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Committee Focus
Peer-to-Peer Committee
As we wrap up the programming year, we decided to spotlight a committee whose focus is helping to shape
the future of our membership. Meet Caryn Granzow, co-chair of the Peer-to-Peer (formerly Mentoring) Committee.
Caryn, an Illinois native, has been a member of MPI since January 2006 and is the director of sales &
marketing at the Conrad Chicago. A 12-year industry veteran, Caryn started her career as an administrative
assistant at Hyatt’s corporate headquarters, went on to open the Hyatt Regency at McCormick Place as a sales
manager, then headed south to the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta. Since returning to Chicago in early 2001, she has
held sales positions at the Westin Chicago River North, Sheraton Chicago and as associate director of sales at
Le Meridien prior to the hotel’s transition to the Conrad in November 2005.
By
Melissa M.
Lipton, CMP
Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa
N&V: Share one fact that most people do not know
about you!
Caryn: After graduating from Drake University with
a degree in Political Science, I was a Deputy Assessor
of Cook County located in Northfield Township.
I assisted residents with understanding their property
taxes. In my spare time, I ran state political
campaigns.
N&V: As this issue of News & Views is featuring
Chicago, can you share with us your favorite places
to go or things to see and do in the summer in our
great region?
Caryn: Playing beach volleyball at North Avenue
Beach tops the list (followed by cold drinks at the
“Boathouse”). Tennis at Waveland is also a favorite.
I love sitting outside on the Terrace at Conrad,
especially on Sundays and Mondays when we show
movies. And just a simple walk along the lakefront
whether up in Evanston or in the city is my way to
relax.
N&V: What or who inspires you?
Caryn: My father was an amazing inspiration. As a
child psychotherapist he was the most patient and
calm person I have ever met. He also had the most
amazing work ethic. He taught me the merits of
hard work both professionally and personally.
N&V: What would we find in your fridge right now?
On your coffee table?
Caryn: The side of my refrigerator is covered with
wonderful photos of my friends’ children. My coffee
table is covered with remote controls, thanks to my
husband’s love of electronics.
N&V: Seeing our theme this issue, it is practically
required of us to ask: Cubs or Sox? What is your
favorite Chicago pizza / place? And, have you ever
put ketchup on a Chicago-style hot dog?
Caryn: I’m a die hard Cubs fan!!!! For pizza, I have
to go with Giordano’s - deep dish, of course. If I admit
to putting ketchup on a Chicago-style hot dog,
do I get disowned as a Chicagoan?
N&V: What was the last book you read? Last mov-
ie you saw? And a quick recommendation to our
readers, of course!
Caryn: I am currently reading A Year of Living Biblically,
by A.J. Jacobs. In Bruges was the most recent
movie I saw. I highly recommend Devil in the
White City, by Erik Larson - it’s a fascinating Chicago
read.
N&V: Tell us a bit about the achievements of the
Peer-to-Peer committee this year and your thoughts
looking ahead to next year.
Caryn: We have done an overhaul of the mentoring
program this year. The mentoring applications
are much more user friendly and with the help of
the Student Affairs Committee, we have more questions
that apply to our growing student membership.
We had a fantastic event this spring that was part of
our partnership with the Student Affairs Committee.
Sue Tinnish led the Mocktail event at the Conrad
Chicago on March 5th (see recap on page 21). It
was very successful and informative to studenst and
professionasl alike. We continue to work on the Subject
Matter Expert (SME) program which we hope to
roll out at the beginning of the 2008/2009 MPI year.
N&V: Since it is finally summer, what is your favor-
ite getaway or dream vacation and why.
Caryn: Why would I ever leave Chicago in the summer???
However, I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity
to visit my husband’s parents in England.
12 news & views | may-june 2008 www.mpicac.org