Client Testimonial
Our dental practice has taken an annual trip for over two decades and Covington arranged every one of them. We count on their planners to suggest great locations, and then make sure every detail is handled before, during, and after each trip.
Our associates have a single goal, to have a great time, and working with the Covington team makes that possible. They take all the worry and apprehension out of traveling. Read More
Gilbert L. Roberts, Jr.
Administrator
Dr. Baxter Perkinson & Associates
Keys for Successful Executive Retreats
Are you looking to disconnect from the pressures of daily operations and focus on strategic planning and creative solutions? Discover how a professional meeting planner can orchestrate an environment that is condusive to an exchange of ideas as well as collegial bond between colleagues. Read More
Are Last Minute Meetings the New Normal?
Traditionally, a strong demand for meeting space has necessitated longer booking windows due to availability issues. So why is it that with a rebounding economy and meetings activity on the increase, booking advance time seems to be getting shorter and shorter?
Is this a trend that is here to stay or a cycle whose end is in sight? Read more about the factors that are shifting meeting booking lead times.
Whether you have long or short booking windows, contact Covington Meetings & Events to assist in creating effective meetings.
Our Meeting and Events Team
Anita M. Nelson
As director of Covington Meetings & Events, Anita puts more than 30 years of experience to work planning conferences, incentive travel programs and private events worldwide.
As technology and our industry continue to change the way people do business, Anita believes that the key to lasting success is to develop personal relationships based on trust, superior service and shared goals.
Anita thrives on the creative aspects of her responsibilities—developing new themes, décor and entertainment ideas, and pulling all of the elements together into a spectacular event.
Christi Ruddy, CMP
Christi Ruddy has been a member of the Covington Meeting & Events team for more than 25 years and a certified meeting professional for over 15. She plans meetings and incentive travel for a variety of organizations, and assists in developing websites for registering attendees.
Christi enjoys her work most when her attention to detail and ability to anticipate needs pay off and the client is happy with the final results.
Christi is actively involved in the Virginia Chapter of Meeting Professionals International, currently serving as chair of the Richmond breakfast forum.
Dee Dee White
Dee Dee has been in the travel industry for 27 years, adding the professional meeting and event planner specialty in 1992. Planning incentive trips and corporate events has taken her to destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Central America and throughout North America.
On a recent trip to Ireland, Dee Dee was left stranded with 24 travelers, due to the volcanic ash cloud. A planner to the core, she successfully scheduled another week of activities for her travelers and brought them home relaxed.
Dee Dee is a member of the Virginia Society of Association Executives. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of Hospitality Sales and Meeting Professionals.
Liz White
With 12 years of experience as a corporate meeting and incentive planner, Liz specializes in planning national sales conferences, managers meetings, sales training seminars, board of directors meetings, trade shows and incentive trips.
Liz most enjoys watching a meeting or event come to fruition after months—or sometimes years—of planning. Being on site and watching her hard work result in a great attendee experience is all the reward she needs.
Mary Ruffin
Mary began her career in travel more than 20 years ago. She specializes in educational tours for high school and university students, as well as programs for organizations and retirement groups.
Mary enjoys learning about new destinations and putting extensive itineraries together—she approaches planning as a puzzle and loves to make all the pieces fit.
Contact our Meeting & Events Planning Team or call us at 804-747-4197.