Today we’d like to introduce you to Selina Mullenax.
Hi Selina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
With a passion for planning events, a sense of attention to detail, and a skill of organization, I studied Event Management and Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management as a first-generation college student. During my undergraduate years, I volunteered with a few wedding planning companies and worked at a Nickelodeon-themed resort, knowing I wanted to work in corporate meetings and events. After graduation, I spent almost five years working with a Destination Management Company (DMC), earning experience in social, association, and corporate meetings, conferences, and events nationwide. After that, I joined the team at CORT Events as an Account Executive, serving my clients as an event designer for their drape, furniture, and decor needs. Additionally, I am pursuing a graduate degree at my alma mater and am in the first cohort of the Master’s in Event Leadership program.
I’m sure it had its obstacles, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The most difficult part was during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, as the meetings and events industry came to a halt. Due to the unprecedented daily challenges, the industry quickly adapted and shifted to a mostly virtual world, hosting educational meetings, networking/celebratory events, and entire conferences virtually.
Thanks for sharing that. So, tell us more about your work next.
I pride myself on giving back to the industry and am constantly volunteering my time, talents & expertise to help uplevel the current and future state of the industry. This includes speaking as an industry thought leader, mentoring high school and college students studying hospitality management, and volunteering on boards. Currently, I serve as the Immediate Past President of the Greater Orlando chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the President of the Orlando chapter of National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), the Chair of the Rosen College Alumni Board, the Recruitment Chair of the Central Florida Hospitality Career Academies Advisory Board (CFHCAAB), as well as on the NACE Conference Advisory Council, the Rosen College Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board, and the Rosen College Events Advisory Board. Additionally, I founded a sales mastermind group for the meetings and events industry called “The Glittering Hour.” This group of industry professionals meets in person to discuss a topic they would like more assistance with. In true “community over competition” fashion, everyone is a speaker and helps one another. This group was a missing link in the industry and has quickly become a favorite to those who attend. Lastly, I’m a co-host of an industry podcast called #SwagAndRepeat, which serves as the social voice behind the networking events in Orlando’s meetings and events industry. This podcast was created as a resource for the tourism, meetings, and events industry to stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest networking events, venue openings, and industry news.
It is often partly due to others that we are where we are. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
The community within the meetings and events industry is unmatched. I receive requests for connections nationwide daily, and I can always contact anyone in my network for assistance. Though large, we are a tight-knit community ready to help one another succeed – and for that, I am truly grateful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selinawithcort
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selina.mullenax/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinamullenax/
Image Credits
My headshot is from: https://altf.com/
