NDIA meeting planner among up-and-coming events professionals in the world

NDIA's Andrea Lane

ARLINGTON, VA – Andrea Lane is in her 20s and terrific, according to the Professional Convention Management Association, which included the National Defense Industrial Association’s meeting planner in its “Top 20 in Their Twenties” program class of 2019, the Chicago-based organization announced Oct. 4.

The listing puts Lane in an exclusive group of next-generation business events leaders – “20 of the brightest and most-talented young meeting professionals from around the world”, said Christine Klein, senior vice president of meetings and business partnerships for NDIA. 

“Andrea should be very proud of this accomplishment,” Klein said. “Andrea showcased her talents and how they will shape the meetings industry of the future.” Hundreds of candidates apply for the award each year, and “the competition for this program is very tough,” Klein said.

“I’m really excited to be named for this honor,” said Lane, who joined NDIA’s meeting and events team in July 2017. “Working at NDIA has let me use my talents to show what I can do to make an event successful. I’ve learned so much, and I’m humbled to get this incredible recognition.”

Lane began working in the industry in 2015. She holds a bachelor of science degree in sports management from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., and a master of tourism administration degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Lane and others chosen for this honor will be recognized at PCMA’s Convening Leaders conference, Jan. 6-9, 2019, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. The Top 20 in Their Twenties program chooses the best and brightest in the meetings, conventions and business events industry from around the world, according to the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). A committee of veteran industry professionals and alumni of previous classes selects the honorees. Applicants must be employed full time in the business events industry and be no older than 29 on Jan. 9.

PCMA is a professional organization offering education and networking for those in the business events sector. It has 17 chapters in Canada, Mexico and the United States and counts members in more than 40 countries.