Meet The Team

Katie joined the UF Conference Department team in 2015 and has experience in customer service, project management, stakeholder management, meeting and conference planning, and event design for planning and executing in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.

Katie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, with a Specialization in Event Management, from the University of Florida and earned her Masters of Science in Tourism and Commercial Recreation from the University of Florida in April 2016.

Since 2015, Katie has been an active member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) where she currently serves as Immediate Past President of the North Florida Chapter and has also served 2 years as Vice President of Communications, 1 year as Vice President of Finance, 1 year as President Elect, and 1.5 years as Chapter President. Katie was also awarded Planner of the Year for 2018-2019 & 2021-2022 and the President’s Award for 2019-2020 from the MPI North Florida Chapter. Katie obtained her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Certification in January of 2018 and a Digital Event Strategist (DES) certification from Professional Convention and Management Association (PCMA) and MPI in June 2020. Katie was also awarded a Division Three Superior Accomplishment Award from UF in March 2023. This program is designed to recognize outstanding faculty and staff for their dedication to their jobs and for going above and beyond to advance the mission of our great university and serve the community at-large.

Since embarking on her journey in the events sector in 2010, Lauren has executed over 300 events, leaving her mark on venues as diverse as a century-old theater and a grand opera house, to more unconventional venues such as the public gardens of a nationally acclaimed zoo and within university art museums.

Lauren’s tenure at UF began in 2019. Joining the Conference Department in 2021, Lauren has enhanced her knowledge in client experience, project management, and event planning with a focus on eco-friendly practices. Her commitment to the field is evident in her active role with Meeting Professionals International, where she serves as the Director of Communications on the North Florida chapter’s board.

Lauren’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in interior design, and she received her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential in 2023. Her dedication to environmental stewardship recently led her to earn the Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) though the Events Industry Council’s Center for Sustainability and Social Impact, further highlighting her unwavering pursuit of sustainability in the events sector.

Away from the bustle of events, Lauren enjoys home improvement projects, kayaking local springs and enjoying quality time with her loved ones and canine companion, Nasa. 🛶🐶