EDUCATION
University of Florida, majoring in recreation, parks, and tourism, with an emphasis in meeting planning, hospitality management, special-event management, travel/tourism planning, commercial recreation, and leisure-service management.
FIRST INDUSTRY JOB
Hospitality intern at the Loews Don CeSar Hotel in St. Pete Beach, Florida.
WHAT I DO
I’ve spent my 14-year career deeply immersed in every aspect of the event, exhibition, hospitality, and operation industries, with experience on both the association and corporate sides. At Breakbulk Events & Media, I’m responsible for overseeing all international event operations, managing event operations staff, implementing logistics, and supervising registration services throughout the world, along with negotiating worldwide efficient contracts, controlling profit-and-loss budgets, and delivering optimal events to attendees/delegates, exhibitors, and sponsors.
MOST INFLUENCED IN MY CAREER BY
My grandfather Jack Neumann (1920–2004).
WHAT I LEARNED FROM HIM
Be honest, straightforward, open-minded, globally aware, and always carry a smile.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT MY JOB
Taking a Western exhibition event and globally as well as culturally adapting it to destinations around the world.
MY NEXT BIG CAREER GOAL
Becoming a managing director or a C-level executive, and sharing my global/international expertise, knowledge, and creativity with others so they can develop exhibitions, trade shows, conferences, congresses, summits, and special events like I have been doing the last 14 years.
MY ADVICE FOR YOUNG MEETING PROFESSIONALS
Details are important, but customer service is key to success. Be creative and unique where you can, and always have a “wow” factor.
