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Members of PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties class of 2020 already have proven to be leaders, putting their own mark on the business events industry. Lisa Jeller, marketing & event manager at EventMobi in Berlin, Germany, shares her thoughts about the industry.
What do you like most about your job?
I have been given the freedom and opportunity to grow, voice my opinions, and bring my ideas to the table. I thrive in an environment that encourages curiosity, boldness, and yes, failures. What I love about being an events manager is that all the emails, spreadsheets (yes, I said it!), and meetings result in an actual event experience where people meet, discuss, and learn. It is incredibly rewarding.
What do you like most about the industry?
It’s a people’s industry. Fantastically clever, creative, and kind people come together to figure out how to make better connections at events, educate each other, and drive business. I enjoy the multi-faceted community — people come in all shapes and sizes, with different cultural backgrounds, expectations, opinions. There is an openness and shared curiosity for each other that has advanced me professionally, but most of all personally. And because it’s a people’s industry, I believe it is paramount to continuously and proactively address social issues such as gender inequality, accessibility, and flawed practices within the industry.
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from someone in the industry?
Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. And on a more practical level: At networking events, always hold your drink in your left hand, so your right stays warm and dry for shaking hands.
What’s one — or more — event trends you have your eye on?
As a creative rebel at heart, I get excited about trends that question the status quo and aim to fundamentally rethink how we do business events. Hosting events in unusual spaces, for instance, disrupts attendee expectations. Virtual or multi-hub events have the power to expand knowledge sharing and human connection globally — beyond countries or groups of people who can afford business travel. I want to see conferences in trains, elevator pitches in actual elevators, and a bolder, more confident use of technology and digital media. Additionally, as a bit of a tech geek, I’m excited to see further advances in simultaneous translation technologies and how those advances will influence our industry.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
The more I learn and experience in this industry, the more I develop a desire to do my own thing in one form or the other. I have taken a strong interest in Sub-Saharan Africa and can’t wait to travel and learn more about the different cultures, socio-economic factors, and doing business in those regions. Additionally, I would love to advance my speaking skills and eventually teach at the university level, using my knowledge in event management and technology to educate a new generation of leaders in the industry.
Members of PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties class of 2020 will be recognized on stage at PCMA Convening Leaders 2020, Jan. 5-8, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Check out the complete program and register for Convening Leaders today.