ACAMS Today interviewed Senior Specialist Scarlet Patricia Fuentes from ACAMS’ virtual events team about her role in planning ACAMS events. Fuentes previously worked as the events program coordinator for six years before accepting her current position. She collaborates closely with account managers to project manage ACAMS preparation seminars for public sectors, private sectors and training partners. Fuentes works on and prepares both virtual and face-to-face events and manages the virtual classrooms for certifications such as CAMS, CGSS, CAMS-Audit and Advanced CAMS-RM. She is excited to continue to grow as a professional and contribute to her new department.
The value of face-to-face interaction will never go away, but the virtual component has definitely been a necessary part in the programming of events
ACAMS Today (AT): Virtual events have become ubiquitous in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Do you see virtual conferences, meetings and other activities remaining a constant in the conferences and events space?
Scarlet Patricia Fuentes (SPF): The value of face-to-face interaction will never go away, but the virtual component has definitely been a necessary part in the programming of events. Although the needs for a virtual element vary in conferences, symposiums and private trainings, I strongly believe that virtual activities will remain a constant in the foreseeable future.
AT: What day-to-day aspect of your job do you most enjoy?
SPF: I very much enjoy the cross-departmental interaction in my current role! Working with subject-matter experts and colleagues from the product, operations and sales team exposes me to the collective collaboration that goes on to put together events and trainings. I also enjoy the day-of execution to see the teams’ hard work come to fruition.
AT: Share your favorite ACAMS event you coordinated and planned and any highlights from the event.
SPF: I would have to say the Latin American (LatAm) Conference will always hold a special place in my heart. It was a bittersweet feeling coordinating my last LatAm Conference earlier this year in June. The hosted speaker and attendee receptions are always a highlight of the event. Also, the amount of positive feedback throughout the event from not only our attendees but our speaker faculty and to be back in an in-person ambiance.
AT: What are the key components of creating a successful virtual or in-person event and why?
SPF: There are many components needed to execute a successful event. To name a few: Good marketing, engaging content, plentiful networking opportunities and a phenomenal speaker roster! It is also extremely important to collect and consider attendee feedback to enhance future event experiences.
AT: What do you like most about working at ACAMS?
SPF: I am grateful for the ability to work remotely and still collaborate exceptionally well with my team. Apart from that, I like that ACAMS is a global company that provides many growth opportunities.
AT: What do you like to do when you are off the clock?
SPF: Outside of work, I dedicate my time to my two beautiful children. I love to partake in family activities, and I look forward to making unforgettable memories during family trips!
Interviewed by: ACAMS Today editorial, ACAMS, editor@acams.org
