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2021 Connect Corporate 40 Under 40: Elyse Dawson, CMP, DES

Elyse Dawson, 32, is the Manager of Corporate Events and Conference Center for Invesco. She's based in Atlanta.

Cc21 40u40 Social Tiles21

Elyse Dawson, CMP, DES, 32 
Manager, Corporate Events and Conference Center, Invesco, Atlanta

What I do:
I plan and execute in-person and virtual events, and I manage logistics for both internal and external events. I work with my internal business partners to design experiences that are customized to our clients’ needs while incorporating new and creative ways to elevate the meeting. 

How I got here:
I began with the firm right out of college as an intern in the corporate events department. I was hired as a full-time employee to support meetings and events in the conference center of our global headquarters. After three years, I transitioned to managing off-site meetings and events globally. Last year, I accepted a role with the dual responsibility of managing operations for the conference centers in Atlanta and Houston as well as executing meetings and events. 

Impressive stats:
I negotiated $18,000 in savings on virtual events in 2020.

A specific improvement I’ve made:
I introduced new engagement activities and ways to make meetings more interactive such as Cameo, Snapbar, Backyard and more.

What I'm working on now: 
I am really excited about the possibility to return to in-person meetings. I am focusing on continuing education opportunities, innovative products and technology to prepare me and my team for RTO.

What I do outside of work: 
I currently serve on the Junior Board for Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. I am an active member of FICP. Me and my family love walking trails and binge-watching all superhero/comic book movies and shows. 

Favorite vacation destination:
My go-to vacation destination is San Diego, Calif. I love hanging out at the cliffs and walking all the shops and eating at the restaurants in Mission Beach. 

Favorite icebreaker line:
What are you binge-watching?

Travel hack: 
It’s a super simple hack, but I never pack a toothbrush. I always ask the concierge for a dental kit. In busy planner life, it's one less thing to worry about.