CHICAGO — This year’s Trade Show Executive (TSE) Trailblazers are a group of innovative, impactful industry professionals, who are making significant contributions to their organizations. TSE caught up with Heather Teplitz, CEM, Manager, Exhibit Sales & Services at the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), to learn more about her career journey, lessons she’s learned and what she’s looking forward to for the trade show industry.
Q: How did you get your start in the trade show industry?
My journey in the trade show industry began with a background in the wedding business following college. I discovered my knack for event planning during this time, relishing the intricate details involved in orchestrating memorable occasions. Combining this passion with my love for travel, I sought out a position that allowed me to merge both interests seamlessly.
Q: What appealed most to you then, and what appeals most to you now about your work?
What initially drew me to my work was the dynamic onsite environment and the collaborative synergy among colleagues, vendors and partners, all striving towards a shared objective. As time has progressed, this aspect of my work has evolved significantly. While the challenges of events persist, I’ve grown immensely in my understanding of how to navigate them successfully. With each experience, I’ve honed my skills and continuously elevated my ability to contribute effectively towards our collective goals.
Q: What has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career?
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned in my career is the importance of adaptability. Through various experiences and challenges, I’ve come to understand the necessity of being flexible and open to change. Embracing adaptability has allowed me to navigate uncertainties with resilience and seize opportunities for growth and innovation.
Q: What or who inspires you to strive for excellence?
My self-drive. I possess a hyper-organized nature, bordering on OCD, coupled with an unwavering determination to see tasks through to completion.
Q: What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
One of the proudest moments in my career was orchestrating a flawless show from inception to conclusion. Collaborating closely with my team, witnessing their dedication and passion for the industry, and ultimately achieving success together was incredibly rewarding.
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Q: How do you define success?
For me, success is multifaceted. It involves receiving constructive feedback that helps me improve, nurturing and strengthening relationships with partners, and ultimately, having them return year after year, demonstrating their trust and satisfaction in our collaboration.
Q: What are some things about the future of this industry that excite you? Why?
The widespread embrace of sustainability within the trade show industry is incredibly exciting. It reflects a collective commitment to environmental responsibility and presents an opportunity to innovate and lead by example. Additionally, the focus on tailoring events, content and experiences to diverse audiences and generations is equally thrilling. It allows us to create more personalized and engaging interactions that resonate deeply with attendees, fostering stronger connections and driving overall success.
Q: Advice for other up-and-comers?
Success in the trade show industry, like in any field, is a direct reflection of the effort you invest. Stay adaptable, be willing to take calculated risks, and above all, find joy in your work.
Nominator Quote: “Heather’s contributions to AAPA have been nothing short of remarkable. Heather blew up any real processes that were in place and truly took the reins on reinvigorating what was a stale expo,” said Anthony Maggiore, Senior Director, Conference & Meetings at AAPA. “Utilizing her experience and creativity, she brought life to the AAPA Expo in just 12 short months. The 2023 AAPA Conference saw a return to pre-pandemic numbers and the show floor was the most successful it has ever been in the association’s history.”
Find out more about all the Trailblazers in the June edition of TSE.
