1. What is your favorite part of the meeting process?
Not to sound like a smart aleck, but my favorite part is when the event is over. Why? Because at that moment, you know whether the planning and effort have paid off for your attendees.
2. How did you join the industry?
Being involved with not-for-profit organizations for more than 30 years, it was always “part of the job” to work on meetings and gatherings where people come together and exchange ideas.
3. What do you do when you’re not running an association?
I love to cook because, unlike association issues, there is a beginning, a middle, and within a couple of hours, a completion of task!
4. Any stories from “The Hill?”
I learned a great deal about being flexible and honing my skills as a good listener. One day I might be working on a case involving the effects of Agent Orange and the next day, debating Congress adopting the Square Dance as the National Dance of the U.S.
5. What sort of advice would you give to a beginning planner?
Learn from those who have come before you, reflect on other people’s mistakes, be open to criticism rather than proving, and for goodness sake, have fun at what you are doing.