A longtime industry expert, LaKesha Patterson’s experience spans 15 years of strategic event marketing, corporate meetings and logistics. Prior to elm Planning, she worked for Meeting Protocol Worldwide and Grant Thornton, LLP as a meeting planner. She has managed meetings and events varying in size and scope in over 30 countries, spanning 5 continents.
I travel because I love seeing the world. There are so many different countries to see, cultures to learn and people to meet. Being raised in Chicago, Illinois and exposed to so many cultures, I became thirsty to see and experience everything the world had to offer. From my first flight at the age of 16 to Italy, I knew I never wanted to stop. After all of these years, I still feel the excitement that accompanies getting on an airplane and flying to somewhere new.
Best holiday destination ever: If I MUST choose one, I would say Florence, Italy. Florence is such a beautiful city. The history, the culture, the food…AMAZING. The quaint restaurants that line the street bring such a romance to the experience. It’s like a 1950’s movie coming to life.
Best advice: Never let them see you sweat. People feed off of your vibe. I like to keep things calm on the outside. Nothing good can come from a panicking environment. Problem solving works best when cool heads prevail. I set the tone and others will follow.
