The hardest part is over.
You’ve completed your job hunt. Your days of searching for listings on LinkedIn and Indeed are over. You don’t have to write another version of the cover letter you’ve already written a dozen different versions. And after being ghosted by too many hiring managers to count, one finally offered you an interview—and you crushed it.
You’ve officially landed the job—your first out of college, perhaps—and now it’s time to prove to your new employer that the person they met virtually through their computer screen is just as passionate, driven and eager to jump into their work as they said they were.
You’re getting settled on your first day and reality hits: For the next three to six months—whether under an official probationary period or not—you'll be “the new guy” whose actions are constantly assessed under a microscope. How are you performing and behaving? Are you picking up quickly on new processes and procedures? Do you “fit in” with the rest of the team? Your employer will be looking for signs they found the right person for the role, and you only have a few short months to make sure they’re confident they did.
I asked 10 meetings, events and hospitality industry professionals to share their advice for overcoming the onboarding process and mistakes to avoid as a new hire. Here’s what they said, and what you can do to make it through.
Bobby Hasenmueller, Director, Talent Acquisition, Maritz
First impressions do matter, especially in those early days. Whether you realize it or not, you are your own brand. Your reliability, professionalism, curiosity and follow-through all contribute to the reputation you’re building in real time.
The good news is that your brand isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being intentional. Showing up on time, asking thoughtful questions, owning your work and treating even small tasks with care sends a clear message about who you are and how you operate. Those early impressions build trust, and trust opens doors to more responsibility, opportunity and growth.
Gwendolyn Hood, Event Operations Consultant, Butterscotch Cloud
Strategic thinking isn’t reserved for senior roles—it’s what gets you promoted. Understand the why behind every event. It’s the through line for each decision you’re asked to execute.
When you’re setting up a registration page, ask what conversion rate matters. When you’re drafting an email, ask what action it’s meant to drive. That mindset separates someone who takes orders from someone who adds value.
[Related: The Z: 10 Meetings and Hospitality Professionals Share Tips for Standing Out in Job Interviews]
Jenn Toro, Vice President of Talent, Bishop-McCann
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is trying to be who you think we want instead of who you actually are. We can feel that. Authenticity always lands better than performance. And you don’t want to work for a company where you can’t be authentically you, anyway!
We’re less impressed by perfection and more drawn to presence. Show up prepared, curious and genuinely engaged. The candidates who stand out are the ones who ask thoughtful questions, listen well and let their personality come through.
Energy matters. In events, especially, we’re looking for people who bring warmth, adaptability and a sense of possibility into the room. You don’t need to know everything, but you do need to care.
And please don’t pretend you know something you don’t. It’s okay to say, “I’m still learning.” That honesty builds trust immediately.
We’re looking for coachability, ownership and emotional intelligence. Skills can be taught. Attitude, self-awareness and accountability are much harder to train.
Show us that you can think, not just follow. We want people who are curious, who notice things, who ask “why” and “how can I help?” Those instincts are gold in this industry.
Natalie Rivera, Global Account Executive, NHS Global Events
Timing is everything, so I highly recommend arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. This shows you’re eager and excited for your first day.
Dress to impress! Whatever the dress code may be, over-dressing is always better to set the tone for your journey. It’s true what they say: First impressions are everything.
Ask questions like, ‘How can I get involved with other teams I may not work with?’ or ‘What has made you successful in your time here?’ Personal and professional connection with your team is important. You may work together in various scales of your job; in our industry, it’s all about relationships and networking, so I’m a firm believer in establishing and maintaining this.
Volunteer to help with projects so you can learn and absorb all that there is to know. Be sure to be engaged in all meetings and take notes. I love to have a notebook to write notes versus typing on my computer. This shows you’re present with the task at hand.
Gina Boos, Lead Program Manager, Bishop-McCann
One mistake to avoid is focusing too much on wanting the job because of “free travel.” While it is a perk, 80% of what we do happens before we travel, and that’s the piece we need you just as excited about.
Invest in the industry. That can be as simple as subscribing to industry e-publications or joining an industry association. This shows an interest in learning the niches of the event industry.
Certifications: If you have an industry certification, please share. Most places know it takes experience to fully make those work and many will invest in you to get them once you’ve learned the ropes
Take the time to understand the industry. While it can look glamorous when you see the post-event photos, the events industry is considered one of the most stressful jobs along with surgeons, police, etc. There can be long days onsite, weeks or more away from family. Make sure you are ready for some of the sacrifices that come with the perks.
