Question: What is a good question to ask a fellow Chapter member when meeting her/him for the
first time?
Hayley: Asking their name is a great start…but in all seriousness, I want to make a personal connection
with a member I’ve never met. After the formalities of where they work and what they do, I tend to ask
why they joined PCMA and what they hope to get from their membership.

Question: What is a best practice tip you like to share with fellow meeting professionals?
Hayley: As a supplier, I like to remind planners that we are an extension of their events team. We want
the event to be just as much of a success as they do. Making it memorable in hopes of referrals and
repeat customers is one of my goals.

Question: What are good ways to get the most from your PCMA membership?
Hayley: Get involved! Keep checking the website for event announcements and get them on your
calendar. Look at volunteering on a committee. There are quite a few to choose from and most don’t
require much of your time.

Questions asked Hayley prior to the current COVID-19 situation:
Question: What is the one industry trend you are most worried about and why?
Hayley: For me, the use of alternate venues is becoming more popular as well as Airbnb and VRBO type
options. This is taking customers out of our properties which will ultimately have a negative impact on
our business.

Question: What is the one industry trend you are most excited about and why?
Hayley: The look and feel of events are changing. Event design is becoming more and more important to
keep people engaged and excited about attending. Creating unique and memorable experiences is going
to be crucial to growing attendance and making your event buzzworthy and relevant. Even small things
like changing up seating for a general session from a classroom set to adding lounge seating or beanbags
or enhancing the food and beverage experience by moving away from the typical three-course plated dinner to Food Trucks or specialty stations incorporating local flavor.