Will Work For Love: Brenda Keys, Exponation, Georgia
This month, we introduce Brenda Keyes, director of meetings at Exponation LLC, Roswell, Georgia, U.S., who handles all logistics for the conference program at Digital Signage Expo, and other expositions and the industry forums.
Included in this would be all special events, receptions, banquets, and food functions at the expos. She also manages the timeline for the shows which keeps the group on track.
- Describe your personal work space.
I have a comfortable office space with room enough to spread out while working on a variety of projects, which is fortunate, because we multi-task like crazy around here every year preparing for the annual show.
- How do you get to work?
I am fortunate to have a 30-minute commute, which in Atlanta is a fairly short daily trip, but it gives me time to mentally organize my day before I get into the office.
- What is an average day like?
There is no such thing as an ‘average’ day. For eight years, I have been fortunate to work with the people here who are always open to new ideas, which often means that we have the freedom to be inventive in our approach to problem solving. There is a lot of energy here that keeps us all at the top of our game.
- What is essential to you being able to work happily?
The fact that both I, personally and my professional contribution to the company are valued by both my co-workers and senior management.
- How flexible are your working conditions?
Oh, I can do my work in the office and then can always take it home with me 🙂
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What do you think your employer looks for in its staff?
Professionalism, enthusiasm, and people who enjoy what they do everyday.
- What suggestions do you have for your company?
Stop having so many birthday cakes, they’re bad for the waistline.
- Do you have any frustrations you would like to share with us?
Every job has its challenges. We have the opportunity to work with almost everyone in the industry, which is great because when you work with people you have the benefit of meeting new people and learning new things. However, it often falls to me to get them to cooperate and turn promised information in on deadline.
- What do you like best about your job?
Working with the staff and management in our office. We have a really great group. Many of us have worked together well for years. I feel very fortunate to have these people in my life; and doing work that I actually enjoy.
- How open is your company to new ideas and suggestions?
Very! Management believes that good ideas can come from any of us and is always open to suggestions that may improve what we do or how we do it.
- How much responsibility have you been given?
It changes as we grow, but is always as much as I can possibly handle 🙂
- How green are you and your company?
We try to recycle.
- What inspires you?
Nature inspires me! From the chirping birds who know when it’s almost spring to the rabbits who chow down on my flowers; the ocean and how calm I become just watching the rolling waves; and how life takes care of itself.
- What are your ambitions?
To help wherever I can and to be happy. “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” Some days are like that but I continue to strive for more.
- If you could change only one thing, what would it be?
Everyone would meet all deadlines!
- How much time do you devote to social networking?
Not a lot. I started out not wanting to be involved with it. However, I have evolved to a few hours in the evenings, maybe once or twice a week.
- What are your most useful tools you use to do your job?
Information. Some of which I get, some of which I make up 🙂
- What would be your dream job?
I have it. My dream job IS meeting planning, which I’ve been doing for over 28 years. I honestly love it.
- What makes you laugh during the work day?
Laughing is good for the soul! We laugh at lots of things in the office, but we do have a couple of pranksters in the office and you never know what is going to happen each day!
Categories: Will Work For Love
