Terry Matthews-Lombardo, CMP, Owner, TML Services Group, LLC

Name & Company?
Terry Matthews-Lombardo, CMP, Owner, TML Services Group, LLC

Number of years as a CMP?
35

Where did you grow up?
To quote two of my favorite tourism commercials, “Pure Michigan!” is where I was born and raised, but I’ve been a very happy resident of Orlando, Florida, since just out of college, so this is now my very own “happiest place on earth!”

What did you want to (or think you’d) be when you grew up?
My first goal was to be a hotel GM, which is why I majored in Business and Hotel Mgmt along with hospitality. Somewhere along that journey, I discovered meeting management and am happy to say that worked out “pretty darn well” for me, as I’ve been gainfully employed as a meeting planner for over 35 years now. Oh, and I always had an eye on being a journalist, too, so equally happy to say I’m progressing with that goal as I now call my alter ego that of an industry writer and was able to publish my first book, Meetings Mayhem!, last year.

What was your educational field of study (college major or whatever, as applicable), and, if notably different from what you do, your how/why/story?
See above for education, and I’ve been fortunate to have one exciting job after another, on both the planner and supplier side, and I’ve never looked outside of this industry for any growth as my background has proven that this is my happy place. From my first job out of college at WDW, where I was thrilled to enter the hospitality industry providing the highest level of customer service, to my next position as an international flight attendant for a private charter that took me all over the world. That was followed by being hired as the first meeting planner for an international association based here in Orlando, until I was drawn back into the exciting world of theme parks when I joined Team One at Universal Studios Florida and worked through pre and post opening years creating and overseeing their special events department. Somewhere through that time frame is also when I received my CMP [1987] and was able to be one of the founding members and two term past president of our local MPI chapter along with serving three consecutive terms on the International BOD. Further, I’m happy to say that since leaving USF, I’ve been on my own as a successful independent planner, so even though I never got to be a hotel GM, it seems my hospitality degree has come in handy every step of this journey!

What advice would you give, either to your younger self or to newer professionals now?
I’m proud to be able to mentor, to those both below and above me (in both age and industry credentials), and always tell them the same thing: be open to all the possibilities of the wide variety of jobs connected to hospitality and always, always follow your heart to do what you love with passion because it will help you succeed and fulfill your dreams as you move forward, one job at a time. Also, make sure to seriously and sincerely network at every opportunity. (Oh, and super important: never run out of chips before dip!)

When did you first hear about the CMP designation and what drew you to this certification?
Being an early member of MPI, I followed the journey of the creation of the entire CMP program and was in the second year graduating class. Back then, it was one of the only planner designations out there, and the prestige level was top notch. I went on to create the first Orlando CMP study group and proctored many exams along with writing exam questions in those early days. It’s a very integral part of my industry career path, and I’m always proud to talk about it, especially with industry newbies. Having the CMP definitely helped establish me as an industry expert and gave me a professional brand at an early age and stage in the formative years of our industry becoming recognized to the world.

What was one of your favorite in person events?
So many to choose from, but a few years ago, I had an exceptional opportunity, presented from a repeat client that knew and trusted me, to create, contract, and manage a series of events in multiple cities involving a new product roll out for them using top celebrity chefs and oh, what a treat that was! Also, a whole lot of work, but mostly just a joyous series of events from start to finish. Every chef was gracious, professional, fun and generous.

Favorite drink?
I’m happiest when sitting in a hotel lobby bar – anywhere – with a Jack Daniels and some industry friends. (Can’t tell you how much successful networking I’ve gotten done with Jack and friends!)

What is the biggest life lesson you have learned during the pandemic?
I was fortunate to be able to maintain a robust client base throughout these past few challenging years, but I must say I’ve worked hard to maintain those relationships, always volunteering to “stand in the hole” for whatever needed to get done. The lesson here is that when you make sincere client relationships, listen to and be open to what they need, they will remember you in good times and bad.

Tell us about the book you just got published?
I’m so thrilled and honored whenever anyone mentions they bought my book, Meetings Mayhem!, and really enjoyed it from cover to cover! It was truly crafted from my heart as an homage to this industry. The book is a collection of stories – all true – shared by a variety of industry pros taking readers behind the scenes of the chaos with meetings and events. Each chapter is a different standalone story, and I tried to include a bit of humor and education with them. The end result is something I’m really proud of. In fact, I’m already working on MM Volume II. So, if any CMP readers have stories they want considered for that next book I’m encouraging them to contact me, soon!

Do you have a favorite quote?
“It only takes 20 years to become an overnight success.” [Eddie Cantor] This seems especially true in my case, but I’ve been smiling for the entire ride!