Tips for Surviving and Thriving

December 13, 2014

Julia Smith

Julia Smith, CEM, is senior vice president, national sales at GES (http://www.ges.com/US/home), where she has been collaborating with exhibition clients for more than 23 years.

When I stumbled into the exhibition industry, I didn’t have a mentor to steer me through the inevitable career potholes. After learning from various mistakes and wins, I figured my wealth of knowledge would help steer the next generation of industry leaders.

Here are the eight lessons I learned along the way that are still applicable:

1) Become a Student of Office Politics - No matter how large or small your employer is, there are always internal dynamics that aren’t reflected on an org chart. When you join a new organization, remember to spend some time just observing…. Influencers, thought leaders, unofficial “consultants” to the leaders and decision makers.

2) Change Jobs with Class - If a new and improved opportunity comes along, remember the rules; give at least two weeks notice, and no bad-mouthing your former employer. Another important rule – don’t leave too close to any event you are planning. This is a small industry, and people do talk (a lot). Very bad form to leave your former team in a lurch.

3) Give Every Job Your Best - Again, being a small industry, your reputation for being motivated, energetic and positive will get around, and will open doors.

4) Love the Ones You’re With - I know how intoxicating those electronics can be. But if you are constantly checking your texts, email, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., the co-workers and clients you are with will feel neglected. Frankly, it is insulting if you are meeting with a client or your boss, and are looking at your phone instead of them. Which leads me to the next tip…

5) Don’t Over Share - A little mystery is good. In this age of posting every life event online, remember that people will make judgments. If you are in a client-facing position, you could alienate someone through your politics or other activities. The same advice is applicable for office conversation… Don’t discuss anything you would not want your CEO or biggest client to know.

6) Resist Travel Temptations - When you are young and traveling on an expense account, life is good, but this is a business trip, not a frat party. Drink with moderation, and keep your extracurricular activities quiet. Make sure you know what your organization will reimburse, so you don’t end up with a rejected expense report. If you are on the client side, know your group’s policies for accepting gifts and other travel perks like mileage points and room nights.

7) Volunteer with Purpose - One of the best ways to get your name and reputation out there is to volunteer with industry organizations on both the local and national level. Join a committee, or help with a special event, but don’t volunteer unless you have the time and intent to participate fully. Otherwise, your volunteerism will backfire, and you could get branded as someone who “doesn’t show up.” Volunteering is also a great way to network with industry players who might not be in your immediate circle.

8) A Word about Mentors - Don’t despair if you don’t have a designated mentor. I think you can have many “mentor-like” relationships in a long career; people you admire or want to emulate, or who give you advice or a boost at a particular time in your career. Be open to all types of interactions with peers, upper management, clients, sponsors, exhibitors, suppliers, and you will eventually decide what business style works best for you.

This is an exciting industry, and one starving for the next generation of leaders. Engage. Experiment. Participate. Have fun, but expect to work hard.

How are you empowering the Millennials in our industry? As a Millennial, do you have advice for your peers on how to further their career? Share your tips below; I know our readers would love to hear them!

My tips were originally featured in IAEE’s Young Professional Fall 2014 Newsletter! Check it out here for more helpful tips.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact