Meet our Members: Robin Gathman
When I interviewed Robin for this profile, I recalled a book report that I wrote in high school on James Fennimore Cooper's The Pathfinder. If Robin ever decided to write her biography, she could call it The Pathfinder II because much of her professional life has involved finding and following paths.
My first question to Robin was why she decided to enter the tradeshow profession. She replied, "This career path I am on is the path that all other job and life experience paths which I have traveled have merged together. This path, this career as convention and meeting coordinator at PLANMECA USA, was chosen for me five years ago. As with many of us in this industry, we often are not educated to do this job specifically but are asked to take on the duties of coordinating the tradeshows our companies need to attend. The paths that I have walked in my life have prepared me for this. For the last 20 years, I have a been on a path in the dental industry. I have been a dental assistant, an office manager, an equipment coordinator at a dental supply company and now a convention coordinator with a dental equipment manufacturer.
An earlier path that I traveled made several stops at restaurants and hotels. Booking hotels, planning enjoyable dinners, and entertaining large groups are all current responsibilities and knowing the inner workings of restaurants and hotels keeps the challenges of working with these companies in perspective.
I believe that as you learn, educate and network everyday, you are helping to pave he paths as they merge together. At age 52, I now have a career path that offers more opportunities than I ever could have imagined."
When I asked Robin why she believed that she was chosen for her current position, she explained, "I have always done whatever it takes to get the job accomplished, a trait needed to do this job. Back in high school, one of the paths I walked was in Junior Achievement. Their motto was "Learn by Doing". This concept has influenced me ever since, becoming a true part of my character.
Robin joined TSEA in 2008 and is working on her CME. She is a member of TSEA's Membership Committee. AboutFace Editorial Committee, and was just elected to the operating council of the Windy City Chapter as the Strategic Chair. Because of her affiliation with TSEA, she is now on the Metropolitan Pier and Exhibition Authority (MPEA) Advisory Committee for McCormick Place and Navy Pier in Chicago.
When I asked Robin how TSEA has impacted her career, she replied," In so many ways. First and foremost, this has afforded me some great education. I have learned about cutting costs, building a new booth, picking an exhibitor-appointed contractor, and so much more. I look forward to the learning opportunities at the 2010 Emerging Leaders Conference in Atlanta.. TSEA has also become my advocacy path. I have belonged to many groups when my children were still at home. I needed a place to continue helping others, and that place is TSEA where I can help improve the tradeshow industry.
When I met with Robin to do this interview, I learned that she has a wonderful, supportive husband, Dale, of thirty years. He supports her involvements and her career goals. She also has two children, Doug and Laura. Together they have traveled around the country, rehabbing homes of those who need a helping hand, from Montana to Maine, Canada to Virginia and points in-between.
Many paths, merging into one fulfilling career path in the tradeshow industry.
Gordon Nary is Editor of AboutFace
Trade Show Exhibitors Association