TD Talk with Donna Levesque

TD Talk with Donna Levesque

Meeting Alliance’s Jessica Siegel posed 10 questions to Travel Director Donna Levesque. They discuss the TD business, how to stay healthy while traveling, and the best spots to visit in Donna’s hometown of Pawleys Island, SC.
 
JS: How did you get in to this profession?
 
DL: I got into this profession with the help of my sister who knew a meeting planner that needed some extra onsite help.  That was January of 1997, over 20 years ago.   It was a real learning experience, but I am so glad I stuck with it!
 
JS: What is your favorite part of the job?
 
DL: My favorite part of the job is working with my friends from all over the country.  That, and traveling to places I’ve never been to before have to be the highlights for me.
 
JS: What is your favorite city/hotel to work?
 
DL: I don’t have a favorite hotel to work at but the Hawaiian islands are a favorite destination, as well as any destination that has mountains.
 
JS: What is the best location you have traveled to for work?
 
DL: Sydney, Australia was probably one of the best work trips I’ve ever taken!  I was privileged enough to experience so many great sites and activities – it truly was a trip I will never forget!
 
JS: What are your bucket list locations you’d like to travel to for work and/or fun?
 
DL: Ireland, Scotland, Norway and the fjords, Spain, Portugal and Alaska.
 
JS: What is the most interesting event you have seen at a meeting?
 
DL: Probably the most interesting event I’ve experienced at a meeting would be a gala event held in the African Bush, surrounded by armed marksmen to keep the wild animals from entering the elaborately tented formal dinner.  No expense was spared and this event was the talk of Johannesburg!
 
JS: What are your best healthy eating and exercising tips for the road?
 
DL: As far as healthy eating and exercising while on the road goes, I’ve written a book about it that I’ve yet to have published.  I used to “cook” while on the road and even have a suitcase with everything I need to do so, however, I’ve scaled back on that endeavor quite a bit.  I now prefer to travel with carry-on only, and you just can’t do that if you’re carting around cutlery!  I do try to pack healthy breakfasts, organic fruits and veggies, whole grain bread, and packable lunches like tuna and canned chicken breast.  As far as exercise goes, I try to work out every chance I get, but as we all know, once the program starts, it gets difficult.
 
JS: What are your interests outside of work?
 
DL: When I’m not working, I enjoy cooking at home.  I also try to bike or jog every day.  Just being home where I live, Pawleys Island, SC is absolute heaven!  It is so peaceful and beautiful here!
 
JS: If someone were to visit your home town, what are the things they must do?
 
DL: If anyone were to visit Pawleys, they definitely would have to check out our quiet beaches, especially at the south causeway.  Brookgreen Gardens is minutes north of us and is the largest sculpture garden in the US.  Having lunch at one of the plantation golf courses is a real treat.  The avenues of oaks are stunning and a true look back in time
 
About the Author
When Jessica is not sorting excel files, mail merging or updating Lanyon she can be found running, biking, out on the water, going to see live music or checking out restaurants in her new home city of Philadelphia.

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