membership, Sponsorship, Awards, Auction. I think I have served on every committee with the exception of “Communications.”

 

My fondest memory during my many years as a Chapter member is:

Fondest memory, geez, I have so many fond memories. I always loved our Professional Education Conferences at Lake of the Ozarks. Going on the dinner cruise was always so much fun and a great way to talk to everyone at one point or another – after all we were a captive audience for about three hours! I do remember one night we had hired a hypnotist. It was really funny to see Bobby Riggins hypnotized. One of my proudest moments was winning the PCMA International “Outstanding Service to a Chapter” Award.  I remember receiving the award during the PEC in New Orleans. It gave me chills to stand on that stage, and I will never forget it.

 

My advice to a young professional embarking on their event planner/meetings business journey is:

Always stay true to yourself and your beliefs and if you commit to something, deliver. People will always remember if you let them down and above all, NEVER BURN YOUR BRIDGES. Because even though our industry is huge and vast, we are a tight knit group.

 

Other valuable resources beyond PCMA for meeting professionals include:

There are many industry associations you can join to enhance your knowledge and network group: MPI, ASAE, SITE, just to name a few. You should also find a local charity to get involved with. It will make you feel good and you will meet many kind people.

 

The biggest change in me as a professional since joining the Chapter is:

Well, due to corona virus everything has changed.

 

My favorite book author is___, because:

My favorite book author recently is Celeste Ng, Everything I Never Told You and Little Fires Everywhere.

 

The number of states in the U.S. I have visited:

32 states.

 

My favorite movie of all-time is:

The Promise, with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.

 

My next splurge purchase/treat is going to be:

It’s time for a new Louis!

 

 

 

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