Expert advice on relieving burnout
CHICAGO — In SHRM’s 2024 Employee Mental Health Research Series, 44% of 1,405 U.S. employees surveyed reported feeling “burned out” at work. The same survey found that 45% of people are “mentally exhausted” at work and 51% feel “burned out” after each workday. Since long hours and high-stress environments are common in the events industry, it stands to reason that most trade show professionals are close to burnout or know someone who has. trade show director Connect with Rachel Boehm, NBC-HWC, PhD candidate, sustainable high performance and burnout coach, consultant, and public speaker to learn how to recognize burnout and how to respond. Rachel Boehm, NBC-HWC Andrew: What are some signs that someone is approaching burnout? Rachel: It's not a switch - you don't go from being good to hitting a wall. This is continuous or slow exhaust. Signs that you are heading down this track include shifts in thoughts or behaviors, such as changes in sleep or appetite. For…
Public Speaking 101: Presentation Skills
CHICAGO — Public speaking and presentation skills can be useful when considering career advancement. Speaking opportunities provide the opportunity to be viewed as a thought leader and expert on a specific topic and can open the door to additional opportunities and exposure. It's completely normal to feel some fear or anxiety when speaking in public (whether to an internal team or in front of a large group of people), and it can be overcome. In fact, it’s been reported that 75% of Americans are afraid of public speaking. Discusses best practices for public speaking and overcoming common fears associated with it, trade show director Sit down with Chloe Richardson, content director, events coach and consultant at Events Leaders Exchange (ELX), to discuss her tips and tricks for nailing speaking engagements. Chloe Richardson, Content Director, Events Coach and Consultant, Events Leaders Exchange How Chloe started public speaking Richardson performed on stage as a drama student as a child. She continued public…
Young Professionals Corner “Hidden Heroes” Spotlight No. 1:
NEW YORK CITY—When asked about “hidden heroes” in the events industry, Christine McMahon, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, senior vice president of labor relations and show operations at the Javits Center, highlighted Members of the venue's performance and facilities trade. "This includes our carpenters, electricians, freight movers, cleaners and more who keep our buildings in tip-top shape and ready for events throughout the year," McMahon said. "They are dedicated to their professionalism and The knowledge of the building itself was unparalleled. It was a daunting schedule, but they were very dedicated to meeting the show's deadlines. Christine McMahon, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Senior Vice President, Labor Relations and Performance Operations, Javits Center “The events industry is 24/7 hours, rain, snow or shine. This work is done within strict opening and closing deadlines of shows - that's how your life works - and sometimes it's a challenge our show trade members recognize. importance and strive to overcome any challenges to meet these requirements. They are proud…
Q&A with NA Nora, Vice President of Operations at CloserStill Media
LOS ANGELES — Nora Ellingwood has joined CloserStill Media in a new role as vice president of North American operations. trade show director (TSE) spoke with Ellingwood about her career, new role and keys to success in the events industry. Andrew: Can you describe your career? Nora: I started my career as a receptionist at MAGIC and quickly progressed to positions such as Marketing Coordinator and Account Manager. Through several acquisitions – first Advanstar, then UBM and finally Informa Markets – I had the opportunity to grow with the business, gaining new experience and responsibilities with each transformation. These experiences shaped my ability to deal with change and helped me develop the skills needed to manage large-scale operations and complex events. After working in the fashion industry for almost twenty years, I started my own consulting company. This chapter gave me the opportunity to expand my expertise by working with clients from industries outside of fashion, gaining valuable insights and…
How to arrange a trade show?
