Catie Duhon, CMP, is the 36-year-old president of International Meeting Managers Inc. She's based in Houston.
What I do:
In the most efficient terms, I introduce myself as a meeting, event and association manager. Within that broad spectrum, I feel strongest in my roles as event producer, strategic problem solver and leader. For my clients, I leverage creativity, enthusiasm, design and detailed organization across all stages of our engagements. As a small business owner, other hats I wear for both my company and clients include chief marketing officer, financial officer, operations officer and so on.
I am also the host of the “So Many Places to Go” podcast for meeting and event professionals and the founder of the nonprofit Powers For Good, and serve as a host and moderator for live and virtual events.
Why I love my job:
Relationships with incredible industry professionals of all kinds, and the many once-in-a-lifetime experiences top the list—this is a cool job! What I’ve come to value most is the opportunity to use my strengths, knowledge and experience to help others in meaningful and impactful ways that enable good work throughout our communities.
My career journey:
My introduction into this world was planning campus events and leading the student programming board at Sam Houston State University (SHSU). After college, I was hired on at IMM as a part-time administrative assistant, with hopes of being involved in some of the event action. Over the years I worked incredibly hard and took advantage of the opportunities, exposure and mentoring that allowed me to move up the ranks to a senior executive role, and now very proud owner!
My greatest career accomplishment:
Right now, my greatest accomplishments are taking on ownership and stewardship of IMM and launching Powers for Good, a nonprofit centered around sharing strengths and enabling good.
How I helped my organization during COVID:
As many of us did, I stay committed, took on roles that I might not otherwise and leaned into creativity. Beginning with an idea in early 2020 and launched in 2021, our team started a new podcast of friendly, casual and informative conversations focused on venues, destinations, planner perspectives and more.
The time I averted a complete event disaster:
In the final moments before kicking off a “How To Hybrid” event, the sound went out. Completely. Despite reassurance from our excellent AV team, my instincts told me to be prepared. I saved the day by using an iPad we packed “just in case” as our audio feed to the virtual audience. I’m amazed and thankful we pulled it off (and keenly aware of the irony for a “how-to” event)!
My most memorable event experience in the past year:
Two weeks prior to the event, I was asked to help produce an interactive, adventure-based educational program as the landmark activity of an executive retreat. Pulling the event together in such short order was exciting, and beyond that, I got to sleep in a “glamping” tent in Montana, spend a weekend with incredible new people and watch a bear swim across a river from 40 yards away. It’s still exciting!
Best advice I’ve ever received:
“Relationships are everything” and “that’s why people want to work with you.” The first is an evergreen statement that I see reinforced constantly, and I always try to approach interactions (new, old, challenging, seemingly simple) through that lens. The second was an incredibly touching encouragement meant to tell me that the values I hold tight, and use as my guidepost in tough decisions, matter and have a quiet impact. That advice continues to remind me to trust myself and proceed confidently.
Impressive stats I’m responsible for:
I can brag that I pulled off a $900,000 black-tie, VIP event on a $580,000 budget and made it the event of the year! (Disclaimer: it wasn’t easy, and I don’t recommend slashing budgets that much—but I am proud we were able to make it work!).
What’s next?
Recording and launching season two of our "So Many Places to Go" podcast; growing Powers for Good; building a new conference within a very cool industry; getting to be super creative with a fun company summit event; helping an organization move to a new strategic level of fundraising and operations; throwing a West Texas "birthday-party-for-all" with great friends and legendary entertainment. And that’s just what we know about so far!
What I do outside of work:
I serve on the board for the Houston Society of Association Executives, love to spend time outside with my two pups, and teach dance to kiddos and students.
Dream vacation:
Greece! With no overpacked agenda—soak in the culture, the beaches and the view. It’s always been on my list!
Favorite icebreaker line:
I usually come up with something that relates to the reason we’re all there. If I don’t have that, I’ll jump to: “So, what’s your story?” and then maybe get more specific.
Connect with Duhon on LinkedIn.
“Connect x BizBash 40 Under 40” is sponsored by VDA, an experiential marketing and event design agency based in Massachusetts that specializes in custom live, virtual and hybrid experiences.
