Deanna Nwosu is a 2021 RISE Awards Committee Member.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career?

It’s been a challenge for me to move into more leadership and strategic industry roles versus just opportunities focused on logistics and task-focused work.

What is the biggest challenge facing our industry today and what should we do about it?

Event planners are the ultimate generalists. However, more and more scope is being added to our duties and responsibilities while we still have a limited seat at the decision-making table. I believe we’re reaching a breaking point especially after so many have left the industry. Moving forward I forecast that planners will have more power to update our job descriptions and responsibilities, and career specializations will increase as a result.

What are you most passionate about outside of your career and the meeting industry?

Traveling and creating experiences with my family and friends is a passion of mine. I realize it’s really career and industry adjacent, but I really enjoy exploring new places, people and foods with those that I love!

What is the best advice someone gave you?

You are the secret sauce. It just means that it doesn’t matter if someone has lived all the same experiences as you, has the same background or education as you - no one will view things like you can, and no one can bring the value you can.

What advice would you give to someone considering to volunteer?

Reach out to current volunteers in that role to understand the expectations. It’s one thing to read a volunteer role description, but another entirely to take on that commitment.