Staff Spotlight: Jessica Simon
February 2, 2023
This month, the spotlight is on Jessica Simon, a Senior Event Manager in our Boston office! With a wealth of experience working all over New England, Jessica is our go-to planner for all things Destination Management. Jessica shares how she ended up in the hospitality industry, her pick for the best view of Boston, and the unique event experience she would love to execute for a client.
Staff Spotlights are the place to learn all about the careers, passions, and personalities of our amazing staff. You can find other Staff Spotlight interviews right here on our blog.
Q: What was your dream job growing up?
A: I had a few different ideas for a dream job throughout my youth, but the two that stand out the most are either an architect or a movie critic. I enjoy both writing and designing and luckily get to do both of those things in my current role at Corinthian Events.
Q: What made you want to get into this industry and how did you get here?
A: I’ve wanted to work in the hospitality industry ever since I learned that you could receive a degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management. I’ve always enjoyed working with people. I specifically learned about the events side of the business while in college & working summer gigs in Newport, RI for a high-end caterer. Seeing all those fabulous events come together gave me an adrenaline rush & I never turned back.
Q: What’s something people might not know about you?
A: I would love to execute a “Dining in the Dark” event for a client. It would be magical and unexpected with a high-end culinary experience.
Q: What has been your favorite moment of your events career so far?
A: My very first destination management program was a tech company’s milestone celebration on Cape Cod in 2013. It will always stand out as one of my favorites because I was so new to the DMC world. The program was quintessential New England at its finest and had everything from a clambake dinner to s’mores on the beach.
Q: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing meeting and event planners today?
A: The current climate of the travel industry in a post-pandemic world still makes things challenging for meeting & event planners. The recent struggles in the airline industry due to labor shortages & mismanagement certainly makes things complicated with regard to business travel. Boston is a resilient city, however. We pulled through as a community after the pandemic, and I’m confident that 2023 will be our most successful year yet.
Q: Where do you think is the best view of Boston?
A: The best view of Boston is from any of the Boston Harbor Islands at sunset. The backdrop of the city skyline from 2 miles away is breathtaking!
Q: What is something you’re proud to have accomplished at Corinthian Events?
A: I am proud to have planned some amazing, out-of-the box experiences while at Corinthian Events, including a customized drone show for a group of incentive clients.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for Corinthian Events?
A: I love the variety in types of programs and events I get to work on. No one day is the same. I also enjoy getting to use both sides of my brain in this job. As planners, we must be highly creative in our roles but also need to have a logistical mindset where we look at both the big picture & the nitty gritty details.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given, event related or not?
A: Stay true to yourself and to what you want and need. Your path will not be the same as someone else’s, and that’s fine – just focus on what makes you unique.
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