IAEE Member Spotlight on Julie Sullivan, CEM, CMP
Julie Sullivan, CEM, CMP, Senior Manager, Exhibition Sales, International Association of Amusements Parks & Attractions (IAAPA)
Years she’s been a member: 6 years
How did you start your career in the industry?
After leaving Pittsburgh and moving to the DC Metro area I landed a sales role for an international airline and ended up working primarily with travel agents. Just prior to 9/11 I decided to leave that role, and I went to work for a travel agent consortium which included managing regional meetings, as well as logistics and sales functions for their annual meeting. Meetings and events got into my blood and from there I went to work for an event management firm and leaped right in the meetings and exhibitions industry full time.
How has IAEE shaped your career?
I decided to become more active and volunteer on an IAEE DC Chapter committee about five years ago and my career started to blossom thanks to some of my Career Champions who are all pillars in the IAEE community. It’s amazing how much you get back out of IAEE if you just invest a little bit of your time and energy. Now I’m on industry boards, committees and commissions, and it’s largely due to IAEE nurturing and supporting me along the way.
What advice would you give to a new member?
Start volunteering, get to know people in the IAEE community both at the local and national level, and build your personal brand in the industry. This group builds up and supports those that support it.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I once jumped on a plane, few to Biloxi, MS by myself, hung out with a complete bunch of strangers for a week, and helped rebuild a house for a family who lost everything to Hurricane Katrina.
What do you like most about your chapter?
The DC Chapter is a thriving community of doers and influencers that have a ton of fun together.
What community service projects do you like to be involved in?
The DC Chapter always has at least one yearly project at the DC Area Food Bank. I love working on this event because I know kids and families are getting a solid, square meal, and it’s packed/assembled by people who truly want to make a difference for those in need.
What would you say is the #1 IAEE member benefit?
Excellent professional development opportunities such as the KLI program.
What do you like most about Expo! Expo!?
It’s the best place to see what has happened over the year in our industry. I like to see new and familiar faces, see what the industry leaders have produced in the last year, and I love the networking events. It’s an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with old colleagues and industry friends from across the country.
Julie currently is a member of the CEM Commission.