People 1-1-2001

Meetings & Conventions: People January 2001

EDITED BY JENNIFER PHILBURN

Willie Benjamin began his career on the basketball court as a comedian. Benjamin performed stand-up comedy at local recreation centers from ages 17 to 20 as part of the D.C. Mayoral Summer Work Program. While his routines didn't necessarily pave the way for him as a planner, Benjamin says they gave him the "thick skin" he needs in his current job as a meeting manager with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Alexandria, Va., where he organizes regional meetings in New England and the northwestern states. He also handles the opening ceremony and presidential induction at ACOG's annual clinical meeting.

What's your preferred picker-upper?
I normally don't drink coffee. If I am on-site at a meeting and have to get up for work at 5 a.m., I drink Pepsi and orange juice mixed. I got the idea from Laverne & Shirley. One of them mixed Pepsi and milk.

Describe your workspace.
On my wall I have a picture of a beach. To me, the ocean is just like meeting planning there is always another wave coming in, all day and all night.

What past experiences prepared you for your job?
As one of eight kids, with 10 nieces and nephews, I have helped plan our family's holiday dinners, summer trips, reunions and Redskins parties. It's like I have two families: one at home and the other at the office. They both are great teams to be on.

What song would make a good planner anthem?
Other than "Who Let the Dogs Out," I don't have a song, but I do have a poem that I like to recite: We the willing / Led by the unknowing / Are doing the impossible / For the ungrateful. / We have done so much / For so long / With so little / We are now qualified to do anything with nothing (author unknown).

How do you face stress?
I look at each crisis as part of why we're here. My favorite commercial slogan was "Never let them see you sweat." Once your attendees see you're nervous, they lose some confidence in your ability. So I handle the problem to the best of my ability, and then I go around a corner and wonder what the heck happened. • LINDSAY MORRIS

PLANNERS

KINSLEY & ASSOCIATES ADDS PARTNER
Steve Kinsley has joined Kinsley & Associates, LLC, a meetings management company, as a partner. Prior to joining the Littleton, Colo.-based company, which was founded by his wife, Allison Kinsley, CMP, he served as general manager of Denver's Hotel Teatro.

LAKIN JOINS E. HARDEN & ASSOCIATES
Debra Lakin, CMP, has been named director of sales at E. Harden & Associates. The Dallas-based firm specializes in meeting and incentive travel planning for the pharmaceuticals industry. Lakin was formerly director of corporate events for Excel Communications Inc., also in Dallas.

LAYNE NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PACVB
Donlynne M. Layne has been appointed executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, based in Harrisburg, Pa. Previously, she served as director of member and meeting services for the Society of Government Travel Professionals, based in Washington, D.C.