CEM Spotlight Alana Beare, CEM
Alana Beare, CEM, has over 16 years of trade show management experience and 25 years of client-facing event management experience, specializing in creating impactful brand experiences in diverse industries including technology, education, government and travel. As Global Events Manager for Software AG, Alana oversees the calendar of corporate events, webinars, and sponsored conferences, while also supporting on-site marketing activities for regional conferences. Alana earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and Rhetorical Studies from Hofstra University. Here, she shares how she has benefited from earning her CEM designation. How has the CEM designation helped you in your career? Honestly, diving into the CEM course was like a great refresher and gained many new insights. Even after many years in event management, it was eye-opening to look at exhibition and event management from all angles—it helped me think more holistically about everything from strategy to detail. This definitely adds some fresh perspective to my approach! Why is it important to…
CEM Spotlight Abby Nero, CEM
Abby Nero, CEM, is the Regional Vice President of Map Your Show, where she focuses on building strategic partnerships and maximizing revenue from business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) events. She is dedicated to enhancing the event experience and working to create value for exhibitors and attendees. Abby's approach is rooted in a commitment to client success, evidenced by cultivating impactful relationships and delivering exceptional client service. Here, she shares how she has benefited from earning the CEM designation. How has the CEM designation helped you in your career? The CEM designation was very beneficial to my career because I was able to learn a lot of new things and shake off the dust of what I had done or been responsible for in previous roles before joining the vendor. Not everything I learn will become part of my day-to-day activities, but most things are likely to be integral to the personas of the clients I work with, so it’s very…
Time management tips from CEM Sandy Chapin
Chicago — trade show director Speak with Sandy Chapin, CEM, Director of Exhibits and Events at SEMI Americas, to learn about her time management strategies. 1. What lessons did you learn about time management early in your career? Early in my career, I started in sales, and sales operates on a completely different timeline than operations. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the importance of aligning schedules cross-functionally. When I transitioned into an operational role, I quickly realized the value of creating detailed timelines and setting realistic goals. One important lesson I learned is to always work ahead, because critical deadlines—especially those related to the critical path—are non-negotiable. 2. What unique time management challenges do event professionals encounter, and how can you avoid them? As event professionals, we are often naturally inclined to take on more tasks in the hope of enhancing every aspect of an event. However, with limited time in the day and the need to stay…
Ashley Cannon of Informa Markets, CEM Stock Expo! Expo! tip
CHICAGO – Event organizers can find new opportunities, strategies for success, and more at the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Expo! Expo! However, for first-timers, it can be difficult to know where to start. trade show director (TSE) spoke with Ashley Cannon, CEM Event Operations Manager at Informa Markets, to get tips for helping new professionals attend the Expo! Expo! Show run. Andrew: What advice would you give to young professionals attending expos! Expo! first? Ashley: Prepare to feel overwhelmed and energized at the same time. Grab plenty of business cards, download the mobile app, schedule any meetings in advance, and bookmark your meetings in the app. ANDREW: What strategies can young professionals use to make the most of this event? Ashley: Be open to personal and professional learning. This activity is designed to help you grow, and you can only do that if you want to. Get ready to build your network by meeting new people, attending…
CEM focuses on Ding Yichun, CEM, DES
Yichun Ding, CEM, DES, is a distinguished professional with ten years of experience in the meetings, events and exhibitions industry, specializing in data analysis, project management and trade show management. She has successfully managed conferences, trade shows, and events for a variety of international organizations and scientific research nonprofits in the Washington, D.C., area. Yichun holds multiple designations, including Certified Digital Event Strategist (DES), Certified Exhibition Management® (CEM) and WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits. Throughout her career, she has consistently delivered high-impact global events and projects across diverse industries. A strategic thinker with an eye for detail, Yichun is committed to excellence in all aspects of her work and proudly identifies as a woman in STEM. Yichun holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business, Economics and International Development from Iowa State University and a Master of Tourism Administration (MTA) from The George Washington University. Yichun currently serves as Optica's Exhibition Operations Coordinator. Here, she shares how…
CEM Spotlight on Austin Connors, CEM
Austin Connors, CEM, has been in the hospitality industry for over 15 years with leadership experience in convention centers and theaters as well as fundraising, restaurant, and nonprofit management. Currently, he serves as General Manager of the Cox Business Convention Center managed by Oak View Group in Tulsa, Oklahoma. During the pandemic, Austin earned his Master of Arts in Hospitality Management from Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management. Austin’s passion for the meetings and events industry stems from his youth in theatre performing and producing, which he continued in college with a degree in Classical Studies, focusing on the origins of Western civilization and the “bread and circuses” of Ancient Greece and Rome. Today, he is excited about the continued evolution of the meetings industry, focusing on localized, experiential engagement in facilities. Here, Austin shares how he has benefited from gaining the CEM qualification and how he applies the tools learned to his current industry role. How…
CEM Spotlight on Dianna Cardenas, CEM
Dianna Cardenas is the Event Sales Manager at the American Council on Clean Power (ACP). She is part of the business development team responsible for exhibit and sponsorship sales for the RECHARGE: Energy Storage, Siting and Permitting Conference. Dianna received her BA in International and Global Studies with a minor in Political Science from Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and her MA in International and Global Studies with a concentration in Negotiation and Conflict Management from the University of Salamanca. Prior to joining ACP, Dianna served as a Membership and Marketing Assistant for the National Association of University Attorneys (NACUA) and worked with DARPA as a researcher for the New America's Natural Resource Security Program. When she's not working, Diane enjoys baking, trying new restaurants, and walking around her neighborhood. She's originally from San Antonio, Texas, but now lives in Washington, D.C. She loves exploring the East Coast without having to drive! Here, Diana shares how she benefited…
CEM Spotlight Leah Racinskas Salinas, CEM
Leah Racinskas Salinas, CEM has over 20 years of experience in event planning and coordination, working with a wide variety of industries, formats, and audiences. She is currently the Show Operations Coordinator at Informa Connect, overseeing the logistics and execution of Fan Expo, a series of fan conventions celebrating pop culture, comics, gaming, and more, with up to 100,000 attendees. She is passionate about producing high-quality events that connect and educate people from all backgrounds and industries. In addition to being CEM qualified and Virtual Hybrid Live certified, Leah uses her contract negotiation, meeting planning and marketing skills to consistently exceed expectations. She is also a visual artist and beauty professional with a background in fashion, film, theatre and photography. Here, Leah shares how she has benefited from gaining the CEM qualification and how she enjoys learning new things and working with others who share her vision and passion. How has the CEM qualification helped you in your career? I…
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