Meeting Planner Spotlight: Carolyn Paradowski Senior Corporate Events & Meeting Planner of CNA

December 21st, 2015 | hereschicago

Jim Grillo, CMP of HeresChicago.com interviews Carolyn Paradowski, Senior Corporate Events & Meeting Planner of CNA for this month’s Meet an Event Planner segment.

How did you get into event planning?

I actually stumbled upon event planning.  The first job I got out of college was as an admin in the meeting planning department and fell in love with all of the logistics.

What’s your favorite place in the entire world?

Florence, Italy

What is your favorite movie of all time? Why so?

Pulp Fiction – I love how Quentin Tarantio jumps from scene to scene and makes the viewer put together the story and what’s not to like with John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson and Uma Thurman?

What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday?

Cooking then enjoying the food with friends and family.

Do you have any pet peeves?

People sniffling their runny nose in the morning on the el train.

What was your family like growing up?

Big, fun and crazy

What were you like as a kid?

Bossy

What type of events you plan?

Training meetings, events in conjunction with large insurance conferences, and networking receptions.

What type of music do you love?

Crooner music, especially Michael Buble

What don’t people know about you?

I’m sensitive

What do you love about planning events in Chicago?

I love that the city has so much to offer and we’re fortunate that most vendors and planners take their work seriously and are very professional.

What is your favorite restaurant or bar (Personally)?

Volare

When not working, what do you love to do?

Travel, check out the new hot spots in town, and take my dog for long walks.

Besides your professional talent, do you have any personal talents? 

I play the piano.

Future trends in event planning?

I forsee events becoming more experiential

What does it take to be a successful even planner?

Patience and Organization

What is your favorite color?

Hot Pink

What do you recommend for others who want to get into the event planning profession?

Join a hospitality industry organization like MPI or PCMA., network as much as you and shadow someone at work if you have the opportunity.

Do you have any Association affiliations?

I serve on as the Vice President of Leadership Development on the board for MPI CAC.

Are you a Cubs or Sox fan?

Cubbies all the way!

What’s your go-to meal when you’re home alone?

Chicken Tortilla Soup

What’s on your bucket list?

Sky Diving!!!

What was your First concert?

B96 Bash

If you had to go back to school or learn a new skill, what would you want to learn?

Photography

What are your thoughts about Hereschicago.com?

Here’s Chicago is an impressive company, providing pertinent information to industry professionals.