Allison Young-Chambers
Allison Young-Chambers feels fortunate to work on events for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)—one of the most innovative U.S. government organizations.
She grew up in Luka, Mississippi, a small town with a population of 3,000. Young-Chambers recalls figuring out two main priorities for her career at a young age: thinking outside the box and never passing on an opportunity to build a relationship. These priorities have stuck with her throughout her career, guiding her experiences in event planning.
In 2001, Young-Chambers began working in Memphis, Tennessee, as an event planner for a private company. She transitioned into the government sector six years later as a support contractor for NASA in Huntsville, Alabama.
Since October 2013, Young-Chambers has been working for Manufacturing Technical Solutions, Inc. as a contract project coordinator for NASA’s Space Launch System Program. She coordinates and manages various gatherings, including technical interchange meetings, senior management meetings, leadership meetings, awards programs and recognition events.
“I am lucky enough to work with some of the smartest people on the planet, pun intended, and I treasure working with our team,” Young-Chambers says. “An important role in my job is identifying cost-effective facilities that provide the best value to the government.”
Adding, “I work as a liaison between my customer and venues to ensure the technological and facility requirements are met, at the least cost possible, in compliance with regulations.”
She has more than 12 years of experience in corporate event and meeting planning specializing in all stages of event planning, from conceptual design through tactful implementation. In 2012, Young-Chambers earned her Certified Government Meeting Professional Certification (CGMP), and she then continued building relationships in the industry. Understanding effective relationships has been vital to her career.
“Building effective relationships is the key to success in the realm of meetings,” Young-Chambers says. “Planners and suppliers alike desire the ease of repeat business. Understanding the unique and specific needs of clients and customers leads to increased efficiency and more profitable margins.”
She says that strong relationships facilitate win-win scenarios for date flexibility, pricing and more.
“Working together to solve a problem before it even occurs makes for a successful meeting,” she says. “As anyone in the industry can attest, it’s not always smooth seas and sunshine. Despite this, a positive attitude can overcome many things.”
Young-Chambers has received many honors for her work, including the NASA Space Launch System Humble Heart Peer Award.
Smart Moves
Mike Larragueta
Mike Larragueta has been named the vice president of sales for Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority in Nevada. He had been serving as executive director of sales at Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno. He will supervise convention and leisure sales for the resort and its Reno Ballroom. The Winnemucca-born Larragueta has had a variety of experience in the industry, serving as vice president of sales at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas and vice president of global distribution sales at Baha Mar Resorts Ltd. in Nassau, Bahamas.
Jodi Doughty
The Adolphus Hotel in Dallas has hired Jodie Doughty as its director of sales and marketing. Doughty has made a name for herself in the hospitality industry during her 20-year career. Early on, she served in senior sales and marketing positions at various Houston hotels. In Jakarta, Indonesia, Doughty worked at Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott properties. Most recently, she served as the vice president of sales and marketing for Remington Hotels’ independent luxury division.
Carson Glover
The Peninsula Hotels announced that Carson Glover is its new director of global communications. Glover has developed a strong public relations and communications presence, with a specialty in luxury retail. He last worked at Tiffany & Co., serving as senior and group director of global public relations and communications at the New York headquarters since 2008. His global expertise will be key to developing and promoting The Peninsula Hotels in its central and emerging markets.
