The Tampa area chapter of Meeting Professionals International hosted its annual award gala on June 2 at Busch Gardens. Nearly 110 people attended the event, coordinated by chapter director of member care Jill Manthey and event co-chair Nicole Walker from Grand Events of Florida L.L.C. The cocktail reception took place in the park’s Serengeti Plains area, with African animals nearby, before guests headed to the Crown Colony restaurant for dinner
The chapter gave awards to Brenda Doggett (Volunteer of the Year), the Communications Committee (Committee of the Year), Devon Murray (Rising Star Award), Grand Events of Florida L.L.C. (Sponsor of the Year—Large Category), Christie’s Photographic Studios (Sponsor of the Year—Small Category), Lovelynn Jensen (Meeting Professional of the Year), and Crystal Bruce (President’s Award).
The chapter also announced the members of the 2010-2011 board of directors:
Jason Carroll, president
Irene Caban, president-elect
Terre Jeffcoat, vice president of administration
Linda Elland, vice president of education
Michele Schilling, vice president of finance
Dina Vann, vice president of communications
Jill Manthey, vice president of membership
Margaret Williams, vice president of strategic alliances
Devon Murray, director of special events
Lovelynn Jensen, director of leadership development
Angelika Spahl Wing, director of professional development
JC York, director of public relations and community outreach
Patty Metcalf-Sobczak, director of member care
Local companies contributing to the gala included AVI-SPL (audiovisual production, lighting, sound, staging), Eventions of Florida (decor, flowers), Wise Guys (entertainment), Connie Duglin Specialty Linen (linens), Sensory 5 (programs), MamaRazzi Foto Inc. (photography), and ShutterBooth (photography).
