CHICAGO — This year’s Trade Show Executive (TSE) Pioneers are a group of innovative and influential industry professionals who are making significant contributions to their organizations. EAST I sat down with Heather Teplitz, CEM, manager of exhibit sales and services at the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), to learn more about her career journey, the lessons she’s learned, and what she’s looking forward to in the trade show industry.
Q: How did you get started in the trade show industry?
My journey in the trade show industry began with a stint in the wedding industry after college. It was during this time that I discovered my talent for event planning, relishing the intricate details involved in orchestrating memorable occasions. Combining this passion with my love of travel, I sought out a position that would allow me to seamlessly merge these two interests.
Q: What attracted you most at the time and what interests you most today in your work?
What initially attracted me to my job was the dynamic on-site environment and the collaborative synergy between colleagues, suppliers and partners, all striving towards a common goal. Over time, this aspect of my job has evolved significantly. While event challenges persist, I have grown immensely in my understanding of how to successfully address them. With each experience, I have honed my skills and continually improved my ability to contribute effectively to our collective goals.
Q: What was one of the most important lessons you learned during your career?
One of the most important lessons I have learned throughout my career is the importance of adaptability. Through various experiences and challenges, I have understood the need to be 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 drive. I have a hyper-organized nature, bordering on OCD, combined with an unwavering determination to complete tasks.
Q: What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
One of my proudest moments in my career was orchestrating a flawless show from start to finish. Working closely with my team, witnessing their dedication and passion for the industry, and ultimately achieving success together was incredibly rewarding.
Related. Meet the TSE 2024 Pioneers: Aliece L. Simpson
Q: How do you define success?
For me, success is multifaceted. It’s about receiving constructive feedback that helps me improve, maintaining and strengthening relationships with partners, and ultimately, getting them to come back year after year, demonstrating their trust and satisfaction in our collaboration.
Q: What aspects of the future of this industry interest you? Why?
The widespread adoption of sustainability within the trade show industry is incredibly exciting. It reflects a collective commitment to environmental responsibility and provides an opportunity to innovate and lead by example. Additionally, the focus on tailoring events, content and experiences to diverse audiences and generations is equally exciting. This allows us to create more personalized and engaging interactions that resonate deeply with attendees, fostering stronger connections and driving overall success.
Q: Any advice for other newcomers?
Success in the trade show industry, as in any other field, is a direct reflection of the effort you put into it. Be adaptable, be willing to take calculated risks, and most importantly, find joy in your work.
Nominator Quote: “Heather’s contributions to AAPA have been nothing short of remarkable. Heather has blown up every real process that was in place and truly taken the reins of revitalizing what was a stale show,” said Anthony Maggiore, AAPA Senior Director of Conferences and Meetings. “With her experience and creativity, she has brought the AAPA show back to life in just 12 months. The 2023 AAPA conference saw a return to pre-pandemic numbers and the show was the most successful in the association’s history.”
Find out more about all the Trailblazers in the June issue of TSE.