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2022 Connect x BizBash 40 Under 40: Brittany Coley

Brittany Coley, 34, is the convention manager for the Asian American Hotel Owners Association.

Brittany Coley

Brittany Coley, CMP, is the 34-year-old convention manager for the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). She's based in Atlanta.

What I do:
I am responsible for the planning and execution of the annual AAHOA Convention & Trade Show, the largest gathering of hotel owners and vendors in the country. Our team of two handles all aspects of the convention planning in-house, with my responsibilities ranging from F&B planning and housing logistics to registration and website management.

Why I love my job:
One of the things I love most about my job is that every day is different. As no two events are the same, I am constantly kept on my toes, and I can explore my creative side when tackling new projects. Planning events allows you to create an experience that people will remember forever, and getting to see the impact my events have on all attending makes it all worth it. 

My career journey: 
I started my career in the hospitality industry as a wedding planner, which is when I fell in love with planning events. I transitioned to corporate planning, working as an event coordinator for a full-service planning company that focused on tenant/appreciation events. That led me to a convention services manager position at a convention center, where I learned the ins and outs of meetings and trade shows that I still use daily in my current position.

My greatest career accomplishment:
Obtaining my Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certificate. 

How I helped my organization during COVID:
Over the course of a year and a half, my team planned and executed five different conventions due to the pandemic. After rescheduling our 2020 event twice, we had to switch to virtual less than 45 days before the event. I was part of planning, developing and executing our first virtual convention and trade show, which resulted in 2,800 attendees and 50 exhibiting companies. 

The time I averted a complete event disaster:
A general session was running significantly behind, to the point that the keynote speaker was going to leave due to being over on the contracted time. Upon hearing this, the production team was able to quickly change the presentation around and we were able to get all speakers rearranged. Thankfully everything went smoothly, and the audience never knew a change occurred. 

My most memorable event experience in the past year:
Hosting our first in-person convention in almost two years, with over 6,000 in attendance and over 500 exhibiting companies. Seeing everyone come together, catching up with old friends, was the best feeling after the whirlwind of a few years we have had.

Best advice I’ve ever received: 
Creating long-term, meaningful relationships with industry peers/partners is one of the most important aspects of our job. We are all working towards the same goal—providing a great experience for everyone—and working together and being good partners means a more successful outcome for all.

Impressive stats I’m responsible for: 
Seeing a need for vendor partner receptions at the convention, I was part of organizing and executing a Block Party that brings in additional sponsorship value.

What’s next? 
This year we are trying to introduce fresh content and ideas in all aspects of the event. If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that we must think outside the box to bring new, invaluable educational opportunities to attendees—as they are trying to adapt just like everyone else.

What I do outside of work: 
I spend my free time reading, spending as much time outdoors as possible, trying new restaurants, and planning and hosting intimate gatherings with friends.

Dream vacation:
I would start in Greece, spending time in Santorini and Athens. Then I would make my way through Italy, stopping in Naples, Florence and Venice. The last stop would be a night in Paris, seeing the Eiffel Tower under the stars. I’d spend my time immersing myself in the culture, pretending I wasn’t a tourist and enjoying all the local favorites.

Favorite icebreaker line:
What would your superpower be and why?

Connect with Coley on LinkedIn.


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“Connect x BizBash 40 Under 40” is sponsored by VDA, an experiential marketing and event design agency based in Massachusetts that specializes in custom live, virtual and hybrid experiences.