The mentors at The Annabelle Project are senior industry leaders with deep experience building, operating, and leading successful exhibitions, events, and hospitality businesses.
These are executives and operators who understand how the industry actually works—how events generate revenue, how organizations grow, and how careers develop over time. Their role is not simply to advise, but to provide participants with professional context, judgment, and perspective that typically takes years to acquire.
Each TAP participant is paired with a mentor who serves as a guide, sounding board, and professional reference point throughout the program. This relationship provides insight into real-world decision-making and access to networks that help accelerate career progression.
Mentors are selected not only for their accomplishments, but for their commitment to identifying and preparing the next generation of industry leaders.
Vice President of Material & Logistics, Shepard Exposition Services
My introduction to this industry began early in my childhood. My father worked in the trade show business throughout my childhood, and while I didn’t always understand the full scope of his responsibilities, I was captivated by the energy of the show floor the moment an exhibition opened. That early exposure left a lasting impression.
I started my own career at Shepard part-time, setting pipe and drape, tables, and chairs for 10’x10’ booths before eventually transitioning into the warehouse — all while attending Chattahoochee Tech. Balancing school with hands-on show floor work provided me with both the foundation and real-world experience that shaped my understanding of the industry and how it truly operates.
I can’t point to one single moment when I realized this industry was my future. Instead, it was a gradual recognition that came from passion and curiosity. I found myself constantly looking for ways to improve processes, support other departments, and create more efficient ways of working. The more I invested in the work, the more I realized I belonged here. As I continued to grow, it became clear that I wanted to contribute to Shepard’s evolution — not just as an employee, but as someone who could help drive innovation, continuity, and long-term success.
I’ve had the privilege of working in nearly every facet of a trade show general contractor’s services. After the booth setups, I went into the metal department, where I helped build more complex structures, registration counters, and graphics installations. I also earned my CDL (commercial driver license) to drive trucks across the country, ensuring company-owned items arrived where they needed to be, when they needed to be there.
Looking back, my greatest accomplishment isn’t a single moment — it’s the journey. Every role, every department, and every responsibility prepared me for leadership. Without those hands-on experiences, I wouldn’t be able to lead by example or truly understand the people doing the work every day.
My management approach is fundamentally anchored in collaboration. I see everyone as equal, creating an environment in which I work in tandem and engage in mutual learning daily. I would never delegate a task to others that I would not be willing to undertake myself. This reciprocal respect forms the cornerstone of our organizational culture and informs my emphasis on cross-training and interdepartmental collaboration. Fostering relationships throughout the company not only enhances the quality of our work but also fortifies the effectiveness of the team with which we accomplish it.
My biggest influence is my father. If you’ve ever stepped onto a Shepard trade show floor, you’ve probably heard his name. His ability to connect with associations, exhibitors, union workers — everyone — is unmatched. He taught me the importance of working hard, overall vision from everyone on the show floor, and treating people with kindness along the way. Ray Williams was another major influence. He took me under his wing early in my career and taught me the fundamentals: how to plan a show from start to finish, how to create labor call based on square footage, and the work required, and even how to rig hanging signs. His guidance built the foundation I still rely on today. As I grew into leadership, my mentor was Steve Margos. Steve invested his time to help me grow professionally. I have a mind for numbers and procedure; he showed me how to make the complex simple so everyone could understand, while still staying true to who I am as a person. Without these three influences, I wouldn’t be the leader I am today.
I love the fast pace of this industry. No two days are ever the same — every day brings a new challenge, a new situation to adapt to, and an opportunity to grow. This constant movement is what keeps me energized and engaged.
I’m proud of my growth and longevity with Shepard. As I’ve developed in my career, the company has grown alongside me, and being part of that evolution has been incredibly meaningful. It’s something that makes me proud to be a part of this organization and its future.
What I’ve learned along the way, I’d like to share. Ask three different people the same question, take something valuable from each answer, and then make your own judgment, form your own conclusion and decide your own strategy. It’s important to learn from others, but it’s just as important to trust yourself. Be patient, stay committed, and continue putting in the work. What’s meant for you in this industry will come — as long as you’re willing to work for it.
Chief Operating Officer, Clarion Events, Inc.
I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in business, and I attended Bentley University, a business university in Waltham, MA, where I gained a strong, well-rounded foundation across all facets of business. I also took full advantage of internships in the Boston area to begin building my professional network early on. I landed my first job in the industry through a college classmate who worked for a large-scale trade show organizer at the time. That opportunity led me to make the leap from Boston to Connecticut to pursue a role in large-scale event sales — and that’s really where it all began.
I knew pretty early on that the events industry was for me. I’m a people person at heart, and this industry checked every box. I could interact with people constantly, meet individuals from different backgrounds and industries, and help influence business outcomes for customers.
Travel was another major draw. Early in my career, I was able to explore different parts of the world, experience new cultures, and grow both professionally and personally in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I had an incredible time doing it – and it didn’t take long to realize this was exactly where I was meant to be.
What’s been most interesting to me throughout my career is that I’ve been able to work across virtually every facet of the events and hospitality industry on the trade show side — from sales and customer service to operations and leadership. This breadth of experience has given me a well-rounded understanding of the business, and I believe it’s one of the reasons I’m in the role I’m in today. Being exposed to so many different areas enriched my perspective and helped shape how I lead.
But it is the network of relationships I’ve built throughout the industry that I’m most proud of. I think of it as one of my greatest accomplishments. I’ve been fortunate to spend more than 26 years surrounded by talented people and meaningful relationships. I’ve worked alongside exceptional leaders and colleagues throughout this journey, and those connections have shaped both who I am and how I lead in more ways than I can count. Over the years, many professional relationships have become personal friendships. Especially in today’s rapidly evolving business environment, relationships and networks remain one of our greatest assets.
My driver is passion — passion to win, to improve, and to leave things better than I found them. That mindset has always been at the core of how I work. I also believe strongly that people do their best work when they actually enjoy what they’re doing. I love celebrating wins, recognizing accomplishments, and building environments where people genuinely want to show up. Even mistakes have value if you approach them as learning opportunities rather than failures. When the culture is right and people enjoy the work, everyone pushes a little farther.
I’m deeply proud of the work I’ve done developing and mentoring talent. Being able to share experiences, guide people through challenges, and watch them grow within an organization — that’s genuinely fulfilling. Investing in people has always been one of the most rewarding parts of leadership for me. As a boss and mentor, I’m probably a little old school in my thinking, but I believe the fundamentals still matter more than ever. As a major influence on me early in life, my grandfather had a lot to do with this. He instilled a very strong sense of work ethic, discipline, and pride in what I do. He reached the top of his profession, and that example stayed with me. So, when I’m developing and mentoring young people, I advise them of the basics. Show up on time. Be present. Stay curious. Ask questions. I tell them, “You’re entering a field full of talented people, and the ones who stand out are the ones who consistently bring energy, effort, and engagement every single day. Put simply: what you put into your career is what you’ll get out of it.
Attendee Engagement Manager, Total Product Expo
My career in events began with a working relationship that grew into a 20+ year friendship. While working at a Boys and Girls Club, I met Dawn—a close friend who would go on to play a pivotal role in my professional journey. When she took a role at a trade association, she recommended me for a position there as well. I spent the next seven years working alongside her, managing membership recruitment and retention, and producing events including networking mixers, lunch-and-learns, golf tournaments, and an annual gala—all while pursuing studies in nonprofit management.
I eventually transitioned into the nonprofit sector as a grant manager for an organization supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. In addition to managing grants, I helped plan golf tournaments, candlelight vigils, and other awareness events—experiences that sparked my passion for cause-driven event planning. Today, I consult with nonprofits on programming and grant writing, and to produce impactful events, including 5Ks, galas, music festivals, and awareness campaigns. On occasion, I’m brought in on an emergency basis to finalize logistics and ensure events come together smoothly and professionally.
Dawn and I now work together at Total Product Expo, our third company together. From her, I’ve learned how to see the big picture—how every part of an event connects and how to plan proactively. Another key mentor, Meg—the Executive Director at the domestic violence and sexual assault organization—taught me to bring passion and purpose to every project. Their guidance has shaped my approach: strategic, heart-led, and always focused on creating meaningful experiences.
At Total Product Expo, I lead the entire attendee journey— from building registration systems and coordinating marketing efforts to managing hosted programs and shaping the on-site experience. I ensure that every touchpoint is intentional and welcoming, creating a seamless and engaging experience from start to finish. In 2022, I introduced a loyalty program that rewards returning attendees with complimentary registration, hotel perks, VIP lounge access, and curated thank-you gifts. Before each show, I personally call every loyalty member to thank them and invite them back—building long-term relationships that drive strong retention year after year.
Organization comes naturally to me, and I value transparency and teamwork. While our team holds regular weekly check-ins to stay aligned, I make it a point to offer support where needed and foster collaboration across all moving parts. I also continue to invest in professional development and training to grow in both nonprofit and event spaces.
To the next generation, I offer this:
Vice President, Exhibitor Services and Customer Delivery
My journey into the tradeshow industry was an unexpected yet rewarding one. I went to Fairfield University for communications because, like many college students, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. After graduating, I fell into events through a summer internship, and I never looked back. By nature, I’m type-A – very organized and energized by the challenge of managing the countless details that go into each event.
I spent the first 10 years of my career on a small events team at a media company, planning conferences, tradeshows, and awards dinners in the financial services industry. It was a fast-paced environment where I learned to juggle multiple events and adapt quickly. Then, I joined Leftfield Media, part of Clarion Events, as a senior event operations manager working on Comic-Con and anime shows—worlds I knew nothing about at the time! These shows thrust me headfirst into the tradeshow world and taught me to learn on the fly. Hotel-based events didn’t quite prepare me for managing events with 40,000+ fans!
After a few years in operations, I moved into the business-to-business (B2B) side of Clarion Events and began managing the exhibitor services team. Two years later, I took on the event operations team. My teams now oversee the execution of 30 tradeshows a year in the U.S., and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I truly didn’t know the events industry was even an option, but it turned out to be my perfect fit.
My management style is rooted in honesty, trust, curiosity, and empathy. Having worked in many of the same roles as my team members, I understand their unique challenges and prioritize effective communication and relationship-building to navigate challenges. I love to celebrate the team’s wins – big or small. I believe in getting to know my team members personally and seeing them as whole people. I also lead by example – I’m never afraid to roll up my sleeves and jump back into the weeds to get the job done, both pre-show and on-site. I have seen this quality a lot in leaders at Clarion – I remember early on in my career seeing Kelly Comboni, then President of Leftfield Media, jump in to work registration or security at events. I absolutely love seeing a leader jump in with their team and that’s always what I strive to do.
I’m proud of growing two remote teams that feel like close-knit, in-office teams. My teams genuinely enjoy working together and look forward to being on-site, not just to see their hard work come to life but to connect and support one another.
One project I’m particularly proud of is driving the Clarion Cares initiative, where we partner with a local or industry-adjacent charity at each event. We’ve raised money, donated thousands of pounds of food, and contributed art to local hospitals, among other initiatives. We were even recognized at the Trade Show News Network Awards for our efforts.
The travel has been an added bonus. I’ve been to cities I might never have explored otherwise. My advice to the next generation is simple: enjoy the journey. It’s easy to get caught up in the end goal – the event itself – but finding joy in the everyday moments makes the work far more rewarding. Embrace the process, stay curious, and always be open to new opportunities.
Director of Event Services, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
I got my first job in the events industry as a Public Safety Manager of Event Services at the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. As a criminal justice major, my initial goal was to pursue a career in law enforcement. I believed this role would provide me with valuable experience and bring me closer to that goal. I was responsible for creating security plans for events coming into the convention center and ensuring the plans were executed from start to finish. This role allowed me to apply skills and knowledge from my education in a practical setting, the events industry – it was a significant steppingstone.
I knew this was the career for me about three years ago. I took a two-year break from events to be a Regional Facility Manager at Meta (formerly Facebook). While it was a great job, it was unfulfilling because I couldn’t connect with people. My true passion lies in social interaction with people from diverse backgrounds, as I found at the convention center. Plus, I made a direct impact there. I missed this at Meta, and realized a career in the events industry was what I wanted.
Here at the convention center, I’ve held three different roles: first as a public safety manager, then moving to Building Services, and currently the Director of Event Services. These three roles have provided perspectives from different positions, and given me a comprehensive understanding of how the convention center and events operate together, and shaped me into the leader I am today.
I’ve had the opportunity to engage with people with various backgrounds, from all over the world. They come to attend events and conferences, and for many, it’s their first time at the convention center. I take great pride in providing them a positive experience by creating a welcoming environment that embodies true hospitality. It’s incredibly fulfilling to work alongside my team in making each visitor’s experience memorable.
In every position, I have endeavored to put my best foot forward and one of my proudest accomplishments was being recognized in a magazine of the International Facility Management Association. The article highlighted my work at the convention center, which struck me because I see much of our work as often behind the scenes. This honor affirmed my contributions and dedication. Another key accomplishment has been my promotions in the convention center. The ability to move around and demonstrate my value across different positions has been incredibly rewarding and has fueled me. I am particularly proud of my contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, I helped transform the convention center into a field hospital and then as a vaccination site. Those projects were incredibly meaningful, yet my greatest pride comes from being part of the convention center team that helped our community navigate the crisis.
Every day presents a chance to improve and expand my skills in this dynamic environment. I learn from my team, and continually seek opportunities for personal and professional growth. My exposure to the three areas at the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority has allowed me to cultivate strong relationships and learn from the people around me. In the Public Safety Department, individuals like John Joines, Jeanette Soriano, Allen Proctor, and Rob Noonan significantly influenced my development. When I transitioned to Building Services, John Donahue helped facilitate my learning in a new field and supported my growth. Now, in my role as the Director of Event Services, I have been fortunate to work with Diane DiAntonio, and Michael Tedford, who have guided me in establishing myself in the department. Each of these individuals has provided me with valuable resources and opportunities, allowing me to grow and learn continuously. Their influence has been instrumental in shaping my management style and work ethic in this industry.
My management style is a blend of being a visionary and coaching. As a leader, your impact is ultimately defined by how you make others feel, rather than the specific tasks you complete. This drives me to empower those around me, maintain a positive attitude, and push my team to grow and develop. I care about developing others, ensuring those I work with have the opportunity to learn, grow, and advance in their careers. Also, I have a sports background that has instilled in me a strong work ethic, discipline, and a commitment to teamwork, which I bring to my role today.
I would like to pass on to the next generations, what I have learned from my mentors, clients, guests, and experience: master the art of communication. Being able to communicate effectively with everyone is crucial, and it requires intentional effort. In school, we learn how to read and write, and there are opportunities to take public speaking classes, but it’s essential to be proactive about developing your communication skills. I encourage you to read about effective communication, take relevant classes, and join clubs that focus on this area. When you learn to articulate your thoughts in a way that resonates with others, you can be incredibly impactful. A key aspect of communication that is often underrated is listening. It’s vital to learn how to listen actively, not just to those in positions of authority but to everyone around you, including those who may have no formal power. I experienced a significant shift in my career the moment I decided to become the best listener in any room I entered. So, my advice is to prioritize learning how to communicate effectively and, even more importantly, how to listen. Embrace feedback and engage with others thoughtfully. While you may never fully master communication, reaching a point where you are a strong communicator will help you connect with others and make a meaningful impact.
Sr. Director, Exposition Sales - AVIXA
The career I chose was inspired by my uncle. He was the ultimate successful salesperson, and I looked up to him. I always thought I was destined for sales because he was my role model. I majored in Marketing at school, which, combined with my favorite class: Personal Selling, gave me the hybrid skills I needed to follow in his footsteps. He started his own business, a photocopier dealership, so I went into selling copiers. It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time, and I disliked cold calling – an aspect that survives to this day. But I was successful and when I met a recruiter for National Trade Productions (NTP), I asked about sales jobs. And the rest is history.
NTP made an immediate impact on me. The CEO Bob Harrar and Jeff Calore, my boss, struck me with their emphasis on people – trade shows were about people and the people like Bob and Jeff who worked at NTP were awesome as well and that attracted me. I have met so many people through the years with whom I have made lifelong friendships. And trade shows are exciting. I had the opportunity to work on CES (Consumer Electronics Show), the biggest trade show in the world. Mentors like its President Gary Shapiro and Karen Chupka have shaped me tremendously. I have traveled around world and the United States, for for-profit and nonprofit organizations, doing what I am interested in doing: sales, and connecting with people.
Being able to maintain a connection to the fundamentals of sales is critical to my success. I do this by staying involved with telling others about them, whether it’s speaking at various events, teaching, leading, or coaching. I repeat the fundamentals constantly, ever since I was a speaker early in my trade show career. I love talking everything sales at training sessions such as IAEE’s (International Associations of Exhibitions and Events’) seminars and workshops such as Sam Lippman’s roundtables. Looking back, I am gratified to see so many of the industry’s great sales leaders thriving, some of whom I’ve helped to inspire and ignite a passion for and pride in sales. Some of them were on my staff, others attended my training. I am humbled and pleased when they mention my name in connection with their success or that they tell me directly that I changed their lives. I am most proud to work for one of them now. Many have surpassed me; it’s their turn, and that’s just fine with me.
To be sure, sales is hard work. I attribute much of my effectiveness to diligence. I’m not afraid to knuckle down and do everything that needs to be done, although my family may think I work too hard. Sometimes I work during my vacations (I am not sure if I am too proud of that), I schedule meetings during breaks in meetings, and I make calls on my way to and from lunches — there’s so much to do. But as a leader, I would like to think I am more motivational and inspirational than a hardcore manager. People say I’m involved in the work, but I try to give a lot of latitude and seek input, so teammates are invested. I also put a lot of stock in self-assessing my work. I care whether I’ve created the right content and delivered it the right way. It is important to continuously improve, even if it is the same job or the same event or the same class.
But it doesn’t always feel like hard work. The Professional Audiovisual (Pro-AV) industry my show is in is very cool. Also, I love the nonprofit side where we’re focused on achieving the mission of supporting the AV industry. I love the people I work with, and I enjoy the flexibility of working mostly from home, although I often go to client sites and conferences and would do it every day if called upon. Best of all, I get to practice my skills as a leader and salesperson. I meet with a lot of clients and because I love sales, I would like to think that my authenticity shines through, even virtually and over the telephone.
It’s interesting: I used to be the young, naive salesperson calling on wiser older people and now I’m an older and hopefully wiser salesperson communicating with younger people
This is what I tell salespeople, young and old alike:
Executive Vice President of Growth, eMerge Americas
I am a second-generation trade show executive. I remember that at an early age, I walked the aisles of arts and crafts shows with my dad, not fully understanding what was going on but enjoyed the experience, nonetheless. My dad never pushed me into any particular career, including trade shows, but he was a fabulous mentor.
In school, I didn’t think I’d end up where I am today. I went to the University of Florida, on track for law school, and took the LSAT, wanting to study international law. My senior year, a pre-law professor whom I adored, urged me to think about what I really wanted, suggesting that I not immediately jump into the law. Instead, she suggested I get a job, and if I were still passionate about the law I could always go back and pursue it later. In reality, I was always a high-achieving student, and I needed a break from the academic setting, so I got a job. Enterprise Rent-a-Car recruited me out of college; it has the top first or second business management program in the country. There, I got a ton of real-world experience. I was 22 years old and ran my own branch of 10 employees, a fleet of cars, and had responsibility for profits and losses. After 18 months, I decided retail wasn’t for me.
Then Dad said, “I don’t want to influence you any one way, but I think you’d do really well in my industry.” He said I had the right personality, so I gave it a try. I got a job with Hanley Wood (now Informa), in Dallas. I moved myself from Florida to take an exhibit and sponsorship sales position, selling events in the construction industry. It was not a good time to be in construction; it was the housing crisis of 2007 to 2009. Well-established shows were disappearing overnight or struggling to stay afloat, and companies were going out of business. Cutting my teeth in trade show sales, this was a huge learning experience for me. It was tough but I did well, got promoted, and survived.
A pivotal moment was the next job — definitely a stretch now looking back on it. Jenn Hoff, President of NTP called to say they needed a new director of sales to manage a portfolio. Up to then, I had only managed one show but Dad said I’d be fine. I interviewed, got it, and moved to DC with a packed car. NTP was a game changer in my career for many reasons. I worked really big shows, they were among the top 30. Then Bob Harrar, the Founder & CEO of NTP, tapped me to head up sales for the company’s proprietary events and new launches. This took a different skillset. It was super fun work, it got me jazzed. We failed miserably with some of our launches, but we learned from them – others thrived and still around today.
Our COO, Karin Fendrick, believed in me, was incredibly supportive, and took a lot of chances on me. I was in the trade show industry 4 or 5 years when the vice president of sales stepped down. Karin gave me the job to manage 15 events. NTP got me a mentor, Dan Cole, who was my sounding board. We met whenever I was unsure about anything — employee questions, the events – and he gave me a lot of confidence by affirming and validating what I was doing. He told me to trust my instincts. That was the turning point for me. I had an established career. I liked what I did, and I could continue to grow and learn. I’m still doing new things, branching out (I’ve added marketing to my job at eMerge Americas).
But life has a way of throwing you a curveball sometimes. In 2015 my husband got a great career opportunity in Florida. Even though NTP was tracking me for an executive position, we decided to go to Miami, and I would focus on my young family. So, I resigned and started a consulting business that lasted 7 years. It was a huge decision and a big risk to go out on my own and try something completely different. Ultimately, it was incredibly rewarding and I thoroughly loved turning shows and teams around, bringing them back to profitability and productivity.
