Robyn Mietkiewicz, CMP, CMM
Robyn Mietkiewicz, CMP, CMM, is an industry leader and innovator. She is a frequent speaker at industry events, providing cutting edge education to the meetings and events industry. She continually contributes articles to several meeting industry trade publications on a wide range of topics from Strategic Meetings Management, Contract Strategy, Budget & Cost Savings Techniques, and more!
Robyn has earned the prestigious CMP and CMM certifications. She is a Past President of the MPI Orange County Chapter and has served as Chair of an MPI International Task Force. As President, she was responsible for overseeing a 19 member Board and 400 member Chapter. Robyn received the 2014 MPI RISE Award for Member of the Year and was also recognized by the CIC in 2013 with a Pacesetters Award. She continues to advance the meetings industry through industry volunteerism, serving on multiple Advisory Boards and consulting MPI Chapters on strategic initiatives. Robyn has joined the University of California, Irvine (UCI) faculty and will be developing their new meeting and event planning curriculum.
Education:
California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor of Arts, Communications with an emphasis on Hospitality & Tourism
Certifications:
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
Certification in Meeting Management (CMM)
Certified Facilitator, MPI
Yellow Belt, Lean Six Sigma
Competent Communicator, Toastmasters International
Advisory Boards:
Monterey County Advisory Board
Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast Advisory Board
Industry Involvement:
2020 Board of Directors, AIMP
2019 Board of Directors, AIMP
2018 Board of Directors, AIMP
2017 Nominating Committee, MPIOC
2016 Nominating Committee, MPIOC
2015 Chair, Educational Review Task Force, MPI
2015 Nominating Committee, MPIOC
2014 Professional Development Council, MPI
2013 RISE Awards Panel, MPI
2013 Advisory Council, MPIOC
2012 Knowledge Advisory Council, MPI
2012 Immediate Past-President, MPIOC
2011 President, MPIOC
2010 President-Elect, MPIOC
2009 VP Membership, MPIOC
2008 Director, Recruitment, MPIOC
2007 Director, Publications, MPIOC
2006 Education Conference Committee, MPIOC
2005 Monthly Meetings Committee, MPIOC
2004 Student Chair, MPIOC
Awards:
2020 Smart Women in Meetings Award "Entrepreneur"- Smart Meetings
2014 Rise Award - Member of the Year, MPI
2013 Pacesetters Award, EIC
2009 Outstanding Meeting Planner, MPIOC
2009 President’s Choice Award, MPIOC
2007 Shining Star Award, MPIOC
Email: robyn@innov8meetings.com
Cheryl Payne, CMM
Cheryl M. Payne, CMM, has been in the hospitality industry for nearly two decades. As a Strategic Partner at INNOV8 Meetings + Events she elevates her customer’s experience by providing unparalleled meeting management support services as well as knowledge on all aspects of Strategic Meetings Management.
She is a professional speaker/facilitator and provides cutting edge education to the meetings and events industry. She also contributes expert articles to several meeting industry trade publications on a wide range of topics ranging from Strategic Meetings Management, Contract Strategy, Budget & Cost Savings Techniques, and more!
Cheryl has earned the prestigious CMP and CMM certifications. She is a Past President of the MPI, Orange County Chapter and has served as Chair of the MPI International Apex Advisory Task Force. As President, she was responsible for overseeing a 19-member Board and 400+ member Chapter. Cheryl has received many industry awards and accolades such as: Connect 40/40 Highly Successful & Influential Industry Leaders and MPI Exceptional Leadership Award. She continues to advance the meetings industry through industry volunteerism, serving on multiple Advisory Boards and consulting industry programs on strategic initiatives.
She is also a professor at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) teaching in the Event Management - Extended Education program.
