Meet MTA: Kyra Matthews, Global Experience Designer – Events
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 Kyra Matthews. As a global experience designer, Kyra collaborates with the Global Experiences Team to meticulously plan and execute outstanding events from beginning to end.
Meet Kyra Matthews, Global Experience Designer – Events
Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Developer, Achiever, Positivity, Input, Arranger
Tell us about your current role with MTA? What are your primary responsibilities?
My current role is global experience designer – events. I am responsible for providing a seamless planning experience for the customer and our partners that translates to a beautifully executed event.
What did you do before joining MTA?
Prior to joining MTA, I was an event sales manager for a hotel in Philadelphia.
What’s the best part of your job?
The people! The culture at MTA is so unique. In my time at MTA, this company now feels like family. I am so grateful to be a part of this team and travel the world with them.
What’s been your favorite event destination as an event planning professional?
So far, Ireland! It was the most pleasant surprise to travel to Dublin and experience a city that was never on my radar, but now I am itching to return.
Kyra with MTA team members in Dublin, Ireland
What’s been your most memorable event to date and why?
An event in Miami has to be the most memorable meeting because it was my first. This was my first time seeing an investigator meeting in action, meeting my cohorts, and members of the MTA team. I had all of the nerves, excitement, curiosity, and anxiety rolled into one. But after the meeting, I knew I was in the right place. That meeting was the best introduction I could have had to MTA.
Do you have a few great travel tips that you could share?
Absolutely!
Don’t check a bag if you don’t have to. Things can change so quickly with travel and the last thing you want is to be without your personal items.
Be open to new experiences. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own bubble, but there is so much to see in the world. It truly changes you.
Travel from a place of love. This is my biggest one because it is so easy to get frustrated when traveling due to cancellations, delays, or rude staff/travelers, but everyone is dealing with different things and may just need a smile or for someone to be nice to them to make their day.
Most important! If you are traveling over 4-5 hours, upgrade your seat if you can. Your body will thank you!
Whether it is an incentive trip or an investigator meeting, people remember how they felt, and engaging your audience will always produce positive results.
What’s the one must-have for every event?
An engaging element. Whether it is an incentive trip or an investigator meeting, people remember how they felt, and engaging your audience will always produce positive results.
A must-have for every planner, a crossbody bag or pockets to keep your phone, pens, or random things you need during an event.
What do you do for fun?
I love to try new restaurants, travel with my friends, watch documentaries, play with my dog Knox, and spend time with my sisters.
You are originally from? 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 Philadelphia and currently reside there as well. I enjoy being close to my family and enjoy the food scene in the city. My favorite spots for tourists would be:
Reading Terminal Market – One of the largest and oldest farmer’s markets in the country
Sanpan – Best happy hour in the city
African American Museum -The history displayed in this museum is unmatched
What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company?
The special thing about MTA is that it is not focused on just being a logistical powerhouse or just providing amazing anticipatory service; the focus is to do both with ease and have fun while you do it. It is important for us to be efficient while not sacrificing our human needs or those of our customers/attendees.
Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important? What do you get most from this time together?
As a fully virtual company, it is extremely important to take this time to not only meet those that you only see through a screen but also connect with them. It is easier to do business with people you have a connection to and, in this industry, you have to be able to work as a team. As someone newer to the company and virtual life, it allowed me to see that the culture is strong, you are not in it alone, and it is not anywhere near as disconnected as I feared it may be.
Anything else you’d like to add? I am extremely grateful to be a part of this team!
