1. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
Most rewarding: I get to be a tourist in the city that I live and that is an experience that is quite rare for most people. Most of us drive by the Capitol or enjoy one of our amazing restaurants, but I get to look at it through the visitor lens. I also love being able to learn so much about the groups that come to meet here in Madison. Each group is so different and diverse but they all share a common thread, which is the passion that they have for their organization or association.
Most challenging: I work with groups in their planning from the moment they are confirmed, so often I’m working with groups 18 months to four or more years in advance of their arrival to Madison. I’m also working with groups up until they meet here, so living in the present and the future at the same time can be a challenge.
2. Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I really admire Janet Sperstad, CMP, the program director for the Meeting and Event Management Degree Program at Madison Area Technical College, which she founded. It is the first associate degree program in meeting and event management in the U.S. She has a thirst for knowledge and is a trailblazer for the tourism industry. She has brought much success, validation, and recognition to the meeting planning profession and has devoted herself to the development and continued success of the profession.
3. What has been the high point of your career so far?
The Gold Wing Road Riders Association’s Wing Ding event really stretched my knowledge of our city, as well as my services capacity when they were here in 2014. I am especially proud that one of the trickiest logistical portions for the event, a seven-mile parade from the East to South sides of town, was safe and successful.
4. Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
I would say don’t be afraid to ask to take on a new project in an area you aren’t as familiar in or ask for help once you feel a little stuck. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there either. Try a new job or role, or ask for an informational interview to find out more. I’d also say that it is important to try a number of new things. Having a variety of experiences under your belt — often some that don’t directly relate — can create the most interesting and valuable employees.
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5. What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
A large part of my role is to promote Madison to future conference and sport event attendees, so I spend a lot of time thinking like a tourist. Besides our quality of restaurants, retail, and attractions, working here is an experience that you can’t find anywhere else. We have a lot going for us and when we talk about Madison the response is usually, “Oh, I love Madison!” We have amazing resources and a high level of sophistication for a city of our size — that is true about so many different elements of our community. Whether it is the number of active and educated people living here, some of the world-class research that goes on at the university, or even our food scene, Madison is well revered. It isn’t hard to be really proud of living in a city that is constantly at the top of every “Best Of” list, but those rankings really come alive when you start to see it from the visitors’ perspective.
6. Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
While not that much of a secret anymore, I like to sing. I grew up with a very musical mother and have been singing regularly from toddlerhood through college. I often get requests to sing the national anthem a cappella at conferences and events like Ironman Wisconsin and Centurion Cycling. Other than that you can find me belting out songs in my car or singing nursery rhymes or made up songs to my kids.
7. What are your guilty pleasures?
Besides making up songs for the kids and binge watching shows like Gray’s Anatomy, I love to bake. More importantly, I love to research things to bake and then indulge in the sweet treats. While not all are chocolate, I’d say chocolate usually plays a large role in my creations.
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