Q. What motivated you to get involved with the meeting industry?
A. I’ve always been passionate about Pittsburgh, and I enjoy being a part of an event experience people will remember. Events give us the opportunity to take someone on an emotional journey!
Q. What is your favorite part of a meeting/convention?
A. Other than a signed contract? I love listening to the attendees’ parting experiences. Pittsburgh is almost always more than they expected, and it brings a smile to my face when we can share all the city and region have to offer.
Q. What is your favorite Pittsburgh memory?
A. The Pittsburgh Blizzard of 1993. Though the city was blanketed by nearly two feet of snow, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade STILL went on as planned! Pittsburghers gathered together, and it truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Q. What song is playing when your morning alarm goes off?
A. “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve
Q. Describe your perfect Pittsburgh day.
A. My perfect day would be a crisp fall morning spent in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Not only do I love to eat, but one of my passions is cooking – and, if you cannot find it in the Strip, then you don’t need it! I would start by grabbing a strong cup of coffee from La Prima Espresso, then hit the cheese counter at Pennsylvania Macaroni Company before grabbing spices from Stamoolis Brothers Co., biscotti from Enrico Biscotti, Mediterranean delicacies from Labad’s Grocery, fresh fish at Wholey and the world’s best lonzetta cotta from Parma Sausage.
Q. What three words best describe Pittsburgh?
A. Authentic, Passionate, Surprising
Q. If you could take a visitor anywhere in Pittsburgh, where would you go?
A. West End Overlook Park! A beautiful and lush greenspace leads to one of Pittsburgh’s best views of Downtown and the North Shore. There are benches throughout the park which allow you to simply sit and take in our city’s beauty.
Q. What was the last book you read?
A. Why We Can’t Sleep by Ada Calhoun