I consulted with eMerge Americas part time at first and slowly, my involvement grew into a full-time position. Now, I feel I’m doing the best work of my career. The team is amazing, the work is challenging, we have lots of aggressive growth goals and we’re hitting them. I‘ve realized that I like launching shows more than sustaining mature ones. It’s harder, but more rewarding. I’m more willing to take risks in the self-discovery phase, when new or young shows are looking for their place in the market. eMerge is there and now we are scaling, the second phase. It’s entrepreneurial, it still feels like a young company, and I’m surrounded by talented people.
I try to empower the team because that was a positive influence in my own professional journey. I pick smart, driven people and let them run with it. In marketing, I know my teammates’ strengths and my weaknesses. As a company we set high expectations, called B.H.A.Gs. (Big Hairy Audacious Goals). It’s important as a leader to set big goals, set the bar high, and work hard to get everybody behind them. We must make the impossible possible. We often say, “teamwork makes the dreamwork”.
Here are three thoughts for the next generation:
Event Partnerships, Vendelux
I never imagined myself in events — no childhood dreams of managing conferences, no event planning courses in college. Instead, I spent years deep in marketing, focused on demand generation, content strategy, and what really makes buyers tick. I loved figuring out how to create campaigns that did not just look good but actually drove revenue. Then came Vendelux, and everything clicked. Here was a platform helping enterprise brands understand who is in the room at their events and why it matters. The mission grabbed me immediately: events create revenue and relationships, and the event marketer should be recognized. It was the first time my marketing background made perfect sense inside a single industry.
Looking back, every piece of my journey prepared me for this. My finance degree gave me an analytical mindset. My storytelling experience taught me to keep things simple. And my marketing years showed me how to transform insights into real results. Throughout my career in marketing, sales, and entrepreneurship, one truth kept surfacing: human connection withstands every market shift. Campaigns change. Platforms evolve. Algorithms definitely change. And now with AI transforming everything, the digital world is accelerating faster than anyone predicted. But one thing has stayed the same. When people meet in person, something special happens. Trust forms faster. Connections run deeper. Impact lasts longer.
That is what hit me. If relationships drive business, then events, where relationships are born, will always matter. Joining Vendelux did not feel like entering a new industry. It felt like coming home to something I had always known. In an increasingly automated world, the most powerful thing we can create is meaningful human interaction.
Because Vendelux is a fast-growing startup, I have had the opportunity to wear multiple hats. I have helped organizers attract the right attendees, supported exhibitors in finding success, and contributed to impactful outcomes such as events with 75 percent VP-level attendance. I have worked with global organizers from Terrapinn to Hyve Group and represented our team at major conferences.
I am driven because I take full responsibility for outcomes. I plan ahead, anticipate issues, and go the extra mile to ensure the final result is something I am proud of. Events move fast, deadlines are firm, pressure is constant, and it is tempting to rush. I have learned that speed means nothing if the work is not done well.
I credit much of this mindset to my dad. He is a hard worker with an entrepreneurial spirit, and he taught me early on to be particular, not sloppy. “If you are going to do something, do it right.” That shapes how I approach every project today. I also carry a lesson from a mentor who always reminded me, “Garbage in, garbage out.” Whether you are working with data, strategy, or event planning, the quality of your inputs determines the quality of your results. That advice taught me to do the work the right way up front, check the details, ask the extra questions, and avoid shortcuts, because fixing something at the end is always more costly than getting it right from the start. Together, these influences have built the core of how I operate: thoughtful planning, high standards, and a commitment to excellence even under tight timelines.
In addition to nurturing relationships, I love
These times remind me that we are not just supporting events; we are shaping the future of events.
I would like to pass on to the next generation these thoughts and advice:
Managing Director of Business Development The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
I began my career in the events industry at the age of 16 while still in the 11th grade, serving as an intern at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). That early exposure gave me a unique opportunity to experience the industry firsthand long before entering the workforce full-time. It also introduced me to the strategic side of events and sparked an early interest in business development, client engagement, and the role events play in helping organizations grow.
After earning my Bachelor of Science in Marketing from George Mason University, I transitioned into a full-time position at SHRM, where I continued building on the foundation established during my internship. My academic background provided a strong understanding of marketing strategy, consumer behavior, and analytics, while my real-world experience allowed me to immediately apply those principles in a fast-paced business environment.
While my education played an important role in shaping my professional perspective, much of my long-term growth has come from maintaining curiosity and committing to continuous learning throughout my career. The events industry evolves constantly, and I have always believed that adaptability, professional development, and a willingness to embrace change are critical to sustained success.
I knew early on that this was the industry I wanted to build my career in after experiencing my first complete event cycle. Being involved in every stage — from site visits and floor plan development to sponsorship strategy, marketing, sales, and client engagement — gave me a comprehensive understanding of how many moving parts come together to create a successful event.
What resonated with me most was the opportunity to work directly with clients to understand their business objectives and develop solutions that aligned with their goals. I quickly realized I enjoyed the strategic side of the business, particularly the process of customizing sponsorships, creating engagement opportunities, and positioning events in ways that delivered measurable value.
However, it was the onsite execution that truly solidified my decision. Watching months of planning come to life and seeing exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees engage in meaningful ways was incredibly energizing. That transition from concept to reality confirmed for me that this was not simply a job, but the right long-term career path.
Over the course of my 26-year career at SHRM, I progressed through a series of increasingly senior leadership positions, including Exhibits Assistant, Exhibits Coordinator, Senior Exhibits Specialist, Manager of Exhibits and Sponsorships, and ultimately Director of Exhibits and Sponsorships. Each role expanded my expertise in event strategy, revenue generation, relationship management, and leadership while giving me a deeper understanding of the operational and commercial drivers behind successful events.
Alongside my professional growth, I remained committed to continued education and industry involvement. In addition to earning my marketing degree, I obtained the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation through the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). I later had the opportunity to Chair the IAEE Expo! Expo! Advisory Committee in both 2022 and 2023, which allowed me to contribute directly to one of the industry’s leading events.
Over the years, I have also been honored with several professional recognitions, including Trade Show Executive’s Trade Show Manager of the Year award in 2019 and being named to the Connect 40 Under 40 Next List in 2016. While those accomplishments are meaningful, what I value most is the opportunity to contribute to the industry while helping clients, organizations, and teams achieve long-term success.
Today, I serve as the Managing Director of Business Development at the American Institute of Architects (AIA), where I oversee sales initiatives and strategic relationship management across exhibitors, sponsors, advertisers, and corporate partners. In this role, I focus on driving revenue growth, strengthening partnerships, and creating engagement opportunities that align with organizational goals while delivering measurable value to stakeholders.
In addition to my professional responsibilities, I currently serve on the IAEE Board of Directors and Executive Committee as Secretary & Treasurer. These leadership opportunities allow me to remain closely connected to the future direction of the industry while contributing to its continued growth and evolution.
I would describe my management style as empowering, supportive, and rooted in trust and accountability. I believe strong leadership comes from creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and trusted to take ownership of their work. I focus on ensuring my team has the resources, guidance, and clarity they need to succeed while also encouraging creativity, independent thinking, and continuous development.
My work ethic is grounded in consistency, professionalism, and relationship building. This industry is built on trust, credibility, and long-term partnerships, and I believe maintaining strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and industry peers is one of the most important aspects of sustained success.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors and leaders whose guidance helped shape both my management philosophy and professional values. Because of that, one of my personal priorities today is mentoring and supporting the next generation of professionals entering the industry. Helping emerging leaders grow and succeed is something I consider both personally rewarding and critically important for the future of the business.
What I value most about my role is the opportunity to develop and empower my team while helping clients achieve meaningful business outcomes. Watching team members grow professionally, take on greater responsibility, and accomplish their goals is one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership.
I also take great pride in helping clients create measurable value through strategic partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, and innovative engagement solutions. Whether working with exhibitors, sponsors, or corporate partners, I am motivated by helping organizations succeed and creating long-term relationships built on trust and collaboration.
The advice I would give to the next generation entering the events industry is to focus first on building strong, trusted relationships. This industry thrives on credibility, professionalism, and long-term partnerships, so your reputation and reliability are just as important as technical skills or experience.
I would also encourage young professionals to develop a strong understanding of the business side of events, including sponsorship strategy, revenue generation, budgeting, and return on investment. The professionals who combine relationship-building skills with commercial understanding and strategic thinking will be best positioned for leadership opportunities in the future.
Finally, stay curious, embrace technology, and commit yourself to continuous learning. The events industry is constantly evolving, and adaptability will continue to separate those who grow from those who become stagnant. Professionals who remain open to change, continue learning, and focus on delivering value will have the greatest long-term impact on the industry.
Event Director, RX Global
I went to school for accounting. I thought it was practical because I wanted to run my own business one day, though I didn’t know what kind of business or exactly what I really wanted. Accounting seemed like a safe option, instead, an accounting job after school made me feel stuck. I’m a creative person and I wanted to be the person making the budget decisions. I decided to take a temporary job to get more exposure and experience, and to give myself time to think about the direction I wanted to choose.
I ended up finding a job at an association management place called Smith Bucklin. On the phone, I answered callers’ questions. The more I learned about the association, the more I learned about its tradeshow. Callers wanted to know how to renew their memberships so they could get admission into the show. I didn’t know what the big deal was about the event nor what a show really was, but I was intrigued. I began to help anywhere I could. I stuffed give-away bags, helped with registration questions, made badges, and helped with random marketing pieces. Before I knew it, I was working full time for the largest beauty tradeshow in the nation, America’s Beauty Show. My duties expanded to selling exhibit booth spaces and sponsorships, creating exhibitor manuals, registration, marketing and setting up conferences. I learned that running a show was just like owning my own business and I absolutely loved it – it was just thrilling.
Twenty-five years later, I’m an Event Director for two manufacturing shows. Over the past decades, I have learned a lot. The industry is big, it’s given me a lot of growth and accomplishments. I grew a show from 100 exhibitors to 400 exhibitors within 4 years. I created unique sponsorship opportunities that are now used in other shows. I have won awards like the Fastest 50, recognizing the top 50 fastest growing shows in a particular year.
My management style is pretty laid back, and I am big on communication and being open about successes as much as failures. I manage a team of 10 folks, and I make myself available to them. I believe in rewarding a job done well. I love my team; I love the industry I represent. I’m proud that we provide a space for the manufacturing sector to show off its products, and connect companies to new business. I have made a ton of connections that have become lifelong friends.
Some lessons learned and advice I would like to pass to the next generations are:
Senior Manager, Convention Services, Houston First Corporation
My career began in Houston in the early 2000s, an era when few formal event management degrees existed – I didn’t just choose event and hospitality. I graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. While I scoured local job boards after graduating, my breakthrough came in 2011 through the power of networking. Having organized small gatherings for my family, friends, and community, I partnered with a startup wedding planner, then transitioned to the nonprofit sector where I mastered the fundamentals of vendor management, client relations, and venue logistics. Completing my very first event was a revelation; I fell in love with the process immediately. What started as a community hobby quickly crystallized into a clear career path: the event and hospitality industry was my true calling and what I wanted to do for the foreseeable future.
During my tenure as a special event coordinator with the nonprofit, I worked with high profile/celebrity guests, handled exclusive events, and assisted on stadium tours. It was a journey of incredible personal growth. My current role has redefined my potential, proving that I am capable of far more than I imagined. I have discovered new strengths while gaining invaluable expertise. Concurrently, I graduated from Venue Management School in 2017 (offered by the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)), then obtained a certification as a Venue Professional from IAVM in 2023, and at the same time, completed the program at their Graduate Leadership Institute. Since then, I established and now supervise the University of St. Thomas Rising Stars Internship Program on behalf of Houston First, now in its second year of operation.
I am a transformational leader. I contribute to some of the most high-profile events in the country and am driven by the complex challenge of bringing these massive undertakings to life. I create shared visions that can be easily grasped and mobilized. Experiencing and witnessing the transformation from strategic concepts to tangible, nationwide realities give me my deepest sense of purpose and professional satisfaction.
I want to lead with inspiration, and motivate others to exceed their own expectations. I believe leadership is about service to others and exploring how you can support their individual needs. Leading this way is efficient as the buy-in helps those you are leading perform at a higher level. It challenges the status quo and encourages creativity. When everyone is reaching their full potential, it helps spur growth and success. To this end, I want to pass on to the next generation the following:
Global Head of Value Creation and Strategy, The Operating Partners Forums, PEI Group
I got my start in shows when I was 13, supporting sales and event production for sports teams and organizations. I read Mark McCormick’s biography (founder of IMG, one of the first sports agencies). He was a visionary in his time, planning to place athletes he represented in events he created, where there would be sponsors and product endorsements. Here were all of my interests — sports, events and making money – colliding. The combination became the basis of my career, organizing events in the sports world. I was so fortunate to be surrounded by tremendous mentors and advisors. I got to know owners and managers, and received sales training from professional trainers. I learned everything from grassroots marketing to television production; and detailed operations planning and staffing to executing the event.
I graduated from The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) with a degree in Management and Organizational Behavior, and a minor in Event Management. Here, I secured my first internship, which in 1991 was a rare opportunity not easily found without internet, for the Newport Beach Dukes of the World TeamTennis League. It was followed by stints with the Hoop-It-Up 3-on-3 national basketball tour, and then to conferences and trade shows. I was awarded an MBA in Marketing from Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University, in New York City.
My time there coincided with my launching a technology event that grew into a 3,000+-attendee, 250-booth trade show. The journey I took as a solopreneur opened my eyes to the incredible and huge world of face-to-face events. I wore all the hats from content production, speaker recruitment, and operations to marketing, sales, and attendee acquisition. With the growth and sale of this event, I was honored by the industry for my accomplishments, including three of the prestigious “Fastest 50” award, for being among the fastest 50 growing events in North America. Where else can you have a crazy idea and turn it into a living, breathing, vibrant marketplace? The show had a successful 20-year run, and then Hurricane Sandy put an end to it. And just like that, a new phase began. After several consulting opportunities, I was able to bring all these skills together in my current role.
Having done all the aspects of a show allowed me to have a greater understanding of what my colleagues dealt with, and allowed for much better communication and teamwork, traits I found valuable on the basketball court, and I still find critical to building a proper culture. My management style is collaborative. While someone must make the final decision, I like to hear all viewpoints first. To be a great leader is to be a great listener. Every team member brings a unique view of the situation, and the best answers usually are a combination of everyone’s insights.
The way I conduct myself as a professional is influenced by so many people. They have all at one point or another provided inspiration, guidance, and leadership … and the occasional kick in the pants. I will always be grateful to Rick Worden and Bob Shannon who funded what turned into KioskCom, the tradeshow I built and sold. I cannot express enough gratitude to Joel Davis, the first industry insider and expert who validated my philosophy and event and opened his world to me and showed me that I was on to something. To Josh Kampel, David Kirkpatrick, Simone Ross, and Seth Kerker who all invited me into their firms and worlds and took a chance on me.
However, my true mentors have been my parents. My father taught me many things but one that has held and one I would recommend to everyone starting their career path is, “Make sure your resume makes sense, without explanation. Make sure your career journey is understandable easily so they can see your growth.” My mother exposed me to the world of professional sales. She brought me to the feet of sales and revenue generating professionals, who taught me at 13 that everything is a negotiation and everyone is selling something. She gave me insight into the human mind, and had me taking skills and personality profile exams in the 1980’s. The results of those tests, along with many since then, provided me unique insights into areas for professional improvement.
What I love about our job is we create economies. We help companies and entrepreneurs launch businesses, sell products and services, and do so in a fun and exciting way. Understanding how we help others succeed continues to stimulate and motivate me daily. But my biggest accomplishments are the people I have helped grow, personally and professionally. To see them create careers and support their families in the face-to-face event business and pay it forward to others provides me the greatest joy. The ability to make others around me better, and their subsequent success is what I believe truly defines me as a leader.
I find inspiration everywhere and from everyone. In turn, I offer this advice to inspire others:
I’ll leave you with 10 quick thoughts that I always try to remember.
CEO, Fanatics Events
I am a high school dropout and never attended college. Instead, I have been working my entire life and I’ve always been the unconventional hire – the different type of candidate with a lot of ideas and energy but no proper educational background or pedigree. I share this right off the bat as it informs a lot of my journey in my career and life.
Candidly, I never knew tradeshows was going to be my career. I ran an independent bookstore in Minnesota and made a strong name for myself in that community as creative, bold and forward thinking. That landed me a job running a pair of bookstores in Connecticut, and the move to the East Coast felt like a springboard to something larger, likely in publishing. Over lunch in New York City with a friend whom I met at a major publisher, I learned about a job at a company called Reed Exhibitions, running a show called BookExpo America and working for a really great person named Courtney Muller. I had attended only one trade show in my life, and it happened to be BookExpo America, a trade show for publishers, authors, booksellers, librarians, etc., so I felt I was uniquely qualified for the job.
I interviewed with seven different people at Reed and eventually convinced them I could do the job. That began my 20-year odyssey in events. I created ReedPop, the pop culture arm of Reed, and launched dozens of fan-centric events all over the world: New York Comic Con, C2E2, Star Wars Celebration, ComplexCon, PAX, etc. I had found a place where my creativity and entrepreneurial instincts were welcomed—surrounded by people who were hardworking, fun, and not overly self-important.
About 10 years in, I realized: this is what I do. When I stepped back and really thought about it, I understood that what I loved most wasn’t just producing events—it was building community; bringing together diverse groups of people around a shared passion; creating spaces where people felt they belonged. What I love most is that I get to build things that bring people joy. There’s something incredibly powerful about watching thousands of people come together, whether it’s fans meeting their heroes, collectors finding something meaningful, or communities forming in real time. This feels like a great way to spend my time and energy.
Looking back, I’m proud of the businesses I’ve built, but more than that, I’m proud of the cultures behind them. Some examples are:
As head of my own company, I build teams that feel ownership, where people grow, and where they feel like they’re part of something bigger. I believe people do their best work when they feel safe to be themselves, when they are trusted, and when they are challenged to do more than they think they are capable of. I try to create environments where people can take risks, speak openly, and push boundaries without fear. Because of my career path, I’ve always valued unconventional thinkers and people who bring something different to the table. I look for curiosity, passion, and attitude over pedigree. I am a high-energy leader. I care deeply. I show up fully. And I expect a lot—but I also try to give a lot in return.
Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned that I pass along to my staff and the next generations:
President and CEO, Destination DC
I earned my degree in Marketing and Business Administration (from Savannah State University) because I was good at sales, I wanted to forge my own path, and I wanted to travel around the world to explore different cultures. My first job out of school was with the Savannah Economic Development Authority, where I helped attract companies to locate and do business in Savannah. After a couple of years, the CEO, who was on the board of the Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), thought I would do well there and offered to put in a good word for me. I hesitated for three months, while he continued to try to persuade me. I eventually saw the connection and gave in, thinking I would give it a try – I would still be in economic development, but this time I was bringing companies in for three to four days. That was an important lesson for me. I was young and could try new things without breaking anything. This gave me the incentive to try the Atlanta CVB a few years later, where I was able to work on the Olympics.
My next life lesson occurred in the time following 9/11. I had served in the U.S. Air National Guard, and moved up from Director to Vice President of Sales in Atlanta. I took stock of my life, thinking about where I was and where I should go. I asked myself if people saw my full potential. I saw that advancement where I was would not be in the foreseeable future. Coincidentally, Bill Hanbury, a colleague and well-known figure in the destination marketing arena, had just moved to DC’s CVB, Destination DC. He brought me on board in 2001, and when he left in 2008 and I rose to fill his role as President and CEO.
I always wanted to go into sales, economic development, and travel, even though it wasn’t completely defined in my mind. I learned that I could try things, give them my best shot, and see how they turned out. I have enjoyed every position in my career. But reflecting on my situation nearly 25 years ago, which included considering how people saw me, defining my life goals, and being intentional about my career trajectory, changed my perspective. My goals became: take responsibility for changing my circumstances, and give back, especially as I have less time ahead of me than behind me. This makes me purposeful with my time.
In 2020, I became one of the very few non-White chairs of the board of directors for the U.S. Travel Association. My industry success does not change what happens during my off hours. On the street, no matter what I do and wear, I am still seen as Black and all that comes with the perception. I want to make a difference. Now, I take opportunities to learn and engage. Being the first Black person in several key roles comes with a lot of pressure and expectations in addition to great pride. I am proud that my voice has made a difference in terms of how people see us. Others who aren’t like me come to me to learn more about me and what I do.
My value system at work is to have work-life balance — family first and get up every day looking forward to coming to work and giving your best effort. Understandably, not every day or every moment will be exciting and fun, but if this drive is not the overwhelming feeling, consider another job or even career. At work, I put my team first and strive to ensure they feel that I do. If they don’t believe in me and trust me, they won’t be willing to do the work I need them to do. I lead by example: I put my all into my job, and at the end of the workday, I go home. This undoes the work principle that we have to work long hours to show our dedication. In the same vein, I don’t wait until I’m no longer able to enjoy a vacation before I take it.
I come to work excited because I love promoting DC. In doing so, I learn from people. The more we know about others, the better we can break down barriers and appreciate each other. Talking and engaging is so important. I learn constantly how much more we are similar than different. Because of this, I encourage the next generations to never stop learning. Expose yourselves to as much as you possibly can. It’s more important to figure out what you like rather than what you don’t like. Try things, see if you like them. Aim to make positive change to the culture. Don’t stay in a job you’re not excited to go to at least 80% of the time. I will take a motivated employee with moderate education credentials to a Harvard grad who won’t learn. Last but just as important, treat everyone with the utmost respect. People will remember you for it. A bellman remembered my kindness 30 years later, and that is a good legacy.
