People 7-1-2000

> Meetings & Conventions: People July 2000

EDITED BY LISA GRIMALDI

Sheila Lowrey is the convention manager for COMMON A Users Group, a Chicago-based association for organizations and individuals with an interest in IBM-related technology. She has 16 years of experience as a planner.

How many conventions do you plan annually?
I plan two events spring and fall. Each conference lasts five days, with approximately 3,200 attendees and 800 educational sessions, including labs, lectures and interactive classes for every level of the computing environment, plus an exposition featuring demonstrations of the latest mid-range software, hardware and services.

How did you get into the meetings industry?
My first position was membership coordinator for a large medical association. When I attended my first major medical conference, I was amazed at all the details and teamwork it took to produce a successful conference. And at that moment, I knew my professional career was going to be in the meetings industry.

If you could hand off one planning responsibility, what would it be?
Packing up after the closing event. Your adrenaline has come to a complete stop. And you are so exhausted, the last thing you want to do is pack boxes.

Which celebrity would you pick as a meeting planning partner?
I would choose Tina Turner. I like to consider myself a strong African-American woman, like her. I am motivated by her determination and success, despite all her life’s obstacles.

How do you reward yourself when the meeting is over?
I take off from work for three or four days to reconnect with my family; they are my life support. We have a night of good home cooking and laughter. I also set aside one or two days for total peace and relaxation no phones, e-mail or faxes.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
When members attending the conference give me recognition. Hearing things like, “This is a really great conference” or “Thank you for all your hard work” at the end of an event makes it all worth it.

L.G.

PLANNERS

JOHNSON PROMOTED AT E. HARDEN & ASSOCIATES
Judy Benaroche Johnson, CMP, has been promoted to president of E. Harden & Associates Inc., a meeting and incentive travel planning firm based in Carrollton, Texas. She previously served as the company’s vice president of meetings and marketing and has 16 years of industry experience.

WURSCHMIDT APPOINTED V/P FOR ASAE
Todd Wurschmidt, Ph.D., has been named vice president, professional development for the Washington, D.C.-based American Society of Association Executives. He will be responsible for ASAE’s certification programs and for professional development, including conferences, symposia, seminars and distance learning. Prior to joining ASAE, Wurschmidt spent 15 years as executive director of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.