As part of our on-going "5 Minutes With" series, every month we’ll introduce you to a new member of our Disney Meetings & Events team at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California or Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii. Whether they work in our Disney Convention Resorts, Theme Park Operations, Catering and Convention Services, Sales, Entertainment or dozens of other event-support areas, these Cast Members and their teams are responsible for creating magical experiences and unforgettable events for meeting and event industry professionals, and their important attendees and guests, every single day.

Let’s meet Laura Fitzgerald, Senior Sales Manager at the Disneyland Resort:

How do you and your team work with meeting and event planners? 

We spend a lot of time on relating with the client by asking discovery questions, such as, “What did you like best about your last meeting and location? Why?” Once we feel that we have gathered as much information as we can, we send a recap of our conversation to the client so we can begin brainstorming ideas together to tell their group’s one-of-a-kind story. 

It is always nice to get the meeting planners on property for a site inspection. From our discovery, we can tailor the site according to what the meeting planner shared. We always try to sprinkle a little magic along the way. One example was a planner mentioned to me that she loved our turkey legs. As a surprise, we ate turkey legs for lunch while she was onsite! 

Can you describe one of your best Disney memories related to your position assisting a convention/meeting group? 

One group that I have worked with for years is a pest control organization. I met our Director of Horticulture and his team to a create horticulture tour, which was a truly customized experience that the organization was looking for. This was a great way to help them tell their story through a customized Disney experience, utilizing our experts in the field.

What is one of the greatest Disney Differences for attendees meeting at a Disney destination? 

Convention groups enjoy that we have many nighttime activities available, including Downtown Disney and the Theme Parks. This provides a cost-effective option for planners while their group stays on property. One benefit of staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel is that attendees have the option to extend their stay before or after the meeting. The ability for attendees to plan their vacation alongside their meeting at a Disney destination greatly increases convention attendance. 

What are some of the latest, most innovative trends you are seeing in the industry? How do you incorporate these trends into your client’s meeting or event? 

One trend that I am sharing with my clients who are looking for sponsorship opportunities would be event branding and signage. For example, we can create a custom event icon that is woven into custom credentials, event registration, and printed collateral. This allows the organization to really customize their event space.

What is your favorite part of your role?  

I love being a problem solver for my clients. I have been in my role for 18 years, so many of my clients are now friends and mentors.

What can attendees look forward to when meeting at a Disney destination? 

Groups can look forward to partnering with Disney to develop a truly creative meeting experience that tells their one-of-a-kind story. I let groups know that they can have as much, or as little Disney magic incorporated into their meeting experience as they desire. I have many groups that return to the Disneyland Resort, and every year the attendees always know that there will be new offerings in the Theme Parks, event spaces, and menu selections, which is exciting.

How does Laura’s story inspire you? Let us know on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn, or Instagram using #DisneyMeetingsAndEventsBlog. 

We're eager to help you create the perfect meeting or private event for any size group, theme and objective. To speak with a Disney Meetings & Events representative about our pricing and options available at our Disney Parks & Resorts destinations in Florida, California, Hawaii or at our international destinations, please contact us or submit a request for proposal or sign up to stay in touch and continue learning more about Disney meetings and events.