Director, Global Business Development, International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
My entry into the industry began at the Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), now Visit Denver. I started in the telemarketing department, which was a foundational experience, and within a year, I advanced into a sales role. I worked the West Coast and mid-U.S. markets, and grew into city-wide sales in those territories, with a variety of business events and clients. Sales has been an integral part of who I am, even before my formal business and marketing education. This natural inclination and early experience in sales were more influential in landing my first job than my academic background. While my education provided a theoretical framework, the real learning happened on the job.
The moment I realized this was the right career for me came when I moved from telemarketing to account sales, where I could engage with an array of customers from diverse associations and corporations, and deepen my understanding of their unique goals and objectives. Spending significant time collaborating with teams at the convention center, hotels, venues, restaurants, and city officials gave me a sense of connection in the local community – every day brought new challenges and opportunities with different stakeholders. I often describe events as the “fun” industry, but it is clear that its impact goes far beyond that. The economic factor is profound, driving growth, employment, and innovation. Knowing my work contributes to meaningful outcomes across sectors and helping my city thrive while doing something I love, solidified my commitment; It confirmed that this was more than just a job – it was a fulfilling career.
The most interesting role I have had was Executive Vice President for Membership, Business Development and Technology. Technology is not commonly paired with sales and membership, but in the association world, robust Association Management Systems (AMS) manage everything from membership and sales to accounting and commerce. Because I knew our AMS inside and out, I was entrusted to lead the technology stack, ensuring technology supported every aspect of the association’s operations. I learned a tremendous amount by bridging business development and technology, and I genuinely enjoyed the challenge. Having the oversight role allowed me to streamline processes, improve member experiences, and help the association grow in ways that would not have been possible without a strong technological foundation. This blend of strategic leadership and hands-on involvement made the role especially rewarding and memorable.
As for accomplishments, I am particularly proud of booking these clients:
I attribute my success to relishing challenges. Most colleagues would describe me as highly determined and driven to meet revenue goals—a characterization I fully embrace. In fact, the more challenging a sale is, the more motivated I become to close it. Also, I am deeply committed to servicing my accounts, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that my clients’ needs are met. This involves building strong relationships, understanding client goals, and proactively solving problems to become a trusted partner. In addition, I pride myself on being honest, ethical, and creative. And, over the years, I have learned the importance of not procrastinating. This means I set clear revenue goals, track progress and measure results, and continually align sales efforts with broader business objectives, refining strategies to maximize impacts on those objectives.
Three former bosses have been pivotal in shaping my success:
In addition, I love meeting people and building friendships, and traveling to incredible places. This industry is uniquely rewarding—not only because of the work itself but also the continuous learning and genuine fun every day. The relationships I have formed have enriched my personal and professional lives, creating a network of colleagues and friends who inspire and support me. Traveling to diverse destinations and experiencing diverse cultures and venues add exciting dimensions to the career, making each day an adventure.
From what I have learned, I have this advice to the next generations:
National Sales Director, Discover Puerto Rico
My very first job was as a hostess for a fast-food chain restaurant when I was 14 years old. Between that job and my first hotel job, I worked in restaurants and retail. By the time I went to work at a hotel 29 years ago, it was as an executive meeting manager. My education in Business Management helped me understand how companies make money. At the hotel, I was to help create great events for companies while saving them money. College also taught me how to write and present information to people, and how to think critically. These are skills that I use every day.
I knew hospitality was the industry I wanted to grow in when I heard a guest speaker tell the team about the enormous opportunity to serve others who needed rest. Rest and relaxation are what people pay for when they go on vacation and stay at a hotel. I pretended the hotel was my house. In addition to rest, they wanted to gather and meet others for business, so I fell in love with event planning. Lastly, I learned about tourism and how that helps a destination thrive. Most of my time today is helping meeting planners bring conventions to Puerto Rico. I was born in Kansas and raised in Puerto Rico. My typical day is working from home on the computer, making phone calls, presenting, and traveling to various conferences monthly. I love helping my island of Puerto Rico obtain prosperity through meetings and conventions. I am now in my favorite job.
When I was a Social Catering Manager at the Ritz Carlton, my task was to ensure flawless social events like weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. The Ritz Carlton has a reputation for quality; everything we did had to meet the corporate standards. Families paid a lot of money to stay at the Ritz Carlton and have us produce their events, so their expectations were high. For every event, there were many moving parts, and I was responsible for making them all come together smoothly and on time. My clients had high expectations, and they deserved top service. My stress levels were high, but I was dedicated to delivering wonderful events. I had an amazing team; every member was professional and knew what they were doing. They knew how to bring all the moving parts together efficiently and cleanly so that our guests had the best experiences.
I would like to say that my management style, cooperative leadership, helped the team as much as the team helped me. I want to be surrounded by people who are smarter than me so I can do my job better. My best mentors have been servant leaders who put others first. They allowed others to take their vacations before they did, they wanted others to grow in the company.
What I have learned from my mentors and hands-on experiences, I would like to pass on to the next generations as they build their careers:
Director of Industry Relations (ret.), PRRI, Inc.
I graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a B.S. in Hotel & Restaurant Administration from the Isenberg School of Management and a B.A. in German. After I graduated, I found work as a sales manager for Marriott Hotels. While there, I completed their I.D. management training program at the Somerset, New Jersey, Marriott Hotel and later was transferred to their property in Lexington, Kentucky. After spending a few more years in the hotel business I started in the event industry. Like many in my generation I didn’t intend to go into the trade show business, I fell into it. I joined The Interface Group in 1987 and just fell in love with the business. The Interface Group produced COMDEX which was one of the largest high tech trade shows in the world. My trade show education began at COMDEX and formed my future in the industry. I was lucky to learn from some of the best in the business about sales techniques and trade show operations domestic and international, at positions at COMDEX, Digital Consulting Inc., Freeman Companies, National Managed Healthcare Congress and finally PRRI (an association management company).
I loved the work because there was nothing routine about it. Different issues arose onsite, and we were forced to think on our feet. I learned there is always a solution for any problem. The most enjoyable part of this industry is that I am always learning and that, particularly, is one of the most important aspects of any job. I am happy to have had the opportunity to learn the tradeshow business of sales, development, management and general contracting domestically and internationally. When you stop learning, move on to another job, there is always more to learn. The tradeshow business gives you the opportunity to create a meeting, exhibit, conference, from an empty “floor” to a flourishing meeting place of attendees and companies who want to engage.
I’ve just retired from PRRI, a medical association management company, where I worked for the last 24 years. I supported 28 medical associations. Starting from nothing, we brought these events to life. It’s so fulfilling to see a full blown congress in session as a result of hard work and coordinated efforts. Raising funds through sponsorships and exhibit sales, and ensuring exhibits were set up to the satisfaction of the exhibitors as well as the board of directors, was the highlight of every meeting for me.
Over the years I have learned that having a strong work ethic is important — you won’t have a show if you don’t put in the work. Finally, one of the most important skills to develop is a sense of humor. Your team, your customers and your supervisors will appreciate it!
General Manager, Greater Richmond Convention Center
My journey into the events and venue management industry started with a deep appreciation for people, teamwork, and the energy that comes from shared experiences. After earning my degree from Springfield College, Springfield, MA—an institution who’s mission is to educate students in Spirit, Mind, and Body for leadership in service to others—I sought to apply the Humanics philosophy to aspects of life that brought communities together. My first role in the industry was with at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA, as a marketing manager. There, I learned quickly that success came from both operational precision and emotional intelligence. It ignited my passion for this business. I learned how to manage events ranging from concerts to sporting events to community gatherings, and I began to understand how these experiences shape cities, strengthen local economies, and connect people in powerful ways.
But there was a specific moment when I realized this was more than just a job—it was my calling. I was standing in the Wells Fargo Center as the doors opened for a major event, watching guests stream in with excitement, and I remember thinking, “We built this moment.” I knew then that my purpose was to create spaces and experiences that make people feel seen, valued, and connected. From that point forward, I committed myself fully to mastering every facet of venue and event management: operations, guest experience, sales, food and beverage, and community engagement. Each role became a steppingstone to a deeper understanding of what it means to lead a team that turns vision into reality. From arenas and multipurpose centers to convention facilities, every experience strengthened my leadership philosophy and operational expertise.
What I love most about my job is the impact we create. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of managing seven different venues—each unique in size, culture, and community impact. Every event that comes through our doors—whether a convention, a graduation, a concert, or a community gathering—represents memories being made. I’m proud to lead teams that make those moments seamless, safe, and special.
Some highlights in my career are:
My management style is built on collaboration, clarity, and care. Leadership is about creating an environment in which people can thrive—where every team member feels valued, respected, and inspired to give their best. I hold myself and my team to high standards, but I also emphasize empathy and balance. My work ethic is shaped by my family and by the understanding that hard work matters; but so does time with loved ones, pride in craftsmanship, and service to others.
I have learned from remarkable mentors and colleagues across the industry who have modeled integrity, consistency, and composure under pressure. They have shown that the best leaders don’t just manage—they develop people. They create systems that work, communicate vision with purpose, and celebrate collective wins. I’m proud of building strong, inclusive teams that see the bigger picture. Watching employees grow, take on leadership roles, or discover their own passions in this field is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
To this end, I would like to share a few lessons with the next generations of event professionals:
At the heart of it all, this industry is about people—creating moments that matter, and doing so with passion, pride, and purpose. That’s why, after all these years, I still love what I do.
Meeting Management Consultant, Herrin Hospitality
I was introduced to the hospitality industry through an old TV show called “Hotel”. Watching it, I instantly felt it was the career for me. The college I attended did not have hospitality as a degree option at the time, so I earned a degree in Communication as the next best thing. After graduation, I went through a staffing agency and got a temp job as a catering coordinator at a hotel; it was my first full-time role in hospitality. I was assigned all the duties that no one else wanted – coordinating the annual events, which took a lot of work without a lot of reward. I put on the Easter brunch, New Year’s Eve celebration, Valentine’s Day events and so on. What experienced staff in the hotel thought were nightmares to manage, I was thrilled to handle, and immediately came up with ways to enhance the experience for our customers.
This is when I knew I was meant to be in the hospitality industry. My feelings from watching “Hotel” were confirmed, I was on the right path. I went on to a variety of venues spanning the hospitality and events fields, including convention centers, a convention bureau, and some corporations where I was a meeting planner before branching out on my own. I have been blessed to have amazing roles, work in exciting places and produce phenomenal events. The most memorable was a corporate meeting in Maui, Hawaii, where we had the pleasure of creating unique experiences for our leadership team at a beautiful destination. I also have enjoyed leading our corporate events at the Kentucky Derby for 5 years with Yum! Brands, Inc.
I love planning, developing, and executing programs for my clients. There is no better accomplishment than seeing the faces of the audience as they appreciate the experiences you created for them. To be sure, this industry is not for the faint of heart. It takes hard work, true passion for success and a desire to make a difference. I was very successful as a meeting planner for other companies, but I am most proud of having my own business with no limitations to the level of service I can provide for my clients. Also, I want the ability to manage my schedule to work around my personal life without compromising my value to my clients.
I am able to achieve this by working with people who have the right attitude, people whom I genuinely like and trust. All other aspects of the work can be taught. I do not micromanage, I have an open-door policy, and I prefer a collaborative atmosphere that allows people autonomy and freedom to take leadership roles. I have had many great mentors and sponsors who have helped me learn the importance of work/life balance. I work hard and often; however, I play harder and believe in taking time to enjoy life.
Other lessons learned and advice I would like to pass along to the next generations are:
Senior Vice President, Programs and Operations Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine
I have had many roles over more than 20 years, and they have all been with the same association. Getting the job was key as I had relocated to the Washington, DC, area without employment. I had to engage in an intense job search, and my research revealed the variety of work for an entry level position at an association. My undergraduate degree was in business administration which provided a strong foundation to be part of any number of industries, but I was attracted most to the association’s opportunities and applied. Luckily, I was able to secure the job quickly. That first job is now my current job!
Within 3 years, I knew associations were where I wanted to be. In addition to the variety of work, I was able to collaborate directly with our members on numerous projects. I had the chance to travel to cities and states I would never have visited on my own. And our association’s events provided great opportunities to grow personally as well as professionally. Working with long-tenured association professionals showed me that association work was a real career.
I still love the variety of the job — every day can be something different, yet the cyclic nature of a fiscal year can still provide stability and common goals to work towards. Our annual events provide us structure, as do many of our programs. I’m always most gratified when, after an event, as attendees are leaving, they take time to stop and thank the staff and say how much they enjoyed the meeting. Those brief interactions make all the effort and hours worth it.
Here’s a sample of the interesting work I’ve had. When I was Assistant Director of Member Services, I worked directly with our Executive Vice President to guide the organization through a multi-association merger over a period of 3 years. As Assistant Director of Technology Services, I was the project lead to implement the association’s first AMS (association management system), making the transition from an in-house custom database. Serving as Senior Director of Conferences, Meetings, and Technology Services, I launched the AAIM Digital Learning Center as the home for the Alliance’s new virtual education programs and products. This said, I’m proud of my work over the years, which allowed me to move from an entry level staff member to one of the top senior staff for the organization.
As a supervisor, I use a collaborative, “hands off” management style. Focusing on regular, active, bi-directional communication allows me to let my staff work independently and with autonomy. In my career, I’ve only worked for three executives and they have all had direct impact on both my work and leadership style. Each has provided their own lessons not only through modeled behavior (both intentional and unintentional) but also by being genuine, good people.
Drawing from what they’ve taught me and my experience of more than 20 years, I advise the next generations the following:
CEO Clarion Events North America
My path into the events industry started with a degree in Travel & Tourism Administration, but, honestly, it wasn’t the degree alone that opened the door. What really propelled me forward were the internships at the Buffalo Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Buffalo Sabres that I had during college; they gave me practical experience, connections, and a taste of what this business is really about.
And — I’ll age myself here — I landed my first role the “old school” way: by applying to a job advertisement in the New York Times. The ad was for a registration manager at Reed Exhibitions, and my internship background stood out to the hiring team. The combination of education and hands-on experience is what helped me step into the industry.
I knew this was the career for me the first time I felt the excitement of seeing all the hard work come to life. There’s nothing like watching months of planning turn into an experience people can truly feel and remember. Just as powerful, was being surrounded by a team who worked as hard as I did. Everyone was moving toward a common mission, and together achieving something bigger than ourselves.
And layered into all of that was the travel. It wasn’t just fun, it opened my eyes to new perspectives and helped me discover more about myself. That mix of creating experiences, collaborating with passionate people, and expanding my own horizons through travel is what made me realize this wasn’t just a job, it was my career, and I wanted to learn every aspect of the business.
Some of the most interesting positions and accomplishments in my career reflect both the variety of roles I’ve held and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I started in marketing at the very bottom and worked my way up to the top, each step giving me the chance to try, stumble, succeed, and discover things I never knew I could do. At one point, I even ran IT. While I quickly realized it wasn’t the career path for me, it gave me an appreciation for process, systems, and the backbone that keeps organizations running.
Now, as CEO, I think back to that moment when I boldly raised my hand and said, “I can do this.” Of course, there were moments I wondered, can I really? But I pushed myself to learn, to grow, and to lead. I absolutely love it, and I know what it takes to do our other roles too. My management style is empathetic, results-driven, and empowering. I believe in setting a clear vision and holding high standards, while also creating a culture where people feel they matter and can bring their best selves to work. I focus on aligning teams around common goals, raising the bar of excellence, and giving people the tools, support, and accountability they need to succeed. At the same time, I lead by example, I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves — in fact I love it. I try new things, and keep learning right alongside my team. I’ve found that blending empathy with accountability builds trust and delivers results, while also attracting and retaining top talent. I’ve also learned from colleagues and peers. Some of them have mentored me without even knowing they were doing so. Among them, I have to thank Nancy Walsh, Greg Topalian, Courtney Muller, Ken Holsinger, and Lisa Hannant.
I’m proud of building a culture that attracts and retains great talent and holding ourselves accountable to sustaining excellence. I’m proud of raising my hand for challenges that have stretched me, of delivering results that have exceeded expectations, and of shaping an organization that isn’t afraid to innovate and evolve. And perhaps most of all, I’m proud that I’ve found a career where I continue to learn and grow. To sum it up, what I love most about my job are the people, the impact, and the constant growth. I get to work alongside incredibly talented teams who bring energy, creativity, and commitment every single day. Together, we create experiences that connect people, products, and ideas in ways that truly matter, and seeing that come to life never gets old.
My sons see every day this deep love their mom has for her work, and that she has a big role. I want them and the next generations to be curious. Curiosity will take you farther than you expect, opening doors, sparking ideas, and helping you see opportunities others might miss. Another important piece of advice is, show up. Consistency matters. Being present, engaged, and dependable builds trust and sets you apart. Third, have a voice. Don’t be afraid to speak up with your ideas, your perspective, or your questions. Even if you’re the youngest or newest in the room, your contribution has value. Above all, be a good person. Integrity, kindness, and respect will carry you through challenges and help you build the kind of relationships that lasts a lifetime — I teach my kids this every day and hope to see the next generations learn it too.
Senior Manager, Sales & Marketing, Messe Düsseldorf North America
My path into the events industry began with sales and marketing in architecture and design. I worked with firms to bring products to market, consult on specifications, and expand reach through brand positioning. Those early experiences taught me the importance of building trust, delivering value, and really listening to clients. My education gave me a solid foundation in business and communications, but what shaped me most was my international upbringing and experiences, like serving as a Student League of Nations delegate in Geneva, Switzerland. That exposure to global collaboration taught me that cultural awareness and strategic storytelling are just as important as technical skills.
This background prepared me to step into events, where industries connect and innovation comes to life. The moment I knew this was my path came when I shifted from product sales to global exhibitions. I realized that trade shows are not just about booths or contracts. They are launchpads for industries. Watching exhibitors expand into new markets or international delegations connect at a show, I saw the bigger picture. I wasn’t just selling space. I was creating opportunities for growth. That shift confirmed that this was more than a job. It was a career.
Through the years, I’ve held interesting positions and worked on significant projects. To give some examples, I managed exhibitor and sponsorship sales for XPONENTIAL (autonomous technologies) and EuroShop (retail and retail technology), two flagship global events; and I have built multimillion-dollar sales pipelines, expanding international participation across North America and Europe. I’ve tailored sales campaigns to bring in new business from emerging sectors, and collaborated with Fortune 500 companies, government delegations, and industry associations. And I am particularly proud of my community work as a volunteer with TEDxChicago to support attendee experience, and as an ambassador for Girl Rising and Global Citizen, which deepened my commitment to global empowerment and equity.
Now, as a senior manager, I lead with collaboration, accountability, and clarity. I set clear goals but also give teams and partners the space to contribute their best ideas. I’ve been influenced by leaders in the events industry who taught me that successful sales is not about closing a deal, but about building partnerships that last. My global mentors and colleagues showed me that adaptability and cultural intelligence are essential to growing in this business
I love building bridges between industries, people, and ideas. I’m proud of the role I play in helping companies enter new markets, technologies reach broader audiences, and partnerships that start at an event, grow into long-term collaborations. I also love being part of a global community where innovation is shared and where my work helps shape platforms that drive industries forward.
Here are some lessons learned and advice I would like to give to the next generation:
Director of Event and Sponsorship Marketing, The American Institute of Architects
Because of my interest in design, I started as an architecture major at Hampton University, VA; it had a top-notch program in the field. I didn’t realize that the program was geared to incoming students who would have already had some years of drafting experience. I had taken one drafting class in high school, but it wasn’t enough. Two other obstacles arose soon after: there were very few women in the program, and we felt we needed additional skills training; and one professor threw projects on the ground and crushed them, and then questioned our reasons for being in the program. So I thought I’d better change my major and not waste my Mother’s hard-earned money sending me to college.
My mom asked if I really wanted to do architecture. She worked two jobs to put me through college and she said the funds would only be enough for four years. More than the practicality though, was that she knew me. Architecture involved a lot of alone time, but she knew I was a people person. I had to find something that combined my interests in creating and participating while adding to the bottom line (I had aspirations of one day being a CEO, of running my own company.). So, I switched to marketing and have been in marketing and sales ever since, in both private and public sectors. My first job out of school was with Canon, in New York, where I conducted product demonstrations and training at client sites and in exhibition booths at events. I went on to other tech companies as well as services and consulting. Now I’m managing marketing and communications for all events at AIA, supporting a wide range of functions such as attendee acquisition and business development, with strategies, campaigns, collateral, websites, social media, and tactics.
I am particularly proud of my campaigns – I love creating them and seeing how they perform. I like putting a variety of elements together to create a program, and then launching it. And I look forward to getting metrics to see how we’re doing. There’s a lot of power in successful campaigns, they get people to take the actions you want them to take. When I represented a corporate housing company, I developed a campaign to attract U.S. State Department employees when they were on long-term assignments or training. We learned that employees were interested in activities for their families who accompanied them. I put together a campaign to provide information about a variety of possibilities in destination cities for adults and children, including locations, maps, and timetables. It was a huge success, allowing us to hit our multi-million-dollar goal.
I’ve enjoyed my career, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I’m most proud of being a wife and mother; these roles and my mother, my role model, have made me a better businessperson. My personal life has given me the attributes that have contributed to my career success. My mother worked hard so I could go to college, and she did it without incurring a debt. I value loyalty, congeniality, and empathy. I believe in long relationships with people who are trustworthy and dependable. And I live by the golden rule — I treat people the way I like to be treated. Living and working by these rules allow me to enjoy the people around me. It’s rewarding and being able to empathize with others is important for growth.
