IMEX America host many global professionals making it a vital place for students of the industry to learn and experience first hand all their future career path has to offer. Amanda Ocenas, student of her local MPI, HSMAI, ILEA, and HFTP organizations has had a very busy schedule this week attending many educational sessions. She took a moment to speak with us about her thoughts on the meeting industry and who she’d love to receive mentoring from here at IMEX.

What led you to choose the industry you’re currently studying?
I have a passion for tourism and experiencing other places. I was the first one in my family to fly on a plane at 15 years old on my own. I am adventurous and love the connections that come from people coming together globally.

What’s one of the biggest challenges in your industry?
Being a hospitability and tourism student, my biggest challenge is finding classes that are both relevant for my future career and applicable for my educational goals.

Do you think technology will change your industry? 
The meetings industry depends so much on technology, for presentations, marketing organization, communications. Your tech can be what diversifies your event, drives participation and builds anticipation depending on how well you implement it. Being two places at once is now possible with the help of technology! For example, in the coworking lounge professionals are attending online meetings while being at the IMEX.

What’s the best advice someone has given you?
Dress for the position you want not the one you have in order to be diversified.

If you could choose to have one mentor who would it be? 
This is a tough one I have met so many great people involved in the meetings industry through MPI, here at the IMEX and those involved in education. The first one that pops into my head is Michelle Johnson owner of the Anchor group, LLC who taught a session on leadership for Smart Monday. She has experience in the industry, is involved with MPI, and has something special about her that ignites those around her.