MTI Events is a family-held, full-service events company that Melissa's mother founded in 1986. Melissa started with the company from its beginning, working her way from the ground up with data entry for performance reports, mailing promotional marketing items and working on site as professional travel staff. 

After graduating from college in 1994, Melissa started full time as an account executive in sales at MTI. In 2006, she took over as president of the company. 

Listen in as Melissa shares:

How she transitioned from an entry-level employee to company president.The secret to MTI Event's success over the years.How they've grown the business, including expanding beyond events as incentives and adding corporate meeting and team-building events; special events such as trade shows, golf tournaments and customer appreciation programs; and sales meetings.Some of the most memorable events Melissa has planned over the years. You won't want to miss the story about the zebras leading the guests to the buffet table!

Visit the archives to listen to all the events in the Smart Companies Thinking Bigger lineup.