Readers Speak: If Only I Had Known Then ...

There's the experience of leading one's own company, and then there's being the leader of an all-volunteer board presiding over an all-volunteer organization.

As seriously as the tradeshow industry takes its industry associations, the editors of Tradeshow Week thought it only made sense — in considering the qualities of future CEOs — to talk to the former chairs of the Society of Independent Show Organizers and the Intl. Assn. of Exhibitions and Events (née the Intl. Assn. for Exhibition Management) about the job of steering a professional or trade organization.

Contributing Editor Gary Tufel asked current and past SISO and IAEE chairs what they wish somebody had told them before they started their terms and what advice they'd give to those who follow them.

"Use your training-wheels year as chairman-elect to really get your arms around how it all works, because once you are officially in the chairman's seat, time flies. One year isn't much time to move the ball significantly or effect major change. If you aren't ready to hit the ground running, there is a better-than-fair chance you will be figuring it all out just as you are moving into the immediate past chairman's seat.

"My only other advice: Lead. Don't assume the board will keep things moving. While leadership can come from anywhere, the chairman is obviously in the best position to make things happen."

Chris Brown, Executive vice president, Conventions and business operations, Natl. Assn. of Broadcasters, IAEM chair (2005)

"You never know when you'll become the face of the industry. Sept. 11 occurred on my watch. Not only was it one of the greatest national catastrophes of the last century, it also paralyzed the exhibition industry. So, my advice is to be as resilient as possible in case a national tragedy occurs, because you will be called upon to represent the industry in a very positive, supportive manner."

Bob Dallmeyer, President, RD Intl., IAEM chair (2001)

"Budget more time than you think the job will take, and be prepared to exceed your budget. You cannot over-communicate in a volunteer organization. The better informed the leadership and membership are in regards to the association's goals, the greater the likelihood these goals will be achieved.

"Strive to move a limited and important number of agenda items significantly, rather than barely moving an overly full agenda. Remember, a large part of your job is to let the paid staff do theirs."

Galen Poss, President, Hanley Wood Exhibitions, SISO chair (2005–06)

"As the founding chair of SISO, I got all kinds of advice, ranging from 'Are you nuts?' to 'It's about time something got done for the independent organizer ... go for it!'

"My only advice for future chairpersons would be to look at the big picture and always lead the organization towards positions and decisions that serve the long-term interests of independent show producers."

David Cheifetz, Managing partner, Compass Group Intl., SISO chair (1991–92)

"At SISO, board and chairman succession is known years in advance, so the shock of authority is not really an issue. What one does not see is the politics involved with meeting expectations and handling everyone's issues so that board and constituents all believe they have had their say and are happy with the results. Previous chairs guided me through the process as I took on greater responsibilities until actually becoming chair.

"I wish I had been taught the word 'compromise' from my predecessors, as that seemed to be the single most important part of the job. I was able to get all the issues on the table, anticipate each one's point of view and determine an outcome that left everyone feeling they had won and still kept my kneecaps intact."

Lew Shomer, President, Shomex Productions, SISO chair (2002–03)

"When I became chair, I had already been on the board six years, so I was pretty knowledgeable about the workings of IAEM. However, we were beginning to expand internationally, and Steve Hacker and I had very little knowledge about the needs of international members.

"Karen Howe and I brought in the president of UFI to discuss common issues, but he seemed to feel we were infringing on his area. So, I suppose the needs and issues of the international community were areas I wished I had more information on. I don't know if that is still needed, but it is certainly something I would have liked."

Lawrence Whalen, Retired, IAEM chair (1996)

"Determine your objectives as chair at least a year before taking the position. Collaborate with the board to refine these goals and build support for them. Develop a strong relationship with the organization staff and volunteer board so that you can work together effectively and efficiently.

"When your term starts, share your vision with the broader membership and refine it as appropriate. Remember that we are part of a fabulous industry and this is a volunteer position, so have fun."

Margaret Pederson, President, exhibitions, Penton Media, SISO chair (2004–05)

"When I was SISO chair, we were a growing, free-wheeling organization made up of entrepreneurs who by their nature were independent and not joiners. We didn't want to get bogged down in rules and bureaucracy.