Education:
California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor of Arts, Communications with an emphasis on Hospitality & Tourism
Certifications:
Certification in Meeting Management (CMM)
Competent Communicator, Toastmasters International
Advisory Boards:
San Francisco Travel Customer Advisory Board
Experience Scottsdale – Facilitator and Member of Customer Advisory Board
Industry Involvement:
2015 - Convention Industry Council (CIC) - APEX Advisory Task Force
2013 - CURRENT - Past President (MPIOC)
Chapter Membership Advisory Council, MPI International (Global Leadership)
2012 - 2013: Immediate Past President, MPIOC
Knowledge Advisory Council, MPI International (Global Leadership)
2011 - 2012: President
2010 - 2011: President-Elect
2009 - 2010: Director, Advisory Council
2008 - 2009: VP, Communications (MPIOC)
2007 - 2008: Director of Education (MPIOC)
2006 - 2007: Education Conference Committee
2005 - 2006: Monthly Meeting Committee
Professional Awards & 2019 – Nomination - Industry Leadership, MPI
Achievements:
2015 - Collaborate - 40/40 Highly Successful & Influential Industry Professional
2013 - Exceptional Industry Leadership Award (MPI)
2012 - Chairman's Award - (MPI International)
2012 - Exceptional Leadership Award (MPI International)
2009 - Outstanding Meeting Planner Award (MPIOC)
2007 - Earned CMP certification
2007 - Shining Star Award
2006 - 30/30 Up & Coming Industry Professionals featured in November Issue of Meeting Professional Magazine
Email: cheryl@innov8meetings.com
Brittney Cobb
Brittney Cobb, is a well rounded leader in the hospitality industry. She has over 15 years of experience ranging from hotel, casino, food & beverage, and special events. She is highly skilled in client management and customer relations, including contract-writing, budget creation, and event production. Brittney pays close attention to detail, providing a positive and personable touch to client interactions.
She is an exceptional problem solver and thrives in fast paced, multi-tasking environments. Serving as a producer and on-site coordinator for several events, she takes pride in seeing them emerge from start to finish and exceeding customer expectations. Brittney is an articulate communicator with vast experience in public speaking, including television broadcasts and commercials.
Brittney received the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Customer Service Award multiple years specifically for her service within the hospitality industry.
Education:
East Carolina University
Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Management; Minor Business Administration
Awards:
2014 Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Customer Service Award
2013 Las Vegas Young Professional Women’s Hall of Fame
2012 WCCN ATHENA Young Professional Award
2012 Pageantry Magazine Spirit Award
2011 Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Customer Service Award
2010 Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Customer Service Award
2009 Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Customer Service Award
Email: brittney@innov8meetings.com
Alyssa Cummings
Alyssa Cummings, CGMP, is a strategic thinker, innovator and connector. She holds over 13 years of professional experience in the events and meetings industry. Alyssa started her career as a Catering Director and transitioned into a decade of planning domestic and international meetings for a U.S. Department of Energy, National Laboratory. In her roles, she developed expertise in planning and implementation, budget management, cost savings, contract negotiations and stakeholder relationships.
Alyssa has earned a CGMP certification and is active in pursuing innovative techniques for strategic event management. She is a problem solver and a thought leader.
Education:
Washington State University
Bachelor of Arts, Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations
Minor in Hospitality and Business Management
Certifications:
Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP)
Email: alyssa@innov8meetings.com
Lilly Gonzalez
Lilly Gonzalez knows how to effectively deliver a high level of value for her clients. With over ten years of professional experience in the meetings industry, she has developed authentic relationships with her industry partners as well. Lilly started her career in the fast-paced entertainment industry working for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. She helped procure some of the best partners to deliver one of the most successful Academy Award Show’s (aka “The Oscars”) to date.
After transitioning into hospitality sales with Marriott International, she worked in Group Sales at the beautiful Marriott Newport Beach. Within her role at Marriott, she oversaw Corporate, Government, and Association meetings, executing successful events for her mix of clients. Lilly eventually worked her way up to Regional Sales overseeing several of Marriott’s key resorts within the Marriott Corporate Sales complex handling the entire Southwest market. Her experience producing high level events and background in hotel sales will translate to success for her clients.
Education: California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor of Arts, Communications with an emphasis on Hospitality & Tourism
Awards: Marriott Sales Excellence Award- 2009
*Highest Sales Achievement
Email: lilly@innov8meetings.com