Topic:
Let Go of Hustle: Successful Leaders are Powered by Empathy

Date:
Monday, Dec. 11, 2023
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

The glorification of hustle culture is no longer valid. Melva explains why humane and empathetic leadership is non-negotiable for the vibrancy of the event and hospitality industries. Gain a new perspective to enhance your current leadership style and discover the critical role you can play in sustaining a positive work culture.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand key characteristics and behaviors of empathetic leaders
• Receive a framework on how to transform your work perspective
• Discover key considerations to maintain a human-first culture in the events industry.

Agenda:
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Education Session
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | “Unplugged”

Speaker:
Melva LaJoy Legrand, CMP, DES – CEO of LaJoy Plans
As a self-made entrepreneur recognized for her work in the Live Events industry, as well as causes rooted in social equality as it pertains to women, health, and race & identity, Melva LaJoy Legrand is a public speaker, event producer/director, community leader, and storyteller.

As the founder/CEO of LaJoy Plans, an event planning firm she re-launched in 2019, Melva has been recognized as a trailblazer in the events industry receiving the BizBash Top Event Industry Innovator Award and the Events Industry Council, Global Social Impact Award in 2022.

Focused on curating custom events for mission-focused organizations and individuals, Melva and her team have coordinated events for budgets in excess of $1.5M/day, spanning across 38 states and have included notable attendees such as Inaugural National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda C. Gorman; gospel legend Yolanda Adams; Former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi; civil rights icon, author, and founder of The National Memorial of Peace and Justice, Bryan Stevenson; and current U.S Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, among others. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Melva became the forefront of the event industry’s transition to virtual experiences. As the Education Co-Chair of the Live Events Coalition (LEC), Melva helped design all webinars and online conferences for its 1,500+ members, a position she held until 2022. As of 2023, Melva has spearheaded two new initiatives, Mondays With Melva; exclusive monthly content for her subscribers, offering career guidance as well as event planning tips and Head Table Talks; an annual luncheon that she co-created as a safe space for event planners.

Recognized nationally for her thought leadership, Melva has lent her expertise to topics surrounding Sexual Assault, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and Entrepreneurship and is skilled at speaking towards Staying Motivated, Diversity, Leadership, and Work Prioritization. She has spoken on panels for Consciously Unbiased, Tide Risers, RAINN, MPI Chicago, Evolve 2.0, along with being featured in Forbes Magazine, Architectural Digest, BizBash, Connect Magazine, and more.

Outside of her professional realm, Melva is known for her love of people, high energy, culinary event experiences, unique laugh, creativity and her tenacious work ethic. When not planning events, Melva can be found at OrangeTheory, swimming, or enjoying trips with her beloved husband Emmanuel.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Annual Partners