Colleen Brzozowski, CIS, CITP

Colleen Brzozowski, CIS, CITP

Chicago, Illinois, United States
7K followers 500+ connections

About

As a top performer, relationship builder and sales strategist, I have consistently…

Articles by Colleen

  • New Year, New Opportunities, New Excitement.

    Are you like me in that you get an almost giddy excitement about starting something new like a notebook or filling in…

    17 Comments
  • The Yellow Pages Had Something Right

    LinkedIn is designed for networking and engagement, so why then, are there so many personal profiles that do not…

    15 Comments
  • What I Learned From Serving As Co-Host of SITE NITE Europe

    Last week, I had the opportunity to serve as a co-host for the first-ever virtual #SITENITE Europe with SITE – The…

    13 Comments

Activity

Experience

  • Hard Rock International Graphic

    Hard Rock International

    Chicago, Illinois, United States

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    Chicago, Illinois, United States

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    Chicago, Illinois

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    Chicago, IL

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    Chicago, IL

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    Acme (Traverse City), MI

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    Augusta, MI

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    Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States

Education

Licenses & Certifications

Volunteer Experience

  • SITE Graphic

    International Board of Directors

    SITE

    - Present 5 years

    The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) is the only Business Events association dedicated exclusively to the global incentive travel industry. Founded in 1973, we are a professional association of nearly 3,000 members located in 90 countries, working in corporations, agencies, airlines, cruise companies and across the entire destination supply chain. We bring value to our members at both global and local chapter level by networking, online resources, education, certification and…

    The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) is the only Business Events association dedicated exclusively to the global incentive travel industry. Founded in 1973, we are a professional association of nearly 3,000 members located in 90 countries, working in corporations, agencies, airlines, cruise companies and across the entire destination supply chain. We bring value to our members at both global and local chapter level by networking, online resources, education, certification and advocacy. SITE is deeply committed to the new generation and operates a best-in-class Young Leaders program and dedicated annual conference.

    The SITE International Board of Directors works along side the SITE Foundation Trustees as passionate advocates of the SITE vision who work on behalf of the global network to achieve SITE's strategic goals. I represent 1 of 4 North American seats on this global board.

    First Term: January 2021 - December 2023
    Re-Elected by the Membership for a Second Term: January 2024 - December 2026

  • SITE Graphic

    2020 President of SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence) Chicago

    SITE

    - 5 years 1 month

    SITE is the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, is the only business events association dedicated exclusively to the global incentive travel industry, throughout 90 countries. SITE Chicago is one of the top 10 largest chapters globally whose volunteer Board positions are elected by the Members.

    I served as the 2020 President of the Chicago Chapter for which I also served 1 year as Director Sponsorship and 2 years as Director of Events. In my role, I have been involved in leading…

    SITE is the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, is the only business events association dedicated exclusively to the global incentive travel industry, throughout 90 countries. SITE Chicago is one of the top 10 largest chapters globally whose volunteer Board positions are elected by the Members.

    I served as the 2020 President of the Chicago Chapter for which I also served 1 year as Director Sponsorship and 2 years as Director of Events. In my role, I have been involved in leading the activities of event planning, education offerings, CSR and networking opportunities. I oversee overall management of the chapter including operations, finances and communication including our social media presence. I also serve on a number of the Global Task Forces (Chapter Resource Guide, Global Presidents, Membership and Recognition) to assist with the various initiatives driving future direction.

    SITE Chicago was awarded the 2017 Global Chapter of the Year Award, presented to one Chapter that demonstrates the greatest combined achievement in membership, activities, education, young leaders and CSR focus, industry advocacy and general support of SITE's mission.

    In 2018, SITE Chicago was awarded the Young Leaders Chapter Excellence Award as well as the Special Event Chapter Excellence Award for our Holly Trolley event which I designed and led as the Director of Events. The SITE Chapter Excellence Award in Special Event is awarded to the Chapter which demonstrates creative excellence in delivering a signature event or activity that adds value for our SITE community. The SITE Chapter Excellence Award in Young Leaders is awarded based on outstanding achievements which aid and assist the personal growth/development of young leaders.

    As President in 2020, SITE Chicago once again was recognized globally by being awarded the Chapter Excellence Award in Young Leaders and the Chapter Excellence Award in Special Events.

  • Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) Graphic

    Member, Volunteer, Former Hospitality Advisor Council Member (HPAC) - FICP

    Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP)

    - 17 years 5 months

    Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP®) provides access to education, experience and resources targeting the needs of financial services and insurance meeting professionals from across North America. FICP offers first-rate conferences, symposia, virtual networking and educational opportunities to assist the development of high-caliber meetings professionals. These resources also serve to help meetings professionals increase their success and strategic value. FICP boasts a…

    Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP®) provides access to education, experience and resources targeting the needs of financial services and insurance meeting professionals from across North America. FICP offers first-rate conferences, symposia, virtual networking and educational opportunities to assist the development of high-caliber meetings professionals. These resources also serve to help meetings professionals increase their success and strategic value. FICP boasts a community of 1,500 meetings and events professionals and hospitality partners and maintains a unique, balanced planner-to-hospitality partner ratio at all events.

    In my 15+ year involvement with FICP, I have served in multiple volunteer roles, with the highlight being my 2010-2013 term on the HPAC. The HPAC exists to listen to the needs of FICP’s hospitality partners and represent their interests to the Board of Directors. The committee provides advice and guidance on planner member needs; monitors hospitality partner and sponsor needs and trends; provides input regarding sponsorship and advertising program effectiveness; and hosts a Hospitality Partner session at each of the following: Annual Conference, the Education Forum, and Symposia.

    In 2012, I was elected by my peers and approved by the Board of Directors to serve as the Chair of the HPAC, which was an immense honor. During this time, I am extremely proud to have chaired the Silent Auction Committee which raised the most funds ever in the history of the program to date which benefited Junior Achievement. I also served on the Mentorship sub-committee and other sub-committees throughout my membership.

  • PCMA Greater Midwest Chapter Graphic

    Member and Past Membership Committee Chair - PCMA GMC

    PCMA Greater Midwest Chapter

    The Greater Midwest Chapter of the Professional Convention Management Association (GMC PCMA) serves the Midwest region of the United States including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. GMC offers a variety of educational meetings as well as networking opportunities.

    In my time with the organization, I served on the Membership Committee and increased my responsibility to serve as Chair of the Committee. In 2017, I was truly honored to have…

    The Greater Midwest Chapter of the Professional Convention Management Association (GMC PCMA) serves the Midwest region of the United States including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. GMC offers a variety of educational meetings as well as networking opportunities.

    In my time with the organization, I served on the Membership Committee and increased my responsibility to serve as Chair of the Committee. In 2017, I was truly honored to have recognized with the Richard A. Daignault Award which is awarded to one individual annually for service to the chapter and the industry.

  • Board Member

    Stratford Condo Association

    - Present 7 years

    One of Three person Board which manages decisions relating to management and maintenance of residential condo building in Chicago.

  • Founder and Coordinator

    DEBS (Drink, Eat & Be Social) - a social group for women in the Chicago hospitality/meeting industry

    - Present 11 years

    DEBS (Drink, Eat and Be Social) is a casual social gathering for women in the Chicago hospitality/meeting industry that provides an opportunity for networking and friendship outside of the workplace. The group meets on a flexible basis for happy hour and a cultural activity such as the theatre, comedy shows, cooking classes, etc.

    In this role, I am responsible for imagining and creating the event, all event and registration details as well as marketing and communications.

Honors & Awards

  • 2017 Recipient of the Richard A. Daignault Award

    Greater Midwest Chapter - Professional Convention Mangement Association (GMC PCMA)

    The GMC PCMA Richard A. Daignault Award was created by the Chapter in 1994 in honor of Dick Daignault, a long time Hilton Sales Representative, a career long member of PCMA, and a dear friend to his peers, his customers, and his competitors. Dick passed away in June 1994 at the age of 64. This award is presented to a gracious and generous supplier partner who provides leadership through mentoring, demonstrates integrity, and shows consistent respect for colleagues.

  • 2017 Pillar Award Nominee

    Greater Midwest Chapter - Professional Convention Mangement Association (GMC PCMA)

    Since 2003, the Pillar award has been bestowed to honor a planner or supplier who is recognized as an unyielding supporter of the chapter through dedicated participation, enthusiastic committee involvement, and valuable leadership.

  • Sales Superstar

    KSL Resorts

    Award given amongst the entire collection of KSL Resorts Sales team members for achieving an excess of 100% of 2014 Sales quota.

  • 40 Under 40 for Collaborate Magazine

    Collaborate Magazine

    Each year, on a national basis, Collaborate highlights event planners, sales managers, chefs, marketers and other professionals who are making an early mark in the corporate meetings industry. They are nominated for the annual honor by their peers and colleagues, as someone who is under the age of 40 and is already compiling an impressive list of accomplishments or has dedicated his or her time and energy to the meetings industry.

