Mark Catuogno, 30, is director of global events for MC Event Consulting. He's based in New Rochelle, N.Y.
What my day-to-day looks like: "In my position as the director of global events at MC Event Consulting, my daily responsibilities revolve around hotel procurement and organizing international reward events. I'm dedicated to cultivating an environment that prioritizes excellence and responsibility, guiding a talented team toward improving the quality of our events and enhancing efficiency. I play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining beneficial relationships with key vendors, ensuring we secure the best possible deals to provide exceptional experiences that enhance our company's image and client satisfaction.
My primary objective is to surpass client expectations through the careful organization and execution of various corporate functions, including conferences, product launches, medical gatherings, and charitable events, with a special focus on creative programs designed to reward and motivate employees."
My career journey: "I began my career in the entertainment industry as a DJ, where I developed a passion for event management. This interest led me to the theater world, where I explored and enjoyed lighting design. Leveraging these skills, I transitioned to Boomset Event Registration software, taking on the role of an on-site event coordinator. In this position, I managed and supervised the registration aspects of various events.
My journey then took me to Propelify, where I served as the director of operations for their technology festival. I'm now seeking new challenges at MC Event Consulting as the director of global events, specializing in large conferences and international incentive events."
My greatest career accomplishment: "One of my most significant achievements is receiving my master's degree in emergency and disaster management and homeland security."
The advice I would give my younger self: "Start by understanding the fundamentals of meetings and events management. Familiarize yourself with industry terminology, event planning processes, and event types. Building a strong professional network can be immensely helpful. Attend industry events, join relevant associations, and connect with peers and mentors who can provide guidance and opportunities."
Impressive stats I'm responsible for: "A notable achievement I contributed to involves the coordination of virtual events during the pandemic, attracting over 5,000 participants. This effort facilitated an impressive group of doctors engaging in activities centered around COVID education."
My leadership style: "I feel my leadership style is supportive. I want to ensure everyone feels supported on items they are working on and feel they are part of a team."
What's next: "Looking ahead, I'm excited about the opportunity to broaden my horizons and collaborate with new clients on international events, aiming to unlock new destinations and create unforgettable experiences for people worldwide.”
