Episode 5: From Classroom to Convention Floor — Lessons in Events, Leadership, and Showing Up

In Episode 5 of The Insightful Podcast, I sit down with Kaitlyn Urquiza, a meeting and event planner whose career journey reflects what it really looks like to move from education into professional practice. A graduate of UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management and a former student of mine, Kaitlyn now works with the Franchise Brokers Association, where she recently planned her first annual convention—an experience that tested her skills in coordination, communication, and real-time problem solving. In this episode, we talk about: What it’s actually like to plan your first large-scale professional meeting The gap between classroom learning and on-the-ground execution How relationship-building shapes success in meetings and events Balancing event planning with marketing, video production, and on-camera work This conversation offers a practical, behind-the-scenes look at meetings and events as relational systems, where success depends less on perfect plans and more on people, preparation, and responsiveness. Whether you’re an emerging professional, a meetings and events leader, or someone mentoring the next generation of talent, this episode highlights how experience, relationships, and confidence develop over time.