DeeDee Irby, Women of Faith

Conference Hotel Coordinator
Plano, Texas
Age: 36

Resume: “Leap of faith” is a commonly used phrase, but it’s nevertheless applicable to DeeDee Irby’s decision to move from her home state of California to Texas at the invitation from a friend. A serendipitous meeting at a Bible study group led her to the Women of Faith organization, which in turn led to a job. Eleven years later, she oversees the booking of hotels at more than 50 cities per year, which average 2,000 to 8,000 faithful attendees.

Career Highlight: Receiving the Annual Performance Award in 2010. Only two people receive the award each year between the company in Plano and the parent company in Nashville.

Inspiration: “Going into the lower bowl of huge sports arenas during praise and worship and seeing thousands of women praising God together. It’s an amazing reminder of why I do what I do!”

Industry Mentors: Betsy Troup with DMI Hotels regional sales; Tamie Smith with Omni Hotels global sales; and David Law with the Arlington CVB
Professional Affiliations: RCMA
Twitter/Blog: @deeirby
Dream Speaker: John C. Maxwell, an inspirational speaker I heard at Catalyst. When I heard him speak, there just wasn’t enough room in my program notebook to write down every thought I had after listening to him!
Last Place You Vacationed: A cruise to the Caribbean
Industry Buzzword You Despise: Attrition
Professional Pet Peeve: Sales reps who contact me and haven’t done their research before they make the call.
First Job: Driving a tractor on my parents’ almond farm in Bakersfield, Calif., in high school.
Where You’re Hosting Upcoming Events: We’re about to start our Fall Women of Faith tour, with 24 events across the country.