Javanni M. Kiezer, M.S., CMP, 37
Event Planner, Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, Okla.
How I got here:
After college, I took a contract position as a fund-raiser with Muscular Dystrophy Association and was tasked with capturing meeting minutes for the executive board. Members spoke up on the financial importance of events and their benefits. Being among a group that believed in the power of events piqued my interest.
My greatest career accomplishment:
Graduating from San Diego State University’s first-ever master’s program in meeting and event management with MPI.
Impressive stats:
My company puts on several employee appreciation events, including a movie night. Traditionally, it brings together 100 employees. In June 2020, I was tasked with offering a new, exciting experience focused on safety. As the resurgence of drive-in movie theaters grew, it created an opportunity to revamp the popular event to include meals, a larger screen and additional outdoor seating. Attendance tripled.
What I'm working on right now:
I’m keeping my skills sharp by completing the Event Leadership Institute’s pandemic meeting and event design course. I’ve set a 2021 goal to earn the digital event strategist (DES) certification, too.
What I do outside of work:
As an advocate for ending human trafficking within our industry and communities, I currently volunteer with United Against Human Trafficking (UAHT) as a member of the volunteer committee. As a new volunteer myself, I quickly identified a need to revamp the orientation process by adding special guests, informational videos, polls and Q&A sessions. Since implementing these changes, I’m now tasked with serving as the emcee during the monthly new member orientation and providing technical support to presenters.
Favorite vacation destination:
One of my all-time favorite places to visit is Sedona, Ariz. I have vivid memories of going to the local galleries, Kuivato Glass Art Gallery and Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art; taking sightseeing tours to Broken Arrow and the Grand Canyon; and being mesmerized by the red rocks the area is so famously known for. As an added bonus, I love staying at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, located only minutes from downtown.
Favorite icebreaker line:
“What’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten and why?” This low-pressure question easily prompts conversation and allows everyone to share. It offers insight into their lives, memories and travel experiences.
Travel hack:
I can’t leave home without my universal adapter! During a business trip to Ireland, I plugged a flat iron directly into the built-in outlet converter and was naïve enough to think it would work. Within minutes, I quickly learned the importance of a universal adapter, as the outlet and flat iron both shorted out. A hard lesson to learn even for the most seasoned road warriors.
Instagram: @kiezerj
