Selina Mullenax, CMP, CPCE, is a 31-year-old district account executive at CORT Events. She's based in Orlando.
What I do:
I help design event environments and experiences that facilitate activation, collaboration and ideation through the use of high-quality furnishings for clients in Florida, Tennessee and Kentucky. Alongside expert colleagues, I design moment-making, imagination-capturing and attention-grabbing ensembles for meetings and events nationwide.
Why I love my job:
One of my favorite hobbies is board games: the strategy, colors, themes and social aspects of them fascinate me. My job is often like a cooperative board game—constantly coming up with creative solutions and methodical strategies to ensure an end result where everyone involved wins.
My career journey:
I studied Event Management and Hospitality Management at Rosen College at the University of Central Florida, and am fortunate to be using my degrees in the industry. After graduation, I landed a position with a DMC that also had a social events brand, a fabrication shop and a promotional products division. From there, I was recruited to the supplier side of the industry thanks to my degrees and involvement with MPI.
My greatest career accomplishment:
As a first-generation college graduate, my greatest accomplishment is being able to give back to my alma mater. I serve as the chair-elect for the Rosen College Alumni Association, and on the Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board and the Events Advisory Board. My commitment to the students, the college and the university has awarded me two inaugural awards: Rosen College Alumna of the Year (2017) and Mentor Relationship of the Year (2021), as well as UCF’s 30 Under 30 (2019).
How I helped my organization during COVID:
Besides taking every opportunity to network virtually, I earned both my CMP and CPCE designations in 2020. Additionally, I worked with my talented colleagues to create the following thought-leadership presentations: Build Your Meeting Guide, Love in Full Color and Elevate F&B with Creative Event Design.
My most memorable event experience in the past year:
I’m torn between the #SwagAndRepeat 100th Episode Celebration last May at IceBar and the Central Florida Industry Holiday Party at Boxi Park in Lake Nona. Both of them revealed just how connected and passionate about helping one another our industry is.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Be the energy you want to attract.
Impressive stats I’m responsible for:
While we were all working on bringing back in-person events in 2021, I was able to sell 130% of my annual goal with 115 events that included over 20 new relationships.
What’s next?
In July, NACE Experience will be taking place—a project I’ve been involved in since the beginning as a co-ambassador, and I’ll be starting my eighth year on the board of directors with MPI Greater Orlando, this time as president. I also plan to pursue a master’s in Event Leadership at my alma mater this fall.
What I do outside of work:
Outside of the eight industry boards I serve on, I also run a sales mastermind group for meeting and event professionals and am a co-host of the weekly industry podcast, #SwagAndRepeat. On any given weekend, you will find me celebrating family and friends, traveling on a whim and exploring hidden gems, and/or Greek dancing.
Dream vacation:
Although the Mediterranean Sea is my favorite place in the world, visiting African safaris would be a dream.
Favorite icebreaker line:
I always look around the room for anyone who looks nervous and start off the conversation by complimenting them so they (hopefully) smile right away.
Connect with Mullenax on LinkedIn and Instagram.
“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.
