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 Kim Sillo, Marketing Director at RX Global, to learn more about her career journey, the lessons she’s learned, and what she’s looking forward to for the trade show industry.
Q: How did you get started in the trade show industry?
I started my journey in the trade show industry in an unexpected way. While working at Staples Copy Center during my studies, I met a marketing manager at RX. Impressed with my work, she suggested I apply for a summer internship at her company. That internship quickly led to a full-time position, and the rest, as they say, is history!
Q: What attracted you most at the time and what interests you most today in your work?
When I started my career, the concept of a trade show was completely new to me! I was eager to dive into the unknown, learn the ropes and see how events unfolded. Today, what appeals to me the most is that no two days are the same. Each day presents a new set of challenges, opportunities and projects to tackle, allowing me to constantly grow and adapt.
Q: What was one of the most important lessons you learned during your career?
There’s nothing wrong with failing! Viewing failure as a natural and valuable part of your career journey can only lead to increased learning and innovation.
Q: What or who inspires you to strive for excellence?
Everyone around me, including my colleagues, mentors and leaders. Their unwavering commitment to the company and the industry drives me to strive for excellence every day.
Q: What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Be nominated and selected as a TSE Trailblazer 2024!
Related. Meet the 202 Pioneers: Debbie Schmidle
Q: How do you define success?
I define success as delivering value to customers, actively contributing to business growth, and having a positive impact.
Q: What aspects of the future of this industry interest you? Why?
I’m excited to see how our industry continues to innovate and evolve, leveraging technologies like AI and creating immersive experiences that appeal to the next generation of event attendees.
Q: Any advice for other newcomers?
Embrace new challenges and opportunities that come your way, even if they take you out of your comfort zone!
Nominator Quote: “Kim has many distinctive qualities. She is highly motivated, creative, energetic, eager to learn, and always willing to step out of her comfort zone to challenge herself to advance her career,” said Mary Beth Shaughnessy, vice president of events for ISC Security Events at RX. “Her organizational skills and ability to manage workload are impressive, and she sets very high standards for herself. This is evidenced by her ability to learn a complex industry and deploy a successful marketing campaign that resulted in double-digit increases in attendee and conference registrations, closing the gap on 2019 attendance metrics. She also led the creative campaign and implementation of our new Career Zone.” We saw a 41% increase from 2023 in the 25-34 age group and a 50% increase in the 35-44 age group, a younger generation audience that we have been trying to attract for years.”
Find out more about all the Trailblazers in the June issue of TSE.