CHICAGO — Choosing when to hold a trade show may be the most important decision an organizer makes — and picking the wrong date can have serious consequences. trade show director (TSE) spoke with Eric Jurado, independent producer of the Antojo Industry Trade Show, and Sheldon Kaye, CEM, vice president of events and technology at ConvExx, the power behind the Food Truck Owners Expo, to get tips on arranging a trade show. Find out when your most potential attendees are available. “Go talk to the industry and ask them when they want to do a show,” Jurado explained. "What's their availability? What's their buying season?" Sheldon Kaye “You really have to listen to what the industry wants,” Kay asserts. "It must be a slow time for them or they wouldn't show up. It doesn't work well for exhibitors, but as with any show, if you can prove that attendees are attending, exhibitors will make it work." Jurado knows firsthand the…
The Young Professional’s Guide to Goals: Prepare Yourself
CHICAGO — As we enter a new year, it’s important to set or reevaluate professional and personal goals for the coming year. From SMART goals to the 5 Cs or 5 Fs of goal setting, there are many ways to keep your goals in check and set yourself up for success. Trade show executives took direction from leading business experts and sources to create a A Guide to Goals for Young Professionals Help launch efforts to achieve performance excellence in 2025 and beyond. set your goals When it comes to brainstorming your goals for the year (or any time period), many experts recommend starting with the SMART approach. Making sure your goals are smart means you make sure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. Another imperative is to have a “why” behind your goals that aligns with your professional and personal values. Having a strong reason behind your goals will help you feel connected to the results you…
Learn about ECA with Tommy Goodwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Exhibition & Convention Alliance (ECA) Vice President Tommy Goodwin is a tireless advocate for the events industry. trade show director Sit down with Tommy to learn about his start in the events industry, the benefits ECA brings to trade shows and how professionals can get involved. ANDREW: How did you get into the events industry? What keeps you there? Tommy: I'm a relative newbie - I've been in this industry for about three and a half years. I've been working in the advocacy and association world for about 25 years. In 2020, when the pandemic hit, the business events industry decided it needed to get more involved in promotional efforts. Before joining ECA, my expertise in this area was creating new projects or reinventing them. I met David Dubois, who was in charge of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® at the time, and connected with some of the people who were responsible for forming ECA…
Kinsey Fabrizio, CTA The Importance of Mentoring
CHICAGO — Kinsey Fabrizio got her start in the events industry at Smithbucklin, learning about association management and the world of associations. After mastering the basics of association management, such as building consensus, how to collaborate and work within a team across different industry verticals, and identifying key topics and interests, she knew she loved working in the association space. From there, she joined the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), sponsor of CES ® , as membership program manager. She continued to upgrade her membership and participated in the annual CES. She spearheaded the development of CTA and CES' digital health, content and entertainment portfolio and oversaw record membership revenue and retention. In February 2024, Fabrizio was appointed President of CTA, with prioritizing CTA's customers and employees being a top priority. From continuing to deeply understand the needs of our customers and members, to ensuring employees have great benefits and resources to do their jobs in the best way possible, to…
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…
Dana Teague’s Time Management Strategies
CHICAGO — Dana Teague, general manager of High Performance Expo trade show director and her key time management strategies. 1. What lessons did you learn about time management early in your career? There are a lot of time management lessons that I wish I had learned earlier in my career, but I ended up learning them along the way. I am much more organized and organized now than I was earlier in my career. Some of the more important lessons I’ve learned are the importance of scheduling, delegation, and prioritization. The better I get at these skills, the more productive I will be. 2. What unique time management challenges do event professionals encounter, and how can you avoid them? Event planning tends to be cyclical and ramp up dramatically in the weeks and months leading up to the event. It's important to stick to a daily schedule and plan as far in advance as possible to avoid last-minute stress. Ask…
Time Management Tips for Event Directors
