IAEE Member Spotlight on D. Bradley Kent

D. Bradley Kent, Senior Vice President & Chief Sales Officer, VisitDallas

Hometown: Downers Grove, IL

University of Education: Miami University

How long have you been an IAEE member? Went to my first NAEM in 1988

How did you start your career in this industry?

I started my career as a front desk clerk with Hilton Hotels at the O'Hare Hilton. I believe Hilton had 90 hotels at the time.

How has IAEE shaped your career?

Trade shows move our economic engine as the marketplaces for their respective industries. From my time in Chicago through now, IAEE has been the number 1 resource for my education, from customers in the non-profit and for profit segments, on the importance of trade shows to our economy, how we need to advocate to public leadership on regulations that impede their success, how they work and how suppliers can help organizers help our industry grow.

The recent lobbying effort our CEO, Phillip Jones, led against discriminatory legislation that would hurt our customers and industry, was supported by IAEE and is another example of the importance of partnerships that have come through IAEE.

What advice would you give to a new member?

• Your education never ends.
• Get "actively" involved in your professional organizations.
• IAEE will give you what you put into it...use it to network and build lifelong relationships.
• You can learn something important from every contact you develop.

Fun fact about you - What is one thing most people don't know about you?

I am a pretty darn good cook, and love to smoke brisket, pork, turkey, and ribs out by my pool. I'm also an avid fantasy football participant.

What do you like most about your chapter?

Brad Hobson and the example he sets by his actions, not just his presentation.

What community service projects do you like to be involved in? Why?

Anytime we are giving back to others, as Dallas is to Houston and Florida evacuees currently, I see the power of hospitality in action. We should do more of the same locally.

What would you say is the #1 IAEE member benefit?

Relationships, relationships, relationships

What do you like most about Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition?

Reconnections, new connections, and education. I'm looking forward to being with fellow members in San Antonio in December. Cassandra Matej and the San Antonio team will do a nice job for all of us.

How do you use CEIR research, and what reports have you downloaded?

I have downloaded many CEIR research reports. The CEIR Index and niche reports on market segments, like millennial buyers, are valuable to me. I need new knowledge always.

Without using a specific company name, what new technology on the market can you just not live without? Why?

Smartphone...I travel a great deal and am also in many meetings away from my office. It is impossible to stay current, but it helps me to stay in the game

How do you currently use social media for your events?

We have an incredibly talented team of emerging leaders that has let us bring our social media in-house, thanks to the vision of our Chief Marketing Officer, Frank Librio. We promote our event participation at all industry events, as well as promoting our customer events in the city of Dallas. These talented folks make my head spin because they are smart, nimble, and creative.