Over the past fourteen years, I've managed domestic and international trade shows and planned corporate conferences. In January of 2004 I switched over to the vendor side of the exhibit industry when I began a new position with GES Exposition Services. I cannot give an accurate picture of my professional background without mentioning some special circumstances. Several times, I started gathering great material for my portfolio to complete my requirements for CTSM certification, but was unable to complete it before layoffs hit. It was frustrating for me to have to start another job and another portfolio.

In addition, I am a cancer survivor. I was five months into chemotherapy when I showed up for my first EXHIBITOR SHOW in 1993. Fortunately, in 2002 I was able to go for the entire conference and took full advantage of the opportunity. I made a point of going to the orientation and listening to Dan Lumpkin's keynote remarks. He said that when it comes to what people want to get out of life, most people feel, many people think , but not as many actually do anything toward their goals. I've kept that in mind ever since. I've used the conference much like a professional version of a retreat, as a way to think about my work, what I want to accomplish, and how I can function more effectively.

There is therapeutic power in enjoyable work. I took my CTSM exam on August 21, 2003. It was the eleventh anniversary of my first cancer diagnosis, and a fine way to celebrate my survivorship.