CHICAGO – May 16, 2018 – Today NAMA announced that Ushma J. Suvarnakar, MTA, CMP has been named Director, Meetings and Events. In this role, Ushma will lead the strategic development, planning and successful execution of NAMA signature events and serve as the staff liaison to the Trade Show Advisory Committee. Ushma will be based out of NAMA’s Arlington, VA office and report to the Vice President of Programs & Services.

“We are delighted to welcome Ushma to our team. With her background and proven track record of success, she brings a fresh and innovative perspective to our meetings function, that will deliver measurable value to NAMA and its members,” said Lindsey K. Nelson, Vice President, Programs and Services.

“In fact, Ushma’s already hitting the ground running, having participated in a several strategy and planning sessions as well as a site visit to New Orleans for the 2018 Coffee Tea & Water show,” she continued.

With more than 12 years of industry experience, Ushma has earned noteworthy recognitions including the PCMA Distinguished Emerging Leader of the Year (2014); Association Forum’s ‘40 Under 40’ Award (2016); and Connect Magazine’s ‘40 Under 40’ Award (2018).

Most recently, Ushma served as Director, Meetings and Conferences at the American Anthropological Association, a position she held for four years. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration, majoring in marketing and international business, from the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her master’s degree in tourism administration from George Washington University’s School of Business and attained her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 2014. Additionally, she is an active association volunteer within the hospitality industry further growing her knowledge of meeting trends.