"As chair, it was a challenge to make sure we remained true to our mission and culture while achieving specific goals. I established four specific goals for my tenure, which were achieved. The two most important were to double membership and build financial stability.

"The advice I wish someone had given me at the time is that anything is possible, and to enjoy the ride. It was a great ride."

Bob Harar, Chairman, Natl. Trade Productions, SISO chair (1996–97)

"I didn't know how much it would change my life. I was on the IAEM board prior to being chair and on the CEIR research board afterwards, and these positions became a leaping-off point for the next phase of my life. ...

"I also learned that I never want to be famous."

Jacqueline Russo, Vice president, Kuehne & Nagel, IAEM chair (2003)

"I received plenty of advice from past chairs, so I don't believe there was any additional advice I wish I would have received. The advice I did receive was truly positive and helpful.

"If I had to single out the most helpful advice given to me, I would offer the following: Use your time wisely. The year is over quickly, so pick the one or two issues that you are most passionate about and focus your energy there."

Dennis Slater, President, Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers, IAEM chair (2004)

"I wish someone had told me how willing members are to do volunteer work on SISO initiatives. We put together a strategic plan for the organization, put into motion an MBA case study on the tradeshow industry, are producing an introduction to tradeshow multimedia presentation and found a way to more effectively lobby the visa issue this past year — and all of the work to achieve this was done by member volunteers who were not necessarily on our board of directors.

"If future SISO chairs tap into this resource more effectively than I have, a great deal can be achieved for the tradeshow industry."

Don Pazour, CEO, Access Intelligence, SISO chair (2006–07)

"I wish I had known how much more time it takes to be the chairman than just part of the board. SISO and CEIR both do an excellent job of preparing future leaders by sequencing members of the board's executive committee from secretary to treasurer to vice-chairman, and finally into the chair. The process provides good continuity so the incoming chair is well aware of current and historic plans, objectives and issues.

"But there is a huge difference in serving as chair in the time commitment. It isn't until you're doing the job that you realize the weekly and sometimes daily conversations with the executive director and staff, prospective members, other board members, unhappy members, prospective future board members, other organizations ... the list goes on."

David Korse, Vice president and general manager, merchandise group, Nielsen Business Media, SISO chair (2001–02)

"The year goes by incredibly quickly, and everyone wishes they would have a second year to get more accomplished, so try to hit the ground running so you can do what you want to do. Discuss with previous chairs what they were able to accomplish and what they left undone. Often, some of the most effective work is the completion of projects already started."

David Audrain, President and CEO, Messe Frankfurt U.S., IAEM chair (2002)

"The surprise is the amount of time required in giving an honest effort to perform the duties involved in the chairmanship. I had no tip-off nor, as I recall, did I caution my relief. It must be we are all afraid that if we blow the whistle our relief may decide not to accept the gavel. Ignorance is bliss."

James Bracken, Former CEO, current group show director, Nielsen Business Media, SISO chair (2003–04)

"The only piece of advice I needed was to be told how much there was to do in so little time. I only wish I would have had one more year, but then again, maybe they were glad I only had the one year."

Chuck Schwartz, Chairman, ConvExx, IAEM chair (1999)

"I was not lacking any advice from prior chairpersons that I wished I had received prior to my term. Everyone freely gave of their time and shared their experiences, so I entered this year with virtually no surprises. And the support from all prior chairpersons has been there whenever I needed it. ...

"Even with this knowledge from so many, the rewards for me are still beyond even my heightened levels of expectation. The knowledge gained, the friendships made and the experiences lived are to be treasured for a lifetime. I hope to pass on to future chairpersons the same level of support I received."

Jeff Price, Executive vice president, Freeman, IAEE chair (present)

"It is more important than ever to understand that exhibitions are a major economic force. The chair must have an understanding of both the for-profit and non-profit sectors and how, without positive interaction between the two sectors, the industry will not grow to its maximum potential."

Lawson L. Hockman, Vice president, association services, IMN Solutions, IAEM chair (1998)