Melissa Winfield Faber, 29, works in Bozeman, Montana, as director of sales—meetings and events, Americas at Radisson Hotel Group. As a 2018 40 Under 40 honoree, Faber discusses her passion for the events industry.
What I do: I represent Radisson Hotel Group’s complete portfolio of hotels to our national key accounts in the Americas in the MICE segment. I partner with our clients and hotels to achieve the best overall experience for both, ensuring a successful event. How I got here: I started in college as a concierge at a Westin property before moving to operations supervisor at a family owned hotel in New Jersey. Through connections made during my college career, I started with the (then) Carlson Hotel Group as a sales coordinator (2011) in the Global Sales Office. I was promoted to Global Sales Manager, Sports in 2013 and most recently became director, meetings and events, Americas. Greatest career accomplishment: During my time in my role on the sports team, I, along with my team, established a successful Advisory Board and Sports Approved Hotel Program. The Advisory Board brought together 10 to12 of Radisson Hotel Group’s sports group partners to provide education to our attendees, as well as hear firsthand how Radisson Hotel Group can be the best partner for sports events. As a direct result of the Sports Advisory Board Meetings, I, along with my team, created the Sports Approved Hotel Program. This is a sports-centric training program for all Radisson Hotel Group hotels to further their knowledge and best practices as it pertains to the sports segment. I am proud of the over 350 hotels that have taken the necessary steps to become a Sports Approved Hotel! What I am working on now: As I’ve made the change from sports to MICE, I’m excited to work hard to be an expert in my field by learning from those experts around me and working toward my CMP certification. What I do outside of work: I have been a member of MPI for five years and a member of Bozeman Business & Professional Women for two years, I enjoy a good binge watch on Netflix or Hulu, reading, and spending time adventuring outside with my husband and two dogs. Now, my husband and I have our hands full with a new little one!
