Lauren Dunnaway - Founder, President & Chief Sales Officer at REACH Meetings & Events
Name: Lauren Dunnaway
Company: REACH Meetings & Events
Title: Founder, President & Chief Sales Officer
Career Overview
Lauren Dunnaway is a twenty-year veteran in the meetings & events industry, having founded REACH Meetings & Events in 2020. She holds key certifications including CITP (Certified Incentive Travel Professional) and HMCC (Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate). She has been pivotal in transforming REACH Meetings & Events into a comprehensive event management firm that provides services such as:
- Venue sourcing
- Meeting and event management
- Training and incentive programs
- Executive retreats
- Event staffing
- Full-service travel management
Lauren is also known for her previous role as an Associate Professor at Collin College, teaching courses on Introduction to Meetings & Events and Special Event Design. Her volunteer work includes significant positions within Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE).
Notable Achievements
Lauren's professional journey is marked by several notable recognitions and accomplishments:
- Rising Star for MPI DFW in 2010
- President of MPI DFW from 2012-2013; led a Supplier Sales Blitz that won a Global Rise Award for Marketplace Excellence in 2018
- Connect Marketplace’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2019
- SITE TX President during 2020, leading the chapter to win multiple awards including Global Chapter of The Year
- Named a 'Top 50 Chief Sales Officer of 2024' by Women We Admire
Professional Background & Industry Contribution
Before founding REACH, Lauren gained extensive experience in the hotel and events agency industries, working on a global scale with clients across various sectors including pharmaceuticals, finance, construction, education, and more. Her network extends across continents, showcasing her ability to manage and execute diverse events and meetings internationally.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lauren demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability by launching REACH Meetings & Events after being laid off. She managed to bring her entire team from her previous agency, leveraging the situation to push forward her entrepreneurial aspirations.
Personal Insights
Lauren's personal and professional lives are intertwined with a passion for community, entrepreneurship, and creating connections. Her early entrepreneurial ventures began at age nine and have continued to influence her trajectory. Lauren is deeply rooted in the South Dallas/Duncanville area, with family ties extending to Kansas.
Lauren is a mother to an eight-year-old daughter, Gwyneth Berniece, and actively participates in the D/FW LGBTQ+ community, organizing numerous events to foster engagement and support.
Her hobbies span a wide range, including gardening, history, genealogy, fishing, soccer, running, and cooking, all reflecting her dynamic and active lifestyle.
Conclusion
Lauren Dunnaway's career is a testament to her leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the meetings and events industry. Her journey from a college graduate to a recognized industry leader and successful entrepreneur highlights her capability to drive growth, create impactful experiences, and lead diverse teams to excellence.
