A Closer Look: Michael Luehrs
Michael Luehrs
Age: 46
Background: I came up through the hotel side, investing 17 years in operations across the United States, serving as general manager for two hotels and culminating with a role at the Doubletree Hotel in Portland, Oregon. In various roles, I had a chance to work with all the different aspects of the events industry, though, I must say that it was only upon joining MCI that I began to understand just how large, complex and dynamic the vast international meetings industry is.
Joining MCI Group: In Portland I had the opportunity to focus on fully developing and integrating a comprehensive sustainability plan [at the Doubletree Hotel]. The experience…was fundamental to winning the position at MCI. In 2007, the annual event for GMIC was held at our hotel. Guy Bigwood, now CSR director for MCI, was in attendance. MCI had just committed to taking action toward sustainability. We discussed ideas around sustainability and, later that year,
I accepted a position to help lead that cause.
Mentors: Guy Bigwood has helped me understand much about the international meetings world and practical approaches to strategic thinking. Steve Faulstick, general manager at the Doubletree Portland, has been a steady inspiration and role model with continued example of integrity, compassion and professionalism. Amy Spatrisano, principal at MeetGreen, may be first among my many mentors and continues to be a guiding light and provocative champion of mine. She believes in me enough to challenge me to be better. I find myself never wanting to disappoint her.
Favorite part of your job: Seeing that moment when people catch fire about sustainability as a key to better business and making a difference. It’s the moment when you see the transformation from confusion to engagement that makes being an advocate for sustainable business practices so rewarding.
Where you see yourself in 10 years: Happily married to my wife Erin, an addition or two to the family, and invested in a social enterprise that creates matches for organizational waste and community need. Also, helping organizations find strategic community partnerships for mutual benefit of all parties.
Most proud of: My daughter, Viveka, now 10 and among the wisest people I know.
Most inspired by: Art and artists who find ways to create and communicate complex ideas in simple, accessible ways.
Favorite type of music: I’m an indie-folk-rock geek but go off on different tangents all the time. I replayed the video with Jimmy Fallon-does-Neil-Young-doing “Whip Your Hair” about 30 times.
Favorite book: “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius” by Dave Eggers.
Favorite movie: “My Life As a Dog” by director Lasse Hallström.
Favorite quote: “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” —Robert Louis Stevenson