Up until last year, I had one mentor: my mother. So, I made a goal this year to find another mentor. I went to the American Marketing Association, knowing they have a mentor-protégé program, and signed up as a mentee. I wanted advice on performance metrics and leveraging data. The mentor I was assigned has given me a lot of time and help. And in quick succession, I got another mentor who is from George Washington University. Having mentors has been invaluable. I recommend it. Find a mentor early in your career, don’t be afraid to ask them. If they turn you down, go get another one.
My advice to people entering the workplace is it’s okay to be nervous in the work environment. It means you’re normal and you are alive. You should take chances, don’t be afraid to take some risks, it’s the only way you’re going to learn. Not everything will work out. If you make a mistake, don’t be discouraged, it won’t ruin your career, it just means you’re human; it’s reality. You’re a better business partner to others when you have that reality. You don’t have to fall on your sword when bad things happen, it’s how you deal with the problems that will make you a better leader. Also, don’t shy away from difficult situations even if don’t like to be confrontational. At the end of the day, they are people too. It’s in those awkward conversations that you find out how people operate.
Lastly, don’t consume large amounts of alcohol in working environments. And having a bit of sense of humor will go a long way.
Events Director, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
I started my academic journey focused on psychology, envisioning a career in higher education counseling, after earning a bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University. However, life had a different plan. While in graduate school, I took a temporary role as a meeting assistant and I discovered a passion I never knew I had. The work, particularly meeting planning, resonated with my skills and felt like the perfect fit I hadn’t been looking for. Completely taken with this new career path, I withdrew from my master’s program, and pursued a permanent position.
Over the next several years, my roles grew, I gained additional skills and management opportunities, yet the drive for formal advanced education returned and I went back to school. While working full time, I earned my master’s degree in hospitality and tourism management from Roosevelt University in Chicago. And I began teaching. Kendall College was looking to expand its curriculum to include meetings and conventions, and I accepted an adjunct position to teach there.
But soon, I answered to my true calling in the association world. I have been fortunate to work for civic, medical, and educational associations—all grounded in powerful missions that deeply align with my professional and personal values. The most rewarding part of producing professional association meetings is knowing that our work is fundamentally about adult education. We are responsible for creating engaging experiences and learning environments for passionate working professionals. By investing in their professional development, we empower them to continue the important work they do every day, and I take immense pride in contributing to that.
My mother, Dr. Jean Simpson, has been the single greatest influence on my approach to career development, leadership, management, and team building. Her example—how she navigated her career, made difficult choices, and always maintained her professional integrity—was monumental for me. Early in my career, she gave me Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson. This book, which teaches how to recognize, anticipate, prepare for, embrace, and ultimately thrive during change, has provided lessons I have revisited countless times throughout my professional journey.
When I became a manager, my primary focus was learning not just how to manage, but how to manage well. It has always been, and remains, crucial to me that my team members feel truly considered, recognized, and valued for their contributions and roles.
Our job, in addition to education, is connection: designing events that bring people together, which I see as one of the last great hopes of saving humanity. My professional network has been greatly enhanced by my involvement in three key groups: the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP), the ASAE Meetings & Expositions Professionals Council, and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). For many years, these communities have provided a thriving environment in which I can connect with intelligent, driven, and pioneering peers.
The most important lesson I’ve learned and would share with the next generation is the necessity of self-investment. Take advantage of every professional development opportunity to broaden your experience and knowledge in our field. The hospitality, tourism, meetings, and exhibits arena offers countless avenues for growth, and the more you know, the more marketable and competitive you become. Also, I often share my personal mantra because I truly believe that what we do transcends a role or position—“It is who we are.”
Head of Client Relations, HLTH
How did I get my first job in the event industry? Kismet or perhaps serendipity! Until I came into events, my work was in banking. I moved from my hometown in Rhode Island to the DC area, and wanted to explore something different. So, I answered an ad in the newspaper — insert shock and awe here — and it led me to CES (Consumer Electronics Show), which was the second largest trade show in North America at the time. I was clueless and had no idea what a trade show was. I was working for CES! To this day, it remains a highlight of my career.
The minute I stepped off the plane in Chicago to help produce my first CES, I felt different, a positive energy came over me, as though I was in the right place, about to do the right things. And then I walked onto the trade show floor, and I knew immediately I was meant to be a part of this industry. Soon, I was able to guide a client confidently, and I knew this was going to be my career.
Some of the highlights of this career include:
Among the industry people who have influenced me in my career is, first and foremost, Rich Scarfo, now President of HLTH. He taught me what it means to have an unwavering commitment to excellence. Because of his encouraging outside-the-box thinking, and empowering those around him to succeed, I have learned from him, almost from the day I met him at CES and continuously to this day. Even when we didn’t work together, we were still in communication. He has been a listener and supporter all these years. And he has provided never-ending laughter! Many others have influenced me along the way. I try to watch, listen, and absorb wherever I am, there are lessons to be learned everywhere.
My management style is to tell people what needs to be done, give them the proper tools, and let them find the way that works best for them while being always available to provide guidance, suggestions, and help. I want them to know I am approachable and trustworthy. Part of my management style is also to be supportive of my peers. I hope that I’ve built a reputation for being a team player. Working together in my area and across the organization enables our events to be successful as a whole.
My work ethic is simple: the job needs to get done and it needs to be done well. Therefore, whatever it takes to do that is what I will do. The show must go on and many people – sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees – have put their trust in us to deliver a premier experience for them. There are many things I love about my job, and I want to convey them through my work style. It is crucial that what I offer sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees enhances their overall experience, no matter how small it might be. Every sponsor/exhibitor/attendee matters; and it is important to me that I project that.
Another aspect of my job that I love is the travel to places I never thought possible – that is truly amazing! Having the benefit of hindsight, the ability to look back and see how far I’ve come, I am most proud of the lifelong friendships and business relationships I have cultivated.
Some lessons learned and advice I’d like to share with the next generation:
Senior Strategic Account Director, Maritz
When I was studying for my degree in Business Administration (and minor in International Business) at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, I found a job in the Conferences and Events Department on campus. It was like a work-study program, in which I had great exposure to managing events for a variety of clients, including sports organizations such as the LA Lakers, and hosting World Cup soccer practice for Italy and Sweden. Our soccer field turned out to be perfect for their practices, and accommodating the press media. It was exciting and interesting, and I could see the intersection of what I did in the job, and the classes I was taking in my major. I kept that job the 4 years I was in school and decided I wanted to stay in the industry when I graduated. It was exciting, I came in contact with sports greats, I saw them practice, I had hopes of working the Olympics.
After graduation, I took a job with AmericanTours International. We arranged tours, transportation, and hotels for leisure travel groups between 30-200 people – from around the world, though I was mostly interacting with visitors from Europe. I negotiated contracts with hotels and worked with international tour operators. And I met my wife there. After about 3 years, I wanted to get back to the kind of events my school produced. I found work with Access Destination Services, as a sales consultant to Fortune 500 companies and associations. I concentrated on customer service and built a strong network over the 4 years I was there. One of my clients was Conferon who worked with Maritz at that time, and its representatives learned that I wanted to leave Los Angeles and raise a family. They were looking for someone to manage the meetings and events department and the office was in Denver – perfect.
It was difficult at first, I had not had a lot of experience running a department, and I was “the new guy on the block.” After giving it my best shot for 6 months, I went to leadership and offered to manage a portfolio of events instead. When that happened, the staff welcomed me as part of the team. It was a life lesson. Now I take advantage of the leadership lessons I learned back then and since: navigating complex situations, resolving conflicts, understanding the nuances of human behavior. I listen and value others’ opinions, and I am respectful of people and their time. I’m a relator and collaborator; sincere, empathetic, and service-oriented. This has helped me in sales and account management to build one of the top portfolios in the company, working with associations and for-profit tradeshow organizers. I have been with Maritz for 22 years.
Also helping in my career over the years are my mentors. I had a business coach who has helped me work on my specialties and strengths through a program called Positive Intelligence. It helped me during covid and now to maintain positive mental fitness. It builds mental muscles and capacity to respond to life challenges, and have a more positive mindset, not letting our minds sabotage us. Since college, I have had other mentors help me along the way, even though they may not have known they were mentoring me. I looked up to them and leaned on them; they were great managers and leaders.
Through the years, what has been important to me as a professional, is knowing that my contribution matters, that my voice is heard, that my role counts. And I get excited about helping clients achieve their goals. It was an honor when a client nominated me for PCMA’s international 2024 Visionary Award, Supplier of the Year; I was one of three finalists.
To the next generations, I would like to pass along the following advice:
President, Americas Nineteen Group
Like many of my colleagues, I fell into the event industry. I studied European business at University of Hull and Kedge Business School, Bordeaux, France. Marketing and international business strategy were a big part of the program, but tradeshows were never mentioned as a medium to boost brand recognition and sales. During a job interview for magazine advertising sales, the owner suggested I interview for an exhibit space sales role on a food packaging show in Ireland. Thus, only a year out of college, I began my event career in Ireland where I grew up, and I loved it from day one. As part of a team of four, I learned every aspect of the business from sales to audience recruitment, and operations to registration. I moved to the U.S. after 3 years, and started a 28-year career with Diversified Communications. From sales, I quickly moved up to become president in early 2019.
The event industry provides unique experiences. I have traveled the world, met a King, interviewed a prince, and, perhaps the biggest highlight, met Pope Francis in February 2020. This doesn’t happen in every industry. An event is like a mini city that is a microcosm of an industry. I loved being onsite, starting with an empty hall, watching the show come to life and fill with companies and buyers who are there to learn and compare, and seeing the close of the show as everything disappears from the show floor. There is no other industry where your customers are next to each other under one roof. I knew this would be my career when I didn’t think of it as work, enjoying every day – even the tough ones. I learned who the key players were, what the issues were, and how business was done. For many, the event makes their entire year, so it plays an important role in the growth of a company and the expansion of an industry. Many companies serve multiple industries, so you learn a lot about many businesses. As the event industry is a people business, I made lots of great friendships with customers, industry colleagues and vendors from all over the world.
I have had wonderful roles during my career — running the seafood portfolio at Diversified was a great experience and I learned constantly as no event was ever the same, no day was ever predictable. Every promotion I had or every level I moved up to felt like it was the job for me. As a show director, you can experience every aspect of the event industry, working with general contractors, venues, attending embassy receptions. Learning from other event companies as well as learning how to run a company means you are constantly being challenged. I left to pursue another aspect of the business: private equity, and now lead the Americas for the Nineteen Group. It is fun as we are building the U.S. division with a blank canvas. My team and I are finding events that would be a good fit for the company and its culture.
I have had the privilege of being recognized for the work I have done — holding the role of UFI President in 2020, being the first female president of the global association. Most recently, I was awarded the Medal of Honor for leading UFI through the pandemic. I have been Chair of SISO, Society of Independent Show Organizers and have been very active in women’s leadership programs in the industry.
As a leader and manager, I like collaborating with teams; being a part of a team and working together to build the best events and create the best company. While I have learned from many, I think being authentic and caring for your teams is the most important. I like helping people achieve their goals and love to provide growth opportunities for employees. I am a builder. I enjoy building teams and a company, being strategic and growing a business. I am proud of the times I worked with my colleagues through adverse conditions and situations. Problem solving on a daily basis seems tough at the time but immensely educational.
I would advise the next generation of event industry leaders to learn as much as you can, in as many areas of the business that you can. I highly recommend getting involved and learning from leaders and peers. Attend an event, follow some of the leading companies to hear what they are doing and their growth plans. The industry is very open despite being competitive and we often share information on best practices and how the industry works. Many of your colleagues will become friends. I also urge you to advocate for yourself – whether in terms of opportunity or pay, put yourself forward and ask. This is particularly true for women who often don’t ask or negotiate for themselves. By doing so, you might just get the role you want!
Chief Operating Officer, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
When I got my first job in high school, I wasn’t thinking about a career in event management. I just wanted a paycheck. I went through the Yellow Pages and started calling every business, starting with the As. After a lot of “nos,” I landed on the Copy Center of South Orange. The owner, Ken Fisher, told me to come in, and that job changed my life.
Ken wasn’t your typical boss, gruff in demeanor and always focused on what needed to get done. In that he taught me a lot of things that seemed random at the time, like bundling bulk mail, answering phones, formatting resumes, and reviewing trial depositions. But what I really took away were computer skills, a curiosity for technology, and a drive to be efficient no matter the task. By the time I got to college, I knew how to operate in a professional environment and had high standards for myself.
That foundation has served me throughout my career. I never set out to be in trade show management; I just followed my interests. I’m passionate about technology, so I committed myself to the industries I worked in, from software publishing to wireless communications to uncrewed and autonomous vehicles and robotics. I’ve built my career by saying “yes” to opportunities and creating new ones when none existed, while tackling new challenges and constantly learning.
For example, I led a project to build a 7,000-square-foot, fully connected model wireless home on a trade show floor. Up until then, my experience was in marketing and educational programming — but I figured it out. I broke the project down into manageable tasks, helped sell sponsorships, dove deep into logistics, and learned everything I could about creating an immersive attendee experience. I asked a lot of questions. That’s how I approach every challenge — step by step, moving forward, and never saying no.
Another major moment in my career was selling an equity share in one of our assets. It was a year and a half of intense, 16-hour days, working with lawyers, auditors, and brokers to conduct due diligence, determine the terms, negotiate and everything else that had to be done — all during COVID. We solved problems we’d never faced before, and I was still managing my day job. It was exhausting, but we got it done, and it remains one of the proudest achievements of my career.
I’ve had the privilege of learning from great and the not-so-great bosses and colleagues throughout my career. The key is to be open and always looking for the lesson. What I bring to you as a mentor is real, hands-on experience. I know how to execute ideas, plan, and implement, no matter how impossible the task may seem. I’ll expect the same dedication and commitment from you. I believe in doing the work, owning the outcomes, and constantly improving.
If you want a mentor who’s found her own way but knows the value of learning from others, I’m here to help you navigate your path. I’ll push you, hold you accountable, and share everything I’ve learned—because that’s how you grow.
Senior Vice President, Showtime Expo Group
I entered the events industry during a career transition after working as both a retail buyer and a property manager in commercial real estate. At the time, I accepted a contract position with an association to assist with convention registration. Shortly after I started, the organization’s Executive Director asked for my resume and invited me to lunch. During that conversation, she suggested I would be a strong fit to manage the exhibit tradeshow floor for the upcoming convention based on my work experience, educational background, and ability to work well with people.
That opportunity introduced me to an industry I knew very little about at the time, but it quickly became clear that events combined many of the things I enjoyed most — organization, relationship management, operations, problem solving, and creating experiences that bring people together.
I knew this was the career for me in the summer of 2002. I remember standing inside the Georgia World Congress Center watching an empty concrete exhibit hall transform into a fully functioning marketplace filled with commerce, sponsorships, networking, and energy. Seeing that process unfold from start to finish completely changed my perspective. At that moment, I realized the events industry was where I wanted to build my future.
Before entering events, I had worked in commercial real estate and retail buying, both of which offered strong professional opportunities and exposure to high-level business environments. However, the events industry brought together a different combination of pace, creativity, operational execution, and human interaction that immediately resonated with me.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in several different roles that expanded both my knowledge and perspective within the industry. Early on, I worked as an Intellectual Property Rights and Exhibits Specialist at a time when protecting intellectual property within events was still a relatively new focus area. During my tenure, I helped grow the association’s trademark license holder program from 63 participants to more than 500 over a twelve-year period. That experience taught me the importance of relationship management, operational consistency, and long-term strategic growth.
I later moved into an Event Manager role, where I became responsible for managing audio visual and general service contractors. That role exposed me to an entirely different side of the industry and gave me a much deeper appreciation for event production and operational logistics. Learning the language, processes, and coordination required behind the scenes ultimately helped lead me into my current position at Showtime Expo Group.
Over the years, I also earned my Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation and became actively involved in organizations such as IAEE and ESCA through committee participation and volunteer leadership. Those experiences helped me continue learning, expand my network, and stay connected to the broader events community throughout my career.
What I love most about this industry is the opportunity to bring a client’s vision to life. Every event presents a new challenge, a new opportunity to solve problems, and a new chance to create meaningful experiences. I also enjoy the pace of the industry. While it can be demanding, it constantly pushes you to think critically, adapt quickly, and collaborate effectively with others.
The travel involved in events, while sometimes exhausting, has also been incredibly rewarding because it exposes you to different people, perspectives, and environments. That exposure has helped me grow both personally and professionally over the years.
One of the things I am most proud of is serving as a senior executive at a Black-owned and operated general service contracting company. Representation matters, and I take pride in being able to show younger professionals — particularly women and people of color — that there is absolutely a place for them within this industry and at the leadership level.
My management style is highly collaborative. I believe strong leadership comes from listening to your team, embracing feedback, and creating solutions together rather than simply directing people. At the same time, accountability and integrity are central to how I operate professionally.
One of my core beliefs is that mistakes are inevitable, but how you respond to them defines your character and leadership. Taking ownership instead of shifting blame is essential for building trust within teams and organizations. I also believe ownership and accountability are among the most important qualities young professionals can develop early in their careers.
Two individuals who had a major influence on my development were Rose McKinney, Executive Director of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, and my current Managing Director, Wil Gilmore of Showtime Expo Group. Both taught me the importance of ownership, understanding how every role contributes to the larger team, working smarter rather than harder, and building strong operational processes that allow organizations to function effectively under pressure.
The advice I would give to the next generation entering the industry is simple: ask questions and stay engaged. Don’t be afraid to seek guidance, volunteer for opportunities, or participate in industry associations and committees. Some of the best learning experiences and professional relationships come from getting involved beyond your immediate role.
I would also encourage young professionals to define what work-life balance means for them personally and commit to protecting it. The events industry can be incredibly rewarding, but it is also demanding, and long-term success requires sustainability.
Finally, don’t be afraid to push yourself outside your comfort zone. Growth rarely happens when you stay comfortable. Some of the biggest opportunities in this industry come from taking risks, trying something new, and trusting yourself enough to step into unfamiliar situations.
Chief Executive Officer, Javits Center
I got my start in the industry as a telephone operator at the San Diego Convention Center Corporation. I was a student at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) at the time, studying Mass Communication while watching the convention center being built from the ground up for nearly 2 years. My college advisor set up the opportunity (after I drove her crazy) to get me an interview. Because I was a student, my schedule would work into their need for part-time staff upon opening the venue.
We had an amazing CEO, Tom Liegler. He taught you by showing you how it should be done. He walked through the building with such pride and admiration, and he made everyone feel like they belonged to something bigger than themselves. He was my “Undercover Boss” before there was a TV program with the same name. With him, I drank the Kool-Aid and wanted to share his admiration for the industry. After only 2 years, he resigned, but his spirit and passion lives on in that building still today. It was because of his leadership and his successor’s (Carol Wallace) that I have pursued a career in venue management for over 35 years now.
It’s been exciting and fulfilling. I spent 2 weeks in Paris as part of the United States’ invitation to host the “World Gas Conference,” which only happens every 3 years, and only once every 20+ years in the States. It was one of the world’s most prestigious conferences where exhibits are companies that represent their countries (such as China Petroleum). But I will say the most impactful time I had in this industry was in Houston, Texas, at the George R. Brown Convention Center after Hurricane Katrina. There, we built a shelter and became a human services support center for more than 3500 families from New Orleans. Our placing human lives over commercial business was heartfelt and allowed my team and me to truly have a positive impact in the community. It was amazing to experience and contribute to.
In terms of my management style, I am a collaborator. I look for people who are subject matter experts and can add to my team even when I may not be as knowledgeable as they are. I am persistent in being transparent and honest about what I expect and how we will work together. I believe that we all have a responsibility to learn, to understand our gifts, and how we participate in the larger goal to better serve the organization and the people. Everyone should have something to add; I’m looking for thinkers. I was most influenced by my mentor Carol Wallace. She saw things in me that I didn’t see, and she gave me a seat at the table to express my ideas or to add to others’ contributions. That was a powerful force that convinced me that I had value.
What I love about the job is that I am surrounded by people and every day, I have a new opportunity to positively impact their lives. I love talking to people, I love engaging with the staff, and I love that I have built a career with the destiny of building future leaders. I am most proud of the young lives that are changed because I encountered them and they in turn had an impactful change on me.
I tell young people, don’t listen to the naysayers; simply block out the noise. I also want you to know that the distance is long, so pace yourself and breathe. You are powerful. You are who you say you want to be, so go do it! Be sure to make yourself a priority, for it is easy to lose focus. Remember, small things to a giant! (and yes, you are the giant).
National Sales Manager – Tradeshow, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Working in hotels was not only my first job in the hospitality/meetings industry, but it was also my very first job. I sought to work in a hotel just to have a summer job before college. My first role was a seating captain, but plainly, it was a hostess in a notable restaurant in Atlanta. My education played no role in this, as I was doing it primarily to get extra money. I ended up staying after school began in the fall, and as much as I enjoyed studying the sciences (mainly biology), my working in the hotel made me realize, I would likely enjoy the business aspect of working in a hotel vs. in the medical realm.
In my second year of working, which coincided with my sophomore year in college, I started thinking about a career in hospitality but was still on the fence. By my junior year, I had many experiences in the hotel, and conversations with managers outside of my front-of-house, food and beverage (F & B) role. I realized I wanted to explore a career in hotel sales, and I switched my minor (Foreign Languages) to my major in my third year. Once I graduate the next year, I transitioned into a sales coordinator role at the same hotel, and my career took off.
