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 clients.
Today we introduce you to Global Experience Designer – Events Caroline Drummey. Caroline, our associate based in Ireland, brings a wealth of talent to our team. She works closely with our customers to ensure that their events’ visions and goals are transformed into unique engaging experiences.
Meet Caroline Drummey, Global Experience Designer – Events
Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Woo, Positivity, Achiever, Communication, Futuristic
Tell us about your current role with MTA?
As a global experience designer, I liaise closely with our customers to ensure we produce the event they have envisioned. Whether it is a congress, face-to-face, hybrid, or virtual event, we seamlessly bring all the attendees together, so our customers can focus on the content, trusting us to create the experience.
How long have you been with MTA?
I am approaching 8 years with MTA, and it’s true what they say about time flying when you are having fun! The hours can be very long, but we are a very positive team and enjoy a laugh, which is very important to me.
What did you do before joining MTA?
Initially, I was a video editor for a television production and distribution company in London. This was a wonderful, creative, and varied job with great friends in a vibrant city.
I moved back to Ireland in 2013 when I was offered a great opportunity to work in the facilities department of a new semi-state company. In this position, I developed an understanding of the importance of the “behind-the-scenes” of the general operations of a building, an organization, and subsequently, an event and congress!
What’s the best part of your job?
I love being on site for face-to-face events, seeing attendees arrive safely, and hearing the chatter as they mingle with their colleagues, all buzzing for the days ahead.
At a recent event, hearing the gasps of glee from attendees as they walked into an awards gala, and seeing them so happy with the venue – carefully chosen and decorated for their event – was very special.
What’s been your favorite event destination as an event planning professional?
Rome, Italy is still my favorite event destination. The history, the culture, the architecture, the food, the wine…!
What’s been your most memorable event to date and why?
In January 2022, we had a beautiful event planned to take place in Dublin, Ireland. With one month to go, COVID restrictions forced us to move the entire event, and its 250 international guests, from Ireland to Washington, D.C. The short turnaround time was tough, but with great teamwork and an incredible creative designer, we produced a completely different experience for our guests. We even managed to turnaround the conference room into a fabulous gala dinner space, in one hour!
Do you have a few great travel tips that you could share?
Travel with everything fully charged, and with something tangible to read at hand. There are only so many plug outlets in stations and airports. Always pack a work outfit and shoes in your carry-on in case of baggage delays.
What do you do for fun?
I recently started going to Zumba dance classes and I love it! My arms and legs flail around, often in the wrong directions, but I have a smile on my face throughout! I also love hill walking, and with so many options on my doorstep, I’m spoiled for choice.
During COVID, I “traveled the world” with my family without leaving the house! “International Fridays” saw us “travel” to such countries as Brazil, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Russia, Australia, Madagascar, and Iran. We cooked the food, dressed up in the national clothing (term used lightly), and brought fun facts about each country to the table. It is still something we are very proud of, and we have a collage of our “travels” hanging on our kitchen wall.
You currently reside in? What do you enjoy most about living there? Any favorite spots that you would recommend to tourists?
I am originally from Tralee, Co. Kerry on the South West Coast of Ireland. Having spent time in London and Dublin, I have made my way back home to Co. Kerry, and I live in Killarney with my family.
Tralee is great to visit all year round, but Dingle, where I went to boarding school, is a stunning little gem with the most spectacular Wild Atlantic Way scenery, and the best pubs in Ireland.
Killarney is renowned for its stunning scenery, as it is surrounded by lakes and mountains, so I am truly blessed to live in this part of the world.
What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company?
We are all very passionate about what we do. Our dedication to our customers and our respect for each other makes MTA stand out. In 2020, the world experienced the most unexpected setback, but Miller Tanner Associates plowed through, using the experience we already had, to turn the event management industry on its head, to promote and produce more virtual events than we had in our previous ten years of virtual expertise.
My favorite aspect of MTA is the people. Having always been a virtual company, traveling to our face-to-face meetings is such a joy. Seeing each other, getting to hug, having laughs, and producing amazing events is so special.
What do you value most about the annual MTA Workshops?
As above, as we are a virtual company, being able to see our colleagues and friends in person is very special. Only getting this chance once a year with most of the team, the time is spent with more intent, and we try not to waste a single moment.
To meet our MTA team, visit www.millertanner.com or follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes with our team members.
