The Miller Tanner Associates’ (MTA) difference is our people. That’s why we want to introduce you to our team of superstars that brings our corporate meetings and events to life for our customers. Today we introduce you to Global Experience Designer – Events Laura Rodriguez Pradas, our Spain-based associate. Laura works diligently to ensure that Miller Tanner Associates delivers the best event experiences to our customers.
Meet Laura Rodriguez Pradas, Global Experience Designer – Events
Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Focus, Analytical, Relator, Discipline, Achiever
Languages spoken: Catalan, Spanish, and English
Tell us about your current role with MTA? What are your primary responsibilities?
I work as a global experience designer – events. My role is about organizing, coordinating, and executing events, from initial planning, attendees, venue and logistics, suppliers and vendors, to follow-up during and after the event. My goal is to manage and work under pressure to solve problems effectively and ensure the event is successful and exceeds our client’s expectations.
What did you do before joining MTA?
I worked in the hospitality industry for many years at different international hotel companies, until I stepped up to events as a conference coordinator in a speakers bureau. Thanks to my previous role, I had the chance to meet many conference profiles who provided me with diverse and interesting knowledge. Through this, I have been able to discover the events industry and how passionate I am about it.
What’s the best part of your job?
There are many things I like about my job: the opportunity to be creative and design unique experiences; to connect with people; to bring the event to life after all the planning; or even the stress of solving a problem in real time as it also can be exciting. However, the best part is the feeling of accomplishment. The feeling of satisfaction that comes from knowing that you have met or even exceeded the expectations of the event for which you have been working for some time. Being able to say: “We have done it!”
What’s been your favorite event destination as an event planning professional?
I love traveling and organizing events anywhere in the world, but I enjoy it even more when an event is held in my city – Madrid. I am always willing to discover and stay up-to-date with anything that happens in my area, and for that reason, I take advantage of my local knowledge and the fact that I am very familiar with the destination when an event is taking place in Madrid.
What’s been your most memorable event to date and why?
Most recently, I have had the opportunity to be at a congress in Madrid, and an investigator meeting in Miami. Both have been very remarkable experiences and I have taken away very positive learnings from them.
Do you have a few great travel tips that you could share?
The first one is to plan ahead. Research the destination, the climate, its culture, visa requirements if applicable, and basic aspects such as the local language.
The second is to be flexible. Although planning is important, you must know how to improvise and respond to unforeseen happenings. Being open to changing the itinerary can lead you to live unexpected and exciting experiences.
The third, and one that I never manage to apply for myself, is to travel with less. Carry only what you really need. Less is more. And if there is something you are missing, you can always buy it there and take it home as a gift.
What’s the one must-have for every event?
As important as it is to know how to disconnect from our phones, it is just as important that you always take your phone with you during an event, as it will keep you in communication with the rest of the team, as well as with all your vendors, and will help you manage any inconvenience efficiently.
What do you do for fun?
I love discovering new places, cooking or letting someone else cook for me, and going for a run. There are many more things I love to do, but those are three of my favorites and they help me to disconnect.
You currently reside where? Any favorite spots that you would recommend to tourists?
I’m originally from Barcelona, but I have been living in Madrid for the past few years. I love Madrid, it is a city that offers you infinite leisure and cultural opportunities, and where there is always a plan to do. One of my favorite places is to see the sunset from Templo de Debod because the sky over Madrid is special.
What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company? What’s your favorite aspect of MTA?
Something that fascinates me about MTA is the service of excellence offered to our customers. We always try to do our best and avoid any mistakes. The team has a lot of knowledge and experience, and that makes one want to be more competitive with oneself and give one’s best.
To learn more about the MTA Team, visit www.millertanner.com.
