The Miller Tanner difference is our people. That’s why we want to introduce you to our team of superstars that brings our corporate meetings and events to life for our clients.
Today, we introduce you to Carrie Sharp, Director of Global Business Innovation. Carrie sees to it that Miller Tanner Associates is at the forefront of technology and innovation all while maintaining the highest level of security for our clients’ intellectual property.
Meet Carrie Sharp
Tell us about your current role with MTA.
My role has two primary facets. First, I am responsible for researching new technologies that would maintain MTA’s forefront technological position in the event planning industry. Secondly, I assist any MTA department in implementing large-scale technical projects and processes.
How long have you been with MTA?
Officially, I’ve been with MTA for 18 years, but MTA recruited me for some contract database work a year prior to my joining. So, I feel like I’ve been here from the very beginning. I began as the only technical support technician and eventually progressed to managing the entire Technology Services Department. Along the way, I was privileged to learn how to manage face-to-face meetings, virtual meetings, and our proprietary On-Demand Trainer while utilizing cutting edge technologies. In addition, MTA was one of the first companies in the late 1990s to be completely virtual long before anyone knew what virtual meant. We created our own VoIP phone system using POTS (plain old telephone service) because there was no such thing as high-speed internet for remote offices. We have always been pushing the bounds of technology!
What did you do before joining MTA?
Prior to joining MTA, I worked at the largest travel agency in Nashville as a travel consultant. My experience was in leisure, corporate, and group travel before finally being asked to be a part of a special group exclusively assigned to a university. After 5 years, I was promoted to training and system administrator for the company which piqued my interest in everything technical. This experience prompted a return to college for a computer networking degree.
What do you feel are the most fulfilling aspects of your job?
My position allows me to help my fellow colleagues’ work life become easier even if it is behind-the-scenes sometimes. By supporting them, I know I’m providing them with the tools needed to deliver the best possible service and a successful meeting to our clients.
What do you do for fun?
Fun for me is learning anything new! I have a motto that you “grow through life, not go through life”. I always like to challenge myself to attempt new things especially if they are creative. It can be anything from designing my own fence, cutting up the wood, and assembling it to reading how to use a new app.
Where’s the best place that you’ve traveled for work or for pleasure?
Rome, Italy is the best place I have traveled. The history dates back thousands of years and the culture is one of truly enjoying the good things in life. It’s a great place to “people watch”, make new friends, or gain a few pounds on the freshly-made pastas. The Italian people treat you as part of their extended family.
What makes Miller Tanner stand out as meeting planning company?
Bar none, it’s our high level of customer service and attention to detail! MTA creates quality content and builds attendee/client engagement as proven by our repeat business from customers we’ve had for 20 years.
What are your favorite tech trends for this year?
IoT (Internet of Things) and MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) are my favorite trends for the upcoming year. As with cloud computing a few years ago, I believe IoT is going to explode in the next few years. More and more devices will be connected to the internet so that eventually any device you own will be accessible online.
Cyber security is constantly under attack and MFA is going to become the standard not only for corporations but personal users too. Elongating and/or complicated passwords are no longer a secure way to protect your data.
What are your favorite apps that you like to use personally and why?
Giam Yoga studio: You need to feed and exercise your mind as well as your body. This app allows you to customize your skill level and activity time.
Google Translate: Great for traveling if you do not know the language. It has the ability to translate what someone says to you as well as a street sign.
Prisma: Really cool app for the photographer who has an inner artist. You can quickly apply filters to your favorite pictures and transform them into masterpieces.
Tell us how MTA is innovative when it comes to event planning.
MTA encourages our team members to share ideas and in turn, the whole team will brainstorm. This synergy produces the most clever and thoughtful concepts.
Anything else you’d like to add?
MTA is like no other company I have ever had the privilege with which to work. MTA invests in our team members and listens to their voice.
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