CHICAGO — Whether making sure an event is ready, launching a targeted advertising campaign or hitting sales goals, most event professionals know the pressure of approaching deadlines. trade show director (TSE) reached out to SEMI Americas Director of Exhibitions and Events CEM Sandy Chapin, CEO Group Chief Community Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the CFO Leadership Council RD Whitney, and High Performance General Manager Dana Teague to get time management tips and tricks. 1. Prioritize your responsibilities “As event professionals, we often have a natural tendency to take on more tasks in the hope of enhancing every aspect of an event,” Chapin said. “However, with limited time in the day and the need to stay on budget and on schedule, it’s critical to evaluate new requests. I ask myself, ‘How will this assignment improve the campaign? What impact will it have on our budget or timeline Meaningful impact? Setting clear priorities and being willing to say no when necessary…
Q&A with Questex CEO Paul Miller
CHICAGO — Paul Miller, chief executive of event organizer Questex, has led the company to record revenue and profit growth. trade show director (TSE) spoke to Paul about his storied career and what he learned on his way to the top. ANDREW: How did you get started working in the events industry? Paul: I went to college to study media and I thought I would be a sports commentator on TV. I ended up working in B2B media in the UK through a recruitment agency... I spent the first ten years of my career working in media until our company was acquired in 1999 - and that company ran events. ANDREW: What inspires your passion for events? Paul: What pleasantly surprised me at the event was that you can complete the entire buyer's journey in three days: people are discovering new solutions and products and trying them, they are evaluating and, in some cases, buying products based on the event…
PCMA announces 20 twentysomething graduates of 2025
CHICAGO – The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has announced the 20th Class of 2025 graduates from its Twenty20+ program. The 2025 Top 20 recognizes emerging leaders in the global events industry from multiple PCMA regions including Canada, the Middle East, Asia and the United States, and will be presented at the PCMA Leadership Conference 2025 (CL25) scheduled for January 1 ) focus on. Held in Houston, Texas from 12th to 15th. The winner will receive a scholarship to attend CL25, free registration for PCMA edUcon 2025, and free PCMA membership for one year or more. The PCMA 20-somethings of 2025 are: Maraika Black, Public Health Program Manager, European Association for the Study of the Liver Jillian Bowdring, Destination Services, Meet Boston Julia Catanese, CMP, Senior Meeting Event and Trade Show Planner,Cardinal Health Dan Cornock, Head of Front End and Product at CrowdComms Sierra Davey, M.Ed., Event Manager, MCI USA Halee Grimsdale, Experience Coordinator, e=mc2 events Chloe Hanna, Head of…
What young event professionals should know about UFI
CHICAGO — From Canada to Chile, event professionals work tirelessly around the world. But no matter where you are, UFI (Universal Association of the Exhibition Industry) has your back. The association has been advocating for events around the world for nearly a century and plans to continue its efforts for the next or more events. UFI recently launched a new logo and updated branding to mark the start of its centenary year and announced that Chris Skeith, OBE, will become its next chief executive in 2025. trade show director (TSE) spoke to UFI's current CEO Kai Hattendorf about its rich history and bright future, and how young professionals can get involved. ANDREW: What should new event professionals know about UFI? Kai: We are the global association for the exhibition industry, a global community of industry leaders and professionals. When you want to connect with people in your home country, you can do so through your country's industry associations, such as…
What young event professionals should know about UFI
CHICAGO — From Canada to Chile, event professionals work tirelessly around the world. But no matter where you are, UFI (Universal Association of the Exhibition Industry) has your back. The association has been advocating for events around the world for nearly a century and plans to continue its efforts for the next or more events. UFI recently launched a new logo and updated branding to mark the start of its centenary year and announced that Chris Skeith, OBE, will become its next chief executive in 2025. trade show director (TSE) spoke to UFI's current CEO Kai Hattendorf about its rich history and bright future, and how young professionals can get involved. ANDREW: What should new event professionals know about UFI? Kai: We are the global association for the exhibition industry, a global community of industry leaders and professionals. When you want to connect with people in your home country, you can do so through your country's industry associations, such as…
Global Exhibitors Launch Trade Show Basics Training Course
CHICAGO – Global Exhibitor, a leader in trade show training, consulting and international business strategy, announces the launch of Trade Show Basics – a live training series for those new to or interested in the trade show industry. This course provides an introduction to the trade show industry ecosystem and is curated for professionals on the supplier side, but is open to anyone who wants to get involved. Trade Show Basics will teach participants the basics of trade show production, the various roles and companies in the industry, and on-site logistics. Jeff Hannah, founder and president of Global Exhibitor, will teach the course, incorporating decades of experience in various roles around the world into the roles and educational content. Jeff Hannah, Founder and President, Global Exhibitor. Who should come? The course is geared towards the supplier side of the events ecosystem but is open to anyone with less than five years of industry experience, regardless of role or company. “I…