One of my most interesting positions was a sales leader of the metro market in Atlanta for the parent company of the hotel where I worked. We represented four brands and 14 hotels. It was a new concept at the time, and we were the first in the entire company to launch this program. It was a great learning experience to sell across various brands with different cultures and customer base. I had to be flexible in my selling style while maintaining focus on revenues and other key metrics for the properties. Now, I work in a fine hotel, and it keeps me relevant and customers wanting more. I love my clients –many of them are my friends – which makes my job so much more rewarding
I have a strong work ethic that is founded in both my upbringing and having worked in a luxury hotel with high standards early in my career. Although I work very hard, the payoff is worth it – money isn’t everything, but it makes life easier and more peaceful knowing I have that balance to relax and take time away after long periods of hard work. As a manager, I lead with an expectation of great results, forward thinking and minimal oversight once you’ve passed necessary training. I always am a great resource, and no question is too insignificant, but I highly encourage autonomy and creativity, and it’s a plus when you take initiative and anticipate needs.
To the next generations, I can add the following career advice:
Founder and President, Lippman Connects
A family friend was looking for “some bright young men” for his company – GES (Back then it was called United Expo (UX), then it was bought by Greyhound Exposition Services, and now it’s simply known by these three letters.). GES was the first trade show general contractor (aka “decorator”) in the United States, and it was headquartered in my hometown. I didn’t know anything about the trade show industry – I majored in dramatic arts with an emphasis on directing – but it seemed interesting, and it sounded like something I could do. And because I wasn’t pursuing any options in my field of study, I interviewed and was hired as an intern.
I was hooked at my first show, watching it “move in” around me. It was the Knitting Arts Show, in Atlantic City, NJ. Teamsters unloaded trucks and filled a huge, empty exhibit hall with exhibitors’ freight. Carpenters and electricians built exhibit booths. Within three days, the doors opened, and attendees poured in, many of them rushing in to see the attractive displays and new products that were the transformation from nothingness. Then I watched everything happen in reverse four days later, and within two days of the show’s closing, the hall was empty again. This magic grabbed my imagination, and I knew that this was going to be my career.
Soon thereafter, I was assigned to Chicago and the first show I actually worked was the dog show, where I managed union labor, interfaced with exhibitors, and served as the single point of contact for the dog show organizer. Other great assignments and exciting jobs that I had in the next 25 plus years included the following:
My work ethic came from my grandmother, who often reminded me, “A job worth doing is worth doing well,” and my mother, who liked to tell me, “What else can you do today to be better tomorrow?” My management style, I get from my father, who liked to say, “I don’t expect anything so I’m rarely disappointed.” Industry people I’ve learned from include:
I love learning from others who represent a wide variety of industries and professions. I ask about the latest trends in foods, pets, construction, technology, etc. And I’m proud of providing value to my clients – many of them have become supportive colleagues and good friends. From this give and take through the years, I have refined a few lessons learned and mottos to live by. Here are the top three that I like to tell young professionals:
Vice President, Events at AFCEA International
I started my hospitality/meeting planning career at the Boston Marriott Copley Place as a reservations agent. Having an Associate’s degree in Travel and Tourism Management afforded me the opportunity to learn about hotel operations and the various roles available to me. Starting in reservations also gave me a big picture of how hotels sell their guest rooms and the thought process behind pricing and availability to individual travelers and group travelers.
Once I transitioned from reservations to event assistance, I knew that being in the events industry was my dream job. I love the fast pace, challenges, accomplishments, working with a variety of events, and the people. You meet a lot of people along the way who help shape your career and path. Twenty-six years later, I’m still doing what I love, and learning every day.
I’ve been fortunate to work in a few different jobs that are meetings- and event-related. My first 10 years was with Marriott International. I then transitioned to a Convention and Visitors Bureau and from there, associations, government and now a non-profit. My most interesting positions were with Marriott. It wasn’t about the position itself, but the events I managed — from birthday parties to weddings, and corporate functions to city-wide conferences, and presidential inaugurations. No day was the same. Having planned these types of events and having the clients and attendees (or brides!) leave happy were my biggest accomplishments.
I love the feeling of accomplishment after an event is over, knowing that all the pieces fell into place: the venue was ready with our set-ups, catering, and the many changes before we got on site; the program went off without a hitch; the event made money; and costs were controlled so that they didn’t affect the overall attendee experience. Then I knew that my team had done the required planning, executed their jobs well, and knocked it out of the park!
Getting to this stage of achievements as a leader and manager, I attribute to the lessons I’ve learned from my bosses in the various jobs I’ve had through the years. They’ve had several different management styles and I’ve picked up the best traits from each and made them my own. I prefer not to be a micromanager but still know what my team is doing. I want my team members to make their own mistakes and learn from them. I want them to feel empowered to make decisions. I encourage them to continue learning and seeking opportunities to do so. I want them to speak up and feel confident, and I do so by having an open door policy. When they come to me, I let them know they have value.
Advice I give them and any young professional is this: you’re going to make mistakes — learn from them, don’t repeat them. Be open to feedback. Be open to taking a position that doesn’t interest you and make the most of it because you never know where it will take you. Be a good teammate. Take care of yourself (hydrate, exercise, sleep). Know that you will have bad days, but it’s how you react that sets the pace. Some things will be beyond your control, but as long as you are prepared, these situations will be easier to manage.
Vice President, Business Development and Partnerships, IAAPA
I started as a temporary receptionist at a non-profit organization where I was able to complete my tasks efficiently, and quickly found myself bored. One of the Directors noticed and assigned me responsibilities related to the events they managed—and I loved it! With my interest sparked, I began seeking ways to further develop my skills. In the early 2000s, there weren’t many options, but I discovered the Event Management Certificate Program at George Washington University. The program gave me a formal understanding of how events are structured and executed. It was extensive and an incredible learning experience. One of the program requirements was to plan and execute an event from start to finish. To fulfill that requirement, I interned with another organization, and within three months, they offered me a full-time position. I also joined Meeting Professionals International (MPI) as a student. Thanks to their student price dues, I was able to afford the membership. Through MPI, I was introduced to an entirely new network of industry professionals and gained invaluable insights along the way. I wanted to keep learning, so I attended IAEE’s (International Association of Exhibitions and Events’) Expo! Expo! That was 19 and a half years ago.
Originally, I thought I would be a meeting planner, but I ended up in exhibit sales. I was good at it, and every time I considered switching to planning, sales kept pulling me back in. From the internship, I was hired as a coordinator and have since held roles as a manager, senior manager, director, and senior director. I’m now serving as a Vice President. Over time, I became an expert, and I continue to grow professionally.
To this day, I still get excited every time I walk into a convention center—no matter where I am in the world—and watch an empty space transform into a vibrant, bustling marketplace. The most interesting position I’ve held was Vice President of Conventions, Sales, and Operations. It was a big job—we hosted events all over the world, including three major Expos in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. But the most challenging and rewarding experience of my career was leading our association through the COVID-19 pandemic. I worked closely with vendors and partners on contract agreements and event cancellations, while doing my best to preserve relationships and avoid burning bridges during a very uncertain time.
As a manager, I am collaborative, with a strong focus on organization and planning ahead to ensure clarity and alignment. I prioritize open communication to both share expectations and stay connected with what’s happening across the team. I am highly self-motivated and encourage the same drive and accountability in my coworkers. Above all, I strive to foster a sense of belonging, where each team member feels valued, engaged, and empowered to contribute their best. The business of fun requires us to embrace playfulness and joy in all that we do. It’s a great place to work, supported by a strong culture and shared core values. I truly value our team members and association members, whose passion makes our work meaningful every day. I also enjoy our global events and tradeshows—when the doors to the show floor open, I couldn’t be prouder of our team.
I’ve been influenced by many people along the career journey ranging from other meeting and event planners and key business leaders in various verticals. As I have learned from them and benefited from their advice, I pass along to the next generations the following:
Head of Corporate Relations, American Physical Society (APS)
My journey in events really began with a stroke of luck – I was part of this amazing high school mentoring program, and after college, the program director brought me on as her assistant. It was incredible exposure, working with CEO mentors and helping coordinate their annual conference that brought together 250 mentors and mentees. That’s where I got my first taste of event planning, handling everything from student transportation, to booking the venue and audio visual elements, to building the event agenda and designing program guides.
The real dive into event marketing, where I built the foundation of my experience, was in trade shows when I joined a national mortgage company. Imagine managing exhibits at 50 shows a year! I was constantly on the road, learning everything about unions, exhibit spaces, and insurance, but most importantly how events and conferences worked. That experience led me to a catalog software company, where I spent three fantastic years learning how to manage exhibits for a technology company, including learning about product development and marketing strategies. We even started creating our own customer events, which taught me so much about portfolio marketing.
Then came the game-changer: Citrix Systems called, offering me a field marketing coordinator role. Years later, I was running global conferences for 7,000+ people with a $30 million budget; it was intense but exciting. I proceeded to stay in the high tech space for over 20+ years as an event marketer as it was challenging and rewarding.
Then APS reached out when I was looking for the next challenge in my career. They saw something in me – my connections, my experience – and offered me a role that went beyond just events, which was finding a way to connect industry to APS members and programs to help build a better world through science and providing opportunities for underrepresented groups to become scientists themselves. Now I’m leading the effort to organize tradeshows and sponsorships that happen at APS meetings, which vary from 1,000+ to 14,000+ attendees at our events, and includes everything from managing industry outreach to selling the exhibit show floor to finding financial support for programs like the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology run by UNESCO.
You know what’s funny? Everyone in the event marketing business is kind of an adrenaline junkie. We’re constantly juggling countless moving parts, like solving this massive puzzle with a deadline, while dealing with managing multiple teams. I love turning chaos into order, creating these amazing spaces where people connect, learn, and grow. It’s like building a mini Disneyland at every event – something for everyone!
This career has taken me places I never imagined – both literally and figuratively. I’ve traveled the world, worked with amazing leaders like the late General Colin Powell and Apple’s Tim Cook, and learned so much about different cultures. As an immigrant to America, I’ve worked hard to make my own way, especially in a space that is not as inclusive to people of color. I’ve faced my share of challenges, including microaggressions and discrimination, but I’ve pushed through to win top awards for my events. My public relations degree has been invaluable, giving me the skills to read people and understand their motivations, so that has helped me navigate my career well and thrive. My leadership style? I’m all about empowering my team. I believe in clearing obstacles, problem-solving together, and being there when they need guidance.
My advice to anyone entering this field is simple: learn everything you can, volunteer often, find great mentors, and build your network. This business requires you to be a jack-of-all-trades – from marketing to logistics, from budgeting to what I like to call “cat wrangling.” When you have the right tools and the right people in your corner, success follows naturally.
CEO, Forge
After studying Communication Studies in college and wanting to work in “media.” I had interviews at the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) to be a radio announcer and a sports commentator but I was introduced to a company that produced media and event products. They offered me a job based on my education. In many ways, I fell into the industry. I had a working class background and was the first in my family to go to college; that education gave me the confidence to push on. I loved events from day one — lots of young people like me, lots of energy, and no day the same as the one before. Solving client challenges and connecting people is a great way to spend your professional career!
I started in sales and quickly moved into management. This led to a variety of roles from leading the strategy for a digital push in the early 1990s to broader roles in management including a focus on international growth and travel to over 65 countries. There was also a lot of work in mergers and acquisitions. Eventually, I grew into CEO roles at public and private equity owned companies.
As a leader, I try to be authentic, transparent, fun, and curious. I want to create winning cultures around the world, especially because we are an industry that relies on its people to make the difference. (We don’t have factories, import goods, etc.) People early in my career were highly influential in why I am who I am now. Girish Mhatre, an engineer by education, was tremendously curious and taught me to continuously ask how we can improve. Then, Steve Weitzner taught me the advantages of being myself, communicating clearly and seeing every person as important in the company. I owe so much to these two mentors!
Now, what I love most is when colleagues reach out and tell me that they have grown their careers and outlooks because they worked in the environment we created. Building and growing someone’s career is something I will always be proud of. One colleague stated, “Paul is living proof that sometimes, the good people win,” and that spurs me to mentor more people to succeed.
These are the attributes and rules I live by and seek in others:
National Sales Manager, Shepard Exposition Services, Inc.
I started in TV and radio news, armed with a degree in English, and moved into radio sales, focusing on nontraditional advertisers. Then I ran my own community events & PR business for nearly 10 years, creating events and selling sponsorships so attendees could come for free. I worked event sales for Freeman and GES, before landing here at Shepard. All this experience has helped me with what I am doing now; it’s been a career progression. My education and communication skills have been foundational to speaking and writing well, but less obviously, they have helped me organize things in workable ways. Even learning to write good term papers gave me insight into seeing events as having a premise and designing to what we want attendees to see and feel in that premise.
It was when I worked at GES that I felt the events industry was my career choice. I like things that are fast moving, creative and depend on relationship building. I really enjoy building relationships; our partners are important to our business. I have been hired to be a “hunter” – I look for new prospects with whom to partner; bring them in, and work with my team to develop solutions. I have had a lot of success in this regard.
Throughout my sales career, I have been involved from beginning to end of events, at all levels –working with my production team to ensure client partners were getting what they needed, and after the show to confirm my clients got value for their investments. There is a lot of interaction with the team and clients, and it is intense throughout the different phases. Some of the fun and exciting projects that I’ve worked include The South Africa Pavilion at a national auto show, and several direct selling companies’ international conventions
During the pandemic, I worked for a smaller company where I went back to the fundamentals to figure out how to help. I was the only salesperson kept during this time; I sold a large contract to a national casino group and my company ended up designing and producing plexiglass dividers to enable safe face-to-face transactions. I learned about resilience and pivoting from my family’s business, giving priority to serving customers; My parents had the first Black-owned moving company in Arizona.
Working together as a team is my preferred way of getting things done. I am a servant leader and employee; I like interacting as equals, inviting input from everyone to improve solutions. I was highly influenced by Shana Carr, while at GES; she was one of my best managers. You worked with her, not under her or for her. Her management approach revitalized me. I believe in empowering coworkers as professionals to fix issues and settle differences on their own. Also to be respectful and sensitive in dealing with others and talk to others even if it is uncomfortable and difficult. I dislike and find non-productive an environment of tattle tales, heavy handedness, or subterfuge. These are my beliefs as a Christian.
I advise everyone coming into this field to learn as much as you can within the industry, across divisions. Learn sales, operations, marketing, administration, etc. Seek to understand before being understood. Serve rather than take. Interact and truly listen. This helps you to be kind and respectful and overflow the mentality of a servant manager / coworker. Even if you hear someone say or do things that are not mutually edifying, this can be a learning moment and an opportunity to do the opposite.
Director, Stable Connect, Stablecon
My first position out of college was on the global marketing team of a large housewares company. One of our activations was at the Sundance Film Festival, where I worked in a gifting lounge for celebrities, giving them our coffee makers and swag. Meeting the celebrities was of course cool, but I saw the inspiration of fans interacting and the magic of in-person connections; they really resonated with me. That may have been the earliest experience in my career that led me to my love of live events today.
My first role in the events industry was in business development for an airport conference and media portfolio in Clarion Events. I had come from more than 10 years in advertising and public relations and was set to sell media for Clarion. Little did I know that selling sponsorships would be what I truly fell in love with and quickly, or that it would be the catalyst in my career progression to leadership. I earned a degree in Sociology, which one could say is a great foundation for leadership as it encourages curiosity, meeting your teams and clients where they are, and my passion for creating meaningful, connected ecosystems within events.
Early in my tenure on the airport team and during one of our most successful events to date, we experienced out of our control glitches in producing the closing ceremony and awards program. The entire team had to rally together to deliver the best awards program and event closing we could produce. Though at the time, it was one of the toughest challenges I had faced in that job, something clicked that night, and I locked into putting the needs of our attendees before anything else. My perspective on events changed; I saw the bigger picture with all the different parts coming together. I went on to take over leadership of the event and I often think back to how a series of unfortunate circumstances opened me up to wanting a bigger role in event management – you can never doubt adversity as being a catalyst for change.
As a leader, I am collaborative; I like to work closely with my teams. When people feel personally and professionally connected to the work and fulfilled, they are more effective and more likely to produce great work. One of my proudest accomplishments was leading our business through the pandemic and producing live events for our industry in a safe and meaningful way. It required a lot of creativity, agility, and fortitude because restrictions were constantly changing. Through teamwork and empowerment, my team responded quickly to these changes so that we could deliver sound and healthy environments for our attendees. I also love interacting with people from diverse backgrounds and industries and offering them solutions that bring their brands and concepts to life at our events. There are so many aspects to what we do – every day is different – and I appreciate continuously learning and adapting to new situations. I am proud of my role as a leader, inspiring teams of talented people and supporting them to actualize their potential and fulfill their career goals.
To be where I am now, I have had amazing industry mentors who have shaped my career path with invaluable lessons from both their careers and hands-on lessons on our journeys together. I can look to a couple who not only served as mentors but also as sponsors who carved spaces for me as their careers progressed. The common denominators they share have been transparency, a whatever-it-takes attitude, and staying consistent with their value systems. As I navigate my journey as a leader, these qualities act as my North Star. I am incredibly grateful for these mentors and strive to pay it forward to those I have the honor to lead and mentor.
Here are three pieces of advice I would like to give to the next generations:
Corporate Event Strategies, LLC
My start in the event industry began with my first job out of college working for the American Heart Association in Andover, MA. I started as a Special Events Coordinator and quickly became a Regional Manager of the Northeast Division of the American Heart Association. Also, around this time, I was planning my own wedding. I came to realize that I loved the detail – oriented work that came with both of those “jobs”.
My Communication Degree from the University of New Hampshire and my part time jobs on campus, which included fundraising for the Alumni Center and working in the hospitality side of the University’s conference center and restaurant, prepared me for my entrance into the event industry.
As a Conference Coordinator, and then, as Show Director, for trade show and conference company, Digital Consulting, Inc. (DCI), I was able to hone my on-site execution skills for over 17 years. As a Coordinator, I was responsible for the pre-event development and planning of all logistics for an event. As Show Director, I oversaw a team of professionals who was responsible for each of the various areas of an on-site event, ie registration, exhibit hall and meetings. When DCI was sold, I became an independent contractor, and I have run my own business as a Travel Director now for over 20 years. As a Travel Director, I am contracted by a company or an association to oversee one of more of the different aspects of an event such as, transportation, food and beverage, registration, VIP’s, meetings and AV.
For many people, the event industry may appear to be a glamorous way to make a living. Although the flexibility and variety offered by the industry is one of the things I love about my career, the time demands can be extreme, especially when working on-site at an event. The flexibility has permitted me to raise our 4 children, choosing to return to work after each child was born, when I felt ready, as well as choosing how many days a month I want to work. The travel circumstances surrounding events can be stressful. However, through my work travels, I have seen many areas of the world I may never have visited had I not been contracted to work there.
Understanding and producing the wishes of your client effectively can be challenging but also very rewarding. In addition, helping attendees to have a successful time at an event is also very worthwhile. This can be as simple as providing appropriate signage, fulfilling dietary requirements or empathizing with a complaint.
The event industry has afforded me the opportunity to sharpen my skills as a negotiator and a master delegator. Whether it be negotiating a hotel or venue contract or mediating a discrepancy, the results can be very challenging, but often be a source of pride, as well. My ability to interface with all levels of management, hotel, suppliers, and union personnel, as well as customers, is a skill that I use in many aspects of my life outside of the event industry.
Over the course of my career, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with entrepreneurs, C-suite level executives, as well as other event professionals, from varying industries. By providing a consistent level of service excellence, I have developed a loyal client base, many of whom I consider friends.
My career in the event industry has allowed me the benefit of a healthy balance of family, friendships and a rewarding profession that highlights my talents and passions
Community Engagement Liaison, Meet Boston
I gravitated to the trade show industry from my first corporate experience in banking. While as a student at Boston University, I switched majors from English to Economics midway. My first job out of college was with the Old Colony Trust Division at the First National Bank of Boston, which led me into the international Cash Management market and responsibilities that encompassed client services and sales. Nearly 10 years later, I was recruited by a trade show company that was heading into international markets and was looking for an international salesperson. The interview lasted approximately 11 seconds. After three yes/no questions, Bill Mahan offered me a position with The Interface Group, producers of COMDEX, one of the largest information technology tradeshows in North America at the time! There, I was the second person in its international division, and worked on six to seven events a year initially; they were large and had a lot of moving parts.
To get things done, the staff had to coalesce, work together efficiently, quickly, and smoothly. These team relationships drew me into the industry. It felt good to be a part of a well-oiled machine, getting things done, having the same end goal – the show. And when the doors opened, and the curtain went up, seeing everything come together, and all the moving parts functioning in sync, I was always amazed, and the sense of satisfaction was highly apparent. The camaraderie of the team has stood the test of time, and we still work together, in different capacities, after all those years. I also like that conventions showcase leading edge advancement in their respective industries. I have had the pleasure of meeting technology and industry leaders on the cutting edge and learning from them.
I am a consummate salesman because most situations in life present a sales opportunity. I focus on demonstrating to potential clients that what I have to offer will give them an advantage appropriate to their needs and goals. I don’t have to offer the best product or service on the market, but I have what clients need to move in the direction they want to go. Selling is informing, providing information. It is very satisfying to watch small companies use this information to grow and prosper. Currently, my responsibility is to increase and enhance the knowledge and awareness of Boston’s lesser-known neighborhoods. The city has 13 distinct communities that together comprise the Boston experience, and it is important that visitors learn about them.
