Meet AIMEBASSADOR Maggie Diasinos
20 January 2022 • AIME News
With over 21 years of experience in hotels, Maggie is one of our industries most influential voices. As the current Senior Global Director of Sales at Hyatt, she is at the forefront of planning for the recommencing of travel and business events. We sat down and had a quick chat…
WHY DID YOU JOIN THE AIMEBASSADOR PROGRAM?
“AIME will be the first in person national industry event for Australia in 2022. It is imperative that the industry supports this event to reconnect our community to plan for the future.”
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT AIME 2022?
“The ability to reconnect the industry with face to face meetings. I am looking forward to collaboration and discussion on how we can collectively work on the recovery of events in Asia Pacific.”
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS AND HOW HAVE YOU WORKED TO OVERCOME IT?
The biggest challenge has been watching so many talented people in our industry choose a new career path. The events industry has lost incredible people, who were passionate about creating amazing experiences. I have worked through this, by ensuring I am there to support my industry friends when they needed it and in turn, I have learnt to put my hand up to ask for support when needed.
WHO ARE YOUR STRONGEST INFLUENCES IN THE INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?
I am inspired by so many incredible people within our industry, who have come together and supported one another, to ensure our industry is ready to bounce back and thrive. I am also particularly proud and inspired by my extended team at our hotels, who constantly support and care for each other, ensuring we remain motivated and focused on the same goal. This will in-turn ensure we are ready to welcome guests back to our hotels and return to doing what we all love.
WHAT DO YOU FEEL ARE THE BIGGEST CHANGES TO THE EVENTS LANDSCAPE THAT HAVE EMERGED OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS?
The biggest opportunity that has emerged from last 18 months, is the adaption of traditional face-to-face events into hybrid events. Audiences have been embracing technology and have been open to attending events virtually. Whilst no event adaptation will replace face-to-face events, hybrid events allows our event partners to broaden their audience, while still allowing delegates to access event content wherever they may be in the world.
WHAT MAKES YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE RETURN OF IN-PERSON EVENTS?
I am most excited to return back to doing what we love! Creating memorable events, where people can connect, learn and be rewarded – whilst enjoying Hyatt’s hospitality. We are in the people industry and I cannot wait to welcome everyone back to our hotels.
WHEN TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ARE A THING OF THE PAST WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 PLACES YOU CAN’T WAIT TO VISIT?
- The first place I cannot wait to visit is Greece. I had planned to take my family to Greece in 2020, for their first time. This is where my father was born and I wanted my family to experience a culture that is very dear to me. The silver lining of delaying the trip, is the fact that my kids will be older and hopefully will treasure the experience a lot more.
- The second place I cannot wait to visit is Far North Queensland. I love spending time in Australia for holidays and love a holiday in the sun, relaxing with a cocktail in hand.
- The third place is New Zealand. I was lucky enough to escape to Auckland last year, when the bubble was open. I would love to plan an extended trip this year, to discover the North Island and return to see my Hyatt family at Park Hyatt Auckland.