Discover professionalism with Megan Hurley
CHICAGO — A typical day in the events industry may look different for every professional, whether at a showroom in Las Vegas, an office in Chicago or working remotely from home. Regardless of one's schedule, however, professionalism is key in every work environment and can help people succeed in their roles, stand out and find new opportunities. trade show director (TSE) discusses professionalism with Meghan Hurley, RX US Director of Human Resources and RX Rewards Partner. ANDREW: Is professionalism different in the events world compared to other industries? Megan: It’s a little different – the work we do requires us to go to these interesting places, and when people come into the industry and are immediately sent to a place like Las Vegas, sometimes it’s hard to remember that you’re still an employee . You work during the day and interact with colleagues and customers after get off work. It's a little different than other industries because you have to…
Eight travel tips for event professionals
CHICAGO — Going to a business event can feel like taking a train, a plane or an Uber. From biking to the airport to catching flights to making connections in an unfamiliar environment, attending a trade show can seem overwhelming, especially for someone new to the industry. Here are eight tips for traveling to events, with insights from Stephen Hess, senior marketing manager at Restaurant Events, LLC. Carry more than you think you need While it's tempting to travel light, Hess says it's important to bring more than you anticipate using on any professional trip. Stephen Hess shares travel tips with TSE. "I would just recommend dressing up...usually the days are longer than a typical workday, so you're going to want to change clothes," he said. "That's the nature of the beast. You're high on your feet...(and) you just want clean socks." related. Networking 101 with TSE: YP's Guide to Networking Success Always check traffic conditions If you're going to…
Help your career take off: Nancy Walsh’s networking tips
Chicago — Nancy Walsh, President, North America Information Market and twice Trade Show Executive (TSE) cover star and has held many leadership positions in the events industry. In 2024 SISO CEO SummitShe received the Krakow Industry Excellence Award for her professional achievements. TSE reached out to Nancy for networking tips for young event professionals. Andrew: Why is networking important? Nancy: Networking is so important because it opens doors to all kinds of opportunities, provides ways to learn and grow, and builds relationships that can propel you forward personally and professionally. We are in the networking business, and I think in the trade show industry, more than any other industry, networking and building relationships can truly propel your career forward. Andrew : How have you changed your approach to networking over the course of your career? Nancy: Early in my career, I was pretty blind to the networking landscape. I was enthusiastic and loved making connections, but I wasn’t very intentional.…
Learn more about PCMA’s 20 20somethings with Cole Sales
Eastern Securities Spoke with Cole Sales (Marketing Manager) Electronic transport and founder of Brand Repairmanshe was nominated for PCMA’s 2023 “20 in 20s” Recognition Program guide For young professionals. How did you learn about the PCMA 20 in Their Twenties program?rape: I learned about the PCMA 20 in Their Twenties program through industry research and peer recommendations. It was first mentioned in a professional association update and then a mentor mentioned it in a conversation, which piqued my interest. I have always been eager to stay up to date on the latest industry topics and trends and found communities like PCMA to be an exciting opportunity to further my involvement and leadership in the field. What is the application process like (time consuming? easy? etc.)?rape: The application process was fairly straightforward, but fairly time-consuming. It involved submitting personal information, detailing professional achievements, and articulating my goals and ambitions. Selecting key mentors and colleagues to complete parts of the application added…
Learn more about UFI’s Next Generation Leadership Grant Program
for Young Professionals Recognition Program Guidelines, TSE spoke with Joe Kowalsky, 2022 UFI Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Award winner, Events Director at CloserStill Media and 2024 TSE Trailblazer, about his experiences. What was the application process like and was it difficult/easy to get your organization to support your application given the nature of the project the awardees had to complete? Joe: The NGL application process is deceptively simple. We give you a topic that our industry is looking for new perspectives on and ask for your thoughts. The entire process is you sharing your thoughts on what you think a certain topic could bring to our industry. It seems simple: write a short letter introducing your idea and submit a video presenting your concepts and understanding. However, the amount of times I had to rewrite the letter and have to stop the video and start over from scratch made the process challenging. There was always something I wanted to add…