I am also an advocate for raising awareness in and about African American communities whether it’s promoting education among the local residents or telling others about the African American experience in Boston. Through some of these efforts, I am particularly proud of the recognition and accomplishments below:
Looking back, I have a lot of people to thank for where I am today. One of those influencers includes my Dad who taught me my work ethic; he had a PhD in regular smarts, how to treat people and earn their respect. Another was Milt Herbert who was Vice President of Marketing and Sales at the Interface Group. I worked with Milt for several years at the Interface Group, and later at the Boston Convention Marketing Center, where I worked for 17 years, with Milt. Bill Mahan, the man who interviewed me for 11 second, was a Vietnam War veteran and salt of the earth. He had a natural way about him that was endearing. We were friends for life. Lastly, growing up in Roxbury, MA, there was a community of people, a network of people who went on to be examples of excellence — judges, a reverend who marched with Martin Luther King, Jr, and members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
A result of these role models is that I lead by example. A good manager doesn’t tell how to do it but shows how to get it done. I don’t micromanage. Because I am a golfer, I see life as in a game of golf — different pathways will get you from the tee to the green; what often matters most is the recovery shot from the rough. Go into the woods, find your ball, maneuver your way out and take penalties, but make good at the end. You may not always get a Mulligan, but you may get a do-over. I also believe in working smarter, not harder. If I must work hard, I will, because there are no shortcuts, and I don’t believe in a 9 to 5 job. But by putting my best foot forward and applying what I’ve learned, I can achieve efficiencies as well as my desired outcomes.
My advice to the next generations is to learn something every day, so you don’t have a wasted day. You can learn from everyone: the secretary down the hall and the facility custodian, as well as the boss. Keep your eyes and ears open. Networking is only half of the process. Listen to others’ perspectives and seek to understand them.
Senior Sales Manager, MJBiz
My first job in events was for NY NOW in New York City. I was a consultant customer success manager, calling customers beforehand to prepare them for the show, and helping with tasks such as editing their online profiles. This lasted 2 months before my bosses said they liked how effective I was on the phone and offered me a full-time job as a sales representative and assigned me to the sales team for the Home Collection segment (NY NOW is a luxury gift market, taking up the entire footprint of the Javits Center.). Prior to joining NY NOW, I was a teacher with a degree in early childhood education. After running a learning center for supplemental education for 4 years, I decided to walk away from teaching and look for a job closer to home so I could help care for my father who was battling cancer.
Emerald, the company that produces NY NOW, had an office behind my house. I applied for the position at NY NOW and have been with Emerald for 7 years. During this time, I worked five different shows that ran the gamut – from souvenirs to handcrafted goods to cannabis. For several years I worked as a new business development manager. In business development, you don’t necessarily close the deal; you’re a hunter and you do a lot of prospecting and discovery. A couple of years ago, I was planning my wedding, traveling every 3 weeks, and working on three shows at the same time. And it came to me that I was enjoying the excitement and all the moving parts and decided that it suited me.
I love selling; I love the elements of people and talking and getting to hear about clients’ business – where do they want to go, how do they want to grow. I want to help them with growing their businesses. I enjoy the face-to-face prospecting, getting out there, being in the hunt, going to competitive shows to find products I haven’t seen before and would be good for my show, and discovering something totally new for the show.
While on maternity leave, I found myself still checking in with my colleagues regularly to see what was going on. And towards the end of my leave, I wasn’t feeling like myself, I ready to come back to work – wanted to come! That’s when I knew for sure, this was my career.
I love the physical culmination and manifestation of my team’s hard work when the event comes to life. In fact, I love events in general; I love the planning, imagining a big show at the end. I make mountains out of molehills, literally. My son’s first birthday party was over the top — balloon arches, balloon garlands, cookies, matching t-shirts, the whole nine yards.
Now, I’m with Emerald’s MJBizCon – the leading cannabis tradeshow and conference. While I do not consume, I’m learning so much every day about an ever-changing industry. Cannabis has not been legalized at the Federal level nor in several states and regulations are changing daily. I work with an incredible team who stays on their toes and keeps up with all the policy changes so that MJBizCon continues to evolve right alongside the regulations year after year.
Emerald has recognized my efforts and dedication, giving me a Sales Growth Award in 2022 for exceeding my goals on two separate events in one calendar year. I was also awarded the Presidents Club in 2023 for being a top performer and exceeding my sales goals.
With this experience and success, I jumped at the chance to be a mentor for The Annabelle Project. Helping others, paying it forward, and looking after the careers of the next generations is in my DNA. My father, an advertising executive in New York City, was a mentor his entire career. Even when he was sick, he made time to mentor and give opportunities to others. It was important to him, and he passed that value to my brother and me. My being a mentor is his legacy.
Here are other values he passed along to me, as well as some of my own:
National Account Director, Informa Connect
I got my start in the tradeshow industry at AmericasMart in a customer relations role, where I worked closely with exhibitors and gained firsthand exposure to how events operate behind the scenes. At the time, I didn’t fully realize the long-term career opportunities the industry could offer, but that early experience gave me direct exposure to the pace, complexity, and relationship-driven nature of the business. It also taught me how important customer experience and communication are in live events.
That role opened the door to sales opportunities with organizations such as Messe Frankfurt and NürnbergMesse, where I began managing full sales cycles, developing client relationships, and growing accounts across international markets. As my responsibilities expanded, I found myself increasingly drawn to the global nature of the events industry and the opportunity to connect businesses and people across cultures.
I knew this was the career for me once I started working with international events and engaging with people from different backgrounds around the world. Something clicked for me during that period. I realized this industry combined many of the things I enjoy most: relationship building, business development, travel, problem-solving, and helping companies grow through face-to-face interaction and live experiences. From that point forward, I stopped viewing it as simply a job and recognized it as the career I wanted to continue building long term.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of sales and leadership-focused roles that helped shape my perspective and approach to business. One of my proudest accomplishments was becoming a top-performing sales specialist at the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, where I consistently exceeded targets and contributed to strong membership and revenue growth. That experience reinforced the importance of discipline, persistence, and understanding client needs at a deeper level.
I later moved into an International Sales Manager role with NürnbergMesse, where I had the opportunity to lead major international initiatives, build global partnerships, and contribute to significant overseas revenue growth. Working in international sales expanded my understanding of how business is conducted across cultures and taught me the importance of adaptability, communication, and relationship management in global markets.
What I love most about the events industry is the ability to connect with people from different cultures while helping businesses and communities grow through live experiences. There is something incredibly rewarding about bringing people together, facilitating meaningful connections, and contributing to opportunities that can have a lasting impact on organizations and individuals alike.
I’m especially proud of the long-term partnerships and relationships I’ve built throughout my career. In this industry, trust and consistency matter, and many of the relationships I developed years ago continue to create opportunities today. I’m also proud of the revenue growth I’ve driven and the role I’ve played in helping organizations expand internationally and strengthen their presence within the global marketplace.
My management style is high-energy, collaborative, and results driven. I believe in leading from the front and creating an environment where people feel motivated, supported, and accountable. I value teamwork and believe strong teams are built through communication, trust, and shared goals.
My work ethic has always been rooted in ownership, resilience, and consistency. The events industry moves quickly, and success often comes from being able to adapt, solve problems under pressure, and continue moving forward even when challenges arise. Throughout my career, I’ve been influenced by leaders in the tradeshow and international sales space who balanced strategic thinking with strong relationship-building skills. Watching how they navigated business, managed people, and created opportunities significantly shaped how I approach leadership today.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned throughout my career is that relationships and attitude matter just as much as technical skills or experience. You can teach many aspects of the job, but curiosity, professionalism, resilience, and the ability to connect with people are what truly help individuals stand out and grow over time.
My advice to the next generation is to stay curious, remain open to new experiences, and not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Some of the best opportunities in this industry come from being willing to take risks, meet new people, and embrace unfamiliar situations even before you feel completely ready.
I would also encourage young professionals to learn from different cultures and perspectives whenever possible. The events industry is incredibly global and being adaptable and culturally aware will set you apart. Stay patient with your growth, continue learning, and understand that every experience — even the difficult ones — is helping prepare you for larger opportunities ahead.
Retired Event Executive
I was more than 40 years only old when I got my first job in the trade show industry. In my case, it was my work experience in the seafood industry that led to my joining a company that organized the largest seafood trade show in the United States. My past experience played the major role in this job at first, but once in the exposition industry, my learning was a combination of on-the-job and attending industry training and events. I was curious, asked questions, and listened.
I was hooked as soon as I participated in the first event that I helped organize. It is a very rewarding feeling to see how your own work helps so many people gain their success in business. It was especially exciting for me because I came from the industry of my customers. Although you don’t have to have a background in the customers’ industries, having it helps to know the vocabulary, to understand their business and marketing needs, and to draw from experience to provide knowledgeable and tailored assistance. Often, I knew the customers or the companies they represented, which also made it easier for me to reach out to them and continue to build invaluable relationships.
I started as an exhibit sales manager and steadily advanced to sales director, then show director, Vice President, and eventually COO. I have organized events in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Launching events in foreign marketplaces is a challenge, and very rewarding when successful. I helped to launch a number of new events – some were very successful and but I had a few duds as well. I had to try them though, to find out that they would not work out as well as the others. The trick is to be careful how much you invest in ventures and the way you invest in them. Also, have a Plan B or escape route if you see things not going according to Plan A.
My management style is very simple, hire good people and then get out of their way. Provide training and guidance, not micro management. Let them know you trust them, and give them some authority to carry out their jobs. At the same time, I was always available to give them support and advice; my staff knew that they could either confide in me or get me to reach out to others for more help. Building a dynamic team is as rewarding as building great events.
Launching a new event and then managing it as it grows is the best part of the job for me. I worked with a team to accomplish a goal. Also, understanding the industry you are working in, learning new things about it on an ongoing basis is great.
The advice I would give is based on my personal experience: if you want to be a good trade show organizer, you need to analyze the industry you are working in, figure out the buy/sell relationships and then create an event that adds value to both buyers and sellers. That will make you an invaluable asset, and a successful event for your customers.
Vice President, Meetings & Exhibits
American Academy of Ophthalmology
After graduating from college with a marketing degree, I took a job in retail and quickly realized it wasn’t the career path for me. Looking through the job ads in the newspaper, I answered one from an association that, as it turns out, was posted by a placement agency. The agency placed me with a small association, the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association, as a front desk administrative assistant. A few months into the job an opportunity opened up in exhibit management. From there my role quickly expanded into marketing, graphic design, and exhibit management, on top of maintaining my administrative duties. This kickstarted my journey into the industry, and I embraced this new opportunity to learn and grow professionally.
My first tradeshow was in Dallas. As I walked the show floor interacting with exhibitors during set-up, I found myself trying to navigate the enforcement of venue regulations and show protocols, not very successfully. It was there that I encountered GES, our event decorator, and Bob Hartsoc. Recognizing my initial struggles, Bob graciously extended his mentorship, introducing me to exhibitors, helping to enforce regulations while providing valuable insight into show management. Over the next four years Bob’s wisdom helped shape my understanding of the industry from drayage to fire marshal regulations, and everything in between. My love for the industry started there and continued to grow throughout the years.
Throughout most of my career, I’ve primarily worked for associations, with a brief detour into the dot-com world during the burst of the tech bubble. However, my heart remained in the events business, where I quickly returned. I found my niche with organizations like the School Nutrition Association, orchestrating a large-scale food-focused show that propelled innovative products like Dippin’ Dots and Uncrustables into the market. This job was deeply rewarding as the mission of the organization and its members supported providing nutritious meals to K-12 students nationwide. From there I transitioned to the National School Boards Association which offered a distinctly different perspective, moving into the world of policy and the political landscape of K-12 education, where school board positions often served as launching pads for political careers. My time at NSBA proved pivotal in refining my skills and laying the foundation for my career in the events industry over the subsequent 15 years. During this tenure, I spearheaded the management of their meetings, exhibits, events, and sponsorship programs, honing my expertise and making significant contributions to the organization’s success.
I went on to the American Chemical Society where I learned how vitally important chemists are to our everyday lives. A chemist touches almost everything we use in our day to day lives, from makeup to house paints, to clothing and plastics — you name it and there’s an imprint from a chemist. There I managed a large team responsible for producing more than 100 events annually ranging from a few hundred to up to 19,000 attendees domestically and internationally.
Currently, at the American Institute of Architects, I find similarities to my previous organization, as architects shape the very environments we inhabit, work, and play in. The AIA Conference on Architecture & Design is one of the most visually stunning and coolest conference and tradeshows I’ve had the pleasure to work on.
The relationships I’ve cultivated throughout my career have been invaluable to my growth and success. My mentors and friends I’ve met along my journey have provided me with priceless guidance and support over the years, some spanning two decades. Their wisdom and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping my career, and I’m grateful for their ongoing presence in my life.
This industry allows individuals to make long lasting meaningful connections and create memorable impactful experiences, that improve peoples’ lives thought meaningful connections and learning opportunities. It grants us opportunity to take risks, push boundaries, and innovate, allowing us to effect change both on an individual level and on a broader scale. I’m truly grateful for how far I’ve come in my career journey, particularly because I’m deeply passionate about the creative aspect of my job, which complements all the other fulfilling aspects I’ve mentioned.
To the next generations, I say take a balanced approach: work hard and play hard. Take ownership of both successes and failures, using them as steppingstones for personal growth. Additionally, I urge you to:
Expo Services Manager, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association
I entered the industry somewhat by chance, joining the association as an Administrative Assistant supporting the Regulatory, Food Safety & Production Programs, and then the Research and Accounting Programs. After 3 years, an opportunity opened for an Expo Services Coordinator position, and I was fortunate to be selected. Within a year, I was promoted to Expo Services Manager, dealing with the logistics of our exposition. Two years later, I was in charge of sponsorships. I believe my academic background—a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Education—played a key role in my success, as it provided me with a strong foundation in organization and attention to detail.
I realized this was the right career path for me during my first year as an Expo Services Coordinator. I found genuine fulfillment in the fast-paced environment, the attention to detail required, and the collaborative nature of the work. Each event presented a new challenge, and I enjoyed finding solutions that made a real impact. As I gained more experience, I saw how my skills in organization, communication, and logistics aligned perfectly with the demands of the role. That’s when I knew—I wasn’t just doing a job, I was building a career that I truly enjoyed and could grow in.
Being an administrative assistant in regulations, food safety and production helped me build a strong foundation in organizational processes and teamwork. Later, in research and accounting, I managed 35 to 40 research projects at a time. This taught me how to juggle multiple priorities, stay organized, and ensure that grant payments and progress reports were always on track. Coordinating exposition services, I gained hands-on experience working with vendors and improving how we handled event logistics. In my current role as Expo Services Manager, I assist with the planning and execution of our annual expo—overseeing logistics, supporting our team onsite, and making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Each role has taught me something new, and I am eager to continue to learn. I’m equally passionate about sharing those lessons and helping others grow in their own careers.
My management style is collaborative, detail-oriented, and focused on results. I believe in empowering my team by creating a supportive environment where clear communication, accountability, and mutual respect constitute the foundation. I lead by example and am not afraid to roll up my sleeves to ensure the success of a project. My work ethic is rooted in consistency, reliability, and a strong sense of ownership. I take pride in staying organized, meeting deadlines, and going the extra mile to exceed expectations.
This is possible because I love my job. The work is dynamic—no two days are ever the same. I thrive on the challenge of bringing together the many moving parts to create a seamless and impactful event. It’s incredibly rewarding to see months of planning come to life and to know that my efforts contributed to a successful experience for exhibitors, attendees, and stakeholders.
What I’m most proud of in my work are the relationships I’ve built across departments and with industry partners. Collaboration is key in this field, and being a person others can rely on gives me a strong sense of purpose. I’m also proud of the growth I’ve experienced—from an administrative role to managing complex logistics on a large scale. Each step has helped prepare me for the next steps.
One of the most important lessons I want to pass along is that flexibility and adaptability are essential in this industry. No matter how well you plan, unexpected challenges will arise—and how you respond makes all the difference. Stay calm, stay solution-oriented, and always be willing to learn from each experience.
Another key lesson is the value of relationships. Build strong connections with your team, vendors, and clients—those relationships will carry you far and often make the difference between a good event and a great one.
To the next generations, I add this advice: Be curious, be reliable, and never underestimate the power of professionalism. Show up prepared, ask questions, and take initiative. Opportunities often come to those who go above and beyond—even in the small things. And most importantly, find joy in the work you do. Passion and a positive attitude are contagious and can set the tone for an entire team.
CEO/CSO, Relevant Management
I grew up in a small town called, Vineland, NJ, in a close- knit family, one of four siblings and the elder twin. I was taught to keep God at the center of everything. We were raised with a strong educational foundation and taught to be incredibly disciplined. From a very young age, I enjoyed working and held various jobs including selling plants, taking photos of people with the Easter Bunny and Santa at the mall, and working at CVS Pharmacy. I earned money and bought my school supplies, and realized the value of an honest income and a sense of responsibility.
While attending college, I began what would become a career long journey in the hospitality and exhibitions, events, and meetings industry with my first real job in the gaming industry as a bus greeter at Caesars Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. I was given a uniform, consisting of a polo top and shorts and I could wear sneakers to work! I set annual goals for myself on compensation, position, and titles that interested me, and began earning promotions, first as a box office representative and working my way up to be an executive in my early twenties. I was fortunate that there was always a leader who took an interest in me and wanted to mentor and support my career journey. I attribute my professional foundation to great leadership and in particular, Debbie Thomas, VP of Marketing at the Taj Mahal. She was the only female executive in the organization, and she was a powerhouse to be reckoned with. She taught me the importance of doing what I do really well, and learn as much as possible to become an expert at what I do.
After eight years in Atlantic City, I relocated to Georgia, and started as a Sales Manager for Starwood Lodging, and then joined NCR, a Fortune 100, $6 billion enterprise with more than 30,000 employees. I was promoted to Global Director of marketing services in the Retail Solutions Division, responsible for a portfolio of more than 100 tradeshows worldwide. I traveled all over the world, and learned about different cultures and languages. I met with C-suite executives of nearly every major retailer around the world. It was common for my peers to have MBAs and PhDs and speak, read, and write more than three languages. They inspired me to become better as a contributor to NCR. I wanted to become an expert at NCR’s products, solutions, and technology. I valued the difference our employees and customers made, and it has been my passion to appreciate key guiding principles of building long- standing relationships with colleagues and customers, and to collaborate together towards a common goal.
From NCR, I went on to a privately held, family-owned company in Atlanta, and was promoted after only one year to lead LIGHTFAIR International, and grow it to be the world’s largest architectural and commercial lighting tradeshow and conference program. We went from a $5 million enterprise to generating more than $18 million annually. It was an extremely rewarding time in my career, and I am proud of our numerous contributions to the organization and industry. During my 12 years there, I rose to Vice President, and led an award-winning team and event that was recognized by the industry for many years. To this day, I still meet with my former LIGHTFAIR team at least twice a year, as they have become a part of my family. During this time, I also earned the International Association of Exhibitions and Events Certified in Exhibition Management (IAEE CEM) designation.
In December 2018, a recruiter approached me about my current position. My initial response was to offer to forward the inquiry to others in my network, and after few attempts, I took a closer look, and it piqued my interest. Now, nearly five years in, it was the best decision I’ve ever made. AVIXA is a global association, dedicated to promoting the audiovisual and integrated experience. It is an honor to pull upon my years of experience to lead InfoComm, the largest pro AV technology tradeshow and conference program in North America with nearly 1,000 exhibitors and more than 43,000 registered attendees. It is a pleasure to serve our members, attendees, exhibitors, and my team every day, doing something that I enjoy and that impacts the world.
I have learned a tremendous amount through the years: how to be strategic, agile, flexible, and a critical thinker; and how to lead teams, build relationships, resolve conflict, negotiate, oversee Profits and Losses (P/Ls), manage strategic account, communicate effectively, and always be a respectful professional. I have worked with professionals at every level of management up to the C-suite, with customers and vendors across our industry and different verticals. I have developed strong relationships, served on various advisory committees, including as Chair of IAEE’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. I have helped create a scholarship for students in underserved communities, and built a purpose-driven and meaningful career. The exhibitions, events, and meetings industry has created a path to success that I had no idea even existed and that I could make a career of it for 35 years.
Vice President, Global Inclusion, Informa
My career hasn’t been a straight line; it’s been shaped by curiosity, community, and the belief that people and ideas can transform an organization when they have room to flourish. My journey began in marketing for Taylor & Francis Group, the academic publishing division of Informa, where I worked closely with authors, researchers, and global communities of people who were pushing boundaries in their fields. The core of my work was and has been bringing people together, listening deeply, and building systems that turn potential into progress. My education strengthened my communication and analytical skills, but it was my ability to understand people—how they work, what motivates them, and how trust is built—that determined the path of my career. Having this ability enabled me to enter the industry with purpose. I was drawn to work that meant something; work that elevated knowledge, amplified voices, and connected people across borders. This combination of purpose, preparation, and relationship-building became the blueprint for every succeeding role.
The moment I realized this wasn’t just a job, but my career, came unexpectedly, in a meeting room filled with ideas. I was leading the development of Ignite, our first global idea platform, and I observed colleagues from across the organization offering innovations that transformed processes, reduced barriers, and unlocked new ways of working. Ignite elevated their voices and cross-functional problem solving. People who had been quiet for years suddenly spoke up. Seeing that moment when their potential became visible to them and the organization changed everything for me. I wasn’t just drawn to communication or strategy; I was drawn to the moments when people felt valued and heard. That’s when I knew my future would involve creating environments in which people could innovate and belong.