Mark Frances, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
The best advice I have ever received in this industry is quite simple: ‘Never, ever give up.’ I’d love to pass it on, as through all my experience working in hospitality, it has proven to be the best advice you can give anyone just starting out.
Working in hospitality is the most rewarding career if you understand that it can be a tough job, but everyone has a pathway to successfully becoming whatever they want to become and achieving any goal they set for themselves by consistently working hard and persevering, however they choose to get there.
The only barrier to success in hospitality is yourself, so never, ever give up.
And on another note, I don’t believe there is any way artificial intelligence will be replacing hardworking hoteliers any time soon, which is a good thing for those just starting out in their careers to be aware of.
[Related: The Z: In-Person Events Can Overcome Talent Acquisition Challenges and Generational Biases]
Lexi Roberts, Manager, Education Experiences, MPI
MPI is a skills‑plus‑community accelerator for event professionals. We recognize that career growth isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. MPI maps learning to career stages, including emerging, mid‑career and leadership, so members can choose bite‑size courses, deeper certificate programs or in-person experiences like WEC, often supported by MPI Foundation scholarships.
Join your local chapter and you’ll learn by doing. Programming, volunteering and stepping into leadership are real‑world reps that build confidence fast. Chapters are where you find mentors, collaborators and hiring managers.
Association participation keeps you current. You tap into peer education, industry research and communities of practice. ROI comes from networking and education, and these relationships quickly turn into opportunities and, even better, life-long community.
Carolina Voullième León, Multi-Property Director of Sales & Marketing, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
When starting in a new role, it is important to enter that environment by staying humble and being curious. Take this opportunity to learn the smallest of details in the field, as no task is beneath you.
This is said often but should always be reiterated: Stay off your phone unless it’s work-related. While you may not intend for it to come across this way, looking at your phone instead of paying attention to others in the room can come across as disinterest. Instead, show eagerness and always bring your best attitude each day, as this is the hospitality industry and it is expected of us!
Don't hesitate to ask questions but also listen to your coworkers more than you speak.
The last thing I'd say is to treat your teammates as you would treat guests; it’s definitely important to keep that in mind.
[Related: The Z: How Sports, Music and Traditional Shared Experiences Bring Us All Together]
Oscar Molina, Director of Sales, Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa
When onboarding into a new sales role, consistency is key. Start by mastering your product. When you know what you’re selling inside and out, you show up with confidence, and that confidence earns trust.
Don’t assume you already know the systems or policies; ask questions, clarify and stay curious. Carry a notebook, take notes and observe everything, including how your team works and how the company culture flows. That awareness gives you an edge.
Build strong relationships internally and don’t be afraid to introduce your team to your clients, as it shows collaboration and builds credibility. I always suggest creating weekly mini-goals and celebrating progress because small wins matter.
And if you can, find a mentor or buddy to guide you—it makes a big difference. These habits will help you build trust with clients and close business from day one.
Mike García, General Manager, Caribe Hilton
For Gen-Z professionals aspiring to enter the hospitality industry, now is an exciting time to build a meaningful and future-focused career. Hospitality is no longer just about service—it’s about creating experiences, fostering innovation and understanding global cultures.
My advice to young talent is to approach each opportunity with intention and a sense of curiosity. Learn the fundamentals, from operations and guest relations to digital tools and sustainability practices, as these are shaping the future of our industry.
Be proactive, ask questions and never underestimate the importance of emotional intelligence and adaptability. Those qualities will set you apart.
At our hotel, we believe in nurturing young professionals through mentorship, continuous learning and hands-on experience that lays the foundation for long-term success.
Go get ‘em, tiger!
Taylor
Have a question about Gen Z or a topic you’d like to learn more about? Share your thoughts with Taylor at taylor.smith@meetingstoday.com.
Mission Statement: "The Z: Planning for the Industry’s Next Generation" is a Meetings Today column discussing the meetings and events industry’s newest and youngest members—the incoming Generation Z. Written by Meetings Today’s Taylor Smith, a member of Gen Z herself, The Z explores how to welcome, work with, understand and plan for the industry’s next wave of professionals while serving as a guide for members of Gen Z themselves, planners and attendees alike.
Read more from "The Z: Planning for the Industry’s Next Generation."
