Marin Bright, an industry trailblazer and founder of Smart Meetings, passed away from complications during surgery on Saturday following a fall, according to an email to industry contacts from Smart Meetings this evening. Bright was the face of Smart Meetings — and its heart and soul. An enthusiastic and stylish traveler, she shared her experiences in the print publication, on the brand’s website and via her large social networks.
On her LinkedIn profile, Bright described herself as “passionate about creating the world's most brilliant experiences.” Her 40-year career in meetings and hospitality began in hotels sales, including three years as national sales manager for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. From there, she became West Coast sales manager for Meeting News, now a Northstar Meetings Group brand.
Bright spent nearly 10 years as publisher of regional meetings industry magazines — Meetings West, Meetings South and Meetings East — before launching Bright Business Media LLC and Smart Meetings magazine in March 2002. The company, based in Sausalito, Calif., continues to produce Smart Meetings magazine and its website, along with hosted-buyer meetings branded as Smart Meetings Events.
Among numerous accolades, Bright was honored with two consecutive Folio Top Women in Media Awards, was recognized as a Legend by PCMA’s Bay Area chapter, and named to the Eventex list of 100 Most Influential People in the Event Industry.
“This is an extremely sad day personally for all of us at Bright Business Media,” said Luc Troussieux, the company’s president and Bright's husband of 32 years. “Marin was an innovator in our industry and guided Smart Meetings with passion and innovation. She left us with a vision for Smart Meetings, and we are dedicated to fulfilling that vision and continuing what she has put in place for us.”
In lieu of flowers, friends and family of Bright have asked for donations to the SEARCH Foundation, which provides funds for meeting planners in need.