Learn more about the IAEE Young Professional of the Year Award
Eastern Securities spoke with Lauren Miller, CMP, CEM, Smithbucklin Event Services Manager and 2023 IAEE Young Professional of the Year Award winner, Guide to the Young Professionals Recognition Program. Did you know you were nominated for the IAEE Young Professional of the Year Award? Lauren: Yes, I am aware that I was nominated for the IAEE Young Professional of the Year Award. My supervisor, Jerry Murphy, Portfolio Director of Smith Bucklin Event Services, also expressed his intention to nominate me. I have great respect for this move, as the process involved soliciting feedback from colleagues and writing a nomination. When both Jerry and the IAEE told me that I had won, I remember feeling both honored and excited for the opportunity that lay ahead. Most importantly, I am grateful for Jerry’s confidence in my work and abilities, and for the IAEE’s willingness to give me this opportunity. What do you think are the two to three most important benefits or…
Young Professionals Recognition Program Guide
CHICAGO – Recognition programs and initiatives hold great appeal for young professionals who seek not only a sense of accomplishment in their work but also recognition for a job well performed and validation for the impact they are having on their organization and industry. According to Gallup, recognition is a low-cost, high-return initiative because it increases recipients’ productivity, employee engagement, and company loyalty. Trade Show Executive (TSE) has researched some of the recognition programs in the trade show industry and provided an outline of programs young professionals can apply for and be nominated for. Application-based courses 20 20-somethings at PCMA The Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) “20 in Twenty” program recognizes the best and brightest young professionals in the business events industry. The program accepts applications and has clear criteria and submission instructions. One of the criteria is that applicants must work full-time in the meetings, conferences and business events industry and demonstrate leadership, among other things. Notably, they do…
How to run a trade show?
CHICAGO — Hosting a trade show can seem like a daunting task. From planning to marketing to budgeting, it can be hard to know where to start, especially in today's economy. Trade Show Executive Connect with Glenn Celentano Pizza Tomorrow SummitFounder and CEO Comprehensive event management Partner and CEO of Restaurant Events, LLC. and CEM, Food Truck Owners Expo Vice President of Events and Technology at FTO Expo Convert Exxget tips on hosting a successful exhibition. Tip 1: Find your niche Both Celentano and Kaye identified problems in specific industries that they thought trade shows could help solve. Kaye was inspired by data showing that about 60 percent of food trucks fail within their first year of operation. “We thought we could adapt some of the models we were already using and help them be commercially successful… (and) connect them with the right suppliers and vendors,” Kaye said. He also couldn’t find a competitive event, which solidified FTO Expo’s niche.…
New Era of Event Entrepreneurship
CHICAGO – Reflecting the changing nature of industries, communities, and human interaction, live events continue to play a vital role in moving the world forward by providing innovative ways to bring people together and inspire impactful action. Whether through business or consumer events, top matchmaking or meaningful education and development programmes, events have the power to revolutionise the lives of all. Events come in all shapes and sizes, and some are at different stages of the maturity cycle, but all have great potential. That’s why Events Venture Group focuses on sourcing investments for emerging events. EVG has a growing membership base that includes industry giants and many entrepreneurs, and the organization’s goal is to provide opportunities for promising businesses in the events industry. To learn more about the organization, Trade Show Executive spoke with Monique Ruff-Bell, one of the EVG board members, to learn about the collaborative's vision, process, and impact. MADDY: You are a board member of the newly…
ASAE 2024 Annual Conference: Uncovering the Key to a Prosperous Future
Listen to Audio Annual Meeting and Expo Answer: Unity The ASAE logo will be displayed on the terminal tower during the 2024 ASAE Annual Meeting The streets of Cleveland were bustling with 5,069 attendees from August 11-13 for the 2024 ASAE Annual Meeting & Expo. Hotels were full, local volunteers in pink shirts cheered attendees and welcomed them to the city, and the iconic Terminal Tower was illuminated by projector lights each night during the event, displaying the ASAE logo on a red and blue diamond. All of this sets the stage for a gathering that will not only inspire people over the days and weeks ahead, but will also reconnect attendees with their roles as association professionals around one main point: that in order for them – and the wider world – to thrive in the future, it is vital to create and maintain solidarity. As ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason said, "(It's) really about inclusion. It's about…
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