From there, my career grew to building structures that supported inclusion, collaboration, and innovation. I later became the Vice President of Global Inclusion at Informa, a role that brought together everything I value: people, purpose, strategy, and impact. I now guide a global inclusion strategy, working with colleagues in more than 30 countries to embed inclusion into culture, leadership, products, and experiences. I’ve strengthened colleague resource networks, built global governance structures, and brought leaders and teams together to create a sense of shared purpose and belonging. My work is about removing barriers, expanding opportunities, and designing workplaces where people from all backgrounds can thrive.
My leadership style is relational, intentional, and rooted in transparency. I lead with clarity and empathy because I’ve learned that psychological safety is not a buzzword; it is the foundation of high performance. My identity as a Latina woman of Puerto Rican and Jamaican descent has shaped my work ethic. I know what it means to navigate spaces where your voice isn’t assumed to be authoritative. This reality has sharpened my resilience and emotional intelligence and taught me to spot talent in others before they even see it in themselves.
I’ve been influenced by leaders who pair strategic clarity with humanity, and by teammates who have trusted me enough to grow alongside me. Every team I’ve led has reinforced the concept that leadership is a practice of elevating others, creating space, and honoring the diversity of lived experiences that strengthen an organization.
If I were to share anything with the next generation, especially the underrepresented in this industry, it would be this: your background is not a limitation, it’s an asset. Use it. Honor it. Lead from it. Relationships matter as much as skills. Build strong, authentic connections. They will take you farther than you imagine. Stay curious and adaptable; this industry evolves quickly, and curiosity will keep you ahead of the curve. Speak your aspirations aloud; closed mouths don’t get fed, and unvoiced dreams don’t get realized. Don’t wait to feel “ready;” growth happens in motion. Most importantly, be the person who brings others along. That’s real leadership.
For anyone exploring this industry, know that there is space for you, and it is bigger than you think. Your voice, perspective, and leadership are not only welcome, but they are also necessary for where this industry is going.
Chief Program & Strategy Officer, TED
In my third year at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, NJ, where I was a marketing major, I went to the Career Center and found an internship at a small boutique media and events company in New York City. I didn’t even know being an event organizer existed, especially corporate events. Yet here I was, a Jill-of-all-trades in operations and sales doing sponsorships, public relationships, and event production. It didn’t pay well, maybe just a small travel stipend, and it was one of four jobs I was juggling (two campus jobs and retail work at JCPenney), but it went so well. I enjoyed it so much that I decided it was to be my career. Besides, from a marketing perspective, I didn’t know what else I would do. In this industry, I felt so accomplished. It was a tangible sense of getting things done, seeing things come to life and into action. When things went well, there was a clear sense that I contributed to them. That was a big motivation for me. Plus, these corporate events had an entertainment aspect, and I got to meet celebrities. LL Cool J was one! Being so young, and being in environments where important people were dependent on me for a successful event felt amazing. For example, LL gave me a hug when he came off the stage at an event, and I thought, “This it, this is my new fabulous life – LL hugged me!” There was no turning back; I found the career I wanted.
Post college, my first “adult” job was Promotion Manager for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Disney on Ice, where I traveled around the East Coast, promoting the programs to the media and coordinating partnerships with corporate entities. But another aspect was walking the elephants from train stations to the venues along with the clowns and other entertainers. So many interesting and wonderful stories to tell from that experience. It only paid $27,000 a year, but it gave me a lot of experience in the events and media industries that I still lean on. It was another unique environment that was fascinating.
My jobs have not only contributed to my professional growth, but my personal growth too. At one job, I asked for a $5,000 raise; it was denied, and I left for a senior role in a small organization where I didn’t last 6 months. The lesson I got from that failure was to have more patience in life and do more due diligence in understanding a company’s expectations and whether they truly aligned with my needs. I didn’t take enough time to see if we truly were a good match. I was busy trying to prove that I deserved the higher role, but didn’t necessarily understand if I was truly prepared for what all comes with that role. In the end, I had to take a step back before I could take 10 steps forward. For nearly a year, I did freelance work and consulting while trying to get a full-time job. But from that experience, I became more intentional about my growth, and not just focusing on my title, but my skillsets and what organizations truly needed.
I am proud that I reset myself to think about my career journey and my role in a different context. Once I veered away from titles and toward establishing competencies, I also learned that just doing a good job doesn’t attract promotions, it just gets more work. You have to be seen, and networking has to be intentional — which people can help me; what skillsets do successful people have? I researched on LinkedIn people who held the roles I wanted and made a list of skills that I didn’t have based on their profiles. Then I built relationships to find out how to gain those skills, and I drew up a roadmap of what I needed to do to get to where I wanted to be. And I got there – I haven’t had to look for a job in 14 years. I’ve had 6 jobs since this change in strategy, and either I was recruited for those jobs or referred to them by someone in my network.
My management style and work ethic are all about empathy and real-world experience. I’ve been in the trenches, tackling projects and overcoming challenges just like my colleagues. That’s why I lead with a balanced approach—I understand the struggles, but I also know the importance of keeping things moving forward. Perfectionism? Nah, not my thing. I’m all about the 80/20 rule: most of the time, things work out just fine, and when they don’t, we learn and grow from them. It’s all about embracing the journey, taking risks, and becoming better each moment of your journey.
I’m living a version of my dream! Traveling the world, meeting incredible people, and making a real impact on people’s lives. Whether it’s sparking a breakthrough in business or helping someone grow personally and professionally, I thrive on creating unforgettable and life changing moments. And you know what? I’m proud of my work ethic and track record as a top performer. But here’s the thing—I know how to have fun along the way. If something stops my spark or optimism, I’m not afraid to pivot and move on from it because I know there’s always something better waiting around the corner. It’s all about chasing joy and seizing every opportunity that comes my way.
Now, turning to students and new graduates, let’s talk about the pressure cooker called your 20s. Spoiler alert: You don’t need to have your whole life figured out by 30. Seriously. Your 20s are all about exploration, trial, and error. Try things out, ditch what doesn’t vibe with you, and embrace the journey. Flexibility is imperative! You never know what blessings might be waiting around the corner. And guess what? You don’t need to impress anyone with your career choices. Not your friends, not your family. Focus on what makes you tick and the skills you enjoy. Build a life that feels like you, and celebrate every little win along the way. Gratitude is your secret sauce. Work from a place of thankfulness, and watch the universe send some serious positivity and optimism your way.
Director of Sales, Georgia World Congress Center
My first job in the hospitality industry was as a front desk agent at a suburban hotel in Atlanta. It gave me invaluable frontline experience and taught me the importance of customer service and effective communication. Having studied journalism with a public relations concentration and a minor in sociology at Georgia State University—not hospitality—I now realize how much my education has shaped my career. My studies strengthened my communication skills and taught me how to build meaningful relationships, both of which are essential to my success in hospitality.
I knew hospitality was the right career for me when I attended my first Sales Kickoff with Starwood Hotels (now Marriott). Being surrounded by passionate, successful professionals from diverse backgrounds made me realize this was an industry built on relationships and connections. It felt like a natural fit, and I knew I had found my career.
What I love most about my job is the opportunity to connect with people from all backgrounds on a daily basis, as we all join a collective effort to be part of something much bigger than we are. I’m proud that the work we do at the Georgia World Congress Center helps bring world-class events to my hometown of Atlanta, generating economic impact that supports local businesses, creates jobs, and strengthens our community. Knowing I play a role in that is what makes me most proud.
Some of my most interesting roles include serving as Director of Sales & Marketing at Reverb by Hard Rock, where I helped sell a unique, music-inspired hotel experience. The most interesting by far though, has been my current position leading the sales team at the Georgia World Congress Center. It has given me the opportunity to work with some of the world’s largest events while collaborating with leaders from the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Mayor’s Office, and elected state officials. Career highlights include being selected for the inaugural DEI Council at Omni Hotels & Resorts, and currently serving as Chair of the DEI Committee for PCMA Capital Chapter.
As head of sales departments, I have a management style that is structured but flexible, with a strong focus on coaching rather than micromanaging. I believe in giving my team the tools, processes, and support they need, then empowering them to succeed in their own way. Ironically, some of the biggest influences on my leadership style were managers who micromanaged me—they reinforced the kind of leader I did not want to become. I believe people do their best work when they are trusted, challenged, and given room to grow and innovate.
My biggest piece of advice for my staff and young professionals is to invest in relationships. Build genuine connections with people who are a few steps ahead of you, and nurture those relationships over time. Every opportunity I’ve had in my career has come through someone who knew my work, trusted me, and advocated for me when I wasn’t in the room. Treat people well, protect your reputation, and never underestimate the power of your network.
Vice President, CES Sales, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
I have been with CTA since college; I started as an intern the summer after my junior year at George Mason University. I was a Communications major, and a communications manager from CTA came to speak to us about careers at his association and its trade show, the Consumer Electronics Show or CES. After his talk, I went up to him and asked about CES. He told me about the people who attend, how amazing it was and all the great exhibiting companies presenting the tech innovations. Then he said that internships were available. I applied and started in June 2005, in CTA’s communications department doing public relations work for the show.
So I just fell into this business – it’s something that you don’t ordinarily encounter at school, someone has to introduce you to it. Once my internship started, I quickly learned just how amazing CES is and really felt connected to CTA’s mission to grow the customer tech industry. My internship lasted 6 months and culminated with me getting to go CES. After my first show, I was hooked.
There is no frame of reference for what a show is until you get on site, then it’s, “Whoa!” – it’s the “Aha moment.” You’ll love it or not, and I loved it. When I got back from Las Vegas in January 2006 (I had graduated early after carrying a full-time work and class load as well as summer classes), a position opened in the sales department. I knew I wanted to stay at CTA, I liked the people, and thought I would try my hat in sales. My manager encouraged me to apply. At my interview, I explained how my communications education and experience would help me in sales. I had taken some psychology courses too, which I said helped me understand how to communicate with people, how to set the stage when encouraging companies to participate in the show.
I started as a coordinator in the sales department in February 2006. When you’re selling something, you’re also selling a little of yourself. I like to meet clients where they are. No matter what you’re talking about, it’s about understanding the mindset of the person you’re talking to. A CFO will want to know how this opportunity will affect the bottom line, a CMO will want to know about exposure and how this opportunity will help increase their brand recognition or market share. I leveraged this knowledge to achieve a big accomplishment in my career, enticing the automotive sector to exhibit at CES. I was assigned the automotive aftermarket sector, an area I knew little about, but my manager sent me to observe other shows in that industry. Being new and one of the few women of color in this field, I was pretty much on my own, and I spent the time absorbing everything I could. Car technology at CES back then was almost all about audio, but it was growing with GPS technology, emergency communications, and satellite radio. I found a couple of companies willing to exhibit, and then the car industry tanked. My manager left, and I was elevated to a manager position. The big three car manufacturers were criticized for not keeping up with consumer needs. So I started pitching them on using CES as a platform to build a new narrative. Soon I landed, Ford and a year later they keynoted I went from selling small booths to big exhibits and cast a broad net into the vehicle tech market. A few came in at first, then more came, and eventually they all came. Now we’re a premier event for the auto industry. We helped change how consumers think about cars.
Getting here has been due in large part to a lot of people and a few mentors in particular. When I had to run various segments of the show, I asked people who had the answers. The more they shared their knowledge, the more I wanted to be like them. Two great mentors were advocates for me as well as information sources. My boss in sales was constantly training; he ensured I had the tools to be successful. He reminded me to earn our clients’ trust, listen to what they need and want. They’ll come back with more business, then you provide them solutions.
There’s never a dull moment at CES, new challenges arise every day. I’m a doer and I love the work. I like to mentor new staff, knowing sometimes that they, like me, have randomly come into this industry. Half my team had never been to a tradeshow before. I love to empower people and give them ownership of projects – when they have autonomy, they will put their all into it. I’m not a micromanager; I give advice, tools, support, and the best resources possible. I also don’t ask for anything I haven’t done. Because I have come up through the ranks, I understand the struggle. I have high expectations, but I know they’re achievable and I won’t leave anyone out on their own. I strive to have personal relationships with everyone on my team and have real conversations with them. I want every team member to know they are seen and appreciated. I want to help make the right career fits, depending on their interests and capabilities. I like to know their goals and where they want to go so I can help them get there.
Advice I give them and anyone wanting to succeed in business are:
President and CEO, Shomex Productions
My first job, after graduating Ohio Wesleyan University, the Bernard Baruch Graduate School of Business (CCNY) and serving in the Armed Forces during the Berlin crisis, was as a Systems programmer for IBM just prior to internally stored program computer systems. Computers were in their infancy, replacing unit record equipment that used punched cards to originate, store, organize and deliver data. Honeywell Computers recruited me from IBM to compete with IBM. Honeywell had fewer employee rules – IBM required that male employees wear dark suits, white-only shirts and hats when visiting clients. In addition, mornings would start with motivational exercises and team building which included holding hands with fellow salesmen and singing the IBM song. At Honeywell, I went from systems to sales. It paid more and offered a career path to management.
My biggest success came when I sold a Honeywell 200 computer system to the Chairman and CEO (his son) of a blood analyzer manufacturer. The father liked the system, but his son was not as objective as the company had an ongoing relationship with IBM. The father advised me of this relationship after I made my proposal, and I acknowledged the relationship but suggested he wouldn’t have asked me to make the presentation if he had thought the IBM relationship would prejudice his selection. He agreed, signed the contract and four days later, he died. My lesson learned is to always ask for the order because you don’t know what’s going to happen.
I had a few more senior sales and marketing positions before “falling” into the exhibition industry. The last was at Novation, an early manufacturer of modems. I convinced Novation to exhibit at COMDEX, the largest computer exposition in the country at the time. We took a 20’ x 20’ booth, and I hired a mechanical mime who offered to break into song after standing still for a while. She was a former Miss Louisiana and drew such a crowd that the head of the exhibition told me I was causing too much attention to my booth. When confronted, I asked, “Isn’t that the point of exhibiting”? A week later, he called to offer me a job.
My strength is marketing. I am creative and like to solve problems by understanding the issues. Exhibitions and conventions have been a great match for me, because of the many areas within exhibitions in which one can be creative. I honed my skills at COMDEX, learning from the CEO, Sheldon Adelson. He taught me that if I could justify what I wanted to do, he would let me do it my way. After a year and a half there, I started my own company organizing job fairs. The government wanted a more diverse workforce and through Affirmative Action mandated government contractors to comply with EEOC regulations by resourcing and hiring more minority candidates, so this is where I decided to specialize.
Shomex became the largest job fair producer in the affirmative action space. At the peak, we produced 50 shows a year across the country and partnered with the NAACP. After a year, I was asked to become a member of the Board of Trustees. After 25 years in the job fair business, the Internet replaced in-person physical recruitment. In 2008, I was appointed the Executive Director of SISO, the Society of Independent Show Organizers. At the same time my business partner and I purchased Abilities Expo, serving the disability community. After 16 years, I sold Abilities in February. By supporting the disability community from the day it was purchased and by becoming part of the community, Abilities earned the trust of the community and was able to grow, producing shows in seven cities nationwide.
As a manager, I discuss objectives, get agreement on the ability to achieve those objectives and expect results. I look for people with desire, motivation and my role as a leader is to answer questions and give advice. I don’t believe in failure as being anything other than a lesson learned. Failure doesn’t exist if the project and objectives are well defined and the path to achievement are well thought out. One only needs to be right 51% of the time to be successful.
To the next generations, I advise, “Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer, and to look for ways to get something done as opposed to saying it can’t be done!” To quote my old boss, who became the 26th richest man in the world, If the boat comes to a bridge and it’s too low to pass under, you don’t have to raise the bridge, you can lower the water.
CEO, Sequence
In college, I studied hotel and restaurant management. My family was in the restaurant business, and I thought I’d follow that path. After graduating and working full-time in a restaurant, I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for me long-term. Instead, I was able to land an internship in the National Hockey League’s Events Department, supporting their All-Star Game. I felt corporate events connected to my hospitality background, but with more structure and scale. And I loved sports. The idea of working somewhere like the NHL—where I imagined people talked hockey all day long—was incredibly appealing.
Reality set in fast. It didn’t take long to realize the NHL operated like a business, not a hockey fan club. As an intern, my responsibilities were limited: spreadsheets, light logistics support, and the occasional coffee run. It wasn’t exactly what I had imagined. But the silver lining was that the internship introduced me to the events industry, which turned out to be far more interesting than I had expected. That job helped me secure a full-time role at another events agency, setting my career in motion.
There was no single, defining moment—especially early in my career—when I consciously decided that events would be my long-term path. I was drawn to events early on, I loved bringing people together through shared experiences. In today’s digital-first world, that feels more important than ever.
Equally important were the companies I was working for and the teams I was part of. As long as I found energy in all three, I stayed motivated and continued moving forward without overthinking what the end game might be. It wasn’t until I founded my own agency, Sequence, in 2011, that the decision became truly intentional. By then, I had nearly ten years of experience in the industry. Starting Sequence marked the moment when I committed to events not just as a job, but as a career I planned to build for the long term.
Founding Sequence has been a high point of my professional life. The growth and evolution of the agency, and what we’ve been able to build and accomplish as a team, are what I’m most proud of professionally. Along the way, I made a point to get involved in broader industry and business initiatives. I served on the board of the International Live Events Association’s NYC Metro Chapter for several years, including a term as Chapter President. In addition, I participated in Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses program, which was an especially impactful experience, giving me the opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs and leaders well outside the events industry. I’m deeply passionate about entrepreneurship and business. So, I feel fortunate to be able to bring those two passions together through the running of Sequence.
Running my own company, I firmly believe in building teams of smart people and managing through meritocracy. Organizations move faster and make better decisions when the best ideas rise to the top, no matter where they come from.
This is what I would like to tell the next generation: the most certain way to achieve long-term professional success is to work hard and make good, honest decisions every day. You won’t always see progress immediately, and success doesn’t happen overnight. But over time, those choices compound and lead to meaningful results.
Owner + Operator, Congruent Events
I graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Exercise Science and Sports Studies. I loved my major – to this day I’m fascinated by the human body and the things it can do – but I didn’t love the fitness industry. I didn’t want to spend my career there. So, I made a decision to work in events in New York City instead. I started applying for any entry-level position I could find in corporate events, and pretty quickly I landed a job as a Sponsorship Coordinator at a conferencing company.
I stayed in that role for several (probably too many) years. The work had become second nature, and while I kept doing it well, I found myself pouring my real energy into everything else. I modeled. I took improv classes. I supported events at an art gallery and helped to produce a monthly storytelling show. And of course I went out – a lot – with my friends. I found myself paying attention to how spaces felt when people were in them, to what made a night land or fall flat, to the invisible architecture under any shared experience. I wasn’t building a strategic events portfolio. I was just a young person exploring what she liked, and how she experienced community and gatherings.
When the event agency that handled logistics planning for the conferencing company had an open role, I was highly recommended and got the job right away as Event Planner. The learning curve was steep. I spent weeks staying late, re-reading materials, and asking what felt like silly questions, just trying to understand my job function. That’s when I knew this would be my career. I needed the specific satisfaction of not knowing how to do something and then learning how to do it well.
After nearly two decades moving through the industry, I reached a point where I had the knowledge, the relationships, and the confidence in my own abilities to build something for myself. So I started Congruent Events. What I didn’t anticipate was how much of a learning curve still waited, not necessarily in events, but in running a business. Operations, finance, business development, client strategy – this was new territory. But I’m tackling it the way I have with each learning curve prior, by staying curious, asking questions, and doing the work.
What’s surprised me most is how much Congruent has opened up the industry for me. I’ve been introduced to corners of this business I had never considered before. I’ve met some of the most incredible, accomplished, and specialized professionals I’ve ever encountered. I’ve also gotten to work alongside people just entering the industry, and honestly, they bring just as much as the veterans. They bring crossover skills, fresh perspectives, and new ways of thinking about problems we’ve all stopped questioning. That’s the energy that moves the whole industry forward!
My first real mentor, my boss at the event agency, had a reputation for being difficult, but I rarely experienced her that way. What people read as difficult was actually the presence of very high standards. She held them for herself, for her business, and for everyone around her. She had little patience when things fell short, but she never let her people drown. She was always there to help find a solution and to fix a mistake. Mistakes happen and are often necessary for learning, but we all need to show up as our best selves, prepared for the day ahead.
My management style centers on growth. When I work with people now, I support their development in whatever direction they’re actually moving toward – not the direction I’d choose for them. What I ask in return is commitment: to the work, to the team, and to their own growth. I stay accessible, but I try not to get into the granular unless someone asks me to. My goal is to build teams that feel not only supported but also empowered.
My favorite moment in this business is right after an event wraps. The room is breaking down, the team is exhausted, and everyone is looking at each other like we actually pulled that off. Events cannot be faked. They happen or they don’t. They work or they don’t. And when they work, when thousands of people move through a space your team built from an idea, a floor plan, and some spreadsheets, the satisfaction is hard to explain to anyone who hasn’t felt it.
Two things I want to pass on. One: whatever you do in life, do it all the way or just don’t do it. Good work speaks volumes about you as a person, and you’ll be surprised how many opportunities come from building a reputation for commitment and quality. Two: if things don’t go the way you’d hoped, it’s just a chapter in your story. Take the lessons, chart a new direction, and step forward. Life is far too precious to spend any of it dwelling in the past or guessing at the future.
Senior Vice President, Client Relationships, Freeman
Growing up in Montgomery County, Maryland, I graduated from Rockville High School in 1988, and enrolled at Montgomery Rockville Junior College, playing football and baseball while earning my Associate’s degree. I was All American in both sports and inducted into the Halls of Fame of both high school and junior college at the same time. University of Maryland College Park awarded me a football and a baseball scholarship. In 1992, I earned a degree in Criminology and a minor in Psychology, and became a free agent with the Chicago Bears. I was also drafted that same year by the San Francisco Giants baseball team, so I played one year with the Giants, a year with the Bears, and a year with the Minnesota Vikings. A torn hamstring in 1993 and the passing of my mother realigned my focus on family and putting my degree to work.
