Tiffany James, CMP, DES

Associate Director of Events

Tiffany James, a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Digital Event Strategist (DES), has had a successful and progressive career in the events industry over the past 15 years. She discovered her passion for event planning while working in hospitality. Armed with a Mass Communications degree from Eastern Kentucky University, Tiffany thrives in creating memorable experiences, achieving client objectives, and successfully leading event programs and teams. Tiffany has a reputation for “getting the job done”. She has led the planning of domestic events from coast to coast as well as international, including tradeshows and expos, virtual events, exclusive VIP events, tech user conferences, and corporate meetings. In her spare time, volunteering with non-profit organizations around Atlanta is something that Tiffany enjoys. She also loves to travel to warm destinations with beautiful beaches and water. Tiffany has been to seven islands in the Caribbean Sea. So far, Turks and Caicos is her favorite.

Shannon Bates, MBA, CMP, DMCP

Regional Director of Experience Design, Mid-South

Jill of all trades? Shannon has the corner on this market. Shannon fancies herself a foodie, but she is an expert in every aspect of events from creative design to painstaking logistics. Originally from Alabama (no Roll Tidin’ here), Shannon received a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from Auburn (War Eagle!) University. She began her career as a catering manager at a resort in Destin, Florida and went on to work in convention services at the Birmingham Convention Center. A move to the Nashville Convention Center in 2003 led Shannon to her adopted hometown.

Shannon next made her mark on Music City as the Director of Catering and Event Production for Nashville’s top special event catering company. After collaborating with the PRA Nashville office on many events, Shannon officially joined the team in 2011 and is now proud to be PRA's Regional Director of Experience Design for the Mid-South Region including the Nashville, Louisville and Atlanta offices.

Contact: Shannon.Bates@PRA.com

Courtney Hudson

Regional Director of Sales, Mid-South

Home is where the heart is, and you will never find more heart in a hometown girl than you will in Courtney.  Born and raised in the Nashville area, she is a living example of the amazing hospitality you will find here in our beautiful Music City. Courtney began her career in event planning as a wedding and event planner. Her attention to detail and genuine care for her clients is evident in all she does. Her contagious enthusiasm and upbeat personality allow her to immediately connect with people and put them at ease making her a perfect fit for the client based relationships here at PRA. Courtney was also instrumental in vetting and selecting talent for event entertainment as well as for major events, such as CMA Fest. These experiences helped her to fine-tune her skills in logistics and created in her a greater love for music and a good challenge. Driven by her talents, her desire to see everyone succeed, and her eternal optimism, she looks forward to each and every day, whether at work or at home with her husband, Nick, and daughter, Millie. Contact: Courtney.Hudson@PRA.com

Jacqueline Marko, CMP, DMCP

Regional Vice President, Mid-South

Jacqueline Marko, Jackie to her colleagues and friends, joined the Nashville office in 2011 as their Senior Sales Manager and was later promoted to Associate Director of Sales. Shortly after her move to Nashville, Jackie co-founded the ILEA Nashville chapter, serving as its first President from 2012-2014. In 2016, Jackie earned both her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP) designations and in 2017, Jackie was named the Association of Destination Management Executives International’s (ADMEI) “Rising Star” at the annual conference and awards. Jackie now oversees the offices in Louisville, Nashville and Atlanta as the Regional Vice-President, Mid-South Region.

Contact: Jacqueline.Marko@PRA.com

Abby Strawser

Regional Director of Events, Mid-South

Some people are lucky enough to know in their soul what they are meant to be – and Abby Strawser is meant to be a meeting planner. For as long as she can remember, she has been known as the planner to her family and friends – coordinating family vacations and birthday parties whenever she could. As she entered her professional career, Abby used that same passion and energy for planning to kick start her career – working in various industries that allowed her to perfect her craft, from sports organizations to media companies and even PRA Events! After spending the last few years getting the amazing opportunity to work for her family’s business, she is excited to return home to PRA Events as the Director of Events for the Nashville team. Each day, Abby brings a positive, joyful attitude to her work and programs, knowing just how lucky she is to get to plan meetings and events for a living. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Abby can be found on the weekends running at Shelby Park with her sweet rescue pup, Dot, spending time with her family at the lake, or cheering on her beloved Bengals (Whodey!) from her favorite East Nashville sports bar.

Brandon Peyton

Senior Event Producer

Born and raised between New Orleans and Cincinnati, Brandon developed a natural passion for the events industry while living in Chicago, where he 'figured out a way to get paid for playing,' as Alan Watts famously said. A graduate of Kendall College with a degree in Hospitality Management, Brandon has spent the last 10 years orchestrating dynamic weddings, corporate, and special events across Chicago's luxury hospitality and event brands. While spearheading the initial operational expansion of Curate Plan Styles's wedding and nonprofit segments into Atlanta, he rediscovered his knack for perfecting creative operational logistics for high-stakes corporate events. His storied portfolio includes developing programs for The Department of Justice, The New Orleans Saints, as well as overseeing transportation logistics for The 2019 Chicago Special Olympics athletes and media pools. Often receiving praise for his inventive eye and calming presence on the day, the self-described 'Maestro of Logistics' finds fulfillment in orchestrating programs where all the pieces seamlessly come together to create unique personal moments, fostering lasting communities and connections. Excited for his future within the brilliant Mid-South Regional family and PRA’s growing reach, Brandon is committed to leveling up his certificates in Project and Event Management into CMP and DMCP certifications. In his free time, Brandon enjoys gardening, home cooking, exploring flea markets and thrift stores, outdoor adventures, historical dramas, and monochrome cityscape photography. His life motto: 'If you shoot for the moon and you miss, hang on to a star.' – Dolomite"

Natalie Williams

Director of Business Development

Natalie was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating high school, she moved to New York City to attend the esteemed Fashion Institute of Technology where she received a degree in communications. Natalie first fell in love with the events industry while working at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. She then embarked on a remarkable journey in the hospitality and events industry that spanned over a decade in New York City. However, her deep-rooted love for family and a desire to raise her own children in her hometown led her back to her roots in Atlanta. With over 15 years of experience in the events industry, Natalie thrives on the exhilaration of assisting others in creating extraordinary occasions. Beyond her professional pursuits, Natalie finds solace and inspiration in writing poetry, nurturing her plants, and spending time with her family. Natalie's unwavering commitment to creating unforgettable experiences, her deep love for family and hometown, and her diverse range of interests and talents continue to inspire her to deliver memorable and impactful events that exceed expectations.

Paige Smith

Experience Designer

Originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, Paige's journey led her to Richmond, where she pursued her education at Virginia Commonwealth University. With three years of experience as a private assistant to a 60 Minutes’ producer, she then launched her own brand, P.S. Living, producing events along the East Coast. Transitioning to media production and design, Paige collaborated with Spang TV, excelling in partner-facing space design and vendor coordination. Since her transition into the corporate event world she has planned over 100 virtual and in-person events for the Educational Advisory Board, including international summits in Finland, England, and the Netherlands. With a keen eye for creativity and detail, Paige excels in crafting unforgettable experiences that leave lasting memories. In her free time, you will find her assembling charcuterie boards for poolside hangouts with family and friends!