Q&A with Sherri Naupe, Meeting Planner at the American Bar Association/Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division
As a meeting planner with the American Bar Association, Sherri is responsible for the planning and logistics of four of their annual meetings. Recently, Sherri worked with the team at Visit Saint Paul to bring one of those meetings to life and shares with us her experience in planning a successful event in Saint Paul and the talented people that helped to make it happen.
Tell us, what does your job entail?
Sherri: I manage all aspects of logistics on four meetings annually. I work closely throughout the year with the hotel sales managers, CVB, restaurants and off-site venues to confirm sleeping rooms, food and beverage requirements, business meetings and social events.
Tell us your favorite meeting planner hack?
Sherri: Apply for TSA pre-check. This is a total time saver, especially when traveling frequently!
What is one of your significant job challenges that working with the Visit Saint Paul team helped you solve?
Sherri: Knowing the city you are working in. The team was very informative during the site visit. We took a short tour of Saint Paul and learned a lot of the history of the city.
What are some of the distinctive destination offerings of Saint Paul that helped to make your meeting great?
Sherri: Our attendees loved Saint Paul. They loved that it is a lively city with so many restaurants, pubs, historical attractions and an opera house all in walking distance in downtown, but away from the hustle and bustle of a large metropolitan city. It was a great balance.
How would you describe the relationship you have with the CVB? What would you compare it to?
Sherri: A CVB is like your eyes and ears in the city you are visiting. They know the city inside and out. Use their knowledge and recommendations regarding, hotels, restaurants, and event venues and local entertainment.
What did your attendees say about your overall experience in Saint Paul?
Sherri: Our attendees were pleasantly surprised with Saint Paul, they raved that this was one of the best meetings!
Did you use a unique venue for a gathering or event while in Saint Paul?
Sherri: We did. We held our Diversity Reception at 413 on Wacouta Event Center. This event space was spectacular, and very easy to work with.
What do you see as innovative or trending in the future of the meeting’s industry?
Sherri: I think the use of meeting apps vs. paper schedules. With so many people using their phones for everything now, it only makes sense. The apps provide so much more than just a printed schedule. Attendees have speaker bios, pictures, session descriptions and hotel floor plans right in the palm of their hands. Plus, the apps are interactive – attendees can receive push notifications which provide up to the minute updates, changes and more.
Plan your next meeting in Saint Paul, MN. Learn more here.