We are excited to share that M&IW’s Catherine Shelton, CIS, Sr. Destination & Experience Design Consultant, is one of five recipients of the SITE Foundation’s David Riddell Scholarship. Thanks to the support of the scholarship, she will be attending SITE’s 2025 Global Conference in March. Catherine’s winning essay submission details the impact the incentive travel industry has made on her life, family, and community.
“While this industry is dedicated to designing and executing travel experiences that reward and motivate employees, it has had a similar impact on me,” she says in the essay. “The rewards of working in this industry… encompass personal fulfillment, strengthened family relationships, and positive contributions to the community.”
Read the full essay here and get to know Catherine in our Q&A. We can’t wait to hear about her experiences at the SITE Global Conference next year!
Get to Know M&IW’s Catherine Shelton
Congratulations, Catherine! Let’s start by learning more about your work here at M&IW. When did you start and what is your role?
I started with M&IW in January 2016, stepping away briefly from 2021–2023 due to the pandemic. During that time, I worked in the tech industry doing project management. I’m happy to be back as a Sr. Destination & Experience Design Consultant. My role touches every aspect of incentive travel: destination research and selection, contract negotiations and vendor partnerships, budget development, program customization, site inspections, and, most importantly, optimizing customer and attendee experiences.
How long have you been in the events or incentives industry? How did you first get started?
During college I worked various front office positions at the Conrad Indianapolis, including front desk and concierge. During that time, my love for the hospitality industry was born, and I knew I wanted to continue to work with luxury hotel partners. My first “real job” was in 2015 on the pre-opening group sales team at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. I’ve been in the industry ever since!
What are you most excited about regarding the SITE Global Conference?
This will be my first time attending this event, so I am thrilled to experience it with a fresh perspective. I’m also looking forward to the networking opportunities, education, and of course, the opportunity to experience it all with Tina and Tracy!