  • Traverse City Business News 40 Under 40

    Traverse City Business News 40 Under 40

    Honored with recognition for 2 years consecutively.

    An annual recognition for 40 unique professionals from a wide range of industries in the Grand Traverse region with one thing in common: impact. They hold positions of leadership and influence at for-profits and nonprofits, spark the region’s economy and give endless energy to community projects. After receiving numerous nominations from the community, a panel of judges reviewed the submissions and chose the 40 whose professional and…

    Honored with recognition for 2 years consecutively.

    An annual recognition for 40 unique professionals from a wide range of industries in the Grand Traverse region with one thing in common: impact. They hold positions of leadership and influence at for-profits and nonprofits, spark the region’s economy and give endless energy to community projects. After receiving numerous nominations from the community, a panel of judges reviewed the submissions and chose the 40 whose professional and community efforts over the past year rose to the top.

  • Traverse City Business News 40 Under 40

    Traverse City Business News

    An annual recognition for 40 unique professionals from a wide range of industries in the Grand Traverse region with one thing in common: impact. They hold positions of leadership and influence at for-profits and nonprofits, spark the region’s economy and give endless energy to community projects. After receiving more than 100 nominations from the community, a panel of judges reviewed the submissions and chose the 40 whose professional and community efforts over the past year rose to the top.

  • Nomination for Leader of the Quarter

    Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

    Recognition of outstanding levels of service by going above and beyond to provide each guest exceptional and memorable experiences amongst a staff of 700+ employees.

    Departmental Leader of the Quarter - 3rd Quarter 2003 and 3rd Quarter 2005

  • Sales Superstar

    KSL Recreation Corporation

    Award given amongst the entire collection of KSL Resorts Sales team members for achieving an excess of 100% of annual quota.

Organizations

  • SITE - Society of Incentive Travel Excellence - Chicago, Minnesota, Midwest and Texas Chapters

    SITE Chicago Board of Directors: 2017 & 2018 - Director of Events. 2019 Director of Sponsorship and 2020 President-Elect, 2020 President, 2020-2023 International Board of Directors, then elected to 2nd term 2023-2026

    - Present

    *Member of the Chicago, Minnesota, MIdwest and Texas Chapters *Served on Board of Directors for SITE Chicago when named 2017 SITE Global Chapter of the Year *Served on the 2018 Board of Directors for SITE Chicago when recognized with a Global Chapter Award of Excellence for both Special Event of the Year and our Young Leaders Program. As Director of Events, I was responsible for our sold out Holly Trolley Networking program, which was submitted as the Special Event entry. This event…

    *Member of the Chicago, Minnesota, MIdwest and Texas Chapters *Served on Board of Directors for SITE Chicago when named 2017 SITE Global Chapter of the Year *Served on the 2018 Board of Directors for SITE Chicago when recognized with a Global Chapter Award of Excellence for both Special Event of the Year and our Young Leaders Program. As Director of Events, I was responsible for our sold out Holly Trolley Networking program, which was submitted as the Special Event entry. This event included a progressive evening of networking with visits to 3 separate venues via 4 trolleys to provide an incentive program like experience rather than just a standard reception. *Elected to SITE International Board of Directors from 2020-2023. Re-elected to a second term in 2023-2026. *Regularly attend networking and educational events with chapters *Have attended the SITE Classic event and the SITE Global Conference

  • PCMA - Professional Conference Management Association - Greater Midwest Chapter

    Membership Committee: June 2015 to present

    - Present

    *Served as Vice Chair of the Membership Committee in 2016, continuing on Committee in 2017 *A member of the 2016 & 2017 PCMA Foundation Auction Subcommittee *Regularly attend Greater Midwest Chapter Meetings as well as National Education Conference and Convening Leaders Annual Meeting

  • MPI - Meeting Planners International - Chicago Area Chapter

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    - Present

    *Member of the Chicago Area Chapter *Previous member of the Michigan Chapter (1998-2013) *Regularly attend Chicago Area Chapter events and have attended MPI-WEC

  • FICP - Financial and Insurance Conference Planners Association

    Member of the Hospitality Partner Advisory Council for 4 years, Chair in 2012

    - Present

    *Serving on the Mentorship Program *Served on several Design Team Committees for FICP Conferences *Created and facilitated the Annual Conference Silent Auction sub-committee benefitting Junior Achievement. Resulted in the highest donation level in FICP history at increase of 47% over the previous record

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