Dana L. Tilghman, CTSM, CME

Dana’s passion for trade shows began in 2001 when she was handed the task of rebuilding a defunct program for a technology company in Orlando, FL. One of the first things Dana did was to research organizations that would assist her in rebuilding the program from scratch. She learned that TSEA was an association that offered a wealth of knowledge and the networking opportunities to get the ball rolling, and joined TSEA in 2005.

When I asked Dana how her membership impacted her career, she replied, "TSEA has provided me with the ability to connect and actively engage with others who are in the profession to exchange ideas, success stories, and on occasion how to overcome those obstacles when Murphy’s Law decides to tag along to a show. It’s the sharing of ideas that makes TSEA and its members a great association."

After spending eight years implementing a successful program, Dana was able to land her dream job for a start-up company – a brand new position as Events Manager for Schoolwires in State College, PA.  Landing a newly-created position has enabled Dana to bring her expertise to the table and implement a program that is strategic and measurable. She began her employment on May 5, 2008 and had to pull together the company’s participation in its first major show on June 30, 2008. The company had purchased a 20x20 space and nothing else.

“It was the accomplishment of accomplishments. Not only did we have to design and build a booth in those six weeks, but since the company was rebranding, we had staff to train, communications to get out … all the things that normally take nine-to-twelve months to do we did in six weeks. The show was a huge success for us. When the doors opened, people were literally running to our booth. We were busy from the moment it opened until the show closed each day. Even when show organizers were turning out the lights, we still had people in our booth. “ We surpassed our lead goal, our board of directors were on hand for the first event and were impressed, our clients couldn’t get enough of us and prospects were just “wow’d.” One of our competitors came over during dismantle and congratulated us on a successful show. He said, “You really killed us with that booth and the excitement you generated.” We now had measurable results to set the bar for us."

For Dana, it’s all about the metrics.  “One of the most important aspects of producing a successful exhibit is the ability to measure your performance. For me, it’s all about measurement. What can you measure and how can you use that data to improve your performance, prove your worth, and increase your budget. I love metrics.”

Dana currently holds a CTSM from Exhibitor and is actively seeking her CME and CMP. She lives in State College, PA and enjoys cooking, gardening, Penn State football, looks forward to helping expand AboutFace into a major trade show and exhibit publication.and is an avid Steelers fan. Dana recently joined the AboutFace editorial committee, and told me that she looks forward to helping expand AboutFaceinto a major trade show and exhibit publication.


Gordon Nary Is Editor of AboutFace
Trade Show Exhibitors Association