1. How did you first get involved in the meetings industry?
I was a self-taught programmer who was getting a lot of work helping companies begin to adopt PCs. I added data networking to the services I offered and soon was very busy all over Silicon Valley installing and maintaining computer networks. I created a simple training class to help my customers understand fundamental networking concepts. After a few years of constant travel, I decided it would be more economical to have everyone come to me instead of going to them, and voila, I was now in the conference business.
2. What aspect of your job has been transformed the most via technology?
I’d have to say digital attendee marketing technologies—first e-mail, then websites and now social media—have been the most transformational tools.
3. Tell us something about yourself that may be surprising?
I play guitar and sing in a rock band.
4. What’s the biggest “fire” you’ve put out?
The pull-out of Apple from Macworld Expo. Many people said we couldn’t save the show—a show about Apple without Apple? Our team dealt with this adversity...and in the end came out with an invigorated event that makes nearly 25,000 attendees and 300 exhibitors very happy.
