Michele D. Hayes, CIS, CITP, works in Scottsdale, Arizona, as owner and president of Strategic Meetings & Incentives, LLC. As a 2019 15 Over 50 honoree, Hayes discusses her passion for the events industry.
How I got here: I am one of four women partners who started the company in 2001. As of January 1, 2019, I am the sole owner. I started an incentive division resulting in $1 million in sales for year one and $12 million in year five. I worked for a telecommunications company where my responsibility included developing and maintain rewards and recognition programs, marketing support, new product kick offs, and client events with an annual budget of $5 to $6 million.
Greatest career accomplishment: Receiving three SITE Crystal Awards, my CIS and CITP Certification. Also, being married 42 years to a career Navy Officer and having three amazing sons.
Impressive stats: In 2008, I was able to renegotiate client hotels contracts that saved three clients more than $30,000 in cancellation fees.
What I am working on now: We’re working with local organizations to create CSR Events that support Company strategy, local organizations and local culture.
What I do outside of work: I research family ancestry and volunteer at our church’s hospitality committee.
