Corinn Ploessl, Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau

IB’s Professional of the Week is the premier way to meet Dane County’s professionals. This week features Corinn Ploessl, organizational events manager, Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau.

What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?

The most challenging aspect of my job is balancing a schedule of events that takes different leaders’ wants and needs into consideration. We have several departments at the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau and Madison Area Sports Commission that initiate events, each with a different goal in mind. I pay attention to time of year, audiences served, and objectives for the event so that we have a well-rounded schedule of programming. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing an event come to life and how attendees react. I spend months curating each event from concept to execution, and when the day of the event finally arrives it’s rewarding to see attendee reactions and see them absorb the experience we’ve created.

Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?

I admire Renee Moe, president and CEO of the United Way of Dane County. She has had quite a journey, both in life and within the walls of United Way. I admire her as a woman leader who isn’t afraid to speak up, and for her tenacity and passion for solving the problems our community faces. Renee is the kind of leader who is able to breach uncomfortable topics to start conversations that get people engaged. She is a wonderful role model and asset to our community.

What has been the high point of your career so far?

Being hired by the GMCVB has definitely been the high point of my career thus far. During the six and a half years in my former marketing position, I got very involved in Madison’s young professional community. I started organizing events for several organizations and discovered my passion for planning with a purpose. Four years ago I got involved an initiative called Young Professional Week (YPWeek), which aims to attract, retain, and engage millennial talent in Wisconsin. Throughout the week, events are purposefully planned to showcase the unique places, spaces, and people that Madison has to offer. My love of event planning coupled with my admiration for Madison led me to the role at the GMCVB. I couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity to plan events in and for this amazing city I call home.

Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

“Unfortunately, your degree in marketing will become obsolete. This is due to the fast-paced, constantly changing world of marketing. The most important lessons you will learn and skills you acquire will come after college. You’re on the right track by getting involved in community organizations — know that your passion for volunteering will take you far!”

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What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?

There is never a shortage of things to do in the Greater Madison area. You can always find an event to attend, people to network with, a new restaurant to dine at, a sports team to cheer on, a concert to dance at, or a lake to enjoy. Luckily for me, I have the inside scoop by working for an organization that promotes all of the great activities happening here, so my schedule fills up quickly!

Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?

I’m not sure it’s much of a surprise to my family or co-workers since they reap the benefits, but I love to bake! Cakes, cookies, breads, anything! Last year, I learned how to make French macarons by taking a class offered at Sur La Table and now I can successfully make them at home! I prefer baking to cooking and it’s exciting to try new, challenging recipes, especially if there is chocolate involved!

What are your guilty pleasures?

I love country music! I know it’s a love-it-or-hate-it genre of music, but I enjoy being part of the community that loves a little twang. I own three pairs of cowboy boots and two cowboy hats and will happily wear them to any concert. There’s just something about summertime, a cold drink in hand, and country music blaring that makes me happy!

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