What first inspired you to work in travel technology?
What first inspired me was a natural evolution from my early days in tech on the customer service side. I found joy in helping customers navigate our products, but over time, I realized I was just as passionate, if not more so, about improving those products themselves. That drive to make technology better, combined with a growing love of data and its power to drive smarter decisions, led me to a place where I could influence product direction through insights. Travel technology gave me the perfect intersection of those interests: solving real-world problems, enhancing user experiences, and using data to fuel meaningful innovation.
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What advice would you share with women pursuing careers in a male-dominated field like tech?
My advice is simple: be confident but know your stuff. There will be times, many times, when you’re the only woman in the room, and it’s easy to be overlooked or underestimated. That’s why it’s critical to advocate for yourself, and the most effective way to do that is by being well-prepared and communicating clearly. When you combine expertise with confidence and clarity, you shift the focus to your value and contributions. Own your space, trust your voice, and don’t wait for permission to lead.
Where do you see the biggest opportunity for technology to improve group travel planning?
The biggest opportunity for technology to improve group travel planning lies at the intersection of data, AI, and the ability to build bigger, better, smarter tools. Group travel is inherently complex yet much of the industry still relies on outdated or manual processes. By harnessing the power of data and AI, we can streamline decision-making, personalize experiences at scale, and anticipate needs before they arise. This isn’t just about automation, it’s about intelligence. Smarter tools mean faster planning, fewer headaches, and ultimately, better outcomes for both planners and suppliers.
What’s your next personal trip, and what excites you most about it?
My next personal trip is a couple’s getaway touring wineries and brew pubs in the Pacific Northwest, something we’ve been planning for a while. I’m excited about discovering new places, tasting local flavors, and just slowing down and enjoying good company in a beautiful setting.
How has Groups360 and GroupSync changed the way planners research and book group accommodations?
Groups360 and GroupSync have fundamentally changed the way planners research and book group accommodations by streamlining what was once a time-consuming, RFP-heavy process. With the ability to bypass RFPs for certain group sizes and book instantly, planners can move directly into planning the event instead of spending days or even weeks just trying to secure rooms. It shifts the focus from back-and-forth negotiations to immediate action, giving planners more control, faster results, and the freedom to focus on creating great experiences rather than managing logistics.
What’s a surprising insight (or two) you’ve uncovered through your analytics work?
One surprising insight I’ve uncovered is that meetings persist no matter what’s happening in the world. Whether it’s economic uncertainty, global disruptions, or shifting travel policies, the underlying need for people to gather face-to-face remains remarkably resilient. What does change are the dynamics of those meetings: booking windows tighten or expand, budgets flex up or down, and priorities shift. But the core behavior, connecting in person, endures. It’s a powerful reminder that while the “how” of meetings may evolve, the “why” stays constant.
Which tech or automation capability do you think will become standard in the next few years?
In the next few years, I believe data-driven, AI-supported functionality will become standard across nearly all technology. While we’re already seeing early versions of this today, the future will bring smarter, more seamless integration—where AI quietly powers decisions, anticipates user needs, and enhances efficiency without requiring constant human input. From personalized recommendations to intelligent automation in planning and operations, these capabilities won’t feel like “add-ons” anymore—they’ll be built into the core of how tech works and how users experience it.
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