Meet our Newest PCMA New England Member: Meagan Prescott, CMP. Meagan joins us from the NY Chapter and will be taking on a Director Role in 2019. We are thrilled to have her in our Chapter!

Where do you currently work? 

I work for the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), which is a financial trade association headquartered in Washington DC. I am an Assistant Vice President in the Conferences department, where I oversee several membership-based groups, and work on roughly 40 domestic events per year. Our office is in New York, but I work remotely out of Boston. I’ve been there for just under five years, and have always worked as a financial meeting planner.

When did you first get involved with PCMA? 

I’ve been actively involved with PCMA since 2014, when I joined the New York Chapter. There, I was a member of the Emerging Leaders Committee, chair of the Awards and Recognition Committee, and then Director of Sponsorship for the NYPCMA Board of Directors. I’ve been to several PCMA events, including three Convening Leaders, one Education Conference and lots of New England and New York chapter events.

How did you first get involved with the PCMA New England chapter? 

When I moved to Boston this summer, I looked for ways to get actively involved in a local chapter as I was very engaged in New York. I attended the July Red Sox mixer, the September Education luncheon and talked to several Board members about how to become a more active volunteer. Given my experience in New York, when nominations for the board opened up, I was happy to accept a position and look forward to my involvement in the chapter!

What are you goals for career or personal development? And How can PCMA help? 

This year has been one of big change for me with the move to Boston. One goal I have is to familiarize myself with Boston venues, hotels and activities so I can be a resource to my firm, clients and friends on the Boston hospitality market. I am also hoping to apply to PCMA 20 in their 20s for next year and get more exposure for myself in the industry. I’d also like to be a resource to the New England chapter on lessons learned and success stories from the New York chapter, and vice-versa. Personally, I am focusing on a better work-life balance after having spent a few years in Manhattan and getting out to explore Boston! PCMA has been a resource for me for years, and I look forward to learning from and networking with members here.

Any advice to people new to the Hospitality Industry? 

I’d stress the importance of giving back to the community and the value of networking! Being active in PCMA New York allowed me to get featured in articles and have speaking opportunities, and gain leadership positions in my 20s. Showing up to events or conferences alone forces you to step outside of your comfort zone and really connect with others. I’d encourage everyone to look into education opportunities – whether its working towards a license, making industry connections, or just looking for ideas to bring back to your department. Staying current on technologies, branding, programming and venues is crucial in this always changing industry to set yourself apart from others. Ask lots of questions, set up informational interviews and show initiative at your firm to help progress your career!