Trade show coordinator

What is your job description at LO?  

My job is to ensure the needs of our trade show customers, exhibitors and visitors are anticipated and satisfied. I’m a planner, matchmaker and problem-solver. Bringing people together at events, meetings, parties, trade shows, social gatherings or a volunteer build for Habitat for Humanity is rewarding work. When a mutually beneficial relationship develops, I’m thrilled.
 

What is your background before coming to LO, and when did you begin work at LO?

After Roxanne, my daughter, was born I decided to leave the Ontario Jockey Club (now Woodbine Entertainment) and find an opportunity more compatible with parenting. The Toronto Star featured a story about the manager of the National Home Show. The description of the job sounded enjoyable. A letter to the president of the publishing firm that managed the show resulted in an interview and job offer.

Surprisingly, my career with LO began in the late 1980s when The Garden Festival co-located with the National Home Show. It was a privilege to work with many master gardeners, horticulturalists, retail celebrities like Mark Cullen and Denis Flanagan, and some of our members such as Parklane Nurseries, Melo Landscaping and Evergreen Environments. The best project was building a tropical rain forest, complete with bird songs. Isn’t it interesting how it has come full circle?
 

When not at work, where can you be found?

At home, trade and consumer shows, movies, concerts, weddings, funerals, hospitals, hotels, train stations, airports, theatres, malls, sporting arenas, restaurants, amusement parks, churches, and grocery stores. Otherwise, anywhere there are people.
 

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I’m living my dream. My first show, staged on the front porch, netted $1.10 for the Ontario March of Dimes. To have the privilege of doing what I do, regardless of career status or reward, makes my life awesome and fun.
 

What inspires you during your time at LO?

The creativity, risk-taking and speed demonstrated by the community — staff and members — in bringing ideas to fruition.
 

Name your all-time favourite movie, musical group and TV show.

Man of La Mancha — book, ballet, musical, movie and theme song — The Impossible Dream. I prefer solo musicians to groups. I’m very fond of Neil Diamond, including his full orchestra. Most family situation comedies play to my sense of humour. My current favourite is Tim Allen’s Home Improvement.
 

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Been there — twice and would go again — Australia. The people there know how to play and have fun.
 

Tell us one thing that few of your colleagues know about you.

I’m working my way through my bucket list and dream of being immortalized in a song. Having a rose or an orchid named for me would also send me into orbit.