ANNA LILLEMOEN, CEM, CGMP
Sales Manager
Myrtle Beach Convention Center (MBCC)

How many years have you been with this company?
20 years glorious years as I stated to my City Manager.

Responsibilities?
Providing solutions for successful face-to- face meetings in the tradeshow and conference profession

What do you like best about your job?
Forming partnerships with providers that will produce memorable events for my clients and their attendees.

How many years have you been in the hospitality industry?
33 years

How did you get into the industry?
I needed a job in my hometown after college. I live in a resort destination where there were many front desk clerk positions available.

What advice would you give to others looking to get into the industry?
Cross train in all components that contribute to a successful event.

When did you join IAEE?
1993

How has being a member of IAEE affected your career?
It has provided a wider audience of professionals that engage in the tradeshow and conference profession

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
There have been many highlights in my professional life but at the moment getting my CEM designation really has given me a sense of accomplishment.

Who do you most admire?
I admire many things in many people but collectively, I admire our men and women of the American Military.

What do you like to do for fun?
Canoe in the “Redneck Yacht” a 40 year old canoe complete with the America and South Carolina flags and a trolling motor. You can’t paddle all the time!.

Do you have a story or experience that you would like to share with the chapter?
Many years ago during a conference, I had the privilege to join a select group of people to tour the USS John Paul Jones, the ship of the Commander of the Pacific Fleet. Participation was by selection, so being from South Carolina, I wrote to the then Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Sen. Strom Thurmond, a South Carolina native. In my request for support in my attempt to join the touring group, I neglected to state that the tour of the USS John Paul Jones was already organized. A call from Sen. Thurmond’s office to me took me by surprise when the Senators Aid wanted to know how many people I wanted to take on a tour and what dates did I want my group to go. After clarifying that I wanted to join a group, the Aid said that my request really carried weight with the Senator and that he was instructed to organize any tour that I wanted! I was really surprised that my request had that much clout! Needless to say, with Sen. Thurmond’s support, I was able to join the touring group and saw firsthand the young soldiers handle multi-million dollar equipment with expertise. The following year I had the honor of escorting Sen. Thurmond on a tour of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center (MBCC) during its grand opening.