Atlanta Journal Constitution - September 21, 2007 by Karl W. Ritzler, for ajcjobs.
Jenny Munn, Event planner
Published on: 09/21/07
Job: Event planner, Atlanta
What I do: Jenny Munn is an expert on Atlanta. As sales manager for Atlanta Arrangements, she and her company make sure that conventions, events, parties and other gatherings of people — usually from someplace other than Atlanta — go flawlessly.
"We specialize in creating, designing and implementing special events and program logistics for corporate and association clients," said Munn, 27.
Jenny Munn, an event planner for Atlanta Arrangements, said she loves to show off Atlanta to clients who are planning events here.
Atlanta Arrangements is what's known in the hospitality industry as a destination-management company. The company arranges things such as transportation to and from the airport as well as around town, finds a location for a party or meeting, recommends caterers and attends to the countless details for clients who don't have the time or the local knowledge needed.
"We always hear tidbits about everything," she said.
For example, Munn said, at a recent convention, her team knew about street construction downtown and how it would affect tour bus service around the group's hotel.
As sales manager, Munn meets with hoteliers and other vendors to see what they can offer visitors. "When a new attraction opens, it's our job to check it out," she added. She escorts clients to hotels, restaurants, attractions and other venues of interest. "We know all the vendors," she said.
The company's clients include groups holding major conventions, such as national medical associations, as well as affiliated businesses or subgroups that may want to arrange smaller events for some of the people attending the conventions. Atlanta Arrangements also handles events such as client-reward nights.
The company's 90 contract workers coordinate food, entertainment, security, décor and transportation. Sometimes staff members pitch in to hang decorations or arrange table linens.
"We try not to scramble," she said. Her job is to foresee problems and minimize them. We're throwing parties," she said. "We can't help but have a good time."
What got me interested in this: Munn said she stumbled into the hospitality business. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in international business she worked for the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau "and fell in love with it."
She has lived in Atlanta for 15 years and loves to show off the city, she said. "I've been here most of my life. Atlanta is definitely home."
Best part of my job: "Taking clients around, talking about what's positive about Atlanta," she said.
Most challenging part: "I sell an intangible service," Munn said. "I try to explain to a client what we do." For example, she said, her company might make 400 phone calls to arrange a three-day event. If the clients were to make the arrangements themselves, it might take 1,300 calls. "People are short on time and attention to detail," she said. "That's what we do."
What people don't know about my job: "There's a team aspect to doing my job," Munn said. And the team is entering its busiest time of the year. "It's fun and exciting," she said.
What keeps me going: "Our clients are so happy when we exceed their expectations," she said. "We make the client look good to their clients."
Preparation needed for this job: "You need to have a passion for the city," Munn said, as well as a willingness to get involved and a helpful personality. "You have to present creative ideas and adapt to last-minute changes." A college degree is helpful, she said, as is sales experience. Hospitality-industry organizations offer certificates for professionals in event and destination management.
Munn is accruing the time on the job necessary to earn industry certifications. She worked at the ACVB as a sales manager in international marketing before joining Atlanta Arrangements.