Two years later, I was a counselor for the Thomas O’Farrell School for boys, a maximum security juvenile facility in Butner, North Carolina, near Raleigh. After 2 years, I moved back to the DC metropolitan area and to be a Dual Diagnosis Counselor for Fairfax County, advising young adults with mental health and substance abuse issues. It was extremely rewarding, but I was lured to the corporate world by a friend who worked at Freeman and thought I would excel in sales for them. Deciding to give it a try, I thought in the back of mind that I would come back to counseling youth in a few years. Twenty-five years later, I’m still at Freeman.
Being in events was going to be my career path though when I lasted at Freeman for more than 2 years. I started in Exhibitor Sales — it was immediately trial by fire, sink or swim. I thrived on the challenge of learning and doing something I wasn’t initially good at. Winning business was exciting. I was energized by the people I worked with at Freeman and the satisfaction of solving my clients’ challenges. That is also thrilling. I have worked across a broad range of industries: American Chemical Society, American Society of Landscape Architects, American Society of Human Genetics, National Auto Dealers Association, Heart Rhythm Society, American Trucking Association, American Research and Vision Ophthalmology, American Counsel on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, and International Literacy Association, among many others. Moving up through the ranks, I now specialize in aligning our offerings to my clients’ business goals. With a focus on increasing event attendance and enhancing the overall event experience, I gather the right team of experts to collaborate on creative solutions.
Solving problems and coming through for my clients and coworkers is invigorating. It’s the same thrill I had when I was playing sports. And at Freeman, similarly in football and baseball, we work as a team to win business and then to steward that business. It’s rewarding and even fun. So I support my industry by being a member of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners. Being a member of these organizations also helps me keep up with what’s going on in my field and it helps build my network.
I draw on my experience to tell the next generation that if you are passionate about the events business, take your unique personality and skillset, and join us, and make your way in it. As Paula Abdul said, take it and make it your own. You will be excited every day by what events have in store for you.
Senior Vice President , Convention Centers, Oak View Group
While a college student at Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey, my roommate returned to the dorm one evening wearing a black shirt and a bowtie. I laughed at him, and he said he got a job as a waiter. I said, “What?!” and then I put on a black shirt and tie and went down to the Holiday Inn. I served at weddings and special events to put change in my pockets. When I was done with college, I went home without a job or an idea for my future. Dad was strict raising my siblings and me. He was a transit system driver in Philadelphia, and worked three part-time jobs as a custodian. We kids had to help him with the cleaning duties. He told me I couldn’t sit around; I had to get a job or join the military. So, I found a job a Marriott, doing custodial work and setting up rooms for meetings. I knew I had more to offer but I wasn’t motivated. A lot of people told me the same. Then one day, a senior manager said I’d be no better than a waiter because I didn’t have the right attitude. That got me. I never settled for the norm again. I set out to prove myself through hard work and determination. Once I got my head on right, it took off from there. I moved to waiting, then catering, then as maitre d’ for banquets at the airport Marriott. Then I opened a new Marriott near the Philadelphia Convention Center.
My wife saw in me more than I did. Behind my back, she submitted my application to Aramark, and I was hired as a catering sales manager. I went to Columbus, Ohio, back to Philadelphia, and then to New Orleans, rising with every move to resident district manager/GM. Then Tom Mobley, who met me in New Orleans, called me and asked me to join Center Plate as a subcontractor to the Washington Convention & Sports Authority, where I later was able to work with and for Greg O’Dell. During the pandemic, we decided to keep everyone employed and to embark on projects that helped the fight against the virus. We converted the convention center into a temporary hospital with 550 beds!
Greg has been a great mentor and now friend. And my wife continues to be my inspiration. With her encouragement, I was able to make the career transitions. I also had great support from my teams, even when I was younger and less experienced than they were. And I was a Black, most of them were White. Yet they covered me, watched my back, made sure I was successful. That’s when I realized that what I did was about people; not just our customers but also the people we work with internally and externally. Being with people is how I thrive so the hospitality business is perfect for me. In addition, it’s been an exciting experience. I’ve been among the first to greet Presidents when they came to inaugural balls. President Obama’s had 42,000 people, the largest ever. In 2018, we hosted Ethiopia Day, when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali came, the first time Ethiopia’s PM visited the US. There were 60,000 people in the convention center that day with another 20,000 outside the center. And I love the diversity of events – presidential balls, cosplay, auto shows, food festivals are just a sampling.
Learning is also a big part of the job. I learn every day as a boss – from my boss, my peers, my team, and my clients. Leadership is about being humble, not acting like a boss. Recognize and respect the people around you. My style is “servant leadership.” I believe I’m here to serve others and teach others how to serve. We’re in the business of service, and I advocate internal and external customer service. I hold classes, but I also train by doing; I demonstrate every day how to be courteous and respectful. I started “Strive for Five” for my team: accountability, professionalism, teamwork, communication, and respect. As a team, we have to be on the same page, using a playbook of values and principles we’ve agreed to.
Being the second of five children has informed my management style. There’s an order in life, so there’s an order in the workplace. Respecting elders and authority translated into business recognizes there’s a chain of command. Respect the role or title. Identify leaders’ strengths and learn them; fill in their gaps by developing your strengths. Several leaders have my respect: Tom Mobly, who took an interest in me; Reba Pittman Walker, General Manager of the convention center, who took a chance on me; and Greg, who trusted me. Now I, as a leader, want people to think highly of themselves. I don’t want to raise people to fill my shoes, but to do better than I have, go beyond what I have done. I am most proud of my family and what we have achieved as a family, and I am proud of my DC team for being voted best in the Northeast.
Here is what I would like to tell the next generations:
Chairman Opus Origin America
When I got my degree in Marketing from Fairfield University in Connecticut, I wasn’t thinking tradeshows as my future. Academics was never easy for me, I wasn’t a great student, but I knew I wanted to be in sales and marketing. I had good business sense and an outgoing personality, and I was innovative. In middle school, I started a candy business that went well until I had to shut it down. After graduation, I landed at Sysco Food Service as a sales representative when a cousin who worked there helped put my resume on top of the pile. Another lucky break was that Sysco was opening a new office in my location – I had the feeling that my resume didn’t matter as much. The company gave me training in opening restaurants, paid me a salary for 6 months, and then put me on commission so I would go hungry if I didn’t make any sales. Jumping into the fire, I quickly learned what customers value and how to match them. I learned what to say to people when I spoke to them face to face. After a year and a half, I felt I understood the restaurant business, but I wanted to do more with what I learned at school – there had to be something else.
My next lucky break was when my father got my resume to his connection at Reed Expositions, and they had a restaurant show that could use my experience at Sysco, selling food to restaurants. My dad was a food scientist and worked in the food industry. His company was at the Fancy Food Show, which I attended a couple of times as a kid. I remember the energy, the magic, and the people. In trade shows, we meet a lot of people, and we help them be successful. I like people, and in our industry, they are impressive. At Reed, I realized that I could learn from everyone, and become really good at my job. And as I succeeded, my work was valued; people told me I was doing a good job. This is how I knew I was in the right career.
Eight or nine years into my time at Reed, I was doing really well, and I was appointed to launch new shows. I took it because I wanted to move quickly, even though I knew it would be risky and hard. It was my first big risk, and I had several bad ideas that didn’t work. But then I tried New York Comic Con. Reed didn’t think it was a good idea; industry people were skeptical. I persisted and it became extraordinarily successful in a very short time. We expected 10,00 people – 30,000 signed up, and now the show has 270,000 attendees. This changed my trajectory at Reed, but I wanted to try my hand at being an entrepreneur. I started LeftField Media in 2014. It was hard and scary and not an overnight success, but we made it. We launched some good shows, made small strategic acquisitions, and then Clarion Events bought us a few years later. When Clarion asked me to be its CEO, I saw it as a chance to make a lot of acquisitions, forge a new company culture, and grow the company. Over 6 years, Clarion grew 500 percent, even through the slowdown of Covid. Looking back, it was a great move.
Who you know is important to success. One of the best days of my career was when I interviewed for the job at Reed, where I met 3 people who are all still deeply in my life: Nancy Walsh, Courtney Mueller, and Ron Matthews. There is also Kelly Comboni, whom I hired at Reed to help launch shows. She was 25 and my marketing head, joining a small group I hired from outside the company. She was co-creator on Comicon. When I moved from LeftField to Clarion’s leadership, Kelly took over for me as CEO at LeftField.
There are a lot of other people who have taught me, but I have to mention Lance Fensterman because he was by my side, my partner in crime growing Comic Con to a family of shows culminating in ReedPop. Lance is its president. These colleagues are now good friends, and some of them are godparents to my children.
I have always loved the people part of trade shows, both customers and my colleagues in general. I am happy to see people; I enjoy meeting new ones, and getting to know them, learning from them. Now, I enjoy being a mentor. I want others to do well, learn from my mistakes.
The advice I give to young people entering the workforce is:
Lastly, one of the most dangerous things going on in the world today is disconnection and loneliness. Information is not trustworthy, there is enormous mistrust. People think they’re being connected through social media and AI, but technology is pushing people away from looking at each other in person and talking. The event business gets people back in touch with each other; our shows — actually anything live — are communities. We found that people want to get back together after long separation enabled by technology or caused by a pandemic. Our industry brings communities together, which can be invaluable in overcoming some of society’s disconnections.
President, North America – Informa Markets
When I started in my career, I never imagined I’d end up leading the North America sector for the largest trade show organizer in the world—but that’s the beauty of saying “yes” to new opportunities.
My first job was in software sales. Then, a former manager of mine had just moved into the trade show industry, and he saw potential in me and encouraged me to join him. I’m a people person by nature, and immediately realized this was the industry for me. I loved the energy, the networking, the relationship building, the travel, the ability to help businesses grow—and the fact that no two days were ever the same. I met so many new interesting people, and completely fell in love with the idea of both community building and revenue driving. I had a marketing degree and sales experience, which really helped me understand the full picture of the trade show industry and what motivates people to both exhibit and attend. I’ve never looked back!
From the moment I walked into my first event, I was hooked. I loved the camaraderie, the fast pace, the people, and the impact. I found joy in connecting buyers and sellers, building communities, and helping entire industries grow. I also loved the travel and getting to explore new places. I truly think the exhibitions industry is magical, and am so glad I found my way to it.
Since joining this industry, I’ve held some incredible roles—most notably, leading sales for Reed’s North America business during a time of massive growth and transformation. That was a very fun and exciting role because we were growing revenue by leaps and bounds; people were just embarking on Salesforce, which was making us so much more efficient and effective; and it was truly a revolutionary time to be a salesperson. That role enabled me to be a candidate for the strategy side of the business, which I loved because I learned Profit and Loss (P&L) management, got experience with association partnerships, and was really able to build out my skillset.
That experience led me to be President of the North America business at Reed, which is an accomplishment I’m very proud of. During that time, I launched a $20 million business in Mexico from the ground up, which was one of my most rewarding career experiences. After that, I wanted a change and started my own company, which was both terrifying and deeply rewarding. I learned so much about myself and about my own skillset, what resources I needed, and how to build new relationships and create new opportunities. Each chapter taught me something new—about leadership, resilience, and myself.
Now I serve as President of the North America business at Informa, the world’s largest trade show organizer. Informa provides unique flexibility and opportunity. I get to work across many different sectors like fashion, food, and construction, and with a diverse mix of talented people. And no two days are the same. There’s a strong entrepreneurial spirit, but also a deep sense of community, and tremendous chance for internal mobility and career growth. If you love fast-paced work, meeting new people, and making an impact, it’s a great place to work.
The trade show industry is dynamic, global, and relationship-oriented. It’s filled with genuine, caring, talented, passionate people. I’ve built lifelong friendships and professional relationships that have carried me through every stage of my career.
What makes me most proud, though, is the talent I’ve helped develop. I love to give people opportunity, to nurture their careers, and watch them flourish. There is truly nothing more rewarding to me than helping shepherd people’s growth. It drives me. I love helping people succeed, building communities, and growing talent from within. I believe in clear expectations, open communication, and trust. My management style is collaborative and non-hierarchical—I don’t pretend to know everything, and I rely on the strengths of my team to move us forward. I believe good ideas come from everywhere, and the best teams are built on openness and mutual respect. I set high expectations, but I also support and encourage balance and wellness.
My personal mantra is: do more than is expected of you. I’ve always believed that hard work and integrity open doors, and I try to pay that forward by taking chances on others. I want to promote people who show promise and perseverance—even if they don’t check every box yet. I’ve learned that when you bet on talent and work ethic, people rise to the occasion.
I tell people to listen to their teams. I know what I know, and I know what I don’t know, and I trust my team. Hire people who are different from you, and who have different perspectives and skillsets. The world is a big place, explore it. The more life experience you have, the more you interact with people who are different from you, the better you will be as a professional.
And as a woman who has been successful in business, my advice to women starting their careers is to not sell themselves short. If you want a thriving career and to be a great mother, you can absolutely have both. I’ve always hoped to serve as a role model for other women, showing that it is possible to shatter the glass ceiling and also have a rich, connected life at home.
Today, 11 of my 14 direct reports are women, and the majority of them are working mothers. They balance their work life and family life with their own rigor and discipline. They are fulfilled in many different ways, but none of them feel they’ve compromised on family, and they all consistently overdeliver at work. Women are amazing, and we really can do it all, so believe in yourself, be clear-eyed and intentional about your priorities, and never hesitate to ask for help in supporting the balance of both, because support and balance are what makes success more sustainable.
More than anything, work hard, stay positive, and network as much as you can. Work ethic and attitude beat experience every time.
CEO, American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE)
I earned my Bachelor’s in computer science, “IT” as it was called, from the University of Maryland. I used my degree work and experience to set up registration and membership databases for meetings and events produced by an aeronautical engineering association. There was no registration or membership management company during that time, so I was the in-house provider. I also went onsite to set up registration for badges, and watched meetings coming to life. I enjoyed seeing this and wanted to get more involved. Luckily, I worked for a CEO and director of meetings who saw my passion and supported my request to transition. I kept my IT work while working on three or four meetings. I really liked it and came up with ideas to make improvements. But budget limitations prevented support for my innovative thinking, and I decided to go where there was better funding: the health field. I found work as a meeting coordinator at the Endocrine Society, managing many areas, and eventually moved up to director, which launched my long career in the healthcare field.
I’m a people person — sitting in a computer room and programming, though a fine career, didn’t fit my personality. I love to get out and meet people. And I don’t want a single focus. Meetings require multiple skill areas: human resources, finance, contracts, planning, etc. I was never bored. Lastly, I’m a sponge, I like to learn. I learned as much as possible in my jobs. I shadowed meeting planners and other association professionals, volunteered and got involved in the meeting industry organizations such as PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association), and met people to learn from them. I also got involved with ASAE (American Society of Association Executives) as I wanted to broaden my skills and knowledge of the association industry to support my future endeavors.
I’ve stayed in the healthcare field where I feel I am making a difference, except for a brief stint with the American Society of Appraisers, because I wanted to try something that was out of my comfort zone.
I was CEO for 5 years there, and learned a lot. My biggest contribution was bringing awareness of bias, conscious or unconscious, that resulted in very few people of color (5 percent) going into appraisal fields. I initiated and taught classes to fight that bias.
But I wanted to help people in a bigger mission — health care — and contribute to its improvement. It was fulfilling being the executive director of the Cardiovascular Research Foundation because we helped bring about drastic changes, such as teaching non-invasive surgery that reduced recovery from months to a day. Our education was global and reached large audiences: 12,000 in the U.S., 6,000 in Beijing, 1,200 in Moscow and programs in many more countries. It’s a highlight of my career. At the Endocrine Society, I made a difference with a program to raise awareness of endocrinology to related practice areas such as OBYGN, Family Medicine, etc. I was recruited 20 years later to my current position.
Along the way, I have honed my leadership and management skills. Today, I think of myself as a collaborative leader who builds teams. In running an association, you cannot provide top notch service with people who work separately. I ensure my team is working together and team members are comfortable doing so. I empower those who want to lead and help them on their paths. I don’t have to always be in front, I can be a cheerleader. I’m very persistent, dedicated, and dependable; a typical hard working guy. This work ethic began when I was a teenager with a paper route. I’ve held multiple jobs and kept my enthusiasm for working and learning throughout. Each job has added to my knowledge: IT taught me to value data. I use data to persuade decisionmakers to take the paths I needed them to take.
Additional lessons I’ve learned are:
Chief Digital Officer, Clarion Events, North America
I didn’t grow up imagining a career in events or digital transformation. I studied French and Management at King’s College London because I’ve always been fascinated by human connection, culture, and communication. My first job in the events world came from curiosity rather than a master plan — an entry-level role in a media/events organization where I was immediately immersed in the fast-moving world of business intelligence, innovation, and live experiences. What mattered most wasn’t a specific technical degree, it was my ability to translate complexity into clarity, to listen deeply, and to adapt quickly. My education built a foundation for global perspective, but it was my hunger to learn that opened every door.
Early on, there was a moment when I stepped into a large event exhibition hall and saw thousands of people exchanging ideas, building connections, making decisions that would ripple outward — and it hit me that this was not logistics. This was impact. This is human connection. Later, when I moved into digital transformation and realized we could expand access, democratize intelligence, and build year-round value — not just event moments — I knew I had found my life’s work. As a mother of three, I am deeply driven by the responsibility to help shape industries that are more inclusive, more accessible, and genuinely future-minded.
I’ve led teams through parts of Clarion’s largest digital evolution, designing strategies that moved us from static events to intelligent, continuous ecosystems. I’ve built digital products from the ground up and introduced data intelligence models that helped our customers make faster, smarter decisions.
Outside of work, I am an ultra-distance runner — that endurance mindset has been foundational in my leadership journey. I don’t rush transformation; I sustain it with intention. Being recognized as one of the Top 25 Chief Digital Officers and a Top Woman in Tech is meaningful to me not because of the accolades, but because it signals to my three children, especially my daughters, that women can lead boldly without compromising who they are.
I lead with a balance of clarity, empathy, and forward motion. My teams would describe me as decisive, and never disconnected. I believe in psychological safety, in setting a high standard without creating fear. As both a mother and a certified yoga instructor, I understand that the energy you bring into a room is just as important as the strategy you bring to the table. I’ve been shaped by leaders who led with quiet strength — not performance, but presence — and that is the kind of leadership I work to model every day.
I love working at the intersection of technology, human motivation, and what’s next. I love that what we build directly affects entrepreneurs, innovators, and entire industries. But what I’m most proud of is watching people, especially young women, rise inside environments I helped make possible. Seeing someone step into their power not because they were told they were ready, but because they were trusted to grow into it — that is the work I care about most. As a leader and a mother, I want to help build industries that value intelligence without sacrificing humanity.
I would like to tell the next generations:
Senior Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions and Business Development US - Easyfairs
Before I worked in the trade show industry, I was a journalist for Variety, a popular and highly-regarded magazine for the film industry. Owned by the same company and in the same office was a publication that focused on trade shows: Trade Show News Network (TSNN). That publication’s representatives asked me to come work for them, and I made the leap, never looking back. I worked there 13 years, writing about trade show technology and maintaining a blog that took deep dives into the industry such as labor issues in Chicago and perceptions about the value of trade shows in the marketplace. I quickly ascended to President and Editor-in-Chief, developing editorial content and overseeing other writers.
I have a Master’s in Journalism from New York University in New York City, and would not have been working as a journalist at such a high level without my degree. My first reporting job, for example, was for The New York Times. Another news position was senior editor for Tradeshow Week, which gave me the foundation in tradeshows in terms of the people and companies as well as the relevant content for news and features. Joining TSNN was a natural progression and smooth transition. I loved being a journalist and writing on trade shows, but now that I run events, and buy events in my mergers and acquisitions role, I know I have found my happy place in my career.
It was not only the natural career evolution that convinced me to pursue this course, however. The very first time I walked on a trade show floor 20 years ago, I felt it; I knew I was in the right place. The buzz was electric! There was activity everywhere, people surged in all directions, the exhibit booths and lights grabbed our attention – this was in-person marketing to thousands of people. And, the industry is global. I’ve traveled all over the world, been to hundreds of events and met so many amazing people. My circle of colleagues is big, and many of them have become good friends. We’ve supported each other for more than two decades. It’s exciting and I am very grateful.
I have worked in a remote position for 15 years now, years before COVID forced us all to isolate. Because of this, I have had to trust my team. I truly believe in empowering teammates to succeed by not “micro-managing.” I let them do their jobs with gentle guidance, but not a lot of interference. The biggest lesson I have learned is to be a good listener. I learned this from my boss Doug Emslie, whom I have worked with for 15 years now. By listening, empowering, and coaching, I have been rewarded. My teams have worked hard, helped our companies succeed, and not let me down. This is how we have been able to
create events that people love to attend!
As a mentor, I would like to give the following advice to the next generations: Life is short, find something that you love to do. Sometimes, that will take a bit of time – please be patient! I was never “too proud” to work jobs that were not part of my “dream,” but I took them and did them to the best of my ability for quite a while. I accepted them because they all had a purpose: to drive me toward the ultimate goal, which is where I am now. 😊 Looking back on my career, I can see how all the pieces fit in. I gained knowledge and experience from all of my roles and I encourage everyone in or entering the job market to gather what you learn in your jobs to build toward what will eventually be the work you love.
Apply now to The Annabelle Project and get matched with a mentor who can guide your path to professional success.
