Inspiring Conversations with Angela Mills of Happy Place Events

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Mills

Hi Angela, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Angela Mills Bio: With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Nashville’s vibrant hospitality scene, Angela brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences.

Angela’s journey in the hospitality industry encompasses a diverse range of roles, including Hotel Group Sales and Management, Corporate and Association Event Planning, and Entertainment Rental Sales Director. Her expertise extends to on-site event management for any occasion, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish. She graduated from Rhodes College in 1991 in Memphis, TN and immediately jumped into the hotel scene which was were she learned about the many roles of the hospitality industry. She moved to Nashville in 1996 and continued her journey in Hotel Sales before leaving and becoming an Association event planner at AOII in 1997. Having served as the Convention Planner for Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII) Headquarters in Brentwood, TN, Angela immersed herself in professional organizations like Meeting Professionals International Tennessee Chapter nearly 25 years ago. She’s actively contributed to various committees within Nashville’s networking organizations and currently holds the position of VP of Membership on the Board of Directors for the ILEA Nashville Chapter.

Angela’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals shines through her dedication to college mentoring at Belmont University. Beyond her professional endeavors, she remains engaged in groups like Heels and Handshakes, the Williamson Co Chamber of Commerce, and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation.

In 2022, Angela Mills started Happy Place Events as a sole proprietor and thrives as a premier event transformation specialist, turning any venue into the perfect setting for any occasion. Her tenure as Sales Director with Fadds Events from 2017-2022- saw her pivotal role in reshaping and rebranding the company into a top-producing entity servicing Nashville’s downtown and surrounding hospitality industry.

Angela’s unparalleled event planning and management skills have garnered praise from clients, venues, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), hotels, corporations, and associations alike. Her extensive network and deep-rooted connections within Nashville’s community continue to be instrumental in elevating her career and expanding her reach within the hospitality sector.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No it has not been a smooth road. I have always wanted to run my own business but it took me till this year to actually wrap my head around what I was doing on my own. I have always thrived at Networking and Sales, but running your own business- you are literally doing it all. I am a one woman show all the time. I work with a lot of trusted colleagues and vendors that help me and I do hire contract staff when needed- but it can be lonely and difficult at times when there is no one in my home office with me to get help or just talk with. I have to sell myself to book my events and then plan and execute them all.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My diverse background in the Hospitality Industry of Nashville helps me be the best at Planning any kind of event and on site event management. I know all sides of this world and work with the best vendors to provide anything you need for an event. I know venues, hotels, decor and floral vendors, rental and entertainment vendors, catering companies, specialty activation vendors and just about anyone in my world. I specialize in Corporate, Non profits, Social events, Casino and Carnival themed events, milestone birthdays and Mitzvahs. I do not do weddings but will help with planning behind the scenes and refer anyone needing a wedding planner to the right person. I want my brand to always be that I am Happiest planning events and managing events. That’s why I named it
Happy Place Events. I am the best at what I do and with all of my experience over 30 years, I can handle it or partner with the right people to make it happen.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Honestly no- I do not really use any of those things. I network with other colleagues in my industry and learn a lot partnering with others or doing contract work with other larger event companies. I gain more knowledge and experience this way and can always apply it to my business in a practical way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.happyplaceeventsco.com
• Instagram: @happyplaceeventsco
• Facebook: Happy Place Events