I'm "That Trade Show Lady"

And it's great to be back!

How's this for dating yourself? When I started in trade shows, the "serious" booths had a hardwired phone line.

Hi, and thanks for visiting That Trade Show Lady! I’m so excited to be back in the world of events, working alongside incredible clients and colleagues in the trade show and corporate events space.

Before We Had Cell Phones, We Had Trade Shows

Events have always been a significant part of my professional life. My journey started right out of college, selling exhibit space for a family of technology trade shows. Since then, I’ve worn many hats – from working as booth demo staff to running my own small business in the marketing and events space to managing corporate events teams.

Then Came 2020

Then came 2020, and the world as we knew it changed overnight. Events – my professional home – came to a standstill. We went from teaching teams the art of a firm handshake to being forbidden from touching anything or anyone without a sanitizer wipe in hand. Empty hotels, vacant city sidewalks, and barren exhibit halls became our new reality.

Like many in the industry, I had to pivot. As a senior marketer at a fast-growing software firm, I found myself diving into the world of demand generation. It was a completely new challenge, but one that stretched my skills and broadened my perspective. I embraced the shift, learning how to generate pipeline for inside sales teams in a fully virtual world – but it was a far cry from the face-to-face energy of the expo floor.

Events are Back, and Stronger than Ever

Thankfully, live events have made a comeback, proving their resilience and importance in the marketing mix. The energy of a live trade show, the chance to connect face-to-face, and the opportunity to innovate in person are more valued now than ever before.

As we return to this new version of normal, I’ve answered the call to return to freelance event management. This is a path I know well. In the early 2000s, I ran my own business, offering contract marketing and event services while balancing parenthood. Now, with even more experience and creative ideas under my belt, I’m excited to re-enter the dynamic, fast-paced world of trade shows and events, bringing my clients even more value.

To many, the idea of standing on a concrete floor for 10 hours a day, moving boxes, and talking to hundreds of strangers sounds exhausting – maybe even torturous. But for me, it’s energizing. I love the challenge. I’ve learned to see trade shows not just as logistical puzzles but as powerful opportunities for connection, creativity, and growth.

Let’s Plan Something Great

So here’s to the next chapter – launching That Trade Show Lady. I’m excited to connect, collaborate, and create unforgettable event experiences with my clients. If you have audaciously bold ideas or impossibly lofty goals, I want to hear about them. So call me up, and let’s plan something great!

Thanks for being here.