People 11-1-2001

Meetings & Conventions: People November 2001

Edited by Terence Baker

The transition from corporate to independent planner could not have been easier for Sandra K. Booth. After she had devoted 34 years to Vickers Inc., the firm was acquired by Eaton Corp. in 1999, and Booth lost her job. Within one day she began working as an independent out of her Fort Lauderdale, Fla., office, serving many of the same executives she had worked with throughout her career. Says Booth, "I never missed a beat."

What's so great about being an independent planner? Going to the gym in the morning. Stopping for an iced decaf coffee and watching the sun come up. Being able to read the entire first page of The New York Times. Picking and choosing my customers. Taking time for myself and my family, and finally being able to have the time to commit to civic opportunities that corporate demands did not allow.

How do you spend your free time? I am state coordinator for the Global Renaissance Alliance, a citizen-based, international network of spiritual activists. I serve on the Board of Directors of the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Chamber of Commerce. I am an adviser and speaker for Henderson Mental Health and a guest teacher of Saturday classes on site selection for Florida Atlantic University.

What life lessons have helped you in your work? Growing up on a farm in Illinois gave me the discipline to work hard, be patient, be honest and treat everyone as I wish to be treated.

What advice would you give to a planner just starting out? Learn everything you can about this fascinating business. Network every day. And nurture every relationship you make; they last a lifetime.

• LOREN G. EDELSTEIN

PLANNERS

TSEA moves to Chicago, promotes Buentello
Mary Buentello was promoted to senior meeting planner at the Trade Show Exhibitors Association, which moved to Chicago in October. Previously, Buentello served as TSEA's new education and conference coordinator when the association was based in Springfield, Va.